A few days later, Master Han Tae-kwon decided to speak to Ji-hoon in private. They met in a secluded courtyard of the palace, the setting sun casting long shadows across the stone pathways. Ji-hoon stood by a cherry blossom tree, its branches heavy with late spring blooms. Tae-kwon approached her silently, his presence almost ethereal.
"Spring," he began, his voice a low rumble that commanded respect and attention. "I felt the presence of assassins lurking around recently."
Ji-hoon turned to face him, her eyes wide with surprise. She had already made accidental eye contact with one of them at the party a few days ago, but she was shocked that her master was aware. Then again, they didn't call him the master of martial arts for no reason.
"Father," she replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "I suspected as much. I saw one of them at the party."
Tae-kwon nodded, his expression grave. "Why are they trying to attack you?"
Ji-hoon hesitated, her mind racing through the possibilities. "My siblings don't care about my existence, my husband is happy to have me out of the palace. My maids barely pay attention to me. The queens of my father, already know I have no power to win his favor."
She paused, drawing a deep breath as she considered her next words. "So the only person that can attack me is Mira."
Tae-kwon's eyes narrowed slightly. "Mira?"
"Yes," Ji-hoon confirmed. "Mira is Ji-ho's girlfriend. Ji-ho, my husband, and the crown prince of Arandal", she stated, Master Tae-kwon showing interest in the story. Apparently, Ji-ho met Mira when he wanted to escape from the palace. She was on her way to start her first day of work as a prostitute. She's a commoner, but Ji-ho got her adopted into a count's family. Disguised as nobility, they started dating openly.
Tae-kwon's face remained impassive, but his eyes showed a flicker of understanding. "And why would Mira want you dead?"
"Naturally, she doesn't like me," Ji-hoon said, a trace of irony in her voice. "But I have done nothing to earn my husband's favor. I shouldn't be a threat to her. Yet, she is the only available suspect."
Tae-kwon stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Mira might see you as a threat regardless. Perhaps she fears you will eventually gain power or favor, or maybe she wants to eliminate any potential rival, no matter how insignificant you might seem."
Ji-hoon nodded slowly. "That could be it. But this attack was quite bold. It means she's desperate or confident."
"Desperation often leads to mistakes," Tae-kwon remarked, his eyes piercing. "We must be vigilant. You must be vigilant. Do not let your guard down, even for a moment."
Ji-hoon met his gaze, her resolve hardening. "I will, Father. Thank you for your guidance."
Tae-kwon placed a hand on her shoulder, a rare gesture of affection. "Remember, Spring, strength is not just in the body but also in the mind and spirit".
Ji-hoon gave him a bright smile, " I know Father, and besides you will always be here with me". She stood beside him and held his arm, " What are we having for lunch? ".
As their conversation faded in the air, Ji-hoon began to remember all the times she fell into depression after his death.
'Never again. I'll ensure you live, Father'.
As that thought came across her mind she had a wider smile on her face.
******
Ji-hoon pondered for days on how she would deal with Mira. She wasn't entirely sure it was Mira behind the assassination attempts, but the suspicion gnawed at her. It wasn't a far-fetched possibility, given Mira's open disdain for her. Feeling mischievous and strategic, Ji-hoon decided to stir the pot from afar. She would send a letter back to the palace, intending to cause a bit of turmoil now that she was away.
******
A few days later at the palace, Ji-ho received a letter from Ji-hoon. At first, a wide smile spread across his face, as if he had been eagerly awaiting some communication from her. However, that pleasant thought was immediately dashed as he recalled their estranged relationship. Curiosity and irritation mingled as he broke the seal and opened the letter.
As Ji-ho read its contents, his face contorted with anger. The letter trembled in his hands before he crumpled it in a fit of rage, hurling it across the room. His sudden outburst shattered the study's calm.
"Stupid bitch! Is she crazy? Who is she to accuse my beloved of such atrocities?" he yelled, his voice echoing through the hallways. His face flushed with fury, and his body shook with barely controlled anger.
The commotion drew servants and guards to the study, all of them trying to calm the prince down. "Your Highness, please, calm yourself," they implored, their voices a mix of concern and fear.
"Get out! All of you, get out!" Ji-ho shouted, his eyes wild with rage. He paced the room like a caged animal, muttering curses under his breath. "How dare she? How dare she accuse Mira of such vile actions?"
He didn't summon Mira, knowing that his temper would only worsen if she were present. Instead, he continued to vent his anger, hurling insults at Ji-hoon, who wasn't there to defend herself.
"She's always been a thorn in my side," Ji-ho ranted, kicking a chair aside. "Useless, insignificant woman! She thinks she can manipulate me from afar? Ridiculous!"
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of yelling and throwing things around, Ji-ho collapsed into a chair, exhausted. His personal assistant, Ray, cautiously approached, picking up the crumpled letter. Ray flattened the paper and read the scathing message aloud to himself:
"To my Headache,
You so-called other half, worthless buffoon, I advise that you should put a tight leash on your so-called girlfriend. Tell her to stop sending people to kill me. The assassins are becoming bothersome.
Enjoy your time."
Ray's eyes widened as he read the audacious letter. He couldn't help but admire Ji-hoon's boldness, though he knew better than to voice such thoughts. He carefully folded the letter and placed it on Ji-ho's desk, then approached the prince cautiously.
"Your Highness," Ray said softly, "perhaps we should consider the implications of this letter. If Lady Ji-hoon truly believes her life is in danger, it might be wise to investigate further."
Ji-ho glared at Ray, his temper still simmering. "Investigate further? What is there to investigate? It's all baseless accusations. Mira would never do such a thing."
"Of course, Your Highness," Ray replied, his tone soothing. "But considering the gravity of the situation, it might be prudent to look into it discreetly. Just to ensure that there are no misunderstandings."
Ji-ho's eyes narrowed, but he knew Ray was right. "Fine," he snapped. "Look into it. But make sure no one knows. I don't want Mira upset by these ridiculous claims."
"Yes, Your Highness," Ray said, bowing before slipping out of the study to begin his discreet investigation.
Ji-ho leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. The letter had achieved exactly what Ji-hoon had intended: it had thrown him into turmoil. He couldn't ignore the accusation, no matter how much he wanted to dismiss it.
******
Meanwhile, back at the Kwon sect, Ji-hoon sat in her quarters, giggling at the thought of her letter's arrival and Ji-ho's likely reaction. She could almost see his face, red with anger, as he read her audacious words. The thought filled her with a perverse sense of satisfaction. Her little act of rebellion had caused a stir, and she relished in the chaos it would bring.
She knew she was playing a dangerous game, but for Ji-hoon, it was a game worth playing. If Mira was indeed behind the assassination attempts, then the turmoil would force her to reveal herself. And if not, well, Ji-hoon had still managed to shake the palace's complacency, even if just for a moment.
Ji-hoon's laughter echoed softly in her chambers as she imagined the scene back at the palace. She knew she had made an enemy of her husband and his beloved, but she was prepared for the consequences. For now, she would savor the victory, however small, and prepare for whatever came next.