Jin-seok, now with a plan set in motion, ordered his people that he would be going on a short trip with Na-ri and would only be accompanied by Gu-won, his trusted escort from his villa. Gu-won, who was the same age as Jin-seok at nineteen, was the only knight escort Jin-seok could trust with the delicate nature of their mission.
Leaving the pub behind, the small group set out for the kingdom of Demetria. Demetria was renowned for its immense wealth and the secretive black market that thrived within its borders. This kingdom was also famous for its sophisticated information network, a crucial element for Jin-seok's plans.
Demetria was a kingdom where the Kwon sect held historical significance. During Master Han Tae-kwon's time as a noble in Demetria, he had amassed great wealth and used it to establish the Kwon sect. By purchasing private land and making it his property, he ensured the sect operated independently of any kingdom's control.
As they traveled, Jin-seok shared this piece of history with Na-ri and Ji-hoon's spirit. "I already know the story, but I never realized it carried so much depth. As expected from my master," Ji-hoon's spirit complimented, her voice filled with admiration.
"You can't say that, Ji-hoon," Na-ri scolded, trying to maintain decorum despite their unconventional situation.
Jin-seok, amused by the ongoing conflict between human and spirit, smiled. "Now, we're going to make use of Demetria's excellent information system. Got it?" he instructed, looking at both Na-ri and the ethereal form of Ji-hoon.
Gu-won, standing a few paces behind, watched the odd scene with increasing confusion. He often saw Na-ri waving at thin air or engaging in what seemed like one-sided arguments. "My Prince, are you sure she is perfectly fine? She did the same thing at the pub. She talks to thin air," Gu-won whispered, his concern evident.
Ji-hoon hovered over Gu-won's head, her spectral form seething. "I can hear this son of a bitch talk. I should blind his eyes," she fumed, her words laced with irritation.
Jin-seok, who could hear her, began to laugh. "Na-ri is perfectly fine," he assured Gu-won, his tone lighthearted.
Night had fallen by the time they arrived in Demetria. Deciding to make their move under the cover of darkness, they headed toward the infamous black market. The black market in Demetria operated under strict rules: to participate, one had to be a member. Nobody cared how you joined, but membership was mandatory. Attendees of the auctions wore full face masks to maintain anonymity, and everyone had to register with a fake name and fingerprint.
"Ya! How are we supposed to do all that?" Ji-hoon yelled, prancing around in the air, her frustration palpable.
"With money, of course. They are just money-hungry people; money will solve the problem," Na-ri answered, her voice pragmatic.
"She is correct. So off we go to the man who will sell us our membership cards," Jin-seok said enthusiastically, his confidence unwavering.
Gu-won facepalmed, thinking, 'My Prince too is now insane. We are just three people, but he talks as though we are more.'
"Gu-won, stand guard at the door when we head to that mask shop over there, okay?" Jin-seok instructed, pointing towards a dimly lit shop at the end of the street.
He held Na-ri's hand, leading her forward. "Come on, let's go. We have a lot of work to be done, you know," he smiled at her, his grip firm but gentle.
"What's with this atmosphere? Please stop this, both of you, especially not with my body," Ji-hoon scoffed, her spirit clearly uncomfortable with the growing familiarity between Jin-seok and Na-ri.
As they walked towards the mask shop, Jin-seok accidentally bumped into someone. "Ah, I'm sorry," he apologized quickly, looking up to see who he had collided with.
Na-ri's eyes widened in recognition. "Eun-seo!" she exclaimed, pointing at the man.
"He does look like Eun-seo," Ji-hoon added, her spectral form leaning closer to inspect the stranger.
"Sorry for the discourtesy," Jin-seok apologized again, this time more earnestly, as he gently dragged Na-ri out of the way to let the man pass.
"But Na-ri, Eun-seo here is just as handsome," Ji-hoon commented, her tone a mix of surprise and admiration.
"Shut up, you!" Na-ri replied, her cheeks flushing slightly.
The man, who had been watching the interaction, continued walking but muttered to himself, "For a moment there, I thought it was Sun-woo. But I haven't seen him in seven years, so it's hard to say."
Gu-won, who had been observing from a distance, whispered in Jin-seok's ear, "My Lord, that was Prince Chul just now."
"I'm aware," Jin-seok replied, his voice calm but his eyes sharp with understanding.
Ji-hoon, observing the exchange, whispered to Na-ri, "For some reason, I feel like I have seen Jin-seok and that man before."
"That's almost impossible. You met Eun-seo back in Seoul. But you know what? I'm not sure either," Na-ri stated, her voice filled with uncertainty.
"There is this sense of familiarity. I'm guessing it's because of your memories or maybe it's because he looks like Eun-seo," Na-ri concluded, trying to make sense of the strange feeling.
"Are you two done? Can we go in now?" Jin-seok asked, his voice breaking through their reverie.
"Oh yes, we can," they chorused, snapping back to the present.
Before entering the shop, they took extra precautions to conceal their identities. Each of them wrapped scarves around their noses and mouths, another scarf covered their hair and foreheads, effectively disguising their appearances. Gu-won, following Jin-seok's instructions, stood guard outside, similarly masked.
As they approached the entrance, Ji-hoon's spirit hovered nearby. "Well, I'll check the store out while you two are busy," she declared, slipping effortlessly through the door. Invisible to the living, she drifted inside, her ethereal form passing unnoticed.
Na-ri and Jin-seok exchanged a final glance, their eyes filled with determination. With Gu-won vigilant outside, they stepped into the shop, ready to embark on the next phase of their plan.
With that, they entered the mask shop. The dimly lit interior was filled with rows of elaborate masks, each more intricate than the last. The shopkeeper, a shrewd-looking man with a calculating gaze, eyed them as they approached.
"Welcome. How can I assist you tonight?" he asked, his voice smooth and professional.