The morning sun rose over the kingdoms of Cheongug and Jiog, casting golden light across their lands. But there was no peace in sight, for the two kingdoms had begun their indirect warfare. The Cheongug Kingdom's battlefield was set along the border of the two kingdoms, while Jiog Kingdom chose to wage war within the dense forest.
King Min Seong-Ha, King Micheon, the ministers, and soldiers on both sides stood ready for battle. A sudden sound of conch shells echoed through the air, signalling the start of the conflict. Both kingdoms unleashed a barrage of powerful weapons, including trebuchets, ballistae, catapults, Mangonel, Onager, Scorpios, and more.
"Soldiers, shoot the arrows!" King Min Seong-Ha commanded, and the Cheongug forces launched thousands of arrows towards the Jiog Kingdom. Though the barrage found its mark and struck down a handful of Jiog soldiers, King Dong Hyeon-Su was not deterred. "Soldiers, shoot!" he ordered, and his army retaliated by launching a devastating trebuchet bomb. The bomb struck the beautiful river of Cheongug, shattering the serene waters and disrupting the peace.
Meanwhile, on the side-lines of the battlefield, the Cheongug Princesses and Jiog Princes watched with bated breath. Prince Song Yoon-Ju lamented, "I don't think this war will ever end," while Princess Jia Yon-Si tried to offer reassurance, saying, "Everything will be fine, right Hee-Yoo?" Princess Sun Hee-Yoo could only offer a prayer to the goddess Johwa, hoping for a peaceful resolution. Prince Jeong Hye-Yi joined in, saying, "Let's pray to the goddess. She will help us." Together, they bowed their heads in prayer.
Amidst their prayers, Prince Yeong Su-Jin silently wished that the two kingdoms could end this war without any loss of life. However, Princess Jang-Mi Gi gave a sinister smile for no apparent reason, casting a dark shadow over the hopes of peace.
As the day dragged on, the sounds of war continued to echo throughout the kingdom. The clash of metal against metal, the screams of soldiers, and the thundering of hooves on the ground filled the air. But as evening fell, a sudden sound interrupted the chaos – the blast of a conch shell. It signified the end of the first day of the indirect war.
As the night descended, the Princesses and Princes gathered around a campfire, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames. Princess Sun Hee-Yoo spoke first, "Today's battle was brutal."
Prince Song Yoon-Ju nodded in agreement, "Indeed, it was."
Prince Yeong Su-Jin added, "And tomorrow will be even more intense."
Meanwhile, in Justice Minister secret chamber, Sook Yeon-Ji had a quiet conversation. "You said the King will be dead," Minister Yun Bok-Ho stated.
Sook Yeon-Ji, with her soft eyes and beautiful face, spoke slowly, "I did say that, but I didn't specify when. If we kill him immediately, it will look like a conspiracy. But if we do it slowly, his death will seem like a natural occurrence."
Minister Yun Bok-Ho nodded in agreement, "I see your point."
Sook Yeon-Ji smiled as if she had already won, "Tomorrow, the King of Cheongug will be dead."
On another side of the campfire, Princess Jia Yon-Si chimed in, "Hee-Yoo, sing us a song."
Princess Sun Hee-Yoo shook her head, "No, I don't feel like it."
Princess Jang-Mi Gi begged, "Please, sister."
Again, Princess Sun Hee-Yoo refused, "I'm sorry, but I really don't want to sing right now."
But Prince Jeong Hye-Yi persisted, "Come on, let's relax and enjoy some music. Please sing for us."
Finally, Princess Sun Hee-Yoo relented, "Okay, I'll sing for you."
Curious about what to sing, Prince Song Yoon-Ju suggested, "Sing about love."
Princess Sun Hee-Yoo agreed, "Sure, I can do that." And with that, she began to sing a beautiful song that showcased her stunning voice, looks, and smile.
As Princess Sun Hee-Yoo sang her heart out, her voice carried throughout the kingdom, reaching the ears of those who were affected by the day's indirect warfare. The people who were injured and the places that were damaged started to heal and come back to life.
Amidst the commotion, Dae Yong-Ji, who had been thinking deeply, recognized the song and murmured, "This is Johwa's song."
Johwa was a famous musician known for her healing melodies that could soothe even the most troubled souls. The people of the kingdom believed that her songs had magical powers and could bring peace and harmony to even the most chaotic of situations.
As Princess Sun Hee-Yoo finished her song, the campfire grew quiet, and the kingdom was filled with a sense of serenity and calmness. For a moment, it seemed like all the turmoil of the day had disappeared, and there was only the sweet sound of the princess's voice, echoing through the land.
After Princess Sun Hee-Yoo's enchanting song, Prince Song Yoon-Ju couldn't help but express his admiration, saying, "I've never heard such a beautiful song. It was truly amazing."
Prince Jeong Hye-Yi joined in, "Indeed, brother. What are you thinking?"
Prince Yeong Su-Jin, feeling slightly nervous, replied, "Yes, it was wonderful."
Princess Sun Hee-Yoo, noticing the lateness of the hour, suggested, "Thank you all, but it's getting late. Let's go to sleep."
Agreeing, everyone made their way to their respective rooms. However, Prince Yeong Su-Jin remained sitting at the campsite. Princess Sun Hee-Yoo noticed his presence and asked, "Aren't you sleepy?"
Prince Yeong Su-Jin responded, "No, I'll stay a little longer."
Princess Sun Hee-Yoo nodded, bidding him good night. "Alright then, sleep well."
Prince Yeong Su-Jin bid her good night as well, but as she departed, he couldn't help but feel a rapid pounding in his chest. He pressed a hand against his heart, questioning the newfound sensations. "Why is my heart beating so fast?" he whispered to himself.
Conflicted thoughts raced through his mind. "Why am I falling? No, it can't be. It's impossible," he muttered, trying to rationalize his feelings.
Shaking off his confusion, Prince Yeong Su-Jin resolved to get some rest. "Let's go to sleep. Tomorrow morning, everything will be fine," he assured himself, hoping to find clarity with the dawn.