Jang-Geum standing in the heart of the chaotic scene, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the imminent threat of the beheading.
As she surveyed the gathered crowd, her gaze fell upon a familiar sight - me concealed form hiding amongst the bystanders.
Jang-Geum couldn't help but let out a soft, knowing chuckle upon catching a glimpse of me tucked away in the crowd. However, I still bristling with anger, didn't find the situation amusing in the slightest.
Taking advantage of Chul-ki's momentary distraction as he continued to address the crowd, I seized the opportunity to emerge from my hiding spot.
With determination etched on my face, I stepped forward, my presence now evident to the townsfolk and Chul-ki himself.
Chul-ki, ever the master of manipulation, switched gears instantly, feigning concern and affection. With a dramatic flair, he embraced me, pulling me into a tight hug.
I could sense the disingenous nature of Chul-ki's display, realizing it was merely an act to maintain his false facade in front of the townsfolk.
Chul-ki's voice rang out across the tumultuous crowd, his words dripping with deception.
"It seems our missing boy has escaped their clutches and returned to us!" Chul-ki announced, his voice filled with false relief.
The townsfolk, gullible to Chul-ki's manipulations, erupted into cheers and applause, their loyalty blind to the truth.
My eyes smoldered with a mixture of anger and determination as I focused my gaze upon Chul-ki. Clenching my fists tightly, I spoke through gritted teeth, my words resolute.
"Set Jang-Geum free, now," I demanded, my voice laced with unwavering authority. The tension in the air thickened, awaiting Chul-ki's next move.
Chul-ki, relishing in his manipulative tactics, defied my demand.
"Why would I let her go?" he replied, a hint of smugness in his voice. "Jang-Geum was the one who killed your parents."
My expression hardened, my eyes narrowing as I responded calmly. "And how do you know who my parents are?"
Chul-ki's smirk widened, clearly enjoying his moment of power. "I have my sources," he replied cryptically.
My heart clenched as Chul-ki's words echoed in his ears. The revelation about my parents sent a shock wave through me, stirring up a mixture of confusion and anger.
"You're lying," I declared, my voice laced with a mix of denial and defiance.
Chul-ki simply chuckled, clearly enjoying the effect he was having. "Am I?" he taunted, his smirk growing wider. "Why would I lie about something like that?"
My heart pounding in my chest, sought to uncover the truth. I fixed my gaze on Chul-ki, my voice trembling slightly.
"Alright, if you know so much," I challenged. "What were my parents' names then?"
Chul-ki's smirk deepened as he reveled in the moment. He paused for dramatic effect, relishing the power he had over me. Finally, with a cruel smile, he spoke.
"Your mother's name was Yoon Sook-Ja," Chul-ki revealed, his voice dripping with false sympathy. "And your father was Dae Jong-Sik."
Chul-ki, riding the wave of the crowd's emotions, directed his attention towards the agitated mob. He raised his voice to address them.
"Let's put this to a vote, shall we?" he declared, his tone ringing with false concern. "Should we rid ourselves of this witch once and for all?"
The townsfolk roared their agreement, their cheers and nods fueling Chul-ki's ego. I clenched my fists, struggling to hold back my emotions.
The overwhelming support from the townsfolk echoed in my ears, their cries of agreement stinging me like a knife. The reality of the situation washed over me - the townsfolk had completely dismissed me and believed Chul-ki's lies.
My heart ached, my mind swirling with a mix of despair and determination. The pressure to protect Jang-Geum and uncover the truth intensified, but I felt utterly alone in that moment.
Jang-Geum, despite being in a precarious situation, exuded strength and resolve. As Chul-ki and the crowd awaited her reaction, she finally spoke up, her voice resolute.
"You all are fools to believe Chul-ki's nonsense," she declared, her words commanding complete and absolute silence within the crowd. The tension in the air was palpable, every eye and ear fixated on her next words.
"You've been manipulated and manipulated again," Jang-Geum continued, her gaze sweeping across the sea of faces before her. "Chul-ki has deceived you, blinded you with his lies and deception."
Her words cut through the silent crowd like a sharp blade, their impact undeniable and powerful.
The crowd, already riled up, responded to Jang-Geum's words with vehement objection. Cheers turning to boos, the townsfolk hurled insults and small rocks at her.
I quickly sprang into action, rushing to Jang-Geum's defense. With lightning-fast reflexes, I intervened, shielding her from the barrage and pulling her away from the enraged horde.
Together, we slipped through the commotion and made our escape, leaving the chaotic scene behind them.
Jang-Geum, her eyes locked with mine, delivered her assessment with a mix of gratitude and mild annoyance.
"You knew all along who orchestrated the tragedy of your parents' deaths," she stated, her voice firm. "And yet, you still chose to rescue me. You're truly a fool."
My eyes betraying a mixture of determination and vulnerability, responded in a voice that crackled with a quiet intensity.
"Maybe I am a fool," I admitted, my words carrying the weight of my decision and the gravity of the situation.
"Maybe I am a fool for risking everything to save you," I continued, my voice filled with a quiet ferocity. "But sometimes, being a fool means making difficult choices out of loyalty, honor, and a sense of justice, even if it goes against common sense."
I paused briefly, my gaze unwavering as I locked eyes with Jang-Geum.
"And I don't regret a single second of it."
I hugged Jang-Geum for a moment and then the sudden interruption left me visibly startled, but I quickly composed myself as Won-Guk grabbed hold of my waist, pulling me close.
"Looks like someone is jealous." Said by Jang-Geum with a smirk.
Won-Guk's face displayed an unconvincing smile, and he responded with barely concealed irritation.
"Jealous? Hardly," he muttered, his grip on me firm.
Jang-Geum, quick to pick up on the undercurrent of possessiveness, couldn't help but tease with a smirk.
"Really?" she asked, feigning innocence. "It sure seems like it to me."
My cheeks tinged with a soft blush, mumbled through my hands, "Let's go back to the Glacia."
Jang-Geum, quick to notice my attempt to hide my flushed face, couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.
"Someone's a bit embarrassed," she teased, playfully nudging my shoulder.
Won-Guk, his determination evident, effortlessly lifted me into his arms. His gaze fixed firmly on Jang-Geum, he retorted, "Don't tease my sidekick."
Jang-Geum, unfazed by Won-Guk's display, shot back with equal assertiveness. "Yeah, right. The stolen sidekick," she emphasized, her tone laced with a bit of playful mockery.
With a quick use of her powers, Jang-Geum rendered them all invisible, ensuring a discreet return to Glacia. We moved swiftly and undetected, the veil of invisibility protecting them from any unwelcome eyes.
•••••———••• GLACIA •••———••••
I was in the midst of changing clothes, showcasing my toned physique and well-defined muscles, when the uninvited entrance of Won-Guk startled me. A quick reaction led me to grab the nearest pillow and toss it at Won-Guk.
"Ever heard of knocking?!" I exclaimed, a mix of surprise and irritation in my voice.
As I hastily pulled on some clothes, Won-Guk chuckled seductively, his eyes raking over my slender figure framed by the shirt. He closed the door behind him and approached me with a sly grin.
"You look nice in that shirt," Won-Guk began, his voice low and seductive, "but you know what would look even better?"
I swallowed, feeling a familiar heat creeping into my cheeks. With a mix of embarrassment and feigned annoyance, I retorted with a sharp "Pervert!"
Won-Guk chuckled at my response, clearly enjoying the way he made me blush. He reached out, tracing a finger along my bare chest, still slightly visible through the shirt.
"Now, now," he teased, his voice dripping with a hint of desire. "There's no need to be so bashful. I was just expressing my appreciation for your... assets."
Won-Guk, his playful mood evident, leaned in closer to me, his breath warm against my ear.
"How about we play a little game, hm?" he proposed, his voice a sultry whisper.
"Oh god, I know what will happen next... HELP MEEEEE!!!"