✾ outskirts.

@❃ na garam Seoyul seethed with frustration, her mind swirling with Garam’s words which harbored some small praises for the woman that the little matchmaker disdained. In her eyes, the woman was a fraud, one worse than Seoyul herself who often feigned pretense and innocence to avoid responsibility for her mistakes and shortcomings. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling of being looked down at, as if her small troubles were nothing more than childish tantrums in the eyes of the older woman.

But as she distanced herself from Garam, Seoyul couldn't help but also take in the woman's words. Despite the annoyance that had settled within her, there was a small part of her that acknowledged and respected Garam's blunt honesty, a quality that she could appreciate, even if somewhat hesitantly.

When the other approached her from behind, Seoyul tensed, ready to hold her ground at any attempts to ensure her feelings were still considered true to herself. But, for a moment, Seoyul was taken aback by Garam's confession, her words echoed in the small space between them, resonating to the little matchmaker in ways she knew too well.

/Survival sometimes meant hurting others, or being deceitful... that is what makes us humans…/

It was a sentiment that struck a chord with Seoyul, a reminder of her own struggles and the lengths she had gone to in order to ensure she did not fall victim to others' whims. And though her frustration still simmered beneath the surface, Seoyul couldn't help but soften slightly towards the woman before her.

With a sigh, Seoyul turned to face Garam, her expression less upset compared to earlier. "Survival…" she echoed quietly, her voice soft and calm. "Yes, I suppose we all have to do what we must to survive."

And in that shared acknowledgment, a fragile truce was forged—a recognition of the complexities of life and the burdens that each of them carried. It was a small step towards understanding, but for Seoyul, it was enough for now.

"Tell me, eonnie," Seoyul began, calling her ‘eonnie’ was a decisive choice to bridge the gap of formalities between them, yet it was genuine. "Be honest with me, do you hate being at this camp as much as I do then? Surely, I’d imagine gathering herbs in the dead of winter is the last thing you’d want to be doing in the middle of war, right?"

@✿ oh sejin Maybe Jinseok was an idiot. The logical part of him wanted to frown and shake his head, condemn the actions these men had taken for those utterly petty reasons that could be filed away under nothing more than childish jealousy. The events unfolding in front of him tonight should have made him want to turn and look for other things to do with his life, really, was not one of the reason he so desperately wanted to join the military the fact, that he despised the path laid out in front of him, simply by the order in which him and his siblings had been born. So, yes, maybe Jinseok was an idiot. His father never missed a chance to call him naive and too bright eyed. And yet, as he listened to Sejin talk, still busy trying to make himself at least a little presentable so his mother wouldn't chew off his head come morning, all he felt was even more determination.

"If you end up being my superior, I'm sure you'll find other ways to hammer me into the right shape", he laughed after several moments of comfortable silence and letting the other man talk, before he made his way over to his horse, who was currently busy trying to find something edible on the muddy, gravelly ground.

"I would say it was a fortunate event indeed", Jinseok nodded then, guiding the horse over to where Sejin was standing, stroking an affectionate hand down the animal's neck. "And I would like that. Sitting down comfortably and not all muddy for a talk. But we will be leaving for our hometown in a couple day's time, so if possible, I'd appreciate it if you could make some time before we depart. It will he a couple months, before my father takes me to the capital again."

@❀ kim byungjun junho could hear the resounding twang coming from the man’s bow and the whirring sound of the incoming arrow could have frightened him. thankfully, the flying object merely went past his ears, hitting the tree just behind him. still, the yangban had been ignorant of the events that had transpired around him, his cat’s meowing taking all his attention. not even the pain on his scathed knees and elbows could take his eyes off of his beloved feline.

❝ are you insane?! ❞

junho’s gaze flickered up in surprise, not expecting for the hunter to walk past. his reproachful demeanor came as a shock to him. he was not the one who was close to being a murderer now, was he?

“pardon?” the man huffed, standing up to his full height to loom over the other male. “you were the one who almost killed my cat.” his back was turned when junho approach but he could already aee the broadness of his shoulders, the sturdiness of his built, and when the other finally turned to reprimand him, the man’s steps halted to a stop in shock.

junho’s gaze was met with piercing ones as the other peered up at him. frustration and judgment was evident on the man’s face, and it baffled the man so. what bothered junho more was the fact that he was undeniably attractive with his lips pursed and brows furrowed in exasperation, almost reminiscent of someone he —

the taller male shook his head briefly, hugging his feline close. he should focus, should he not? with a sigh and a tut, he regarded the other with equal displeasure and had it not been for kiko in his arms, he was sure he could have placed his hands ln his hips. “i *am* careful,” he bit back, completely ignoring the stinging of the wounds on his pale skin. “and this is not just a “mere” cat. she’s my beloved daughter.”

@✿ seol riah @✿ geum eunbyeol It had been a week since young marchioness ryu had arrived back at her ancestral estate in gwangju, it was a hasty decision she had made on a fly; a cowardly excuse to run away from the man she loved after encountering him at her sister’s wedding. one would have assume with the lovely reunion of the couple, she would have chose to stay by his side in hanseong. However, it was to everyone’s surprise when the lady had her bags packed in the wee hours of the very next day and a carriage prepared for her when she announced her intention to depart for gwangju that very morning.

Her week in gwangju had been rather mundane; to put it simply, there was no real reason for the Aera to be around or stay. So, when she had received a missive from her friends that they would be visiting, it was something she had looked forward to the entire week.

That morning, Aera had woken up extra early to prepare for eunbyeol and riah’s timely arrival at their estate. Despite the grand estate the Ryu’s had in gwangju, there was no doubt in aera that the three of them would be staying in her room, giggling and gossiping about the latest news that travelled in hanseong. Such gatherings were sparse as of recent due to everyon’s schedule, and it had been a while since they had one, surely, they had a lot of catching up to do.

By noon, Aera was already eagerly waiting near the gates her estate. As soon as her ears picks up sound from wheels of the carriage approaching, the young girl lady runs out, excitement written all over her face and down to her tippy toes as she waited for the carriage to stop.

“Riah eonnie! Eunbyeol Eonnie!” the youngest of them three calls out, arms opening wide as she welcome her best friends into a tight embrace, a smile adorning her visage. she pulls away from the embrace just enough to look at eunbyeol, a small grin that doesn’t reach her ears but enough to reassure both of them. “you could definitely stay for more day or two.” she chirped, hand behind both their backs as she led them into her estate.

“Rather than a separate room, i figure you both would rather stay with me.” She continued, leading them down the halls and into her spacious quarters, not before ordering one of their servants to have some tea and cakes brought to them. “make yourself at home, eonnie-deul!” she announces, opening the wooden panels of her humble abode.

@❃ bang junha Sungha's eyes shifted back towards Junha as he answered in his gisaeng voice. Differentt from his normal voice, of course. Though it flattened back out once he got more serious, and Sungha barked out a laugh as his brother called him a tiger. He wasn't wrong, though. Sungha often longed for rich, stuck-up nobles to give him a reason to hurt them. After all, they loved hurting his father, even himself. Here they were practically handing themselves over on a silver platter.

"Messy means getting caught faster, so I will be careful," Sungha responded cheerfully, running his thumbs over the circular loop at the base of his knives. He had a few more hidden on him, but for now the two would likely do just fine. "Back up a bit, Junha-ya, we would not want to get any blood on your clothes." Even if Junha knew of his preferences, his penchant for violence, he knew the younger--along with the rest of their family--never fully understood it. Ah, well. So long as they didn't try to stop him too often, they didn't need to understand. All they needed to do was stay out of his way when he slipped into a rage.

Sungha prowled closer to the approaching nobles, letting out another crazed laugh. "You all should really just turn around and go back home," he warned. The men sneered at each other while one drew a sword he wore at his hip. Strange, for them to openly carry like this. Perhaps this one was a guard. Pity.

Sungha dropped the handle of the throwing knife down into his palm and let it fly. It hit its target, the possible guard's thigh. He watched as the man paused, stumbling, his brain slowly registering what happened. Slowly, red bloomed from around where the knife stuck out of the man. It looked like a gory flower, and Sungha laughed again, watching as the blood soaked the man's fine clothes. So pretty! The look on the man's face, though, was the best part. Shock, surprise, pain, anger.

"Does it hurt?" he asked breathlessly. He wiped a tear from his eye, giving another approaching noble a look as he palmed his other throwing knife. "Are you sure you want to come closer?" he challenged, dangling the knife in the air. "I am a very, very good aim."

The men eyed each other and began backing away, the guard pulling his knife from his leg and tossing it on the ground. Oh, dear. He'd bleed faster that way. Didn't he know any better? Sungha chortled, advancing to pick up his knife. But before they could all get much further, Sungha threw a glance back at Junha, a wild look in his eyes. "Shoulder, back, , or calf. Pick."

@❃ na garam "I never thought to," Soo replied, her voice tinged with sadness as she took another swig from the bottle. "She's gone for two years when I was only a kid and my bastard of a father ordered me around like his servant instead of his own child. But then..." She trailed off, the memories of her mother flooding back to her like a tidal wave.

"She came back," Soo continued, her words slurred slightly as the alcohol took hold. "After two years, she came back for me. And I'm glad she did, she even fought my father who is obsessed on selling me out to the traders..." She shook her head, trying to clear the fog in her mind. "Then we left his home. She's the only family I have left, and I won't let anything happen to her."

"My mother is the kindest person I have ever known, when there's only one meal on the table, she gave it to me and let herself starved, but now I'm older, we can eat meals together, because she is the reason why I'm still here, surviving with her."

"She even had time to taught me how to fish when we have nothing to eat, someone told her that to hold the rope tightly as fish has their own mind to get away from it, just like life itself. Life is like a rope, hold onto it, and pull to get the fish as an opportunity. She has so many lectures to me and all." Despite her drunken state, Soo's gaze held a steely determination as she looked at Garam. "That's why I'll protect her, no matter what happens. Just like I'll protect you, Garam. You're my friend, and I won't let anything happen to you either." She reached out and grasped Garam's hand, her grip surprisingly strong despite her intoxication.

"We'll stick together, okay? No matter what happens, we'll watch each other's backs." Soo's words were a promise, spoken with conviction as she leaned in closer to Garam, her eyes shining with determination. "We'll survive this, together." Then she starts blacking out, the intoxication of the alcohol finally made her fall asleep as she falls onto Garam.

@❀ choi jinseok "Trust me when I say that abducting a fellow soldier for a late-night sparring session isn't standard military protocol. This sort of thing is more of a personal quirk, unique to me. You happen to be the unfortunate witness. Fortunately for me, your arrival might just be the of luck I needed."

He explained, hoping that whatever influence his superiors had instilled in the young man opposite him would soon dissipate. The military could certainly benefit from someone like Jinseok. Perhaps one day they'd find themselves fighting side by side again, which wouldn't be such a bad idea after all.

The marquess raised his eyebrows in response to the declaration. While it wasn't entirely surprising that Sejin might harbor an inclination towards military service, what struck him was the unparalleled conviction behind jinseok’s words. In all his experience, the marquess had never encountered someone with such unwavering determination and certainty in their desire to join the military.

"Don't worry, if I happen to be your superior, I won't subject you to the same ordeal I just endured... but if not, then I suppose good luck," Sejin quipped, exchanging a light-hearted chuckle with the other man, whose laughter lacked genuine mirth. It was an intriguing encounter, to say the least. Not only had Sejin identified which superiors to avoid, but it appeared he had also acquired an ally in the process.

"If this is your calling to enlist, then I would suggest you take action first thing tomorrow," Sejin remarked, adjusting his hair casually while maintaining his attention on the conversation.

"Well, let's consider ourselves fortunate to have met each other," he added, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "And when you have the time, let's meet for a drink. I'll be stationed at the nearby base for the next few months, so just say the word and I'll treat you to a round at the tavern." The offer was sincere, accompanied by a friendly gesture that hinted at a budding camaraderie between them.

@❃ bang sungha Cursing to himself, Junha turned around quickly to spot a small group of men approaching them. It was very rare that his antics ever got him caught. Usually, he would've already slipped away and been long gone. Forgotten, like any other cheonmin to the nobles. But he was quick and light on his feet, able to outrun most men on foot. Maybe he was just a tad too sloppy this time, he mentally kicked himself for being so careless. No matter, this time he was with Sungha.

With his form tucked behind his eldest brother, Junha tilted his head to the side in faux contemplation before shaking his head with an innocent, and coy, smile. While his hyung's smile was wild and wide, the youngest had a coquettish smile as if he always held a secret. "I didn't steal anything! Maybe I just captured your attention so much. And as much as I would offer my time, I'm busy tonight..." he trailed off.

His gaze traveled down to Sungha's knives in his hands, then to the group of men. If Junha understood one thing about the eldest, it's that he enjoyed pain. Both delivering it and receiving it. It was an odd quirk that Mother Bang noticed shortly after taking him into the family, but Junha was too young at the time to fully understand it. Even now, he wasn't quite sure he understood, but he knew he could count on Sungha in a dire situation.

"Yes, I'm busy tonight. My tiger has to feed," Junha chuckled and patted his older brother on the shoulder, silently indicating the 'tiger' in question.

When the man he stole from insisted on the accusation and even took a few steps forward, Junha's playful grin fell and the hand that was settled upon Sungha's shoulder tightened - his nails digging just a tad into the eldest's clothing. Guess these nobles thought themselves stronger in numbers. Leaning in close, he whispered to Sungha's ear. "Let's try not to make it /too/ messy, okay? Mama would be mad." And with that, he took a step back but kept himself ready to run, if need be.

Unlike his oldest brother, Junha never relished in bloodshed. A little of his own blood was fine, but he was not cut out to fight in any capacity. The mere sight of open wounds took him back to when he was a small child, hearing the screams of people in his village be mercilessly slaughtered. Their mangled and sliced up bodies strewn about carelessly through the streets the next morning. The images were burned into his mind and haunted his dreams. So, running was all he could do.

@✿ oh sejin "I wouldn't have been able to stand there and watch that happen, either", Jinseok shook his head, inspecting his knuckles and fingers for any dislocated joints or broken bones, smiling warily at Sejin when the other man got up, wincing slightly. He was probably in as much pain as Jinseok was, if not even more. For a moment, he just hummed, still sprawled out on the ground and dabbing blood off his chin with his soiled sleeve. Then, he nodded. It was just a small nod, betraying the way his thoughts were currently spinning and spinning and spinning even faster, a sigh soon falling off his lips.

"I have", he confessed then, voice small and hesitant. "It's probably the reason why I didn't even think twice about helping you. I've been training to join the military since I was a wee lad, but perhaps I should think twice about /that/, if brothers in arms have nothing better to do than be vengeful, petty and violent towards each other."

He laughed, the sound joyless and cut-off as he pushed himself to his feet as well, dusting off his legs in a futile attempt of making himself a tiny bit more presentable - and failing miserably to do so. He actually made it worse, but oh well. These clothes were ruined anyway. When he turned to look at Sejin, there was a smile on his face, bright despite it being lopsided, his cheek already swelling from where he had taken a punch. "But I don't regret it. I actually think that it's my sign to finally man up and enlist, no? If I think that these soldiers are not worth be called protectors of the kingdom, I should do something about that. I should be like you. Achieve something because I can, not because I have a certain name, or come from a certain family. Perhaps I should be the one thanking you and inviting you for a drink."

@❃ bang junha Sungha often felt a fierce protectiveness over his adopted siblings. He had a younger sister back...before. He tried not to think about it. He had a new family, anyway. He was out today with Junha, but he often went out with their other siblings as well. Sungha was the oldest, after all. He had a responsibility. Sungha shouldered the heavier bag, the weight not doing much but be annoying where it dug into his neck through his clothing. "Let's go," he agreed easily, keeping close to Junha as they meandered through the streets.

Sungha's eyes caught the group of nobles the same time Junha's did. Sungha was silent, but his eyes flicked to his younger brother, knowing his habits well at this point. But Sungha had his own vices, and was never one to deny his siblings. So he said nothing as they grew closer, watching his sibling go through his usual routine of faking and snatching. Sungha's eyes caught the younger's swift fingers as they moved, and he had to bite back his grin. Sungha's grins were always too wide, too toothy. They always gave his nature away.

A few paces later, and he let out a chuckle. "They always do feel a false sense of--" but he was cut off by the voices. Sungha swore, and within a few moments he had his hands on small throwing knives he kept tucked in his sleeves. He usually played with them as they went out as a way to calm himself in crowds, but they had their uses. Sungha shrugged off the heavy pack, tossing it away from them. "Stay behind me," he murmured to Junha, moving in between himself and the group.

"I think your friend stole something from us," one of the men accused.

Sungha lifted a brow. "Stole? I disagree. Junha?" Sungha glanced back. "Did you take something from these gentlemen?"

@❃ bang sungha [ backdated to fall 1864 ]

"Alright, hyung, I guess we got everything!," Junha hummed in satisfaction, a small satchel hanging off one of his arms. The brief run for errands had been quite fruitful, getting a few supplies for Mother Bang and the other siblings. Junha glanced over to his older brother, who he left carrying the bulk of the groceries. The elder was bigger and had more muscles, so naturally, Junha took 'charge' by making sure they were on track. By now, the sun was beginning to set behind the horizon, painting the sky various hues of red, orange, yellow, and purple. They'd make it home in good time.

As they were passing by a group of well dressed, most certainly affluent men, the youngest Bang brother's eyes glittered with mischief. Potential hits. Walking closer to the group, he changed his gait to be more unsteady, wobbly, and appearing drunk. A technique he had practiced many times over the years. Once he was close enough, he stumbled himself into one of the men, a hand reaching up to hold the stranger's shoulder to steady himself. While the man was confused, Junha's other arm around the man's waist snatched the coinpurse hanging off before tucking it into his own pocket. "I'm so sorry, sir! I-it's hard to walk...," he said meekly before peeling himself away from the man, continuing on his way.

Once they were a little further away, Junha snickered and looked at his older brother. "That was almost too easy!," he laughed. As if right on cue, he heard footsteps rapidly approaching from behind them. Maybe it wasn't that easy.

"Stop! Thief!"

@✿ jin haeun Kimbum could not help but let out a small chuckle at the way she worded her thoughts on his rescue attempt. A little reckless was indeed one way to put it, though he would have used less flattering words of it himself. He had lumbered in like a drunk bear on a rampage with his movements, though luckily he had gotten there in time. That was the one thing that truly mattered, and the only thing Kimbum needed to hold onto to know that what was done was the right option.

“A little reckless might be an understatement, my lady,” he managed to get out beneath his own breathy laugh. “Do not worry your mind with such trivial things as my health though. I assure you that my body knows how to take a beating without giving up.” As if the statement had needed proof, he grabbed her offered hand, using his own free one to push himself up to his full height from the position he had been in, straining a little against the pain in his spine as he straightened his back.

“And I am aware there is no wrong in being hurt nor disabled, my lady. Perhaps I worded myself poorly.” The man smiled sheepishly as he grabbed his cane, using it to relieve some of the strain as they stood there. “What I meant to express was that I am fine. You need not worry about the health of a stranger, and should by no means blame yourself for whatever injuries I have sustained or held from before.” Kimbum gave a curt nod of his head to underline his opinion on the matter. Certainly she had better things to do.

Her suggestion of finding first aid by their telescope brought a smile to his face, one that made his eyes all but disappear together with the crows feet at their corners. “How could I turn down such a prestigious offer, Marchioness?” His head lowered as much as his back allowed, expressing both his thanks and his respect in one manoeuvre. “The name is Ong Kimbum.” A small sigh escaped him as he straightened back up, the hold on his cane tightening a little. His other hand came up to gesture in the direction she had been walking earlier. “Lead the way, my lady. I will ensure no other ruffian sneaks up on you, least they feel the mighty rage of-“ There was a hint of joyous laughter to his voice as he jokingly continued: “this old disabled man’s cane.”

@❀ ong kimbum Haeun could not help the exasperated sigh that left her lips, though she didn’t imagine it sounded no different than a fretting mother, no real heft to it other than the breath it let out. “Either way, it was perhaps a little reckless for you to rush in such a way. I am ever grateful for it, but I cannot shake the idea of you seriously hurting yourself because of me.” She stepped away and looked to him sternly, but quickly washed away the look.

He was a stranger, after all. Just because someone could do one good deed, didn’t mean they couldn’t do worse deeds. Not to mention how rude it would be of her to do what she was doing at this moment.

“There is nothing wrong with being hurt or disabled,” Haeun murmured, crossing her arms over her chest and looking around to the area. Though it was summer, the air had started to get cold as the night went by. “But you are not wrong. I could accompany you to your estate, once we get to the inner city, I will likely be safe. Lest my family has someone’s head rolling.”

Momentarily she had deep into thought, barely registering her words. It didn’t feel right to leave him like this, even to hand him off to his attendants or family members. She felt a sense of responsibility for this, and so, wished to help him. “Ah! Yes!” Haeun’s voice went out, and she nodded. “I work in the Ministry of Astronomy. The telescope is not far from here, and we have first aid there. Let us head there.” She reached out, offering a hand to help him stand. If she were to help, she would truly have to extend her strength to him, in whatever way she could. “I am Marchioness Jin Haeun, by the way.”

@❀ yang seoyul “I do not care for you or your step-mother’s stories,” Garam said, flat in tone and blunt. “But I would not put any stock into marriage if the person who will be handling me has no desire for it either. I’m suddenly glad I was born poor, so I wouldn’t have to waste money on such a frivolous thing.” She sighed, adding the last part to herself, almost under the breath, yet still wanting Seoyul to hear her, if not just for a little. Garam couldn’t deny that this was not something Garam felt towards Seoyul and her business, a woman who made her money however she could was fine in Garam’s eyes. She did the same thing, sold off dreams and ideals that Garam put no desire or reliability towards herself. Promises of handsome husbands, obedient wives, charming children, and mountains and mountains of cash in her customer’s lap was just another day for Shinae. No matter how Garam believed for those things to be nothing more than the fantasy novels sold in the bookstore, or the legends tired mothers would tell their children so they wouldn’t go outside too late at night, she made a profit over them. “Maybe you should be asking yourself about what’s so special about marriage, not me.”

She watched as Seoyul grumpily stomped off, her face taut with a sort of frustration Garam knew all too well. In a way, Garam could appreciate a woman, nay, a girl, such as Seoyul, who wore her immaturity on her sleeves. “Though, I would say, if a woman can marry twice and still be in the business, she has her sources in order.” Garam mumbled to herself, and wiped her hands on her apron, green juices collecting at her fingertips.

Garam knew she would regret it later, but she walked towards Seoyul, standing behind her a little ways away. As insufferable as the girl was, Garam’s customer service mindset hated to see someone before her upset over something she said. Seoyul was truly, just a girl, and Garam did not wish to make this trip anymore annoying than it already was with Seoyul being upset with her. It was, Garam’s fault, after all. If she had just tuned Seoyul out and listened to her incessant blathering and agreed to whatever the girl said, Garam could make this trip painless and pray to deities she didn’t believe in for her and Seoyul not to get paired off again like this.

“I suppose,” Garam confessed. “My father would tell me that survival was all that mattered, that we could make it to see another day. Sometimes survival means hurting others, or being deceitful. That is what makes us human, I think.”

@✿ yoon junho byungjun rode through the backwoods of outer hanseong on his horse, scanning the surroundings for any signs of game. it had been a successful hunt so far, but he was always on the lookout for more. as he rode, he noticed a movement out of the corner of his eye and saw a small cat darting through the underbrush.

thinking it would make a quick and easy meal, byungjun drew his bow and took aim. he was about to release the arrow when he noticed the man rushing into the clearing, shielding the cat in his arms. byungjun hesitated for a split second but was able to adjust his aim as the arrow slipped past his fingers, letting the arrow fly and embed itself into the tree just to the right of the man’s head.

as he dismounted his horse and approached the man, byungjun’s expression was stern. he scrutinized the other, taking in his disheveled appearance and scratches on his arms and legs from what he would assume to be from his journey through the woods. there was something about the man’s demeanor that intrigued byungjun, a sense of vulnerability mixed with determination.

“are you insane?” byungjun asked, his voice sharp with disbelief. “risking your life for a mere cat?” he continued to study the other male, his frustration evident in his scrutiny. he couldn’t understand why someone would risk their life for a stray cat. “you should be more careful.” he said tersely whilst retrieving his arrow from the trunk of the tree.

@✿ seol riah @✿ ryu aera the past few months for eunbyeol were as rocky as the road they have taken to gwangju, having been thrown into a rollercoaster ride of romance that she, herself, could not have imagined being a part of in her 29 years of existence. as things transpired, she had failed to convene with her closest friends — who, perhaps, would have been very livid upon hearing of the situation she has found herself in.

hence, upon seeing an opportunity to (finally) congregate with her small circle of friends, eunbyeol had wasted no time in making arrangements for their journey. she skipped a few dates to rush through her ledgers and upon finding her work satisfactory, had immediately sent a note to her beloved to apologise for her sudden absence. hyeongwon might not like it but her girls do come first.

she found herself a few days later in the same carriage as riah, whose excited countenance resembled her own. both girls endured any mishap during their journey just to see their beloved friend and upon seeing the looming gates of a more grandiose estate owned by the ryus, eunbyeol swore that they both collectively sighed in relief.

riah was the first to alight the carriage first, running to aera's smaller figure and abandoning all propriety as her chima gathered dust in her wake. eunbyeol, though as equally excited, savored the autumn breeze and the imagery of the orangey foliage playing before her eyes. it has been awhile since she's visited gwangju, after all.

the two have already exchanged greetings before she had joined them and she, too, would have pulled the youngest into an excited hug if not for the younger's worrisome appearance. she was still as bright and beautiful as a summer day but there was little to no light behind her brownish orbs. was this the reason for her sudden retreat from the capital?

"aera," eunbyeol softly called, pulling her into an equally tight hug. she met the younger's gaze, her own searching, before sighing softly. perhaps, she'd let them in on a secret later on. "you look. . .well, i do hope that you're feeling peachy enough to have us for a day or two?"

@❀ choi jinseok It had been quite some time since Sejin had last experienced the rush of danger and adrenaline surging through his veins. Therefore, when the brawl finally ceased, leaving only him and the former stranger—now revealed as Choi Jinseok—exhausted on the ground after having battled off multiple assailants, the soldier couldn't help but feel the weight of fatigue replacing the earlier surge of adrenaline that had overwhelmed him mere moments ago. He wearily wiped the blood dripping from his head with his sleeve, letting out a faint chuckle as he reflected on the

"The intensity of that encounter," Sejin murmured, catching his breath as he glanced over at Jinseok, who lay panting nearby. "If you hadn't intervened, they would have just beaten me senseless," he explained, his words tinged with gratitude despite their vague nature. Sensing this might be their final interaction, and feeling a sense of temporary camaraderie with Jinseok, Sejin felt compelled to elaborate.

"They can't afford to kill me," Sejin continued, his tone matter-of-fact. "I'm General Oh's older brother. The worst they'll do is 'teach me a lesson'—like tonight," he added wryly, sitting up and dusting off his hanbok with a brisk patting motion to rid it of dirt and grime.
Sejin paused, his gaze thoughtful yet guarded, considering the implications of the night's events and the unexpected bond forged in the heat of conflict.

"They despised the fact that I enlisted in the lowest ranks and am striving to ascend without relying on my family's influence," Sejin revealed, casting a reflective gaze towards Jinseok. Despite enduring his share of punches during the brawl, Jinseok's fighting prowess was commendable; Sejin couldn't help but envision his potential within the ranks.

"How about you, Jinseok-ssi?" Sejin inquired, genuinely curious. "Have you ever considered enlisting? There are numerous positions available in both the Navy and the Army," he suggested, recognizing the opportunity for Jinseok to channel his evident skill and determination into a disciplined and respected role within the military.

As the soldier rose to his feet, the onset of aches and pains began to gnaw at Sejin's body, causing him to wince in discomfort. He knew he'd have to make a beeline for the infirmary come morning, but for now, the priority was slipping back to their quarters unnoticed, avoiding any unnecessary commotion. Despite his contempt for the seniors responsible for his current state, Sejin found himself begrudgingly empathizing with their grievances to a certain extent.

"What sort of man charges headlong into a confrontation with uncertain odds of victory? You're quite the daredevil. But thank you," Sejin remarked with a mix of admiration and amusement.

@✿ ryu aera @✿ geum eunbyeol [ Late November 1869 Ryu estate in Gwangju ]

Autumn had fully descended upon Joseon, announced by the brisk chill in the air that accompanied Riah and Eunbyeol during their carriage journey towards Gwangju. The road was arduous, marked by unexpected stops at neighboring towns to rest and address minor setbacks. However, upon finally reaching the Ryu estate, a magnificent sight surpassing even their already grand Hanseong residence greeted Riah and Eunbyeol. The two companions eagerly disembarked from their carriage.

Aera, the third member of their intimate circle, had departed Hanseong for an undisclosed period, electing to stay in Gwangju. When Riah and Eunbyeol caught wind of this news, they swiftly made arrangements to manage their respective affairs. Riah took a few days off from work to facilitate the visit to Aera, while Eunbyeol attended to her business matters. With everything in order, they packed their belongings and embarked on their journey to Gwangju, eagerly anticipating a reunion with their dear friend.

The duo was welcomed into Gwangju by the sight of autumn willow trees, their golden leaves dancing in the crisp breeze, casting a tranquil orange hue under the midday sun. This picturesque scene set the tone for their arrival.

Spotting Aera eagerly waiting by the entrance of their abode, Riah's heart leaped with joy. Without a second thought, she clutched her chima with both hands and dashed towards her cherished friend, abandoning all formalities in her eagerness. Manners were momentarily forgotten; all that mattered was reuniting with the youngest member of their trio.

Concern mingled with excitement in Riah's mind. Why had Aera chosen to return to her ancestral home in Gwangju, leaving behind her life and commitments in Hanseong? This question tugged at Riah's heartstrings, fueling her desire to unravel the mystery and provide comfort to her dear friend.

“Dearest Aera, how have you been?” She envelopes the youngest in a tight hug, awaiting Eunbyeol to join them at the steps of the Ryu estate.

@✿ seol juhwan it was an out-of-body experience, to experience the perils of disaster and to narrowly escape the inferno once again. min found herself ensnared in disbelief as chaos unfurled around their camp, struggling to anchor her senses to the grim reality of their ambush. even if a blade were to cut her, she'd wonder if the crimson tide oozing out of her wounds was truly hers. but her detached state was short-lived, snapped back to reality, not by the searing pain in her arm, but by the call of her name.

juhwan's voice, laden with a raw urgency, broke through, pulling min's gaze from the ground. her eyes locked with his, but it seemed like he was focused elsewhere. as he dashed toward her, his pallor spoke volumes, signaling danger. "kyungho?" min barely managed to speak out before the abrupt clang of juhwan's blade with another's behind her rang throughout her ears.

min fell back, helplessly watching the conflict unfold without having any means to help the general, despite her longing to do so. hung from her jeogori was nothing but the sheath of juhwan's eunjangdo, a hollow reminder of her impotence. his ferocious display was uncharted territory; juhwan, her constant, was now a storm of fury and precision. an ache materialized within her heart, knowing that part of his prowess was honed from the horrors he endured in japan.

his astonishing valor against the qing soldier, just days after a grave injury, filled her with worry. a relentless anxiety constricted her heart, a noose of dread tightening with no promise of release. juhwan should not be exerting himself, and yet, he was doing so and putting himself in danger for a mere gisaeng. with each maneuver that skirted the full wrath of the enemy's steel and death's grip, it felt as if that same blade had pierced her chest a thousand times.

if only she could make it all stop. oh, how she wished to turn back time to their lighter moments of laughter and bad jokes, when they would escape their burdens together, even just for a fleeting moment. juhwan always protected her, but she had always failed to return the favor and that guilt loomed over min like an unyielding phantom that haunted her from afar—always creeping closer and closer, yet never fully claiming her. juhwan was her haven in the storm; but was she the same in his heart?

suddenly, the gisaeng found herself enveloped in the sanctuary of juhwan’s warm embrace. a deluge of tears finally breached the dams of min's eyes as she continued to worry about him, even after the enemy had been subdued. “are you hurt?” her voice trembled just as much as his form, which she held onto as if her life depended on it. too close, she thought, it was too close to losing him again. with her eyes frantically inspecting his head and face for injuries, instead of immediately checking the temperature of his forehead with her palm, min’s hand acted against her logic, caressing his cheek. she softened at juhwan's teary gaze.

“you should be in the tent,” min murmured through the streams of hot tears that continued to cascade down her bloodstained cheeks. she breathed a sigh of relief, pulling him into another hug. “but thank you for saving me. don’t scare me like that ever again.” i don’t want to lose you—i couldn’t handle a world without you, was what she wanted to say, but the sight of fresh blood on juhwan’s shoulder completely derailed her train of thought.

she acted swiftly, releasing him from her embrace and taking his hand to urgently guide him back towards the tent. min winced under her breath, forgetting to use her uninjured arm in her haste. “come on, we need to get you patched up.”

@✿ moon jaehoon Riah felt irritation simmering beneath the surface of her countenance, yet she was accustomed to suppressing her emotions when necessary, cloaking herself in an aura of professionalism. Despite her efforts, she found herself unable to tear her gaze away from Mingue—no, Moon Jaehoon now—as he engaged in conversation and occasional laughter with the governor. She had encountered few men as deceitful as him.
It was a rare occurrence for Riah to interact closely with men; many would shy away merely at the mention of her name. Those who dared to engage with her were quickly reminded of the protective gaze of her uncles, who were fiercely committed to safeguarding her from incompetence. Consequently, suitors were not actively sought by the countess, leaving her encounters with the opposite infrequent at best.


How could she have allowed such an oversight to occur? Moon Jaehoon had indeed been on her list of eligible bachelors in Hanseong. Reflecting on the matter, Riah realized that the absence of his portrait had likely led to her current predicament. She vaguely recalled that one of the keynotes on her list had indicated he operated discreetly, avoiding social gatherings and interactions with other powerful figures like himself.
In her mind's eye, Riah had envisioned him as unremarkable in appearance and lacking the qualifications to be a prominent member of society. Now, faced with the reality of their encounter, she understood that her preconceived notions of the duke had been entirely misconstrued.

Now she pondered why someone like him would choose to keep to himself. Was he deliberately avoiding marriage? Riah speculated that if Moon Jaehoon were to make an appearance at a gala, women would undoubtedly stumble over their chimas just to request his name on their dance cards.

Feeling his gaze follow her every time she passed by the room caused Riah's brows to furrow. Even when she intruded on their time together to fetch documents, she sensed his eyes lingering on her, amplifying her discomfort. Riah resolved to compose detailed letters to each of her closest friends, outlining the stress and unease she endured during this particular work trip due to a certain man.

Upon finally completing the task she had volunteered for, Riah found herself in the courtyard of the Governor’s estate. Seated on a small bench, she released a sigh she had been holding in for what felt like an eternity. It dawned on her that her work life would never be the same now that the Right Vice Minister of the Office of Inspection was aware of her sentiments and strong opinions about him.

Surrounded by the welcoming autumn orange of the garden, Riah felt her mind easing as she idly watched leaves gently descend from the trees. Autumn had always been a season she cherished—the perfect temperature and lively nature always lifted her spirits. Perhaps it was the resemblance of the autumn foliage to her house colors, the House of the Tiger. If she embodied anything, it was their proud first daughter.
Riah extended her palm to catch a falling leaf, examining it closely. How much more enjoyable this outing could have been if it hadn't been tainted by deceit.

Riah's brief moment of respite was abruptly interrupted by the familiar sound of Jaehoon's voice, blending with the Governor's, as they descended the steps of the manor. Quickly, Riah adjusted her posture, rising from her seat. She discreetly tucked the leaf into her hand, ensuring it was concealed, while she composed herself with her practiced facade once more. The prospect of the carriage ride home filled her with dread.
Not long after, they exchanged farewells and pleasantries with the Governor.


"Thank you so much for having us in your lovely home, Governor Kim," Riah spoke with a polite smile and a bow, directing her gratitude solely to the older man. Ignoring Jaehoon, she turned and climbed aboard the carriage by herself.

Seated once more inside the carriage, Riah remained resolute in her refusal to acknowledge Jaehoon, her gaze fixed determinedly elsewhere. Embarrassment and anger gnawed at her, causing her fists to clench unconsciously—a habitual response when she was truly vexed.

The journey back to Hanseong began awkwardly, with Riah steadfastly avoiding any interaction with Jaehoon. It was only halfway through the journey that she finally mustered the courage to meet his gaze, if only briefly, before diverting her eyes once again. That would be the only time the countess would regard the duke for the entirety of what seemed to be the most awkward and uncomfortable carriage ride of her entire existence.

-end of thread.-

@❃ na soo Garam, despite being quite a ways away from the other woman, had still reached out to help catch Bimyeong in case the vertigo had taken over and taken her down to the hard ground. Luckily, Garam had no need to, yet, she stepped closer, just in case Bimyeong tried to walk over to Garam, further risking a fall.

“You don’t look fine,” Garam pouted, kneeling down once Bimyeong had invited Garam to sit beside her. Garam was used to the stench of alcohol, a few of her customers had come into her booth in a drunk stupor, sometimes she would have to use force to make them leave, and sometimes Garam would become the person they spilled their secrets and woes (and alcohol, another reason why the booth would sometimes smell like soju) to. Yet, she still scrunched her nose as she came in close to the older woman, but tried not to let Bimyeong notice. “You look like something bad happened to you.”

Watching the clumsy way Bimyeong poured a drink for her, so unlike how Garam usually saw Bimyeong, Garam bit her lip and stared at the cup. She had never had alcohol for her, found it silly and dangerous to spend money on, especially as a woman alone in the gutters of Hanseong. So, she left the drink untouched, yet the smell was enough to make Garam feel that drunken haziness.

“Okay,” Garam said, letting her gaze fall onto the soft rings of the moon that stared down at the two girls, the light allowing them to see each other clearly, yet Garam had still seen the harsh shadows casted on Bimyeong’s face. It made her look younger.

Listening to Soo’s story, in spite of the slurring, Garam sat back and smiled. “My father had taught me the same. He was a fisherman, one of the best, I think. He pulled a muscle in his back once and we needed food, so he taught me to do the same. I still wish I could help myself like that, but Hanseong does not allow me to fish like I used to, like in our old village.” She turned her head towards Bimyeong again. “You never told me about your mother before.”

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@✿ go mina Sunmi had to admit that she likely would have been frightened had she not had Byul and the warning sounds of hooves in the distance long before they got close. There had been a linger of doubt until she had heard the timid feminine voice ringing out from behind the bushes. It had made her shoulders sink with ease.

“I hope she did not frighten you either,” Sunmi called back before spotting the woman coming riding out around the bend. The first thing that struck her wasn’t the beauty of the horse nor the beauty of the woman herself, but the simple fact that she was riding with her hair down. It was such a rare sight to see that she found herself stumbling through her thoughts for a moment. A moment that probably lasted just a little too long before she realized the other had already extended her hand in greeting.

Sunmi hurriedly took her hand, giving it a light squeeze as she politely bowed. “Not at all. I have no right to the air nor night sky, so your intrusion is but a small surprise.” A small smile played over her lips as she raised her head again. Go? Where had she heard that name before? Was it not one of the Yangban clans? “Apologies, my Lady,” she hurriedly added, bowing even deeper when she realized just who this woman would be. The marchioness of the Go family. “Cheon Sunmi. I am humbled to make your acquaintance.”

Though this woman was far above her in status, something about her presence gave Sunmi a feeling of kinship. It was rare for her to ever speak to women beyond her childhood friend, and even that had been a long while. Even rarer though was speaking to a woman who seemed to display similar traits of a rebellious flame like herself, unable to be anchored down by something so simple as societal rules and conventions. The relief it had brought with it had mixed with her tension of realizing the woman’s station, making Sunmi unsure if she was supposed to feel frightened or excited.

So far she had proved to be quite different than most yangban ladies Sunmi had ever had contact with. She needed a diversion to take her own mind off the overthinking. Her gaze moved from the woman, to her horse and back again, a small idea starting at the back of Sunmi’s mind. “Y-your horse is beautiful as well. I do so hope my Byul did not scare it. What is its name, if I may be so bold to ask?”

@❁ cheon sunmi A small sigh of relief left Mina’s lips when she heard a female voice in return, leaning forward to whisper in Bonhwa’s ear that he could be at ease. “Oh it’s quite alright, I hope I didn’t scare you as well.” She said with a sheepish smile before looking up in awe at the majestic falcon that had flown over them and called out again, “She’s gorgeous by the way.” Mina continued to watch the peregrine before finally looking and meeting the owner of the voice she’d been speaking to earlier.

“Ah there you are, quite a peaceful evening it is. I hope I didn’t intrude on your night. I usually come here to decompress from home.” Mina carefully hopped off her horse and extended a hand. Normally, she’d be cautious of who she met but this presence felt comfortable. Perhaps that’s just how Mina was, innocent and friendly. It’s possibly a double-edged sword but she was willing to take it. “Mina, Go Mina. Please make your acquaintance.” She said with a soft smile while waiting for the other to respond.

She wondered who this person could be. They weren’t familiar nor had they ever crossed paths before. She remembered this face in case they ever met again, especially in circumstances like this. The slight adrenaline rush bubbling inside of her was interesting as being an introvert herself, she would have never done the speaking first— suppose there’s a first for everything and she could only hope it would turn out well.

Mina didn’t have a lot of people to call friends, quite a few only, and could maybe be counted on one hand. An opportunity like this was a once-in-a-blue-moon type of situation. One where there weren’t too many people, and no pressure to make small talk, which was quite a pain since she enjoyed being in her mind palace often or having her nose up in a book while being curled up near the window at night. She would have probably read every book in their family library but wouldn’t hesitate to read them all over again.

@✿ seol riah Jaehoon settled into the comfort of the antique wooden chair within the governor’s office, its polished surface gleaming softly under the gentle glow of the lanterns. The air carried the delicate scent of jasmine tea, its floral notes mingling with the subtle undertones of polished wood and parchment. It was a serene ambiance, one that lent a sense of tranquility to the formal proceedings of their visit.

As the servant deftly served them both, Jaehoon accepted the porcelain cup with a gracious nod, the warmth of the tea soothing against his fingertips. He took small, measured sips, allowing the fragrant aroma to envelop his senses as he savored the moment of respite amidst the demands of their official duties.

His attention drifted between Riah’s graceful movements and the governor’s welcoming gestures, each interaction unfolding seamlessly within the confines of the office. Riah exuded an air of professionalism and poise as she efficiently managed the exchange of gifts and documents, her demeanor unwavering in its composure. Despite the formality of the setting, Jaehoon couldn’t shake the feeling that Riah’s gaze lingered on him whenever she passed the corridor adjacent to the office. Yet, beneath the façade of decorum, Jaehoon sensed a subtle tension lingering between them. Was it merely his imagination, or did she harbor lingering thoughts from earlier?

Reflecting on their initial meeting, Jaehoon couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt for the deception he had perpetuated. It wasn’t his intention to mislead Riah, if only she had allowed him to clear the misunderstanding right at the start. He pondered whether she harbored any resentment towards him, her silence on the matter leaving him to wonder. Perhaps she was biding her time, waiting for the opportune moment to address the issue. Would she confront him directly, or would her grievances manifest in other ways? Was she going back to complain to her family? Perhaps he might receive an angry missive the next day, from the Seols. The thought of facing the repercussions of his actions gnawed at Jaehoon’s conscience, a lingering uncertainty that clouded his thoughts.

Despite the underlying tension, Jaehoon remained focused on maintaining a semblance of normalcy during their interactions. He engaged in small talk with the governor, discussing various matters of state and exchanging pleasantries with practiced ease. Yet, beneath the surface, his senses remained attuned to Riah’s presence, her every movement and expression scrutinized for any indication of her true emotions. Perhaps a little stomp, or a annoyed click of a tongue. She was hiding it too well.

As the conversation reached its natural conclusion, Jaehoon sensed that it was time to bring their meeting to an end. With a respectful bow, Jaehoon rose from his seat, a sense of formality enveloped his movements, each gesture calculated and deliberate. He straightened the cuffs of his hanbok, ensuring every fold lay perfectly in place, a testament to his unwavering commitment to propriety. With a final nod of appreciation to Governor Kim, he expressed his gratitude for the hospitality extended to them, his words laced with genuine sincerity. “I believe I have taken up enough of your valuable time, Governor Kim. I should not hold you any further.”

Stepping away from the ornate furnishings, Jaehoon approached the door with measured steps, his gaze flickering momentarily towards Riah. There was a silent exchange between them, a fleeting moment of unspoken understanding that belied the tension lingering beneath the surface. He noted the subtle shift in her demeanor, the guarded expression that masked any hint of vulnerability.

As he crossed the threshold of the governor’s office, Jaehoon’s senses were heightened, attuned to the slightest nuances of their surroundings. The soft rustle of fabric, the muted hum of conversation, each sound served as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between duty and diplomacy.

With that, Jaehoon gracefully excused himself from the governor’s office, his departure marking the conclusion of their official business. He acknowledged Governor Kim once more, expressing his appreciation for the tea and the hospitality they had received. “Thank you for the tea, Governor Kim. This is far enough.”

Turning to address Riah, who stood nearby, Jaehoon’s demeanor softened slightly, a flicker of warmth in his eyes as he offered her a courteous smile. “Shall we return, Lady Seol?” His tone was gentle yet tinged with a quiet resolve, a silent acknowledgment of the challenges that awaited them beyond the confines of the governor’s residence. The ride back will definitely not be as enjoyable as their ride here.

@✿ oh sejin There were three different kinds of punches. Jinseok was not a stranger to getting hit, nor was he a stranger to the pain of it. Well, at least with two kinds of those punches. His father slapper or hit for show, to instill fear and nothing else. To teach a lesson and make sure it got hammered home so to speak. Getting into fist fights with his brothers and the boys his age seemed natural when he had been a child and those punches were angry and left bruises, but the pain and the damage was temporary. Now, /this/ one was different. These attacks were purposeful, they were aimed at all the soft and vulnerable spots and they were meant to hurt. They were meant to damage and incapacitate. This, was pure hatred. Trained hatred on top of it - and if Jinseok was a little bit more of a sane man with a little bit more common sense, he'd be scared. He had kind of forgotten how much it hurt to be punched square in the face.

But he knew how to fight. He had trained for most of his life to join these bastards, even though it was only for him to get out from underneath his father's thumb. Out of the house. Away from it all. The thought that he still /wanted/ it even after being confronted with the fact that these men were not honorable, that they were no better than any common assassins, attacking at night and aiming to slit a throat in the quiet of it... it enraged him. It was a little like he was seeing red, although he had never really understood that phrase until now. These soldiers were supposed to be the finest warriors of the realm, they were supposed go have honor and a spine, but their bones broke beneath his practiced fingers and fists like any other drunken idiot's would.

By the time they both collapsed onto the damp, dirty ground, Jinseok was drenched to the bone with own sweat, blood trickling from his nose something wicked, already staining his collar and the front of his clothes. Well, okay, maybe not all of that was his. His knuckles were aching and felt swollen, but he managed a snicker as he wiped his nose with the back of his hand, the tender bone go make sure it wasn't broken. His mother would throw a fit if he damaged his handsome face, after all.

"Choi Jinseok", he introduced himself, still wiping blood off his chin and upper lip. "And I think /you/ almost died. I just happened to be drunk enough not to mine my own damn business as per usual."

He shot the other man a crooked smile, wincing when he noticed that one side of his face would be swollen and purple come morning.

"What was that about, anyway? Aren't you one of their comrades? I would have liked to assume that soldiers don't attempt to murder each other in cold blood."

@✿ jin haeun Fine was at least better than hurt, though he could not shake the worry that she must have been rattled by the surprise of it all. Considering the surprise he himself had felt from hearing and seeing the scene unfold before him, he could not fault her if she was still feeling some of that same rush. Luckily for him it was enough to drown out the pain he was most certain going to feel in the early hours of the next morning. It was a price wroth paying for the safety of another.

Smiling softly at her timid manerisms, Kimbum relented and followed her towards the edge of the path, letting her lead him by the sleeve much like a horse with its reins. Once they were closer he placed his cane against the side of the rock before patting down his durumagi and baji, clearing away some of the dust of the gravel path. Beyond the flareup of his usual pains he felt as alive as ever, though he figured his shoulder might disagree along with the rest of his body

“Oh, pish posh, my Lady,” the tower of a man scoffed as he eased to a seat against the rock. “I am neither hurt nor disabled, I assure you. This-“ He gave a gesture to his cane resting beside him: “-is but a temporary aid until my body has rid itself of the pains of war. My physician has assured me of as much.” Though he was unsure how correct they were. It had been months and his body had felt no better.

“Ah, a fellow inner city dweller. I should probably not be so surprised.” Kimbum gently clapped his hands together. “You are a scholar, are you not? Pardon me for asking such a forward question, I just feel as if I have seen you and your colleagues study the sky here more than once.” The ever cheerful smile of his did not fade as he bowed his head respectfully. “As much as your kind offer soots my heart, I assure you I will be fine. If I can make it to your estate, I am sure I could equally make it back to my manor house.”

@❀ ong kimbum Haeun frowned. Aside from her… Excursions— that she had not gone on for quite some time since the death of her husband, she had not much interactions with men around her age, even those who were adults yet younger than her. Her co-workers, fearful of her and her piercing stare towards her work, her brother who she barely saw as a man due to their relations, and her son… Though he would puff out his chest and swing the practice sword he was given by his father around, was still a boy, barely 12-years-old. Ilseong had always been spoiled, whenever he was hurt he would wail and cry out, only soothed by the embrace of his parents or soft hair blown onto his wounds. Haeun almost expected the man who saved her to react the same way, but then, she remembered, that he was nowhere near a 12-year-old boy… And she meant that kindly.

“I am fine,” she reassured, though Haeun knew a bruise would form at her neck and wrists where the assailant grabbed her. Though slightly sore, she would be able to cover it up with powder or with her clothes. “You look hurt. Here, come sit.” Weary to touch him, as it was uncustomary, especially if he was married, she tugged on his sleeve instead and led him to a nearby boulder at the edge of the path.

“You are brave for saving me,” Haeun said, once he had taken a seat and she stood before him. “I thought I would be a goner after that… Yet, you are, um… Disabled.” She mentioned, careful of her words as she looked to his cane. “My estate is in the inner city, but I can take you there to help. All of the nurses wouldn’t go back to their office until the morning. I may not be a healer by any means, but I know enough to help.”

@✿ moon jaehoon Mingue's laughter intertwined with Riah's, creating a delightful harmony as they settled into the journey. The countess realized she had nearly forgotten the simple pleasure of laughter and enjoyment. Her days had become consumed by the weight of duties and obligations at the Seol estate. Despite her station, she longed to be pampered and indulged, yet lately, even her once-beloved activities lacked their former luster. Trips to the market for the latest Hanseong fashion trends felt burdensome, and selecting fabrics for a new hanbok seemed more like a chore than a joy. Leaving Hanseong, if only for a brief respite, had become a welcomed escape, offering a break from the monotony of her routine and the opportunity for new, spontaneous experiences. In the company of Mingue, an unexpected source of comfort, laughter flowed effortlessly, bringing a sense of ease to her troubled spirit.

"Exploring new places? Have you ever ventured to Ilbon? I had the pleasure of visiting just last year to meet my brother's betrothed, and I must say, the scenery in Osaka is truly breathtaking. It's a world apart from Hanseong," she reminisced, her mind drifting to the vivid memories of her journey. She recalled the vibrant sights she had beheld and the delectable street food she had savored alongside Sayuri during her stay in Ilbon.
Riah's curiosity piqued at the mention of swordsmanship. It was a hobby she held close to her heart, one she rarely shared with others. It intrigued her to encounter someone who also practiced the art, though she kept her own skills in swordsmanship and archery closely guarded secrets.

"Wow, Mingue, I never would have guessed you were so dedicated to the discipline," Riah exclaimed, genuine admiration in her voice. "I applaud your commitment." Her mind conjured an image of Mingue, practicing sword forms under the moonlight, his dedication evident in every fluid movement.

“It did, it was probably because we chatted as if we had no care for the world or the time.”

As the latter announced their arrival, Riah couldn't shake the suspicion that Mingue was more familiar with the area than he let on. How else could he have known they had arrived? Did he reside nearby, or perhaps have acquaintances in the vicinity? Yet, the unexpected revelation came when the carriage came to a stop, and she observed Mingue eagerly exiting first, his excitement palpable.
Mingue hopped off the carriage and extended his arm to help her, Riah hesitated for a moment, uncertain whether to accept his gesture. However, the camaraderie they had formed during their journey emboldened her, and she tentatively took his hand. With a graceful movement, she descended from the carriage, holding onto his hand firmly, much like she clutched her chima with her other hand, navigating the unfamiliar terrain with poise.

She still held the latter’s hand when she hears—

As the words "Duke Moon! You have arrived!" echoed through the air, Riah felt like the world had suddenly stopped. Her body tensed, frozen in place like a startled deer caught in the headlights. Wide-eyed, she slowly realized the gravity of the situation. The aide she had shared laughter and gossip with, the same one she had reprimanded for tardiness, stood before her now revealed as Duke Moon Jaehoon, the Right Vice Minister she had unwittingly insulted multiple times during their journey.
As the Governor and Duke Moon exchanged pleasantries, Riah's heart sank. She couldn't bear to meet their gaze, her eyes fixed on the ground as if wishing it would open up and swallow her whole. The thought of facing the impending humiliation was almost unbearable, a punishment she dreaded more than anything.


"She's my aide for today,"

Duke Moon's words hung in the air, a stark reminder of Riah's slip-up. The countess felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her, but she couldn't bring herself to correct him. She had never made such a mistake before, leaving her at a loss for how to respond. In that moment, she could only hope that her discomfort would go unnoticed amidst the exchange.

"Yes, I'm Duke Moon's aide for today. My name is Seol Riah. It's a pleasure to meet you, Governor Kim," Riah managed to say, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. With a forced smile, she executed a graceful curtsy, determined not to let her shock tarnish her image, even though she knew she would have to plead for forgiveness from the Right Vice Minister later on.

As they entered the Governor's residence, Riah followed behind the two, her mind racing with thoughts of her next move. She mentally chastised herself for her earlier carelessness, realizing she shouldn't have spoken so freely in the presence of strangers.

"Let us take tea in my office," the Governor offered, and Riah prepared herself to politely decline the invitation.

"I think my presence would just intrude on your reunion with Duke Moon, so I shall retrieve the needed documents with your servants while you two enjoy your tea, if you don't mind," Riah interjected, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. She avoided meeting Jaehoon's gaze, unable to bear the weight of embarrassment and betrayal now that she knew the truth. With a polite nod, she turned to leave, determined to rectify her mistake and regain her composure.

@❀ kim hyunjun he would not come for her, would he? she absentmindedly wondered.

frankly, other than fear, seohyang felt she did not deserve to be around hyunjun. not after the act she pulled back at the academy when she had left him during the most vulnerable time of life. yet there was nothing more seohyang wanted to do but seek his embrace, like any other woman that had welcomed their counterpart home after the war—to hold him tight and thank the forces above that he was spared of life threatening casualties.

when she heard the hurried footsteps, seohyang unconsciously hasten hers. but hyunjun was quicker and soon he stood before her. the presence of the ceramist, after months of keeping distance, unbelievably near.

"im seohyang. do not run away from me again."

her chest tighten at the sight of him, worn out by the aftereffects of war. the dark shadows underneath his eyes, the sharpness of his features standing out even more and gaunt, given the limited rations they had to consume. she could not have looked better but not once did she thought of herself, only his wellbeing. seohyang's sullen gaze fell onto his and she found herself swimming in waves of emotions she has only recently acknowledge in the midst of war:

seohyan had fallen in love with the young lord.

while losing her loved ones had been immensely unbearable, she could not imagine a tomorrow without hyunjun—cannot imagine a world where he does not exist anymore. the nightmares, during times she had managed to sleep, had been of losing him forever. and yet. . .

"i'm not," she lied, her arms held the medical supplies tighter to her chest. if not for the supplies occupying her arms, seohyang could have all but hurtle into him. "i'm not running away," she repeated, feigning nonchalance and sidestepping from his figure to enter the makeshift infirmary. "where would i run away to in the middle of the night, my lord?"

im seohyang, you coward, coward, coward.

"did you need something, my lord?" seohyang asked as she set the medical supplies back to its place. seohyang kept herself busy and showed him little of her face. her walls were crumbling by the second she spent in his presence. the physician assistant was too exhausted to keep her feelings at bay and she did not want hyunjun to see her emotionally bare. not here, not now.

"are you," she paused when her vision spun and a temporary void claimed her for a fleeting moment. the lack of sleep was beginning to take effect on her body. the young lady gripped on her chima, loosening the clothing as the world began to clear again, shaking away the remaining blackness. "are you feeling unwell? or is it your brother?"