EPISODE 5

[Scene: Outskirts of Jolbon – Two Months Later]

The forest path was quiet, except for the rhythmic clopping of hooves and rustling leaves. Lady Seo Hwa, now visibly pregnant, rode at the front of the small company—flanked by her maid Bo Kyung, the solemn Tae Hyun, and five of the King’s most loyal royal guards. The air smelled of pine and earth as they neared the sacred hills where Seo Hwa’s mother had been buried.

With the King’s blessing, she had finally taken this journey—to kneel at the grave of the woman who had raised her with grace, discipline, and strength.

They dismounted near the tomb, a serene mound covered in tall wildflowers and set beneath the arms of an ancient pine. Seo Hwa stood silently before it, her hand resting over her stomach as if her unborn child could feel the sorrow in her heart.

Seo Hwa (whispering): “Mother… I wish you could see what’s become of this world.”

But even in peace, danger lurked.

From the trees, three dark-cloaked figures emerged silently.

Bo Kyung (startled): “My Lady—!”

The guards had barely drawn their swords when the first assassin struck. Blades flashed in the filtered sunlight. In moments, the five royal guards lay slain, their blood soaking the earth.

Seo Hwa pulled Bo Kyung and Tae Hyun behind her. One of the assassins lunged—but Seo Hwa, despite her condition, unsheathed a fallen guard’s sword and met him in fierce combat. Her instincts, honed from years on the battlefield, were still sharp.

With a cry, she spun and cut down one attacker, then drove her blade into the second, falling to one knee from the exertion.

But the third assassin struck fast. A cruel slice tore across her belly—the steel biting deep into her swollen stomach. She gasped, blood darkening her robes as she fell to the ground.

Bo Kyung screamed. Tae Hyun froze, trembling.

The assassin raised his blade, preparing to finish Seo Hwa.

But then—

Tae Hyun, eyes wide with terror but burning with instinct, grabbed a fallen dagger. Screaming, he rushed forward and drove it into the assassin’s back with all his strength.

The man gurgled, collapsed beside Seo Hwa… and moved no more.

Silence fell, broken only by Bo Kyung’s sobs and Tae Hyun’s shaking breaths.

Bo Kyung (crying): “My Lady… no… no…”

Tae Hyun knelt beside her, blood on his small hands, his chest heaving.

Seo Hwa (weakly, her voice trembling): “Bo Kyung…”

Bo Kyung: “I’m here—what should I do? Please, hold on—”

Seo Hwa (gasping): “Run… go to Jolbon… find… Master Hae Mo Su. Tell him… what happened.”

Bo Kyung: “I won’t leave you—!”

Seo Hwa (firm): “Now, Bo Kyung. Please…”

Tears ran down Bo Kyung’s face. She looked at Tae Hyun, who was still clutching Seo Hwa’s hand.

With a sob, Bo Kyung stood and ran toward the road, heading for Jolbon village, the home of Master Hae Mo Su—Seo Hwa’s old teacher and the only man who might be able to save her now.

Tae Hyun stayed by Seo Hwa, whispering to her, his voice choked.

Tae Hyun: “Please don’t die… please…”

And under the shade of the trees, Lady Seo Hwa lay bleeding beside her mother’s tomb—between death and the will to live.

Palace, Royal Chambers — Evening

The doors burst open as Royal Priestess Won Bi Ryul entered with urgency, her white robes fluttering behind her.

Won Bi Ryul (breathless):

“Your Majesty... Lady Seo Hwa is in grave danger.”

King Ho Seok, who had been seated, rose at once. His eyes narrowed.

King Ho Seok:

“What has happened?”

Won Bi Ryul:

“I saw it in a vision… blood, shadows, steel—her life is in peril, now, near Jolbon.”

His face grew dark. Without another word, he turned to the guards.

King Ho Seok (commanding):

“Ready the horses. I ride to Jolbon at once. You all come with me—immediately!”

Jolbon – House of Master Hae Mo Su

The door swung open as Bo Kyung, Seo Hwa’s maid, panted with desperation.

Bo Kyung (crying):

“Master Hae Mo Su! Help—please, it’s Lady Seo Hwa!”

Hae Mo Su, an old warrior with sharp eyes, rushed forward. The sight of Bo Kyung pale and trembling made his heart seize.

Hae Mo Su:

“Where is she?”

Bo Kyung:

“In the woods near the tomb… she’s bleeding… they attacked us…”

Without waiting for more, Hae Mo Su grabbed his sword and sprinted into the night with Bo Kyung guiding.

They found her—Lady Seo Hwa, collapsed on the earth, her robes soaked in blood, her arm wrapped protectively around her swollen belly. Tae Hyun, blood on his hands and tears in his eyes, knelt beside her.

Tae Hyun (sobbing):

“My lady… don’t die, please…”

Hae Mo Su (shocked):

“…Seo Hwa?!”

Bo Kyung (weeping):

“They killed the guards… she fought them… she saved us…”

Hae Mo Su dropped to his knees beside her.

Hae Mo Su (softly):

“You stubborn warrior… you held your ground again.”

He lifted her carefully.

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