CHAPTER 8
1102 Words
As the night wears on, Bimboryeo's words become increasingly slurred.
*He stumbles slightly, leaning on Yuna for support.*
"You know, Captain, you're quite... quite something. A real comrade-in-arms, eh?"
*She steadies him, glancing around cautiously.*
"Your Highness, perhaps we should find somewhere quieter. You seem... compromised."
*Merchant Seonjin appears with a water skin.*
"Best deal in all of Sansang! One free water for our esteemed prince!"
*He takes a long drink.*
"Ah, you're a true friend, merchant! Unlike those Gojhang bastards..."
Yuna leads Bimboryeo to a quieter corner of the village, away from prying eyes.
*She leans in, voice low.*
"Your Highness, may I ask you something... personal?"
*He grins lopsidedly.*
"For you, my dear Captain? Anything!"
*She hesitates, then presses on.*
"Why are you so determined to reclaim your ancestral lands? Is it truly worth the cost?"
*His eyes sharpen, despite the alcohol.*
"Worth the cost? Captain, those lands are our legacy, our birthright!"
*She crosses her arms.* "But at what price? Wars cost lives, Your Highness. Is land worth more than people?"
*He leans forward, gesticulating wildly.*
"It's not just land, Yuna! It's... it's our history, our culture. Everything Gojhang stole from us!"
*She places a hand on his arm.*
"And what of the people living there now? They've built lives, homes..."
*He runs a hand through his hair.*
"I... I hadn't considered... By the ancestors, Yuna, when did you become my conscience?"
*She smiles softly.*
"Someone has to keep you grounded, Your Highness. Even if it means questioning your grand plans."
*He looks at her with newfound respect.*
"Perhaps... perhaps we need to rethink our approach. But tomorrow. Tonight, I fear I may be too drunk to strategize."
*She helps him to his feet.*
"A wise decision, Your Highness. Shall we find you a place to sleep it off?"
*Seonjin Merchant pops up with a blanket.*
"Best deal in all of Sansang! One cozy blanket for our noble prince!"
*He accepts the blanket.* "I swear, that man must have ears like a fox. Thank you, my friend."
As dawn breaks, Bimboryeo stirs, his head pounding from the previous night's revelry.
*He groans, rubbing his temples.*
"By the ancestors, what did I drink last night? Feels like a herd of horses trampled my head."
*She approaches with a steaming cup.*
"Good morning, Your Highness. I've brought you some of the Sansang's famous hangover tea. Best deal in all of Sansang, or so I'm told."
*He takes the cup, inhaling deeply.*
"Ah, Yuna, you're a lifesaver. Though I fear I may have said some... questionable things last night?"
*She sits beside him.*
"Nothing too damaging, Your Highness. Though you did raise some interesting points about our mission."
Bimboryeo sips the tea, memories of their conversation slowly returning.
*He sets down the cup.*
"Ah, yes. The cost of war. Yuna, I... I think you might be right. We need to reconsider our approach."
*Her eyebrows raise slightly.* "I'm glad to hear it, Your Highness. But what will you tell the King?"
*He stands, straightening his robes.*
"The truth. That we have secured an alliance with the Sansang, but that we must proceed with caution. The lives of our people - all people - must be our priority."
As they prepare to depart, the Sansang elders gather to bid them farewell.
*He bows deeply.* "Prince Bimboryeo, we are honored by your visit and King Taejo's generous gifts. May this alliance bring prosperity to both our peoples."
He returns the bow.
"The honor is ours, Elder. Your wisdom and knowledge will be invaluable in the challenges ahead."
He rushes up, arms full of trinkets.
"Wait, Your Highness! One last deal! Take these charms for your journey. Best protection in all of Sansang"
He accepts a charm, tucking it into his robe.
"How could I refuse? Though I fear my coin purse may never recover from your 'best deals', my friend."
She steps closer to Bimboryeo.
"Your Highness, are you sure you don't want me to accompany you back to Chongsan?"
He clasps her shoulder.
"No, Yuna. Your place is here, continuing our work. Besides, someone needs to keep our excitable merchant friend in check."
As Bimboryeo mounts his horse, a sense of uncertainty hangs in the air.
He looks back at the gathered crowd.
"May we meet again under happier circumstances. For now, I ride to face whatever awaits in Chongsan."
She watches him depart.
"Safe travels, Your Highness. And may your words find fertile ground in the King's court."
As the celebration in Sansang unfolds, a messenger arrives breathless at the gates of Chongsan's palace.
He bursts into the throne room, panting.
"Your Majesty! Prince Bimboryeo sends word - the Sansang alliance is secured!"
He leaps from his throne, eyes sparkling.
"By the ancestors! This calls for a poem! 'In forests deep, allies we find, Victory's sweet taste, on horizon lined.'"
Yeon Galmu pumps his fist in the air.
"Father, this is perfect! With the Sansang's forest knowledge, we'll outmaneuver those Gojhang fools!"
He claps his son on the shoulder.
"Indeed, my boy. Your brother has done well. Now, we must prepare for the next phase of our grand strategy."
Prince Yeon Galmu's eyes light up with anticipation.
He draws his sword dramatically.
"I'll lead our cavalry through their lines! We'll strike like lightning, Father!"
He chuckles, shaking his head.
"Easy, my impetuous son. First, we must leverage this alliance. Tell me, what do you know of Sansang customs?"
He scratches his head.
"Um... they like... trees?"
King Taejo sighs, a mixture of fondness and exasperation on his face.
*He strokes his beard.*
"Perhaps we should send you to study with them, hmm? A future king must understand his allies."
His eyes widen comically.
"But Father! How can I lead our glorious invasion from a tree?"
He winks at his son.
"With a very long sword, my boy. Now, let's plan our next move. The Gojhang Empire won't know what hit them!"
As they lean over a map, a familiar voice echoes from the corridor.
Seonjin Merchant strolls in, arms laden with goods.
"Best deal in all of Chongsan! Your Majesty, might I interest you in some Sansang delicacies to celebrate?"
He raises an eyebrow.
"How in the world did you get here so quickly?"
He taps his nose knowingly.
"Ah, Your Majesty, a good merchant never reveals his secrets. Now, about those delicacies..."
*He bounds over to the merchant.*
"Ooh, what've you got? Any Sansang weapons? I need a new sword for the invasion!"
*He pinches the bridge of his nose.*
"Yeon Galmu, focus! We're planning a war, not a shopping trip!"
- Writer
