CHAPTER 14
1178 Words
He nods, a spark of anticipation in his eyes. "Indeed. The seeds we plant today will grow into a forest of blades.
Years pass like leaves in the wind, each season bringing new growth to the Haemosu.
She surveys the training grounds, now teeming with skilled warriors.
"By the spirits, we've created monsters, Your Highness. Poetry-reciting, shadow-dancing monsters."
He chuckles, stroking his now-fuller beard.
"Ah, but such eloquent monsters they are. Did you see Jae-hoon's haiku mid-backflip?"
She nods, eyes twinkling.
"A true masterpiece. Almost as impressive as Soo-yeon's blindfolded archery while solving riddles."
A young Haemosu warrior approaches, bowing deeply to both.
He raises an eyebrow at the newcomer.
"Speak, young one. What news from the sparring grounds?"
She elbows Bimboryeo playfully. "Ten silver pieces says it's another broken training dummy, comrade."
He smirks, shaking his head. "You're on. My money's on a creative interpretation of 'stealth training'."
He clears his throat, looking between the two. "Actually, Your Highness, Captain... it's about the Killing Machine."
She blinks rapidly.
"The... killing machine? What in the name of all the ancestors does that mean?"
He leans forward, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Go on, lad. This sounds like it might be worth both our bets combined."
He shuffles his feet.
"Well, you see... some of the warriors thought it'd improve their agility to, um, chase mountain goats while reciting battle strategies."
Bimboryeo and Yuna exchange glances, torn between exasperation and pride.
She pinches the bridge of her nose.
"Of course they did. Because why not add 'goat whispering' to our list of deadly skills?"
He strokes his beard, considering.
"You know, Yuna, this could actually be useful. Imagine the look on Daejong's face when his troops are outmaneuvered by goat-chasing poetry enthusiasts."
She snorts, shaking her head.
"Now that's an image. Fine, add it to the training regimen. But if I see one goat in my strategy meetings, I'm blaming you, comrade."
He grins, eyes twinkling.
"Deal. Now, shall we go see these acrobatic killing machine in action? I suddenly feel the need for some... field research."
She unsheathes her sword dramatically.
"Lead the way, Your Highness. This I've got to see. Who knows? Maybe I'll even join in. For morale, of course."
He chuckles, gesturing towards the mountain path.
"After you, my poetic warrior. Let's see if your goat-chasing skills match your swordplay."
As they climb, the laughter and shouts of training warriors echo through the valley.
She pauses, surveying the crowded slopes.
"Your Highness, we're running out of space. And secrecy. These 'eloquent monsters' of ours are getting a bit... noticeable."
He strokes his beard, nodding slowly.
"Indeed. It seems our little acorn has grown into quite the oak. Perhaps it's time we found a more... expansive home for our leafy warriors."
Her eyes light up with an idea.
"What about Muhgol mountain? Plenty of space, natural defenses, and far from prying eyes. Plus, think of all the new goats to chase!"
He claps her on the shoulder, grinning.
"Brilliant, Yuna! You're worth your weight in strawberry milk. Now, how do we move an entire secret army without anyone noticing?"
A young Haemosu warrior overhears and approaches, bowing deeply.
He stands at attention, eyes shining.
"Your Highness, Captain! We could disguise ourselves as a traveling circus! I've been working on my juggling-while-reciting-war-strategies act."
She raises an eyebrow at Bimboryeo.
"Well, comrade? Shall we add 'circus performer' to our list of deadly skills?"
He claps his hands together, beaming.
"By the ancestors, yes! Daejong won't know what hit him when our trapeze artists start raining arrows from above!"
Over the next weeks, the Haemosu prepare for their grand relocation, balancing combat training with acrobatics.
She watches a warrior attempt to backflip while reciting battle formations.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but maybe we should stick to the goats. At least they don't try to juggle swords."
He hands her a set of juggling balls.
"Come now, Yuna. Where's your sense of adventure? Besides, I hear Emperor Daejong is terrified of clowns. Think of the tactical advantage!"
She takes the balls, sighing dramatically.
"Fine. But if I see one red nose in our war council, I'm blaming you, Your Highness."
As dawn breaks, the 'Haemosu Circus' begins its journey to Muhgol mountain, leaving behind only legends and very confused goats.
He watches his warriors march, disguised as the most lethal circus in history.
"Yuna, my friend, I think we've just written the most ridiculous chapter in Chongsan's military history."
She juggles absentmindedly while walking.
"Ridiculous? Perhaps. But just wait until our tightrope-walking archers take aim at Daejong's forces. Now that'll be a show worth watching."
He chuckles, then suddenly freezes, eyes widening.
"Yuna, I hate to interrupt your juggling act, but it seems we have... unexpected company."
Ahead on the path, a group of fierce-looking warriors wielding massive axes blocks their way.
He steps forward, his axe gleaming in the sunlight..
"Well, well, what have we here? A traveling circus or a secret army? Chop chop, speak up!"
She discreetly drops her juggling balls, hand moving to her sword.
"Your Highness, I don't suppose your circus act includes taming wild barbarians?"
He steps forward, bowing slightly to Gromgar.
"Greetings, noble axe-wielder! We're but humble entertainers, bringing joy and... uh, acrobatic warfare to the masses."
He narrows his eyes, axe still raised.
"Acrobatic warfare? Sounds like a fancy way to get chopped. Show me your best trick, or we'll see how well you juggle axes!"
The Haemosu warriors shift nervously, their circus disguises suddenly feeling very inadequate.
She steps forward, drawing her sword with a flourish.
"Very well, big guy. How about a little sword-dancing? I promise it's to die for."
He grabs Yuna's arm, whispering urgently.
"Yuna, wait! I have a better idea. Remember that ridiculous strawberry milk trade we discussed?"
She raises an eyebrow.
"Your Highness, this is hardly the time for refreshments..."
He turns to Gromgar, grinning widely.
"Honorable axe-wielders! We come bearing a gift - the sweetest, pinkest nectar of the gods. Behold, strawberry milk!"
Bimboryeo produces a jug of pink liquid from his pack, the Haemosu warriors looking on in disbelief.
He lowers his axe slightly, sniffing the air.
"Pink... milk? What sorcery is this? It better not be poison, or I'll chop chop your heads off!"
He pours a small amount into a cup, offering it to Gromgar.
"I assure you, it's the finest delicacy in all of Chongsan. One sip, and you'll forget all about chopping."
She watches, hand still on her sword.
"Well, Your Highness, I never thought I'd see the day when our fate rested on a jug of pink milk."
He takes the cup, sniffs it, then takes a small sip. His eyes widen in surprise.
"By the great axe! This... this is... DELICIOUS! Men, lower your axes! These pink-milk bringers are now our honored guests!"
He exchanges a victorious glance with Yuna.
"See, my friend? Sometimes the mightiest weapon is the most unexpected one. Now, shall we discuss a potential alliance over a nice, cold glass of strawberry milk?"
- Writer
