CHAPTER 15
909 Words
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?"
He guzzles down the rest of his strawberry milk, pink mustache adorning his fierce visage.
"Alliance? Chop chop! I like the way you think, pink-milk man. But what's in it for us besides this divine nectar?"
She sheathes her sword, shaking her head in disbelief.
"Well, for starters, how about not getting your axes handed to you by our 'circus' troupe?"
He strokes his chin, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Gromgar, my axe-loving friend, how would you like to be part of the most fearsome, milk-drinking, acrobatic warriors this side of Chongsan?"
He leans on his massive axe, eyebrow raised.
"Fearsome? That's my middle name! But acrobatic? Chop chop, explain yourself!"
Bimboryeo gestures dramatically towards Mount Muhgol looming in the distance.
He points to the mountain with a flourish.
"Picture this: axe-wielding warriors somersaulting through the air, striking fear into the hearts of our enemies! We're forming an elite force called Haemosu, and we want you to join us."
She crosses her arms, eyeing Gromgar.
"Your Highness, are you sure about this? I mean, can these hulking brutes even do a cartwheel?"
He puffs out his chest, nostrils flaring.
"Cartwheel? Ha! I'll have you know I was the reigning flower-arranging champion three years running. Axe-throwing while arranging daisies? Child's play!"
The Haemosu warriors exchange bewildered glances at this unexpected revelation.
He claps his hands together, grinning widely.
"Perfect! We'll need those delicate sensibilities for our more... nuanced operations. So, what say you, Gromgar? Care to trade your daisy crown for a jug of strawberry milk and a spot in the Haemosu?"
He scratches his beard, axe tapping rhythmically against the ground.
"Hmm... Acrobatics, milk, and the chance to chop chop some real enemies instead of dummies? Count us in! But I have one condition."
She raises an eyebrow, hand instinctively moving back to her sword.
"And what might that be, O Flowery Axe Wielder?"
He leans in close, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
"We get to keep our axes... and I want a weekly flower-arranging class. A warrior must maintain balance, you know."
He struggles to keep a straight face, nodding solemnly.
"But of course! We'll even throw in a lifetime supply of strawberry milk. Now, shall we make our way to Mount Muhgol? I hear the view is simply... chopping."
She sighs, gesturing for the group to move out.
"Well, Your Highness, you've officially created the world's first milk-drinking, flower-arranging, axe-wielding acrobatic army. Emperor Daejong won't know what hit him."
He hefts his axe onto his shoulder, leading his men forward.
"Chop chop, Haemosu! To Mount Muhgol we go! And someone better be taking notes - I have some ideas for our first floral battlefield formation."
He chuckles, falling into step beside Gromgar.
"I can't wait to see how you incorporate daisies into our defensive strategies, my friend. But first, let's focus on turning this mountain into our new home."
As the group crests the final ridge, Mount Muhgol's sprawling expanse comes into view.
She surveys the dilapidated structures and overgrown fields.
"Well, it's not exactly the palace, but it'll do. Alright, comrades, time to get our hands dirty!"
He brandishes his axe, eyes gleaming.
"Chop chop! My axes have been itching for some action. Point me to the trees that need felling!"
He strokes his chin, considering the layout.
"Gromgar, your strength will be invaluable for clearing land. Yuna, could you organize teams for repairing houses? I'll oversee the restoration of the paddy fields."
The Haemosu warriors scatter across the mountain, their unusual skills put to surprising use.
She watches an axe-wielder delicately patch a roof.
"Your Highness, I never thought I'd see the day when barbarians would be better at home repair than combat."
He gestures to the progress around them.
"That's the beauty of our Haemosu, Yuna. We're full of surprises. Speaking of which, how's that strawberry milk supply holding up?"
He drops the log he's carrying and rushes over.
"Milk supply? Chop chop, we can't run out! How else will I maintain my fearsome pink mustache?"
A commotion near the paddy fields draws their attention.
She squints at the disturbance.
"Your Highness, is that... Are those warriors using their axes to dig irrigation channels?"
He nods, barely containing his amusement.
"Indeed it is. Who knew Gromgar's men were such agricultural innovators? Though I fear for our rice yield if they keep 'chopping' with such enthusiasm."
He puffs out his chest.
"Bah! My warriors are artists with their axes. Those channels will be straighter than an arrow, mark my words!"
She raises an eyebrow.
"And I suppose next you'll tell me they can harvest rice with those axes too?"
He strokes his beard, eyes lighting up.
"Oho! Now there's an idea! Chop chop, imagine the efficiency!"
He quickly interjects.
"Let's... save that innovation for another day, shall we? For now, how about we focus on setting up our headquarters? I believe I saw a cave that would be perfect for our strategic planning... and flower arranging sessions."
She sighs, shaking her head.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but lead the way to our floral war room, Your Highness. This I've got to see."
He practically skips towards the cave.
"Chop chop! Last one there has to arrange thistles!"
- Writer
