CHAPTER 17
990 Words
He squares his shoulders.
"Agreed. But for now, let's keep this between us. We need every skilled warrior we can get."
She nods, then smirks.
"Speaking of warriors, Your Highness, perhaps we should return before Bunja starts teaching everyone how to embroider with their swords."
He chuckles, eyes twinkling.
"Oh, what a delightful idea! I've always wanted a battle flag!"
a commotion erupts at the camp's entrance.
Jaesa strides into view, leading a group of women armed with bows.
"Prince Bimboryeo! We seek an audience!"
Bimboryeo blinks rapidly, then grins.
"Well, well! It seems the mountain air is attracting all sorts of interesting folk today. To what do we owe this pleasure, my bow-wielding beauties?"
Jaesa steps forward, bowing respectfully.
"Your Highness, I am Jaesa. We've come to join the Haemosu. Our arrows fly true, and our hearts beat for Chongsan."
Yuna crosses her arms.
"And what makes you think we need archers? This isn't a festival shooting gallery."
She meets Yuna's gaze.
"With all due respect, Captain, a well-placed arrow can change the tide of battle. Besides, someone needs to keep an eye on all these sword-swingers from a safe distance."
He claps his hands together.
"Oh, I like her! Yuna, can we keep them? Pretty please?"
She sighs, shaking her head.
"Your Highness, this isn't like adopting a litter of puppies..."
He gives Yuna his best puppy-dog eyes.
"But Yuna, just look at their determined faces! Plus, think of all the archery-themed desserts we could create! Arrow-shaped cookies, anyone?"
The Haemosu warriors gather around, curious about the newcomers.
Bunja approaches, eyeing the women's bows with interest.
"Your skill with a bow... it's impressive. Where did you learn?"
Jaesa tightens her grip on her bow.
"Here and there. A woman must protect herself in these troubled times."
Bimboryeo bounces on his toes.
"Oh, more mysterious pasts! Yuna, it's like we're collecting the characters for the greatest scroll tale ever written!"
Yuna pinches the bridge of her nose.
"Fine, Your Highness. But they'll need to prove themselves just like everyone else."
He turns to Jaesa with a flourish.
"Welcome to the Haemosu, ladies! Now, who wants to help me design our new archery-themed uniforms? I'm thinking quiver-shaped hats!"
She exchanges glances with her companions.
"We... appreciate your enthusiasm, Your Highness. Perhaps we could start with some target practice instead?"
He strokes his chin.
"Hmm, you drive a hard bargain, Jaesa. Very well!"
A week passes, filled with intense training and integration of the new archers.
His eyes widen as he surveys the bustling camp.
"By the spirits, Yuna! Look at how we've grown! It's like we planted warrior seeds and they sprouted overnight!"
She nods, a hint of pride in her eyes.
"Indeed, Your Highness. Our numbers have swelled to 60,000. It's almost... suspiciously convenient."
He bounces on his toes.
"Suspicious? Nonsense! It's destiny, my dear captain! Now, we simply must organize them. Ooh, I know! Let's divide them into animal-themed armies!"
She raises an eyebrow.
"Animal-themed? Your Highness, this isn't a children's game..."
He wags a finger at her.
"Ah, but imagine the fear we'll strike into our enemies' hearts! 'Oh no, here comes the dreaded Tiger Army!' It's brilliant!"
She sighs, but a small smile tugs at her lips.
"And I suppose you've already decided on the other animal names?"
He claps his hands together.
"Of course! We'll have the Lion Army for our fiercest warriors, the Dragon Army for our most cunning, and the Tiger Army for... well, because tigers are just cool!"
Bunja approaches, overhearing the conversation.
Bunja tilts his head.
"Your Highness, might I suggest a Rabbit Army? For our swiftest troops?"
He strokes his chin.
"Hmm, not quite fear-inducing enough, Bunja. Though I do like the idea of our enemies being defeated by fluffy bunnies..."
Yuna pinches the bridge of her nose.
"Focus, please. We need to address the rapid growth of our forces. It's... unusual."
He waves a hand.
"Details, details! Now, help me decide - should the Lion Army's banner have a roaring lion or a lounging one? I'm thinking lounging, it'll throw the enemy off!"
She crosses her arms.
"Your Highness, this is serious. We need to verify these new recruits. What if they're spies?"
His eyes widen.
"Spies? In my animal armies? Yuna, you wound me! But... I suppose we could ask them to do something only a true Haemosu would do. Like..."
She rubs her temples.
"Your Highness, please. We need a real plan."
His expression softens.
"You're right, Yuna. Actually, I've been thinking... perhaps it's time I returned to Chongsan."
Her eyes widen.
"Return? We've only just begun to build our forces."
He gazes into the distance.
"I need to see my father, Yuna. To gauge the situation in Chongsan,"
She furrows her brow.
"And the Haemosu? Who will lead them in your absence?"
She takes a step back.
"Me? But I... I'm not royalty. I can't possibly"
He wags a finger.
"Ah, but you forget! As the captain of the mighty Sansang Army, you outrank even the fiercest lion!"
Bunja approaches, overhearing the conversation.
He tilts his head.
"Your Highness, if I may... perhaps I could accompany you to Chongsan?"
He raises an eyebrow.
"You, Bunja? But surely your skills are needed here."
He bows slightly.
"My loyalty is to you, Your Highness. And... I've always wanted to see King Taejo"
She narrows her eyes.
"How convenient. And what of your duties here, Bunja?"
He claps his hands together.
"Oh, let him come, Yuna! We'll make it a road trip."
She sighs deeply.
"Very well. But promise me you'll be careful, Your Highness."
He gives a warm smile.
"Fear not, my dear captain."
As Bimboryeo prepares for his journey, tension hangs in the air. Yuna watches, her heart heavy with unspoken concerns.
She bites her lip.
"Just... come back to us, Your Highness. The Haemosu need you. I... we need you."
His eyes soften. "I will, Yuna."
- Writer
