CHAPTER 3
820 Words
He grins, smoothing his rumpled disguise.
"What can I say? I contain multitudes. Now, let's see what treasures you've liberated from our friends." Bimboryeo said
They huddle close, the stolen documents spread before them in the dim light.
Captain Yuna's finger traces a winding path on a map.
"Look here. These aren't just troop movements. These are supply routes, hidden in plain sight." Captain Yuna said
His eyes widen, recognition dawning.
"Wait a moment... This pass here. It's barely defended. If we could disrupt this route..."
She nods, a slow smile spreading across her face.
"We could cripple their entire eastern campaign. Your Highness, I believe we've found our ace in the hole."
He leans back, mind racing with possibilities.
"Oh, this is delicious. The Gojhang Empire, undone by their own arrogance. But we'll need more than just this to convince My Father King Taejo."
She arches an eyebrow, curiosity piqued.
"What did you have in mind, oh master of tall tales?"
He taps his chin, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Tell me, Captain. How do you feel about a little game of 'capture the flag'? Gojhang style, of course." Bimboryeo said
She leans forward, intrigued.
"I'm listening, Your Highness. But if this involves actual dancing bears, I'm out."
He chuckles, shaking his head.
"No bears, I promise. But it will require stealth, cunning, and perhaps a dash of that rebellious spirit you're so famous for."
As they lean closer, whispering plans in the shadows, the festival's last embers fade into night.
She rolls up the documents, a determined glint in her eye.
"Well, Your Highness, it seems we have a long night ahead of us. Shall we begin?,"
Bimboryeo rubs his hands together, grinning like a child with a new toy.
"Oh, absolutely! I haven't had this much fun since I convinced the royal chef that rice cakes were sentient."
The duo slips through the darkened streets, their festival disguises now serving a new purpose.
She points towards a heavily guarded compound.
"There's our target, Your Highness. The Gojhang command post. How do you propose we get past those sentries?"
He winks, producing a small pouch from his sleeve.
"Watch and learn, my dear Captain. I didn't spend my youth pickpocketing the royal court for nothing."
Bimboryeo saunters towards the nearest sentry, feigning drunkenness.
He stumbles, nearly falling into the guard.
"Oh, good sir! Might you point me towards the... hic... nearest tavern? I seem to have misplaced my dignity!" Bimboryeo said
Guard pushes Bimboryeo away, scowling.
"Off with you, drunkard! Before I throw you in the cells to sober up!"
As the sentry turns, Bimboryeo's fingers dance, lifting a ring of keys from his belt.
He shuffles back to Yuna, jingling the keys.
"And that, my rebellious friend, is how princes do thievery."
She takes the keys, shaking her head in disbelief.
"I'm starting to think you missed your calling as a street performer, Your Highness."
They make their way to the compound's perimeter, where Yuna expertly disables the alarm system.
She fiddles with a complex mechanism.
"There. Silent as a temple mouse. Now, about those maps..."
He produces a set of rolled parchments from his bag.
"Right here. Took me three days and two bottles of rice wine to forge these beauties."
They slip into the command tent, quickly locating the strategic maps.
He carefully swaps the real maps with his forgeries.
"Let's see the Gojhang Empire march their troops into a swamp thinking it's a shortcut."
She stifles a laugh.
"Your Highness, your devious mind never ceases to amaze me."
Suddenly, a dog's bark pierces the night air, uncomfortably close.
He freezes, eyes wide.
"I don't suppose you have any treats for man's best friend in that rebel toolkit of yours?"
She grabs Bimboryeo's arm, pulling him towards the exit.
"Fresh out, I'm afraid. Time for a hasty retreat, Your Highness!"
He follows, grinning despite the danger.
"Well, nothing like a moonlit chase to get the royal blood pumping!"
The duo darts through the shadows, the sound of barking dogs growing closer.
She spots a small shed and points.
"Quick, in there!"
He dives into the shed, nearly tripping over his own feet.
"Your Highness, look at this. It seems we've stumbled into quite the wardrobe."
He rummages through a nearby crate, pulling out a crisp Gojhang military uniform.
"Well, well. It appears the gods of mischief are smiling upon us tonight."
Bimboryeo quickly dons an officer's uniform, admiring his reflection in a dusty mirror.
He straightens his collar, striking a pose.
"I must say, the enemy has impeccable taste. How do I look, Captain? Dashing? Intimidating? Dashingly intimidating?"
She rolls her eyes, slipping into a messenger's outfit.
"You look like trouble, Your Highness. As always."
Fully disguised, they exchange a determined nod before stepping out of the shed.
He strides forward, chin held high.
"Remember, Captain. We're not infiltrating, we're... inspecting. With extreme prejudice."
- Writer
