Do-Hyun, Han So-Yeon, and Mi-Ryeong found themselves as unexpected guests in the grand estate of the Jang family—an influential noble house renowned across the region. The estate was a symbol of prestige, with towering walls, lush gardens, and intricate stone pathways leading to sprawling halls decorated with ancient relics and martial artifacts.
Despite the comfort of their surroundings, both Do-Hyun and So-Yeon remained puzzled by one lingering question: How had Mi-Ryeong managed to gain the favor of such an esteemed household with nothing more than a few polite words?
"Are we really allowed to stay here for a few days?"
Do-Hyun asked hesitantly, glancing around the lavishly furnished guest room, its walls adorned with silk paintings and rare calligraphy.
So-Yeon crossed her arms, her sharp gaze never leaving Mi-Ryeong.
"Yeah. In Kangho, favors like this don't come without a price. What exactly did you promise them?"
Mi-Ryeong simply offered a gentle smile, the very picture of calm confidence.
"All it takes is proper etiquette and the right attitude. Nothing more."
So-Yeon snorted in disbelief.
"A little bit of etiquette? Please. A normal traveler wouldn't even get past the gate without being questioned. And yet, here you are, sipping tea in luxury like you own the place. How did you manage this?"
Lifting her cup gracefully, Mi-Ryeong took a delicate sip of tea before answering with a playful glimmer in her eyes.
"That's a secret. What matters is that we're safe—and we have comfortable rooms. Why question a good thing?"
Her dismissive attitude left Do-Hyun with no choice but to let the subject drop. He quietly sat down, drawing his sword across his lap and polishing the blade with careful precision. Yet the seed of curiosity had already been planted.
The Jang family estate itself was a miniature kingdom of opulence, with its own small army of retainers—warriors, strategists, and scholars, all eager to serve under the noble house's banner. Every evening, the grand banquet hall came alive with the sound of conversations, laughter, and intellectual debates. Power and influence filled the air like an unspoken language, and even the most seasoned martial artists tread carefully here.
Do-Hyun, sipping his tea quietly, watched the intricate dance of power unfold before him.
"Everyone here must hold influence in Kangho," he murmured.
So-Yeon nodded.
"Retainers of a house like the Jang family aren't ordinary martial artists. They're renowned warriors or skilled political figures. But what baffles me…"
She cast a side glance at Mi-Ryeong, lowering her voice.
"Is how she brought us into this world so easily. No one gains favor like that unless they're someone important."
Do-Hyun's gaze lingered on Mi-Ryeong for a moment longer, his instincts sharpened by the mysteries surrounding her.
"It doesn't feel like she negotiated her way in. It feels like the head of this house already trusted her before we arrived. Just what kind of background is she hiding?"
The conversation was cut short as the grand doors of the hall opened, revealing Jang Mun-Ho, the venerable head of the Jang family. His presence commanded respect without a single word spoken—his calm eyes held the wisdom of decades, and his movements were measured with the precision of a man who had seen countless battles.
"Welcome, Lee Do-Hyun—the one they call the Black Cloud Sword—and your esteemed companions."
His voice was deep and steady, echoing across the room like the sound of a gong.
"It is an honor to host warriors of such renown in my humble estate."
Do-Hyun rose to his feet, bowing with the humility expected of a martial artist.
"I am undeserving of such hospitality. I am but a wandering swordsman, hardly worthy of such high regard."
Jang Mun-Ho's smile was warm, yet his gaze was calculating—an experienced leader who missed nothing.
"A wandering swordsman, perhaps, but the name 'Black Cloud Sword' has already begun to stir the winds of Kangho. Many of the greatest warriors and thinkers in Murim reside under my roof as retainers. I trust you will find valuable experience exchanging wisdom with them."
So-Yeon whispered quietly to Do-Hyun as the nobleman walked away.
"Be careful, Captain. In places like this, every conversation is a battle—even if no swords are drawn."
Do-Hyun nodded, his thoughts returning to Mi-Ryeong.
'This place feels like a den of lions—and somehow, Mi-Ryeong walks among them as if she belongs. But how?'
For now, the answers remained elusive. But deep within the walls of the Jang family estate, the wheels of political intrigue had already begun to turn—and Do-Hyun would soon learn that surviving in Kangho meant navigating not just blades, but the deadly games of power as well.
The moon hung high over the Jang family estate, casting soft silver light through the paper windows of their guest quarters. Do-Hyun sat by the window, staring at the reflection of his sword, the Ego Blade, resting quietly on the table. His thoughts lingered on Mi-Ryeong—her graceful demeanor, her unnerving ability to blend in with the nobles, and her ever-present air of secrecy.
"Secrets…"
His voice was barely a whisper.
"Everyone has them, but hers… feel heavier than most."
Behind him, So-Yeon leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching him with a mixture of concern and curiosity.
"Still thinking about Mi-Ryeong?"
Do-Hyun gave a slight nod but didn't turn to face her.
"There's something about her… She's too polished. Too perfect for someone who claims to be wandering without direction."
So-Yeon stepped closer, her tone softening.
"You're overthinking it again. Maybe she's just from a noble background and doesn't want to talk about it."
"That could be it,"Do-Hyun admitted, his voice low.
"But if that's true, why lie about it? And why travel with two people like us, risking danger in Murim?"
So-Yeon sat beside him, resting her back against the wall.
"Maybe she's running from something—or someone. People don't always reveal the truth, especially if it could put them in danger."
For a moment, silence settled between them, broken only by the soft hum of insects outside.
The Next Morning
The following day, as the sun bathed the estate in warm light, Mi-Ryeong was already engaging with the noble retainers of the Jang family. Her sharp intellect and flawless etiquette drew attention from even the most seasoned politicians. Discussions ranged from trade routes to alliances with neighboring regions—topics most martial artists wouldn't even dare approach.
Do-Hyun and So-Yeon watched from a distance, the unease in their expressions deepening.
"She's speaking like a diplomat,"So-Yeon muttered.
"No wanderer would know that much about regional politics unless she was trained for it."
"She knows how to influence people,"Do-Hyun observed.
"That's not just learned behavior—that's the mark of someone raised in the world of power."
Their suspicions grew further when Jang Mun-Ho, the estate's master, once again singled Mi-Ryeong out for conversation. His interest in her knowledge seemed more than mere curiosity.
"You have a keen understanding of alliances and strategy, Mi-Ryeong," the nobleman commented, stroking his beard thoughtfully.
"If I didn't know better, I'd say you were trained in the art of statecraft."
Mi-Ryeong merely offered a polite smile.
"As I've said, I've simply observed enough to understand the importance of diplomacy."
But her vague answers only deepened Do-Hyun's suspicions.
A Hidden Message
Later that night, as the others slept, Do-Hyun found a folded note slipped beneath his door. The handwriting was elegant and precise—a stark contrast to the rough letters used by common travelers.
"Meet me in the eastern courtyard. Come alone."
Instinctively, his hand moved toward the hilt of his sword, but curiosity outweighed caution. Stepping quietly through the dimly lit halls, he made his way to the eastern courtyard.
There, beneath the shadow of a gnarled old tree, Mi-Ryeong stood waiting. Her silhouette was calm, but her eyes held a weight he hadn't seen before.
"You're cautious," she said softly, turning toward him.
"That's good. In Murim, trust is a dangerous game."
Do-Hyun didn't mince words.
"Who are you really? You're not a simple traveler."
For the first time, Mi-Ryeong dropped her serene mask. Her gaze became sharp, and her voice lowered.
"You're right. I'm not just someone wandering the world for knowledge."
Do-Hyun's grip on his sword tightened.
"Then what are you doing here?"
She took a step closer, her expression unreadable.
"I'm searching for something. Or rather… someone. And until I find them, traveling with you and So-Yeon is my best chance of staying hidden."
"Hidden from who?"Do-Hyun asked cautiously.
Her eyes darkened.
"From those who want me dead."
The Weight of Secrets
The silence stretched between them as Do-Hyun tried to process her words. The pieces began to fall into place—her knowledge of politics, her effortless blending into noble circles, and now, this confession.
"You're from a noble house," he guessed.
"One powerful enough that someone would risk sending assassins after you."
Mi-Ryeong offered a bitter smile.
"Not just any noble house… A family that once held influence in Murim's hidden political circles. But I lost everything—my title, my power, and my home."
"And now you're running."
"No," she corrected.
"I'm preparing. Because one day, I'll take back everything I lost."
Do-Hyun studied her carefully before lowering his sword.
"If that's the truth… then why stay with us?"
Her voice softened.
"Because you're not bound by Murim's politics. And because… I think you might be the key to surviving what's coming."
For a long moment, Do-Hyun said nothing.
"Secrets like that have a price, Mi-Ryeong. If you want our trust, you'll need to prove it with more than just words."
She nodded slowly.
"I'll prove it. But when the time comes, you'll need to decide if you're willing to stand with me against the forces that destroyed my family."
Do-Hyun turned away, the weight of the revelation settling on his shoulders.
"We'll see."
As the wind rustled the leaves around them, he couldn't help but feel the winds of change beginning to stir once more.