In the grand residence of the Minister of Finance,Lord Hwang, laughter and music filled the air which created a joyful tune that seemed to echo all through the night. It was a night of luxury, a special celebration for Lord Hwang's birthday. The fragrant scent of lovely flowers and delicious food wafted through the air, blending together a feeling of delight and festivity. Lanterns hung around the pavilion, throwing a warm and golden light that danced on the finely built stone walls.
At the center of the celebration, seven Gisaengs moved gracefully, like petals floating on a soft breeze. Dressed in beautiful pale pink hanboks, they glided across the stage with a charm that felt magical. Their movements were so in sync that it seemed as if they were one single being. The crowd watched them, captivated, as the Gisaengs performed their dance with a display of beauty and skill. Whispers of admiration flowed through the audience, showing just how mesmerizing the Gisaengs truly were.
When the last note of music faded away, the dancers came to a gentle stop, and the room burst into applause and cheers. The lively atmosphere surged with excitement as everyone returned to the delicious food as their spirits were brightened by the enchanting performance. The sounds of clinking glasses and cheerful conversations filled the hall, creating an orchestra of celebration.
Then, the lights dimmed suddenly, and a hush fell over the crowd. A woman stepped onto the stage, drawing everyone's attention. She shared the highlight of the evening—a sword dance, an ancient and honored performance surrounded by stories and mystery.
From the shadows, a figure emerged of a dancer dressed in a striking red and black hanbok. Her simple low ponytail highlighted her mysterious beauty. A black mask with red flowers covered her face from the nose down, leaving only her beautiful eyes exposed—eyes that burned with a fierce intensity, seeming to see right into the souls of those watching. These eyes belonged to Eun Sook.
In her hand, she held her red rose sword, its hilt glimmering ominously in the faint light. The crowd held its breath in excitement as the music began, it was a haunting melody that seemed to transport everyone to a different time. Eun Sook moved with a deadly grace with her sword still sheathed as she began to dance.
Each step was a mix of fluidity and precision and her movements weaving the legendary tale of a warrior who had bravely slain a fierce dragon. The audience was entranced, watching with wide eyes and seized breath. As the dance continued, she slowly unsheathed her sword, and the blade shimmered under the moonlight, a flash of crimson piercing the night.
Her dance grew more intense, each movement a combination of beauty and danger. She pointed her sword towards different audience members, eliciting gasps of shock and excitement. Her eyes, filled with rage and determination, never strayed from her target—Lord Hwang.
Outside the house, a horse arrived, carrying a rider who seemed to have arrived late to the festivities. A dashing man dismounted with a grace that turned heads, even in the dim courtyard. Yet, his arrival slipped past the notice of most guests, who remained entirely captivated by the thrilling performance unfolding inside.
As Eun Sook's dance reached its climactic point, she pointed her sword toward the bright, full moon. At that exact moment, fireworks exploded in the sky, showering the crowd with vibrant colors that drew their attention upwards. It was almost impossible to see fireworks display as they were expensive and rare in that time, so all of the audience even Lord Hwang were captivated by it. Seizing this moment of distraction, Eun Sook sprang into action. In one swift motion, her sword sliced through the air, delivering a deadly blow to Lord Hwang.
The joyous atmosphere shattered into chaos. Screams ripped through the air as guests scrambled in panic. Tables were flipped, and the ground became strewn with abandoned goblets and scattered food. Eun Sook, with her mission complete, quickly sheathed her sword and dashed for the exit.
In her haste, she collided with the handsome latecomer at the entrance. Her sword slipped from her grip, but with quick reflexes, he caught it. "My apologies," he said softly, his eyes locking with hers for a brief moment that sent a jolt of energy through her. Eun Sook's heart raced as she fled into the dark night.
As the man stepped inside the house, a terrifying scene greeted him. Guards rushed past him, their faces painted with shock. He grabbed one by the arm, urgently demanding to know what happened. The guard's frantic explanation confirmed his worst fears—the assassin had just slipped by him.
Without a moment's pause, he turned and dashed back outside, scanning the shadows for any sign of the fleeing figure. The guards hurried to prepare horses, but oddly, every steed in the stable was asleep, an eerie hush contrasting sharply with the chaos inside the house.
Meanwhile, Eun Sook, now a fleeting shadow, mounted the man's own horse and spurred it into a swift gallop. The horse, startled yet obedient, carried her away from the scene of her crime. The guards, left without mounts, could only watch in helpless bewilderment as she vanished into the night.
Back in the home, the joyful atmosphere had turned into an unbearable grief. Lord Hwang's body lay still as a painful reminder of how quickly joy can turn to sorrow. The guests who were once filled with laughter, were now in shock, trying to comprehend the quick and brutal shift of the festivities.
The handsome latecomer, disarmed by the horror that had just unfolded, stared into the darkness. The mystery of Eun Sook, her fierce eyes, and her deadly dance would linger in his thoughts. The Hwang household which was once a symbol of happiness, now lay cloaked in mourning, the echoes of celebration replaced by the sounds of deep loss.
The night, which began with music and laughter, had ended in blood and sorrow, with the moon silently witnessing the events that had taken place under its watchful gaze.
The dashing latecomer,m with his a resolve hardening his handsome features, turned to one of the nearest guards. "Find me a horse," he commanded, his voice steady and calm amidst the chaos. "Even if you must borrow one from your neighbors." The guard hesitated, fear flickering in his eyes, stammering, "But sir, the assassin may already be far ahead."
The room fell silent, as if everyone was holding their breath. There was something about this man—he carried an authority that demanded respect and obedience. The guard felt the weight of his duty but also the deep need to not disappoint this enigmatic figure.
The latecomer's gaze was cool and unwavering. "Do it. Now," he ordered, his voice sharp and clear. The guard nodded quickly, running off into the night. Even in the midst of panic, those still in the house noticed how people responded to him—with a mix of admiration and apprehension, as if he were more than just any nobleman.
"I'm headed to the palace," he announced, turning with a flourish that made his cloak billow behind him like a bird about to take flight. His announcement drew murmurs of awe and concern throughout the crowd. Who was this man? What power did he possess that made even the bravest guards scurry to do his bidding?
Minutes felt like hours, each second stretching out with tension. Finally, a servant appeared, panting and wide-eyed, leading a horse that seemed equally frazzled. The man's eyes sparkled with a sense of satisfaction. He mounted the horse with speed and grace with each movement radiating urgency and purpose.
As he rode off into the night, becoming a shadow among shadows, the household was left in a stunned silence. The clatter and panic slowly returned, but the memory of his commanding presence remained, a ghost looming over the night filled with blood and chaos. The household and remaining servants, now without their master, faced the daunting task of tending to the aftermath alone. The weight of Lord Hwang's death hung heavily in the air as an unbearable reminder of their loss.
The once lively atmosphere had been irreversibly shattered, leaving the Hwang household to manage their sorrow. The moon, now low in the sky, cast a cold light over the tragic scene, as the man disappeared into darkness. He left behind a house drowning in grief, their cries of despair echoing through the night, a haunting symphony of sadness that marked the end of an era and the beginning of unforeseen turmoil.