Eun Sook moved swiftly through the Choice Family courtyard with Na Bi and Na Mu by her side. The murmurs of the nobles followed her, their whispers slithering through the night air like venom.
She had almost reached the outer gate when a voice cut through the noise.
"Young Lady Jang!"
She halted.
The name held weight that felt familiar yet heavy. Slowly, she turned.
Wang Yul stood a few paces away, his expression unreadable, but his eyes were dark and searching for answers which spoke volumes. He wasn't angry. He wasn't mocking. He just wanted answers.
"What are you doing here?" His voice was quieter now, edged with concern. "Why were you pretending to be Gisaeng?"
For a moment, something flickered in her eyes. But she masked it just as quickly with her face turning cold.
He took a step closer. "Young Lady Jang—"
She turned away without a word.
Wang Yul's lips parted as if to call her again, but he hesitated.
Seo Jin, who had been watching the exchange, finally spoke. "Your Highness… what just happened?"
Wang Yul exhaled, his gaze still lingering on where she had been. "Jin, I don't know either." The reply wasn't to Seo Jin but himself
Jin frowned but said nothing more. He gave a short bow before walking away, though the confusion never left his face.
Even as silence settled in the courtyard, Wang Yul remained where he was, his fists clenched at his sides.
---
The Road Home
The walk back home was suffocating. Na Bi walked tense beside Eun Sook, while Na Mu's face was carefully unreadable.
Yeon Woo, on the other hand, was brimming with amusement, accompanied by her maid So-i.
"How interesting," she drawled, breaking the silence. "The girl who detests attention suddenly puts on a show."
So-i smirked. "Oh, but my lady, it wasn't just any show. It was a Gisaeng's performance." She leaned in slightly. "I wonder, did she learn that skill from practice or by profession?"
Yeon Woo gasped dramatically. "Now that's a question! Sister, do tell—how long have you been masquerading as a Gisaeng was it before Father took you in or after?"
Na Bi stiffened with her hands curling into fists.
"Careful, my lady," So-i teased, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "If you provoke her too much, she might dance for us next."
Yeon Woo giggled, clearly enjoying herself.
Na Bi could no longer hold back. She snapped. "Why do some persons care so much about what the persons they don't like do?"
Yeon Woo smirked. "Because watching her pretend to be something she's not is entertaining."
Eun Sook remained silent the entire time, she had so much on her mind. Yeon Woo's pettiness were the least if her concerns. Her complete lack of reaction made Yeon Woo's smile twitch with irritation.
The rest of the walk was spent in silence and filled with unspoken tensions.
---
At the Jang Residence
As soon as they arrived, Head Maid Shin was already waiting at the front gate, her fingers fidgeting with worry. The moment she saw them, she hurried forward.
"Welcome back, Young Ladies," she greeted, though her voice was tight. Then, turning to Eun Sook, she added, "The Lord seeks you immediately. He awaits you in his study."
Yeon Woo let out a dry laugh. "Of course, he is."
So-i whispered something, and Yeon Woo chuckled before tossing Eun Sook a look. "Try not to shame him more than you already have."
With a final smirk, she turned and walked off to her with So-i following behind.
Na Bi and Na Mu exchanged worried glances.
Eun Sook didn't hesitate. She walked straight to the study.
---
Inside the Study
The door loomed before her. She knocked once.
"Enter."
She stepped inside.
Lord Jang sat at his desk with a cold expression displaying on his face. But this time, there was something else—something darker.
He was already fuming.
His fingers drummed against the polished wood. His lips pressed into a thin line. But his eyes—his piercing, rage-filled eyes—burned straight through her.
"Where have you been?"
Eun Sook said nothing.
The drumming stopped.
"I asked you a question."
Still, she remained silent.
Lord Jang exhaled sharply through his nose. "You think I wouldn't find out?" His voice dropped lower, dangerously quiet. "You, in a Royal Banquet? Pretending to be a Gisaeng? Wearing their clothes? Dancing before nobles like a common entertainer?"
His voice turned even colder. "You were given a mission. A task. Yet instead of doing what you were trained for, you ran off to play dress-up?"
Silence.
His fingers twitched. "Have you no shame?"
Still, no response.
The slap came hard and fast. The force sent her staggering to the side, her cheek burning from the impact.
Before she could steady herself, his hand shot out, gripping her throat.
"Do you think you can defy me?" he hissed, his grip tightening. "Do you think you have a choice?"
Eun Sook's nails dug into his wrist, but she didn't struggle. She didn't cry.
Lord Jang's grip loosened slightly, but his voice was just as cruel. "This is your last warning. The mission must be completed by tomorrow. No more delays. Enough with your stupid distractions."
Then, just as quickly, he shoved her backward.
She hit the floor hard but didn't make a sound.
Without another glance, Lord Jang turned and stormed out.
---
Minutes passed before the door burst open.
Na Bi, Na Mu, and Head Maid Shin rushed inside. To see Eun Sook sitting on the floor quite.
"Young Lady!" Na Bi gasped, kneeling beside her. "Are you hurt?"
Eun Sook pushed herself up, wiping the blood from her lip. "Prepare a bath," she said calmly. "And bring food to my chambers."
Head Maid Shin hesitated. "Right away, my lady."
Na Bi reached out hesitantly. "Let me tend to—"
Her fingers brushed Eun Sook's sleeve, revealing a faded scar along her arm.
Na Bi sucked in a breath.
Eun Sook immediately pulled away, tugging the fabric back into place.
"Leave me."
---
The Bathhouse
Sinking into the steaming water, she let the heat sting her bruised skin. The herbs floated around her, their scent filling the air, but her mind was elsewhere.
She had no time for pain.
No time for fear.
She rested her head against the edge of the pool with her eyes staring blankly at the ceiling.
She was supposed to be planning an assassination. Instead, she had risked everything to help the Gisaengs.
But they weren't just a distraction.
She needed them. They held the missing pieces—the information she lacked. And if she wanted to succeed, she had to make sure she got what she needed.
Eun Sook sat in the pool, running her fingers through the water before playfully splashing a little into the air. She watched as the droplets fell back, a small smirk forming on her lips. Everything was set. Every step had been planned, and now it was time to put it all into action.
Leaning back, she let the warm water surround her, but inside, her mind was sharp and focused.
"Tomorrow," she murmured.
The flower of vengeance would bloom—just not in the way Lord Jang expected.