The Jang Residence
The night was still.
Gwang Woo stood quietly behind the outer wall of the Jang residence, his arms folded behind his and his eyes fixed on the manor that sat silently under the fading night. His figure was hidden in the shadows, blending with the darkness like a ghost watching from afar. The cold breeze brushed past his face, but he didn't flinch. One by one, the lights in the residence dimmed, until the entire place was swallowed by silence.
He said nothing. He simply watched, waiting.
---
The Seo Residence- Dawn
By the time dawn arrived, the Seo residence was already awake. The gates creaked as the servants moved about, carrying out their duties like it was a market day. Horses neighed from the stables, and the sound of footsteps filled the air.
A strong black horse was already prepared in the front courtyard. Its legs were fast and sturdy—chosen for long and rough travels. A thick fur coat and gloves made from animal skin were neatly folded and packed inside a satchel tied behind the saddle. Pouches filled with water were slung over one side, and bags of dried beef and rice cakes on the other. Everything was ready.
Maidservant Park walked toward her master's chambers with her hands tightly clutched in front of her. Her face was pale, and the deep lines between her brows showed her worry. She had barely slept the night before, and it showed in her eyes.
Inside the chambers, Seo Jin stood by his desk, fully dressed in a thick black overcoat. His sword hung by his side, and his gloves were already on. As soon as he heard the door slide open, he rolled up the map on his table and tucked it into his bag. Beside it, he slipped in a small leather pouch filled with gold coins and gently tucked in the dart from the dead general's estate, making sure it wouldn't spill or tear the cloth.
When he looked up and saw Maidservant Park's face, he knew what she was thinking.
"You're worried," he said softly as he tightened the strings on his bag.
She nodded. "Yes, young master. You're going far… to a place no one has returned from."
He gave her a faint smile. "I will return," he said. "You have my word."
Even though his words were calm, she could still see the fear hiding behind his steady voice. She didn't push any further. She bowed deeply and stepped aside as he walked past her.
Outside, at the gate, the entire household stood still. The servants stood in two lines on either side, quietly watching their lord. Not one of them dared to speak. They bowed as he approached his horse.
Just then, the sound of galloping hooves echoed in the distance. A rider arrived quickly, dismounting right at the gate. It was Go-Nam, one of the royal guards from the palace. He wore a dark green robe, and on his back was a tightly strapped pack.
"I was sent by His Majesty," he said. "To accompany you to Hwaju."
Seo Jin nodded. "Then let's not waste time."
A small wave of relief passed through Maidservant Park's chest. At least he wouldn't be going alone.
Without any more words, the two mounted their horses and rode off, disappearing into the breaking dawn.
---
Morning- The Jang Residence
The sun was now fully out, shining softly over the rooftops of the capital. At the Jang residence, Eun Sook sat quietly by her window. She wore a pale yellow and white hanbok, and her long black hair was still a little damp from her morning bath. Her eyes stared out at the trees swaying gently outside, but her mind wasn't with them. She seemed far away—lost in thoughts she couldn't speak.
Na Bi moved about the room, dusting the shelves and polishing the vases. The room smelled faintly of fresh herbs and rose oil.
Just then, footsteps echoed through the hall. A servant quickly entered and bowed.
"My lady… there are guests. Madam Han and Madam Jung seek your presence."
Eun Sook immediately turned, her heart sinking for a reason she couldn't explain. She stood up at once and walked to the hall.
There stood the two women. Both looked tired, their faces pale and strained. Madam Jung wrung her hands together. Madam Han's lips were tightly pressed.
"What is it?" Eun Sook asked at once. "Something has happened."
Madam Jung was the first to speak. "Where is Lord Jang?"
"He traveled to the southern provinces. He won't be back for weeks… maybe months."
Madam Han closed her eyes for a moment and then opened them. "Seo Jin left for Hwaju this morning," she said. "He must have found out about the Blood Blossoms."
Eun Sook froze. For a moment, she forgot how to breathe. Her fingers trembled at her side.
"If he reaches the plantation—" Madam Han didn't finish.
Eun Sook didn't wait. She turned immediately and barked orders.
"Maidservant Shin, Na Bi—prepare for travel! I need a fast horse. Food, warm clothing, water, weapons. Now!"
The entire household flew into motion.
Eun Sook rushed into Lord Jang's study and pulled open the drawers. Her hands couldn't stop shaking. She pulled out a folded map of Hwaju and tucked it under her arm. Then she grabbed ink and parchment.
Her hands which were still shaking, moved quickly over the paper:
"Seo Jin has discovered the location of the Blood Blossoms. I am going to prevent him from finding out, by any means necessary."
She rolled the letter and sealed it. She attached it to a messenger bird and sent the bird out the window to Jeon-ju to message Lord Jang.
---
She changed into a simple dark blue hanbok, one she could ride freely in. Her long black hair was pulled back into a loose low ponytail, and she tied a black scarf around her head to shield her face from the dust of the road as she travelled.
Just as she stepped outside the main hall, she bumped into Yeon Woo. He stood in her path with a strange expression on his face.
"Where are you running off to now?" he asked, his voice filled with irritation. "Another foolish task from our dear father?"
She met his eyes. "Yes. I have something to take care of. I'll be gone for two weeks."
Without waiting for her response, she stepped past her.
In the courtyard, Na Bi stood beside her horse, adjusting the straps. Maidservant Shin brought out more food and warm cloaks. Na Mu stood holding her sword, bow, and a bundle of arrows. Madam Han and Madam Jung waited with worry written all over their faces.
"You're going after him, aren't you? How will you catch up with him? He left hours ago," Madam Han asked, stepping forward.
"I'll take the shortcuts through the mountains," Eun Sook replied. "They'll save me almost a full day. I can arrive before him."
"Those paths aren't safe," Madam Jung warned. "There are barbarians, bandits—"
"I know," she said. "But I don't have a choice."
Na Mu stepped forward. "I'll go with you."
Eun Sook shook her head. "No. You must stay. If a messenger bird arrives from Lord Jang, read it and find a way to send it to me. And…" Her voice lowered, "If I do not return… you must kill Seo Jin. No matter what."
Na Mu's eyes widened, but he said nothing. He simply bowed his head.
Eun Sook climbed onto her horse and adjusted the scarf around her face. She turned once more to the women in front of her. There were no more words left to say. Everything now depended on how fast she could ride.
She tugged the reins and took off, the horse thundering out of the Jang residence like a gust of wind.
Behind a row of trees, Gwang Woo watched her disappear. He waited until she was gone, then walked straight to the gates.
"I need a horse," he told the guards. "And supplies."
He didn't wait for questions. Once he got what he needed, he mounted and followed after her—keeping a careful distance.
---
The 7th Prince's Residence
Wang Yul lay in his bed, feeling sick. His head hurt from drinking too much the night before, and he felt really down. "Why does she keep pushing me away?" he mumbled to himself. "I need to know, even if it kills me."
He sat up quickly, determined to find answers. "I can't just stay here like this," he thought. He called out to a servant. "Can you please get me a bath?"
"Right away, Your Highness!" the servant said, rushing off to help.
After a little while, Wang Yul got into the warm bath. The water felt soothing, and he hoped it would help him feel better. Once he was clean and dressed, he took a deep breath.
When he stepped outside, the sun was shining, but he still felt heavy inside. With a strong look on his face, he walked down the path, ready to find out the truth.
–––
The Streets of the Capital
As Eun Sook was just approaching the outskirts of the capital, someone stepped in front of her horse. The animal neighed and stopped. She looked down to see Wang Yul standing there, looking up at her with tired, sunken eyes.
"Where are you going? Are you travelling or leaving?" he asked softly.
She didn't answer him. Her eyes were blank.
"My Lady....."
She said nothing. She gently kicked her horse and rode past him without looking back.
Wang Yul stood there, helpless. He didn't call after her. He just watched her fade into the distance like a shadow that slipped out of reach.
Behind her, Gwang Woo followed silently. His presence was still unknown by her.