Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Eun-Jeong opened her eyes as she woke up from the quick nap she had decided to take earlier. Her hair, which she had put up in a half-hairdo, had a nice cold breeze going through it. There was a piece of her hair covering her eyes, which she quickly snatched from its place to put it behind her ear.

When she was finally able to take a look at her surroundings and see what was happening around her she noticed that they had almost reached their destination as she could see the country of Deaho forming itself in the distance. She knew it wouldn’t be long before she would be stepping her feet on shore again, the boot’s speed helping.

Situated nicely in her lap was her bag together with her sword, checking to see if she still had everything with her before she closed her eyes and quickly let out a sigh when noticing that everything was still there, not like any thief would be able to steal from her, but you never knew when being surrounded by strangers. And even though she wasn’t travelling with much, she carried a few in her eyes very valuable things; food and money, but most importantly her herbs and Songrim’s spirit plague. The last one being something she was not prepared to lose, knowing its punishment. 

As she looked down on it she saw what were about to be that day's last rays of sunshine shine on it, making it even more appealing to look at. Turning her gaze to the sun she hoped that she would be able to arrive at Chwiseonru before it would be completely able to set. But she knew she wouldn’t make it before then, the sun going down way too fast in these colder months. She cursed herself for not having left earlier, she knew she should have, but Master Lee kept coming up with all kinds of excuses to keep her there with him. She did feel sorry for the man and definitely would have stayed if there were different circumstances at hand.

They were saying Naksu was dead, but she didn’t dare believe such trivial rumours, not until she saw her body with her own eyes.

And besides, she knew she should probably check up on everyone back home, she had been gone for far too long. She did believe that somehow someone would have contacted her though if something of notice had happened, if not they probably thought her dead, but that was taking it a bit far and she snorted at the thought.

She planned on making her ‘big entrance’ tomorrow so she would be hearing all the important happenings of the past year then. But that wouldn’t stop her from hearing all the interesting gossip from Ju-Wol when she finally arrived in Chwiseonru, which reminded her that her arrival would be as much of a surprise to her as it would be for everyone in her life and that in her surprise the rest of Deaho would be quickly made aware of her return. Keeping her quiet would be key, as she needed her help keeping her arrival as quiet as possible, it would be most ideal if no one found out about it beforehand, but she knew she couldn’t have or control everything. And it wasn’t like it was going to take much convincing Ju-Wol for her to help when she had finally calmed down anyway.

But for now, she decided to focus on the present. Grabbing her back and swinging it over her shoulder while grabbing her sword in her left hand, clenching it tightly inside her palm as the familiar form and shape of the blade’s confinement comforted her in a way.

Slowly walking over to the side of the boat she took in the sight of the land in the distance becoming larger and larger, taking in more space in her eye field as time went by. While she had been enjoying the beautiful scenery she hadn’t noticed anyone walking up behind her, at which she cursed herself for not being sharp enough. Her right hand had quickly found its way to her sword's handle when she felt a light tug on her hanbok.

She almost couldn’t hide her surprise when she was met with two smiling faces, it was children, just children. Nothing to worry about she told herself relaxing slightly, her hand remained where it was though not ready to let go yet. But the children; a boy and a girl to be precise, were getting more adorable by the second and she actually caught herself smiling down at them.

“Lady?” The little boy questioned.

“Yes?” She did not want to come over as nervous, but she was genuinely curious as to why they would approach her of all people and so easily as well.

“Are you perhaps an assassin?” The question and the little boy's straightforwardness caught her off guard.

“Yeah! Like the shadow assassin Naksu!” The girl, now finally having found her courage spoke up from beside her brother, excitedly waiting for the answer.

Eun-Joeng let out a rather awkward chuckle before deciding to give the adorable siblings an answer. “No… I’m definitely not the killing type. But, if I may ask, how did you two come up with that question?” Curiosity and a slight concern for the pair getting the better of her.

They looked at each other before answering almost in sync. “Well you look like one; dressed in black, a hat with a cloth to cover your face and most importantly a sword.” They spoke so quickly that it almost seemed like they had been rehearsing it for hours, which was funny as they hadn’t been on the boat for that long.

“Alright.” She answered, no further explanation needed, they were children after all, they were known to have a vivid imagination. “Hey, do you want something?” Understanding the answer to her question to be a yes when she saw their pupils expand she opened her bag. Knowing she would be in Chwiseonru soon and that she had filled her stomach not that long ago meant she could miss a few of her biscuits. “Homemade, with lots of love of course.” She told the kids as she outstretched her hand towards them, a few of the delicious biscuits in her palm. The two of them immediately took them. “Now go back to your mother.” She told them. “And don’t forget to share with her!” She called after them when they turned around and ran to where she assumed their mother to be.

She let out a chuckle thinking back to the short conversation they had.

The realisation that she apparently seemed to appear deadly only came a few seconds later and it reminded her of Naksu and the way those children had compared her to the greatness that she was. Even though Naksu was a killer Eun-Jeong didn’t think she deserved the honour of being put in the same conversation as her name, especially now that there was a possibility of her being dead.

Almost there is what Eun-Joeng kept telling herself with every corner she turned. Just a few more steps until she would be standing in front of one of Chwiseonru, a place full of old memories. She did not realize how much she had missed the place and the feel of it until now when standing in front of its gate again. 

The last time she had been here was for the goodbye party almost everyone around her insisted they'd throw for her. Ju-Wol had given them a big discount even though she knew Eun-Jeong's parents probably would have paid double for her if not more.

She only now realised how much she had missed everyone and she secretly hoped they had all missed her just as much if not more. Who knows, maybe they had already given up on her ever returning, but how could they ever erase her from her life when they knew how Eun-Jeong couldn't live without the love they provided?

If it hadn’t been for the little errands Master Lee always made she would have never even heard the rumour of Naksu’s death. Which would have never had her standing in front of her dear brothel, otherwise not having enough reason to. Something that honestly made her feel bad for her dear ones after just realising that their love for her should have been enough reason for her to go back. Deep down she knew she had just been making excuses so she would not have to be confronted with anything at home, but she was glad that all it took for her to get back was nothing more than a little push.

Just like now, the first step inside the familiar brothel was the hardest, but once she finally was she was happy to be there and take in the comforting scent of perfume and alcohol, all the tension that could have been found in her body left in an instant.

Deciding not to linger any longer she quickly made her way up the first flight of stairs she came across and easily made her way through the halls in the direction of one certain chamber. She always resided there whenever she spent the night and because of that particular reason, she knew Ju-Wol would leave it untouched, only a maid to clean it was allowed inside.

And when she opened its doors she could see that her dear friend had done exactly that. Everything was just as she had left it a year ago and just as clean. Not like she would have noticed if it wasn’t having lived in a cabin in the middle of Mother Nature for the past year. Keeping said cabin clean was a real chore, one that Master Lee loved giving to her.

Before Eun-Jeong could even decide to put her luggage down and take a good look around she heard someone let out a cough behind her. She cursed at herself for the second time that day for once again not noticing someone's presence.

“Ma’am. I am sorry, but this room isn’t being used right now.” Eun-Jeong would recognize that voice anywhere, even though it did sound like Ju-Wol had just run around the block.

“If that’s the case, I guess I will be taking my leave.” She turned around to face her company as she said so. Ju-Wol’s face went from confusion to pure delight in a mere second. She ran up to Eun-Jeong and slung her arms around the younger girl's neck, pulling her as close as she possibly could. Eun-Jeong quickly returned the embrace, wrapping her arms tightly around Ju-Wol’s waist. The smell of the woman’s perfume overwhelmed her, but she had missed her so much that she did not care that she was beginning to become lightheaded.

When they pulled apart Ju-Wol’s hands quickly found their way to Eun-Jeong’s cheeks, checking her over like a concerned mother, making Eun-Jeong slightly nervous for when she would be confronted by her actual mother. She grabbed Ju-Wol’s hands from her cheeks and let them rest in between her palms. “Your hands are even softer than I remembered them to be.” She spoke upon noticing.

Ju-Wol chuckled slightly in response. “I missed you, you know.” The woman told her with a smile on her face, telling her she was happy to see her alive and well.

“I would have gotten concerned if you had not.” They both laughed at the statement. “Ju-Wol?” She looked up at her with concern etched into her features, the tone slightly scaring the woman. “You cannot tell anyone I am her yet. Can you do that for me?”

Ju-Wol studied her face for a moment before answering. “Of course I can.”

“Thank you,” Eun-Jeong told her.

“You don’t have to thank me, you know that, not for something as simple as this.” Ju-Wol sent her a genuine smile before taking a step back. “I will get you something to eat, you must be famished.” She nodded in response as the woman turned around, walking towards the door where she stopped and stood still for a moment, her hand resting on the wall for a moment. “You can explain everything to me tomorrow, for now, I just want you to have a good night's rest, you look like you need it.”

She left then, leaving Eun-Jeong alone and dumbfounded. She walked over to her vanity, looking in the mirror she quickly decided that she did not look that bad, she had slight eye bags and that was about it. Something that had become part of her overall look in these past few weeks, but Ju-Wol was not used to seeing them so she knew she was just a friend with genuine concern.

Eun-Jeong knew she could not show up like this tomorrow, she would never be allowed from home again if she did.

That night Eun-Jeong slept more hours than she had done on an average night these past few weeks. And when she woke up the realisation hit her a little earlier than she probably would have liked; today was the day, a joyful one after which she would hopefully go to bed with a smile on her face. Luckily, she did start her day on a positive note with a splitting grin on her face.

And as if her morning wasn’t absolutely delightful already Ju-Wol burst through her door. “Morning sunshine! I see you’re awake already. Became an early riser in the year you’ve been gone.” She said as she walked over with a tray covered in all kinds of delicacies, making Eun-Jeong’s mouth water at the sight.

“I guess, didn’t really have much of a choice on the matter.” She answered Ju-Wol as the woman put the tray on the table behind which she quickly made herself comfortable before sitting down opposite her. 

“Did not really have a choice? Would you like to explain that to me…” She looked interested, but slightly concerned at the same time. “Hold on, wait, before you answer that; where did you even stay? Because I’m assuming you didn’t wander the streets.”

“I stayed in a cabin in the woods.” She answered not daring to look Ju-Wol in the face as she said so, picking up some food and distracting herself by eating it.

“You what! Alone?!” Eun-Jeong let out a snort.

“Of course not, I would not think I would be here in this alive state if I was alone.” She made the mistake of looking up at Ju-Wol’s face, she was looking at her in disbelief.

“I hope for your own sake that you weren’t with a man.” She gulped at Ju-Wol’s tone and that did not go unnoticed. “No. Please tell me you did not. Who knows what could have happened…” Eun-Jeong focused on her breakfast as Ju-Wol went on and on about all kinds of possible scenarios that could have happened to her. At some point, she even heard her ramble something about a baby and that’s when Eun-Jeong knew that Ju-Wol was far gone from reality. She didn’t even bother reminding her of the fact that there was only one male in existence whose child she’d bear, but she didn’t need to stoke up the fire.

But then the sudden realisation hit that she would eventually need to have the same conversation with her parents, individuals who were both very protective of her and did not like her doing anything dangerous, which in their eyes was literally anything. She was honestly surprised when they allowed her to leave and explore the world, but she knew that Seo Fortress was the main reason for that accomplishment. Her father had somehow convinced them to make a lantern of life for her, using their satisfaction with Yul’s teachings to make it happen. But even then they were reluctant to let her go, probably not having expected Seo Fortress to make one for her in the first place, but they had promised to let her explore the world as long as they knew she was alive and well and they did so they had no more say in her departure, she was of age after all.

That would sadly enough not change her situation if they were to find out. But that was not what she should be concerned about at the moment. She just needed to stop Ju-Wol from worrying too much about what could’ve happened to her in the past year when she was sitting in front of her as alive and well as she could be. So she decided to just get it over with and interrupt the woman’s rambling. “It was not like that, so you do not need to worry.”

“How can you say that, of all people? I would have never expected this kind of behaviour from you, you disappoint me.” That was not what Eun-Jeong was expecting to hear, but she could live with it so she merely shrugged.

“I won’t be able to change your opinion on the situation am I right?” She tilted her head slightly to the side as she asked the question.

“No.” And before she could respond to her with some sort of snarky comment Ju-Wol’s face suddenly seemed to form from anger to realisation as she snapped her head in Eun-Jeong’s direction. “Hold on, did you not have a thing for your father’s right-hand man the last time we saw each other?”

An immediate blush formed itself on her cheeks at the mere thought of the man she had been crushing on for years. “You know, I haven’t really thought about him this past year.” Eun-Jeong whispered to herself as the sudden realisation came. Her hands couldn’t help it when they found her face in embarrassment. One of the reasons for her shame might’ve come from the fact that all the feelings she had had for the man suddenly returned in full force. “And I will see him again tonight.” As if her day wasn’t perfect already, that little piece of information made it all the better.

“Oh, girl.” She heard Ju-Wol whisper in sympathy. She felt her hands being taken from her face. “Didn’t think it would still be so bad, but it’s going to be okay, you will be fine. And it is not like you will have a moment to talk when everyone else will be swarming around you, wanting to talk.” Even if Ju-Wol had a point there, they both knew that she would be staying for a bit longer than a day and that there was enough time for the pair to meet at least once. “I don’t know if I should be sharing this, but he has been growing some facial hair, so he has a pretty nice beard right now.” Eun-Jeong looked at her in disbelief, that was not what she needed to hear right now, she could only imagine how good he looked right now. 

Eun-Jeong quickly realised that she wanted to change the subject, not knowing if she could handle any more talk of the man. “Well uhm… what has been going on with everyone else?” 

Ju-Wol gave her a look but did not comment on her changing the subject, which made her glad. The woman made sure she was sitting comfortably, which didn’t mean anything good from Eun-Jeong’s experience. “Well Jank Uk-” She already rolled her eyes at whatever he had done this time around. “-you remember how he was going to be sent to Yeonchungang, the village school when you left?” She nodded as she began eating again. “So, he got kicked out of there like ages ago. So your father decided to send him to Gisan instead, right?” She hummed, waiting for whatever it was that brother of hers had done now. “Well, guess who arrived here at Chwiseonru like two days ago?” Ju-Wol asked her with disbelief clear in her voice.

“It must-” But before Eun-Jeong could finish her sentence she was cut off.

“Jang Uk! Can you believe it?” Yes, of course she could. “And apparently your father had to go all the way to Gisan to apologize to their leader because Jang Uk just left.” 

Eun-Jeong let out a chuckle at that. “I am guessing my father did not like that one bit and who did you even get that information from?” she had gotten quite curious.

“Park Dang-Gu of course,” Ju-Wol told her.

“Of course.” The sound of Eun-Jeong's chuckle returned again. 

And then before they knew it they were both laughing, their voices spreading through the room with ease. The rest of their day was spent just like that; laughing, eating and having a good time.

It was only when the sun began to set that Eun-Joeng began to realize how long she and Ju-Wol had been talking to each other for. 

Initially, Eun-Jeong had decided on making her arrival at Songrim in the late afternoon as she wanted to depart after lunch. However, she knew the surprise effect would be bigger if she were to arrive now, later on in the day and even if that wouldn’t be the case she would not wait till tomorrow to reunite with her family.

But leaving Ju-Wol in Chiwseonru and going on her merry way was easier said than done as Ju-Wol did everything in her power to make her stay, even if it was only for a few minutes longer. So when Eun-Jeong finally managed to escape, while also making sure nobody saw her face as she left the brothel, she was very proud of herself for her accomplishments.

She was now walking the familiar path that had always gotten her from Songrim to Chwiseonru or the other way around. It was a path that she had walked alone like she was doing right now and with her friends, who of course were great company. She might even be able to say that they made more memories on the road to their destinations than while they were actually there. And soon she would be able to make new memories with all of them again.

It would be sooner than she had initially thought as Songrim’s gate quickly came into view. It looked as beautiful as it did the last time she had walked through it almost a year ago. She stood there, admiring it for a moment as her hands grazed over the stone. She grabbed her bag a moment later, opening it to reveal the key -also known as Songrim’s spirit plague- once again glistening in the moonlight. She picked it up before placing it in its designated spot. The entrance to Songrim showed itself almost immediately; the blue glow of it putting a smile on her face. 

She was almost home, is what she reminded herself as she stepped to the other side of the gate. Further than that she did not come at first, the realization of how close she actually was to being back home scaring her. How would everyone react upon her sudden appearance? She assumed they would be glad, just like Ju-Wol, but what if they weren’t? There was this little voice inside Eun-Jeong’s head saying that this wasn’t her home anymore and that she should just turn around and return to her master’s cosy cabin, the one which had grown to be her home over the past year.

Her curiosity of course got the better of her, so she once again took a step forward, following the path she knew would lead her to Songrim’s training centre, the place she knew she would most likely find her father or someone who knew where he was. Eun-Jeong did not expect all the whispers and pointed fingers in the direction she still had to go when walking through Songrim. She tried to listen in on their conversation, hoping she would figure out what all the fuss was about, but the only thing she was able to pick up was ‘Jinyowon’. When she heard that she looked just as confused and interested as the rest of Songrim’s people.

She picks up her pace a little, hoping to catch a glimpse of the people of Jinyowon and the direction they were going in. She silently hoped Cho-Yeon would be among them, she would love nothing more than to speak to another one of her friends today.

However when Eun-Jeong was finally standing in front of the doors of Songrim’s training centre she could hear the rapid sound of footsteps, multiple of them, That didn’t sound too strange to her, but when she heard the aggressive clashing of swords she couldn’t help but become slightly suspicious.

Grabbing the door handles Eun-Jeong pushed them open. When she looked up she wasn’t prepared to be met with the sight of a soul shifter. It wasn’t like she had never seen one before, it just had not been the kind of welcome she was expecting.

A few Songrim mages who were fighting it were thrown aside and it did not seem like they were going to get an opening very soon. Not wanting to let a soul shifter escape under her watch she rushed at it, unsheating her sword as she did so.

Their swords clashed as it turned, they stared into each other's eyes testing one another's strength. Disgusted by the mere sight of it Eun-Jeong quickly pushed it as far away from her as possible.

She gathered the energy of the sky preparing to use tansu to finish off the soul shifter. He looked up at her just as she sent the burst of energy at him, hitting him in his chest almost perfectly. He flew back, harshly landing on the stairs, his back breaking his fall. Eun-Jeong walked up to him, looking him in the eye before she slit his throat.

She hadn’t even had time to throw away its blood before a sword was at her throat. When she looked up from behind her veil she saw Yul standing at the other side of it. “Who are you? Show us your face.” He demanded. His familiar voice brought her comfort even though he could kill her right now with just a single movement of his wrist.

Eun-Jeong pulled at the ribbon that was keeping her hat secure on her head. She took a deep breath before taking it off, revealing her face to everyone present. A chorus of gasps was the reaction she got.

“Eun-Jeong…”

Chapter Text

“Eun-Jeong?” She looked up at the mention of her name. Her eyes quickly landed on her cousin’s, very surprised, face.

“Dang-Gu.” A smile formed itself on her lips. She was about to walk up to him and he clearly seemed like he was intending the same, but they were held back before they could take even one step towards each other.

Eun-Jeong's cousin being stopped by none other than Sang-ho. He looked exactly like Ju-Wol had described him, she was honestly concerned with how good he looked, not for him but for herself as she felt her cheeks tint a light shade of red. Meanwhile, she was stopped by a sword to her neck, digging uncomfortably in her skin and it might have been her imagination, but she felt a little blood trickle down her skin.

“What is going on here?” The sound of a voice so familiar ran through the air, she searched for her father in the crowd. When he came forward their eyes met, Eun-Jeong could see the shock on his face and she might have even been able to hear his light gasp.

He came forward, his hesitation clear with every step he took towards her. He raised his hands to her face once he was finally in front of her, but he was hesitant to touch her as his hands hovered for a moment. “Is it really you, my baby?” Eun-Jeong could hear his voice waver a little.

“Yes father, it is me.” She told him. She could feel the pressure against her neck and then before she knew it her father's arms were wrapped around her in a tight embrace, only now realising how much she had missed this. He was caressing the back of her head like he had always done. When a few moments had passed he took a small step back, far enough to see her face. His hands were cradling her face like she was a fragile doll and when she saw the tears gathered in his eyes fall she couldn’t help but release one of her own.

“It’s okay father, I am okay.” Eun-Jeong told him, trying to get him to calm down slightly, but her efforts were in vain as only more tears started falling down his cheeks.

“You are back. You really returned to us.” She let out a chuckle at her father’s dramatics.

“Of course I did. How could I ever leave you and mother to fend for yourselves for too long, you’d kill each other and do you really think me so cruel?” Eun-Jeong questioned him at which he let out a chuckle instead.

She quickly helped him wipe his face free of tears before her father turned them both around to face the crowd intently watching the spectacle. She felt her father take a deep breath before making the announcement. “My daughter has returned!”

A chorus of cheers sounded through the training centre and before she knew it she was picked off the ground by an overexcited Dang-Gu. Eun-Jeong let out a giggle at his antics before hitting him on his shoulder as she told him to put her down. It took a little time for him to understand but when he did it took not long before her feet were finally back on the ground again.

“I missed you you know.” She playfully raised an eyebrow at that. “Uncle has been grumpier than ever since you left, and he took it all out on me.” He whined, after checking to make sure the man wasn’t around to hear his complaint. “So I’m begging you, don’t ever leave me alone with that man again.” 

“You’re so dramatic, I’d think it runs in the family.” Uk joined in.

“Well if you two would just stop causing trouble he might just leave you alone.” Yul spoke from beside her. He turned to her giving her a smile when laying a hand on her shoulder. “Welcome back and I am sorry about your neck.” He told her, … the cut as he did so.

“Glad to be back and do not worry too much, I’ve had worse.” She retorted, laying a hand atop his. 

“I do hope you meant what you were saying about being glad to be back!” Suddenly came the booming voice of Cho-Yeon from behind her. “Do you know what it was like without you? You are kind of the only female friend I have around here.” She was met with a pout when finally looking at the girl's face. “And you know what they are like.” She said throwing a dirty look towards the guys or more specifically Uk, who merely shrugged, but despite her frustration, she didn’t hesitate to give Eun-Jeong a hug.

“Do not get me wrong, I am glad you’ ’ve all missed me, but I am terribly curious as to why there was a soul shifter in Songrim.” She asked the bunch.

“Uncle will explain everything to you, but first we want to know what made you come back?” Dang-Gu questioned and everyone nodded in agreement. “I mean you were gone for so long we almost gave up the hope of you ever returning.”

“Exactly.” Uk started. “For all we know you could have been dying stranded on a deserted island.” He exclaimed with slight worry.

“Well, I am glad she’s not.” Cho-Yeon said, taking one of Eun-Jeong’s hands in hers. Eun-Jeong didn’t even bother mentioning they would have known if she was dying anyway and that her father wouldn’t have let anyone sleep until she was found. It surprised her that he even left her side just now, allowing her a moment to privately talk with her friends.

“Like you would have missed me Uk.” She teased him a bit, too which he shook his head. “Lickily I have at least one friend who has. Oh, what would I do without Ju-Wol in my life?”

“Ju-Wol?” Dang-Gu looked up at the mention of her name. “You were at the brothel?”

“Mhm, I stayed there last night.” She told him. “I mean if I want to know about all the drama that has occurred in the past year that’s where I need to be.” Dang-Gu hummed in agreement

“So you know about Uk and-”

“We all thank you for your great help.” Her father told Cho-Yeon politely when they had all gathered again.

Eun-Jeong had found her place behind her father. What she had not realised when deciding to take her position was that she would be standing in line with none other than Sang-ho. She had made sure to ignore him so far and it didn’t seem like he was in a hurry to talk to her, or he didn’t show it at least. She was glad for it as she wasn’t ready for any sort of interaction between the two of them.

“I am sure that one day we will ask you for help too.” Cho-Yeon retorted to her father. It was what had gotten her out of her thoughts. Cho-Yeon had replied with the same kind tone as her father had spoken to her, smiling kindly when she did.

They nodded their heads towards each other in respect before Master Heo decided to speak up. “I see that Deaho’s four families have all gathered here.” He spoke with excitement like he did often. “I heard you are called the Four Seasons.” The name surprised her as she too had never heard of it before, but she deemed it fitting at the least. “Seeing you all together makes me happy, especially now that Eun-Jeong has returned.” She smiled at his words as he came over to ruffle her hair, something he had done when she was little. She rolled her eyes at the gesture but in an endearing way, she let it slide for now knowing she had been gone too long and that he was just glad for her return.

“Well, we used to gather often-“ Eun-Jeongsuddenly heard Dang-Gu say from behind her. She was surprised at his sudden intrusion into the conversation but slightly interested to see where he would be going with this. “But this is the first time after Uk en Cho-Yeon called off their wedding.” Eun-Jeong could only imagine her expression at the painful words. Looking to see Cho-Yeon’s reaction she quickly turned back towards her cousin, glaring at him as he seemed obvious to his hurtful words.

“You little…” She heard Master Heo curse at him from behind her, obviously as frustrated with the boy’s words as Eun-Jeong seemed to be.

When Dang-Gu finally seemed to realise the effect of his words he somehow tried to mend them by getting her involved and to tell you she definitely wasn’t thrilled about that. “But as Master Heo said already Eun-Jeong; the one to keep all the seasons together in harmony has returned!” He put a hand on her shoulder.

“You know I have other things to worry about in my life than to make sure you people don’t bash each other's heads in right?” Eun-Jeong responded to his previous statement, grabbing his hand from her shoulder, and giving it a little squeeze in reassurance when she saw his face fall slightly.

“I told them to prepare some tea in the reception room. Please come.” Yul then told everyone, interrupting the tense atmosphere that had quickly been created in the past few minutes.

Eun-Jeong’s father and master Heo almost jumped at the opportunity to get away and did so almost immediately. Not without letting Dang-Gu know, in their own special way, that they were very displeased with his actions. Sang-Ho, who had been standing quietly beside Eun-Jeong the whole time, followed after them. A quick glance went her way, something she hadn’t noticed if she wasn’t watching him like a hawk, but she did and she felt her cheeks grow a tad bit warmer because of it. Not wanting him to see the effects he had on her she turned around only to be faced with a slightly smirking Cho-Yeon. Eun-Jeong glared at her, but she did not seem to care.

So it surprised Eun-Jeong when Cho-Yeon brought up a matter that immediately ruined the whole mood when ‘the four seasons’ were all finally alone. “It still surprised me to see you here as I heard you were kicked out of Gisan.”

“Right,” Uk spoke in a rather rude manner. “You should stop keeping track of what I am doing.” Eun-Joeng knew he had a point there, but this wasn’t a very safe space to state these kinds of opinions out loud.

“Everyone was talking about how you were kicked out again.” She didn’t see the use in continuing this conversation it would get no one anywhere. “I just happened to hear it.” Eun-Jeong had to keep herself from letting out a snort.

“I see.”

Even though Eun-Jeong loved the two of them like siblings it did not mean she was supporting whatever they were doing now. Cho-Yeon could let Uk go, there were much better men out there and Uk could at the very least have some manners and be a little nicer to the girl, but one was stubborn and the other couldn’t see all the other options swimming in the sea.

“Our precious guest here feels uncomfortable around me, so let me excuse myself.” Even she was ashamed of the way he ended the conversation, she didn’t even dare call after him for fear of continuing this painful interaction.

“What a scumbag.” Eun-Jeong heard Cho-Yeon whisper in frustration and she agreed. She knew which of the four seasons she would assign to him after this act; winter, so cold.

The glare both of the girls sent Uk’s way were wiped off of their faces when they heard Dang-Gu call for them. “Let us go.” He said before turning to Yul as he repeated the same thing. “Let us go.”

As Eun-Jeong glanced at Cho-Yeon she saw a sad expression plastered on her face. Deciding to do something about it she linked Cho-Yeon’s arm in hers and dragged her with her after the boys a smile breaking out across her face when she did so.

Following the boys to their tea Cho-Yeon and Eun-Jeong had a little talk about Uk, that was until the latter noticed that he hadn’t been seen while they were on their way. She knew he had been given a head start, but he must have taken a sprint for them not to be seen turning a corner even once.

Finding it a little suspicious when he wasn’t where he should have been with the rest of the company drinking tea she decided to go on a little search, determined to find that ‘young master Jang’ and see what he was up to this time, being sure that it was something.

It wouldn’t have surprised Eun-Jeong if part of his reasoning to disappear had been to … Cho-Yeon’s whining, like she would be starting another conversation with him today after the mood he had put her in.

Starting her rounds on Songrim’s ground made her realise how big the place actually was. She wondered how big the chances of her finding Uk actually were, picking up her pace she hoped it would help and luckily for her it did.

When Eun-Jeong was about to turn another one of Songrim’s corners she suddenly heard Uk’s voice, halting her in her step. “You had the chance to kill me while I was bathing.” Her eyes widened at those words, not knowing how to interpret them. She peeked around the wall, curious to see who those words were aimed at. She did not recognise who she saw, which honestly made the situation slightly better in her eyes. It seemed to be a maid, a rather cute one as well and she seemed to be Uk’s.

“I even risked my life bringing you here.” She couldn’t shake away her confusion as Uk continued on. “It is up to you whether to still kill me now or become my master after opening my gate of energy.” Eun-Joeng gasped an action she immediately regretted. Cursing at herself, she slapped a hand over her mouth and almost smashed her body into the wall behind her, praying that she hadn’t given away her presence because getting caught was the last thing she wanted in this situation.

The scare having caught her off her guard for a moment had her heart beating in her ears, which made her unable to make out much from the conversation. She only heard snippets like; something about a mark, kissing and she genuinely didn’t want to hear any more. Eun-Jeong started to think that this girl was the one Ju-Wol had told her Uk had bought from the brothel and she really didn’t want to know why, not very interested in his love life or anything beyond that.

This was definitely not what she had expected to find when searching for her brother and for some reason, all the things she heard didn’t add up; especially the killing part, but she would watch the girl and figure out what her intentions were.

“Run.” She heard so clearly that it almost startled her and no second later the girl ran past her in such a hurry that it immediately caught her attention. Eun-Jeong didn’t believe she had been spotted as the girl just continued on but when she saw what was going after her she realised why. 

A ghost-like creature, she would be running from it too especially from one that seemed so hostile. Putting aside all her questions she started running after her after she checked to see if Uk wasn’t doing so already but of course he fled like a coward. 

Eun-Jeong followed after the girl from a close range not to be noticed and everything seemed to be going well until she followed the girl around a corner only to see her stumbling and falling onto the ground. Eun-Joeng quickly hid behind the walls given to her.

She knew that she wasn’t any better than Uk in this situation but what was she to do to such a seemly dangerous and unknown foe? Looking back she saw the thing charging at the girl and she realised that her chase had been for nothing. She didn’t dare watch but before it could attack it disappeared in thin air, making the situation feel like a fever dream. She pinched herself but her situation didn’t change.

Upon the realisation, she wanted to go up to the girl and ask her if she was alright but she knew that would somehow be her doom. She opted to go back to the training centre instead. There was always someone there to help her find her father and she had some urgent questions he needed to answer for her. The one on top of the list being about that ghost-like creature she just had an encounter with.

The possibility of that girl finding her was out of the question so Eun-Jeong made a ‘Uk’ like sprint back the way she came until she had made enough distance between herself and the scene to change her pace to a rapid walk.

She turned her head to take another quick peek behind herself just for insurance before bumping into someone. She almost rolled her eyes at the cliche.

Eun-Joeng thought about snapping the head off of whoever decided to block her path and even dared to go as far as helping her regain balance by placing a hand on her shoulder. But with her parents talks about ‘ladylike’ manners in her head she decided against it and she was certainly glad for it when she finally saw who it was.

“Sang-Ho.” She breathed out his name as his sudden appearance quickly changed her mood.

“Young lady Park.” He bowed his head in respect, greeting her. “Is everything alright?” He asked as she once again looked behind herself, as the action would keep her from having to make eye contact. Eun-Jeong didn’t feel the need to become a blushing mess before him. She cursed herself for being so stupid that she had totally forgotten to make her tea. The realisation of how much she had been cursing at herself these past few days came right along with it.

“Yeah, why?” Eun-Joeng decided to answer.

“You almost look like you’ve seen a ghost.” He told her and how could she possibly be blamed for laughing at those words. Sang-Ho’s face showed concern when she did.

“I am fine honestly.” He didn’t look sure but he didn’t pry on it. “However, I am even better now that I’ve come across you. Is there any possibility that you know where my father is at the moment? I have an urgent matter I need to discuss with him.” In the little moment she waited for his answer she suddenly noticed how close they were standing next to each other and the memory of his hand on her shoulder was suddenly brought to the forefront of her mind. 

“Your father? He is at the training centre with young lady Jin. You mentioned the matter being urgent, is there any way that I could be of help?” And here she had convinced herself that he wouldn’t pry.

“Thank you, and if you could help I’d think you’d be hearing it directly from my father.” She told him, nodding her head goodbye and continuing on her way to the training centre.

His hand comfortably wrapped around her arms was what stopped her in her tracks almost immediately. Eun-Jeong took a deep breath trying to ground herself as his touch sent shivers down her spine. “Let me accompany you at the very least.” As if the situation wasn’t bad enough already, why did his voice suddenly sound so alluring?

It took a little, but eventually, she was able to calm herself enough to form a complete sentence. “You’re not my bodyguard anymore, I can handle myself. But if you want to come along I won’t stop you.”

He nodded and before she knew it they were on their way, side by side, towards the training centre. Eun-Joeng did not know how she had been able to keep calm through those moments, but the fact that he wasn’t touching her anymore made it all the easier.

When they finally arrived at their destination it was relatively quiet but Eun-Joeng could feel the tense atmosphere. The thing immediately catching her attention was Cho-Yeong and not necessarily her, but everything that was happening around her. There were maids in a hurry, picking up little pieces of pottery that had been scattered across the ground, obviously having been broken.

“What are those pieces from?” She quietly asked Sang-Ho who was observing the scene from beside her.

"That's Gwigu's pottery, only broken." He answers her questions, she could spot some confusion in his tone.

“Gwigu’s pottery?” Eun-Jeong questioned, not knowing what it was although the name seemed familiar.

“It contains a ghost named Sapsaili, it detects sorcery.” Her eyes almost immediately widened at the statement. Sorcery… Uk was involved with a girl who had done sorcery. This was not good, it could be even worse for him if feelings were involved.

“Why was it here?” It was Eun-Jeong’s last question and in her eyes the most important one, she was a little nervous about the answer.

“There was a traitor in Songrim, a soul shifter to be exact. The one you killed.” Everything suddenly made sense.

Eun-Jeong stood next to Dang-Gu and Yul as well as the girl, who she had just learned to be Uk’s maid. That meant she was with him much more than Eun-Jeong would like. It would make it hard to keep an eye on her. She looked upon Uk’s kneeling figure and she hoped that his punishment would be as light as her father could or would make.

“I sent you to Gisan.” Her father began, his voice easily travelling throughout the centre. “Then you were kicked out in less than six months.

“Why did you come here tonight?” He asked Uk, his voice was calm and collected but his face clearly showed that one wrong word would send him over the edge and have him explode and no one here was looking forward to that scenario.

“I heard you were troubled by the news so I came to apologise.” Eun-Jeong immediately knew this wasn’t going to be a fun night, especially for Uk.

“Is this how you apologise?” Her father stepped forward on what seemed like uneasy feet. Eun-Jeong wasn’t the only one who noticed as Sang-Ho was at her father's side before he could stumble. His strong arms reached out to help him but her father quickly waved him, off.

“Why did you break the pottery?” It was the way her father pointed at Uk that was getting to her.

“I was fascinated by it and wanted to take a look but it slipped out of my hands.” Eun-Jeong couldn’t stop her eyes from rolling at the nonchalant way he put it, they almost rolled to the back of her head. "Had I learned spells that would not have happened. I guess I lack the teachings." Eun-Jeong almost gaped at the way he was talking so bluntly to her father. If she even thought of saying something like that she could wave her life goodbye.

“Jang Uk!” She could see almost everyone visibly flinch at his tone, just as she did and most importantly Uk.

“He also tempered with the door of the secret room and damaged it.” Sang-Ho spoke to her father clearly trying to bring the new as gently as he possibly could but non the less her father still turned furious. Eun-Jeong didn’t know if she felt sorry for Uk but she was just glad not to be standing in his shoes right now.

“He definitely did that on purpose. He is just jealous.” Master Heo spoke up, giving his opinion on the matter.

“I will not let it slide this time around.” Her father spoke, stepping forward and gently leaning away from Sang-Ho’s hold on him, who let his arm fall to his side in response. If the situation wasn’t so tense she would have been fawning over the interaction but even then she was a grown woman and shouldn’t be thinking like this.

Shaking her slightly to get a grip on the situation again she once again remembered that she hadn’t had a drop of chastity tea since she had left master Lee, little did she know this would be leading to a much bigger problem if she wouldn’t make herself a cup soon.

It made her genuinely curious to know Master Heo’s experience with it, knowing he had been Master Lee’s pupil a long time ago. This knowledge and that of some embarrassing stories from Master Heo’s time as her Master’s pupil gave her some advantage in a way.

Those fond memories were abruptly interrupted by her father’s voice. Finally the consequences of Uk’s actions were revealed. “Until I say so I forbid Jang Uk from moving or talking.

“Repent.” With that he walked away, Sang-Ho and Master Heo following as he did so. Turning to see Uk’s reaction to his punishment she could see acceptance on his face and she would have been mad if she had seen anything else.

“Do not worry, he will not punish him for too long.” Yul spoke upon seeing the face of Uk’s maid, his voice breaking an almost deafening silence for the second time that day.

“He almost died of a cold after he was punished all night long one day.” Eun-Jeong said, reminding them all of the unfortunate event. They would do everything in their power to prevent it from happening again.

“Uk’s gate of energy is opened just enough to keep him alive. So extreme cold or heat is life threatening. He cannot recover when he falls ill." Dang-Gu jumped in, making them all feel even more defeated then they already were.

"Then open his gate of energy for him. If he so desperately wants it. You are his friends." Eun-Jeong almost scoffed remembering Uk asking the maid to do it for him, why? She still had no idea. Besides, they all would have done so already if they could. She didn’t like seeing Uk suffer, she saw him as a brother. Though he did deserve his punishment today. 

"We are still too weak to do that. No one in Songrim... No. No one in Deaho is allowed to do that." The frustration Eun-Jeong had always felt when being reminded of this fact, usually by her father, immediately returned at Yul’s words.

"Then he is already being punished for his entire lifetime." And as she said it I could see in her eyes that she really meant it. Those gorgeous blue eyes...

She almost screamed when the thought suddenly crossed her mind, immediately being taken out of her trance. She thought she only did this when Sang-Ho was concerned.

Eun-Jeong had been observing Uk for a while now, from a distance of course. Hidden from his sight, so he wouldn’t feel even worse than he probably already did.

After a while, the maid walked up to him with a tray of tea, reminding Eun-Jeong once again to have her own. The girl poured the tea before looking at her brother with an emotion Eun-Jeong couldn’t quite place. She began talking and it bothered Eun-Jeong that she wasn’t able to hear any of their conversation. Because it was a conversation, Uk having responded to her and immediately receiving his punishment for the action.

The maid didn’t really seem to care, which angered Eun-Jeong even further because she did. The girl suddenly showed Songrim’s spirit plague from where it was hidden beneath the top layer of her attire. The girl gave her more and more reasons to be wary of her every time she saw her.

Before the girl left she leaned in close to Uk, far too close for her liking for multiple reasons. She stood up bowing her head in respect as she left Uk. When she was gone Eun-Jeong knew that she had that spirit plaque back or her brothers punishment woul be worse and that was the last thing she wanted.