Let's Not Be Born Again

Days passed, and everything in the capital appeared peaceful. Jiho occupied a room at Boom Guesthouse when Yoona entered, accompanied by a man so thin he appeared malnourished, adorned with numerous wrinkles and a sizable mole beside his nose.

Yoona introduced, "Meet In Sik, your source for comprehensive information about the capital," and then gracefully exited the room.

Jiho gestured for In Sik to take a seat "Can you share recent instances of mistreatment towards the impoverished and vulnerable in the capital?"

In a bewildered tone, In Sik responded , "I don't quite understand. Similar incidents occur daily in the market, palace, involving the weak and servants. Can you please be more specific?"

"Not the minor incidents," Jiho clarified. "I mean something more severe, like an entire family being killed, or someone facing unfair death or rape, something of that nature."

"There have been no such cases recently."

Jiho instructed, "Search for such cases and inform me as soon as possible. If I'm not here, leave a letter."

In Sik bowed and assured, "Yes, I will follow your command."

Jiho dismissed him, saying, "Okay, you can go now."

***o***

Jiho sat at the table, engrossed in army reports. Ki Moon entered, bowed, and followed Jiho's instructions to sit.

Handing documents to Jiho, Ki Moon said, "That's the budget report for the new army camp, but there's an issue."

Looking up, Jiho inquired, "What's wrong?"

"I recall a town named Chugpog where the military camp now stands, but there's no trace of it"

"A town? How do you know that?"

"I've seen it before, but delivering rice to the military camp yesterday, I couldn't find it,"

"Are you certain?"

"Yes, Your Highness. I remember seeking shelter from villagers when I was fleeing my Master," Ki Moon affirmed.

Jiho pondered while reviewing the documents of the new military camp.

***o***

Jiho entered the Royal archives, searching records for information about Chugpog Town.

He discovered details about a small village with nearly ten houses.

Swiftly exiting, he readied his horse and galloped to the military camp to personally verify the information.

***o***

Da Won entered the King's chamber to discuss state matters. "His Majesty is currently in Naktong for hunting," informed Eunuch Byung Ho.

Da Won concerned questioned "With other bodyguards? Why are you here? Shouldn't you be accompanying His Majesty?"

"His Majesty insisted on going alone, stating that no one knows about his outing, so it will be alright. He expressed missing his late father so His Majesty wanted to go alone."

Despite Da Won's worry for the king's safety, he had to adhere to the king's orders.

***o***

In the deep forest, In Hyuk stood with hands clasped behind his back, holding a sword. A commander approached from behind, recognizing In Hyuk by the King's attire.

"Your Majesty, you summoned me?"

In Hyuk turned to Commander Joon Woo "Are you Commander Kim Joon Woo?"

"Yes, Your Majesty,"

In Hyuk gazed at the sword in his hand, questioning Joon Woo, "I summoned you to inquire about Chugpog village. Unfortunately, I couldn't locate them anywhere."

Joon Woo, fear-stricken, wide-eyed, and with trembling legs, slowly retreated as In Hyuk approached.

Locking eyes with him, "Even as a commander, how can you slaughter nine families without any remorse?"

In a trembling voice, Commander Joon Woo attempted to justify himself, "I received orders from the fiance minister, who claimed the lands were needed for crops..."

Mid-explanation, In Hyuk swiftly struck one of Joon Woo's legs with the sword, causing a scream to echo through the forest.

"I despise that excuse the most. Yet, you were the one who ended their lives."

Jiho, on route to the camp on his horse, halted at the piercing scream. Dismounting, he sprinted into the forest, sword in hand.

In Hyuk remarked, "You could have sought land through the royal court; I would have granted it. How could you slaughter numerous people merely to satisfy your greed?"

As In Hyuk attempted another attack, Jiho stepped forward, intercepting In Hyuk's sword. In response, In Hyuk pushed Jiho back, questioning, "Do you even know what he did? He annihilated the entire town, burning their bodies and homes for a little sum the Finance Minister offered him."

"We can," Jiho repeated his words. "We can punish him. You are a King, In Hyuk."

Commander Joon Woo fled, limping due to a leg injury and significant bleeding.

In Hyuk moved towards Joon Woo, but Jiho obstructed his path once more.

"Our father sought justice without resorting to violence. Why must you choose bloodshed to achieve the same?"

In Hyuk retorted, "Father did deliver justice, but many voices were silenced before reaching him."

"They'll face execution once proven guilty. You don't need to stain yourself with blood."

In Hyuk was dumbfounded and said "Without crime traces, how will you prove it?"

After a deep breath, he added, "Attempting to prove it risks your life. Remember what happened to our family? It was the cost of delivering justice."

Jiho tightened his grip on the sword, declaring, "I can't accept a tyrant king like you. Those are mere excuses to nourish the evil inside you. I'd rather follow the path our father chose."

"Stop provoking me , you can't defeat me."

"Let's end this bloodshed," Jiho stated as he launched an attack. In Hyuk defended himself and swiftly counterattacked , which Jiho defended skilfully .

During Jiho's time in the army, his martial arts significantly improved, yet it remained distant from In Hyuk's expertise, refined since childhood.

After a series of strikes and defences, In Hyuk bends and targets Jiho's thigh as he glided across the land, leaves rustling at his feet.

Jiho dropped to his knees, and In Hyuk swiftly attack his sword, causing his sword to fall far away.

Jiho gazed at In Hyuk solemnly. "I know you're not happy with this bloodshed."

"True, I'm not happy about it, but do you think I have any other choice?" In Hyuk replied, tossing his sword to the ground.

Tears welled up in Jiho's eyes. "Why were we born with this fate?"

In Hyuk averted his gaze, attempting to conceal his tears. When he looked back at Jiho, he swiftly picked up In Hyuk sword and struck him with it.

The blade sliced through In Hyuk's chest, blood gushing out. In shock, In Hyuk placed his hands on his chest, eyes wide open, and collapsed to the ground.

The sword slipped from Jiho's hands, tears still streaming down his face.

He sat beside In Hyuk, who took his last breaths, locking eyes with Jiho.

Gripping In Hyuk's blood-stained hand, Jiho uttered, "Let's not be reborn. One life was enough to understand this world," his voice was trembling.

In Hyuk's final exhale relaxed his muscles, yet his eyes remained open.

Jiho, holding onto In Hyuk's hand, began to wail loudly, his screams echoing through the forest. "Eheeeehe_he_he. Aahhhhhhh."

He released In Hyuk's hand, grasped the sword, and slashed his own throat. Collapsing with a thud, he heard approaching footsteps. Da Won sprinted towards them as he closed his eyes.