Searching For Peace

Jiho patiently awaited, dedicating considerable time to meticulously carving a stone. With precision, he inscribed the word "Family" onto it.

Abruptly, the distinctive rhythm of approaching horse footsteps captured his attention, prompting him to swiftly peer out from the cave entrance.

In Hyuk returned, dismounting from his horse. He assisted Jiho in mounting the horse before securing his own position in the saddle. Taking care to bind Jiho securely to himself once more, In Hyuk ensured their connection remains intact.

Jiho, wracked with discomfort, questioned, "Is that necessary?"

In Hyuk, choosing not to tell the unsettling truth about his rotting wounds, responded, "It's a long way, and you are still sick."

Expressing frustration, Jiho stated, "My back hurts because of being tied."

In Hyuk reassured politely, "Please bear with it. It's all for your safety," and this approach proved beneficial.

In a swift departure from the forest, In Hyuk urged his horse onto the road, continuing their journey. Jiho, enduring a high fever, bravely withstood the pain, coping as the horse galloped toward their destination.

In a desperate situation, In Hyuk had no choice but to accelerate his horse. Initially, Jiho remained alert, but as his fever rose, he slipped into unconsciousness. His head jolted violently due to the uncontrolled bumps along the path.

The horse tirelessly navigated the steep and unyielding paths, making continuous turns. Throughout the day, it traversed various routes, and as the sun began to set, darkness gradually started to envelope the surroundings.

In the distance, In Hyuk finally spotted the quaint villages, marked by small huts emitting smoke.

He halted his horse to assess the situation, cautiously guiding it towards the huts without lowering his guard. The villagers were lighting up their surroundings due to the increasing darkness.

As the horse walked between the huts, frightened children ran towards their parents.

A small child, in front of the horse, sprinted to reach his mother. The child's mother swiftly gathered him into her embrace, casting a questioning gaze at the approaching horse. In Hyuk brought his horse to a stop in front of her.

Jiho's head rested on In Hyuk's shoulder. In Hyuk observed the people with judgmental eyes, sensing no danger from them. All of them stood timidly, fear evident in their eyes, as they gazed at In Hyuk, afraid he might harm them.

Untying Jiho, In Hyuk dismounted from the horse and cradled Jiho in his arms.

"Help me find a doctor," he begged, desperately seeking assistance from a mother holding her child.

Upon hearing his plea, everyone felt reassured and approached In Hyuk to check on Jiho.

An old man held Jiho's hand, his mouth agape in shock. "Call the doctor quickly," he instructed a teenage girl who hurried in one direction. Guiding In Hyuk aside, he urged, "Take him inside."

In Hyuk followed his lead, attracting curious glances from the onlookers. The man gestured, "Put him down on this bed." Placing Jiho on the bed, In Hyuk's heart raced with nervousness and fear, he was determined to save his last remaining family member at all costs.

The doctor rushed in and entered the hut.

"Who is the patient?" he inquired.

The woman blocking his way stepped aside, allowing him to examine Jiho. The doctor requested everyone to leave the room, but In Hyuk insisted on staying. Reluctantly, everyone else exited the hut, leaving the old man concerned about young man (Jiho's) condition.

The doctor examined Jiho's condition, finding him feverish and struggling to breathe. Opening Jiho's bandages, the doctor observed wounds with deteriorated flesh.

Concerned, he inquired, "Why did you come so late?"

In Hyuk, filled with sadness and fear, replied, "I wasn't able to come."

The doctor, using clean clothes, cleansed Jiho's wounds, extracting pus. To avoid water seeping in, he mixed alcohol into the medicine, applied it to the wounds, and then bandaged them.

Administering medicine to Jiho, the doctor stated, "I did what I could; we must wait for improvement."

Upon completing the treatment, the doctor stood, Grateful, In Hyuk knelt, "thank you so much for saving my brother."

The doctor, assisted In Hyuk to stand, and humbly replied, "No need; this is my duty."

As the doctor headed towards the door, he paused, turning to say, "Don't kneel to anyone here. There are no ranks here."

Outside, the old man hurried to inquire about the young man's condition.

The doctor, anxiously responded, "His condition is not good, but we have to wait and see."

The old man frowned with concern.

Hyuk clasped Jiho's hand, fervently praying, God!" Let him get better. Please save him.

He is the only one left in my family. Please protect him with your mercy."

An elderly man entered the room, carrying a plate of food. "It may not be perfect, but you must be hungry," he remarked as he served the meal to In Hyuk.

"Thank you," In Hyuk replied.

A woman in her forties entered with a teenager, the same girl who had rushed to summon the doctor earlier.

"I'm Sok Him Chan," the old man pointed to the woman. "She's my eldest daughter, Da Som, and this is my granddaughter, Seulgi. The doctor you met earlier was Jeong Hui. He's not only highly skilled but also a kind person," the old man introduced.

"What about the young man?" Him Chan inquired, directing his question to In Hyuk.

In Hyuk, flustered by the inquiry, responded, "I'm Ji Hun, and he is my little brother, Ji Sung" – he gestured towards Jiho.

Observing In Hyuk's lack of appetite, Him Chan remarked, "You have to eat well to take care of him."

In agreement, In Hyuk replied and attempted to take a few bites. Curious, Him Chan asked, "How was he injured?"

"He was punished by his master for a mistake," In Hyuk replied politely.

Upon learning they were servants, Him Chan felt a sense of camaraderie, sympathizing with their struggles as he himself had endured many trials.

"My wife was killed as a scapegoat by the royal family. My little daughter was made a

Prostitute by the royal family. My Son in law died while serving in the army. People who do not have a social class like us have a life full of challenges and misfortunes." Said Him Chan telling about his family.

In Hyuk contemplated, "If I were in the Palace, I wouldn't understand the challenges they have faced." He felt a deep sympathy for his family.

"Why are you wearing this dress?" Him Chan inquired, pointing at Hyuk's guard uniform.

"I stole it," In Hyuk calmly replied.

"Ah, then discard it, or there might be a significant issue later."

Him Chan rose and instructed his daughter, "Da Som, provide him with a new set of clothes to wear."

"Yes, Dad," Da Som replied, emerging with a pair of old clothes.

"Put this on and give me the dress," Him Chan handed him the clothes.

They exited, allowing In Hyuk to change. "Inform us when you're finished," Him Chan stated while leaving.

In Hyuk changed and announced, "I'm done changing."

Him Chan gathered the old clothes and departed, heading to a fire pit to burn them.

They arranged bedding for In Hyuk near Jiho, whose fever had slightly subsided. In Hyuk, keeping a vigilant eye on Jiho, fell asleep, tightly gripping his sword in case of an attack.

In the morning, the sword lay at a tilt. Seulgi, upon entering, stumbled over it and tumbled onto Hyuk's lower body, startling him. He swiftly sat up, brandishing his sword at the girl struggling to rise.

She stood up, frowning in anger and exclaimed, "Put your sword away; it caused me to fall."

In Hyuk, feeling embarrassed, rose and apologized, "I'm sorry. I never intended this."

Jiho woke up due to the commotion. Opening his eyes, he gazed at the wall before turning his head in the opposite direction.

Seulgi, wearing a frown of displeasure, entered the other room, and In Hyuk, with guilt in his eyes, observed her. He then shifted his gaze to Jiho, who was still disoriented.

In Hyuk quickly sat beside Jiho, asking, "How are you feeling now? Are you feeling better ?"

Jiho responded weakly, "My body hurts if I move, but I think I'm okay."

"Your body must be sore from the long journey," In Hyuk remarked while assisting him to sit up. "Are you hungry?"

Jiho replied, "Not really, I'm not that hungry."

In Hyuk wished to disclose information to Jiho about the name he had mentioned to Him Chan, but Seulgi was still inside, and he couldn't risk her hearing it.