Chapter 3: The Uninvited Guest
Jae-Hwan’s gaze remained sharp as he studied Min-Soo, who stood before him with an ease that seemed almost unnatural. There was something dangerous about him, something controlled yet unpredictable—like a blade hidden in silk
Jae Hwan (MC)
What do you want, Min-Soo?
(Jae-Hwan’s voice was measured, lacking any hint of warmth.)
Min Soo
(Min-Soo tilted his head, his lips curling into an amused smile.)
I think we got off on the wrong foot, traveler. Let’s start again.
Jae-Hwan remained silent. He had spent years navigating deception, and this man—this warrior—reeked of it. Still, he didn’t move, allowing Min-Soo to continue.
Min Soo
Join me for a drink.
( Min-Soo suggested, gesturing toward the tavern behind him.)
My treat.
Jae-Hwan hesitated. It was a risk, but risks were his specialty. He had slipped in and out of enemy strongholds before; a simple tavern wouldn’t be his downfall. With a slow nod, he followed Min-Soo inside.
The moment they entered, the energy of the room shifted. Conversations hushed, and wary glances flickered their way. Jae-Hwan noticed how the tavern’s patrons instinctively moved aside, making space for Min-Soo like waves parting around a ship. Whoever Min-Soo was, he held power in this village—perhaps even fear.
They settled at a corner table, and Min-Soo signaled the tavern keeper, a gruff older man with weathered hands.
Min Soo
A bottle of your finest makgeolli. And two cups.
The keeper nodded quickly, his gaze lingering on Jae-Hwan before scurrying away. Jae-Hwan didn’t like that look. It wasn’t just curiosity—it was recognition. But from where?
Min Soo
So, traveler.
(Min-Soo leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable.)
What brings you to Hwangchon?
Jae Hwan (MC)
(Jae-Hwan met his gaze, searching for any hidden motives.)
Just passing through.
Min Soo
(Min-Soo chuckled softly.)
Are you?
(He swirled the cup in his hand when their drinks arrived, his eyes glinting in the dim light.)
I think you're looking for something.
Jae-Hwan's fingers curled slightly around his own cup. Min-Soo's words weren’t a question. They were a statement. How much did this man know?
Before Jae-Hwan could respond, a burst of laughter erupted from the entrance. A group of rowdy patrons had entered, their energy filling the space like a storm rolling in. Among them, a young woman stood out—her presence commanding without effort. Her sharp eyes scanned the tavern before locking onto their table.
Yoon -ah
(A moment of silence stretched between them before she strode forward.)
Min-Soo.
(Her voice was firm, carrying an edge of exasperation.)
Still stirring trouble, I see.
Min Soo
(Min-Soo's smirk deepened.)
Yoon-Ah. Always a pleasure.
Jae-Hwan studied her. Unlike the other villagers, she didn’t flinch under Min-Soo’s gaze. She was confident, unshaken. Her garments hinted at her trade—stains of herbs and the scent of medicinal powders clinging to her sleeves. A healer, then.
Yoon -ah
(Yoon-Ah turned her attention to Jae-Hwan, her gaze assessing.)
And you must be the mysterious traveler everyone’s whispering about.
Jae-Hwan said nothing, letting the weight of the silence settle between them.
Yoon -ah
(She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice.)
A word of advice—Min-Soo doesn’t offer drinks unless he wants something in return.
Min Soo
(Min-Soo feigned offense.)
Now, Yoon-Ah, you wound me. Can’t a man extend a simple invitation without ulterior motives?
Yoon -ah
(Yoon-Ah scoffed, but her attention remained on Jae-Hwan.)
Be careful who you trust.
Jae-Hwan didn’t need the warning—his instincts had been screaming it from the moment Min-Soo’s eyes had found him in the street. Still, Yoon-Ah’s arrival shifted something. If she was warning him, then Min-Soo was more dangerous than he initially thought.
Min-Soo’s expression darkened, just for a fraction of a second before the mask of amusement returned.
Min Soo
You always did enjoy meddling, Yoon-Ah.
Yoon -ah
And you always did enjoy playing games.
( she countered.)
A heavy tension settled over the table, but Jae-Hwan took the opportunity to steer the conversation.
Jae Hwan (MC)
Enough riddles. If you have something to say, say it.
Min Soo
(Min-Soo leaned forward, the flickering candlelight casting shadows across his face.)
Fine. I’ll be direct. I need someone with your particular… skill set.
Jae-Hwan’s grip on his cup tightened. So Min-Soo knew. Or at least, suspected. But how? And for what purpose?
Yoon -ah
(Yoon-Ah exhaled sharply.)
And here it is. The real reason for your generosity.
Min Soo
(Min-Soo ignored her, his attention solely on Jae-Hwan.)
There is something I seek, something that will alter the fate of this land. And I believe you might be the key to finding it.
Jae-Hwan’s mind raced. If Min-Soo knew about his skills, that meant he had been watching him for longer than just tonight. This was no coincidence.
Min Soo
(Min-Soo raised his cup in a silent toast.)
To partnerships.
Jae-Hwan hesitated before mirroring the motion. Their eyes met over the rim of their cups—an unspoken challenge hanging between them.
He wasn’t walking away from this unscathed. That much was certain. But if Min-Soo thought he could manipulate him, he was in for a surprise.
Jae-Hwan never played by anyone else’s rules.
Yoon-Ah
Age: 24
Occupation: Healer, Herbalist
Personality: Yoon-Ah is sharp-witted, independent, and fiercely loyal to those she cares about. She has little patience for deception and can see through people’s facades with ease. Though she maintains a calm and composed demeanor, she isn’t afraid to stand her ground, even against warriors or assassins. She has a strong moral compass and doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind.
Appearance: She has long, dark brown hair usually tied in a loose braid, sharp almond-shaped eyes, and a striking presence despite her average height. Her hands are often stained with herbs and medicine, a testament to her skill as a healer.
Background: Born into a family of skilled herbalists, Yoon-Ah learned the art of healing from a young age. She is well-respected in the village, though her sharp tongue and unwillingness to be controlled make her a challenging presence for those in power. She has an unknown past connection to Min-Soo, which she keeps carefully guarded.
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