Secret Meeting

by Lee Kwang-soo · 2026-03-20

When crossing the Gutter Narrows, dawn was already breaking.

They left the main road to hide their tracks and entered a narrow path. They intended to conceal themselves in the deserted thicket before the sun rose. It was not too difficult to find a hiding place since the leaves had not yet fallen. This place was not a high mountain but a damp plain, with only small hills of agile height. There were willow trees, elm trees, and occasionally wild pear trees growing there.

Jumong decided to rest for a day in a cozy and secluded spot he had seen while hunting. He planned to run again after waiting for the sun to set and the moon to rise.

The dawn plains were filled with air heavier than water. A silver mist spread widely, making it look like a lake. The tall trees that rose above the mist appeared ghostly. Birds and beasts startled by the sound of dew on the grass scattered in a flurry. Jumong had already hit a deer and a snipe.

The group had a good breakfast and, after letting the horses graze on the appetizing grass, fell into a deep sleep.

When Jumong woke up, the sun was already tilting in the sky.

He suddenly remembered the promise for tonight. Tonight, Jumong had promised Ye-rang to take a boat to the willow forest behind her house. Thinking about the sadness of Ye-rang waiting in the night willow forest with a pounding heart, unable to meet him, Jumong's heart became uneasy. Moreover, was Ye-rang not loving him despite the love of Crown Prince Daeso?

Jumong resolved to keep his promise to Ye-rang.

He insisted on disguising himself and setting off alone to scout, to find out if anyone was following him and in which direction.

Oi, Mari, and Habbo took turns saying that Jumong's intention was unreasonable and tried to dissuade him.

“That is not possible! Right now, in Gaseombeol, there will be confusion searching for you, and letting even one of you go is no different from letting a tiger loose in the field. The king or the crown prince cannot be unaware of this. If you go out into the world, many heroes and people will surely follow you, and then both Dongbuyeo and Bukbuyeo will belong to you. Anyone with eyes will know this. So, there has been a plot to eliminate you before you grow wings and your saw grows, and they have hesitated until now hoping that you would not leave Gaseombeol and would become the loyal subject of the crown prince. However, if you show your intention to betray the king and the crown prince by leaving Gaseombeol, it will be difficult for you to escape punishment when you are caught.”