Secret Meeting

by Lee Kwang-soo · 2026-03-20

All three of them were right. If there had been no rumor that Jumong had escaped from Gaseombul last night, it might have been different, but that rumor must have circulated. There were certainly spies of the king and the crown prince in Lady Yuhwa's palace, and even if they were not present, Jumong would have had enough reason to be suspected just by not being seen for a day. Therefore, entering Gaseombul again was no different from entering a tiger's den. However, Jumong thought he could not meet Yerang again.

The three of them continued to plead with Jumong.

“Now, young master, you are not alone. First, since the day you left Gaseombul, you have already become an enemy of the Buyeo nation. The Buyeo nation will not be able to spare your life. Second, you are now the general who will lead our group. You are a precious figure who will establish a nation by acquiring one village today and another tomorrow, seeking vast lands. Until now, you have been alone, so you could act freely, but now that you are not alone, you cannot act that way. First, please convey your intentions to our group. It is the duty of a commander and a king to move only after we all agree with your words. Therefore, before you convey your intention to take a dangerous path, our group will risk our lives to stop your journey.”

Oi raised the brilliant sword with both hands before Jumong and said.

“If you do not listen to our words, then behead me with this sword.”

Jumong accepted Oi's sword with a deeply troubled expression and sheathed it himself.

“I am moved by Oi's loyal heart. Each word you speak carries a profound meaning that teaches me, so how could I go against Oi's words? But Oi, along with Mari and Hapbo, you are my friends who will teach and help me and become my arms and legs. Please allow me my stubbornness just for today. Although the three of you are one body with me, there are still things I find difficult to say, and there are also things that three of you cannot replace me for. The reason I am being stubborn today will be understood in the future. So please forgive me just for today.”

Jumong revealed his pleading intentions on his face.

On an autumn evening, the fog was thick. Jumong promised to return before dawn and rode towards Gaseombul. If someone asked, he planned to say he had gone hunting and it got dark. So he tied a few birds to the saddle.

He met the soldiers on watch at Gutter Naru. Since it was usually a place without soldiers, Jumong realized it was because of him.

“Who goes there?”

Five soldiers blocked Jumong's path.