“Yo Yong Hwa, wait for me!”

At that shout, a man turned around. The man in question stood at around six feet tall, and had a lean build. He was wearing a black shirt and long pants, with a long blue vest over the shirt. The man had long black hair and light blue eyes. Many women were already staring at him in longing.

“Damn it Chang, hurry up! We’re going to be late and scolded by grandpa Shin again because of you!”

As Yong Hwa spoke, he turned and looked at the man who had shouted earlier. The man was about five foot ten inches and in comparison to himself the other man had a more muscular build. Contrary to his muscular body though, his face seemed more childish with mischievous green eyes and long silver hair. Like Yong Hwa, Chang also wore a black shirt and pants with a long blue vest over them.

After he stood still for a moment, Chang finally caught up to him and put his arm over his shoulder.

“There’s no need to be in such a rush man, we’ve got plenty of time. Also relax and enjoy yourself. It’s been over four years since you joined me and grandpa. We’ve been so busy with training, that we haven’t even had time to come out to a city. So you might as well enjoy it!”

Yong Hwa wasn’t able to help but shake his head at Chang’s upbeat and charismatic personality. Still, he was right, it was the first time they had visited any large establishment ever since he had begun his training alongside Chang and under grandpa Shin’s direction. As he thought back to that time, he couldn’t help but feel grateful that they had taken him in, even though he had lost his memory. Grandpa Shin had even given him the name Yong Hwa due to the fact that his beast soul was a dragon.

“Haa… its fine and all, to enjoy your time. Chang but don’t forget, we’re here to receive our first mission.”

“…Always the mood breaker, aren’t you Yong Hwa.”

At the sight of Chang’s shoulder drooping at the mention of their first mission, Yong Hwa couldn’t help but laugh. Chang’s dejected face looked far too comical. Patting his shoulder, he pushed him forward to their destination.

The two were, at the moment in the eastern port city of Saewol. A couple weeks ago, Shin had told them that their internship was finally complete, and that it was time for them to receive their first mission as members of the Samjoko. He had given them some money, a letter, and told them to go to the Millennium Inn to receive their mission.

It took the two around twenty minutes to finally arrive at the Millennium Inn. It should have only taken fifteen, but Chang kept on stopping at various stalls to look at their wares. Each time Yong Hwa was forced to physically drag Chang away.

As the two approached the gate for the Inn, a worker noticed the approach of the two and rushed forward before he bowed, and greeted them.

“Hello, dear gentlemen. Will you be staying the night?”

“Why yes, we will. Also is the owner in?”

“Yes, he is dear sir. May I ask for what business you seek him?”

“Please tell him that two pledging crows have arrived from the south. He will know what to do if you say that.”

Just as Yong Hwa said that, the worker’s jovial expression turned serious. He studied the two for a moment, nodded and rushed back in. Yong Hwa and Chang looked at each other with confused expressions at the worker’s sudden change. They didn’t understand why he changed so suddenly. Not five minutes after the worker had left though, they heard a thunderous sound as the gate doors were flung open.

“Yong Hwa! Chang! It’s been forever!”

““Uncle Ray!””

At the gate stood a large burly man who was near Yong Hwa’s height. The man had a large protruding belly that was covered in an expensive green silk shirt. Ray’s brown hair was cut short with traces of gray in it. His beard reached his Adam’s apple and showed tints of gray. Still, the man’s face showed delight at the sight of the two youngsters, he then immediately rushed forward and pulled the two into a bear hug.

“My, it’s almost been two years since I last saw the two of you. How have you two been? Wait, this isn’t the place to talk about it. Come, let’s go inside and talk.”

Even before he had finished speaking, Ray had starting pulling the two inside the inn. Yong Hwa and Chang looked at each other with helpless expressions as they laughed and were brought in. It seemed as though Uncle Ray was still the same.

While the two were being trained by Grandpa Shin in the mountains, Uncle Ray used to stop by and stay for weeks at a time. Back when they were younger, the two supposedly had been in the same team and had been very close. Whenever he had business in the south, Ray would always stop by and visit with Grandpa Shin after he was finished. During those visits, he would bring gifts for the two youngsters and would joke around with them. The two of them had decided on calling him Uncle Ray in a term of endearment to which Ray himself was very satisfied with.

“So what do you think about my Millennium Inn? Impressive, isn’t it?”

Yong Hwa and Chang could only nod their head in agreement at Ray’s words. The Millennium Inn was truly impressive after all. Inside the walls there were several buildings placed in a meticulous array, where people kept coming in and out of. Not only were there guest houses, there were also buildings for entertainment, massages, kitchen, and bath houses. What was most impressive, however, was the natural beauty that filled the inn. There were small ponds and cherry blossom trees placed everywhere. All throughout the premises of the inn, laughter and the smell of delicious food could be found.

After the three had walked for a couple minutes, they arrived at a large building that was used for administrative purposes. Once inside, Ray immediately led them to his own office and had them sit down on the sofa. After the three talked about how they had been for a while, Ray brought up the main reason for being there.

“So anyways, I received the letter from the old geezer last week that you two were coming. You guys actually came at the perfect time; Seol Hwa just completed her training too and I was worried about sending her own her first mission. How about the three of you go on the mission together?”

At the mention of Seol Hwa, Yong Hwa’s heart fluttered momentarily. Every time Ray had visited before, he had always brought his daughter along with him. During those times, himself, Chang, and her had gotten along quite well and became close friends. At first he only considered her a good friend but Yong Hwa noticed that the more he met with her, every time they parted an ache would appear in his heart, and each time the ache would get stronger than the last time.

“Sure, of course Uncle Ray. Yong Hwa and I will make sure that Seol Hwa is safe, right Yong Hwa?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah definitely Uncle Ray.”

“Thanks Chang, Yong Hwa. Knowing that Seol Hwa will be with the two of you brings peace to this old man’s heart. Anyways where is that brat? I already sent someone a while ago to bring her here. Ah, well she already knows about the mission, so let me get you two caught up. We have intelligence reports that some of Illbon’s spies here are going to be meeting with some merchants in the mountains tonight.

The mission is for you three to spy on the meeting and to figure out the content of the conversation. Remember though, gathering information is the main priority of this mission. If possible, don’t fight against them as I don’t want the spies to know that they are being watched.

The meeting will be held tonight so the three of you should head out this evening before sunset. Seol Hwa already knows the location so she will guide you three. Now then as for the enemy’s size…”

As the three began to discuss the enemy and some strategies to use, some time passed. As they discussed the best method to attack, the door to the room was violently thrown open. Surprised by the sudden loud noise, the three simultaneously looked toward the source and saw a woman standing where the door was.

The girl was about five foot six inches. She had long shining brown hair that reached down to her shoulder blades. Her face was shaped like an oval with lively hazel eyes surrounded by long eyelashes. Her nose was small and she had bright red lips. Her body was slim and proportional. Overall, she was a beautiful woman that could’ve easily caused countries to break out in war over.

While that sort of woman stood in the doorway, she looked into the room and immediately saw Chang and Yong Hwa. Once she had seen the two, her face immediately showed her joy as she rushed forward and gave the two a hug.

“Chang! Yong Hwa! It’s been forever since I’ve seen you two. I missed you guys. How’ve you been?”

“We’re doing well, so stop choking us to death you crazy woman!”

Chang fiercely fought to get out of Seol Hwa’s grip as he pretended to be choking. Yong Hwa, on the other hand, was silent as he looked away. If one was to look closely, they would have noticed that a hint of red had appeared on his cheeks.

After a few moments Seol Hwa finally released the two of them. She laughed a little, and looked at the two warmly before she spoke once more.

“Sorry I’m late. Had some business to take care of before we headed out tonight. Did the two of you hear everything from dad?”

Once she saw that the two had noded their heads, she continued on.

“Alright then, that saves a lot of time. I got all the equipment and everything prepared. All that’s left to do really, is head out after eating. You two ready?”

Yong Hwa couldn’t help but inwardly laugh at Seol Hwa’s directness. Since they had met, she had always been one to take charge and rush forward, dragging him and Chang along. Beside him, Chang just shook his head in helplessness.

“You crazy woman, you decide on everything without even our say huh? Shouldn’t you at least listen to our opinion first?!”

“Well then, let’s hear it.”

“First off, we should…”

“Great suggestion, Chang! I’ll take it into consideration!”

Chang’s jaw dropped at Seol Hwa’s brazen interruption before he jumped up and chased after her fleeing figure. Yong Hwa, on the other hand, just laughed as he watched the two play cat and mouse.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

While that occurred within the Millennium Inn, two other figures were roaming the streets of Saewol. One of the figures was a tall man with a height of six foot four inches, who wore a gray shirt and black pants. While the other was a female who was about five foot five inches and was dressed in the same attire as the man. Neither’s face could be seen as the two had on a black bamboo hat with shades.

“Lady Dal, we should return to the inn and rest soon.”

“Guem ah, it’s been such a long time since we’ve been to Saewol, let’s look around a little more.”

At the lady’s words, the tall man fell silent and continued to silently follow the lady. Satisfied, Dal continued to roam the streets and looked at the interesting wares at the stalls. As they walked around, they came upon a monk who happened to be telling fortunes for others.

“Guem ah, that looks interesting! Let’s go get our fortunes read!”

“Lady Dal, you should know those type of people are just con artists who lie and steal people’s money.”

“Haa… you always have to kill the mood, don’t you Guem?”

“I was merely stating the truth, lady Dal.”

“Forget about the truth for now. Haa, well i’m going to get my fortune read, so stay here okay?”

As she said that, Dal got in line and waited for her turn. After she had waited for ten minutes, it was finally her turn. As she stood in front of the monk, she excitedly asked her question.

“Sir, I was wondering when I would meet with the one I’m destined to be with?”

As the monk received the payment and heard her question, he gently opened her right hand and began to study her palm. While he studied her palm, Dal noticed a momentary expression of shock on the monk’s face before it quickly returned to it’s normal calm expression. After a few moments, the monk looked up at the lady.

“Dear lady, let me give you some advice. I suggest you do not look for your fated one anymore.”

“Eh? Why should I not? It’s my fate to be with that person, right?”

“Even if you are fated to, I advise you don’t. The reason why is if you strengthen the fate between you two, it may cause the his or your’s death.”

When Dal heard what the monk said, she couldn’t help but open her eyes wide in shock. What does he mean that one of them may die? Isn’t that such a ridiculous fate? Guem, who had stayed behind Dal the whole time gently tapped her shoulder at that moment.

“My lady, don’t pay any heed to those words. They were just made up crap by a con artist anyways. Let us return to the inn now.”

“Huh? Oh Guem...alright.”

As the two left, the monk frantically stood up and yelled one final warning to Dal.

“Lady, if you ever meet a person by a cherry blossom tree outlined by the moon, avoid him! Do not let your fate with him deepen any further!”

As those words echoed on behind them, Dal and Guem continued to walk away. After they had walked for another ten minutes, they finally arrived at their inn: The Millennium Inn. Once they had entered her room, Dal promptly fell on her bed and closed her eyes momentarily. Guem, who stood to the side and had been silent throughout the way back, spoke up.

“Lady Dal, are you okay?”

“Yeah I am. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Well, what the monk said..”

“Guem ah, wasn’t it you who told me not to believe his words?”

“Yes it is, lady Dal.”

“Then why are you so worried I’d believe his words? Of course I wouldn’t take his words seriously. I was just caught off guard by his unexpected reply. Anyways, is everything prepared for tonight?”

“Yes, lady Dal everything has been prepared.”

“That’s good. Guem, you should go rest in your room now too. We have a long night ahead of us, after all.”

“Understood, I will see you this evening then, lady Dal.”

With a bow, Guem left and returned to his room. Once he was gone, Dal slowly laid back down in the bed and closed her eyes. While she was about to fall asleep, she uttered one more statement.

“Illbon spies meeting merchants secretly in the forest, eh? We’ll see what you bastards are up to tonight!”