The market square was a riot of life—colorful stalls lined the streets, their fabric tents fluttering in the wind, laden with goods that filled the air with an intoxicating mix of scents. The smell of freshly baked bread mingled with the rich aroma of roasted meats, and the sharp tang of herbs and spices lingered in the air. Vendors shouted their wares, trying to outdo each other, while children ran between the stalls, their laughter piercing the chaos. The cobbled streets were slick with the morning dew, and the sound of haggling and chatter created a steady hum, blending with the rhythmic clatter of carts and horses.
In the midst of this lively chaos, Haesoo, seated at the heart of the square, began to play her gayageum. Her fingers glided over the strings with such intensity and grace that the bustle around her seemed to fade. Her music, smooth and captivating, carried through the square, drawing the attention of those nearby. It was like a moment frozen in time—a calm amidst the storm of everyday life. The villagers, entranced by the beauty of her playing, gathered in a semi-circle around her.
Those who had seen her perform before eagerly chanted her name. The excitement and admiration in the air were palpable. In the village, she was known as "Heaven's Piece," and the legend of her music had spread far and wide. It was said that her gift was unparalleled—not even the greatest musicians could compare to the magic she wove with her gayageum.
As her music reached its peak, the villagers stepped forward, one by one, dropping coins into her box. Each one lingered, perhaps hoping to hear just a little longer, lost in the spell of her playing. Haesoo smiled at them, her eyes soft and grateful as she continued to pour herself into the music.
But just as the crowd seemed to settle into the peace of her performance, the sound of footsteps disrupted the moment. A group of thugs pushed through the crowd, and without warning, they snatched up her coin box. The laughter of the villagers turned to murmurs of shock and anger as the thugs took what was hers.
Haesoo stopped, her fingers still on the strings as she panted with frustration. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, but there was no fear in her eyes—just a growing fire of determination. She had played for the people, given them her gift, and now, she would not let it be stolen from her so easily.
_
Eun walked through the bustling market square, the lively energy of the crowd contrasting with the tension that seemed to follow him. His sharp features turned heads, but he paid little attention to the looks. His tall, lean figure moved with purpose through the throngs of people, his eyes scanning the surroundings with an almost unnerving calm. Eun had just arrived in the capital, his mind still focused on the mission at hand.
"Woah! The rich smell of rice cakes," Jiwoon exclaimed, inhaling deeply as the warm scent of street food hit him. He immediately stopped at a vendor and grabbed a piece, the smile on his face wide and carefree.
Eun wrinkled his nose in mild distaste, clearly unimpressed with the idea of street food. "You don't want a bite?" Jiwoon teased, attempting to dip the rice cake into Eun's hand.
Eun grabbed Jiwoon's arm, his grip cold and firm, and shot him a deadly glare. Jiwoon froze, swallowing his rice cake with a sheepish grin.
"I'm sorry," Jiwoon muttered, his voice apologetic but still filled with amusement. Eun released his grip, and Jiwoon smiled, rubbing his arm in mock surrender.
Eun's patience was clearly wearing thin, but before he could speak, Jiwoon couldn't help himself. "Eun, how long do we have to stay in the capital?" he asked, his voice muffled by a mouthful of rice cake.
"Until I get answers," Eun replied curtly, his voice carrying the weight of someone on a mission with little room for small talk.
Jiwoon, who had known Eun for years, knew better than to press him further. He gave up and fell into step beside him, the two of them walking slowly around the bustling market. The sounds of the market, the clamor of voices and the tinkling of coin, were almost background noise as they each got lost in their own thoughts.
Jiwoon was startled when Eun suddenly came to a halt, his eyes narrowing as he focused on something ahead. Eun's gaze sharpened, and he tilted his head slightly, his eyes following the commotion in the distance.
"What's going on?" Jiwoon asked, noticing the sudden change in his friend's demeanor.
Eun's eyes remained fixed ahead as the noise became clearer—a commotion—and it was coming from a nearby crowd. He could hear the harsh voices of thugs, threatening someone. The sight of a woman, her back bent with fear, triggered something in him.
"Do you have a death wish?" Eun muttered, already moving toward the scene. His hand instinctively reached for the dagger hidden under his cloak.
Jiwoon, still unaware of the gravity of the situation, looked around, his carefree attitude still intact. "Why? Why would you want to get involved? We're new here. We can't afford to make enemies."
Eun turned toward him, his expression cold, but his eyes were like steel. "Then should I just watch as they take what's hers?"
Jiwoon hesitated for a moment, then smirked. "Yes! Exactly. Stay out of it."
But Eun was already moving, his body instinctively running toward the trouble. Jiwoon tried to grab his arm, but Eun was too fast, and before Jiwoon could stop him, he was already in the middle of the mess.
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