
****
King Sejong's entourage began to move from the temple which he had just stopped a few hours ago, a palanquin that an hour ago he ordered also along with the entourage of King Sejong. In view of the direction of the trip can be ascertained if King Sejong intends to return to the palace, several times King Sejong gazed around him worriedly, several times also King Sejong staring at the stretcher behind him as if to make sure, looking at the gaze of his King the palace physician immediately rushed to open a little window of the stretcher and then checked the pulse of someone in the stretcher. Once again the palace healer shook his head, making King Sejong even more anxious.
It was then that some people who had been following the King's entourage had quietly begun to prepare.
"Make sure your arrows get into the stretcher when the palace healer opens the window again, it seems like almost every two minutes the palace healer checks on concubine Suki." One of the people who seemed to be serving as the chairman began to give orders.
The chief's guess was correct two minutes later the court physician opened the window of the stretcher again, but before the assassin's arrow shot, one of the chief's men ran up to him.
"Chairman looks like we're being cheated on, there's news from people still standing guard in front of the temple that King Sejong's two bodyguards were carrying their horses in different directions while carrying a woman." While cursing violently anger overpower the chairman while throwing arrows on the ground the chairman pulled the clothes of his subordinates who had just reported.
"Pursue them and make sure concubine Suki dies. Otherwise we're the ones who will die at the hands of Minister Jang." After saying this the chairman immediately climbed his horse, as well as his other men.
"We go after them, it looks like the stretcher is just an empty stretcher, we divide the two teams to pursue I'm sure one of them must be with concubine Suki." After determining the team they finally left the entourage of King Sejong.
Without them knowing since then Nam Young who was escorting King Sejong and knew their whereabouts breathed a sigh of relief, at that time Nam Young approached King Sejong.
"It looks like we're no longer being followed by His Majesty." Hearing that, King Sejong breathed a sigh of relief.
"Good, we better hurry before they realize our plan." Nam Young nodded obediently then got off the horse and got closer to the stretcher.
Elsewhere, behind the temple, Kyuhyun and Minho are racing their horses, several times Kyuhyun turned around initially only one horseman followed them but gradually several horsemen followed behind, a total of about five people. If in view of Minho's ability as well as Kyuhyun's condition now, Kyuhyun sure can beat him just that Kyuhyun must further bring the people who follow him from the temple.
"Minho_ssi is racing faster now." Minho who had been waiting for the cue from Kyuhyun nodded obediently.
"Stay down." Kyuhyun whispered to someone who was now one saddle with him and that person just nodded obediently, quickly both of them racing their horses.
Likewise with Changmin and the other two bodyguards of King Sejong they drove the horse quickly when they finally began to be followed even though the number of pursuers only consisted of three people but Changmin was sure one of them the three people must be the chairman, because some use a headband different from other horsemen.
Changmin knew the assassins of Jang's minister because he was one of the members, after all, although coming from the Changmin noble family itself is less noticed by his family who pay more attention to Hyungya who is considered as a successor but everything changes when Changmin meets Kyuhyun, who is not interested in him, Kyuhyun in his way can make Changmin fascinated and determined to compete with Kyuhyun in any case to make the two become friends.
That's why Changmin did anything for Kyuhyun including helping to save his best friend's lover because for Changmin, Kyuhyun was the light in his empty and dark life.
***
The night almost disappears when Nam Young reaches the residence of Madam Ahn Kyuhyun's aunt, last night after discussing how to save Hagi, Kyuhyun immediately sent a letter to his aunt regarding his arrival as well as an important guest of King Sejong and a close friend. That's why Madam Ahn was seen in front of the house and immediately welcomed Nam Young's arrival, the letter came along with the sign that only King Sejong had.
Nam Young got off the horse and helped someone riding a saddle with him slowly, Nam Young was sure that the person in his arms was no longer able to walk. Kim Hagi was as pale as paper the girl had not been conscious since last night and had to ride a horse to save her life.
Even Nam Young several times confirmed Hagi's pulse because he began not sure his best friend could survive. Nam Young has no choice but to carry Hagi and ask Lady Ahn to prepare a room for Hagi, Nam Young also asks Madam Ahn to call a healer to monitor Hagi's condition.
"For now that I leave everything to you Madam Ahn, make sure no one knows where this girl is, I have to leave now before anyone suspects, Kyuhyun will come to pick this girl up here." Madam Ahn looked anxiously at Hagi, this girl as if she was ready to die at any moment.
"Is this girl King Sejong's special guest? If something happens to her, how? He's dying. I'm afraid he's dying here and making His Majesty angry." Nam Young breathed out softly, he himself could not confirm anything all sudden even Nam Young still did not know the details of all this.
"Just make sure this girl breathes before Kyuhyun comes, I can only say that Madam." Leaving Madame Ahn who was still agitated Nam Young straight out of the room where Hagi was lying. Nam young immediately went out of the house and ran towards his horse without saying much Nam Young catapulted his horse towards the palace.
On the way Nam Young again recalled the plan that Changmin made, although enough to buy time Nam Young did not expect Changmin's plan to be effective enough.
"Do you have a plan?" King Sejong looked at Changmin expectantly in this kind of precarious state whatever plan should be considered. Changmin nodded then looked at Kyuhyun for a bit.
"This one who knows more than Jong Hyun only Kyuhyun it means only Kyuhyun can deliver concubine Suki Kyuhyun's wounds also doesn't seem too severe." Once again Changmin looked at Kyuhyun who nodded approvingly.
"We can't ask Jong Hyun to drive Suki's concubine because of her too severe injuries. But if Kyuhyun blatantly escorts Consort Suki to Jeju island, then the hit men of Jang's ministry will surely catch up, even if Kyuhyun is strong enough to escort Concubine Suki, who is the one who is the first to return, Kyuhyun wasn't strong enough to fight those hitmen. The only way is to make the hit men think that Hagi is still in Hanyang hiding somewhere in His Majesty's protection." Everyone looked at Changmin curiously, everyone knew that Hagi had to leave Jeju Island immediately and everyone knew that now the assassins were circling the temple.
"Then what's your plan?" Kyuhyun's question made Changmin smile a little.
"We order a stretcher for Concubine Suki, also make sure there are two women to outwit the hitmen." Disagree Nam Young spoke up.
"Isn't it dangerous for Consort Suki to be carried on a stretcher? Those hitmen could strike at any time."
"It could have happened, but Consort Suki only used a stretcher for a short while after the hitmen stopped following, Nam Young would bring Concubine Suki to the nearest village, I'm sure Kyuhyun has an aunt in the village near Hanyang, we can leave Hagi there for a while to convince the hit men if Hagi is hidden inside the palace... me and Kyuhyun will distract them by splitting up while riding with the two women I mentioned earlier." King Sejong nodded his head in understanding but not Kyuhyun, Hagi already could not last long here.
"Suki's concubine can't wait for Changmin, she has to get back to where she came from." Changmin let out a sigh hearing Kyuhyun say.
"I know but if we were rash Consort Suki and you could have been killed before you even got to Jeju." Kyuhyun closed his eyes in frustration he himself could not think of any way out and only Changmin's plan made the most sense.
"After we were all in the palace His Majesty could find an excuse for Kyuhyun to pick up Consort Suki at his aunt's house by sending Kyuhyun north, I'm sure there are still many of Jang's ministers who are still wandering around, if not where the hitmen who are now outside know His Majesty is here." Everyone nodded in understanding, at least this plan should be tried.
"Well, let's try Changmin's plan, we better start moving before morning comes." The words of King Sejong were answered simultaneously by the person in the room.
****
Morning came when King Sejong's entourage arrived at the palace, the state of the palace was still quiet when the palanquin behind King Sejong's accompaniment was directed towards the pavilion that was dedicated to the woman whom the King liked. A girl came out of the palanquin while wearing a veil and was guided into the pavilion, someone from afar saw that with a probing expression then left after the King also left the pavilion, the man's movements did not escape the probing gaze of Nam Young who had just come, sure it had really gone Nam Young finally approached King Sejong.
"It looks like we managed to convince one of Jang His Majesty's spy ministers." King Sejong let out a sigh when Nam Young was already beside him then nodded slowly.
"Is Consort Suki safe?" Nam Young just nodded slowly answering King Sejong's question, the anxious look still looming over King Sejong's face made Nam Young smile soothingly.
"Concubine Suki must be fine, Your Majesty." Once again King Sejong nodded slowly.
"If you can suggest His Majesty, the spy should not be arrested now before Consort Suki actually reaches Jeju." King Sejong seemed to think and looked at Nam Young confidently.
"Alright, tell Changmin and Kyuhyun to directly face me when they arrive, you can wait for them in front of the palace gate." Nam Young saluted and left King Sejong for the palace gate.
Just now that Nam Young arrived at the front gate of the palace the two guards who accompanied Changmin appeared to be approaching towards Nam Young both appeared to be injured although not too severe, he said, with anxious feelings Nam Young immediately asked as they got off the horse.
"Where's Changmin? Why are you two alone?" The two looked at each other then looked at Nam Young sadly.
"Changmin was seriously injured, we immediately drove him to Shim's family after the pursuers stopped attacking and realized that the woman who went with us was not Suki's concubine." Nam Young closed his eyes in frustration when he heard Min Gyu one of the bodyguards who came with Changmin last night, this could happen.
"Don't say anything to Kyuhyun, he should focus on escorting Consort Suki later." Nam Young stared at Min Gyu and Ah min alternately who were countered with a nod to his second softly. However Changmin and Kyuhyun had a special bond other than with him, Kyuhyun would not calm down if he knew Changmin was hurt.
"Min Gyu reported this to His Majesty after that you two can treat your wounds, I will wait for Kyuhyun here." The two salute Nam Young and enter the palace.
About half an hour later Kyuhyun and Minho approached the palace gate, Kyuhyun almost fell from the saddle due to suffocation and Nam Young did not quickly approach and caught Kyuhyun.
"You hurt?" Nam Young's question only answered a small sleeve of Kyuhyun feeling unsure Nam Young looked at Minho asking and only in reply was a worried nod from Minho. Nam Young stared at Kyuhyun's back which was still spitting out fresh blood as Min Ho stared at Kyuhyun's worried back.
"Stupidly you're obviously badly hurt, we treated your wounds just met His Majesty." Kyuhyun once again shook his head weakly.
"Hey?"
"She was handled directly by your aunt you take it easy." Once again Kyuhyun shook his head unconvinced.
"Anni, we don't have much time, she needs to be delivered immediately." Nam Young groaned with annoyance, this friend why is so stubborn. As if aware Nam Young himself Kyuhyun clasped Nam Young's clothes in a panic.
"The changmin? Where's Changmin?" Feeling his other friend no Kyuhyun asked anxiously at Nam Young. At first Nam Young could not hide her sadness but quickly Nam Young smiled a little.
"He's a little bit injured now being treated, you also have to be treated and better dressed so that the palace people are not suspicious. I'll help you face your majesty and I don't want you to argue." Nam Young said firmly when Kyuhyun was ready to interrupt his words again. Finally, Kyuhyun gave up his breath and let his best friend sweep him towards the palace hospital.
***
After feeling enough with the care of the palace healer Kyuhyun still forced to report to King Sejong as soon as possible through a long debate with Nam Young who asked him to rest finally Kyuhyun can face his King who knows well kyuhyun was seriously injured.
"Your Majesty please allow me to leave right now, Consort Suki doesn't have much time left." King Sejong breathed a heavy sigh, in his little heart he did want Kyuhyun to leave right now but the condition of his beloved bodyguard was not in good condition.
"But you're seriously injured Kyuhyun_ssi."
"I beg Your Majesty.." King Sejong's slightly selfish gaze looked at Nam Young who shook his head as he stared wistfully.
"Well, amil this letter, here it is explained that you I have been assigned to find out what happened to the war in the north. But you know what you should do instead of Kyuhyun_ssi???" Kyuhyun smiled happily and then took the letter that King Sejong gave to Kyuhyun while Nam Younh could only watch the eyes looking at King Sejong's selfishness and Kyuhyun's stubbornness.
"I will carry out my duties well, Your Majesty." King Sejong nodded upon hearing the confidence Kyuhyun had.
"Make sure he goes home and say my apologies to him." Kyuhyun looked at King Sejong once again there was a promise in his eyes for King Sejong because Kyuhyun would also work on it at any cost.
"Let me come with Kyuhyun His Majesty." Kyuhyun and King Sejong looked at Nam Young who finally gave up and helped out. King Sejong nodded happily as well as Kyuhyun.
After considerable preparation despite the still weak conditions Kyuhyun and Nam Young finally left for the nearby village of Hanyang precisely is the residence of Kyuhyun's aunt, who is the home of Kyuhyun's aunt, Nam Young does finally agree with Kyuhyun to leave as soon as possible but almost half an hour later Nam Young always asks him to rest. Kyuhyun was initially annoyed at Nam Young but after hearing the reason Kyuhyun did not argue much.
"You don't intend to make Hagi even more worried by watching you force yourself to drive him away? He won't be happy at all if you get hurt. He might even choose to go alone if he finds out you're hurt bad."
After hearing that Kyuhyun really tried to make his condition look even better before arriving at his aunt's residence. Kyuhyun always forgets that Hagi is very intelligent and always puts others first and what Nam Young said could happen.
Both of them until the afternoon at the residence of Madam Ahn, it is clear that Kyuhyun is worried about Hagi because so down from the horse Kyuhyun directly entered the house. Previously Kyuhyun had asked where Hagi rested on Nam Young and Kyuhyun knew very well where Hagi rested because long ago when he was about to die and was helped by Hagi the room that he used to rest at his aunt's residence.
But Kyuhyun finally breathed a sigh of relief and leaned against the door of the room when he saw Hagi sitting on the bed and now talking to his aunt, Hagi smiled wryly looking at Kyuhyun coming Hagi's face was still a little pale but not as bad as before, Nam Young who followed from behind also smiled in relief when she saw Hagi was already conscious and smiled at him.
"You guys came.." Hagi's normal-looking voice made the smile on Kyuhyun's face rise and Nam Young patted Kyuhyun on the shoulder as much as she was happy.
"Look, he's still our Hagi who used to be stronger than us." Nam Young's words made Kyuhyun nod confidently.
Slowly both of them approached towards Hagi and smiled happily when they finally could see Hagi's face that looked getting better even though it was still a little pale. Kyuhyun clasped Hagi's hand and slowly stroked Hagi's book-open finger.
"I need a lot of explanation from you, you promised me." Hagi smiled back then nodded small.
"I also hope not to be a fool who knows nothing." Nam Young's words made Hagi have to smile amusedly.
"Ne... I will tell you too, but can I tell you on the street? I don't have much time." Kyuhyun and Nam Young looked at each other then nodded towards Hagi agreeing.
Hagi looked at Kyuhyun long ago there was a happy feeling in his heart now this time he should really go home because there was someone waiting for him that also meant something to him.
"I remember it now. You were there Kyuhyun_ssi."
seriated