Chapter 18

Ji-hoon and Nari had ventured into the kingdom of Idakin, seeking information on the recent assassination attempts targeting Ji-hoon and her master. They had left the safety of the Kwon sect under the guise of Nari being ill, while a hired girl posed as her in her room.

They found refuge in an unpopular inn on the outskirts of Idakin. The night descended with a chill, and darkness enveloped the kingdom. Nari busied herself preparing the bed and arranging their belongings while Ji-hoon, now a spectral presence, observed with a mixture of curiosity and frustration.

"I am craving that biscuit you are chewing happily in my body, Na-ri," Ji-hoon complained.

"It's not my fault. And besides, these taste really good," Nari replied nonchalantly.

Ji-hoon's features contorted as if she wanted to pull her hair out, but realizing it was her own body, she restrained herself. The tension between them simmered beneath the surface as they navigated their peculiar predicament.

As Nari strolled towards the window to close it, Ji-hoon interjected sharply, "I will be hot!"

"But you're a spirit now," Nari retorted.

"My body will be hot!" Ji-hoon insisted, her voice rising.

"I'm the one in it, so I'll open it when it gets hot," Nari replied calmly, their banter becoming a familiar ritual.

Amidst their bickering about temperature preferences, Ji-hoon suddenly noticed movement outside. "Na-ri," she called out urgently.

"What now? I'm still closing the window," Nari replied distractedly.

"Na-ri," Ji-hoon called again, pointing frantically at a building across from their window.

Nari turned, finally noticing the figure of an assassin poised to strike. Their eyes met briefly before Nari slammed the window shut in alarm.

"Why didn't you say anything earlier?" Nari exclaimed, rushing to dress and hastily pack essentials like money and foodstuffs.

"I called out a thousand times, but you were so focused on putting my body at risk," Ji-hoon retorted sharply, her frustration evident.

They dashed through the inn's hallway, taking the stairs two at a time as they aimed for the back door. Unfortunately, the assassin intercepted them, firing shots that echoed through the quiet night. They couldn't afford to shout for help and risk alarming the neighborhood.

Nari zigzagged through narrow alleys, trying to lose their pursuer, but he kept pace from the rooftops above. She was only partially dressed, clad in a long, silky white nightgown and a wrap jacket meant to go over her dress. Her royal attire and martial arts garments were left behind in the rush to escape.

Spotting a small door ahead, Nari sprinted towards it and slipped inside. She cautiously peeked out, scanning for any sign of the assassin.

"Na-ri?" Ji-hoon's voice called out anxiously.

"Hmm, I'm checking if we lost him," Nari replied, her voice strained with urgency.

"Na-ri, answer me, you goddamn wench!" Ji-hoon shouted.

"What did you just call me?" Nari snapped back, irritation flaring as she faced Ji-hoon.

Ji-hoon pointed behind Nari, her expression urgent. Before Nari could react, she turned to find herself face-to-face with a group of men engaged in a lively gathering.

"What is—" Nari began, taken aback by the unexpected encounter.

"Who are you talking to?" one of the men asked, eyeing her with curiosity.

Realizing the awkwardness of her intrusion, Nari forced a nervous laugh. "Sorry for the intrusion. I'll just leave—"

"Where do you think you're going?" another man interjected sharply.

Caught off guard, Nari glanced around uncertainly until a young man stepped forward from the group.

"That's enough, guys. You're scaring her," he said with a reassuring smile.

Nari blinked in confusion, studying his features as she tried to compose herself. His demeanor was unexpectedly kind amidst the tension of the moment.

"Good evening, dear sir. I apologize for interrupting your party," Nari began, her voice formal yet tinged with sincerity. "I hope you understand. I was just—"

"Come in," the young man interrupted smoothly, gesturing for her to enter without hesitation.

Nari hesitated briefly, assessing the situation. It was clear she had stumbled into a gathering of locals, perhaps a private affair, and her presence had disrupted their evening. Yet, the young man's demeanor offered a semblance of hospitality that softened her initial apprehension.

"Thank you," Nari replied graciously, stepping forward cautiously. She glanced back momentarily, meeting Ji-hoon's spectral gaze with a silent exchange of reassurance before turning her attention back to the young man.

The atmosphere was tense yet tinged with a curious anticipation, as if they were awaiting an explanation for her unexpected intrusion. The man led her into a small room.

The young man who had invited her in stepped closer, his expression calm yet inquisitive. "Forgive my friends' curiosity. We don't often receive visitors here."

Nari nodded politely, grateful for his understanding. "I appreciate your hospitality. I assure you, my intrusion was unintentional."

"Of course," he replied with a gentle smile. "Please, join us. You're safe here."

Despite the lingering tension, Nari felt a measure of relief at his words. She settled into a seat offered by him and another man brought them drinks.

As the evening progressed, Nari listened attentively as the young man explained that their gathering was an informal celebration of a successful project, a rare occasion of camaraderie.

"I apologize again for disrupting your evening," Nari said sincerely, feeling a pang of guilt for intruding on their private moment.

The man waved off her concerns with a smile. "No apologies necessary."

The warmth in his demeanor eased Nari's apprehension, and she found herself gradually relaxing in the company of strangers turned acquaintances. Their conversation drifted to lighter topics, momentarily relieving the tension of the night's events.

As the night wore on, Nari couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards the man.

Ji-hoon who had been watching all of them attentively cleared her throat, trying to catch Na-ri's attention.

" Don't be so care-free, or feel at ease unnecessarily. You haven't even asked the man's name yet. And I sense some powerful Ki from him".

Immediately Ji-hoon gave her warning, Na-ri's expression changed.

"Who are you?"