Chapter 33
Taming
The next morning, Ihwan summoned Paeng Muwi once more.
Although Paeng Muwi had been humiliated by Ihwan several times before, he had no choice but to respond.
And that, for him, was the most maddening part.
‘That damned man again…’
Paeng Muwi entered Ihwan’s quarters with a face full of fury. But as soon as he stepped inside, he corrected his expression.
“Are you inside, Your Highness?”
“Yes. Please, come in.”
After a soft sigh, Paeng Muwi stepped in. The first thing he noticed was a teacup steaming gently.
“You summoned me?”
“Have a seat.”
Paeng Muwi sat across from Ihwan.
“I heard your people have arrived in considerable number.”
“Yes, more warriors were dispatched from the capital to replenish our losses.”
“Do they not know that I’m stationed here? Or do they know and choose to ignore it?”
“…Pardon?”
“If they’ve arrived, they should have greeted me first.”
“…”
Paeng Muwi recalled Yeonghochung’s murmuring from the night before:
“I don’t think we properly greeted the Grand Prince…”
‘Don’t tell me he’s serious…’
A wave of anxiety surged through Paeng Muwi.
He suddenly suspected that Ihwan might use this oversight as an excuse to act outrageously again.
Wasn’t this the same Ihwan who cut off the arms of warriors for injuring Chajungyeong?
Paeng Muwi bowed his head.
“My apologies. It seems in their fatigue from the journey, they forgot to observe proper protocol toward Your Highness. I will make sure they are reprimanded.”
“And yet, these fatigued men had enough energy to engage in lengthy conversations with you?”
‘How the hell…?’
Paeng Muwi flinched.
‘Was he watching our quarters…?’
“General.”
“Yes, Your Highness?”
“I consider it an affront to the imperial family when anyone dares to disrespect me—and by extension, an insult to His Majesty.”
“…!”
Paeng Muwi’s face turned to stone. Judging from Ihwan’s demeanor, his worst fears were about to come true.
“Commander.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“What is the appropriate punishment for someone who insults His Majesty and the royal family?”
Without hesitation, Song Hoe answered sternly.
“Depending on the situation, execution by beheading is permitted.”
Ihwan nodded slowly, then locked eyes with Paeng Muwi.
“What is this man’s title in the Imperial Guards?”
“He’s a Deputy Commander.”
“Commander.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“How far does your authority extend in punishing a Deputy Commander?”
“A Deputy Commander, you say? Depending on the circumstances, even execution would be appropriate.”
They were perfectly in sync.
“…!”
Paeng Muwi’s eyes widened.
“He was sent here personally by Her Majesty the Empress. Even if he was disrespectful, execution is too extreme.”
Ihwan’s gaze turned cold.
“So, because he was sent by the Empress, I should forgive him?”
“I only meant to ask for Your Highness’s mercy, nothing more. Please, don’t misunderstand.”
Ihwan fell silent.
That silence felt like an eternity to Paeng Muwi.
“Very well. Out of respect for your position, I’ll let it slide this time. But if it happens again, you will be held accountable.”
“Thank you, Your Highness. I’ll see to it that nothing of the sort happens again.”
“And one more thing. Never mention the Empress or Prince Yi Hwang in front of me again. Understood?”
“…Yes, I’ll remember that.”
“You may go.”
* * *
Song Hoe chuckled.
“He looked like a fresh recruit standing at attention. It was satisfying to watch.”
“All those times I called him in and scolded him—it finally paid off. You see, repeated reprimands are more effective at breaking someone down than one harsh punishment. Even if they don’t realize it consciously. In a way, it’s all part of the taming process.”
“I had no idea there was a plan behind all that. But why was the Imperial Guard sent here? This isn’t their place.”
“Well, by that logic, Biwol shouldn’t be here either. But the Empress sent her people, so the Crown Prince sent Biwol in response. Either way, make sure you keep an eye on Biwol.”
“Understood.”
“How’s your internal energy?”
“My body feels lighter, and I can clearly feel my strength and speed improving when I wield my sword. Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Don’t thank me just yet. Until you’ve made the cultivation method completely your own, don’t slack off.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
At that moment, Song Cheonmu entered.
“Your Highness, the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard is requesting an audience.”
“Tell him to come back tomorrow.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Once he left, Song Hoe asked,
“Are you going to tame him too?”
“I’m still deciding. But for now, isn’t it time for training?”
“Ah, right. I’ll be on my way then.”
After Song Hoe departed, Ihwan stood and approached the window. Outside, he saw Mo Jaehwang of the Imperial Guard returning to the Paeng family’s quarters.
‘No doubt he’s here to report everything happening to Yi Taeji. In that case, I should stomp him down before dealing with Paeng Muwi.’
Ihwan thought of Yi Taeji, Prince Yi Hwang.
‘As long as I’m here, things will never go the way you want, Yi Taeji.’
* * *
Mo Jaehwang of the Imperial Guard returned again the next day to see Ihwan.
But Ihwan, through Song Cheonmu, gave the same response: come back tomorrow.
Just like with Paeng Muwi, the taming had begun.
* * *
The sudden death of the Grand Commander.
Everyone was in mourning—except for one: the Blood Demon Cult’s leader had a different idea entirely.
‘The Grand Commander’s death even halted the war. I doubt Yeonna would be any different. Why didn’t I think of this sooner?’
The death of the Grand Commander had inspired him. That inspiration led to one conclusion—assassination.
He began to consider the best target.
His already sinister eyes grew darker still.
‘If I assassinate Hwangho, Yeonna will suffer a serious blow. That would let us take control of the situation.’
His eyes gleamed coldly.
In the end, he decided: Hwangho would be the target.
He had considered Ihwan at one point. But though Ihwan was a prince and a Grand Prince at that, he held little real power within the Yeonna army—so he was dismissed early on.
Next on the list had been General Jeong Cheon.
But even he wasn’t as significant as Hwangho.
‘The day the Grand Commander’s funeral ends… Hwangho dies.’
* * *
Swoooosh!
Rain poured down as black clouds gathered around the mountains. Strong winds turned the rain into a torrential downpour.
Standing at the window, Gomi gazed out, lost in thought.
“Since recovering from the brink of death, he’s changed completely. He must’ve been hiding his strength all this time. At times, he’s incredibly arrogant and cruel. Even Commander Hwangho and General Jeong Cheon have begun to trust him deeply.”
Thoughts of Ihwan filled her mind.
What bothered her most was the “arrogant and cruel” part.
The Ihwan in her memory had been gentle, fragile, and kind.
And then there was something else.
“Hiding his strength…?”
That was the part she couldn’t understand.
She had heard countless rumors about Ihwan—most describing him as weak and incompetent.
‘If he had such power, he should’ve used it to gain recognition. Why hide it?’
Anyone would seek status and survival in such a world.
But Ihwan had chosen to live in the shadow of disgrace, branded with weakness despite his actual abilities.
Even a common warrior would find that incomprehensible, let alone a prince.
Just then—
“Lady Wolju.”
The voice from outside shook her out of her thoughts.
“Come in.”
A female warrior entered.
“I’ve returned.”
“What did you find?”
“There are martial artists staying in a local inn in the city market. I suspect they’re affiliated with Prince Yi Hwang.”
“What makes you think that?”
“Someone from the Imperial Guard contacted them. I confirmed their presence here.”
“Well done. Go wash up and get something to eat.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
After the woman left, Gomi turned her eyes toward the direction of the Imperial Guard quarters.
The Paeng family’s camp, Yeongho’s forces, and the Imperial Guard were all located nearby.
‘To the Imperial Guard, Biwol is a thorn in the side. If we disappear, they’ll face Dongchang one-on-one and pressure the Crown Prince. That’s what the Empress and Yi Hwang are aiming for.’
“Hmph.”
She scoffed coldly.
“Not if I have anything to say about it.”
* * *
The rain continued the next morning.
The rare downpour put the entire camp on alert. Tents on slopes were relocated to flat ground to prevent landslides, which led to a complete rearrangement of the defense line.
Warriors scrambled to move their tents in the rain.
And Ihwan?
He took the chance to sleep in.
Rainy days always helped him sleep deeply, even as a child. He had always loved rainy days.
This, at least, was one thing he and “that guy” had in common.
Song Hoe entered.
“Shall I prepare tea?”
“What’s all the noise outside?”
“There’s a torrential downpour. Everyone’s scrambling to move tents. Even the Yongho Corps suspended training to assist.”
Swoooosh!
Ihwan looked at the window, then stepped out onto the veranda.
Cheolmuok and Gongsontaeng stood and greeted him. Song Cheonmu was already out helping.
Swoooosh! Thud thud!
The heavy rain reached the edge of the veranda. It was so dense the Paeng camp across the field looked hazy.
Song Hoe frowned.
“This storm isn’t normal. I’ve never seen rain like this.”
“Zhao’s side must be in chaos too.”
“Their camp is less suited to storms than ours. It’s probably worse over there.”
“Good. Let’s eat.”
“Yes, sir.”
They had just begun their meal when Gomi entered the yard, a rain cloak draped over her.
She bowed deeply toward Ihwan, who sat eating on the veranda.
“I’ve come to report.”
“Come inside first.”
Though she wore a cloak, the rain had thoroughly soaked her armor.
“May I speak with you privately?”
“No need. These are people I trust.”
Gomi spoke immediately.
“There are martial artists in a nearby city inn believed to be sent by Prince Yi Hwang. One of them has made contact with a member of the Imperial Guard stationed here.”
‘To have already discovered this…’
Ihwan was secretly impressed. And now he understood why the Crown Prince had sent Biwol.
“Why are you reporting this to me?”
“I first went to General Hwangho. He told me to report to you.”
Ihwan stared at her without replying. Gomi bowed slightly.
“You must’ve started early this morning. Haven’t eaten, have you?”
“I’m not in the habit of eating breakfast. I’m fine.”
“Change that.”
“…Pardon?”
“Start eating in the mornings. This is a warfront. You need to be ready for anything, anytime.”
“…Understood. I’ll fix it.”
“Come eat with us.”
Ihwan turned to Gongsontaeng.
“Bring a setting for Lady Wolju.”
“Yes, sir.”
Gomi sat beside Ihwan. It happened to be the only spot available.
“Start with an apology.”
“Sorry?”
“I doubted whether Biwol’s presence would be useful. But after your report, I’ve changed my mind.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Her expression tightened slightly—something Ihwan didn’t miss.
‘So, she’s got a sharp temper too, huh?’
He remembered the way Gomi had lost her temper after that scuffle with the Imperial Guard in the capital.
‘Not bad at all.’
