Seo Kyung's room was filled with the gentle hiss of Jin-Ho's blade. Words had failed in this confrontation, and only steel could determine the winner.
Slowly, Seo Kyung stood up, his smile unwavering. He questioned, "Do you think killing me will save you?" "The Crown Prince already has misgivings about you. Your reputation is deteriorating; you will eventually fail.
Jin-Ho squinted her eyes. "I'll take you with me if I fall."
The polished steel of Seo Kyung's sword gleamed in the lamplight as he pulled it out. "Then, let's see who tonight is blessed by fate."
Sparks flew in the faint light as their swords clashed thunderously. With each blow being precise and well-planned, Seo Kyung moved like a skilled duelist. But Jin-Ho had battled for survival, not honor, in conflicts where every misstep meant death.
They circled, searching for an opening, blades scraping against one another. Even though Jin-Ho was feeling tired, he didn't let it get to him. This was a battle to save everything he had left, not merely to save his life.
Seo Kyung drew his sword near Jin-Ho's ribcage after making a leftward feint. At the last moment, Jin-Ho twisted, the blade cutting through his tunic but leaving no flesh behind. Jin-Ho quickly counterattacked, slicing Seo Kyung's arm, and drawing blood.
The battle continued, but both guys were getting tired. Seo Kyung's breathing became laborious, his movements slowed, and blood began to trickle from multiple superficial cuts. Jin-Ho moved forward, sword up for the last blow—
The voice of the Crown Prince then reverberated from the doorway.
"Stop!"
With the tip of his blade just inches from Seo Kyung's throat, Jin-Ho halted in the middle of his blow. He had the opportunity to assassinate Seo Kyung now when no one would stop him. However, the prince's face made it apparent that seeking revenge would not bring about repentance.
The prince commanded Jin-Ho to lower his sword.
Jin-Ho's hand shook. Could he let him live after all that Seo Kyung had done, after all the lies and betrayals?
Jin-Ho inhaled deeply before lowering his blade. Anger boiled in his heart, but he knew there was no other option. Everything he had battled to defend would be ruined if Seo Kyung were killed.
As the Crown Prince looked on in silence, guards hurried in and grabbed the bleeding nobility. Jin-Ho regarded Seo Kyung's lingering sneer with a calm, icy stare. In a whisper, Jin-Ho said, "You lose."
With a look of relief on his face, the prince nodded. "You made the correct decision." Jin-Ho, however, remained unsure. Right and wrong felt like shifting illusions in a world of shadows.
Later that evening, Jin-Ho stood by himself with his sword in its scabbard in the palace courtyard. The conflict was gone, but his decisions still had consequences. He kept thinking about Zhen's last words: "Live for something more."
The Crown Prince stepped forward, his face grave. "Jin-Ho, you have proven yourself beyond doubt. You are going to be in charge of my guard starting today.
Jin-Ho's heartfelt oddly heavy, but he bowed low. His chosen course was one of survival rather than victory. He had been spared by the blade of fate, but at what price?
Mei Lin emerged from the shadows as the prince departed, her eyes warm but perceptive. She muttered, "Don't all wins feel like wins, do they?"
Jin-Ho smiled wearily. "No," he muttered. "But they're sufficient."