It Went Like This

prolouge

A young man was running—running to save his life along with all the potential he had. He ran and ran until he saw a dim light. Hope was the only thing that came into his mind after that view. He was hesitating, but keeping all the pride he had, he knocked on the door. It was a better option to be termed a coward than to lose his life in front of those immoral and evil people. He wasn't scared for his life, but he knew it would be rather foolish to show bravery at such a time, whose results were null.

The old lady opened the door, which was barely even protecting and providing security. He sighed, remembering his situation. He could only sigh.

"I'm a merchant who got lost in this dense forest. I am not familiar with the routes. I promise not to give you any trouble. I just need some shelter; it's not safe here, and looking at the weather, it seems like it's not good either." A young man lied straight-faced.

"Um, if you walk for a little while, you can see the village down the cliff. There are some shelter that is especially made for the travelers." lady seemed hesitant to let strangers inside.

No, he cannot let anyone find out about his identity, and it's quite risky. "Please mam, I promise I will be gone first thing in the morning. Just let me in, and I'll be in the corner. Some goons stole my wealth in a day, and I cannot walk anymore." He again pleaded that it was true, though he was severely injured and didn't have any strength left.

"Ok. Come in," the lady finally accepted.

He relieved the breathe he was holding. Prince sighed. yes the young man was none other than the prince.

There was a king who was trying to win against another nation. Three continuous attempts were made. Still, the king failed to concur.

This was his fourth attempt and he send his troop which was lead by his son, but this time it was a major fail because he lost war general and his dear friend, who died while protecting the prince.

The old lady offered him some rice, which was cooked by her son, who seems to be in the forest at this hour of the night.

"Ma'am, don't you feel scared that your son is out at this hour? That to in the deep forest?" prince asked while he sat down on the floor in Indian style to eat.

The old lady just chuckled and gave the king a plate, saying, "It's either him going out or we dying out of hunger."

"What does your son do?" prince asked while accepting the plate.
"Well, he is a thief," the lady calmly admitted.
"Huh?" prince was amused.
"I said he was a thief. The rice you are going to eat was also stolen by him a day before." prince was too stunned to speak, so he just used his hand to eat. As the hut doesn't even have a bed, it's obvious they don't have a spoon in there.

Prince wasn't complaining, as he was grateful for the lady to offer him food and shelter, but now he is hesitant to eat as the lady is just staring at him.
"Won't you eat?" He asked.
She shakes her head negatively, "waiting for my son."
prince just nodded awkwardly and began to eat. "Oh, and it doesn't have poison if that's what you are thinking. My son doesn't steal poison. The lady just laughed, still staring at him.

And again, with a final nod, he began to eat rice with his hand, which was too hot and burned his hand.
"Schh hh," the prince hissed slightly.
"Silly man, try to eat from the side, then put your hands in the middle." The lady shook her head and brought cool water to dip her finger.

Suddenly, it kicked into the prince's mind. "EAT FROM THE SIDE, AND THEN PUT THE HAND IN THE MIDDLE."
How stupid of him to try to attack the powerful nation directly; he needs an army of force to win over the other nations around it to weaken its border. First he needs to attack neighboring nations then finally enemy nation can be trapped and finally win the long awaited battle.

He looked at the lady gently and said," Ma'am, you don't know how much favor you have done to me and everyone associated with me; hereby, I give you a blank promise. Now, swear on my pride, I will fulfill your wish if I get successful in this mission."

"Oh, hush, silly man, finish the rice. And are some emperors or what, huh? Eat it and go to sleep; my son will be on his way. "By the way, what is your name, and you don't look like a merchant, as you say?" she asked.

"No, ma'am, I'm the crown prince and future king of the Silla dynasty, Jeon Jungkook."

(credit goes to the owner)
Name: Jeon Jungkook III
Kingdom: Sila Dynasty
Age. : 23
Father:  king Jeon Jungkook II
Mother: Queen Jeon Yoona

GRANDMOTHER: Jeon Hangma