황실의 사랑 이야기 (Hwangsil-ui Sarang Iyagi) - The Imperial Love Story

Chapter - 80 (Extra)

Three years later...

The garden bathed in the soft, fading light of dusk was a scene of pure bliss. The air was warm, carrying the scent of blooming flowers, as Daeri ran around laughing. Her small feet skipped across the grass as she played a game of tag with Riki. Hyunjin was sitting under a tree watching them play with a smile. Daeri's laughter filled the air like the sound of music, so carefree, so innocent, a sharp contrast to the girl who had once clung to him for dear life on that battlefield had grown stronger, more confident.

Flashback: Two Years Ago

The kingdom was in chaos, the sounds of clashing swords and anguished cries echoing through the streets. Smoke rose into the darkened sky as Hyunjin struck down yet another enemy soldier with a swift, calculated motion. His body was sore, and his lungs burned with each breath, but he pressed on. Protecting the kingdom was all that mattered.

Then, amidst the chaos, a sound caught his attention—a small, frightened cry. It was faint, but distinct. His ears perked up as he froze for a moment. A child? His eyes scanned his surroundings, finally spotting a little girl trapped in an alleyway. She was sobbing, her tiny frame trembling as enemy soldiers advanced toward her.

"Damn it," Hyunjin muttered, gripping his sword tighter. He slashed through the soldier in front of him and bolted toward the alleyway.

By the time he reached her, one of the enemy soldiers had raised his sword high, ready to strike the child. "No!" Hyunjin shouted, swinging his sword with all his might. In one fluid motion, he cut the soldier down, sending him crashing to the ground.

The girl froze, her wide, tear-filled eyes staring up at him in shock. Hyunjin knelt to her level, his tone soft but urgent. "Are you alright?"

The child whimpered, backing away slightly. When Hyunjin reached out to her, she flinched. He quickly pulled his hand back, his expression turning even gentler. "It's alright, little one. I won't hurt you. You're safe now."

Her lips quivered as she stared at him, hesitant to trust. "You pwomish?" she asked, her tiny voice trembling with fear.

Hyunjin smiled, holding out his pinkie. "I promise."

The girl hesitated for a moment before reaching out and wrapping her entire hand around his pinkie—it was so small compared to his. Hyunjin felt a pang in his chest. How could such a tiny, innocent child be caught up in such a horrible war?

"What's your name?" he asked softly.

"Daewi..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Daeri," he repeated with a nod. "That's a beautiful name. Where are your parents?"

At the mention of her parents, Daeri's face crumpled, and she began to cry again, big, heaving sobs that shook her tiny frame. "Thwosh mean people... k-killed mommy and daddy," she sobbed, pointing at the street where a fallen couple lay lifeless.

Hyunjin's heart shattered at the sight. He reached out to comfort her, but she flinched again. He panicked, unsure of what to do. "Hey, it's okay," he said softly, hesitating only for a second before gently pulling her into his arms. "It's okay. I'm here. I've got you."

Daeri clung to him, her small hands gripping his tunic as she cried into his chest. Hyunjin held her close, one hand stroking her hair as he murmured soothing words. "I won't let anything happen to you, Daeri. I promise."

After a while, her sobs quieted, though she still clung to him. "Don't weave me, ajushhi," she mumbled, her voice muffled by his tunic.

"I won't leave you," he reassured her. Then, glancing around, he spotted a large stack of crates covered by a sheet nearby. It wasn't much, but it would serve as a temporary hiding spot.