Jin-Ri stuck her tongue out at the prince. "Just hang tight and wait for me," he instructed his court lady.
With a playful tone, Jin-Ri mimicked Young-Sik, saying, "Just hang tight and wait for me. What do you think I am, a housewife? I'll track down the clues myself!"
She then confidently strode toward the far side of the village. An old lady noticed her and asked, "Where do you think you're headed, young lady?"
Jin-Ri pointed in the direction she was going and replied, "I'm off to the other side of the village to see things."
The old lady warned her, "Just make sure you don't wander too close to that mountain. A tiger is living there, and it's already claimed many lives, not just from our village but from other areas too, so be careful and be back in the village before dusk."
Jin-Ri bowed to the old lady who shuffled away "Thank you, auntie, for the advice" she said and continued towards her destination.
Young-Sik, in contrast, was provided with a guided tour river, where the village gets its water. "How do you manage to sustain your crops with this river located several kilometers away?" he inquired, astonished by the thriving agricultural output of the village.
The village chief responded, "We utilize a system of canals and bamboo pipes to channel a portion of the river's water to our fields." The chief pointed to the lowest part of the river, where a canal and several bamboos were laid.
Young-Sik inspected the ingenious solution the village came up "This irrigation system you made, is simply genius. How did you manage to keep the water continuously flowing?" he inquired
The group led by the chief walked a little way in the direction of the village, stopping in what seems to be a well, made of stacked rocks "We made several of these reservoirs along the way of the canals. They are filled up before flowing to the next network of canals. These canals are dug slightly deeper after each well. To ensure a continuous flow of water. The bamboo pipes are also tapped into these wells"
Young-Sik stroked his chin and shook his head in awe and disbelief at the villager's intelligence "What you made here, is similar to the aqueducts made by other nations. Once we resolve the issue of the increase in taxes, I will come to the village and strengthen this irrigation that you made"
"Thank you so much, Your Highness!" The village elders said in unison to the prince's vow
Young-Sik then asked, "You yield a significant amount of produce; why do the villagers appear as though they have not had enough to eat?"
"Sadly Your Highness...almost everything that we harvest just goes to pay the taxes and fee for using the river. We are left with so little, that a lot of us have died because of hunger" The chief explained
"How do they collect the fees and taxes?" Young-Sik curiously asked
"Once a month, men identifying themselves as a minister and royal soldiers from the capital, come to this village and others nearby to collect the taxes" Another elder replied
Young-Sik gazed at the poster once again. "This is the only lead we possess," he stated as he turned to the village elder. "I am returning to the capital; I may have a contact who can identify this forger."
"I will instruct the villagers to prepare some provisions for you and your soldiers, Your Highness," an elder woman proposed.
"Thank you, but I will travel alone. These individuals must remain unaware of my presence in the capital; otherwise, it will limit my movement and they may attempt to conceal their activities," Young-Sik replied, declining the offer. "I will leave my soldiers here to safeguard the village in case they return."
The village chief expressed, "Your generosity is truly remarkable, Your Highness; however, it is almost dark, please rest and stay the night. Besides we would still like to arrange some provisions for your journey."
Young-Sik replied, "I am content with a modest number of supplies, but my horse may require additional food for the trip," his eyes reflecting deep gratitude.
"Your steeds are being taken care of as we speak Your Highness," one of the villagers said
"I am in your debt; I think we should head back to the village" The prince made his way back to the village with everyone following closely
Meanwhile, Jin-Ri wandered near the base of the mountains, oblivious to a pair of hungry eyes that observed her every move. "This location is exquisite; I would not mind establishing a home here with my husband and children," she mused, taking in the stunning scenery. "Jin-Ri, you cheeky little minx! You haven't even married yet, and here you are daydreaming about tiny tots!" She chuckled to herself, shaking her head in disbelief.
Her train of thought however was interrupted when she heard the rustling of plants "Is anyone there? Your Highness is that you?" she called out to the direction of the sound
The rustling seized, but she was entirely sure that she heard movement, she called again "Whoever you are, this not funny...come out and show yourself!"
The air was thick with an unsettling stillness, her calls fading into the oppressive silence. Annoyed by the unseen entity playing games with her, she stalked toward the sound, brushing aside the damp foliage. To her utter disbelief, the space was barren, a haunting emptiness where she expected a figure to emerge.
Then, a low, menacing growl rumbled from behind, sending icy tendrils of dread down her spine. Beads of sweat trickled down her brow as she turned, her breath hitching in her throat. There, looming in the darkness, was a massive tiger, its eyes glinting with predatory hunger. It bared its colossal fangs, inching closer, while Jin-Ri stumbled back, sweat cascading down her forehead, the grim realization dawning that this was the end.
The tiger unleashed a bone-chilling roar that echoed through the darkness, causing Jin-Ri to stifle a scream deep within her throat. Panic surged through her veins; she dared not make a sound that could awaken the beast's primal instincts. Another thunderous roar erupted, sending Jin-Ri crashing to the ground, her heart racing like a wild drum. Gasping for breath, she locked eyes with the savage creature, her trembling fingers desperately searching the cold earth for anything—anything at all—that could serve as a weapon against the looming terror.
A sharp, jagged stone grazed her fingertips, and in a heartbeat, the tiger lunged at Jin-Ri with a feral growl. Instinct took over as she seized the rock and flung it with all her might, striking the beast squarely in one eye. The creature howled in pain, momentarily disoriented. "This is my chance," she whispered, adrenaline surging through her veins. As the tiger thrashed in agony, she sprang to her feet and bolted toward the looming mountains, her heart pounding like a war drum.
With every agonizing step, Jin-Ri felt the weight of terror pressing down on her as she ascended the steep slope, her lungs burning with each desperate breath. The tiger's growl reverberated through the air, a sinister reminder of the death that lurked just behind her. She dashed through the tangled foliage, her feet slipping on the damp ground, until she discovered a massive tree trunk, a sanctuary amidst the chaos. Crouching behind its sturdy form, she felt the tremors of fear ripple through her body as the growl grew closer. Covering her mouth with trembling hands, she fought to silence her panicked breaths, her mind screaming, "Your Highness, where are you? I need you!" hoping against hope that the prince could somehow hear her silent cries for help.
Jin-Ri's heart raced as she cautiously peeked from her concealed spot, her eyes widening in terror at the sight of the approaching tiger. Panic surged through her as she frantically searched her surroundings, spotting a handful of pebbles scattered nearby. Snatching up the stones with trembling hands, she hurled them into the darkness, the ominous clatter echoing through the air. The tiger, drawn by the noise, lunged toward the sound, and Jin-Ri exhaled a shaky breath, relief flooding her as the monstrous creature sprinted away from her fragile sanctuary.
"Stupid cat," she laughed, a chilling grin spreading across her face. "I honestly thought I was to be your next meal." After ensuring the path was clear of danger, Jin-Ri stood, brushing off the remnants of her narrow escape. As she ventured back to the village, a sense of unease washed over her. She couldn't shake the feeling that something sinister was hiding in the darkness, waiting to pounce. Turning swiftly, her heart raced as she caught sight of the tiger stalking her, One eye bleeds while the other eye is burning with rage. The creature, furious at being outsmarted, let out a deafening roar. Consumed by terror, Jin-Ri's scream echoed through the night as the tiger charged, a nightmare come to life.
Overwhelmed by fear, Jin-Ri squeezed her eyes shut and wrapped her arms around herself, bracing for the fatal strike. Instead of her cries, she was met with the anguished growl of the beast. Cautiously opening her eyes, her heart soared with relief as she beheld Prince Young-Sik standing protectively in front of her, confronting the hungry tiger. "Your Highness...you came, you really came!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Stay behind me!" Young-Sik urged Jin-Ri, his voice like a soothing serenade that calmed her racing heart. With his sword drawn and aimed at the looming tiger, they synchronized their movements, standing their ground against the fierce predator.
"You've taken down a tiger before, haven't you?" Jin-Ri asked, her voice laced with worry.
"Are you seriously asking that right now?" Young-Sik replied, astonished by her timing.
"But have you?" Jin-Ri pressed, staying glued to the prince's side.
"Of course not!" Young-Sik exclaimed, frustration bubbling over.
The tiger lunged at the pair, and despite its massive frame, the swiftness of its razor-sharp claws caught Young-Sik off guard, the tiger's massive paw grazed Young-Sik, leaving two crimson lines across his forehead.
Dazed from the unexpected blow, he was forced to his knees. "Your Highness, are you okay?" Jin-Ri exclaimed, her voice laced with panic.
Shaking off the shock, Young-Sik turned to his loyal court maiden. "It's going to attack again. When it charges, I need you to duck, got it?"
"Yes, Your Highness," Jin-Ri replied, her voice trembling but determined.
The tiger leaped at the pair, its movements as quick as a flash. Young-Sik, with his heart racing like a drum, swung his sword—not with the sharp edge, but the blunt side—landing a solid hit on the beast's neck and sending it tumbling. Just as the tiger hit the ground, the soldiers sprang into action, throwing a net over the creature, subduing it and finally putting an end to its reign of terror.
Once the tiger was secured, Young-Sik turned to Jin-Ri his eyes filled with worry "Are you hurt? Has it injured you?" He asked while inspecting Jin-Ri for any injuries
Jin-Ri's tears cascaded down her cheeks, not from fear, but from a profound gratitude for her young master who had so selflessly saved her life. Her heart swelled as she gazed upon Prince Young-Sik's face, her breath hitching when she noticed the blood flowing from the wounds on his forehead.