[ Han Inaya POV ]
I kept my gaze glued to the floor, my heart pounding as though it would leap out of my chest.
My fingers fidgeted nervously with each other, and beside me, Eunwoo mirrored the same nervous energy.
Halmonie stood before us, her presence suffocating.
She clutched a broom in her hands, slapping it rhythmically against her palm, her piercing gaze boring into us like a hawk ready to pounce.
The air in the room felt thick, and the sound of the broom echoed like a death sentence.
Our grandfather sat silently in the corner, his expression unreadable.
He wasn't going to save us. We were on our own.
I could feel the sweat forming on my forehead as I gulped, staring at the floor as though it might open up and swallow me whole.
Halmonie's voice cut through the tense silence, sharp and demanding:
"How did you get out of this house?"
Her words made my blood run cold. I knew I couldn't tell her the truth-that I had slipped out while Eunwoo was busy, driven by a dangerous mix of curiosity and recklessness.
No way.
If I said that, I'd be doomed to endless scolding and beatings.
Last time, she let me off the hook, saying it was because of my "disturbed state" after the incidents.
But now?
Now, she wouldn't let this slide. I was dead. Absolutely dead.
In my mind, I was crying rivers, praying to every god I could think of.
Oh God, please save me! I don't want to die like this! I'm too young to meet my end at the hands of my terrifying grandmother!
I'm single, for heaven's sake! I haven't even fallen in love properly, traveled the world, or achieved my dreams of becoming a successful lawyer! This can't be how it ends for me!
My thoughts were interrupted by the thunderous slam of Halmonie's broom against the side table.
The loud thud reverberated through the room, and both Eunwoo and I flinched so hard we might as well have jumped out of our skins.
"I want answers!"
she barked, her voice a mix of authority and fury.
I clenched my fists tightly, my mind racing.
I had to think of something, anything, to save myself.
But my brain felt like it had been fried under the intensity of her glare.
I glanced at Eunwoo out of the corner of my eye.
He was just as frozen and helpless as I was. Dammit, Eunwoo! Do something! Say something!
But nope. He was as silent as a rock, leaving me to face the wrath of Halmonie alone.
I sighed internally.
This is it.
I'm done for.
Goodbye, dreams. Goodbye, future.
I'm going to die here, in this very room, under the terrifying gaze of my grandmother.
Another loud thud brought me back to the present, and I straightened up instinctively, bracing myself for whatever was coming next.

Eunwoo's fake sobbing voice echoed through the room, and I swear my blood boiled like lava.
"Halmonie, I didn't do anything! I'm completely innocent here! I was just working on the medicinal herbs, keeping an eye on her the whole time. I swear!"
he cried dramatically,
clutching his hands together like he was pleading for his life.
"You can punish her, beat her, make her red with the broom if you want, but I am totally innocent!"
I glared at him, my fists tightening at my sides.
This lying monkey!
How dare he throw me under the bus like this?!
Eunwoo's fake crying was so over-the-top I could feel my patience snapping.
Han Eunwoo, if I don't strangle you with my bare hands today, it's because I'm holding back for Halmonie's sake! I seethed internally.
But then, a wicked idea popped into my head.
If I was going down, I wasn't going alone, Eunwoo was coming with me.
Revenge was going to be sweet.
Before Halmonie could fully process his dramatic act, I put on my best innocent face, widening my eyes and blinking as if I had been gravely wronged.

"But Halmonie,"
I said softly, my voice trembling just enough to sound believable,
"he was sleeping when I left the house. I saw him dozing off in the corner. He wasn't looking after me at all!"
Eunwoo's eyes widened so much I thought they might pop out of his head.
"LIAR! LIAR! May your dress catch fire!"
he yelled, pointing at me with righteous indignation.
"Halmonie, I swear I wasn't sleeping! This crocodile is spewing nonsense! You believe your grandson, right?!"
I clenched my jaw to hold back a laugh as he flailed around dramatically.
Without giving Halmonie a chance to react, I stealthily kicked his foot under the table.
He let out a groan of pain, glaring at me like I had just declared war.
His lips pressed into a thin line, and for a brief moment, he looked...cute?
Ugh! What the hell am I thinking?
This monkey doesn't deserve compliments, even in my head!
I shook the thought away quickly, refocusing on my goal.
"Halmonie,"
I said, my voice tinged with hurt,
"I'm also your granddaughter. Won't you believe me?"
I added a slight pout for dramatic effect, glancing at her with puppy-dog eyes.
I noticed my grandfather in the corner, his shoulders shaking slightly as he tried-and failed-to suppress a laugh.
Halmonie shot him a sharp glare that could have frozen lava.
He immediately straightened up, clearing his throat as if nothing had happened, but I saw the faintest smirk tugging at his lips.
For a moment, there was silence. Eunwoo glared at me, and I smirked inwardly.
This battle wasn't over yet.
"Fine!! No need to butter me up with those pleading eyes of yours!"
Halmonie finally said, letting out an exasperated sigh.
"Both of you, go back to your work. But remember,"
she pointed the broom at us like a sword,
"if either of you causes me trouble again, I won't leave you both!"
Eunwoo and I nodded frantically, our heads bobbing like scared rabbits.
Halmonie placed the broom on the table, wiped her hands on her dress, and was about to leave when a knock at the door interrupted her.
I gulped, feeling a bad premonition. Halmonie opened the door, and there stood her friend, Jee Woon, the same age as her.
She entered with a face that screamed I-have-news, and I immediately knew I was doomed.
"Oh, Jee Woon, come in! Why are you standing there?"
Halmonie said politely, motioning for her to enter.
Jee Woon stepped inside, and Eunwoo and I bowed to her respectfully.
But her sharp gaze focused entirely on me, making my palms sweat.
"Well, I came to inform you about something..."
Jee Woon began, her tone dripping with drama.
My heart dropped.
No, no, no. Please don't say it!
"It's about your granddaughter,"
Jee Woon continued, and I could feel my soul leaving my body.
"Hyebin, do you know what Inaya did in the market today?"
Halmonie's glare immediately snapped to me.
My eyes widened, and I desperately wanted to teleport
somewhere-anywhere-far away from here.
Please, God, save me! I'll never disobey again, I swear!
"No, I don't know. What happened? What did she do!?"
Halmonie asked, her voice already laced with anger.
Jee Woon didn't even blink.
"Your granddaughter, Inaya, was running through the market at the speed of a horse!
And guess what?
She bumped into the leader of the army,
Jeon Jungkook! It caused an entire scene, and now the market is buzzing with gossip about it."
I froze.
The leader of the army?
Oh no, not this!
Why did she have to mention it? My palms became clammy as I felt Halmonie's sharp gaze burning into me.
"You know what people will think now?"
Jee Woon added, fanning the flames of Halmonie's anger.
"A soldier's granddaughter is causing a public scene like that-it's embarrassing!"
Halmonie's jaw tightened, and I swore the temperature in the room dropped.
But then, to my utter shock, Halmonie turned to Jee Woon with a calm yet cutting tone.
"Thank you for informing me, Jee Woon,"
she said, her voice laced with ice.
"But don't you have other things to do than gossip about my granddaughter in my own home? It doesn't look pleasant, does it?"
Jee Woon's eyes widened as she realized she might have overstepped.
"Uh... I just thought you should know,"
she muttered, clearly uncomfortable.
"I appreciate your concern, but I have more important things to handle than entertaining gossip topics,"
Halmonie said firmly, raising her chin.
"You can go now."
Jee Woon, understanding she was on thin ice, quickly nodded and shuffled out the door.
I stared at Halmonie in awe. Halmonie is savage! Omo, how can she calmly roast someone like that?
Halmonie shut the door, turning to face me and Eunwoo.
Her expression was unreadable, a mix of quiet fury and something I couldn't quite place.
Then, her hand moved toward the broom. My eyes widened in realization. Oh no...
"Halmonie, I'm sorry!!!"
I screamed, turning on my heels and bolting.
But it was too late-Halmonie was already chasing me, broom in hand.
"Come back here, you little troublemaker!"
she yelled, her voice echoing through the house as I ran for my life, silently praying for divine intervention.
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[ Jeon Jungkook POV ]
"Do the last lap!!"
I shouted, my voice ringing across the training grounds.
My soldiers pushed their limits, their feet pounding the dirt as they completed their sixtieth lap.
By the time they crossed the finish line, most of them collapsed onto the ground, their bodies trembling from exhaustion.
I approached them, my tone firm and commanding.
"You all don't have the luxury to be weak! Weakness is not a respectable trait for a soldier!"
My eyes scanned their dust-covered faces, ensuring my words hit their mark.
"You are not a fragile girl to behave like this! Stand up!"
My soldiers struggled to their feet, their exhaustion overshadowed by their pride and discipline.
Watching them obey, I nodded with satisfaction.
"Your training is over for the day. Dismissed!"
They bowed and dispersed, heading toward their quarters.
I knew I was harsh on them, but it was necessary.
These soldiers weren't training to be ordinary men-they were training to be the backbone of our country's defense.
Weakness had no place in my army.
If they couldn't endure this, they wouldn't survive the real battles awaiting them.

As the sun dipped toward the horizon, casting an orange glow across the barracks, I headed to my chambers.
The barracks had become my home.
I preferred living here instead of my family's estate-it allowed me to oversee the soldiers personally and ensure their training met my exacting standards.
Once inside, I freshened up and sat on the edge of my bed, the silence of the room a stark contrast to the earlier commotion on the field.
My mind wandered to the responsibilities that awaited me in the plaza, where I needed to check on the guards stationed there.
Leading the military wasn't just about barking orders-it was about presence, vigilance, and strategy.
A sharp knock interrupted my thoughts.
"Come in,"
I called out, straightening my posture.
The door opened to reveal Kim Taehyung, one of my most trusted trainees and the leader of the squad I had personally appointed.


Taehyung stepped inside, his posture rigid yet respectful.
His dark eyes held determination, a quality that had always impressed me.
"Head General,"
he greeted with a bow.
"Taehyung,"
I acknowledged with a nod.
He was more than just a soldier to me-he was my best friend.
We had grown up together, our bond forged through years of shared struggles and ambitions.
His family had a long legacy in the military, and he carried that tradition with pride and honor.
He deserved every bit of his position as team leader, and I knew I could trust him with any task, no matter how critical.
"Report,"
I said, my tone firm yet familiar, as he stepped forward to speak.
"Sir, at exactly 6:00 PM, we can move to the plaza. The guards are already on duty,"
Taehyung informed me, his tone professional and to the point.
I nodded in acknowledgment.
"Good. We'll head there together. You'll accompany me,"
I instructed, watching him nod in response.
"You can relax now,"
I added, my tone softening slightly.
Taehyung immediately eased his stance, the rigidness of professionalism melting away as he sat down beside me.
This was how it always was between us. When on duty, we treated each other with the utmost professionalism, setting aside any personal bonds.
But once the tension of work faded, our friendship took its natural course.
He leaned back for a moment, relaxing, but then suddenly nudged my side with his elbow, a playful grin spreading across his face.
The mischievous glint in his eyes was enough to make me wary.
"What?"
I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Well,"
he began, his grin widening,
"I heard a few things about you... and let's just say I didn't know you had this side to you."
I frowned, completely lost.
"What things? And what's with that silly grin?"
"Oh, come on, Jungkook,"
he teased, giving me a side glance filled with mock amusement.
"You can't lie to me, you know. Spill it."
"What are you talking about?"
I replied, my patience thinning.
"Be clear and stop beating around the bush."
He feigned innocence, his grin never leaving his face.
"Well, the whole plaza seems to have witnessed a rather... interesting moment involving you and your lover~."
My eyes widened in disbelief as his words sank in.
"What the hell are you talking about? What lover?!"
I snapped, unable to hide my shock.
Taehyung's grin turned into a full-blown smirk as he leaned closer, clearly enjoying my reaction.
"Oh no, don't play dumb with me! The entire plaza saw it!
The great, cold, scary head general of the Aureum Kingdom caught in a romantic moment in the middle of the market~."
I blinked, my mind reeling.
Then it hit me-he was talking about her. That crazy girl.
My jaw tightened as I recalled the incident, the memory making my blood boil.
"Shut up,"
I barked, glaring at him.
"Don't speak nonsense. I don't have any lover!"
"Really?"
Taehyung dragged out the word, clearly unconvinced.
"Because the entire plaza swears otherwise. They saw how she ran toward you, bumped into you, and-you know the best part?-fell on top of you, gazing into your eyes like it was straight out of a fairy tale~."
My frustration reached its peak.
"Listen to me carefully, Taehyung. It was an accident. Nothing more, nothing less. Those rumors are complete garbage!"
I explained, my voice firm, though I could feel my irritation bubbling under the surface.
Taehyung wasn't buying it.
His smirk only deepened as he leaned back, clearly entertained.
"Oh, really? Then why is the whole market buzzing with gossip? You're the talk of the town, Jungkook!"
"Because people have nothing better to do,"
I snapped, exasperated.
"They just want something to gossip about, and this-this nonsense-is their latest distraction. That girl is a menace, and I swear she's going to regret crossing my path."
I told him everything from the beginning, detailing the chaos that girl had caused since the moment I encountered her.
Taehyung listened intently at first, but as soon as I reached the part where she kicked me, he burst into uncontrollable laughter.
His laughter was loud and unrestrained, echoing through the room.
He rolled onto the ground, clutching his stomach as he tried to catch his breath.
"S-she what?! She kicked you where?!"
he managed to choke out between fits of laughter.
"Oh my god, Jungkook, I can't breathe!"
I crossed my arms, glaring at him as he continued to laugh like a madman.
"Are you done?"
I asked dryly, rolling my eyes.
"No-oh my god-this is priceless,"
he wheezed, tears forming in the corners of his eyes.
"The mighty General Jeon Jungkook, brought down by a girl! This is the best thing I've heard all year!"
"Shut up and get off the floor,"
I ordered, my tone sharp.
"We have to go."
Still chuckling, Taehyung got up, wiping his tears as he tried to compose himself.
"You know I'm never letting you live this down, right?"
I shot him a warning glare, but he just smirked.
"Come on,"
I said, heading toward the door.
"Enough of your nonsense. Let's get to work."
As we walked out, I could still hear him snickering under his breath.
This wasn't the end of his teasing-I knew that much-but for now, I had more pressing matters to deal with.
That girl had caused enough trouble already, and I wasn't about to let her antics derail my focus any further.
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We were in the plaza, roaming around and checking that the guards were performing their duties properly.
The sun had a long set, and the midnight hour had already passed-12 AM.
Despite the exhaustion creeping into my body, I chose to be here myself.
I wanted to see firsthand what the source of the complaints was.
The whispers of trouble had grown louder in the past few weeks, but without concrete evidence or a direct witness, I couldn't jump to conclusions.
The cool night air clung to my skin as I moved through the dimly lit streets, my sharp eyes scanning every corner.
The stillness of the night was occasionally broken by the faint rustling of the breeze or the distant murmur of the guards exchanging words.
My thoughts swirled-was the source of the complaints some petty thief, a gang stirring chaos, or something more sinister?
The answers eluded me, and I knew I wouldn't rest until I discovered the truth with my own eyes.
After what felt like hours of constant rounds, I finally decided to return to the central point of the plaza.
As I was walking back, a faint sound reached my ears.
It wasn't sharp or loud, but rather a muffled noise-subtle enough that it could have been missed.
My senses sharpened immediately, and I halted in my tracks, raising a hand to signal my soldiers to stop.

Without wasting a moment, I moved toward the source of the noise.
It seemed to be coming from a narrow, dark alleyway.
The dim lighting made it difficult to see, but the uneasy feeling settling in my chest told me something was wrong.
My soldiers silently drew their swords, their footsteps careful and quiet as they followed my lead.
When we reached the entrance of the alley, I signaled them to stay back and remain alert.
I wanted to assess the situation before making any move that might alert whoever was inside.
With cautious steps, I entered the alley, the darkness enveloping me as my eyes adjusted to the dim light.
What I saw made my blood run cold.
Two men were holding a girl down, pinning her to the ground with brutal force.
She struggled, her movements frantic and desperate, but they showed no signs of letting go.
Her muffled cries echoed faintly, filled with fear and desperation.
My jaw clenched as I took in the horrifying scene.
But that wasn't all.
A dead body lay sprawled on the other side of the alley, its lifeless form drenched in blood.
The metallic scent of death hung thick in the air, making my stomach churn.
My heart pounded as I looked back at the girl.
Wait.
The girl... She...
It's her.
It's Inaya.
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