The Last Imoogi

Public Execution

After being trapped in a dragon's den which was Kwon Jiyong's bedchamber, Sandara was finally able to step out and get some fresh air. Kwon Jiyong had to leave for the Investigations Bureau early that morning, and strangely feeling energized despite Kwon Jiyong's passionate assault for two nights and a day, she decided to test herself if Ryung would still be able to sniff her out. She even removed her jade bangle and left it in their room.

Walking on tiptoes, she entered the room and saw the boy busily sorting some herbs. She held her breath and slowly covered the boy's eyes with her hands.

"Manim?"

Sandara sighed as she sat beside the boy. What a letdown! He was still able to guess it was her! Did Kwon Jiyong lie to her just to convince her to sleep with him?

"How did you know it was me?"

Ryung blushed at her question. Does she really need to ask? Looking up at his master bashfully, he mumbled, "Because of your soft hands and your sweet scent."

Sandara pinched his cheeks and asked some more. "Did you know I was on my way here?"

"No. I only realized when you were near. You naturally smell good, Manim. That's why. Why do you ask?"

Sandara bit her lip in excitement. It seems her mark worked! Her hard work and near-death experience with Kwon Jiyong really worked! Now she can go out as she pleases!

"Jo Sanggung! Hong! Let's go!" Sandara ran out excitedly. She heard Sun Hae's injuries were already treated and that she's responding positively to the medicines so she will soon regain her energy. Sandara felt guilty for her mistake and thought that even if they used to have ill feelings against each other before, they should move on.

As they arrived at the infirmary, the doctors stopped and bowed before her. Even the patients struggled to get up to greet her but she stopped them. Sandara knew life is more important than courtesies, so she told them all to go on with whatever they were doing. When she asked for Sun Hae, she was directed to a private room. The nurses said Sun Hae's family had just left and that the former concubine was taking her medicines.

Heaving a deep sigh as she gathered enough courage, Sandara entered the room alone.

"Good morning," she greeted, startling both the nurse and Sun Hae. The nurse bowed while Sun Hae struggled to stand up to greet her.

"Save the formalities." Sandara ordered before turning to the nurse. "Is this her medicine?"

"Yes, Mama."

"Let me," She took the bowl and spoon from the nurse before sitting on the side of the bed. "Leave us for a while."

Sandara stared at the bowl in her hands in silence, thinking of how to start the conversation. She knew that Sun Hae had been very ambitious which explained why she even dared to seduce the King boldly and was even punished because of it. Still, no one, most especially a woman, deserved the terror and pain she had been through.

Despite her hesitation, Sandara braved herself to face her and speak. "How are you?"

"Better," Sun Hae's voice cracked. She cleared her throat and forced a smile. "I wanted to thank Daewongun and His Majesty for saving all of us but I know I might never get the chance to speak to them myself. Please send my humble gratitude."

"One day, when everything is better, I am sure Jeonha will grant you an audience." Sandara said as she started feeding her some medicine. Sun Hae nodded and smiled, accepting Sandara's friendly gestures.

It was already late in the afternoon when Sandara finished visiting the ladies in the infirmary one by one. She sent them some flowers and fruits and even told them stories of how Daewongun and the King are handling the matter about the imoogans. Somehow, their anxious minds and troubles were put at ease upon hearing Sandara's assurance that the royal uncle and his King nephew were doing their best to protect the kingdom.