My deep soul

Chapter 2

When Jinyeon noticed that Jidiwi was finally asleep, his expression softened in rest, she rose quietly. Careful not to disturb him, she stepped into the hall. The sound of rain still whispered against the roof.

Outside, Paoh sat at the doorstep, gazing into the storm as though the night itself were his companion. Jinyeon approached, her lamp casting a gentle glow.

“How long have you been with him?” she asked softly.

Paoh looked up, surprise flickering before he offered a small smile.
“I began serving him when he was seven years old, my lady. From that day, I have not left his side.”

Her brows lifted slightly. “Truly? Since when did he begin to… suffer from sleepless nights?”

Paoh’s gaze darkened with memory. “After his father’s death, Lady Jinyeon. Since then, sleep has been his greatest enemy.”

Her lips parted, and for a moment she was silent. “Oh… I understand. I never saw my mother. And two years ago, my father left us as well. Now I live under the care of my sister Dara and her husband, Yanwoo. To me, they are parents.”

Paoh bowed his head respectfully. “You have known loss as well.”

She tilted her head. “And you? Will you not rest tonight?”

He shook his head. “No, my lady. It is my duty to watch over Master Jidiwi. His safety comes before my sleep.”

“Then I shall stay with you,” Jinyeon said simply. “We can keep each other company.”

“You do not have to do that, my lady.”

“I know,” she replied with a smile, her eyes warm. “But I wish to.”

Paoh’s heart softened. Beneath her silks and jewels, she was no spoiled daughter of nobility. She was kind. Caring. Human.

They spoke through the long night—sometimes lightly, sometimes of matters weighty and grave. Paoh soon realized she possessed sharp insight into politics, though she had no hunger for power. She wished only for a quiet life, free of ambition’s chains. Jinyeon was joyful, bright—her laughter carried even through the storm. She was, Paoh thought, someone easy to trust.

By dawn, the rain ceased. The sun rose, painting the wet earth with light. Paoh moved to prepare a meal for his master, but Jinyeon joined him. In truth, it was she who cooked—the fragrance of her skill filling the small house.

When the meal was finished, she placed her hands together. “When Lord Jidiwi wakes, give him this food, and tell him to bathe. It will ease his spirit. But I must go now, before Dara grows worried.” She bowed her head slightly, her voice sincere. “Thank you, Paoh. I am grateful for your kindness. Tell Lord Jidiwi I thank him as well.”

And with that, Jinyeon hurried away, her figure disappearing down the forest path.

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Hours later, Jidiwi stirred. For the first time in years, his body felt light. His mind—rested. He rose, but when he found the room empty, his chest tightened.

“Paoh,” he called sharply. “Where is  Jinyeon?”

Paoh bowed. “She departed early, my lord. She did not wish to wake you.”

Jidiwi’s eyes hardened. “What? She left without a word? Why did she not tell me?”

“She said only that you were sleeping peacefully, my lord. It would have been a sin to disturb you. Did you not rest well?”

Jidiwi’s shoulders eased slightly. His voice dropped low. “For the first time… in years, yes. I did.” His eyes narrowed again. “Where does she live?”

“She did not say.”

Frustration lit his features. “I must find her. If I wish for such peace again—I must. Why did you not ask, Paoh?”

Paoh hesitated. “My lord… do you trust her so easily? Do not forget who you are.”

Jidiwi’s gaze turned sharp. “It was not I who let her in, Paoh. It was you. Tell me—do you trust her?”

Paoh lowered his head. “…Yes. She is unlike others.”

Jidiwi’s expression softened for the briefest of moments. “Then I must find her. Around her, I feel… free. But fear not—I will never let her discover who I am. The faceless king of Silla must remain hidden, lest she be endangered by my truth. Still… she is worth more to me than all the danger.”

He sat, taking up the meal. The first bite stilled him. His eyes flickered up to Paoh. “This… this cannot be your doing, Paoh.”

Paoh allowed himself a small smile. “It was Lady Jinyeon, my lord.”

Jidiwi set his chopsticks down, his voice no more than a whisper. “A beautiful woman… with many talents.” His eyes grew distant, as though already chasing the path she had taken.