𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗥 𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗦, Go Won

➷(19) THE DUEL

2 weeks had passed and it was time for Uk and the Crown Prince's duel. Da-hye decided to wear the dress that the Crown Prince said he liked. It was the only way she could express her feelings for him. Besides, it was also pretty.

The duel was taking place in Songrim's training center. The Jin family arrived first, as always. Da-hye bowed her head to every family that came. The Crown Prince arrived last.

The Crown Prince saw that instead of Da-hye wearing her mage uniform, which was the standard at duels, she wore the dress he liked. It made him feel happy. Could his feelings actually be reciprocated?

Everyone took their seat in the Training Center. Da-hye was sitting next to her uncle. Dang-gu was standing behind Da-hye and Yul was standing next to the leader. Master Heo was also sitting next to Da-hye.

"His Majesty and the Queen are here." An Eunuch announced. The King and Queen arrived and took their seats.

"One month ago, Go Won, Daeho's royal Go family member, challenged Jang Uk, the eldest son of the Jang family, to a duel." The leader announced. "And Songrim received the challenge on Uk's behalf. Whoever signs the paper cannot hold his opponent responsible for their death even if that occurs. The match will commence at noon." The leader explained. "If he does not show up by then, we will accept his defeat."

"You must mention the punishment he will get if he does not show up." Jin Mu said. Da-hye didn't understand why Jin Mu was being so cruel to Jang Uk. Jin Mu had been the pupil of Jang Gang, Jang Uk's father.

"If Jang Uk does not show up today, his right to become Cheonbugwan's next Gwanju... will be lost." The leader said.

Time passed and Uk had yet to show up. It was noon already. "My lord, it is noon." Yul said.

"Close the Training Center's door." The leader said. "I must announce his defeat."

Dang-gu and Yul made their way to the front of the Training Center to close the door. The mages in front of the door started to close it but then paused.

"Jang Uk is here!" Dang-gu announced. Uk entered the training center, signed the paper and stamped it.

The leader stood up. "Now that you have signed the paper, no on can intervene even if you die while fighting." The leader said.

"I am aware of that." Uk said.

"You may commence the duel." The leader said.

Both the Crown Prince and Jang Uk unsheathed their swords and stepped towards each other. There was a difference with Uk's movements, instead of his hand taking control, he was in control. So far, Uk was defending himself and was not attacking yet, smart. With his current skills, he would die.

The Crown Prince was doing most of the attacking and Uk started to lose. Out of the corner of her eye, Da-hye saw that Mu-deok was no longer in the spot where she was supposed to be standing. Where did she go? Da-hye could not find her. Then she spotted Mu-deok by some broken water crooks.

Uk was starting lose, what was Mu-deok planning to do? Mu-deok and Uk had to come up with something quick or else Uk would lose the duel. The Crown Prince was much stronger than Uk so Uk could not win unless a miracle happened.

Da-hye was observing Mu-deok closely to see what she would do. She saw Mu-deok get a blade and cut her hand with it.

"Young Master." Mu-deok threw a bead of her blood into the air. Uk got ready to flick the bead. He was going to use Tansu.

"Tansu." The leader said.

Uk flicked the bead of blood towards the Crown Prince which made the him fall down to the ground.