Lean

X

TAEHYUN

Flames from the campfires scattered throughout his army's camp clouded his vision. In the distance, smoke filled the sky as a result of the battle his army had with the Chois yesterday. It was the third encounter their armies had with one another, and luckily, they hadn't suffered many casualties. Compared to the first and second battles, it was much easier to defeat the Choi army this time around.

Despite how happy he was with the victory, Taehyun couldn't help but feel eerie about the situation. The Choi's army was known to be much better on the battlefield than what they were displaying. Taehyun's men significantly outnumbered them with each battle and he couldn't help but question why. Choi Minjun wouldn't go down without a fight. Maybe he was saving his forces for when the fight got to King's Coast. Whatever strategic plan Choi Minjun had in mind, Taehyun couldn't help but feel worried about it.

He can't help but ponder his strategy over dinner at the campfire. Next to him, Huening Kai happily savored his cooked venison. Huening Kai had suggested fighting alongside Taehyun in the battles and allowing just Junhui to serve as the commander from afar. Taehyun wrestled with the notion of Huening Kai joining him on the front lines, but the reality was that Huening Kai was an exceptional swordsman, much like himself. While worried about his safety, Taehyun couldn't deny that Huening Kai had the skills to hold his own in battle. Eventually, he granted him the opportunity to prove himself during the third battle and Huening Kai exceeded his expectations.

Taehyun should've had more faith in his cousin. It wasn't so much of doubt, but rather concern for his safety. Huening Kai was the closest person to him, acting more like a brother than a cousin. They were born in the same year, Taehyun in the winter and Huening Kai in the summer. At a young age, they were trained with a sword and oftentimes rivaled each other with their skill. If he lost him, Taehyun wouldn't know what to do with himself.

"You impressed me yesterday," Taehyun murmurs to him after a moment, "I'm sorry I didn't take your proposition seriously at first. I was just concerned about your safety."

Huening Kai, his mouth still full of venison, swallows quickly before responding. "I couldn't sit back while my cousin fought, especially when I know I can hold my own on the battlefield. I want to contribute as much as I can."

"You already do," Taehyun tells him, "I appreciate all of your help. You've seen a lot of key points that I've missed with our attacking strategy."

A proud smile crosses Huening Kai's lips and he nods. Just as Taehyun is about to say more, he glances behind him and notices Junhui walking toward them. Taehyun takes one last bite of his smoked venison before slowly standing up to meet him.

"My lord," Junhui greets him, "Lee Heeseung just arrived, I ushered him to your tent."

Taehyun acknowledges Junhui's message with a nod. He was expecting Heeseung's presence, being informed via a message a few days prior. They planned to talk about the war and the strategy for the days ahead. His father, Lee Hangmin, was still in King's Coast and Taehyun hoped to receive some valuable information about the Chois and their reaction to the war from Heeseung.

Huening Kai finishes up his meat before standing up next to him. Together, the three of them make their way to his large tent near the center of camp. Outside, he notices a group of Lee bannermen dressed in green cloaks and steel armor chatting amongst themselves. Taehyun exchanges a nod with them before entering the tent. Inside, Heeseung was sitting at the large table glancing at the scattered maps on the table that showed his army's position in Mirage compared to the Choi's forces.