Whispers of the Mystery Book

Chapter 83: Roles assigned

At Tae's Home

Tae's father opened the door with a warm smile, his demeanour inviting.

Tae Dad: "Eunji! How are you? Come in."

Eunji stepped inside, forcing a smile despite the tension gnawing at her.

Eunji: "I'm fine, Uncle. How are you?"

As she settled into the living room, Tae's mother emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel.

Tae Mom: "Hello, Eunji! It's good to see you. Is everything alright?"

Eunji hesitated, feeling the weight of the situation. She knew she needed to tread carefully.

Eunji: "I was searching for Tae and Minho, but I haven't seen them lately."

Tae Mom: "Ah, we got a new project for excavating. It's quite far and will take them several days. They're looking for young people to help, so we recommended Tae and Minho."

Eunji's interest piqued.

Eunji: "Where is the excavating location?"

Tae Dad: "I'm sorry, Eunji. We don't know much. It's a big deal, and the officials have kept the details private. All we know is it's very far from here and the village."

Eunji started to connect the dots, her mind racing with possibilities.

Tae Mom noticed the shift in Eunji's expression.

Tae Mom: "Do you want me to tell Tae anything?"

Eunji took a deep breath, summoning her courage.

Eunji: "Aunty, if you don't mind, could I see the book that you got from the auction? Just once?"

Tae Mom hesitated, her eyes flickering with concern.

Tae Mom: "Oh, no! Tae took it with him. You know how he is—always eager to study something new. He couldn't resist bringing it along."

Eunji felt a pang of disappointment but maintained her composure.

Eunji: "Alright, Aunty. Please tell him to call me when he comes back."

Just as she was about to leave, Tae Mom spoke up again, her voice gentle yet firm.

Tae Mom: "Eunji, I'm sorry to say this, but I want what my son wants. He wants Na-Rae. We like her too, and I hope you understand."

Eunji's heart sank at the implication. Is this how it's going to be? Her mind raced with the harsh reality of her situation, the stakes growing higher with each passing moment.

Eunji: "Of course, Aunty. I understand." Her voice was laced with a forced calm, but inside, she seethed with anger. She would not let him go.

Eunji rushed home, tears streaming down her face as she entered her father's office.

Ji-Mong: looked up, concern etched on his face. "Eunji? What happened?" he asked, sensing her distress.

Through her sobs, she recounted everything—the auction, Tae's growing closeness to Na-Rae, and how she felt powerless against her father's expectations.

Eunji: "Father, they're all turning against me! Tae... he likes Na-Rae. You have to do something!"

Ji-Mong's expression hardened as he listened. He stood, pacing the room, his mind racing with thoughts of how to reclaim control over the situation.

Ji-Mong: "I will make sure to remove all memories of Na-Rae from Tae's mind once I get that stone. Don't cry, Eunji. This is just a temporary setback. We'll reclaim our power."

Eunji nodded, her heart aching but comforted by her father's determination.

Meanwhile, in the Jeoson Dynasty Palace

Back in the palace, Soojin gathered the group, urgency in her tone.

Soojin: "Princess, I've got all the information. Ji Bu-In will leave after sunset and won't return until midnight. She's attending a ritual."

Na-Rae's eyes widened with hope.

Na-Rae: "That's our chance! If we can call Jungkook to meet her, we can finally figure out how to rescue Mi-Rae."

Soojin nodded, her voice steady. "As part of the ladies' ritual, everyone will be leaving. Ji Bu-In doesn't trust anyone, so she's instructed the guards not to enter her chambers. They don't know that Mi-Rae is inside."

Na-Rae: "Soojin, go to Jungkook and tell him. Ask him to get ready to meet Mi-Rae. We'll need Tae too to keep an eye on the guards—inform him as well."

Soojin nodded. "Okay, Princess," she said and quickly left the room to find them.

Tae and Jungkook were standing together near the palace gardens, deep in conversation about their next move when Soojin saw them from a distance. She hurried towards them, breathless from her quick pace.

Tae: "Soojin, what's the matter?" he asked, concerned by her rushed approach.

Soojin, still catching her breath, responded: "Jungkook oppa, please be ready to meet Mi-Rae. Ji Bu-In is going to a ritual and won't be back until midnight. You'll have plenty of time."

Jungkook's face lit up with happiness and relief.

Soojin turned to Tae: "There are three guards around Ji Bu-In's chamber. The Princess wants you to distract them. She said she'll help you with that."

To be continued!!!!!

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