The Flower Among the Flames

Chapter 9

Seulgi was to take first watch that night– or rather perhaps the only one on permanent watch duty. As irritating as it sounds, Seulgi knew that it was a logical decision. The Shaos, for one, were still getting over their intoxication; having tipsy people for guards was probably not the best decision. Jiang Hua announced that she would be the one taking care of Li Long. She claimed that she was the only one out of the women who knew how to properly mend and bandage wounds. She probably just doesn't want to be around me, Seulgi thought recalling her angry comments pointed towards him.

That just left Zhao Meng. She stood on the opposite side of the room across from him, bow resting against her hip. Seulgi wondered how a bow would help in this situation but did not have the will nor courage to ask. If anything, the weapon was to reassure herself of being useful in this supernatural situation. He did, however, ask her if she would rather leave the watch to him. He saw the dark circles under her eyes and the beads of cold sweat running down her face– sleep would do her well. She shook her head saying, "Two sets of eyes are better than one. Plus, someone's got to keep watch over you."

She sighed in disdain at the unsightly forms of the two Shaos sleeping on the wooden floor, using their packs as pillows. So much for reliable guards, she thought. Zhao Meng shifted her gaze towards Li Long, who was still unconscious, being dressed and bandaged all over his arms and torso. She couldn't help but feel guilty for the situation they were thrusted in– regardless of their dismissive reaction. If her friends were to die, she would be crushed.

Sensing the tense fragile atmosphere from across the room, Seulgi quietly observed her facial expression from the corner of his eye. It was a face all too familiar to him, and the man could only imagine the type of thoughts running through her mind. With there being a lack of conversation, the wind and the occasional shuffling made by the Shaos and Jiang Hua were the only things making noise. Despite the unsettling quiet, this gave opportunity for reflection– he definitely needed to.

The man of Joseon shifted his eyes towards the ceiling, humming under his breath. He didn't reveal to Zhao Meng about what the ghosts told him yet. It made the entire thing more curious and worrisome than before. What could his ancestor have to do with all this? In the deep recesses of his mind, Seulgi heard an all too familiar voice.

"Wow...you decided to stick around after all," the voice cackled. "You're not as yellow-livered as I thought."

"Shut it," he muttered, closing his eyes in disdain."There is no way I can leave now. I won't."

"Hmph," the voice grunted. "Trying to establish yourself as the noble one? They'll see through your ploy. All of them will. Don't forget the real reason why you are here."

Seulgi remained silent. How could he forget? A man and his wife died in front of his eyes– yet another reminder of his repeated failure to protect anyone. Find the killer and bring them to justice, the crowned one had asked of him. He could have left anytime he wanted, but he had agreed to carry out this task. It was his duty to pursue justice...or...was it revenge? Was it to find redemption? The line was blurry even for him.

"Why don't you just apprehend the fiend now?" the voice demanded, snapping him back to reality. "You already have a suspect. All you need to do is walk up to the killer and arrest it."

Seulgi winced. "It." Was this person really deserving calling an object? He shook his head and growled, "You just be quiet. We'll do things my way. My way alone."

"Seulgi?"

He was snapped out of his inner conversation and found Zhao Meng giving him a puzzled yet concerned look. Seulgi just stared back at her for a few seconds before clearing his throat, asking, "Yes? You need something?"