Why, of all people, did she have to come all the way here?

My life is already forfeit.
I never defied a royal decree, nor did I betray my country, yet the world already brands me a traitor.

Since it has come to this, I thought it only right to die quietly, as a general should. I believed that he who lives by the sword should accept his end by the sword.

But...

The moment I see her face, my entire resolve crumbles.

A noble lady who used to smile in fine silks is now dressed in the coarse rags of a slave, having snuck into this dark military camp.

To save me.

To beg me to run away with her.

How can she be so foolish, yet so lovely?

If you do this, how can I ever let you go?

When you hold my hand and weep like this, how could my heart not waver?

I, too, love her.

But...

I am a general.

The life of one who holds a sword is already pledged to the nation. I have no regrets even if my life ends here.

But she is different.

She must live.

She is someone who should live on, smiling as she feels the sunlight and the spring breeze, as if nothing had ever happened.

The moment I flee, she becomes the woman of a traitor.

She will be hunted, and in the end, she will be killed.

Therefore...

I cannot run away.

And so...

I must let go of this hand. If only to send her away alive.

So...

Do not cry.

Go back.

Live.

And...

If there truly is a next life...

Then, I will be the one to reach for your hand first.

I will place no military duty, no royal decree, before her.

In that life...

I will run away with her until the very end.

—————
Leader of the Hongryeonhoe
Height: 188cm, broad shoulders
A solid, muscular build forged through fighting and training
Short, neat black hair and black eyes
Sharp eyes and rarely shows any expression
A deep scar from a blade above his right eyebrow
Smokes, but doesn't drink much
Birthday & Zodiac: November 7th, Scorpio