The Scarlet Heart (MarkHyuck)

5. Spirit Expulsion Ritual

On a dark day, Haechan walks down Songak's biggest bathhouse alone with a lantern.

"I'm sure it was Ahjussi's tramp" Haechan said, convinced that the Heechul she saw was Ahjussi who met her before drowning in the lake.

"Because I see the same person, this could be the beginning of everything. I may still be alive in modern times. I might be able to come back. There's only one way to find out." Haechan muttered continuously down the large rocks.

"I've hit a Prince. So I have to go back before they cut off my hands and feet. It's hard for me to survive in this place." muttered Haechan walking down the cave she had been through with Jeongra.

Prince Minhyung had already entered into the royal members' special bath and the servants had directly come out after preparing everything.

After taking off his clothes, Prince Minhyung made sure that no one was around first, then removed his mask and walked into the middle of the hot spring pool. There were many scars on his body, his eyes staring at the shadow of the face in the steamy water.

Suddenly Haechan emerged from the bottom of the pool, right in the water that Prince Minhyung was looking at. Prince Minhyung was shocked to see someone coming out of the pool.

"Ah I live, I think I will die" said Haechan frantically with her eyes closed, not yet aware that there was anyone in front of her. Haechan's eyes immediately glared at Prince Minhyung without a mask with a scar on his left face.

Prince Minhyung was also no less shocked to directly cover his face with his hands, nervously asking.

"Did you see it?" ask Prince Minhyung. Haechan did not answer that he stepped back in fear, and Prince Minhyung walked up to him, leaving his face visible.

"I asked, did you see it?!" prince Minhyung shouted while strangling Haechan's neck.

"Please let me live." Haechan said pleading

"Forget me and forget what you saw. Otherwise.your face will be like this too." Prince Minhyung said threateningly, Haechan could only nod in fear.

Prince Minhyung directly came out of the pool carrying his shirt and mask, unknowingly the hair ornament a gift for his mother fell over.

Haechan fell limp feeling the heart pounding so fast "Oh my heart", then looked at the hairpin that Prince Minhyung had dropped, and picked it up.

There was the voice of the servant "Is the Fourth Prince gone?, Let's clean up"

Haechan rushed away, carrying a hairpiece that had fallen from Prince Minhyung's robe.

♡♡♡

Haechan walked home with her wet body and shakily walked holding the lantern.

In front of the residence of Prince Jeno, Prince Jeno, Lady Injoon, the servants and Jeongra were seen panicking.

When he reached the residence of Prince Jeno, Haechan was stunned to see all waiting for him. Jeongra and the Servants ran over to Haechan with wet and trembling bodies.

"Agasshi, where have you been?" jeongra said worriedly.

"Are you all waiting for me?" haechan asked in disbelief that they were all waiting for him.

"Where have you been". asked Mistress Injoon worriedly.

"My body felt dirty, so I went out to take a shower" Haechan said.

"You should have told people you were leaving. The whole family is worried about you." Mrs Injoon.

"family?" haechan said shocked at the word family.

"Bring her inside and warm her body." Prince Jeno's Order.

Jeongra and the maid understood, but Haechan was still silent as she climbed the stairs and saw the entrance, Lady Injoon and Prince Jeno were astonished that Haechan was silent.

"Let's go in" said Prince Jeno telling him to come in immediately.

"I. I feel like I'm in my own home" said Haechan teary-eyed because it was considered family. Prince Jeno and his wife stared intently, Jeongra invited Haechan to enter the house immediately.

♡♡♡

"You're a troublemaker" Jeongra said as he dried Haechan's hair.

"I told you not to go there before."

"Jeongra, do you know the Fourth Prince? What kind of person is he?" Haechan asked Jeongra.

"Did you meet him at the bathhouse?" ask Jeongra.

"What are you talking about?" shangkal Haechan.

"I know it's impossible for men and women to have a bathhouse in Kwangya... But you have to run away once you see the fourth Prince "Exposed Jeongra.

"Run? Why?" ask Haechan bangtung.

"His biological mother was Queen Soojung. She was adopted by Royal Consort Kang in Shinju. He is a strong man with two families. He's notoriously scary and mean." Jeongra's Story.

On a high hill in Shinju.

"Prince... Prince.." shouted some guards with torches. In some places on the hill it was already burning, suddenly from the top of the hill came down Prince Minhyung with a torch that looked staggered from exhaustion.

The guards below were shocked to see Prince Minhyung coming down.

"He's not dead? Is he alive?" said one of the bodyguards was upset that Prince Minhyung was alive and not dead.

"They said his hobby was hunting animals as he was a child. There's also a rumor that says he's been slaughtering all the wolves all over Shinju." Jeongra said.

Prince Minhyung fought all the wolves on the hill with a blaze and then shouted like angry wolves.

"They said he could kill people easily too. Especially the one who has seen the scars on his face." Whisper Jeongra.

"The one who saw the scar on his face?" said Haechan was surprised to know that he had seen the scar on Prince Minhyung's face.

"Then I was almost dead because I saw his face without a mask." Haechan panicked.

"He wouldn't have been allowed to set foot in Songak if he wasn't a prince, it's a real relief" Jeongra said.

"Why?" ask Haechan. "You can't even go anywhere if there's a scar on your face?" ask Haechan in wonder.

"You think you can? People just love attractive faces" Chaeryung said.

Haechan muttered "They have to look attractive if they want to be treated well even though in the Kwangya era, this is the same as today, this world is really terrible."

♡♡♡

At midnight Queen Soojung bathes alone in a pond full of flowers, drinking with a bright mind.

-flashback

Prince Jaehyun used the mask for the ritual event "If the abdication is not implemented as well, then we should not rush like now" Prince Jaehyun said.

"She's always been so strong-witted and what would she do if she died?" said Prince Jaehyun talking about the Crown Prince while playing his mask.

"A struggle like this is rare. You'll have to finish him off during the ritual." Said Queen Soojung sitting on her big bench.

"I told you, I don't have to worry." Said Prince Jaehyun calming his mother, while wearing his mask.

- Flashback end

"Will the Crown Prince be the only one driving away evil spirits?" muttered Queen Soojung while drinking back.

♡♡♡

The next morning, the Palace began to be busy preparing the Royal Ritual. The bodyguards brought a large dragon statue and also a lion into the palace for the Exorcism ritual, a ritual aimed at warding off evil spirits in the 12th month of the lunar new year, lanterns and large banners were installed in the Palace.

♡♡♡

Meanwhile at the residence of Prince Jeno, Haechan stood with a bored face, the waiter helped her pair up the multi-layered clothes.

Haechan let out a long sigh "is it done?" haechan asked Jeongra. Jeongra shakes his head.

After finishing using clothes, Haechan also wore a hair decoration, which made Haechan slightly stir when the hair decoration was paired.

♡♡♡

Haechan also runs in a traditional market. In the market, various people passing by with masks, to celebrate the ritual event.

Haechan had stumbled on the shirt she was wearing. Haechan noticed some women were meeting with the man who was using earrings.

♡♡♡

Queen Soojung assisted the lady with a gold belt, her hair has been styled. Earrings, necklaces, hair ornaments all gold plated. The servant helped to wear the robe of his greatness as Queen.

"I don't want any other woman to be more glittering than me. If there will be" said Queen Soojung to see the performance in front of the mirror. "I don't think it will exist" Queen Soojung smiled at her servants.

Queen Sunyeong, with Princess Minah and Lady Injoon entered the palace. They meet Queen Soojung who just came out of her residence.

"Three flowers have bloomed in the palace" Queen Soojung said with her smile uttering her parable.

"Queen Sunyeong, you are more graceful today" said Queen Soojung to see Queen Sunyeong.

"Queen Soojung, you look so beautiful today" Praised Queen Sunyeong.

"Princess Minah... Don't just visit your mother, but visit me too. Tell me a fun story about the world. The princes don't know anything about it." Queen Soojung said kindly.

"I'm afraid my speaking skills aren't good enough to cheer you up. But, I'll come visit you soon and prepare some interesting stories." Reply Princess Minah.

"I'll wait" said Queen Soojung, "Then let's go see the King" said Queen Soojung and went to see the King.

Princess Minah's smile immediately disappeared after seeing Queen Soojung leave, Lady Injoon clasped her sister-in-law's hand so as to reduce her anger.

"Just running into her has made her mood different" said Queen Sunyeong.

"I was worried thinking that Mother would have to deal with it all alone in the palace. Oraboni should stand by your side as soon as possible." Princess Minah said annoyed.

"It's a palace, so be careful what you say." Madam Injoon reminded

"Your sister-in-law is right.... You still have a lot of flaws. It would be better if you forgot everything." Said Queen Soojung

"Where could I possibly forget such a grudge?" said Princess Minah.

"Why didn't you bring Haechan? The whole palace already knew what mess he had made." Queen Sunyeong asked Lady Injoon.

"He's been making a lot of mistakes since he got hurt, so I let him have fun myself" Injoon said.

"I see, let's go. The king is waiting" Queen Sunyeong said, taking them away.

♡♡♡

The princes had trained in swords, the Crown Prince was the leader and Prince Jaehyun was wearing a different mask while the others were wearing red clothes with red and white masks.

"The king will be proud to see you all here. After the ritual is over, we'll have a big party." Crown Prince Taeyong.

"Yes, Crown Prince" replied the Princes in unison.

Prince Jaemin immediately approached Prince Jeno in front of him, "Hyungnim, will your wife and Haechan attend the ceremony as well?" prince Jaemin asked curiously.

"I think so" said Prince Jeno.

"That's it" said Prince Jaemin looking delighted to hear it.

"Why? Do you want to be beaten again for being the worst performer this time?" ejek Prince Wookhei.

"No, this time I want to talk to him." Prince Jaemin said annoyed.

"Do you want to get another bruised eye?" jeered Prince Jaehyun.

"Don't laugh" said Prince Jaemin angrily telling Prince Sungchan to stop laughing, but Prince Sungchan kept laughing.

"I told you not to laugh" then they chased around like a child around Prince Kwanhyung.

"From you" shouted Prince Jaemin.

The two returned to fight and Prince Jaemin pretended to fall in pain.

"Youngnim, Hyungnim! You okay?" prince Sungchan said he panicked to see his brother in pain as he approached Prince Jaemin.

"I've caught you now" said Prince Jaemin, clamping down with his leg because his brother was caught in a trap.

"You're still no match for me" everyone laughed at their behavior.

"How dare you behave like that towards your Hyungnim" Prince Jaemin said as Prince Sungchan was released. They went back to fighting chest, and back to chasing.

Prince Minhyung, who usually looks cold, smiles, Prince Jeno sees his brother smiling.

Prince Minhyung noticed his sister staring at him, then returned cold-faced.

"Stop you two" Crown Prince Taeyong said.

Some people came with masks covering their faces and black clothes, Prince Jaehyun glanced at their arrival. In a hidden place Crown Prince Taeyong swapped his mask and also wore his own with Prince Minhyung. Prince Minhyung wore a Bangshangshi mask (a monster hunter character) in an ancient Korean ritual ceremony, which was supposed to be worn by the crown prince.

Heechul was there to watch the two change positions during the ritual.

The ritual begins when Prince Minhyung enters the palace with a large spear, Prince Minhyung wears a mask that should be worn by Crown Prince Bangshangshi (A giant hunter character who acts as a ceremonial representative).

The king and his two queens sat at the highest place.

Then the Princes came out as Jin Ja (Prince who celebrates the ritual).

Prince Jaehyun with several others becomes Chang Soo (A collection of humans who cast spells to fend off evil spirits).

Queen Soojung looks tense.

"Jin Ja has gathered, now we will display the spirit of the evil spirit" Heechul told the King.

The king raised his hand and a loud sound was heard.

All the princes immediately showed sword dance movements for ritual events.

Princess Minah and Madame Injoon watched in a happy light.

There came some mask from the roof of the palace, who acted as an evil spirit. Prince Minhyung could perform martial moves to fight them.

"The Crown Prince is very skilled at performing his role" Queen Sunyeong praised Prince Minhyung's movements that the Crown Prince thought he was.

"He was once on the battlefield" the King said proudly. Prince Minhyung did his martial moves very well.

Queen Soojung still remains tense.

♡♡♡

While Haechan and Jeongra walk in the market with the excitement of attractions made by the people. All are seen making their own celebration to ward off evil spirits by making a party. Haechan and Jeongra danced to the rhythm of the drums being played around.

♡♡♡

In the palace, the ritual ceremony is still ongoing. Prince Minhyung in the Crown Prince's clothes is described as being able to defeat evil spirits with his spear.

"The holy monster has a wound so his stomach needs to be treated" said Prince Jaehyun, who plays Chang Soo.

"Oil bear spirit eaters. The light engulfs Buddha. We will summon the 12 gods and wipe out evil spirits and disease. I'll cut your body. I will pierce your heart and slice your flesh. I'll take out your stomach and intestines" Prince Jaehyun and Prince Minhyung said together as part of the ritual.

Suddenly a group of people came from the roof to attack Prince Minhyung whom the Crown Prince thought with a sword trying to stab him. Prince Minhyung blocked him with the shield he used in the ritual to be able to handle the sword before it pierced his chest.

"Protect His Majesty the King" Heechul shouted at the unexpected turn of events.

Prince Minhyung could use his sword to kill one of the men who attacked him, Prince Jeno, Prince Wookhei, Prince Sungchan removed his mask and immediately fought with the person who attacked the crown prince.

Queen Sunyeong panicked to see the Crown Prince being attacked by an unknown person.

Prince Jaemin chose to hide behind Prince Kwanhyung's body out of fear.

Fights that were only ritualistic attractions are now actual fights, Queen Soojung is really tense. One wanted to kill Prince Minhyung whom the Crown Prince thought was swinging his sword but could be fended off.

Prince Jaehyun with his mask deliberately pretends to duel with an assassin and directs his sword to attack Prince Minhyung whom the Crown Prince thinks, Prince Minhyung was injured by a sword in his hand.

"Taeyong!" The king screamed in panic knowing that the Crown Prince was sword-wielding, Queen Sunyeong and others were shocked, while Queen Soojung remained silent.

One of the assassins wanted to kill Prince Minhyung, who was thought by the Crown Prince, but Prince Taeyong, still wearing his mask, was able to stop him.

The king finally came down wanting to see the incident, but all the assassins immediately escaped through the roof of the palace.

Jung Jaehyun took off his mask, seeing Prince Minhyung whom the Crown Prince thought was wearing a mask on his knees after his arm was wounded by a sword.

The palace troops came, "Capture them" Shouted Prince Jaehyun telling all to capture the person who attacked the Crown Prince.

Prince Jeno saw Prince Minhyung whom the Crown Prince thought for a while and then followed Prince Jaehyun out of the palace, "The royal forces follow me" Prince Jeno's orders asked the other troops to come with him as well.

The King and Heechul came to want to see the state of the Crown Prince.

"Crown Prince" called the King worried, "Taeyong" said the King when he was in front of Prince Minhyung, when he removed his mask The King was shocked to see Prince Minhyung was not Crown Prince Taeyong who was attacked by unknown people.

"You, you're the fourth prince" said the shocked King.

Queen Soojung and the other Prince are shocked to learn that Crown Prince Taeyong is not behind the mask.

"Where is the Crown Prince?!" The king shouted directly standing up calling the Crown Prince.

Prince Minhyung only looked at the King with a disappointed look, because the father seemed to not care about him who was clearly injured.

"I'm here, Your Majesty" Crown Prince Taeyong said, opening the mask that had been exchanged with Prince Minhyung, the king was relieved that his son was still alive.

Queen Soojung sits limp from failing to kill the Crown Prince even having her place replaced by Prince Minhyung.

"You okay, Fourth Prince?" heechul said attentively asking the state of Prince Minhyung who was wounded by the sword. Prince Minhyung's eyes glazed over as he could see for himself how his family no one cared about him.

Upon hearing Heechul Raja's words turned his gaze to Minhyung who was still kneeling before him.

Prince Minhyung stood looking at his father with teary eyes.

"Minhyung" said the King.

"I'll catch them" Prince Minhyung said then ran out of the palace.

The king was still silent after what happened.

Crown Prince Taeyong wanted to come in pursuit, but the King kept him from coming out of the palace and clasping his hands.

♡♡♡

Outside the palace...

Lanterns in a variety of unique shapes, look beautiful decorate the river. Haechan looks happy to see the lantern with the shape of a fish, there are flowers, dragons and also palaces. Jeongra was also no less happy to see the excitement of the day with lanterns.

Prince Minhyung went through the market and saw many people wearing masks so he could not see which one had deliberately attacked the Crown Prince. Finally he went up to the roof to see there were some people in black clothes walking on the roof like ninjas. Prince Minhyung chased after them by running on the roof. Five people came down from the roof and Prince Minhyung came back after him running.

Haechan was very excited to run around looking at all the items the merchant was selling, trying all the food.

"We rest for a while, at this time I won't be able to get married, my body shriveled" whining Jeongra asked Haechan to rest for a while while sitting down.

"You're much younger than me. Why is your skin wrinkling?" Haechan.

"We're only one year apart." Jeongra said annoyed.

Haechan turned around and saw Prince Minhyung behind the trees running.

"Jeongra, wait here" said Haechan.

"Get on, Haechan Agasshi" Jeongra shouted to Haechan but Haechan had run after Prince Minhyung.

Prince Minhyung continues to run after the assassins who want to finish off the Crown Prince into the forest.

On the other hand Haechan continued to run after Prince Minhyung until he entered the forest.

Prince Minhyung continues to pursue the assassins but he is held back by a masked assassin with his sword.

Haechan lost her way and continued to try to find where Prince Minhyung was running.

Prince Minhyung continues to fight with a masked assassin member who stands in his way. Haechan walked through the forest to look for Prince Minhyung, from a distance he saw some masked people in all black clothes. The person who turned his back on Haechan looked like the leader of the group was pacing in front of everyone. Then everyone knelt down.

From behind all the bodyguards instantly killed all the masked men with his sword. Haechan was really shocked to see the murder that was happening in front of her quickly.

Seen blood spurting on Prince Jaehyun's face as the leader, when Prince Jaehyun will touch the blood on his face, Prince Jaehyun felt a voice behind him, when looking back turned out to be no one. A last guard was also killed.

Prince Minhyung pointed his sword at the masked assassin before him and said "You think you can get out of this forest alive? Tell me, who's behind all this? If you say it, I'll talk to the King to forgive you".

The masked assassin was in disbelief and kept raising his sword.

"I am the fourth Prince, Jung Minhyung. Trust the promise made by the Prince." Said Prince Minhyung walking over and lowered his sword.

Suddenly Haechan came up nervously saying "There are people.", Prince Minhyung was shocked to see Haechan.

The masked assassin instantly pulled her hostage, pointing the sword at Haechan's neck.

"I said kill him" Prince Minhyung lightly told the masked killer to kill Haechan alone.

Haechan glared in shock at Prince Minhyung's words.

"Kill him" said Prince Minhyung, the masked assassin looking indecisive."If you don't want to do it, do I have to?" said Prince Minhyung coldly, and pointed the sword towards Haechan.

"Se.se. I'd really die if you did this" Haechan said, begging for fear because her neck had been scratched by the tip of the sword.

"I don't care what the girl wants. Stop that stupid act of yours and tell me who's behind this!" prince Minhyung said. "Quick Now say it!" yelled Prince Minhyung.

Haechan could feel the masked killer's hand loosening a little and then take a chance by biting his hand, until the masked killer let go.

But the masked Assassin caught him and wanted to kill him, and then the dagger flew straight into the forehead of the masked killer until the mask came off.

Prince Minhyung was surprised he turned around and he saw Prince Jeno doing it. Minhyung was furious whereas Haechan could breathe a sigh of relief looking at him.

"Why?!" Shouted Prince Minhyung furiously, then pulled Haechan "I almost got it, all this because of you" Haechan resignedly looked at Prince Minhyung's sword that returned to his neck.

Prince Jeno who was behind Prince Minhyung also pointed his sword at Prince Minhyung's neck.

Prince Minhyung turned his head and looked at Prince Jeno with his cold gaze.

"Enough!" Pinta Prince Jeno told her brother to stop her, "He's innocent let go of her"

Prince Minhyung took Haechan hostage by hugging her and sword-fighting with his sister.

"No way!" prince Minhyung refused. Haechan could only cry in Prince Minhyung's arms holding her hostage.

...~TBC~...