The Precious Baby of the Bandit Leader Chapter 104

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Around the time Yeong and Gaon went down to the village.

 

“We have almost reached the main base now!”

 

Jeon Bongjin risked his life to escape the mountain stronghold, ran day and night, and finally arrived at the entrance of the Yeongnam region.

 

If he kept going for just another half-day like this, he was certain to encounter the comrades waiting for him. 

 

‘As for what happens next… I should hold a meeting upon returning to the main base and decide then.’

 

He tightly squeezed the hand in which he held the flower petals, not having let go of them even once while traveling here. 

 

‘It might be dangerous. But…’

 

He was well aware that due to the child’s existence, numerous variables and dangers could follow. 

 

If this fact became known, there might even be those among his followers who would raise a rebellion.

 

Nevertheless—

 

Jeon Bongjin wanted to believe.

 

“Because I love my dad.”

 

That child who had shaken everyone’s hearts that day. 

 

Even with her small frame, she had shone brightly, and the moment she had gently melted away even the lost hatred of everyone was still vivid before his eyes. 

 

‘I think I understand His Highness’s feelings a little now.’

 

Come to think of it…

 

‘I have seen someone before who always inspired the people around them with a warm heart.’

 

Jeon Bongjin narrowed his eyes as he recalled an old memory.

 

He remembered the days he spent with the deposed Crown Prince, Kim Gangdu, on the battlefield.

 

The war with the Kingdom of the Auspicious Qilin spanned as many as five long years. 

 

It was truly a series of battles hard to endure. As time prolonged, resources became woefully insufficient.

 

Food, clothing, medical supplies, and even soldiers.

 

However, even in such a precarious situation for the country’s fate.

 

As if wishing for their deaths, the Prime Minister blocked military support and only augmented his own private soldiers.

 

Kim Gangdu, who had been pushed to the battlefield bearing all sorts of false charges and dishonor, couldn’t stand against such a Prime Minister.

 

Because of that, there were times when he lost countless soldiers.

 

But surprisingly, Kim Gangdu led the people with a strong leadership that seemed to transcend human limits.

 

Amidst ridiculous battles, he ultimately brought about victory.

 

He never ran away, and he took the lead in saving countless commoners.

 

He didn’t turn a blind eye to the commoners in every village he passed, and tried to share what he had.

 

“It is His Highness!”

 

The commoners called him a hero.

 

The anecdotes about him spread from mouth to mouth, and the praise only grew larger. 

 

Even though he was of the same royal blood and a brother to the current King.

 

That was precisely the reason why the commoners still hadn’t forgotten him and followed him until now.

 

On the path returning to the capital at last, after bringing that dreadful war to an end. 

 

It was right when they reached the threshold of the capital city.

 

“Your Highness, you must not come to the capital. The rebels have taken over the palace right now!”

 

What they encountered was the news of rebellion.

 

An unbelievable reality that the throne had been usurped.

 

At that time, Jeon Bongjin was also with the deposed Crown Prince, so he remembered the situation more vividly than anyone else.

 

“What are you saying! Rebels!”

 

“The Prime Minister’s factions have led their private soldiers and occupied the palace!” 

 

The accompanying soldiers were exhausted to the core from the long war, and the wounded were countless.

 

He couldn’t sacrifice the lives of those who were finally smiling brightly at the thought of returning home, just to protect himself.

 

In the end, Kim Gangdu turned his horse around.

 

In the urgent situation, he chose flight over fighting.

 

“What about the Crown Princess? What happened to the Crown Princess!”

 

However, even at that moment, there was one person he didn’t give up on.

 

It was Kim Gangdu’s wife, the Crown Princess. 

 

About a month before the rebellion broke out, the Crown Princess came near the border despite his dissuasion. And carefully delivered the news of her pregnancy.

 

In fact, she had delivered happy news a few times before.

 

Every time she did, the deposed Crown Prince, filled with great expectations, avidly read childcare knowledge in books, and even during the war, he practiced repeatedly by personally caring for orphans before sending them for adoption.

 

However, the Crown Princess, who was congenitally frail, had lost her child twice, 

 

And she had come to hold a child in her womb again at a time when they no longer expected it. 

 

“Since I am not alone, I shall return first. Please return safely.” 

 

And just a week ago, she returned to the capital alone. It was truly a cruel twist of fate.

 

Because right after that, this tragedy struck.

 

“I apologize. Her Highness the Crown Princess has already… passed away.”

 

Kim Gangdu, having barely escaped, immediately sent someone to confirm her safety, but it was already too late.

 

According to what he heard from a subordinate he had secretly sent…

 

When they arrived at the capital, people were sitting on the ground everywhere, wailing.

 

Her Highness the Crown Princess fought against the Prime Minister and his private soldiers, and ultimately lost her life at their hands.

 

Since then, Kim Gangdu risked his life and, disguised, scoured the entire capital in search of her.

 

However, no trace of her remained anywhere. 

 

Even her body had vanished without a trace.

 

He searched day and night for several days, but in the end, he could no longer find her.

 

That was how he lost her.

 

“A court lady who served Her Highness passed this on. I brought it because it seems to be Her Highness’s only keepsake.”

 

All that was left was a single small norigae (traditional Korean pendant) she had kept until the very end.

 

The norigae Kim Gangdu had gifted her for the first time.

 

It was what she always cherished and kept close to her.

 

Kim Gangdu knelt down holding the norigae tightly in his hand, and finally burst into the tears he couldn’t hold back.

 

As if her warmth still lingered on his fingertips.

 

‘Since that day… as if trying to erase it from his memory, he became a completely different person.’

 

Jeon Bongjin traced his old memories, and soon thought of Seolyeong. 

 

‘Why is that.’

 

Strangely, whenever he thought of that child, the face of Her Highness the Crown Princess kept overlapping.

 

Her warm and upright nature.

 

And because of that, how she inspired those who saw her and made them constantly feel affection towards her, all of it.

 

‘Could it be…..’

 

Jeon Bongjin’s thoughts deepened for a moment, but.

 

‘That can’t be. Her Highness passed away.’

 

He couldn’t figure out the reason until the end.

 

“Gyesu.”

 

“Yes. Chief.”

 

Jeon Bongjin called his vice-chief with hardened eyes.

 

“I have something to say when we return, so summon a meeting first.” 

 

“Understood!”

 

However, it was difficult to return to the mountain stronghold immediately.

 

His subordinates had already witnessed the scene of him being captured at the mountain stronghold, and they too were detained together.

 

He had decided to return, but he had to head to the main base first to persuade them.

 

The moment Jeon Bongjin steadied his mind and was about to take a step.

 

“General Jeon!”

 

Swoosh—!

 

Whether he had arrived in advance or not, a man who had been hiding behind a tree revealed himself.

 

Shring! 

 

Jeon Bongjin instinctively drew his sword and glared at him.

 

“Ah, did I startle you? My apologies. This humble one is called Jo Byeokho. I was here ahead of time upon the orders of Lord Ji Hakseung.” 

 

The man waved both hands, trying to ease the tension, and slowly approached with an affable smile.

 

However, Jeon Bongjin’s eyes did not change. He stared at the opponent without giving an inch.

 

‘A traitor.’

 

He remembered the face of the monk who tried to coax him when he was imprisoned in the mountain stronghold.

 

‘Ji Hakseung… that was definitely the man’s name. This guy must be Ji Hakseung’s subordinate.’

 

Jeon Bongjin remembered every single word he had said without missing a beat.

 

Because he knew this moment would come.

 

“As expected… you came looking for me.” 

 

“Of course! Did you not say you would accept us, General? We prepared everything so that you could set the fire and escape.” 

 

As expected.

 

The ones who set fire to the food warehouse were Ji Hakseung and his gang.

 

Jeon Bongjin’s eyes hardened even colder.

 

“I came ahead because I was afraid we’d be noticed… but Lord Ji Hakseung and the group will arrive soon. I came to greet you first, General, so let’s hurry to the main base…”

 

“No.”

 

Jeon Bongjin interrupted him, gripping his sword tightly once again.

 

“There will never be a day when we let people like you into our main base.”

 

Surprised by his words, the vice-chief widened his eyes and looked at him.

 

Jeon Bongjin took a heavy step forward and declared.

 

“Because I am going back to the mountain stronghold.”