The Precious Baby of the Bandit Leader Chapter 63

“Hah… ha.”

 

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions within me.

 

‘No. It’s okay. It’ll be fine. I have the Chief. The Chief is here.’

 

There was only one person who came to mind.

 

The man who had saved my life and kept me by his side even while knowing everything. 

 

He certainly wouldn’t turn his back on me.

 

“I will stay by your side.”

 

Because he had promised me that.

 

Clinging to that fragile hope, I searched for the Chief.

 

He had gone to the outpost at dawn to meet someone newly recruited; by now, he should be returning.

 

As I wandered near the entrance of the stronghold alone, I spotted a man I had never seen before.

 

A tall man with long, white hair, striking in presence.

 

He stood near the entrance, arms crossed, seemingly observing the entire scene, his eyes fixed on me.

 

‘Could that really be Jeon Bongjin?’

 

It seemed he had decided to join them immediately after talking with the Chief. Otherwise, there would be no reason for an unfamiliar person to be here.

 

“Ah, Lord Jeon Bongjin! When did you arrive? We heard the news you were coming.” 

 

Quick as ever, Uncle Gaeddong dashed forward.

 

“I look forward to working with you. I have spoken with the Chief, and it has been settled that we shall plot great things together here from now on.” 

 

“Then, as for the Chief….” 

 

“He’s on his way. I just arrived a bit earlier.”

 

The man with white hair narrowed his eyes and studied me closely.

 

“But… there seems to be some commotion. That child… what did I hear? Daughter of His Majesty? Is that true?”

 

“Lord… well…”

 

Uncle Gaeddong trailed off, glancing around nervously.

 

Jeon Bongjin was a man who had just decided to join them. A major figure commanding forces in the Yeongnam region.

 

Yet, into the ears of such a man…

 

The fact that I was the daughter of the current King—the very source of the rebellion and their sworn enemy—had been delivered.

 

‘What should I do? He might change his mind.’

 

As if confirming my fears, Jeon Bongjin let out a heavy sigh and said,

 

“I simply… do not believe I can accept that child.”

 

“!”

 

Before his words even settled, the Chief appeared.

 

In his hand was a small bouquet of wildflowers.

 

“I am a bit late. I was busy picking some flowers to give to my daughter, Yeongie.” 

 

“You’ve returned.”

 

Jeon Bongjin greeted him with unreadable eyes.

 

“Yes. This is where you will be staying, so feel free to look around. I shall arrange a space for you and your subordinates.”

 

“Your Highness.”

 

The sudden change in address made the Chief raise an eyebrow.

 

Jeon Bongjin bowed deeply, his expression solemn.

 

“May we go inside to speak further?”

 

“Very well. Bring tea to my barracks.”

 

At the polite request, the Chief nodded and strode toward his tent, with Jeon Bongjin following slowly behind him like a shadow. 

 

After they disappeared, Bokhee quietly approached me.

 

“Shall we go inside now?”

 

Her expression was not entirely pleasant either; it seemed she thought it best I not linger here.

 

I followed Bokhee, my feet dragging hesitantly. 

 

On the way back to the barracks, whispers reached my ears.

 

“It was the perfect chance to bring in the Yeongnam forces.”

 

“What if everything goes to waste because of Yeongie?” 

 

“Think of all the things the Chief has achieved. Tsk! Why did he ever take in such a thing?”

 

“But if it comes to that, wouldn’t the Chief stop keeping that child here too?”

 

I bit my lip hard, desperate not to cry.

 

‘It’s okay. I’ve been through worse. It’s okay.’

 

I forced myself to think that as I took heavy steps forward.

 

‘But still… but still… for the first time, I thought they were my family.’

 

My heart felt like it was breaking.

 

* * *

 

“Wait a moment. I’ll bring some food.”

 

As Bokhee left, I jumped up. I was alone in the small room, breathing so hard it felt difficult to catch my breath.

 

My pounding heart thundered in my ears. I couldn’t stay still, pacing the barracks again and again.

 

How many laps had I made? The words I had just heard resurfaced.

 

“I… I have to go…”

 

“What if everything goes to waste because of Yeongie?” 

 

“Think of all the things the Chief has achieved. Tsk! Why did he ever take in such a thing?”

 

The words of the stronghold members kept echoing, tearing at my mind.

 

The pointing fingers I thought I had buried, the sarcastic tones—they all seemed to tighten around my body.

 

I couldn’t breathe…

 

Only one thought came to mind.

 

The singular desire to escape this place.

 

‘I hate… those cold, harsh eyes.’

 

I’m scared. I want to run away.

 

I knew this kind of hatred all too well.

 

Once begun, it never stops. It only grows stronger.

 

Besides… there was the possibility that Seolhwa might be harmed because of me. 

 

There was no guarantee that situations like this wouldn’t happen again in the future.

 

If that happened, then eventually. 

 

“Dad… will hate me too.”

 

Drip. Finally, the tears I had tried so hard to hold back spilled down my cheeks.

 

With trembling hands, I put on my clothes and grabbed my slingshot. 

 

Before Bokhee returned, I hurriedly opened the door and left the barracks.

 

Then, I started running without looking back.

 

“You are a special child.”

 

The Chief’s words echoed in my mind. Words filled with a warmth I had never felt before.

 

It was so unfamiliar, so sweet that I had foolishly believed it could be mine alone.

 

‘It can’t be.’

 

Right. How could I possibly deserve that?

 

From the moment I was born, I was like a stain on this world.

 

Tap-tap-tap!

 

I ran swiftly down the mountain paths I had traversed countless times over the past five years.

 

‘The Chief will be fine without me. Since Gaon won’t be sending letters anymore, it’s better if I’m not here.’

 

Better if I’m gone….

 

“H-heugh, heugh, heugh!”

 

As I ran, tears sprang uncontrollably, twisting my face with grief.

 

‘…I swore long ago never to give my heart to anyone.’

 

After being abandoned and despised by those around me countless times.

 

I had made a vow to myself.

 

So, perhaps this was a punishment for breaking the promise I made to myself.

 

Like a fool, like a complete fool.

 

* * *

 

‘What’s going on? The atmosphere feels strange.’

 

After morning training, Gaon returned to the main square with a wooden sword.

 

However, for some reason, the atmosphere of the fortress was different from usual.

 

Gaon brushed it off as nothing and headed toward his barracks, casting a glance toward Seol-young’s tent.

 

“Where’s the brat?”

 

“…You mean Seolyeong?”

 

“Yeah. Is she not up yet? She’s not the type to oversleep.”

 

“The thing is, First Commander….”

 

Carefully, Dakddong began to speak, only to be interrupted by the monk who had appeared beside Gaon.

 

“I have something to ask, First Commander.”

 

“…What is it?”

 

“Why did you cover the fact that the child is the daughter of the current King even though you knew it?”

 

“…!”

 

Startled, Gaon froze, eyes wide as he regarded him.

 

“This humble monk heard everything the day before yesterday. The words exchanged between the First Commander and th-that child!” 

 

“So?”

 

Gaon’s voice dropped low, a growl underlying his words.

 

The monk hesitated briefly, but pressed on.

 

“We can no longer stay in a place where the enemy’s daughter resides. Did the Chief know of this, and if he did, why did he take this child in!”

 

He slammed his staff against the ground, fury plain in his expression, and continued.

 

“Furthermore, what of the lives of our family members who died to save that child, the daughter of our enemy, the King! I wish to ask plainly. Of the Chief, and of you, Commander!”