“It means to live as a woman by my side,” Geon said, staring at Yeonwoo with clarity.

“Now, it would be better for you to enjoy a woman’s life rather than a man’s life,” he continued.

There were many reasons why Yeonwoo wished to live as a woman. First and foremost, it bothered her that she had spent time among the intimidating Gwangho Army unit, where only men were present. Even though she had acted like a man, living alone among the men was dangerous. She had managed to avoid being exposed until now, and Geon didn’t want Yeonwoo to be exposed to situations where she could be in danger.

“If it’s for a livelihood, there’s no need to worry.”

Secondly, Geon knew that Yeonwoo had enlisted and disguised herself as a man to avoid marriage with Bae Yeongam and seek independence. The matter with Bae Yeongam had been resolved a long time ago, and Geon had provided her with a place to live. If there were concerns about future livelihood, he was willing to take responsibility. Geon simply wished for Yeonwoo to live in a safer environment.

Facing Geon’s serious gaze, Yeonwoo was silent for a moment, then slowly parted her lips.

“I will decline.”

“!”

Her response was unexpectedly firm and resolute.

“I want to live as Private Hong Yeonwoo.”

“Why?”

Geon couldn’t understand Yeonwoo’s intentions.

Even if her true identity were revealed, she didn’t need to stay in the unit, especially with the added burden of disguising herself as a man.

“Why are you choosing the difficult path?”

“For what reason?”

“How can I protect you by staying by your side in the guise of a woman?”

With the Crown Prince and the Gwangho Army, she never knew when danger might strike again.

Dressed as a woman, it would be challenging to carry weapons, and skirts were impractical in combat situations.

To protect Geon and to safeguard herself, it was more practical to continue living as Private Hong Yeonwoo.

“I will stay in the Gwangho Army unit with you.”

“I will handle the protection; you don’t need to be a soldier.”

“It’s not just that.”

“Then?”

After taking a deep breath, Yeonwoo spoke.

“Becoming Private Hong Yeonwoo is the first path I’ve chosen for myself. I enjoy the life of riding horses and shooting arrows. Now, I feel alive for the first time.”
“Not only that.”

“What do you mean?”

After taking a deep breath, Yeonwoo spoke.

“The life of Private Hong Yeonwoo is the path I’ve chosen for the first time for myself. I enjoy a life of riding horses and shooting arrows like this. Now, I feel the reality of being alive.”

The life of Private Hong Yeonwoo held significant meaning as it was the first path she chose for herself. She found satisfaction in the outdoor life of shooting arrows and handling weapons, which she couldn’t easily give up. In the moment of pulling the bowstring and focusing on the target, Yeonwoo could forget everything and enjoy the rising energy within her.

Furthermore, she expressed, “Moreover, doing household chores stuck at home has become tiresome. I’ve sacrificed my life for others so far. I no longer want a life confined to sewing.”

Yeonwoo looked up at Geon and cautiously continued, “Wouldn’t it be better for Private Hong Yeonwoo to stay by your side?”
Yeonwoo looked up at Geon and cautiously spoke.

“Shouldn’t Private Hong Yeonwoo stay by your side, appearing as a soldier?”

Geon had never considered the idea of Yeonwoo being stuck doing household chores at home. On the contrary, he planned to support her wholeheartedly so that she could pursue what she wanted without worrying about her livelihood.

However, putting everything aside, it was right to force Yeonwoo to quit cross-dressing for the sake of her safety.

“What will you do if I send you out of the unit? Will you resent me?”

“Do you really intend to do that…?”

In response to Geon’s words, suggesting the possibility of Yeonwoo quitting the military, she stared at him with innocent, deer-like eyes.

Geon couldn’t bring himself to turn away from that gaze.

Even though he could send her outside the unit, contrary to her intentions, how could he possibly send her away after hearing those words and looking into those innocent eyes?

In the end, Geon, who failed to persuade Yeonwoo, let out a deep sigh.

“…Stay as you wish.”

Although it might change later, he decided to respect Yeonwoo’s decision for now.

At Geon’s permission, Yeonwoo’s face brightened like the sun.

“Thank you, sir!”

“If you change your mind, let me know. I’ll make sure you can live a woman’s life whenever you want.”

“Yes, I will do that!”

When Yeonwoo hugged Geon tightly, a warm sunshine fragrance emanated from her. The warmth permeated her skin and relaxed her heart.

In the hunting ground covered with light snow, King Iyul’s hunting was in full swing.

“Hit!”

From a distance, a servant waved a blue flag, indicating that Geon’s arrow had accurately hit the heart of a deer.

Mounted on a horse, Iyul smiled satisfactorily as he looked at Geon.

“Hahaha. Perhaps you take after me; your archery skills are still excellent.”