Though Eun Chae’s stature was smaller and more slender compared to average men, the clear spirit emanating from him easily overshadowed this physical disparity.

And what about his manner of speaking?

Conversing with Eun Chae was comforting, like talking to a friend, yet filled with warm consideration. His way of speaking was nothing like the rough men in the streets.

Besides, unlike other men who often reeked of sweat, Eun Chae seemed to emit a pleasant fragrance.

Tickled by curiosity, Cho Ah asked, “By the way, may I know your name?”

“Ah! I haven’t introduced myself yet. I am Hong Eun Chae.”

“Eun Chae… Such a beautiful name…”

Cho Ah repeated Eun Chae’s name, as if to etch it into her heart.

As Eun Chae prepared to return to the barracks, she suggested to Cho Ah, “Why don’t you stay at the barracks tonight? It’s too dangerous for you to be alone at this hour.”

Eun Chae thought that since Gun also told her to leave at dawn, it implied tacit permission for Cho Ah to stay.

No matter how heartless the Kwangho Army was reputed to be, they wouldn’t let a woman sleep outside.

Hearing Eun Chae’s suggestion, Daebok joined in, “That’s right! We can easily spend a night outside, but it could be dangerous for someone as delicate as you, especially with the morning mist.”

Cho Ah nodded in agreement, and both Eun Chae and Daebok simultaneously offered, “You can sleep in my barracks!”

As Eun Chae and Daebok exchanged looks, Daebok turned his head and silently mouthed to Eun Chae, ‘Let me handle this!’

Clearly, Daebok wanted to spend time with Cho Ah.

But despite Daebok’s efforts to win her attention, Cho Ah responded, “Then, if it’s not too presumptuous, I’ll stay in Eun Chae’s barracks. Thank you for your concern.”

Daebok’s face fell at her choice.

As much as Eun Chae felt sorry for him, she couldn’t let Cho Ah stay in Daebok’s barracks, where a risque book lay scattered about.
Eun Chae, realizing she hadn’t disclosed her gender, thought it would be better for Cho Ah to share a room with another woman.

As the trio finished harvesting Wolgyeoncho and headed back to the barracks, Daebok grumbled.

“Aigoo, if you have bad sleeping habits, I won’t let it slide.”

“What are you talking about all of a sudden?”

Eun Chae, puzzled by Daebok’s abrupt remark, blinked in confusion.

“Since Cho Ah is staying in your barracks, you’ll have to sleep with me in mine, right? Or were you planning to sleep outside?”

“Ah…!”

Eun Chae, who hadn’t thought about where she would sleep, trailed off. She couldn’t sleep outside after arranging for Cho Ah to stay in her barracks, but sleeping close to Daebok might reveal her identity as a woman…

Eun Chae found herself unexpectedly in a dilemma.

Late at night, Chukshi (1-3 AM).

Recently, Biyeong had been troubled by many thoughts and was alone in the training officer’s barracks, sipping on Cheongju.

He was particularly bothered by how close Eun Chae and Gun had become lately, especially their late-night meetings under the guise of special training.

Although getting along with a superior indicated Eun Chae’s smooth adaptation to the military, Biyeong couldn’t pinpoint why it unsettled him.

Just then, he heard Eun Chae’s voice outside.

“Brother, are you asleep?”

Biyeong found it odd that Eun Chae was looking for him at this hour, but was also pleased to hear her voice. He quickly responded.

“Not yet. What’s the matter?”

Eun Chae hesitated after calling out to Biyeong.

Biyeong, finishing his drink, stood up to greet her when she continued.

“Could you let me stay with you tonight?”

―Cough!

Biyeong choked on his drink in shock at her request, almost spitting it out.

Disbelieving his ears, he managed to respond after a fit of coughing.

“What did you just say?”