Hwan continued in a relaxed tone.

“The pastures of Saboksi are also troubled by tigers. It’s a great concern.”

“What’s your point?”

“Ah, you’re always in a hurry.”

Then, Hwan pulled out a scroll (kwonjabon) and presented it to Gun.

The scroll contained an order to hunt down the tiger plaguing the areas around the capital.

“You must capture the tiger that appears near the capital.”
Catching a tiger could grant an official several promotions, and even grant freedom to slaves. It was a task of great honor but fraught with danger. Numerous skilled warriors had lost their lives in the attempt.

Daegun, annoyed at Hwan for issuing such a risky order, furrowed his brow, openly displaying his displeasure.

“Anyone would think you’re the king of this country, not our father.”

“Father entrusted me with the regency. Isn’t this within my power to command?”

“Why insist on me, when there are specialized tiger-hunting soldiers?”

“Are you displeased? To use your martial skills, learned for subduing the Yeojin, on a mere beast?”

Hwan chuckled lightly.

“If word spreads that Gwanghogun has slain a tiger, it might dampen the Yeojin’s spirits, don’t you think? Killing two birds with one stone – a tiger and the Yeojin.”

“Since when have you cared about my reputation, Your Highness? Quite surprising.”

Of course, Hwan’s real motive wasn’t just to quell the Yeojin or hunt tigers. Even the invincible Gwanghogun was just prey before a tiger.

Hwan curled his lips, hiding his true intentions.

“How can you subdue the Yeojin if you can’t even hunt a tiger? Are you afraid of it?”

Provoked by Hwan’s taunt, Gun’s eyebrows twitched menacingly.

Despite Gun’s hostile demeanor, Hwan remained composed.

“Have you heard the rumors about Gwanghogun among the people?”

Gun listened silently as Hwan continued.

“Burial of innocents for fun, drinking the blood of beasts… quite unsavory rumors.”

“…”

“If Gwanghogun captures the tiger, it might change the people’s perception of you.”

Hwan spun a web of plausible reasons with his silver tongue.

Was Hwan really concerned about the rumors surrounding Gun?

And where did such baseless rumors originate?

“The order has been given. There’s no choice now. But it might turn into a blessing in disguise for Gwanghogun.”

Hwan’s thin gaze met Gun’s eyes.

“Who knows? This might be your chance to regain the people’s trust.”

There was no turning back from the ordered tiger hunt.

For a moment, Hwan’s eyes sparkled like a child with a new toy.

At a hunting gear shop in the marketplace.

Asking for traps suitable for hunting, the shopkeeper spread out an array of traps.

“Traps? We have them. Take your pick, sir.”

But they were all small, suitable only for catching rabbits or deer, not big enough for a tiger.

“Do you have larger traps?”

“These are all we have. What are you planning to hunt that requires such a large trap?”

“I’m hunting a tiger.”

“Goodness, these won’t do for a tiger. You’ll need something much bigger.”

When Gun inquired where to find larger traps, the shopkeeper pointed in a direction with the tip of his finger.
“Go down the big alley, and at the end of the crossroad, you’ll find another shop. They exclusively sell tools for hunting large beasts like bears or tigers.”

“Thank you for the information.”

As Gun prepared to leave, the shopkeeper cautiously spoke up.

“But sir, why hunt a tiger? You don’t seem like you’ve ever hunted one before… Are you seeking a promotion?”

“What’s your intention in asking?”

“Well, not to be nosy, but tigers aren’t easy prey. You hear stories when you’ve been trading in this market for decades.”

The shopkeeper, scratching his face, continued.

“Many try to catch a tiger for royal rewards or promotions, but even professional tiger hunters often perish in the attempt. It’s like walking into the tiger’s mouth.”

Gun listened quietly to the shopkeeper’s words.

“Being a commoner, I don’t know much, but isn’t a person’s life the most important? Think carefully about what really matters.”

“I appreciate your advice.”

“Take care, sir.”

Gun smiled faintly as he left the shop.

The irony wasn’t lost on him. A stranger showed concern for his welfare, while his own kin sent him to face death.

Lost in hollow laughter, Gun overheard men talking outside.

“Since when did Gwanghogun care about the people?”

“Oh, come on! Isn’t this just to impress the king?”

Gun stopped in his tracks, struck by the conversation about himself.

“Being out of favor, catching a tiger might win the king’s favor. Whether people die or not, he’s just keen on hunting that tiger.”

“And how is he planning to catch a tiger alone? What if it descends on a village? Who’ll be responsible for the casualties?”

“Disgusting, spoiling the festival mood!”

It seemed the news of Gwanghogun’s tiger hunt had spread among the people.

The rumors were far from the truth, but Gun was used to such misrepresentations.

‘No need to bother. Just ignore it and move on, as always.’

Why care about such gossip? It was something to be dismissed and forgotten.

As Gun turned to head towards the bigger hunting gear shop, a familiar voice reached his ears.

“Hey, you gourds! Scurrying around like scared rabbits!”

Turning around, Gun spotted a familiar face near the men who had badmouthed him.

Surprised, he opened his eyes wide.

“Hong Yeonwoo…?”