Haesoo pulled her hanbok farther down over her face, shielding herself from the world. Her vision blurred as unshed tears welled in her eyes, her thoughts drifting back to the conversation she had with the old inspector—one who once served within the palace during her father's time.
(Flashback)
"Excuse me… sir."
Haesoo's voice trembled as she stepped into the yeoswan, a small guesthouse tucked away from the bustling streets. The place was modest and deliberately unremarkable, favored by those who wished to stay unnoticed.
The wooden door creaked open slowly.
A man dressed in a faded blue silk robe appeared. The fabric was plain, worn just enough to suggest restraint rather than poverty. Nothing about him drew attention, as though he had carefully chosen a life that blended into the background.
His face was stern, unreadable.
Haesoo could not tell what he was thinking.
She walked closer, stopping when only two feet separated them.
"Who are you?" the man asked, his gaze fixed intently on her.
"I'm sorry," Haesoo replied, gathering her courage.
"I am Haesoo. The late Left State Minister's daughter."
She hesitated before adding, "Inspector Kim Hyung Do?"
Inspector Kim Hyung Do looked at her with keen interest, though his expression barely shifted.
"No," he said flatly.
"You've come to the wrong place."
He turned to leave.
Panicking, Haesoo rushed forward and grabbed his legs.
"Please!" she cried, her voice barely audible as tears clogged her throat.
"Please, help me."
Her grip tightened as her shoulders shook.
"Please… help me remember my father as a good man till the very end."
Tears slid down her cheeks, staining the hem of her sleeves.
Inspector Kim Hyung Do gently brushed her hands away.
Haesoo slowly lifted her eyes to him and exhaled sharply, as if holding back a sob.
She refused to believe her father had betrayed the king.
She needed the truth.
Without sparing her a glance, Inspector Kim Hyung Do walked toward the door.
Haesoo collapsed onto her knees, her strength leaving her.
Heavens, please help me believe in my father.
Help me prove his innocence.
Her silent prayer trembled with desperation.
"Come in."
The words stopped her breath.
Haesoo stood up abruptly, her eyes shining with hope. Without hesitation, she followed the inspector inside.
The interior of the yeoswan was dim and quiet. The walls were bare, the furnishings simple and practical. Everything about the room reflected a man who wished to live unnoticed, leaving no trace behind.
Haesoo sat on the floor, legs crossed neatly beneath her. She watched as the inspector poured her a cup of tea with steady hands.
She bowed courteously and accepted it.
"Excuse me, Inspector—"
"Your father was a loyal subject to the king until his last breath."
The inspector interrupted her before she could finish.
Haesoo's fingers tightened around the teacup.
"Haesoo," Inspector Kim Hyung Do continued, his voice low,
"there are secrets buried within the palace walls—secrets that must never be exposed."
He lifted the teacup to his lips and took a slow sip. His hands trembled slightly, and his lips quivered, betraying emotions he had long buried. Though grief flickered in his eyes, he remained bound by an oath stronger than friendship.
"No," Haesoo said firmly, her voice shaking.
"The people of Joseon are the government why shouldn't they know of things that could endanger their lives?"
The inspector let out a soft, weary laugh.
"Haesoo…"
"I heard all the officers who were there that year were killed," she said quietly.
"Haesoo," Inspector Kim Hyung Do called her name softly, almost like a plea.
"Your father was—"
He hesitated.
"Your father knew the palace was a dangerous place. He understood he could lose himself there."
The inspector's gaze drifted, lost in memories.
"He could have been tempted by power… or something far worse."
He looked back at her.
"But he still entered the palace."
A pause followed.
"Who do you think your father was trying to protect?"
(End of Flashback).