“Fate”

There was a happy and abundant village in Silla named Gyeongju. Gyeongju is the capital of Silla, one
of the Three Kingdoms of the Korea along with Goguryeo and Baekje. The monarch was led by a mighty royal
clan, the Yi family. The royals are loved by the people because of their loving nature towards their fellowmen.
They never treat their people as lower ranks, rather, they are treated as one of the communities who are unified
by their peaceful and loving nature.

The head of the family was known to be strict in nature. He wants the kingdom to be as peaceful as it
could be and had always been against to war. He, the last heir left of his clan, the King of Silla, Yi Wi-hwa ( 이
위화). He led the people of Silla together with his beloved wife, Queen Ji-so (여왕 지소). They had three children
and was never able to bear a child again. The eldest child was known to be strikingly handsome and has always
been good at everything he does, the rightful heir, Yi Sun Woo ( 이선우 ). The second son was known to be an
innocent and charming musician who was always seen in the city, having fun with his commoner friends, Yi
Han Sung ( 이 한 성 ). The last but definitely not the least, the only daughter of the Yi clan, the most brilliant
among them all, an adventurer, curious and cheerful being with a straightforward personality, Yi Ah-ro (이아로).
Together, they lead the kingdom of Silla in the most harmonious and peaceful way.

One day, while the family was having their meal, one of the ministers arrived and whispered a news to
King Wi-hwa. He nodded and said, “Do what you must do even if it involves ruthless man-hunt. It must be
done as early as possible, Lord Kim. The festival is fast approaching and we must not allow intruders to
assassinate our kingdom again.”

The minister known as Lord Kim bowed and went out of the room. Baffled by the sudden news, Ah-ro,
the youngest, didn’t hesitate to ask his father even before her mother and siblings can say a word.

“Abeonim, what’s with the sudden man-hunt? Did someone passed through the border again?” she
asked.

Sun Woo scoffed and said, “Ah-ro, princesses don’t meddle with this kind of situation. All you’re
going to do is you must stay home and keep our people safe.”

King Wi-hwa agreed to Sun Woo and said, “Stay home, Ah-ro and you too, Han Sung. I must go now.
Thank you for the meal.”

Before King Wi-hwa was able to stand, Ah-ro grinned and jumped out of her seat, “I must go, too!
Abeonim, Eomonim, Oppa, annyeong!” Ah-ro fled out of their sight even before they can say a word. All they
can ever do is shook their heads as if they were not surprised of what Ah-ro just did.

Ah-ro, on the other hand, went to the city and searched for her best friend, Lee Da-in (이다인), to deliver
the exciting news. Amidst the very busy streets, Ah-ro shouted Da-in’s name and she appeared at her sight like
a lightning. They giggled and shove themselves out of the crowded streets.

Ah-ro couldn’t wait to deliver her news and said, “Da-in-ah, did you know that someone has slip
through the border again? Ha! What a fool! But you know what? I’d—,” before she was able to finish her
sentence, Da-in stopped her midway and retorted, “Ya! Don’t you even think of that! 아니! DON’T YOU EVEN
TRY THINKING ABOUT THAT! I know you, Ah-ro! You shouldn’t meddle with this kind of stuff! You
know? We are guarded with our mighty Hwarangs! So, stop! Look and listen! Don’t! 알았어?”

Ah-ro just frowned at what Da-in said. She realized that she had, somehow, have a point. But Ah-ro
just couldn’t stay seated and so she left Da-in alone who was busy helping out the people decorating for the
upcoming festival. Da-in just sighed as she saw Ah-ro slowly faded away of her sight, knowing what she’s
really up to. Meanwhile, on the other side of the village, a wounded man knocked at the door of a physician
known as Lord Lee Ahn-ji ( 이안지 ) and passed out. As soon as he woke up, his body was covered in plasters
and herbal medicines. When Lord Ahn-ji entered the room where the man was laying down, he immediately
ran towards his side as the man was struggling to sit on his own.

“Stop hurting yourself and just lay down,” he said to the man. Lord Ahn-ji couldn’t help but wonder as
to why and how he ended up having those wounds and what and who did wrong to him. Little did he know, the
man has caught him multiple times glancing at him and said, “Are you going to surrender me to the palace if I
tell you I am the person they are looking for? Or are you going to keep me here and ask me about your son?”

Surprised by what the man has said, Lord Ahn-ji couldn’t help but sat and shut his mouth close. The
man continued, “I am Kim Ji-dwi ( 김 지 뒤 ) and your son, Sun-woo was a good friend of mine. We travelled
across Goguryeo to Silla to find you but he was killed. He was killed by someone who has a white fur covering
his mouth.” Ji-dwi clenched his fist as he recalled how Sun-woo was beheaded by a man with a cross earing
and was riding a white beautiful horse. Lord Ahn-ji, who was aware of the fact that Ji-dwi might also die if the
Hwarangs will see him and so, he came to a decision.
Days passed and Ji-dwi got a lot better. Lord Ahn-ji, on the other hand, wanted to say his farewell to his
son and asked Ji-dwi to take him to where he buried Sun-woo. On their way to the forest, they heard a woman’s
voice and stopped midway. Ji-dwi slowly hid himself as what Lord Ahn-ji instructed and waited ‘til the voice
fade out. Out of nowhere, Ah-ro jumped in front of Lord Ahn-ji and said, “What are you doing here, abeoji?
Haven’t you heard of the man who slipped his way through the border? Tsk tsk! Today is not a great day to
wander around, right?” Lord Ahn-ji regained his composure and looked at Ji-dwi, yet he couldn’t find him. He
panicked and wander his eyes around. Ah-ro also wandered her eyes around as if she’s also looking for
someone. “Are you looking for someone, abeoji? You were alone when I saw you. Are you, perhaps, with Da-
in?” she asked and scratched her head. De-stressed by what Ah-ro said, Lord Ahn-ji looked at at Ah-ro and just
smiled. He waved her good bye and went straight home. Ah-ro, who was left confused, just shrugged it off and
continue wandering the forest. As she reached the end, she noticed a man sitting beside a tomb made of layered
rocks. She walked straight to him and pat his back. He looked at her and asked, "Who are you!?" Baffled, Ah-ro
slowly walked backwards. As she was about to ran off, the man grabbed his arms and shouted, "Where did you
get this earing!? Who gave it to you!? Tell me! Where did you got this!?" Ah-ro panicked and didn't knew what
to do. Instead of answering him, she kicked him right to his knee and ran off. Ah-ro ran as fast as she could until
he bumped into Lord Ahn-ji who was about to go back to the forest. "Abeoji, someone grabbed me from the
forest! He... h-he asked me about my earing and his eyes were so mad! Abeojiiii!!!" Ah-ro wailed as she hid
behind Lord Ahn-ji’s back. As soon as he calmed Ah-ro, Ji-dwi arrived and saw them. Ah-ro pointed out Ji-dwi
and told Lord Ahn-ji that he was that person who grabbed her in the forest. "You! Tell me wh--" Lord Ahn-ji
stopped Ji-dwi from grabbing Ah-ro again and said, "She's Princess Yi Ah-ro, the youngest and the only
daughter of the King Yi Wi-hwa.” Lord Ahn-ji gave Ji-dwi the look and he immediately got the message. Ah-
ro, on the other hand, was confused and asked if they knew each other since he was able to calm him down. “He
was… he’s my son whom I sent to Syeobeul to study medicine however, he didn’t like the idea and so, he went
home and will be staying here… for good,” he explained. As soon as Ah-ro calmed herself. She went home and
went straight to bed. She still couldn’t take Ji-dwi off of her head as she was curious on why he behaved like
that towards her and her…earring!? With that in her mind, Ah-ro fell asleep. The next day, Ah-ro was about to
went out when she heard the conversation of her dad and Lord Kim. She was eavesdropping when her brother,
Han Sung, pinched her ears and dragged her away from the hallway. “You shouldn’t really take interest in those
things, you wench! How many times should we tell you that, huh!? Aigoo, what an idiot,” Han Sung lecturing
Ah-ro. She just rolled her eyes away from him and went straight ahead of the newly opened shop in the city. As
soon as she went inside, Ji-dwi caught her attention and sat across him when Da-in sat beside her, drunk, and
said, “ 야 ! 아로야 ! He dumped me! Ban-ryu dumped me!” Da-in wailed in distress. Ah-ro and Ji-dwi glanced at
each other at the same time and looked away as soon as their eyes met. They stayed there for a couple of hours
until Ji-dwi decided to carry Da-in in his back and walked out of the store with Ah-ro. On their way home, no
one said a word until Ah-ro annoyingly asked Ji-dwi about his attitude towards her. However, he didn’t even
bother to say a word and continue walking. Ah-ro just stomped her feet out of anger and walked five steps
ahead. When they reached Lord Ahn-ji’s house, Ah-ro waved good bye to Da-in who’s now sober and turned
back. “ 미안 . That was inappropriate. 정말 미안해 ,” Ji-dwi said and went straight to Lord Ahn-ji who was fixing
Da-in’s bed. Ah-ro smiled widely as she was so pleased. She went straight home and went to bed. The next day,
the day of the Moon Festival, has arrived. The people are busy as well as the streets. Ah-ro was wandering the
busy streets when she saw Ji-dwi. She immediately walked alongside him and grabbed him by his hands
towards the little bridge where a lot of performers are getting ready for the day. The parade has started and the
royal family was already inside the chariot. However, only King Wi-hwa, Queen Ji-so and Sun woo are inside
it. Ji-dwi, then, asked Ah-ro why she didn’t join her family for the parade. She answered, “ 나는 단지 원하지 않았다.
You know, sometimes, it feels so good breaking the rules.” Ji-dwi just laugh at Ah-ro and watched the parade.
While they were enjoying the performances, one person caught Ji-dwi's attention. He was wearing the cross
earring on his left ear and had a mole on his lower lip, just as what he saw. The scene where Sun woo was
beheaded reeled like a movie on Ji-dwi's mind and he was angered by it. Ji-dwi was ready to jump right into the
scene when Ah-ro dragged him out of the crowd. He tried to resist but Ah-ro was strong enough to drag him to
the small carnival on the other side of the street. Ji-dwi, who was devastated, ran away as soon as Ah-ro let go
of his arm. He went back to the parade but to his dismay, the person who he was looking for was far away from
him. He tried slipping through the crowd however, someone grabbed him from behind and dragged him out of
the crowd. "Are you out of your mind!? Planning to attack at this rate!? Are you planning a suicide!? Use your
mind, Ji-dwi, your mind! I know how upset you are but this is not the right time!" said the man who grabbed
him. Ji-dwi retorted, "I wouldn't know if I'm still alive tomorrow nor later so I can't afford to lose my only
chance to get my revenge for Sun woo, Mr. Kim Ahn-ji!" Lord Ahn-ji let go of Ji-dwi and said, "Then go ahead
and get yourself killed, too. With the number of Hwarangs present in that parade, I can assure you, you'll be
dead even before you can lay a finger to that person you want dead." He then walked away from Ji-dwi. Ji-dwi,
on the other hand, came to deep realization and just agreed to what Lord Ahn-ji has said. He went back to the
busy streets and stayed in the cafe, overlooking that grandiose parade. He was at peace when suddenly, Ah-ro
jumped out in front on him, ragged by his sudden absence in the carnival. " 야 ! I couldn't believe you left me
there standing alone!! How dare you ditch me in the middle of the day!? Huh? Are you thinking so high of
yourself tha--" Ju-dwi pulled Ah-ro down to sit on his side? He looked at her and said, "Just enjoy the view. I
might spare you if you keep your mouth shut." Ah-ro just frowned and munched the foods in front of her. They
stayed in the cafe until the evening when. Ah-ro has been constantly talking about her life and basically,
everything about the village while Ji-dwi just sat there and didn't even bother to say a word. The word has
spread that the fireworks are about to begin and so Ah-ro dragged Ji-dwi so they can watch near the riverbanks.
It has already started and Ah-ro was in awe while Ji-dwi was staring at her. When the fireworks came to end,
everyone started to went home, as well as Ah-ro. Ji-dwi offered to walk her home and so they did. When they
reached the palace, Ji-dwi was about to turn around however, Ah-ro grabbed his arms and said, " 고마워! It's been
a while since I've seen those stupid little flying colorful things in the skies." Ji-dwi just nodded his head. Ah-ro
just frowned at his response and stomped her feet away from and went inside the palace. Ji-dwi then recalled the
person who had the cross earring and looked at the palace with his fist clenched. The next morning, Ah-ro sat
near the pond and was feeding the fishes when Han Sung arrived. Han Sung had this meaningful smile in him
that annoyed Ah-ro and she said, "야! What is it again, huh!? Don't you even smile at me like that and pretend to
not delay your annoying mouth to talk! SPILL!!" Han Sung, still grinning, sat beside Ah-ro and pinched her
ears and said, "You like him, don't you? The way you scolded him for ditching you made me conclude that you
do." Angered, Ah-ro threw the fish food at him and retorted, "I don't! How can I like a conceited, no gentleman,
overbearing man like him!? ANSWER ME OR I'LL CHOKE YOU TO DEATH!" Han Sung just scoffed and
stood. Perhaps he knew that the next words he'll say will end up his life. "Well, then, as you said. But me, I
know for a fact that you like him. 안녕!" he said and ran away from Ah-ro who turned red and chased Han Sung.
As days go by, Ah-ro and Ji-dwi became closer and closer for an unknown reason. They often go out together or
often times, a little more often than the usual often, go out with Da-in. And so, unknowingly, they were both hit
by Cupid's arrow. From a fun day, Ji-dwi and Da-in walked Ah-ro home. Both glancing to each other, Ji-dwi
secretly held Ah-ro's hands and when Da-in turns around, they let go of each other’s hands. So, basically, Ji-dwi
and Ah-ro walked together however, Da-in insisted to be in middle. Fortunately, they were able to walk across
Ban-ryu and so Da-in shrieked. Ban-ryu, who saw Da-in, ran off as he knew that she'd do something foolish
again. With that, Ji-dwi and Ah-ro were left alone. They seized the "few steps" before saying their good bye.
Everything fell into silence as they both didn't knew what to say nor do. When Ji-dwi turned around, Ah-ro
spoke and said, " 좋아해 ! 안니 ! 난 네가 많이 좋아 ." Before he was even able to turn back to Ah-ro, she was able to
fled inside the palace. Ji-dwi just smiled and went straight home. The next morning, while the family were
having their meal, King Wi-hwa looked at Ah-ro, "Ah-ro, Prince Pi Hwi-kyung will arrive here at 8. I want you
to accommodate him and have your marriage set to finalization." Ah-ro, who looked shocked, retorted, “But
abeonim! I already told you I’m not marrying that wench!” King Wi-hwa, who was angered by Ah-ro’s attitude,
slammed both his hands to the table, “When I say you marry him, you marry him. No more buts Ah-ro! This is
our only chance to put to safe our people!” Ah-ro walked out of the dining hall and went to the garden where
Han Sung was staying silently. Feeling the excitement, Han Sung then started teasing Ah-ro. “ 좋아해! 안니! 난 네
가 많이 좋아 ,” Han Sung said mockingly. Ah-ro looked at him and started crying. Han Sung’s laugh didn’t last
long as he witnessed his sister cried helplessly. Ah-ro then told him about the marriage fixed for her even before
she born. Han Sung can do nothing since doesn’t have the power to retort. He calmed Ah-ro and planned to take
her place in planning the marriage. Ah-ro went straight to the café where she often sees Ji-dwi, and there he
was, sitting on the corner of the room, as usual. She went straight to him and grabbed his hands and went
straight to a motel. Ji-dwi, who didn’t know what was happening, stopped walking. He asked Ah-ro as to what
this commotion was all about but Ah-ro didn’t say a word and continued pulling him inside a room. She then
pulled out a drink hidden under her hanbok and drank it all at once. Ji-dwi just sat there and didn’t know what
to do. Ah-ro then stripped herself until she’s only left with her underwear and said, “Get me pregnant now, Ji-
dwi! 제발 ! I don’t want to get married to Hwi-kyung, that wench! Get me pregnant now and maybe… maybe
they’ll stop the wedding and get us married instead! 제발, 지뒤아 ! Just do as I say!!” Ah-ro tried stripping Ji-dwi
but he just stopped her. He hugged her and calmed her down. When she was a lot calmer than what she used to,
he talked to her while kneeling and said, “This is not the solution to your problem, Ah-ro. Okay, let’s put it this
way. What if I’ll really put a baby in you, how sure are you that they will let us have the marriage that you
want? Let us just calm ourselves first and think.” They stayed there for a couple of hours until Ah-ro sobered up
and they can go home. When Ah-ro felt better, she faced Ji-dwi and told him her plan. As they went out, it was
already eight in the evening. They went home separately as Ji-dwi was supposed to help Lord Ahn-ji with a lot
of wounded people. When Ah-ro was at the hallway, she was dragged by Sun Woo to her father’s office. There
she saw Hwi-kyung and her father, talking about what seemed to be too serious for her to join in. When they
saw her, Hwi-kyung then excused himself and went straight to his room, leaving Ah-ro and King Wi-hwa on the
room. King Wi-hwa signaled Ah-ro to sit in front of him and so she did. Ah-ro sensed that his father was not on
a good mood so she stayed quiet until King Wi-hwa, himself, talked first. “Ah-ro, I’m very disappointed in you.
All I ever asked you to do was marry Hwi-kyung! I’ve been telling you this even before you we’re one! What’s
the hardest thing about that!? And now, I would hear that you are going out with someone you even didn’t grew
up with!? Even to the point of wanting him to get you pregnant!?” Ah-ro was baffled to what his father has said.
She secretly panicked; however, her anger overpowered her fear and was able to retort, “Yes! I did that, so
what, abeoji!? I told you since I was one that I don’t want to marry Hwi-kyung!” King Wi-hwa couldn’t help
but get angered and so he was able to slap so hard that she flew off of her chair. “You will marry Hwi-kyung…
whether you like or not. That’s the final decision.” King Wi-hwa went out of his office. Han Sung, who was
sweating trying to find Ah-ro, found her in his father’s office, on the floor. He hurriedly picked her up and lead
her to her room. He stayed with Ah-ro. She told him about her plan with Ji-dwi. At first, Han Sung didn’t liked
the idea however, Ah-ro was persistent and so, he was left with no choice but to let her be. Han Sung, who
stayed with Ah-ro, woked her up in the middle of the night to help her get away to Silla. As they were about to
went out of the room, they were stopped by Hwarangs. Little did they knew that King Wi-hwa found out about
the plan and sent the entire Hwarangs to guard the whole palace to not let Ah-ro get away this time around. Ah-
ro was weakened by the sight of the whole Hwarangs who are guarding the palace and lost her confidence to be
able to slip out of the palace as she’s seen that even her secret passage was guarded. On the other hand, Ji-dwi
was already on the place where they’re suppose to meet. However, a man on his beautiful horse came. This
time, his face was fully revealed as well as his mole and his iconic cross-shaped earring on his left ear. Ji-dwi
was alerted by his appearance and was about to charge when another set of man on their horses surrounded him.
Sun Woo grinned at him and said, “So you still recognized me, outsider? No wonder you let my poor sister fell
into your trap so you could go near me and what? Kill me? Ha! What a fool! Didn’t you even questioned
yourself why I didn’t kill you the night I saw you cross the border with Sun Woo himself?” Ji-dwi was left
puzzled by this sudden confession of Sun Woo to him. He was puzzled as to how he knew Sun Woo and how
hew was so sure of what happened the night they were chased by Hwarangs. “It’s because Sun Woo isn’t JUST
the Sun Woo you knew. He was, in fact… my long lost… brother… the rightful heir that was stole the night the
people from Goguryeo assassinated Silla. I have to do it or else, I would be thrown out as the rightful heir. But
the good thing is that, I already did. You know, it was so long that I forgot where his crown birthmark was. But
that doesn’t matter because I already had my eyes on him, watched, since then. Sun Woo? Ha! He isn’t really
named Sun Woo. You know what his real name was? His name was… Ji-dwi,” Sun Woo added and flew right
into Ji-dwi, pinning him to the ground. Ji-dwi stayed calm and let it all sink in. He then grinned at Sun Woo
who was feeling ecstatic by his victory and said, “You know what? You are a fool to believe that Sun Woo was
in fact the brother you were looking for… it was nice meeting you… brother.” Ji-dwi then pulled his hanbok,
enough to have a sight of his crown birthmark right on his chest. Sun Woo was left shocked and couldn’t
believe what he’s seeing! He pulled out his dagger out of his knees and stabbed Ji-dwi. He couldn’t move as he
was pinned on the ground. Sun Woo then stood up and went right back to the palace to deliver the news. The
Hwarangs then marched out of the palace as soon as they got the signal. Ah-ro, who secretly slipped through the
palace, witnessed the entire scene and was left in the forest, baffled by what she has seen. She immediately ran
into Ji-dwi’s side and hugged him like it was going to be the last time. Ji-dwi, who was still struggling to fight
for his life, whispered to Ah-ro with his dying voice, “ 사…사랑…사랑해… 안녕…” Ah-ro couldn’t get a hold of him
longer as she was dragged by the Hwarangs sent by his father back to the palace. And that was the last time he
saw Ji-dwi. A year later, Ah-ro was married to Hwi-kyung and the union took place in Goguryeo. Ah-ro was
happily married however, she still couldn’t forget Ji-dwi who had really got her pregnant the day she was drunk
and also the day, she thought she’d last saw him. However, Hwi-kyung didn’t knew that she was pregnant as
they were married right after Ji-dwi was killed. When Ah-ro went back to Silla without his husband, the town
celebrated her arrival. Little did she know what awaits her in the palace. When she arrived at the palace, the
helpers were busy preparing food as they were excited to see Ah-ro. King Wi-hwa and the others welcomed her.
Queen Ji-so and Han Sung couldn’t help and hugged Ah-ro from excitement and the Queen said, “Ah-ro!
You’re just in time. I want you to meet… Ji-dwi, your long-lost brother.”