Lee Chan was in Hanseong City, the second largest city in the Joseon Kingdom, at the time. After many defeats in battles with the infected, he was forced to change tactics — now his main task was not only to fight, but also to organize the defense of the city, rescue civilians and find ways to resist the disease.
There was a tense atmosphere in his temporary headquarters. Maps covered with notes lay on the table, military leaders argued about the next steps, and messengers came one after another with more disturbing news.
One of his men and ambitious him, a guard with a serious expression on his face. He bowed low and reported:
"Your Highness, an unusual situation has appeared. Cho Hak-joo grabbed the foreigner.*
Lee Chan looked up from the map of the city's fortifications, frowning with displeasure. He had enough problems in this meat grinder without new mysterious prisoners.
"What's unusual about all this?" - he asked calmly but harshly.
The guard hesitated for a moment, then continued:
"She was found on the outskirts of the city. During the attack of the infected, she joined the battle and defended the people. She was armed, but she acted strangely: she didn't kill our soldiers, although she could, and she didn't surrender right away. She made conditions before she submitted."
Lee Chan pursed his lips, thinking. Another mystery in a series of nightmares. He did not know if this foreigner posed a threat or, on the contrary, could be useful. But if Cho Hak-joo was interested in her, then it was worth it.
"Keep an eye on the situation," he finally said. "Find out what he's going to do with her. If she really isn't an enemy, don't let him get rid of her too quickly."
The guard hesitated and decided to add anyway:
"Your Highness, one more thing... She spoke our language. Almost error-free. This confused the guards and arouses suspicion. You know, my Prince, that the country is isolated from the outside world. Even Chinese and Japanese merchants communicate through translators! Therefore, the fact that the prisoner was not just talking, but also putting forward conditions made many people think."
Lee Chan looked up sharply.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, with a slight accent, but it's understandable. She not only understood our words, but also knew how to respond correctly."
There was silence in the tent for a second. It was weird.
Lee Chan thought again: Where did she get such knowledge? Joseon had no trade relations with most countries, and there was nowhere for a foreigner to study Korean. If she knew the language, it means that either she has been here for a long time, or had contact with someone from Joseon in the past
Lee Chan now realized that the situation was more complicated than it seemed at first glance.