Note: I changed some historical parts, real facts and roles about kisaeng to fit the story. I mix some elements from geisha and oiran. Kisaeng are women and they only stop entertaining after they turn thirty. For more info please Google about them. IMO, some memorable kisaeng are badass feminists and some were considered as heroines in their local tales too. :)


Back at the lodging, Hyun was furious as he storm into Rika's quarter. She was in the midst of discussion with the rest of the troupe members. Sensing the need of privacy, Rika adjourns the meeting. Hyun tries to contain his anger as he waits for every member to leave before he bursts out 'Did you tell a client to secretly tail me to my secret hideouts?' Rika calmly approaches and lightly touches his robe. 'You're wet, Hyun. You should probably change first then we'll continue talking about this.'

Not budging from his place he demands 'Answer me!'

Rika sighs 'Yes, you're right. I told him because he was interested to meet you. Judging your condition and your tone, I guess it didn't well?'

'Of course not. How would you feel if you have a stalker following you around? I can't believe you told a client bout my sneaking out habits.'

'First of all, he's not a client. I'm sure he has no ill intentions like the others.'

'Yeah sure. All men are beasts, Rika. You knew that very well. They just want a piece of my delicate virgin ass even when they knew I'm a man too.'

'Yes, I understand that.'

'If he's not a client, then what is he?'

Rika points around 'This nice place we're staying was arranged by him. Call him our sponsor if you would.'

Hyun crosses his arm 'hoo, so you trade me off to a stranger for a better place to stay... I get it now.'

Rika got angrier at Hyun's treatment towards her. 'Don't disrespect me like that, Hyun. The fact that you're still standing here alive were all thanks to us who took you in while you were poor and starving by the street.'

'And the fact that you're finally earning money right now is all thanks to me too.'

Rika sighs again. 'Hyun, I'm only doing this for your own good. As you're a kisaeng, you do know your career ends when you turn 23. And you'll be turning 23 next spring. After that your only paths are either going for the highest bidder or being send off to the brothel houses. In some rare cases of the past, if you have someone of sufficient money and power, maybe he could pay the government registry to elevate your slave status to that of ordinary citizen.'

'I know all that!'

'I understand your feelings, Hyun. Just get to know him. If you really dislike him that much, we'll think of another way.'

Hyun realizes again that reality are harsh. Admitting that it's not a bad idea, he asks 'Do you happen know his name?'

'You mean our sponsor?' Hyun nods. Rika couldn't help but laughs. 'I can't believe you, Hyun. The meeting may not go well but you didn't even ask for his name?' 'Don't laugh! Well, he did say he'll return there every night to talk to me.' Rika smiled. 'Then it's up to you to find out. I won't spoil the fun by telling you everything about him.' She pushes him out from her room. 'Wait, Rika. I'm not done talking.' 'Good night, Hyun.'


Jumin visits Jihyun in the morning to have breakfast together as they catches up on each other. Jumin asks 'I'm curious. What exactly is your relationship with the troupe leader?' 'Well, I met her when I was visiting a town last month. When I found out they're going to our town next, I sort of just followed them and got closer to Rika. You can call us as lovers or something like that. I did propose to her.' 'Propose?' 'Yes, as in marriage but she wasn't interested. I'm still deciding if I should drop everything and follow her since I'm an explorer myself.' Jumin calmly listens and sips his tea as he exclaims 'I see.'

Jihyun is always amazed by the Jumin's lack of empathy or he's just open about every topic without questioning too much. Well, except for work related. Jihyun asks 'So, how about you? You're going there again tonight to meet him right?' Jumin suddenly felt slightly annoyed at the mention about the meeting. 'Yeah, but he's not coming to see me. Do you think he's avoiding me?' Jihyun chuckled. 'Gosh, Jumin. You sounded like a lovesick teenager being ignored by his crush.' Jumin rolls his eyes as he have no solid reasons to deny that. He has been attending the performance almost every night whenever he has the chance despite his workload.


'They're both so stubborn, Rika. But if this goes on, Jumin might just give up. And tonight might his last attempt to meet him.'

'Tsk, that Hyun. He's been sneaking out as usual. I thought he went to meet Jumin all these while. I'll talk to him again. Jihyun, do you have any contacts that we can use to search about a person's background?'

'I may have someone I can approach to. Is this about Hyun?'

Rika merely nods. 'We found him sleeping in front of the troupe tent lonely, poor and hungry about ten years ago. He couldn't be just a slave as he could read and write well. Even with his tattered clothes, it was finely made with a better material no peasants could afford. I suspect he might be a runaway.'

Jihyun and Rika has been trying to be matchmakers behind Jumin and Hyun's back all these while.


That night after the performance, Rika caught Hyun sneaking out again.

'Off to see him again? Or are you not?' Hyun sheepishly turns around to face a very annoyed Rika. 'Well, I've been returning to the same place but I'm only watching from afar...' Rika loosen her tension. 'Hyun, you can't just do that all the time. Who knows maybe last night was his attempt to talk to you? ' 'What? No way!' 'Everyone has a limit, Hyun. Its been a week! I would have given up if it were me. If you see him there waiting again, consider yourself lucky.' When Hyun quickly dashes off, Rika knew her plan worked.


Hyun ran as quickly as his legs can carry. Out of breath, he was very relieved to see him still waiting at the same spot. As he calms, he takes a deep breath to gather his courage. It's now or never, Hyun.

Jumin was alert to the sound of footsteps approaching. He couldn't contain his happiness when he saw Hyun emerge from the shadows, the moonlight dimly lit the sky. 'I knew you'd come.' 'You're really diligent aren't you? Waiting for me even I never said I'd agreed to it.' 'You've been watching me all these while. So who's the stalker now?' A red hue ran across Hyun's face.

Jumin gave a respectful bow 'I'm sorry that our first meeting didn't started out well. I'm Han Jumin. Pleasure to meet you at long last.' Hyun bows back 'The pleasure's mine. I'm Hyun Ryu. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.'


Hyun return to the lodging with a wide grin plastered on his face. As he walk past the main door, a sudden voice startled him. 'So, did the meeting went well this time?' 'Oh Saeyoung, you startled me. Well, you can say that...'

Saeyoung was part of the performing troupe longer than Hyun. He may be the jester but most of the time he was sent to run other more important errands. From the outside, the performing troupe may look like a wandering performing artists but deep within, they also act as informants and information gatherers. They accepts requests, gather and sells information across the country to whomever that could afford it. Only certain members of the troupe are deeply involved in this part of the business and Hyun vaguely knows about it. As a kisaeng himself, he also gathered secrets and information but none of them were as dark and dangerous as Saeyoung's.

Hyun noticed Saeyoung is carrying a bag, a bag he usually use when he sets off for another mission. 'So you're leaving again? It'll be so quiet around here without you, Saeyoung.' Saeyoung smiled. 'Don't be. You'll be busy meeting someone when I'm away anyways, am I right?' Hyun's blush from previous meeting deepen as he tries to change the subject 'So what's the mission about this time?' 'I can't tell you the details, Hyun.' 'Oh, right. Private and confidential.' 'It's best not to let too many people knew anyways. I guess it's time for me to go meet my contact. Best of luck to your blossoming love.' Before Hyun could counter his words, Saeyoung has left in a hurry.

Saeyoung was right. He looked forward to meet Jumin every night more than missing the jester.


Note: Hey there! Thanks for reading as always! I just want to make a small announcement.

I'll be away for holiday and I won't be able to update anything new until then. The earliest I could return will be around early December or earlier if time permits. I will miss you all! :)

At the meantime, you can always drop me a comment, review or message. I'll read and reply them from time to time.

Thank you again! :)