Inside Jo Sanggung's room, the old servant was fondly watching Ryung while he was eating. "Yah, did they starve you to death? What's with the rush?"

Ryung didn't retort but instead forced a smile. 

"Did anyone hurt you?"

Ryung shook his head.

"Then why are you so sullen?"

 "I am thankful for your kindness, old lady,"

Jo Sanggung felt her heart was being torn apart by the boy's words. Ever since that night when she discovered the boy's identity, Ryung would address her as such. "W-w-hy would you say that? Yah, little rascal, you must promise me that you're not going to do it anymore, alright? Stealing wouldn't do you anything good."

"Old lady… You know what I am. Why did you still save me?"

Jo Sanggung looked away uneasily. How could she tell the boy that he reminded her of someone? "Some secrets need to be kept secrets until the right time. I've grown this old and have kept a lot. Some I'd rather take with me until death."

Ryung pursed his lips to a subtle smile. He faced the old lady and looked her straight in the eye as if he was the same age and rank as her.

"Old lady, please let me meet Manim."

"Foolish kid! When will you learn to address Mama properly?" Jo Sanggung scolded but immediately softened upon seeing the boy was quite unshaken. "You come with me later like you used to. We'll prepare Her Highness' bath."

Ryung didn't retort and simply went on with his meal. How could he tell this old lady that today is his last day at Kwon Jiyong's estate?

Today is Chuseok, and he recalled how his master told him to meet him on this day. He was tasked by his former master to infiltrate Kwon Jiyong's estate and find a book from the Dragon Realm which contains the great grand elder dragon's prophecy about the last imoogi. However, he tried to break ties with him because he had been working for him for so long and yet it seems his former master had no plans in helping him find that one person, rather imoogi, he was searching for.

He thought that if he served someone powerful, he'd be powerful as well. However, all his efforts were left in vain. When he refused to do the task and declared cutting ties with him, he was almost beaten to death by his cruel master before he reminded him that by Chuseok, he should meet with him with positive results. It was fortunate that someone found him and treated him, but the trauma that his small body and the concussion on his head received resulted in amnesia. He wandered along the streets of Hanyang without nowhere to go, nothing to eat and no one to take care of him, until he met Sandara and followed her scent.

Funny how the celestials had a way of punishing him.

He used to be so strong, but now he's become a useless little fellow.

Perhaps, it's the celestials way of stopping him from further meddling with things he shouldn't have meddled with in the first place, because what really can a small six-year old child do?

But one thing that he didn't expect along his damned journey was meeting a woman who exactly looks like someone from the past, who eventually turned out to be Kwon Jiyong's wife.

What a twisted destiny it is!

But despite the physical resemblance, how come she's so different in virtues and character? How come it seems like she doesn't have any recollection about the past?

_______________________

Just like they used to, Jo Sanggung and Ryung prepared Sandara's bath and just like before, Sandara asked Ryung to accompany her for some snacks after. Inside Sandara's study, Ryung smiled bitterly as he watched Sandara who was reading a book for him.

Your life before was put to waste because of me, how come you are so kind to me in this lifetime? Is this the celestials' way of punishing me?

Ryung didn't realize that tears already escaped from his eyes as every single memory from the past flashed back before his eyes. When Sandara turned to him and noticed this, she immediately lowered the book to the table and wiped his face.

"Ryung-ah, why are you crying? This story isn't even a sad one."

"Nothing, Manim… I mean, Mama."

Sandara smiled at the boy and patted his head. "When it's just the two of us, you can call me anything you want. Alright?"

Ryung forced a smile at her. Woman, tonight would probably be the last time I could address you properly, and you want me to call you any way I want to?

"Mama… That's a more proper and befitting way to address you. Mama, thank you so much for your kindness. This one shall never forget it. I wish there was a way to repay you,"

Sandara pushed the small desk away and faced Ryung. "Ryung-ah, why are you speaking that way? Is there a problem?"

Ryung only smiled at her. I've acted rashly and made a lot of mistakes before. My mission does not concern you, woman.I will see to it you won't be harmed at the very least. This is my payment for your good will. 

"Mama… Please allow me to leave tonight. I've heard news about my family. I want to go home."

________________

Since it was Chuseok, Sandara allowed the servants to eat and drink freely. It was the first time in the estate that they had fun during the said holiday. Sandara explained that since they've been serving His Highness for so long, they should be considered as family.

But as the entire estate was filled with glee and laughter, Sandara was in front of the Southern gates, blankly looking at the direction Ryung took. The boy was long gone, but her heart felt heavier as time passed.

"Mama, what if Ryung was only lying? What if he just wanted to leave this place?" Jo Sanggung was close to tears in so much worry for the boy. Sandara turned to her with a questioning look.

"Jo Sanggung, what is it that you know about Ryung that I do not? It pains me that you seem to be hiding something from me."

"Mama, this one is unclear. There is nothing that I know more than you do."

There is, Sandara thought. Everything about Kwon Jiyong's childhood. And now, about Ryung's identity. Sandara felt a pang of pain in her chest. Jo Sanggung is lying right in front of her face!

"I guess I'll have to find out on my own." Sandara said before turning around. "Hong!"

"Yes, Mama! I've brought Doctor Lee!" Hong was as fast as lighting as he appeared in the dark followed by the good doctor.

"You've asked for me, Mama," Lee Donghae bowed and greeted and Sandara nodded.

"Kang Daesung, how about the chest in the storage I asked you to get? "

Contrary to Hong and Lee Donghae who had always fearlessly supported Sandara, Kang Daesung was someone whom Kwon Jiyong entrusted all of his properties with. Wouldn't this count as betraying him? Answering unsurely, he stammered as he passed the chest full of gold coins to Hong.

"H-h-ere it is, Mama."

"Then we should be going. Make sure to tighten the security in the estate." Sandara said before facing Jo Sanggung once more.

"Mama, where are you going?" Jo Sanggung asked worriedly but Sandara only smiled back at her.

"In case His Highness suddenly arrives, please tell him I brought numerous shadow guards with me. He doesn't have to worry."

_____________________

Sandara was aware that since Ryung is an imoogi, he probably could sniff her out. Kwon Jiyong explained to her before why she seems to attract the creature and though she felt there was much more than being