It’s impossible for soulmates to hurt each other.

It was the first thought that appeared on her mind the moment Hitomi opened her eyes, excruciating pain all over her body. All of her muscles were tense and hurting, almost as if they were tearing up and she didn’t know why. She was wrapped in bandages, her skin littered with shallow and healing cuts and bruises.

But then, the memory of the ambush flashed through her mind.

Hundreds of her men dying. Her, facing off against Minjoo, her mortal enemy. Every fiber of her muscles straining to hold her ground. Minjoo’s spear aiming for her chest—only to have it bounce away as if there was a strong barrier protecting her body.

Hitomi clutched the sheets hard. She couldn’t remember what happened after Minjoo failed to kill her, but it seemed like she was captured rather than killed immediately by Minjoo’s subordinates.

She looked around after finally collecting enough strength to sit, creasing her eyebrow as her eyes scanned the large tent she was in. It was… bland, to say the least. The tent smelled strongly of that sterile scent of antiseptic and bitter undertone of medicinal herbs. She didn’t dislike it, but it still unsettled her.

Just then, the tent flapped open, revealing a cleanly shaved man in white robes. The physician. He was clearly middle-aged, but Hitomi couldn’t help but think that he was pretty handsome. Following behind him was Minjoo, clad in light armor that was different from what she used in the last battle.

“Lady Honda,” the physician addressed her, bowing his head in respect. Hitomi awkwardly bowed back, cringing to herself at the pain all over her body. She really pushed herself to the limits in that battle. “It’s good to have you awake, just as I expect. How are you feeling?”

“Awful,” Hitomi couldn’t help but say bluntly. Her eyes made a quick stop on the figure just behind the man. “But I’ll live.”

“That’s good to hear.” The man nodded, looking very pleased. “You are very exhausted, My Lady. Coupled with the,” he glanced at where Minjoo was, “very surprising incident, it took a toll on you.”

Very surprising incident. Hitomi forced a smile at the wording. Soulmate reconnection was the name. It was an i