Lots of talk padding out the plot for this series. Balsa makes preparations for the escape ahead, while the Holy Patriarch isn’t fooled at all and the hunters are swiftly dispatched.

Shuga the astronomer meets up with the holy patriarch, raising his suspicions that the emperor had sent assassins after Prince Chagum. With crown prince Sagum not being in good health, he believes that the value of Prince Chagum should be re-evaluated. After Sagum accepts the warnings of stepping into the paths of politics, the Holy Patriarch reveals all to him.

It is believed that Chagum is possessed by a water spirit. The same water spirit whom the first emperor had defeated, and thus declared his reign. The only way to kill it would be by the emperor’s own hands. However, the emperor does this not without pain though. But still, because of politics, it still needs to be done, and a squad of four is dispatched.

Meanwhile, Balsa brings Chagum away from the palace, offering to piggyback him. This in a way introduces him to the world of commoners. They arrive at tohya’s and saya’s place, and Balsa requests help from them to purchase all the necessary items for Balsa’s escape. Meanwhile, Balsa hides the jewels given to her by the second concubine.

Tohya does well with the purchases. However, as he is about the buy a horse, he is stopped by a stranger. Tohya believes that he shook the man off, but as a precaution, Balsa requests that he and Saya move out of their house for safety.

Balsa and Chagum soon set off, but without the horse, the trip ends up being tougher as expected. On the way up the hill though, the 4 assassins make their appearance.

Thoughts

Mostly introduction stuff still, although we still don’t know how the characters relate to one another, people like  Tanda.

Next episode is the big one… the fight. It will be interesting to see how Balsa fares, especially since she didn’t get to meet  Trogai to get her spear sharpened.