Sobi and Cheongro entered Norahn's chamber and bowed respectfully. Norahn returned their greetings with a nod, his eyes briefly lingering on Sobi. She had resumed her duties after Yeong's release, and while she still seemed subdued, her countenance had softened. Norahn hesitated, dreading the task of assigning her this unwelcome mission. He averted his gaze, forcing himself to speak.

  "The Guardian has entrusted the Ministry with a critical task."

  Cheongro and Sobi leaned in, their attention piqued by the gravity in Norahn's voice. He relayed the Guardian's orders, omitting any mention of his earlier disagreement with Ryang. Sobi, surprisingly, remained impassive. Norahn, alone in his anxiety, addressed her directly.

  "The Guardian's decision is final. Prepare yourself. The High Councilor will provide further instructions."

  Cheongro, unable to contain his cynicism, sneered. "If it's such a critical task, why doesn't the High Councilor go himself? Why does he always rely on the Ministry when it suits him? Soyeol isn't exactly in our backyard..."

  "Must I explain the reasons again?" Norahn retorted, his voice sharp.

  "This isn't 'relying on us,' " Cheongro argued. "It's using us as pieces. If this succeeds, the High Councilor will take all the credit. If that's his reasoning, he should just hand the entire matter over to the Ministry. It's hypocritical. Now that the Guardian has declared his intentions, the Ministry can't just sit around polishing ceremonial relics."

  Norahn's eyes narrowed. "And if it fails, will you take responsibility?"

  Cheongro faltered. "Your Sanctity, that's a rather cowardly thing to say."

  Sobi glared at him. "How dare you speak to the High Emissary that way?"

  Cheongro ignored her, pressing his point. "If it fails, it fails. What's the big deal? Please stop beating around the bush and tell us what you're thinking. Does the Ministry intend to remain passive forever?"

  "Don't assume this single task will change everything," Norahn warned. "This is merely the beginning. Wicheong Palace is not ready. And neither are we."

  "We're well aware of that," Cheongro countered. "But ready or not, the Guardian is moving forward. So is the High Councilor. Only the Ministry remains stagnant. If we wait until we're 'ready,' we'll never surpass the High Councilor."

  "The High Councilor is not an obstacle, but a shield," Norahn insisted. "We are on the verge of war, and the Ministry's role in warfare is limited. We must bide our time, gather our strength under his protection until we reclaim Sunyahng."

  Sobi, attempting to diffuse the tension, bowed her head respectfully. "Your Sanctity's words are wise."

  Despite her attempt to restore calm, Cheongro's frustration remained palpable. Norahn, his disapproval evident, addressed him directly.

  "I have something to discuss with the Third Emissary. You are dismissed."

  Cheongro bowed stiffly and left the room. Norahn, now alone with Sobi, let his usual composure falter, his brow creased with worry.

  "I'm already dreading the task of managing the Ministry with only Cheongro while you're gone."

  Sobi shared his dislike for Cheongro but felt it would be disrespectful to express it openly. She remained silent. Norahn's gaze softened.

  "I tried to stop them from sending you," he confessed, "but I couldn't. I'm sorry."

  Sobi looked up, her gaze steady. "Why do you apologize?"

  "The Soyeol people are dangerous. And the sea journey is perilous."

  "Don't worry. Whatever happens, it is Sahngjon's will."

  Norahn couldn't ignore the bitterness that laced her polite response. "Are you still upset about that incident?"

  Sobi met his gaze, the warmth in his eyes a comforting balm. No one in Wicheong Palace would describe Norahn as affectionate or approachable, but Sobi saw him as merely shy and awkward. His gaze always ignited a warmth within her, cleansing and comforting. It was difficult to reconcile this gentle soul with the man who had uttered those heartless words to the grieving siblings. She took a deep breath, pushing aside the memory.

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  "An Emissary obeys Sahngjon's will. There's no reason to be upset. I'm merely learning to accept it," she said.

  "You'll understand one day," Norahn said sadly, acknowledging the resentment hidden within her submissive words.

  Sobi bowed her head. Norahn gently lifted her chin, his long, slender fingers tracing her jawline. She met his gaze, her eyes clear and unwavering.

  "You are Sahngjon's Emissary," he said softly, "and mine. Never forget that, no matter what you do, no matter where you go."

  Sobi's heart swelled with emotion, her gaze fixed on his. Norahn, unable to bear her intense stare, averted his eyes, his hand retreating from her face and forming a fist within his sleeve. Sobi bowed her head, a strange ache in her heart as she returned to her chamber.

  An unwelcome sight awaited her. She sighed as she saw Cheongro lounging in a chair, one leg crossed over the other.

  "I thought the High Councilor was trying to win you over," he remarked. "But he's sending you to Soyeol? That man is full of surprises."

  "Not really," Sobi retorted dryly.

  Sobi sat down, her expression weary. "I'd like to rest, so please get to the point."

  "You seem to have grown quite close to House Myeonghyeon lately," Cheongro remarked. "Wasn't it the High Councilor who provided the compensation you gave to the bereaved?"

  "I was merely asked to deliver it," Sobi replied flatly.

  "And you even visited Nahmgyo during your period of confinement."

  "It was a gesture of gratitude for their assistance. Even you greet the High Councilor with a polite nod when you encounter him. It was a considerable sum of money."

  Cheongro scoffed, shaking his head. "All this talk of kings and Sahngjon's chosen, but Soyeol is nothing but a den of pirates, armed to the teeth. It's no place for a delicate Emissary like you. Perhaps those pirates were the ones who killed the Emissaries."

  "What's the point of this visit?" Sobi asked, her patience wearing thin.

  Cheongro chuckled. "Just looking out for you."

  "Your concern is unwelcome," Sobi retorted. "Stop badgering the High Emissary. It's embarrassing."

  "What did I do?" Cheongro feigned innocence.

  Sobi glared at him, saying nothing. Cheongro sat up, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

  "Who else would offer him such honest advice?" he continued. "Let's be honest, the High Emissary is no match for the High Councilor. With his timid approach, he'll never gain the upper hand. That's why this mission is so important. It's an opportunity. If you play your cards right, you can claim this as a victory for the Ministry. It would benefit the High Emissary greatly."

  "I'm going on the Guardian's orders," Sobi reminded him.

  "Of course, serving the Guardian is a given. But we can also benefit from this. Many eyes are on you within the Ministry. The High Emissary promoted you to Third Emissary despite your lack of experience. There were concerns. My concerns included. You've done well so far, but your loyalty remains... uncertain. The High Emissary has taken many risks for you. It's time you repaid his kindness."

  Sobi met his gaze, her lips pressed firmly together. Cheongro rose to his feet, patting her shoulder condescendingly.

  "In any case, prepare yourself for the journey. Sahngjon will guide your path, faithful Third Emissary. And I'll keep a close eye on our precious young Emissaries while you're away."

  ──────────

  Norahn, leaving Sobi's quarters, headed towards Yeong's. The room was empty. He waited for what seemed like an eternity before Yeong finally returned from his meeting with Seong. Norahn bowed curtly, then immediately launched into his complaint.

  "Do you truly believe the Third Emissary will reach Soyeol safely?!"

  Yeong replied, "What is it you fear?"

  "Cheon Hwan is out there," Norahn stated.

  "And that is a problem because...?"

  "Before leaving Wicheong Palace, he murdered his own uncle in a fit of rage. He showed no mercy to the unarmed Emissaries. Do you truly believe the journey to Soyeol is safe? Why didn't you oppose the High Councilor's decision?!"

  "The High Councilor believes Soyeol's support is necessary," Yeong countered. "Do you disagree?"

  "Tell me your opinion."

  "Birahng, Sunyahng... they are but handfuls of dirt. The High Councilor is fixated on this insignificant land, dreaming of Sunyahng. He needs Soyeol's warships. But you should see beyond this, with Sahngjon's eyes."

  "Then you should have opposed this decision even more vehemently!"

  Yeong offered a cold, subtle smile. "Your lord still favors the High Councilor's words over mine, especially on matters like this. Even if this war ends in bloodshed, it is necessary to fulfill Sahngjon's will. He separates the wheat from the chaff. This war is his instrument. If that Emissary is needed, Sahngjon will protect her. Whatever happens, you must accept it."

  Norahn couldn't accept the familiar, echoing words. "But Guardian Crimson..."

  "It is necessary. I won't interfere."

  Norahn, unable to argue further, bit his lip in frustration. Yeong gestured towards the table, inviting him to sit. Once Norahn was seated, Yeong spoke.

  "Cheon Seong met with Cheon Hwan last night."