Myeonghyeon Ryang, composing himself, stepped out of the inn. He spotted Gahngyun Hyeok loitering near the main entrance, his entourage surprisingly small. Ryang approached and offered a brief bow.

  "Greetings, Young Master."

  Hyeok, ignoring the greeting, gestured towards the empty saddle of his horse. Though the gesture was rude, Ryang felt a sense of relief. Hyeok's displeasure seemed genuine, suggesting that Kyeong'ui's summons wasn't a sinister ploy as Seon and Dara had feared. If it were, Hyeok would be gloating, and there would be no need for such courtesies as offering a horse. Ryang mounted the horse, and Hyeok followed suit, signaling to his guards.

  "Let's go."

  Hyeok spurred his horse forward, and Ryang followed. They rode in silence until they were well clear of the southern gate and onto a secluded path. Hyeok slowed his horse, maneuvering it alongside Ryang's.

  "Your sister is quite beautiful," he remarked casually.

  Exhausted from his tense encounter with Hongyoo the previous night, Ryang wasn't in the mood for forced pleasantries. Hyeok, noticing Ryang's silence and the hint of amusement in his eyes, frowned.

  "What's so funny?" he asked.

  "Such a refined opening remark," Ryang said. "Are these the latest manners in Sunyahng?"

  Hyeok, realizing his misstep, bristled. "Only fitting for the esteemed proprietor of the finest brothel of Nahmgyo," he mocked.

  "Did Her Highness send you?" Ryang asked.

  "I volunteered."

  "Of course you did," Ryang said flatly.

  Hyeok's irritation grew. He longed to pull his horse in front of Ryang and confront him, but a reprimand from Kyeong'ui loomed over him. They continued in silence. After a while, Ryang spoke again.

  "May I ask you something?" he asked.

  "Depends on what you want to know."

  "How old is the Royal Attendant, exactly?"

  "Around thirty, I believe," Hyeok replied, though the question struck him as odd.

  Ryang felt a surge of the previous night's anger. As he struggled to contain his emotions, Hyeok continued in a nonchalant tone.

  "I don't know for sure. He's a man of no clear origins. Why do you ask?"

  "Just curious," Ryang replied curtly.

  Hyeok's annoyance intensified. Before he could snap, Ryang changed the subject.

  "Congratulations on your betrothal, by the way. I imagine preparations for the wedding are in full swing in Sunyahng."

  "Indeed," Hyeok said. "The King dotes on his daughter. It's bound to be a lavish affair."

  "The King is a formidable man, and Her Highness is quite ambitious," Ryang remarked. "Being her consort won't be an easy task."

  Hyeok, who had been listening with only half an ear, chuckled. 'The King gave me three tasks: loyalty to the nation and the throne, to love and protect Her Highness, and to fill her arms with royal babies. A woman's a woman, highborn, ambitious, whatever. Nothing complicated about it."

  Ryang, concealing his disdain, glanced at Hyeok. This is the Princess's consort? He was beginning to doubt the King's supposed affection for his daughter. Why is she surrounded by such despicable men? Knowing the secrets surrounding Kyeong'ui, Ryang found Hyeok's every word repulsive. He steered the conversation once more.

  "I understand your brother serves in Sahcheon," he remarked. "I've heard tales of his accomplishments. The governor of Sahcheon... a significant position for someone his age, but perhaps a meager reward considering his achievements?"

  "My brother has little interest in courtly affairs," Hyeok replied dismissively.

  "It seems House Gahngyun's ambitions have dwindled."

  "Are we any different from the Myeonghyeons, hiding away in this backwater?" Hyeok retorted.

  He abruptly reined in his horse, blocking Ryang's path. "If you plan to use the Princess to advance your own petty ambitions, you'd best give up now. No one will manipulate her while I draw breath."

  "Such misplaced aggression," Ryang countered calmly. "We'll take care of our own ambitions. Though your words suggest your true target isn't us, but House Gahngyun itself."

  "What?" Hyeok exclaimed.

  "Anyone knows Gahngyun is a paper tiger these days," Ryang continued.

  Hyeok spurred his horse closer, his eyes flashing with anger. "We'll see about that. You think you'll survive in Sunyahng without the help of this 'paper tiger'?"

  "I think you misunderstand," Ryang replied. "We're not particularly eager to go to Sunyahng. If you prefer, we can inform Her Highness right now and call this whole thing off."

  Hyeok forced down his rising anger, his smile twisting into a sneer.

  Ryang leaned closer. "I am not your enemy, Young Master," he said. "Don't waste your energy on misplaced threats. If I were you, I'd focus on securing the Princess's affections instead of antagonizing me. How do you intend to fulfill the King's wishes if she continues to treat you with such disdain?"

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  Just as Ryang was about to grab his horse's reins, he added, "One more piece of advice. You're betrothed to a princess, not just a woman."

  With that, Ryang kicked his horse into motion, leaving Hyeok fuming in his wake. One of Hyeok's guards, hesitant, urged him forward.

  "Young Master, we should follow."

  Hyeok spat on the ground. "I can't drag that pimp all the way to Sunyahng." He kicked his own horse angrily, galloping after Ryang.

  ──────────

  "By order of the Royal Father, I submit this report concerning the meteor incident that occurred one month ago in Birahng.

  Upon arriving at Hyangdo, I investigated local reports and rumors, which consistently indicated that the meteor fell near the coast of Nahmgyo. Based on eyewitness accounts, I focused my search on the surrounding waters. This morning, we discovered an extraordinary object.

  It is a flawless sphere, its surface resembling white jade or a pearl, with a circumference of approximately nine paces. While submerged, it required the combined strength of ten soldiers to lift. However, upon surfacing, its weight became negligible, akin to a feather. With proper chains and knots, even I could lift it with ease.

  Its unique form and properties raise concerns for the peace of Throne and Intellect. Therefore, I request a scholar from the Sanctuary of Intellect, one skilled in the observation of things and versed in natural philosophy, with expertise in both the Azure Scripture and its commentaries. This scholar will assist me in determining the nature of this object. Furthermore, I request a reinforcement of two hundred soldiers to prepare for any unforeseen events.

  Respectfully submitted from Birahng by Kyeong'ui, Second Princess."

  Kyeong'ui's hand moved swiftly across the paper, completing the final sentence. She affixed her seal to the report, and Hongyoo, who had been standing beside her, helped to seal it.

  "Make sure it's secure," Kyeong'ui instructed. "No one must read it before my father."

  Hongyoo smiled. "Of course, Your Highness. Who will you entrust with its delivery?"

  "Would the commander of the Shadow Legion be trustworthy enough?"

  "I was hoping you might send Young Master Gahngyun," Hongyoo teased.

  Kyeong'ui chuckled. "I wish I could."

  "The commander will suffice, I suppose," Hongyoo conceded. "However, it does mean one of the Cannon Ships will be unavailable for a while."

  "It can't be helped."

  Just as Hongyoo finished sealing the report, Hyeok returned to the camp, announcing his presence from beyond the tent.

  "Enter," Kyeong'ui called out.

  Hyeok stepped through the parted curtains and bowed his head. "Myeonghyeon Ryang has arrived, Your Highness."

  "Was there any trouble along the way?" Kyeong'ui asked suspiciously.

  Hyeok, forcing a smile, replied, "Not at all."

  "Bring him in," Kyeong'ui instructed, "and have the guards withdraw to a distance of twenty paces. Hongyoo, you may leave as well."

  Her orders were swiftly obeyed. Ryang, entering the tent, was as impeccably dressed as always. He stopped before Kyeong'ui, bowing respectfully with his hands clasped together.

  "You summoned me urgently, Your Highness," he began.

  "Something has come up," Kyeong'ui confirmed. "I apologize for interrupting your duties."

  "I noticed the Cannon Ships are all docked today," Ryang observed.

  Kyeong'ui, momentarily flustered, offered a vague explanation. "We've concluded the search. It was successful."

  "I'm glad to hear it."

  A brief silence fell between them, punctuated only by the sweet scent of the perfume he had gifted her. Ryang, unsure why she had summoned him or why she was now hesitant to speak, felt a knot of anxiety tighten in his stomach. Kyeong'ui took a deep breath, composing herself.

  "Why do you trust me?" she asked.

  Ryang met her gaze calmly. "Should I be suspicious?"

  "You are alone," Kyeong'ui said, "deep within the heart of Dahn's military camp. A single word from me, and your head would roll. Or you could be sent straight to Sunyahng for judgement."

  "I had assumed you were a woman of honor," Ryang countered.

  "I value honor," Kyeong'ui conceded, "but I would sacrifice it without hesitation for the sake of my nation. So I ask again, why do you trust me?"

  Her gaze was unwavering, demanding an answer. Ryang, instead of responding, posed his own question.

  "I would ask the same of you, Your Highness. Why do you trust me?"

  Kyeong'ui's lips curved into a hesitant smile. "I don't," she replied.

  "Yet you grant me an audience within your tent," Ryang said. "Which of us is truly at greater risk here?"

  "Three hundred soldiers stand guard outside," Kyeong'ui countered. "Their lives are sworn to protect mine."

  "But what if I cared little for life or death?" Ryang challenged. "Though I am more accustomed to wielding a brush than a sword, and I am unarmed at this moment, it wouldn't be difficult to end your life. A fleeting moment, and it would be done."

  The last vestiges of Kyeong'ui's smile vanished. "You presume too much," she said, her voice hardening.

  Undeterred, Ryang pressed his point. "Why do you trust me, Your Highness?"

  "I..." Kyeong'ui faltered.

  She had no answer. She was the King's daughter, her identity known to all, while he was a stranger, shrouded in suspicion. As Ryang had pointed out, her trust in him was far more perplexing than his trust in her. Each time he posed a difficult question, she felt trapped by his intense gaze.

  "You always ask the most difficult questions," she deflected.

  "Perhaps it is not my questions that are difficult," Ryang suggested, "but your own thoughts."

  His unwavering gaze demanded a response. Kyeong'ui found no deception in his eyes. From their first encounter, his words had been honorable, his demeanor impeccable. His gaze was always clear, always calm. Can this be the basis of my trust? This inexplicable faith in a stranger? Kyeong'ui finally relented, acknowledging the truth.

  "I don't know why," she admitted, "but you are right. I do trust you."

  Her words struck Ryang like a well-aimed arrow, piercing his carefully constructed defenses. Kyeong'ui's youthful face seemed vulnerable, her expression filled with a loneliness that stirred a painful sense of enmity within him. He longed to wrap his hands around her slender neck, to silence her, to warn her against trusting anyone - himself, Hongyoo, even this idyllic island, this nation of Dahn with its facade of reason and intellect that would crumble before the light of Sahngjon. His own turmoil was evident, his emotions reflected in Kyeong'ui's questioning eyes. What is causing him such pain?

  "You haven't answered my question," she reminded him.

  Ryang's lips parted, then closed again. He hesitated, then finally spoke.

  "Trust is mutual, Your Highness."

  Kyeong'ui's gaze held his, waiting for him to continue. Have I ever felt so exposed, so vulnerable while speaking of trust? Ryang took a deep breath, steeling himself.

  "I trust you, too," he said.

  A genuine smile bloomed on Kyeong'ui's face, her eyes crinkling at the corners. Ryang's heart ached at the sight of her unguarded expression. Kyeong'ui reached out, her small, delicate hand gently grasping his wrist.

  "Come," she said. "I have something to show you."