Kyeong'ui led Ryang out of the tent, her hand still clasped around his wrist. Hongyoo and Hyeok, watching from a distance, exchanged bewildered glances, but Kyeong'ui, focused on her destination, paid them no heed. They passed the guards stationed around her tent and continued onward until they reached another, larger tent, one that Ryang hadn't noticed before. The security presence surrounding it was even more formidable than that around Kyeong'ui's, arousing both curiosity and apprehension within him. Kyeong'ui paused before entering, turning to face Ryang once more. She took a deep breath, then pulled back the tent flap.

  Ryang's eyes widened as he stepped inside.

  "What is this?" he breathed, his gaze fixed on the object before him.

  "We recovered it from the coast this morning," Kyeong'ui explained.

  She strode towards the sphere, her hand gliding over its smooth surface. "It's even more remarkable up close."

  Ryang moved to stand beside her. The sphere's surface was so flawlessly polished that it reflected their faces like a mirror. He cautiously extended a finger, tracing its contours. The cool, seamless touch sent a shiver down his spine.

  "You found this in the sea?" he asked in disbelief.

  "I know," Kyeong'ui agreed. "It's hard to believe. Have you ever encountered anything like it in the Azure Scripture or its commentaries?"

  Ryang's heart skipped a beat. From the moment he laid eyes on the sphere, a single thought had consumed him: Yeom'myeol. Unlike the ordinary swords of the Twelve Houses, Yeom'myeol was unique, its blade a shimmering white, its origins unknown. The sphere's radiance was strikingly similar. But Ryang, masking his suspicions, slowly shook his head.

  "Nothing comes to mind at the moment."

  Kyeong'ui accepted his answer without question. "It was incredibly heavy when it was submerged," she continued. "It took several men to raise it. But once it was out of the water, it became impossibly light. One of the soldiers was even trapped beneath it, but he escaped completely unharmed."

  "Did you try submerging it again?" Ryang asked.

  "There wasn't time," Kyeong'ui admitted. "We had to return to camp quickly. But I'm certain of what I saw."

  Her words only strengthened Ryang's suspicions. Yeom'myeol also possessed a peculiar quality – their weight varied depending on the wielder. He examined the sphere carefully. He noticed the wooden blocks placed beneath it to prevent it from rolling. He longed to touch it, to lift it, but refrained from displaying excessive curiosity in front of Kyeong'ui.

  "It's perfectly formed," Kyeong'ui wondered. "Not even Sung, with all their advanced technology, could create something like this. I've writen a report to my father, requesting a scholar from the Sanctuary. And I've also asked for reinforcements, just in case. The report will be sent to Sunyahng tomorrow."

  Ryang's gaze sharpened, his eyes narrowing subtly. "With all due respect, Your Highness," he said. "The current troop presence is already causing considerable unrest among the islanders."

  Kyeong'ui shook her head dismissively. "After such a discovery emerging from the very waters where the meteor fell, the concerns of the islanders are the least of my worries."

  "Such a reaction seems excessive," Ryang indicated. "I thought Dahn's official stance was the repudiation of the Azure Scripture."

  "Indeed," Kyeong'ui countered, "and that stance demands vigilance against rumors and superstitions that might mislead the people. We must secure this object, ensure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands. I arrived with limited resources, and transporting this... sphere... will require additional manpower, regardless of its nature."

  Ryang's lips tightened. "Do you believe your father will grant your request?" he asked, his voice carefully neutral.

  "I have clearly conveyed the urgency of the situation," Kyeong'ui replied confidently. "He will send the necessary support."

  "The scholar could arrive within seven days, then," Ryang mused.

  "At most, ten," Kyeong'ui agreed. "Is there a problem?" she asked.

  Ryang, maintaining his composure, offered a plausible explanation. "We must make our own preparations while we await the scholar's arrival. Allow me a few days to consult my resources, see if I can uncover any clues."

  "Thank you," Kyeong'ui said. "Your presence is a comfort in these uncertain times."

  "However..." Ryang began.

  Kyeong'ui raised an eyebrow expectantly.

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  "Seeking answers about this sphere within the Scripture is unlikely to please your father," Ryang cautioned. "Nor, I suspect, would it entirely please you."

  "I'm merely exploring all possibilities," Kyeong'ui insisted. "And you are the most knowledgeable among us regarding the Scripture. That is why I turn to you."

  "Does it not worry you?" Ryang asked, pressing the point.

  Kyeong'ui's carefully maintained facade wavered, revealing a flicker of doubt. "Young Master Gahngyun advised against retrieving it at all," she admitted. "He claimed it would only cause unnecessary chaos."

  "He may have a point," Ryang conceded. "Why did you bring it to the surface?"

  Kyeong'ui fell silent. Then, in a clear, quiet voice, she recited, "Though the eyes are bright, and see all evidence; though the ears are deep, and hear all criticism..."

  "...the mind is prone to self-deceit. Therefore, question all that arises within," Ryang finished.

  Kyeong'ui, surprised, turned to look at him. The lines were from a lesser-known text of the Sanctuary of Intellect, and she was subtly pleased by his familiarity with it.

  "I was taught that we must not ignore what lies before us," she continued, "even if it contradicts our beliefs."

  "But what if the truth leads you somewhere you do not wish to go, Your Highness?" Ryang challenged.

  "Somewhere I do not wish to go?"

  "The prophecy," Ryang clarified.

  Kyeong'ui's expression hardened. "Even so, I will not turn away from the truth," she declared. "But the light of the Azure Scripture does not diminish the light of Dahn's Reason and Intellect. I will uphold mine."

  "Truth cannot contradict truth," Ryang remarked.

  "I am the firstborn royal within the walls of Yeonghwi Palace," Kyeong'ui said. "If Sahngjon seeks to destroy Dahn and build a new world, then my arrow will find its heart without hesitation."

  "No matter the cost?" Ryang asked.

  Kyeong'ui didn't hesitate. "No matter the cost."

  Ryang met her unwavering gaze. He could dismiss her fervor as a fabrication planted by Hongyoo, but her conviction, her pride in her lineage, was undeniable. If this spirit remained unbroken, Kyeong'ui would surely perish by the Two Guardian's hands. If such bright eyes were to be extinguished, what good is our cause? He almost wished for her to become craven, to abandon her ideals. He masked his turmoil, offering a reassuring smile.

  "This is a strange occurrence, Your Highness, but I believe it will be resolved without incident. I have much to attend to, so if you'll excuse me..."

  "Of course," Kyeong'ui said, stepping aside.

  As Ryang bowed and turned to leave, Kyeong'ui stopped him.

  "Lord Myeonghyeon."

  "Yes, Your Highness?"

  Ryang looked at her questioningly. Kyeong'ui's mind replayed his earlier words: Trust is mutual. The name of Mahnry who had revealed Ryang's identity to her rose to her lips. She had left the matter in Hongyoo's hands, but days had passed with no further information. Who is he? Why does he harbor such animosity towards Ryang? Whatever his reasons, he was clearly not his ally. And why hasn't Ryang questioned the source of her information? Kyeong'ui hesitated. Even if she wanted to ask, it wouldn't be easy. Must I be the one to reveal Mahnry's existence? She wavered, then finally offered a small smile.

  "It's nothing. Be careful on your journey back."

  Kyeong'ui remained silent, her questions left unasked. Ryang bowed once more and departed.

  Hongyoo and Hyeok, who had been anxiously watching the tent from a distance, stopped pacing as Ryang emerged. Hyeok glared at Ryang, nudging Hongyoo with his elbow.

  "Go and ask what they were talking about."

  "Ask who? Her Highness?" Hongyoo retorted, raising an eyebrow.

  Hyeok scowled, jerking his chin towards Ryang. "That viper, of course."

  "If you're so curious, why don't you ask him yourself?" Hongyoo challenged. "Why are you pushing me?"

  "Because I don't want to talk to him," Hyeok snapped. "But fine, I'll ask. As if I have a choice with you as my attendant!"

  His outburst sounded more like a whine than a threat to Hongyoo. He, too, had no desire to speak with Ryang, but as a disguised Royal Attendant, he couldn't refuse Hyeok's demand. He hurried after Ryang, catching up to him just as he was leaving the camp. Grabbing Ryang's arm, he spun him around.

  "Do you know what that thing is?" Hongyoo asked.

  Ryang shook his head. "I need to investigate. I have no answers right now."

  "And when you do investigate," Hongyoo pressed, "will you even be able to find any answers?"

  Ryang's response was a loaded silence. Hongyoo leaned closer.

  "Was there something more to that meteor?" he asked.

  Ryang sneered faintly. "Prepare yourself for the truth," he warned.

  As he turned to leave, Hongyoo tightened his grip on Ryang's arm. "The truth? What do you know about the truth?" he retorted.

  Ryang's eyes narrowed. "If you're so eager to find out, shall we compare notes right here?" he challenged.

  Sensing he was outmatched, Hongyoo shifted his approach. "Did Mihn say anything more?"

  "Mihn?" Ryang echoed, a short and hollow laugh escaping him. "How familiar."

  He continued. "She did mention requesting reinforcements from the Dahn King. I don't know the exact number, but it won't be a small contingent. Whatever our plans are, we'll need to expedite them. I'll be away from Nahmgyo for a few days, so discuss our plans with my sister. But be warned: if you harm her again, there will be no 'plans' to speak of."

  Hongyoo ignored the threat. Only one thing mattered. "She told you about the reinforcements?" he repeated in disbelif.

  "I've said all I intend to say." Ryang met Hongyoo's gaze with icy disdain. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have urgent business to attend to on behalf of Her Highness."

  Hongyoo slowly released his grip. Ryang wrenched his arm free and strode towards the city.