Ryang's expression subtly darkened. Seong tilted his head slightly, observing him. After a moment of hesitation, Ryang began, "There is something else I need to inform you of."

  "Go on," Seong urged.

  "Three days ago, the Princess's Royal Attendant visited our rear garden," Ryang reported.

  "For what purpose?"

  "Well, To be precise, rather than visited, he infiltrated."

  His unease growing, Seong leaned forward, urging Ryang to continue. Ryang calmly recounted his encounter with Hongyoo, detailing their conversation and the events that transpired. Seong listened intently. It seemed Ryang's initial plan, based on his suspicions about Hongyoo's true allegiance, had partially succeeded, partially failed. When he finished his account, Ryang bowed his head.

  "It was my negligence that exposed Wicheong Palace. I am prepared to accept any punishment you deem fit."

  Seong carefully studied Ryang's face, noting the self-reproach that darkened his features. Ryang could have easily concealed his failings, yet he had chosen to confess them; Seong could only trust him more for it. He imagined Ryang holding Seon that night, and the imagination brough him the memory, bringing a lump to his throat. In those unexpected moments of recollection, he longed to confide in Ryang, to share the secret he carried. But facing Ryang's unwavering gaze, he swallowed his words, just as he had countless times before. He placed a comforting hand on Ryang's shoulder.

  "I'd have done the same. Don't blame yourself."

  "But Guardian—"

  "And Seon? Is she alright?"

  "She's unharmed."

  Despite Seong's reassurance, Ryang persisted. "I should have informed you about Sung's involvement before acting on my own."

  "You were in a difficult position. I trust your judgment regarding Sung. For now, let's keep this between us. It could cause complications if others learn of it. As you know, you have many enemies within the Ministry."

  "Most of them, actually," Ryang corrected.

  "Can we trust that Royal Attendant?" Seong asked, his brow furrowed. "He infiltrated your rear garden at night. And you said U'nso was injured."

  "I was not entirely unprepared," Ryang assured him. "My lapse in vigilance caused the injury, but we can handle him. No need to worry."

  "Will he honor his agreement?" Seong doubted.

  "We have the advantage within Birahng. If he truly cares for the princess, he won't break his word easily. And I've hinted that Seon is in contact with his superiors. He won't risk their wrath. They fear their organization more than any enemy. They won't break the rules."

  "So honorable," Seong muttered, dripping with sarcasm.

  "It's more fear than honor, I suspect. We need to prepare a letter to Sung, in your name. I instructed Seon to establish contact, but the request must come from you."

  "Very well."

  Ryang shifted in his seat, steering the conversation to a different topic. "I do have some good news," he began. "Nahmgyo will raise Wi's flag on their gates as promised. And Lady Seolyo has assured me she'll bring Dongrahng and Seorahng into line."

  Seong's brow unfurrowed slightly. "That is good news. You've done well. Did they demand anything in return?" he asked.

  "Not yet," Ryang replied. "But once we make our move, they'll present their demands. Lady Seolyo is a shrewd businesswoman."

  "I doubt Nahmgyo desires anything we possess."

  "They've survived Dahn for half a century, but their time is coming to an end. Judging by the Dahn King's methods, they'll have no choice but to fight. But mere survival won't satisfy Lady Seolyo. She'll likely demand control of Hyangdo. Our goal is to reclaim Sunyahng, so ceding Hyangdo to Seolyo wouldn't be a loss."

  Their discussion concluded, and Seong summoned a guard to fetch the High Emissary and the Guardian Crimson. As they waited, he turned to Ryang.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  "Ryang."

  "Yes, Guardian?"

  Seong hesitated. He thought about the previous night. Ryang had confessed his mistakes and offered to face the consequences. Can I be as honest? He looked at Ryang, his clear, unwavering gaze a stark contrast to his own turmoil. Instead of confessing, he asked, "Do you think Hwan is still alive?"

  Ryang's eyes widened in surprise, but he answered without hesitation. "I'm not certain he's dead."

  "If he's alive, what do you think he's doing?"

  "He's likely the one who informed the princess about our house."

  Seong masked his surprise, dismissing Ryang's suggestion. "Hwan attacked your family with a handful of men four years ago. If he intended to harm you, he would have done so directly. Why resort to such roundabout tactics?"

  "As I said before," Ryang began, "if he's alive, he must have seen the Crimson Star. Even before it appeared, he was obsessed with his destiny. I don't know what he's been planning, but if he saw the star, he's surely making his move. And his first target would be Wicheong Palace. Yeom’myeol and the High Emissary are here. He may be ruthless, but he's not stupid. He knows he can't take Wicheong by simply killing you or me. If I were him, I would isolate you."

  "From you?"

  Ryang shook his head. "Our family's ties to the princess have disrupted our supply lines. If we don't resolve the situation with her before the monsoon season, the people's resentment will turn towards you."

  "Do you think he'll target you and Seon?" Seong asked cautiously.

  "It's a possibility, though not an easy decision for him. He may despise our house, but he won't refuse our wealth. Why do you ask?"

  Ryang's casual question struck a nerve. Seong offered a flippant response. "He's been on my mind lately. You suspected he was alive too."

  "I still do. You're probably feeling anxious with everything that's happening. I apologize that I can't be by your side during these difficult times."

  Ryang, while attempting to soothe Seong, couldn't hide his lingering suspicion. A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Norahn entered first, bowing respectfully to Seong.

  "You summoned me, Your Luminance?"

  Seong nodded in acknowledgement. Norahn then turned to Ryang with a brief bow.

  "High Councilor."

  "High Emissary."

  Shortly after Norahn's arrival, Yeong entered. Norahn rose and bowed to him, and Ryang, with visible reluctance, followed suit. His animosity towards Yeong was palpable. Once everyone was seated, Ryang addressed the group.

  "I will be brief, as time is of the essence."

  He proceeded to recount his observations regarding the white sphere he had encountered in the Dahnian camp, his eyes constantly flicking towards Yeong, whose expression grew increasingly grim. Ryang's suspicions about Yeong's knowledge of the sphere deepened.

  "I've found no mention of such an object in the Azure Scripture or any of its commentaries," he concluded, directing his question towards Yeong. "Do you have any knowledge of it, Guardian Crimson?"

  Yeong's gaze swept over Ryang's face. He remained silent. Seong, Ryang, and Norahn waited expectantly. Yeong glanced at Seong, seeking his agreement. Seong nodded, and Yeong finally spoke.

  "It belongs to Sahngjon. It shouldn't have been brought to the surface."

  "Why not?" Ryang pressed.

  "That is all you need to know," Yeong stated flatly.

  Before Ryang could argue, Norahn interjected, "If it belongs to Sahngjon, it cannot remain in the princess's possession."

  "We must retrieve it," Yeong added, "and cast it back into the deepest depths of the sea, where no one can find it."

  Ryang was struck by the urgency in Yeong's voice, an urgency that seemed disproportionate to his earlier dismissal of the sphere.

  "We need to expedite our plans to seize Birahng," Seong declared. "Now that we have Nahmgyo's support, there's no reason to delay."

  Ryang cautioned, "Even with the urgency, we must choose our moment carefully. We need to strike when the princess has no opportunity to request additional reinforcements and when their supplies dwindle. This will minimize our casualties. If she believes help is on its way, she won't surrender easily."

  Seong pondered Ryang's words. Ryang, sensing his hesitation, offered a suggestion. "Perhaps it's time we considered seeking assistance from Soyeol."

  Seong's eyes widened. "Soyeol?"

  "Our goal isn't simply to seize Birahng," Ryang explained. "We aim to reclaim Sunyahng, to restore Wi. But we lack warships and a navy. Nahmgyo's forces are primarily focused on defensive operations, of little help for a mainland landing. Building a naval force from scratch here in Birahng would take decades, giving Dahn ample time to land on Birahng and burn the entire island several times over."

  Seong, while acknowledging the logic, expressed his doubts. "They suffered heavy losses defending Sahngjon's kingdom when Wi fell. Do you really think they'll risk another blood?"

  "Their faith in Sahngjon remains strong," Ryang assured him. "Sung will never openly support us, but securing their neutrality is sufficient. Soyeol is different. They may feel abandoned by Sahngjon, but they are still his followers. We need their active support, not just their acquiescence. And we can offer them something they desperately crave."

  Norahn, glancing at Ryang, asked, "But High Councilor, which of Soyeol's many kings do we seek?"

  "Not all kings are created equal," Ryang replied. "There's a man named Jongwon, who rules the main island. These days, most of Soyeol ship that arrives in Birahng bears his flag. If we secure his support, the others will follow."

  "Who can we send to Soyeol to inform them of our rebellion and seek their aid?" Seong asked.

  "Send the Third Emissary," Ryang replied.