Dan-Bi didn't have a choice.
The moment Minister Jang appeared at his doorstep again—he knew.
He was trapped.
Jang smirked. "The Queen is moving against you, Scholar Dan-Bi."
Dan-Bi's grip on his teacup tightened. "Against me?"
Jang chuckled. "Oh, don't be naive. You are the prince's weakness. And weaknesses must be eliminated."
Dan-Bi's pulse pounded. "What do you want?"
Jang sipped his tea, leisurely. "Your cooperation. Or should I say—your silence."
Dan-Bi exhaled sharply. "And if I refuse?"
Jang tilted his head. "Then I'll be forced to let fate take its course."
Dan-Bi clenched his jaw. "You mean, let Seong-Jin die."
Jang smiled. "Call it natural selection."
Silence stretched between them.
Dan-Bi knew the weight of this moment.
To protect the prince—he would have to dirty his hands.
Finally, he inhaled.
"Fine."
Jang's smirk widened.
"Good choice, Scholar Dan-Bi."