Kyeong'ui's eyelids twitched slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. "They're just books," she said dismissively. "If I can buy their loyalty for such a small price, it's a worthwhile investment."
"But..." Hongyoo began, the words catching in his throat. Kyeong'ui noticed his troubled expression, but she attributed it to misplaced worry or jealousy and didn't press him further.
Hongyoo forced a smile. "You must be tired. Let me help you prepare for bed."
"No, you should rest as well," Kyeong'ui said, dismissing his offer.
But Hongyoo insisted. "Please, allow me."
Kyeong'ui looked up at him, her eyes heavy with exhaustion, and then nodded. Hongyoo helped her remove her outer layers. The days on Birahng were growing warmer, and as she shed her high-collared robes, the familiar scent of her sweat filled the air. Hongyoo paused, his hands hovering, and then gently pulled her into an embrace. She didn't resist, and he felt a surge of relief, but he knew her compliance stemmed from exhaustion, not forgiveness. What has tired her so much that she can't even bring herself to push me away? He was afraid to delve into her thoughts, afraid of what he might find. He buried his face in her hair, inhaling her scent.
Kyeong'ui leaned against him, her body relaxing into his embrace. She soon drifted off to sleep, her exhaustion palpable. Hongyoo held her close, unable to let go of her fragile form.
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From the day after their arrival, Song'un Wu and Seo'oh seemed completely absorbed in their research, their excitement palpable as they delved into the mysteries of the sphere. Seo'oh, despite being introduced as a student, displayed a craftsman's expertise. With Kyeong'ui's permission to handle the sphere freely, they experimented tirelessly, their own tools proving insufficient as they sought assistance from the royal artisans who had accompanied Kyeong'ui. Seo'oh's knowledge of metalwork rivaled that of seasoned artisans, his discerning eye assessing their tools and techniques. Wu had mentioned that Seo'oh was three years older than Kyeong'ui, a fact that made him seem even more impressive to the young princess. She watched in awe as he debated with Wu and directed the artisans, his knowledge seemingly boundless.
While Wu and Seo'oh were engrossed in their research, Gahngyun Hyeok led his troops in and out of the encampment each morning and evening. One might have wondered about the purpose of such frequent expeditions on this peaceful island, but the scholars and the student, captivated by the sphere, remained oblivious to the commotion. They only noticed Kyeong'ui's unusually somber expression during their nightly reports. Seo'oh even inquired if they'd done something wrong, or if the Princess was simply prone to melancholy, but Hongyoo remained tight-lipped.
After Wu delivered her fourth report and left the tent, Hyeok entered, accompanied by Hongyoo. He bowed respectfully, his eyes filled with concern as he looked at Kyeong'ui's weary face.
"Nothing to report?" Kyeong'ui asked flatly.
"No, Your Highness. My apologies."
Hongyoo, sitting beside Kyeong'ui, interjected. "It's been six days."
"I'm aware," Kyeong'ui replied curtly.
"The soldiers are growing restless," Hongyoo continued. "Their discontent is disrupting the camp."
"I promised to help them," Kyeong'ui said firmly.
Hongyoo, unable to contain his frustration any longer, said, "That was a promise you shouldn't have made. Technically, you haven't broken it. You've shown sufficient sincerity. After all this time, you must accept there's no chance of Myeonghyeon Ryang returning alive. If you're concerned about their assets, Myeonghyeon Seon is more than enough. She's the one who truly manages their finances."
Kyeong'ui, torn between dismissing and accepting Hongyoo's words, turned to Hyeok.
"Young Master."
Hyeok bowed deeply. "Yes, Your Highness."
"Are there still search parties out there?"
"Three units remain, along with those stationed at House Myeonghyeon."
"Tomorrow..." Kyeong'ui hesitated. Hongyoo was right. It was time to call off the search. But the words wouldn't come. Hyeok looked at her expectantly.
"Never mind," Kyeong'ui finally said. "You're dismissed."
Hongyoo sighed as Hyeok bowed and left. He'd hoped to persuade Kyeong'ui alongside Hongyoo, but his own guilt weighed heavily on him.
Dragging his tired feet through the sand, Hyeok returned to his tent. Wu was waiting outside, pacing impatiently. He hurried towards her and bowed his head.
"Master."
Wu chuckled awkwardly. "No need for such formalities. I'm merely a scholar, temporarily reinstated."
"Even dismissed, a scholar is still a scholar," Hyeok insisted. "I believe we've met a few times at the Sanctuary. But what brings you here, Master?"
Wu produced a carefully wrapped letter from her robes. "I should've delivered it on the first day, but I was preoccupied and completely forgot. My apologies."
"No need for such courtesy."
"You're soon to be the Prince Consort," Wu reminded him.
Hyeok, his usual arrogance replaced by a shy smile, accepted the letter. "What is it?"
"A bright young lady came to me and asked me to deliver this to you upon arriving on Birahng."
"A bright... Do you mean Seol?"
Wu simply nodded. Hyeok was about to open the letter, then decided to read it in private. He bowed once more.
"Thank you for bringing this all the way from Sunyahng, Master. I'll be sure to express my gratitude to Seol when I return."
Wu bowed curtly and left. Hyeok hurried back to his tent, lit a candle, and opened the letter. The pages were filled with his family's elegant handwriting. His parents' scolding for his reckless decision to leave, their words laced with concern, his nephews' occasional visits, the gossip circulating in the Sanctuary, and reminders to do his duty as the future Prince Consort, urging him to win the Princess's favor. The closing lines were particularly touching.
"...return with the Princess's love. Until then, take care of yourself."
Despite his sister's encouragement, Hyeok couldn't shake off the loneliness that gnawed at him until interrupted by a booming voice calling him.
"Young Master! Young Master Gahngyun!"
Hyeok emerged from his tent to see a soldier running towards him, his footsteps kicking up sand. The soldier was panting, his face drenched in sweat. Routine tasks were usually completed by sunset. The only ongoing operation was the search for Myeonghyeon Ryang. Hyeok's voice was sharp with apprehension.
"What is it?" he demanded.
"We found him," the soldier gasped.
Hyeok struggled to contain his excitement. "Is he alive?"
The soldier nodded. "Yes, Young Master. But not in good condition."
After confirming the details, Hyeok rushed towards Kyeong'ui's tent. She was preparing for bed, her hair loose, a single candle illuminating the space. Hongyoo, sensing the commotion, followed Hyeok inside.
"Prepare to depart," Kyeong'ui ordered right after his report, rising to her feet. "I'm going to see him."
"It's late, Your Highness," Hongyoo said. "If you need confirmation, allow me to go first. Please remain in the encampment."
"No, prepare as I instructed."
As Hongyoo was about to argue further, Hyeok caught his eye and subtly shook his head. Hongyoo felt a pang of bitterness, wondering if he might be replaced. He bowed in acceptance and made the necessary preparations.
Kyeong'ui, accompanied by Hongyoo, Hyeok, her physician, and a small escort of soldiers, headed towards Nahmgyo. The south gate was closed, but it opened without resistance once the guards were informed of the situation. Myeonghyeon Seon, accompanied by Dara, greeted them at the entrance to Yeonyahng. Kyeong'ui, her face devoid of makeup, her attire simple, had clearly come in haste. Seon bowed respectfully.
"Your Highness."
"Lady Myeonghyeon."
Kyeong'ui acknowledged her with a curt nod. Seon's eyes were red and swollen, her face etched with worry.
"How is he?" Kyeong'ui asked, taking her hands. "I brought my physician. I heard he wasn't well."
"Your Highness..." Seon choked back a sob, unable to answer.
Joon had informed her of Ryang's condition before Kyeong'ui's arrival. The news had been devastating. She'd prayed for Joon's words to be false, but one look at Ryang's face confirmed her worst fears. He'd been conscious when they left him at the north gate, according to Joon, but now he lay unconscious, his breathing shallow and erratic. Seon knew the signs of Crystal Haze poisoning all too well. She had lashed out at Joon, her anger and grief finding an outlet in the young man. Kyeong'ui's sudden arrival had interrupted the chaotic scene, forcing Seon to hide Joon and Sobi in the guesthouse before rushing out to greet the Princess.
Kyeong'ui patiently waited as tears welled in Seon's eyes and then subsided.
"He's unconscious," Seon finally choked out.
"Why?" Kyeong'ui asked, her brow furrowed with concern. "I heard he injured his shoulder. Is it infected?"
"The physician said it's Crystal Haze poisoning."
"Crystal Haze?"
Hongyoo leaned in and whispered a brief explanation. Kyeong'ui immediately turned to her royal physician.
"Can you treat it?"
The physician looked troubled. "Your Highness, there's no specific cure. We can only manage the symptoms and hope for the best."
"How severe is his condition?" Kyeong'ui pressed. "Will he recover?"
Seon, unable to answer, simply offered a pained smile. "I will never forget your kindness in returning my brother to me, Your Highness."
A chill ran down Kyeong'ui's spine. "I need to see him," she insisted.