Kyeong'ui remained inside for a considerable time. Seon and Hongyoo could only speculate about the conversation taking place within. They stood apart, a palpable tension hanging between them, as they awaited her return. The creak of the door drew their attention, and Kyeong'ui emerged, her flushed cheeks betraying the lingering intimacy of the encounter. Her eyes, though no longer reddened, held a newfound warmth. A faint smudge on her cheek hinted at the passion that had unfolded within. Oblivious to her subtle disarray, Kyeong'ui spoke with her usual regal composure.
"My physician will remain here. Let us explore every avenue."
"We're eternally grateful," Seon replied, bowing deeply. Her gaze remained lowered, her stomach churning at the sight of Hongyoo lurking behind Kyeong'ui. She dared not raise her head, fearing her simmering rage might erupt.
"I hesitate to say this..." Kyeong'ui began, her voice trailing off as she bit her lip. A flicker of vulnerability flashed in her eyes. Seon, sensing her reluctance, met her gaze, offering silent encouragement to continue.
"If you sense any emergency," Kyeong'ui continued, her voice regaining its strength, "don't hesitate to call for me. I'll remain within the encampment for the foreseeable future."
Despair washed over Kyeong'ui as she spoke. To foresee death and await its arrival, powerless to prevent it. This was the third time she'd faced such a premonition, the first two instances ending with her grandfather and uncles slain by her father's hand. Her premonitions had never been wrong. Fear coiled in her heart as she offered her plea to Seon.
"I'll do as you ask," Seon replied, bowing her head in acknowledgment.
Kyeong'ui stepped closer, taking Seon's hands in hers. "Your brother's survival depends on your strength."
Seon offered a fragile smile in response.
"I must return now," Kyeong'ui said. "No need for farewells. Stay by his side."
Kyeong'ui, with Hongyoo and the others in tow, departed from the rear garden. Seon, heeding Kyeong'ui's advice, returned to Ryang's side. The physician Kyeong'ui had left behind tended to Ryang, rubbing his tired eyes. Seon observed from a distance, her gaze fixed on the physician's hands as they moved over Ryang's body. The physician unwrapped the bandage around Ryang's shoulder, revealing a wound that was already beginning to heal.
"An arrow wound?" he inquired.
"I presume so," Seon replied. "I cannot be certain."
"How long ago was he injured?"
"Three days, perhaps a week. My brother disappeared seven days ago."
The physician frowned, tilting his head. "Such rapid healing in just seven days..." He trailed off, his brow furrowed in disbelief, but he asked no further questions.
Seon knew she couldn't remain by Ryang's side indefinitely. She needed to act, to protect him. Slipping away unnoticed, she headed towards the detached quarters where Joon and Sobi resided. Seeing her haggard expression, Joon and Sobi immediately rose. Seon spoke, her voice hoarse and barely audible.
"They've gone."
"How is he?" Joon asked anxiously.
"The princess's physician is tending to him. He'll remain here."
"So, there's hope, right?"
Seon shook her head slowly. Joon's eyes, which had briefly held a glimmer of hope, dimmed. His face darkened as he slumped back into his seat. Seon looked down at him.
"When will you return?" she asked.
"The Guardian told me to come back after checking his condition."
"Ah, so he wants you to wait here until my brother dies."
Joon's eyes flashed, his voice rising in anger. "How dare you speak like that?!"
"I understand your resentment," he said, "but you can't keep acting like this. The Guardian saved him. They almost died together!"
"If he couldn't save him, he should've died with him!" Seon retorted sharply. "None of this would've happened if Cheon Seong had acted responsibly! He's alive and well, while my brother is left to suffer! He was sacrificed!"
"Myeonghyeon Seon!" Joon shouted, rising to his feet. Sobi, who had been observing the exchange from a distance, stepped forward and gently placed a hand on Joon's arm. Seon turned away from Joon.
"Go back. If there's anything to report, I'll send the Third Emissary."
Joon glared at Seon, his anger palpable. He had witnessed Seong's reckless dash into Haewol Cave, the chaos that ensued, and the events that transpired within. Seon's indifference was beyond frustrating. Sensing Joon's rising fury, Sobi intervened.
"Young Master, perhaps it's best to follow the Lady's wishes."
Joon's glare lingered on Seon, but he eventually yielded to Sobi's persuasion. As he turned to leave, he threw a scathing remark at Seon.
"You're the worst."
The door slammed shut behind him. Sobi followed.
"Please, understand," she said gently. "She won't listen to reason now. Her anger, her resentment—it's her way of coping."
Joon sighed. "I know."
He leaned against the closed door, his hand pressed against his forehead. Sobi, sensing his distress, urged him to leave.
"Lingering here will only draw attention. You must go."
"I understand," Joon replied. "Please look after her. Even if she lashes out, remember she's hurting too."
Joon bowed curtly and slipped away, disappearing into the bustling crowd outside the inn. Once he was gone, Sobi returned to the room. Seon sat huddled against the wall, her knees drawn to her chest. Sobi noticed a dark bruise on her wrist, a purplish mark that stood out against her pale skin. She rushed to Seon's side.
"Lady, what happened to your wrist?" she asked.
Seon remained silent, her gaze fixed on the floor. Sobi's voice grew more urgent.
"Lady!"
Seon finally looked up, her eyes brimming with tears. She recounted the encounter with Hongyoo, her voice trembling with anger and frustration. She struggled to maintain her composure, her words punctuated by choked sobs.
"Should I go back and beg him again?" she cried, her voice breaking. "Perhaps he'll change his mind. Perhaps he'll spare my brother."
"If he were the type to be swayed by pleas," Sobi said firmly, "he wouldn't have acted as he did."
Sobi pulled Seon into an embrace, her grip strong and reassuring. But Seon couldn't stop the tears that streamed down her face.
"I'd better go mad," she sobbed. "The injustice of it all... I can't stand it anymore."
Sobi gently lifted Seon, cradling her head against her chest. Seon's hands clutched at Sobi's robes, her cries muffled against the fabric. The sound of her weeping brought Sobi back to that fateful night four years ago, the night she had lost everything. As Seon's sobs subsided, then resurfaced with renewed intensity, Sobi pressed gentle kisses against her forehead, her touch a silent offering of comfort. When Seon's cries finally quieted, Sobi stroked her back, her voice a soft prayer.
"The High Councilor is one of the few Celestial Scions remaining. Surely, Sahngjon's protection is with him. Did the Guardian not emerge from the depths with him? Have faith, Lady."
"Sahngjon's protection..." Seon's voice was muffled against Sobi's chest. "It already failed us four years ago."
Seon drifted off to sleep, her body exhausted from grief. Sobi considered moving her to the bed, but instead, she held her close, waiting for dawn. As the first light crept through the window, painting the sky with hues of blue and gray, U'nso knocked gently and entered, seeking Seon.
"My Lady," he whispered.
Seon, her eyes still heavy with sleep, looked up at Sobi from the warmth of her embrace. U'nso's expression was etched with urgency. As Seon rose, smoothing her clothes, U'nso approached and whispered in her ear. The weariness instantly vanished from Seon's face, replaced by a look of determination. She glanced at Sobi, then hurried out of the room.
U'nso led her to another detached house. As they entered, a gentle voice greeted Seon from amidst a haze of tobacco smoke.
"I trust you've been well?"
It was Baek Ryucheon. His face was tanned, darker than she remembered. His familiar smile, warm yet laced with a hint of mischief, brought back a flood of memories, momentarily eclipsing the weight of her worries. Seon, her composure faltering, responded curtly.
"You arrived earlier than expected."
"We had favorable winds," Ryucheon replied, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Nearly died from it, though."
A mix of emotions surged through Seon: the awkward intimacy of their shared night, a flicker of hope ignited by his presence. Tears welled in her eyes, and her voice broke as she pleaded, "Baek, please save my brother."
Ryucheon froze, taken aback by Seon's sudden outburst. Her eyes darted around the room, her usual composure shattered.
"My brother... he needs to be saved. Sir, please... you must..."
"Lady," Ryucheon began, his voice gentle but firm, "calm yourself."
"Please, my brother..." Seon cried.
Ryucheon cupped her face in his hands, his touch grounding her. "Seon!"
Seon's gaze finally focused, her eyes locking with his. Ryucheon spoke calmly.
"Tell me what has happened. If there's anything I can do to help, I will."
"My brother has been poisoned with Crystal Haze," Seon explained, her voice trembling. "The royal physician from Sunyahng, the one who came with the Princess, says there's no cure. But you... you can heal him, can't you?"
"Where did you hear that?"
"Can you heal him?! Can you save him?"
Though curious about the circumstances that led to Myeonghyeon Ryang's condition, Ryucheon, after a brief glance at Seon's face, decided to set that question aside. He responded cautiously.
"There are measures we can take, but..."
Before he could finish, Seon prostrated herself before him, her forehead touching the floor.
"This isn't a trade, or a deal, or anything like that. I know it's pathetic, but I'm begging you. He's my only family. If he dies, I'll have no one left. So please..."
Ryucheon gently lifted her. "Calm yourself, if that's even possible."
He wiped the tears from her cheeks with his sleeve, his voice soft as he inquired, "If you knew we possessed a cure, why didn't you seek help from Hongyoo first?"
Seon's silence spoke volumes. Her resigned expression prompted a bitter chuckle from Ryucheon.
"So you tried, then. That petty scoundrel..."
Seon's head drooped. "I couldn't persuade him."
Ryucheon's expression softened with concern. "Fortunately, it seems I've arrived just in time. As I mentioned, our training only covers emergency measures. I can't guarantee his survival."
Seon's voice was thick with desperation. "Please, at least try."
"Then you must assist me," Ryucheon stated.
"Tell me what to do. I'll do anything."
"First, rid us of those pesky flies outside. And second, I'll provide a list of necessary herbs and tools. Can you procure them?"
Seon's gaze fell, her hope fading. "The Princess doesn't fully trust us. She won't withdraw her troops."
"I can't act with Dahnians surrounding us," Ryucheon countered. "You wish to save your brother, yes? You said you'd do anything. There's always a way. The Princess has her reasons for her distrust, for keeping her soldiers close. Understand her desires, and you can sway her. Where's the tenacity you showed me before?"
He cupped her face in his hands and encouraged her. "Remember what I said? Survive, no matter the cost."
Seon met his gaze, her own unwavering. She took a deep breath. "I'll try."
"Don't delay," Ryucheon warned. "Time is of the essence. Your brother may not have much left."