Hongyoo's eyes glinted with suspicion. Ryucheon, however, responded with casual indifference.
"It seems those two siblings are quite fond of each other. A touching display of familial affection. I can't help but aid them, can I?"
"I never took you for a sentimentalist," Hongyoo remarked.
"I've tried to be affectionate to you too," Ryucheon countered smoothly. "Perhaps you just haven't noticed."
Hongyoo's annoyance flickered, but he kept his voice steady. "Myeonghyeon Ryang's condition is no mere accident. Those siblings are hiding something. Do you think I'd have left him to suffer without reason? Had we waited a while longer, Myeonghyeon Seon would've come crawling back, begging for our help. You've squandered that opportunity."
Ryucheon's gaze hardened. "Firstly, it doesn't take a genius to realize they're not telling us everything. Any fool could see that. Even you, Hongyoo."
"If that's all you've grasped," Hongyoo sneered, "then you're as imprudent as I thought."
"And secondly," Ryucheon continued, ignoring the insult, "had she begged for your help, would you have saved her brother?"
"Why bother?" Hongyoo countered. "I already have what I want."
Ryucheon looked at Hongyoo with a mixture of pity and amusement.
"The deeper the trust, the greater the blow of betrayal. If you intend to betray, you only have one chance. Choose your moment wisely. You seem to lack the foresight."
"Foresight comes from experience and knowledge," Hongyoo scoffed. "What do you know of Dahn's affairs?"
Ryucheon's smile widened slightly. "And what do you know of our affairs? Ten years you've been stuck on this insignificant territory. You dare lecture me about experience and knowledge, about the situation in Dahn? The decisions made above are based on far more information than you possess. Don't you understand?"
"Then enlighten me," Hongyoo challenged. "Tell me of our decision."
"We've decided to grant their request," Ryucheon stated calmly. "Once Birahng's reclamation is finalized, we'll hand over Princess Kyeong'ui to them at an opportune moment."
He glanced at Hongyoo, whose face had hardened. "Alive," he added.
"And what comes after?" Hongyoo pressed sharply.
"That's all you need to know for now," Ryucheon replied dismissively.
"Even if those are our superiors' orders, Myeonghyeon Ryang isn't the leader of the rebellion nor the rightful heir of Wi. Do you truly intend to save him?"
"His survival isn't guaranteed," Ryucheon said, his annoyance growing. "It depends on factors beyond my control. I've done all I can. Don't bother me further about that poor guy. Tend to your duties. Isn't that why you're here?"
"I am tending to my duties," Hongyoo countered, his eyes fixed on Ryucheon. He lingered, the tension between them thickening. "Myeonghyeon Seon groveled at my feet, promising anything in exchange for her brother's life. I have no interest in such desperate creatures, but perhaps you made a different choice."
Ryucheon met his gaze, his expression unreadable.
"His survival offers no benefit to Dae-Sung," Hongyoo continued, his voice low and menacing. "Don't let personal desire interfere with your duties."
Ryucheon let out a cold laugh. "As if I need your permission. Worry about yourself."
"Sir," Hongyoo warned, his voice low and dangerous.
"We are a great nation," Ryucheon continued, ignoring the threat. "Those rebels are nothing but a handful of insignificant ants. Do you truly believe Dae-Sung would be swayed by that sickly Scion? Our superiors see those siblings as useful pieces. To achieve greatness, one must think bigger. Your imagination is as limited as your prospects."
"I care nothing for your 'greatness'," Hongyoo retorted. "I choose to take charge of the princess."
Ryucheon scoffed at his defiance. "Such conviction. But your choices, your free will—it's all a delusion. And it's about to end. You'll return to the capital as soon as the Princess is handed over to the rebels. Those are your orders."
Hongyoo's composure finally faltered, his surprise evident. Ryucheon pressed on.
"Your superior should have informed you, but since you seem determined to overstep your bounds, I'll deliver the message myself. You'll have much to explain upon your return, so I suggest you prepare your accounts accordingly."
"And if I refuse?" Hongyoo challenged.
"Don't make this more difficult than it needs to be. You are no more than a piece like the siblings. Comply, and you might survive."
"Isn't that true for you as well?"
"We shall see," Ryucheon replied with a smirk. He exuded confidence, an air of authority that Hongyoo couldn't challenge.
Handing over Kyeong'ui to the rebels, returning to the capital... both options meant the end of his time with her. Hongyoo was trapped, his future uncertain. With a final glare at Ryucheon, he turned and left, returning to the encampment.
──────────
Seon's soft breaths filled the silence as she lay slumped beside Ryang's bedside. A sudden touch against her sleeve startled her awake. Ryang's hand, which she'd tucked beneath the covers, now rested on the surface. Seon stared at it, her heart pounding with a mix of hope and fear.
"Brother?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Ryang's hand twitched again, a slight movement that sent a surge of joy through Seon. After days of immobility, this small gesture was a beacon of hope. Unable to contain her excitement, she called out for U'nso.
"U'nso! U'nso!"
U'nso appeared instantly, bowing respectfully. "Did you call, My Lady?"
"His hand moved!" Seon exclaimed, her voice filled with urgency. "Fetch him, quickly!"
U'nso hurried off and soon returned with Ryucheon. He examined Ryang's face, his fingers gently pressing against his wrist. A calming smile spread across his face.
"There's color returning to his cheeks," he observed.
Seon clapped a hand over her mouth, stifling a sob. Tears welled in her eyes. Ryucheon waited patiently as she composed herself.
"When will he awaken?" Seon finally asked.
"It won't be long," Ryucheon assured her. "You should summon the Princess's physician. He'll be astonished by the recovery."
Seon's face was a mixture of relief and lingering fear. "I'm afraid," she confessed, "that he might not be the same."
"Well," Ryucheon teased gently, "isn't that what you say about the Scions? Different blood."
Seon couldn't quite shake off her apprehension, but she pushed her anxieties aside and offered her gratitude. "Thank you, Sir Baek. You saved his life. I hope I can repay your kindness someday."
Ryucheon's hand gently caressed her cheek, his voice a low, seductive murmur. "Perhaps tonight?"
Seon's expression soured. Her eyes darted between Ryang's sleeping form and Ryucheon's suggestive gaze. She swatted his hand away in annoyance. Ryucheon chuckled, his playful facade returning.
"I was merely jesting," he said, withdrawing his hand. "I wouldn't dream of taking advantage of someone so preoccupied with her brother's well-being. You must be exhausted. Get some rest."
"If you have other requests, don't hesitate to ask," Seon offered. "I won't think any less of you."
"Reclaim Sunyahng," Ryucheon replied casually. "Let me ride your coattails to greater heights."
"Aren't you already successful?"
"If I were," Ryucheon replied, "would I be here, toiling away in this backwater?"
Amused by Ryucheon's playful response, Seon laughed softly. Her laughter, free from any restraint, was a welcome sight, but she quickly shifted the conversation back to the matter at hand.
"Tell me about Dong'gyeong, or rather, Gahng'ahn," she demanded, her voice regaining its usual sharpness. "What news do you bring?"
"Straight to business, I see," Ryucheon remarked. "You are truly not an ambiguous one."
"Baek," Seon pressed, her tone leaving no room for further pleasantries.
Ryucheon, with a subtle nod towards Seon, stepped out onto the veranda. Seon followed closely behind. They stood side by side beneath the eaves, the night air cool against their skin. Ryucheon produced an exquisitely crafted silver snuff box from his pocket. He raised an eyebrow at Seon, as if seeking permission. Seon nodded curtly, and Ryucheon proceeded to fill his pipe, lighting it with a practiced hand. He took a long drag, savoring the smoke before exhaling slowly.
"Dae-Sung will turn a blind eye to your rebellion," he began, his voice a low rumble. "Trade between Dae-Sung and Nahmgyo will continue unimpeded, even after the Wi flag flies over Birahng once more. And once you've fully reclaimed the island, Dae-Sung forces will be repositioned along the border with Dahn. This will tie up a significant portion of their troops, hindering their movements."
Seon's eyes sparkled with excitement. "This is excellent news."
"There's more," Ryucheon continued. "Once you've successfully landed on the southern coast, Dae-Sung forces will push down from the north. And we will provide you with weapons and support."
"This is far more than we requested," Seon remarked, surprise coloring her voice.
"Consider it a special favor, just for you," Ryucheon replied with a wink. "It may seem like a generous offer, but it hinges on your ability to prove yourselves with your limited forces. Until then, these are merely empty promises."
Seon's initial excitement at Ryucheon's news quickly faded, replaced by a deep unease. Sung's eagerness to support their rebellion seemed excessive, even suspicious. Dahn was essentially a vassal state of Sung. What do they stand to gain by manipulating them, by using us as leverage against Dahn? Are there hidden conflicts we are unaware of? Or are we merely pieces in a larger game?
"What does Sung hope to gain from such intervention?" she asked.
"Rest assured, Lady Myeonghyeon," Ryucheon replied with a disarming smile, "Dae-Sung's interests are not your concern." His expression was carefully neutral, his true intentions masked behind a veil of diplomacy.
"There's one condition," he added, his voice taking on a sharper edge.
Seon straightened, her gaze fixed on Ryucheon.
"Princess Kyeong'ui must not leave Birahng alive. Whether you succeed or fail."
"That sounds more like a contingency plan for our failure," Seon observed.
"Indeed," Ryucheon admitted. "If you fail and the Princess returns to the capital unharmed, especially if she ascends the throne as she desires, it would be... problematic for us. Should your rebellion falter, eliminate her. We'll intervene if necessary, but as you know, it's best for a great nation to avoid unnecessary bloodshed."
Seon remained silent, her lips pursed in thought. Ryucheon studied her face, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"You seem troubled," he observed.
"She has shown us much kindness," Seon replied. "She's been a valuable ally."
"An ally who promised to withdraw her troops, yet sent her spy to keep watch?" Ryucheon countered, his voice laced with sardonic amusement.
Seon's eyes widened. "A spy?"
"Hongyoo paid a visit," Ryucheon confirmed. "I sent him away."
He took a long drag from his pipe, his gaze lingering on Seon. She avoided his eyes. Ryucheon gently lifted her chin with a finger, forcing her to meet his gaze. Her expression remained troubled, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and uncertainty.
"Your true ally is not Princess Kyeong'ui," Ryucheon stated. "It is Dae-Sung. And for you, Lady Myeonghyeon, it is I, Baek Ryucheon."