Ryucheon's lips twisted into a wry smile. "You seem to believe we have ulterior motives for every action. But sometimes, we simply act on impulse, just like any other human. Besides, there's nothing to hide, so the notion of being 'seen' is hardly relevant."
"If there's nothing to hide, then why this nocturnal visit?" Ryang challenged.
"Would you prefer my visit in broad daylight?" Ryucheon countered.
Ryang's body trembled, his fury barely contained. Ryucheon's gaze drifted downwards, settling on Ryang's hand, partially concealed by his sleeve. Ryang's fingers twitched, betraying his inner turmoil. Ryucheon took a step closer, and Ryang instinctively retreated. Amused by Ryang's reflexive defensiveness, Ryucheon chuckled softly. Mirroring his actions on that first night with Seon, he held out his hands, palms open, as a gesture of peace. He then gently grasped Ryang's wrist, lifting it into the moonlight. Ryang's tense muscles were evident beneath his touch. Ryucheon's gaze traced the lines of Ryang's hand, his tendons prominent in the pale light.
"I was told you were not one to be easily angered," Ryucheon observed.
"No brother could remain calm after hearing such slander about his sister," Ryang retorted, his voice tight with suppressed fury.
Ryucheon studied Ryang's face intently. "Have you experienced frequent emotional outbursts these past few days? Sudden surges of anger, unexpected tears, an unusual preoccupation with... sensual matters?"
Ryang remained silent, his mind racing through recent memories. It was true; his emotions had been in turmoil since regaining consciousness. But who can remain calm under such circumstances? There was nothing unusual about it. Yet, the memory of that night, the madness that had gripped him, the fear of losing himself completely – those sensations remained vivid. Ryang couldn't help but flinch under Ryucheon's probing gaze. Ryucheon, ever perceptive, noticed his unease.
"It seems the poisoning has left some lingering effects," he remarked, a hint of concern in his voice.
Ryang pulled his hand away. "My mind is perfectly sound. Your concern is misplaced."
Ryucheon tilted his head once more. "I've never seen anyone emerge from a Crystal Haze addiction this lucid after days on the brink of death. I truly thought your survival was a miracle. Your sister spoke of Scions healing quickly, strange as it sounded. I don't exactly believe it, but your waking up this well certainly surprised me. Yet, a question lingered: could there truly be no lingering effects? If so, then perhaps I should reconsider that old tale she told me."
Ryucheon's gaze softened, a hint of pity mingling with his skepticism. "Be cautious, Lord Myeonghyeon. Your mind may deceive you in the days to come. Question everything you see, hear, and touch. Only through constant vigilance can you navigate this new reality. Even the anger you feel towards me now could be a mere illusion. Don't succumb to it."
"It's you who are deceiving us," Ryang countered.
"So, are you deceived?" Ryucheon asked softly.
Ryang met Ryucheon's gaze, his distrust of Seon growing with every passing moment. Even if she had willingly taken Ryucheon's hand, it was surely due to his manipulative charm and silver tongue. Ryang couldn't bear the thought of her falling victim to such deception. His head throbbed, a dull ache that amplified his unease. He cut the conversation short.
"Leave this place at once."
"As I intended," Ryucheon replied smoothly. "Your sister sleeps soundly, exhausted from our encounter. The night is still young. Perhaps you should return to your chambers and rest."
With a polite bow, Ryucheon brushed past Ryang and exited the rear garden. His footsteps echoed softly as he crossed the courtyard, disappearing beyond the gate he'd so easily scaled earlier.
The oppressive silence of the empty courtyard, heavy with the dew-laden night air, made Ryang long for a cold splash of water against his skin. He couldn't confront Seon, nor could he face Dara. Both options were fraught with a despair he couldn't bear. With a heavy heart, he retreated to his chambers.
Each step back was a descent into a maelstrom of emotions, anger and confusion indistinguishable. He sank onto his bed, his gaze drawn to the mirror. The moonlight painted his face in shades of blue; his features, though slightly thinner, mirrored his father's. The resemblance filled him with chilling dread. Am I destined to live out my days in a haze of madness, as Ryucheon suggested? His reflection stared back, its eyes filled with doubt. He tried to dismiss it, but the reality of his situation, the weight of his despair, was undeniable.
Sleep finally came, a restless slumber filled with fragmented dreams. As dawn broke, he summoned Sobi to the tea room. It was their first meeting since his recovery. Sobi entered, her face bright with a cheerful smile, bowing respectfully. Ryang gestured for her to sit, offering her a freshly brewed cup of tea.
"Your stay must have been... unpleasant," he remarked neutrally.
Sobi settled across from him. "I hardly had time to dwell on such matters," she replied. "Your recovery is a blessing. We were all quite concerned. Even the High Emissary..." She paused, her eyes flickering towards Ryang, gauging his reaction to the mention of Norahn. "Are you truly alright?" she asked.
Her gentle inquiry brought back the unpleasant encounter with Ryucheon, the memory sharpening the edges of his unease. Even genuine concern seemed laced with suspicion. Ryucheon's words echoed in his mind, fueling his doubts. He fought the urge to dismiss her, forcing a smile onto his lips.
"I am well," he lied.
Sensing Sobi's lingering unease, Ryang steered the conversation away from his well-being.
"You've endured much," he said. "I should've summoned you sooner, offered my apologies in person, but I've been preoccupied with... other matters."
"The news of your recovery should reach Wicheong with haste," Sobi replied. "The Guardian must be waiting anxiously. But the Lady insists I remain here."
Seon's motives were clear. Ryang addressed Sobi directly.
"There's no need to delay your return. Depart tomorrow at dawn, as soon as the sun rises, and inform the Guardian of my recovery."
"As you wish." Sobi's response was hesitant. Ryang's uncharacteristic directness, a stark contrast to Seon's evasiveness, left her with a sense of unease. She pushed aside her curiosity, focusing on the task at hand.
"Will I go to Soyeol?" she asked.
Ryang's expression turned grim. He shook his head slowly.
"The documents bearing the Guardian's seal, intended for Soyeol and Sung, have fallen into Cheon Hwan's hands. He knows our plans. The journey to Soyeol is no longer safe. Considering his history of piracy, it's likely he's taken refuge there."
"But we need Soyeol's support to reclaim Sunyahng," Sobi countered.
Despite his own anxieties, Ryang couldn't deny the truth in her words. "Indeed we do," he admitted with a sigh.
"Then I must go," Sobi insisted. "I've disguised myself as a courtesan, traveled between Nahmgyo and Wicheong... I'll do whatever is necessary."
"Your loyalty is commendable," Ryang acknowledged. "But the decision ultimately lies with the Guardian. I'll prepare a letter for you tonight, detailing the current situation. Deliver it to him. While you're at Wicheong, I'll consider our options."
"As you wish, High Councilor."
Ryang fell silent, offering no further instructions. Unsure whether to take her leave, Sobi hesitated, shifting uncomfortably. As she made a move to rise, Ryang finally spoke.
"Tell me, has my sister been well? Has anyone... bothered her?"
Sobi paused, considering her response. "There was an incident with the Princess's Royal Attendant. It seems they had a disagreement, and Lady Myeonghyeon ended up with bruises on her wrists. I only learned of it after pressing her for an explanation."
"Bruises?"
"Yes, quite severe. Didn't you notice?"
Ryang's mind reeled. What have I been so preoccupied with that I haven't noticed? He dismissed Sobi, his thoughts consumed by guilt and self-reproach. Seon had lost their mother at a young age, and their father's tragic death a few years ago had left a void in their lives. Ryang had tried to fill that void, to protect and care for his sister, but he had clearly failed. Had I been a better brother, more attentive to her needs, perhaps she wouldn't have sought solace in the company of a dangerous stranger.
He couldn't be sure which parts of Ryucheon's tale were true. Has Seon truly initiated their encounter? Is it mere curiosity, a fleeting passion, or something more sinister? Is Ryucheon the first, or are there others I don't know about? The questions swirled in his mind, unanswered, unresolved. I've been blind to Dara's deception for years; how can I possibly confront Seon about Ryucheon without facing her scorn?
His anxiety spiraled, his thoughts racing towards a bleak future. He imagined Seon disappearing, abandoning their home, leaving him alone. The thought was unbearable. Perhaps it would be better to arrange a marriage for her, to Seolyo Yeong, the son of Seolyo Jin. But what a preposterous notion. Seon will never find happiness with him. What has she been thinking, seeking comfort in the arms of that dangerous stranger? Has she found even a fleeting moment of happiness?
The questions tormented him, each one a sharp pang of guilt and regret.
Seon sat opposite Ryang, her arms crossed, a defiant expression on her face. Ryang observed her, a pang of sadness mixed with pride. When has she grown so mature, so capable? When has she become the pillar of our house, managing the trading company and the inn, navigating treacherous paths to ensure my survival? Perhaps he should trust her judgment, even if it meant accepting her alliance with Ryucheon. Everything had changed since his return from the brink of death.
Ryang reached out, his hand gently grasping Seon's wrist. She recoiled, startled by the sudden contact.
"What's this?" she asked.
Ryang didn't answer. He pulled her hand closer, pushing back her sleeve to reveal a faint greenish bruise, already fading to yellow. Seon averted her gaze, a flicker of shame in her eyes. Ryang's heart ached with a mixture of anger and regret.
"Was this Hongyoo?" he asked.
Seon wrenched her hand free. "Did the Third Emissary tell you?"
"Answer me," Ryang demanded. "Was it Hongyoo?"
"It was nothing," Seon dismissed. "Just a minor scuffle."
"Even our parents never laid a hand on you," Ryang countered. "And you call this nothing?"
"He stabbed me with a poisoned needle," Seon retorted. "A bruise is hardly a concern compared to that."
Ryang's face contorted in anger. "He stabbed you with a poisoned needle! And you still approached him? Have you no sense of caution?"
Seon remained silent, her gaze fixed on the floor. Ryang pressed on, his voice filled with urgency.
"Stay away from them, both Hongyoo and Baek Ryucheon. Don't trust them, don't engage with them. They're ruthless, devoid of loyalty. They think nothing of killing."
"You're the one who ordered me to engage with them," Seon countered.
Ryang faltered, then quickly recovered. "Don't go beyond what's necessary. We take what we need, and nothing more."
Seon scoffed. "Do you think they don't feel the same?"
Her words, usually dismissed as mere defiance, now struck a chord within him. Ryang, his anxiety growing, pressed further.
"What do you think Baek Ryucheon wants?" he asked, his voice carefully neutral. "You've spent more time with him than I have."
Seon's gaze drifted towards the ceiling, her expression thoughtful. "I'm not sure yet," she admitted.
Seon's answer left Ryang in a turmoil of conflicting emotions. Is it easier to believe she has naively fallen for Ryucheon's charm? Or is it Ryucheon who was mistaken, and Seon has merely used him to achieve her goals? Neither option brought him comfort.
Ryucheon had praised Seon's resourcefulness, her ability to manage their finances. But Ryang had always seen her actions as reckless, her words too bold, her movements too impulsive. He cringed at the memory of her defying social norms, her sharp tongue cutting through any opposition. Yet, he couldn't deny his own reliance on her, her ability to navigate situations he couldn't. What is she doing, playing such a dangerous game? He longed to abandon everything, to escape to a place where they could be ordinary siblings, free from the weight of their legacy.
Seon, misinterpreting his silence, abruptly changed the subject. "We should send the Third Emissary back to Wicheong. They must be anxiously awaiting news."
"She leaves tomorrow," Ryang replied.
"Have you decided?" Seon pressed, her eyes narrowed.
Ryang evaded the question. "I'll send a letter with her. The Guardian will decide. We await his judgment."
Seon's lips curled into a sneer. "And will you include a heartfelt plea for Dara, explaining her actions, her father held hostage?"
"I haven't even begun writing the letter," Ryang countered. "Don't jump to conclusions."
"Deny it then," Seon challenged.
Ryang remained silent, his gaze averted. Seon shook her head.
"I don't understand you at all, brother."