Ryang met his gaze.
"Explain what I saw," Ryucheon pressed.
Ryang took a breath, then asked, "Do you believe in the Azure Scripture?"
"I've perused it a few times," Ryucheon replied.
"Do you believe in the Light of Sahngjon?"
Ryucheon scoffed. "I serve the King of Dae-Sung. Do you think I'd believe in such fairytales?"
"You better start believing," Ryang said. "What you saw was no illusion."
Ryang's serious tone gave Ryucheon pause. He knew Ryang wasn't a fanatic, and he himself couldn't deny the reality of what he had witnessed just days ago. Though he wasn't well-versed in the specific abilities of the twelve Scion Houses who had served the Founder of Wi, he knew each possessed unique and formidable powers. The Azure Scripture had always been an entertaining read, a collection of fantastical tales, but now those tales seemed to be bleeding into reality. Ryucheon felt a growing unease, a sense of being swept away by forces beyond his comprehension. He couldn't deny the truth of what he had seen: the monstrous wave, a living entity that had dragged three warships to their watery graves.
He had decisions to make, and quickly. Are these Scions enemies or allies? If enemies, can they be defeated? And if allies, can they be controlled?
Ryucheon pressed further. "And the rumors your sister spread throughout the city? About Hyangdo?"
"Why not ask her yourself?" Ryang countered.
"Just confirming."
"It's true," Ryang admitted.
"How many such Scions remain?"
"I cannot divulge that information. But I can assure you, the surviving Scions are our greatest weapon. I can't speak of the distant future, but for now, this is good news for you, isn't it? Our success benefits you and Sung."
Ryucheon smiled, then changed the subject. "And why this early morning visit?"
"The blue flag flies over Nahmgyo. The Princess is our captive. It's time for Sung to fulfill its promise."
"Once you've secured Hyangdo," Ryucheon assured him, "we'll dispatch a messenger to Gahng'ahn. I suspect the necessary supplies are already prepared and awaiting transport."
"You were confident in our success?" Ryang asked.
"I'd be a fool not to expect a victory against a few hundred men," Ryucheon replied with a chuckle. "Of course, confidence isn't a certainty. The monsoon season approaches. We've made preparations to ensure you receive the supplies before the sea routes become impassable. Should you fail, well, then there's no need for delivery. It's time to meet your lord. Arrange a meeting."
"I'll convey your request," Ryang replied.
"There's another minor issue we need to discuss." Ryucheon said.
Is Ryucheon aware of Hwan's existence? Has Jang'gyeong Yoon's report reached him? Ryang's anxiety grew.
"Where on earth is Hongyoo?" Ryucheon asked.
Ryang, his initial hesitation forgotten, unleashed a torrent of accusations.
"That's precisely what I intend to ask you. Did you truly control him? According to our agreement, he was to secure the Princess and deliver her to us unharmed. Instead, he concealed the departure date and failed to deliver. The Princess was found alone, outside the encampment, and captured. We lost a valuable commander because of her, and now his son, barely a man, is forced to lead our soldiers."
"Perhaps," Ryucheon countered smoothly, "that problem could be solved by abandoning your insistence on appointing only Scions as leaders. Seolyo Jin has capable warriors under her command. Latecomers, as you call them."
Ryang glared at him, his silence a testament to his simmering frustration. Ryucheon, amused by his reaction, let out a silent chuckle.
"In any case," he continued, "the girl holds the answers. Visit her today and inquire about Hongyoo's whereabouts."
Ryang stared at him. Ryucheon, sensing his hesitation, added, "This is not a request."
"Then it's an order?" Ryang challenged.
"Let's not resort to such harsh terms," Ryucheon replied with a dismissive wave of his hand. "But as you are well aware, those in need must be accommodating."
He flashed a sly grin, then turned back to the wounded, his parting words a thinly veiled threat.
"Don't delay the attack on Hyangdo. Procrastination might prevent you from receiving the supplies before the monsoon season. By my calculations, you have three days."
──────────
In the late afternoon, at Ryang's urging, the heads of Wian forces convened a meeting. Within the council chamber of Nahmgyo's government office, Seong and Yeong occupied the central seats of authority, with Ryang and Norahn flanking them on either side. Joon, the newly appointed High Commander, sat beside Ryang, where his father had once sat. Jeong, newly promoted to the rank, was also present. Seon, a rare sight in such gatherings, joined them, along with Seolyo Jin. This marked their first official meeting since reclaiming Nahmgyo. The once-cramped quarters of Wicheong Palace had been replaced by a proper government building, the expanded space and increased attendance lending an air of legitimacy to their rebellion.
Seong opened the meeting, and Ryang immediately addressed the urgent need to seize Hyangdo, emphasizing the tight deadline imposed by Ryucheon. Joon's face fell as he absorbed the news.
"Three days..." he muttered, his voice heavy with concern. "Even if we prepare immediately and depart tomorrow, it will be a close call."
"We've known this was coming," Ryang countered. "We must meet this deadline. We have no other choice."
Seong turned to Ryang, his brow furrowed. "Any activity from Hyangdo? They must have received news of Nahmgyo's fall by now."
"Our last report indicated an unsettling silence," Ryang replied. "Their entire fleet, from skiffs to warships, was destroyed. They should be scrambling for reinforcements, yet there's been no movement. Regardless, Guardian, we must hasten our efforts to reclaim Birahng."
"Must we jump at Sung's command?" Norahn objected. "Our soldiers are exhausted from the recent battle and the funeral rites. Even the wounded haven't fully recovered."
"If you were so concerned about their fatigue," Ryang retorted sharply, "you shouldn't have organized such an extravagant funeral. You even mobilized the soldiers to participate in the ritual."
"Indeed," Norahn countered. "The Ministry has been short-staffed recently."
"Enough," Seong interjected, silencing their bickering. He glanced at Jin, who remained a silent observer.
"We must depart tomorrow," Ryang insisted again.
"There's no guarantee a single battle will open the city gates," Norahn countered.
"Do not raise concerns without offering solutions," Ryang snapped. "This is a matter of survival. Without Sung's support, we cannot withstand a counterattack from Dahn before autumn. Even if it requires the Guardian's intervention, we must secure Hyangdo."
Though Ryang's urgency was understandable, Seong couldn't help but feel a pang of bitterness at their reliance on foreign aid. How long can we survive on the whims of another nation? Even if we manage to cross the South Sea, will the people welcome us as the citizens of Nahmgyo have? Can we reach Sunyahng relying solely on the support of the people, without Sung's backing? The dream of self-sufficiency seemed a distant fantasy.
A commotion erupted outside, a voice cutting through the quiet chatter.
"Urgent message!"
Jeong hurried out to investigate, then rushed back in, her face pale.
"Hyangdo has raised the surrendering flag!" she announced.
A wave of shock swept through the room. Seong turned to Jeong, his brow furrowed in disbelief.
"They surrendered? After losing their fleet?"
"It was raised this morning," Jeong confirmed.
"They must have learned of our situation," Seon surmised. "If Juyeong Hyo received a full report, it's no surprise they've lost their resolve."
"But what if it's a trap?" Jeong countered. "What if they're trying to lure us into the city and ambush us?"
Seon scoffed. "With a mere two hundred men?"
"I'll go," Ryang volunteered, stepping forward. "I'll assess the situation myself."
"Do that," Seong agreed. "High Commander, provide the High Councilor with an escort."
Ryang and Joon bowed their heads in acknowledgment. Seon turned to Seong.
"What about the victory feast scheduled for tomorrow night?"
"If the High Councilor returns unharmed before nightfall," Seong replied, "we'll proceed as planned."
The urgent news from Hyangdo brought the meeting to an abrupt end. As Ryang hurried out of the council chamber, Seolyo Jin's booming voice stopped him in his tracks.
"How do you intend to reach Hyangdo?"
Ryang turned back, his expression carefully neutral. "The Cannon Ships are still under repair. I'll have to use one of the Myeonghyeon merchant vessels."
"Take the main vessel of Nahmgyo," Jin offered. "You're no mere merchant now. It's befitting of your station."
Ryang bowed his head in gratitude. "Thank you."
Jin chuckled. "I suppose I should address you as 'High Councilor, the Mirror of the Guardian' now, and treat you with the respect due your position."
"There's no need for such formalities," Ryang replied with an awkward smile.
Jin's eyes twinkled with amusement. "I've never seen you so overbearing."
Ryang, anticipating another mention of the incident with Cheongro, kept his response brief. "There have been... disagreements with the Ministry."
"I'm not surprised," Jin said with a knowing grin. "Given your temperament, I doubt you'd view them favorably."
"And what is your opinion?" Ryang asked.
Jin smiled. "I believe in Sahngjon. Not in men. Be it Scions or Latecomers." she paused, her gaze lingering on Ryang. "But tread carefully, High Councilor. And return swiftly."
Joon provided Ryang with an escort of one hundred and fifty soldiers. With limited manpower readily available for deployment, they couldn't overwhelm Hyangdo. Instead, Joon handpicked the most skilled warriors to accompany Ryang. They set sail before dawn in five medium-sized warships, reaching Hyangdo by late morning.
The fortress city, though lacking the beauty of Nahmgyo, was imposing and well-fortified. Ryang's grandfather, Myeonghyeon Sahn, had witnessed its construction after their arrival on Birahng. He had often spoken of the iron reinforcements embedded within its walls, salvaged from the north, making it impervious to cannon fire. The only way to breach Hyangdo was through its gates, either by force or siege. Ryang, observing the impregnable walls from afar, felt a surge of relief at the sight of the surrendering flag. Had they been forced to fight, they might not have met Ryucheon's deadline.
As reported, the Dahnian forces in Hyangdo had raised the surrendering flag on the north wall, the city gates wide open. Ryang disembarked, his boots sinking into the soft earth. An officer emerged from the fortress, bowing low in greeting. Governor Juyeong Hyo was nowhere to be seen.
"I am Ryang of House Myeonghyeon," Ryang announced, "the High Councilor and the Mirror of the Guardian of the Azure Scripture."
The officer straightened, meeting Ryang's gaze. "Officer Ga'ahn," she introduced herself.
"I've heard of you."
Ga'ahn was of similar height to Ryang, their eyes meeting on equal footing. Her hair was streaked with white, but her voice was youthful, her face appearing no older than forty. Ryang recognized her then, the woman who had hovered around Juyeong Hyo during Kyeong'ui's visit, her demeanor a stark contrast to the governor's boisterous arrogance.
"Why did you surrender?" Ryang inquired sharply.
"We heard of the miracle at Nahmgyo," Ga'ahn explained. "The destruction of the north gate and the warships five days ago... we know it was the work of the Guardian of the Azure Scripture." She paused, her gaze flickering towards the ground.
"And?" Ryang pressed.
"Two nights ago," Ga'ahn confessed, "the governor perished."