The Citadel hushed as Hawoon's voice filled the room.
"Let's begin."
The crystal screens flickered, stabilising into clear projections of heads of Second and Third Divisions. Their faces stern and firm, with hawk like stare filled the glass wall. As usual, the head of the First Division was absent.
With a nod, Hyeseung motioned to other soldiers and the screen changed, showing disasters that had havoc in the kingdom. The servant quarter fire. The abduction of Hajun. And, finally the burning of entire Blackthorn district.
Each flicker of image made the chamber colder. Soldiers shifted in their places, boots scraping against polished stone. The silence grew thicker, punctuated only by the soft hum of mana in the walls.
Lee Hyeseung, second in command, was the head of The High Mana Commission. THMC was the supreme authority and organisation overseeing all the matters related to mana. It was divided into two wings, Arcane Development Division, the research wing mainly focussing on the study of mana cores, creating devices, experimenting with shielding methods, healing mana related diseases, and innovating ways to enhance control. On the other side, Bureau of Arcane Enforcement, the control wing overseeing the all the illegal mana experiments, investigating mana crimes, supervision of mages and monitoring underground markets.
Hyeseung spoke first, his voice low but clear, "Three major incidents. All within one month. The rampage incident was the accident caused in response to personal defence. The matter would be dealt later. But, abduction of the son of Commander... this is something else entirely."
He adjusted the insignia pinned to his chest, the sigil of the Commission "The destruction of Blackthorn… highly likely tied to the abduction. The Servants' Quarters, perhaps not. Still—we cannot dismiss the possibility of a link."
The words settled like stones in the stomachs of every man present.
Kim Taekwon, head of Second Division, leaned forward, voiced out through the crystal. "Linked or not, the unrest cannot be ignored. People are anxious. The Royal Court demands answers. They demand blood. What exactly is happening, Commander?"
The silence that followed was a noose tightening around every throat. Soldiers exchanged nervous glances.
"The streets are filled with protestors. They are questioning whether we are still worthy of their trust. This… is not a matter we can postpone." His voice laced with seriousness and mockery, though no one noticed except Hawoon.
All eyes turned to Hawoon.
The silence spread in the room. All the soldiers waited for Hawoon's response. "The matter is very concerning. The timing of these incidents..." Hawoon started, his tone filled with authority.
Hawoon straightened. His uniform gleamed faintly under the crystal light. His eyes burned with restrained fury, his voice was iron. "The people's fear has been sharpened by the media. Every paper, every channel, is stoking panic. Our first step must be a clear statement—what happened, and what didn't. The Royal Court is already declaring these acts of terrorism."
He paused scanning the faces on the screens.
"But I disagree."
The soldiers stirred. Taekwon's hawk stare sharpened, but he said nothing.
The abduction of my son is no random strike. This is personal. Someone holds a grudge against me—or seeks leverage. An organisation is involved, hidden beneath the smoke. Blackthorn was under their shadow. The rampage revealed too much, forced an investigation. So they burned the entire district to ash, covering their tracks."
The room shivered with murmurs. Hawoon's next words cut sharper. "And the Servants' Quarters fire…" his gaze hardened, "…I believe that one came from inside the palace. From someone who lives or works there."
For the first time, Kim Taekwon's jaw tightened. His teeth ground together audibly. His composure cracked for just an instant—but it was enough. Hawoon saw it. Filed it away.
"That is only speculation," came the voice of Youngjoo, Head of the Third Division. Calm, measured, but edged. "We have no proof to stand on."
"I agree with the Commander," General Ryu countered, his voice deep and rumbling like a storm. "Why abduct the Royal Army's son if the intent was merely to spread terror? This was not meant for the people. This is more like some personal grudge."
Kim Taekwon's voice snapped again, louder, firm as steel. "Terrorism or not, the Royal Court has already spoken. Their decree stands. We will release the statement as an act of terrorism.
It was not a warm laugh—it was sharp, flat, and utterly without mirth. He shook his head slowly, as though the absurdity amused him.
"The Royal Family," he said, "already has a scapegoat prepared."
"..." Awkward silence spread in the air, soldiers stealing nervous glances, unsure if they'd truly heard him right.
"Pardon? S-scapegoat?" Kim Taekwon was caught off guard. "Commander, what exactly are you implying at?"
Hawoon smiled flatly. "Just what you heard."
The silence turned hostile. Every soldier in the chamber stiffened. Hyeseung's heart hammered so hard he thought the others could hear it. He cursed silently in his mind. Damn it, Hawoon… how far will you go this time?
"This... watch your Commander! You think you can do or say whatever you want without facing consequences." Head of Second Division's voiced echoed with fury.
Elite Officers work directly under the command of Royal Family. Whereas, Royal Army was independent and didn't need to follow the orders from the Royal Family. But, there were limits for how much they could use their power till Royal Family is involved.
So, directly voicing out his thoughts against the Royal Family, could get Hawoon arrested for the treason. "Disrespecting the Royals would get you executed, Commander."
Hawoon was silent ignoring the glares thrown at him by his second in command. Hyeseung was freaking out and cursing Hawoon in his mind. He just can't keep up with Hawoon's crazy behaviour. And, lately it seems his craziness was never ending.
"I apologise at the choice of my words. It seems you took them as a personal attack." Hawoon said.
Relief fluttered through the soldiers, until Hawoon's next words.
"I was only trying to say, I already had the idea who was behind the abduction of my son."
Kin Taekwon flinched, visibly startled at Hawoon's statement. "But I don't want to trouble anyone. I will deal with it myself. For now, our concern must be the unrest. If we cannot calm the people, the kingdom will collapse before we even strike at the real enemy."
The room felt silent. Hyeseung understood what Hawoon was trying to say. His eyes widened, the truth dawning. He knew what Hawoon was doing.
And exactly how dangerous his meeting was about to become.