Southern Coast of Joseon.
Late Autumn 1837.
The second meeting was never announced.
No message was sent. No official notice moved through the court. No order reached the outer posts.
It did not need to as there will be things be done by them.
Both sides understood what the first meeting had left behind. It had not failed, but it had not finished anything either. Words had been exchanged, positions made clear, but nothing had been locked in place. Each side had stepped forward just enough to see the other more clearly.
That alone was enough to demand a second meeting.
So they returned.
The shoreline had not changed.
It was still under control.
Every step measured. Every movement watched.
The pavilion remained where it had been built, though it now showed small signs of adjustment. The coverings had been pulled tighter against the colder wind. The wooden supports had been reinforced. It looked the same at a glance, but closer inspection revealed intent behind every change.
