The Princess's Request
Late in the afternoon, Surim—Princess Sohye—summoned Yi Hui.
He was led to the northeastern inner quarters, opposite the annex where the Baekryongdae were staying.
The threshold was low, but the floor was raised high, paved with tightly fitted blue stone that shimmered faintly under the light.
Slanting sunlight filtered through the lattice windows and stretched across the polished surface.
A thin trace of incense lingered in the air.
The room was so still that even a breath might have sounded loud.
Yi Hui stopped at the entrance, planted his sword upright before him, and knelt on one knee.
Not a mere noblewoman—she was a princess, the eldest daughter of the late emperor.
Protocol had to be exact.
He bowed deeply and slowly.
"I pay my respects to Her Highness Princess Sohye."
"Rise. Come this way."
Without moving her upper body, Surim extended her palm and indicated the small table before her.
Her motion was slow but unbroken, gentle yet impossible to refuse.
A faint smile lingered on her lips, her gaze calm and composed.
Yi Hui rose and took his seat, laying the sword neatly across his knees.
"Thank you."
Surim wore elaborate court robes, her hands folded in perfect poise.
She did not resemble a fugitive of misfortune but rather someone who still stood at the center of imperial gravity.
For a time, they exchanged remarks about training and the state of the estate.
The true subject did not emerge.
Yi Hui waited.
He could not presume to press first.
At last, Surim spoke.
"I have called you because I hope General Yi will assist us."
"Command me."
She paused, studying him.
"I ask that you persuade the Grand General to support me. And I understand that the Baekryongdae are no ordinary force. I request that you lend us your strength. We did not invite you here without purpose. I seek your aid."
It had come.
Yi Hui closed his eyes briefly before opening them again.
The current emperor had seized the throne after eliminating the rightful heir of the late emperor.
Rumors of blood, exile, and disappearance still lingered.
Surim now lived in concealment, gathering strength.
Her request was not courtesy—it was politics.
Yi Hui's gaze dropped to the polished blue stone floor.
He considered whether such a decision was even his to make.
He composed himself and answered with deliberate courtesy.
"The Grand General has withdrawn to the mountains to settle his mind and restore his strength. I do not know how long he will remain. I am one who receives and obeys orders. It is proper that I follow his will. I am not in a position to decide beforehand. As for the Baekryongdae, they submitted their resignations when they left the capital. In name alone they remain what they were; in truth, they are now common citizens. I do not have the authority to command them. The martial training I conduct is merely an offering of goodwill, not the drilling of an army. It would be right for this matter to be decided upon the Grand General's return. I do not refuse Your Highness's wish, but I lack the authority to grant it. I ask for your understanding."
His words were courteous, yet the boundary was unmistakable.
A slight movement crossed Surim's brow.
"Then may I understand that you will follow whatever the Grand General decides?"
"I have not considered the matter deeply. However, I believe it would be difficult for me to refuse his command."
It was neither assent nor denial.
Surim shifted her approach.
"I was once a princess of a nation. Now I wander the world. Without the loyalty of my father's old ministers, even this lodging would have been beyond my reach. My concern is not personal comfort but the will of the late emperor. I ask that you see this not as a private desire, but as something greater."
It was an appeal, but Yi Hui did not waver.
"Forgive my disloyalty. I am but a retired soldier, an ordinary man. I have neither authority nor mandate to judge such matters. I can convey your words to the Grand General, but that would be no more than a personal opinion. I beg that you withdraw this excessive command."
He bowed again.
Silence lingered.
"To whom, then, is your loyalty directed?"
"A soldier such as I depends upon the judgment of his superior."
"Then answer me one last thing. When will the Grand General return?"
"He departed shortly after arriving. He said he would remain nearby, but he did not specify when or where."
A faint crease appeared on Surim's forehead.
She understood that persuasion would not easily move him.
"You may withdraw. And do not reveal my identity to your men."
"I obey."
Yi Hui retreated carefully.
He did not raise his head until he had crossed the threshold.
Surim watched his back for a long time after he left.