After the events that transpired in Buhanggilog, Hojun along with Jorge, Seung-Hyeok, Toya, Izdaha, and Crown Prince Zhenbyoung, left the port of Dyak-ar-salaam. En route to As-Z̆onghu̐a, it wasn’t long before the media covered the destruction that happened in the Luzokapital. Llorenç’s voice broadcasted through the holograms, assuming power of Buhanggilog’s president.
Hojun’s next plan was to inform the Al-Qarakh House what happened in Buhanggilog, and the fate of her brother. Although she came to be quite hesitant at the thought of facing her father, she knew deep down that Tayang, was not suitable to lead Silla. Tayang killed many people; Suruj’s mother and brother, Laoyuang Kwazhak’s bodyguard Yeow Khouw, and now her own bodyguard Gyeong Sukja. Surely, she would make known that Tayang killed a member of the Al-Qarakh House, and that his actions were unexcusable.
When Hojun finally confronted Suruj about her lie, that she came here to put Tayang under trial, he shrugged his shoulders.
“It means nothing now. You’ve strayed from your original goal to make your own choice, and that’s what matters,” was what he responded to her. Although she did feel guilty about it, she concluded that she had made the right decision to stray from what her father intended.
The gentle sway of the ship finally woke her up when her pen dropped to the floor. The pen rolled all the way across the room, while Hojun rubbed her groggy eyes. Her parchment preparing for the consequences of Silla lay in the middle of its drafting stage on the table, concerning Tayang, Izato, and the Kamaong Batikan. Hojun calmly stood up from the desk and placed the pen back.
The bright sun greeted her while the entire deck was basked in sunlight. Waves quietly crashed against the ship, reminding her of the soft lull. She breathed in and out, as the fresh, salty air gave her a nostalgic feeling. A light breeze flowed through her hair.
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Hojun closed her eyes, basking herself in the sun’s warmth. That sensation of warmth and peace washed over her, her body no longer feeling the wounds and tense muscles from the battle in the Luzokapital.
She saw everyone; Jorge and Seung-Hyeok curiously watched the sea over the ship’s bow. Tvuj and Izdaha stood near the starboard side of the deck, while Toya and Crown Prince Zhenbyoung were on the port side. Suruj leaned on main mast, lightly napping with a calm snore.
Izdaha walked to Suruj, to which he slightly opened one eye. With one hug she embraced him, completely ignoring Suruj’s uncomfortable face. Tvuj also jumped in, hugging both of them with one swoop.
“They’ve known each other since they were captured by Al-Wa.” Toya strolled beside Hojun. “With the help of their friends, I believe that they showed me, the champion of the Dineh Kazaàd at that time, that perhaps genuine friendship and bonds exist in this corrupt world.”
“Huh, interesting…” Hojun parted her hair in the wind, before smiling for the sixth time.
“M’lady, that was the most beautiful smile I have ever seen!” In a flash Jorge bowed down to her.
Seung-Hyeok also dropped to the floor. “I wholeheartedly agree! Your smile heals millions! I might tear up…”
“You guys…” Hojun chuckled, getting both of them off the ground.
From that moment on, she lost track of how many times she smiled. Because it didn’t matter anymore. Those rules imposed on by her father, she no longer felt the need to abide by them. Hojun turned her head to the clear azure sky, with a clear determination with what to do next.
By joining Izato, there was one clear goal in mind.
To take down Thiệu.