Ryang cast a withering look at Cheongro, his disdain evident. But the unrest in the room didn't subside. Even Kyeongseon Ung, who hadn't been privy to the earlier discussion, was taken aback.

"Why are we only learning of this now?" he demanded.

"I received the news only this morning," Ryang replied. "There was no time to inform you beforehand."

Ung's frown deepened, but he held his tongue, choosing to focus on the matter at hand.

"What is the size and composition of this fleet?" he asked.

"Five Cannon Ships," Ryang reported. "They've been disguised as pleasure vessels, adorned with silks and flowers. But they are still Dahn's primary warships, equipped with cannons. This is no mere sightseeing tour. It poses a significant threat to us."

"A diversion, perhaps?" Joon suggested.

"They wouldn't openly investigate the Star," Ryang agreed, "not while they still deny the existence of the prophecy. Sending the princess with her betrothed, under the guise of a pleasure cruise, is likely a tactic to avoid suspicion."

"Do you believe they pose a military threat?" Ung asked.

"We need to gather more information," Ryang admitted, "but I suspect they do. Even disguised as a pleasure cruise, a royal fleet would have an escort. Even if each oarsman is armed with a single spear, that's five hundred spearmen."

The assembled leaders exchanged worried glances.

"If they departed Sunyahng three days ago," Joon remarked, "shouldn't they have arrived by now?"

"Cannon Ships are vulnerable to storms," Ryang explained. "They wouldn't risk crossing the open sea with the princess aboard. But even navigating the inner sea, they've been delayed. I'm investigating the reason."

He addressed the room "We must conclude our search before the Dahnian forces gain a foothold on Birahng."

No one offered a viable solution. They had prepared for this war, waited for this moment, for nearly fifty years, yet the memory of bloodshed had faded, their numbers dwindled. Birahng had become a sanctuary, a haven of peace for the surviving descendants of Wi. The sudden arrival of the Dahnian fleet was an unwelcome intrusion, a threat to their fragile existence.

Seong had no grand army, no warships, no cannons. His time had been defined by hiding, by survival. The weight of his position, a king without a kingdom, pressed down on him. A swift and decisive defense was their only option.

"High Commander," Seong addressed Ung, "we must intensify our training. Increase the frequency of musters for the reserves in Nahmgyo until the fleet arrives."

"Yes, Your Luminance."

Seong turned to Ryang. "Should you greet the princess upon her arrival?"

"Lady Seolyo of Nahmgyo will surely welcome her," Ryang replied. "And she'll likely summon me and my sister as well."

"Observe their interactions closely," Seong instructed. "Pay close attention to Seolyo's demeanor. She's a slippery one to me."

Seong rose from his seat, bringing the meeting to an abrupt end. "We've addressed the urgent matters. I'll take my leave."

He exited the hall, leaving the others to their silent contemplation. Ryang followed. Seong walked in silence. As they entered a deserted corridor, he turned to Ryang.

"Ease up, Ryang," he chided. "Why are you so harsh with them? It was a minor issue. I told you before the meeting."

Seong's outburst, though rare, did little to sway Ryang.

"Deliberately omitting information from a report, even a seemingly minor detail, cannot be overlooked," Ryang insisted firmly.

"Then you should have informed me," Seong countered.

"Had I done so, you would have likely dismissed it," Ryang argued. "Protecting the High Emissary only emboldens the others, including the Second Emissary. Why are you so lenient towards him?"

"Norahn has no one to rely on," Seong said. "And his past... it's a heavy burden to bear."

"That was over twenty years ago," Ryang countered. "Who among us hasn't suffered?"

Ryang's words struck Seong like a blow, leaving him speechless. Ryang bowed his head and walked past, leaving Seong rooted to the spot, burdened by guilt.

──────────

Sobi hurried towards Ryang's office. Her purpose remained unclear, even to herself. She had no strategy, no carefully crafted arguments, only a desperate urge to confront him, to unleash the torrent of emotions that had been building within her. As she neared his door, she saw him step inside, the heavy wooden door closing with a final thud. Sobi approached cautiously, her breath catching in her throat. She paced back and forth. Finally, she steeled her resolve and raised her hand, her knuckles rapping gently against the wood.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

The door creaked open, and Ryang looked up. A figure clad in white robes stepped into the room. Sobi bowed deeply.

"High Councilor."

Her tone, clear and firm, caught Ryang's attention, and he set down his brush, straightening in his chair.

"What is it?" he asked.

Sobi hesitated, then spoke.

"Was the omission of a few exhausted Emissaries from the reports truly a matter worthy of such harsh criticism? The High Emissary has been working tirelessly these past few days. While the others had moments of respite, he has had none."

Ryang's lips curled into a faint sneer. "An interesting observation, coming from someone who enjoys the comforts of Wicheong, you think."

Sobi bowed her head. "I apologize for the Second Emissary's behavior," she continued. "However, I must say that it is unsettling to see you constantly cornering the High Emissary without due cause. Not just for me, but for all the Emissaries."

"Without due cause?" Ryang's gaze sharpened, making Sobi flinch. Though she had nothing to hide, his scrutiny made her feel exposed, and she struggled to meet his eyes.

"If it were a trivial matter," Ryang continued, "why do you think I reacted so strongly?"

Sobi remained silent, her gaze fixed on the floor. Ryang encouraged her gently.

"I won't fault you for honesty. Speak freely."

Sobi swallowed, her gaze still fixed on the floor. "The Emissaries believe you don’t have faith in the Azure Scripture," she confessed.

Ryang smiled faintly. "And what do you believe?"

"...I share their sentiment."

"So you think me a fool," Ryang remarked with a dry amusement. "In these days, unfaith seems the more foolish stance."

"And we also believe," Sobi continued, "that you harbor a certain disdain for the Ministry."

"That's not entirely inaccurate."

"Why?" she asked.

"Because you lack transparency," Ryang said bluntly.

"We serve Sahngjon."

"Piety and transparency are not mutually exclusive," Ryang countered. "Secrecy breeds corruption. You know as well as I do that the Ministry played a significant role in Wi's downfall."

"The High Emissary is well aware of that," Sobi argued.

"I don't believe Norahn has succumbed to the same corruption as his predecessors," Ryang assessed. "But his tolerance of Cheongro… that concerns me."

Sobi flinched. "He often disregards the High Emissary's instructions. But..."

"The High Emissary has complete authority over the Ministry," Ryang interrupted. "If he wished to dismiss Cheongro for his insolence, the Guardian wouldn't object."

"Many have joined the Ministry because of his influence," Sobi argued. "Our numbers have grown, as have the ranks of Wicheong. The High Emissary values his ability to attract followers. He doesn't condone his behavior."

"Perhaps Norahn needs someone like Cheongro," Ryang said. "He's not a charismatic leader, and he certainly doesn't enjoy interacting with others. But a leader's choices reveal their priorities. If he chooses to protect Cheongro, then I must make my own judgments accordingly. I won't let the new Wi fall for the same reasons as the old. That is why I cannot overlook the omissions in the Ministry's reports."

Ryang's words stung. Though Sobi bristled at his assessment of Norahn, she couldn't deny the truth in his words.

"Are you certain it's wise to be so frank?" she asked. "I am loyal to the High Emissary Divine. And the Ministry."

"There's no need for pretense between us," Ryang replied. "We both know there's no love lost. And I have nothing to hide."

Sobi was speechless. The silence stretched, Ryang's gaze sweeping over her. She stood before him, small but resolute, her eyes bright with an unwavering conviction that set her apart from the other Emissaries, their expressions often clouded with a hazy fanaticism. If Ryang's perception of the Ministry wasn't entirely skewed, then Sobi was clearly an anomaly within their ranks.

The silence grew uncomfortable, and Sobi finally raised her head, meeting Ryang's gaze. His eyes held a faint warmth, an unexpected gentleness that surprised her.

"We haven't had much opportunity to speak privately," Ryang began, his voice softer than usual. "Allow me to ask a question. Why do you think Norahn keeps you by his side?"

Sobi shook her head. "I've never considered it."

"Though our priorities may differ," Ryang said, "our judgment of character can’t differ so much. Your integrity is a rare trait within the Ministry. If you were truly loyal to your superior, you would be striving to meet his expectations."

Sobi met his gaze, her confusion growing. Ryang was no longer the cold, unfeeling man she had perceived him to be. Have I been mistaken about him all this time? Despite spending three years at Wicheong Palace, she realized she knew nothing about him.

Ryang, sensing her confusion, changed the subject. "There are rumors among the merchants that the Crimson Star fell into the sea, off the southeastern coast. It's unlikely the Guardian Crimson would perish in such a manner, but those waters are shallow and clear. Perhaps some trace, some clue, remains. We might need another vessel for the search."

"High Councilor."

"If you need assistance, or advice," Ryang offered, "do not hesitate to seek me out. I will help you."

"Why would you help me?" Sobi asked.

"Why did you come to me?" Ryang asked back.

"Your words to the High Emissary... they were unfair."

"And you thought I would be receptive to your grievances?"

Sobi was speechless, her gaze darting around the room.

"Trust is mutual,” Ryang said.

"Why are you only telling me about the merchants' rumors now?" Sobi persisted.

"I only heard them today," Ryang replied curtly.

Embarrassed, Sobi bit her lip.

"The Ministry may listen to the voice of Sahngjon," Ryang continued, "but perhaps it's time to listen to the voices of the people. Most rumors are baseless, but there's always a grain of truth in every lie and rumor."

Sobi remained silent, her gaze fixed on Ryang. He met her eyes, his own unwavering.

"Is there anything else?" he asked.

Sobi, flustered, quickly lowered her gaze. "No. I'll take my leave."

She bowed deeply and exited the room. Ryang watched her go, the warmth in his eyes fading as the door closed behind her.