Princess Kyeong'ui's fleet sailed down the southern coast of the nation. Their last stop on the mainland was Sahcheon, where Gahngyun Yeol (悅), Gahngyun Hyeok's elder brother, served as the governor. Although Sahcheon wasn't the closest point to Birahng, it was a fitting final stop before crossing the southern sea, as it was under the jurisdiction of her future brother-in-law. They sent word ahead of their arrival, and on the morning of their entry into the harbor, Gahngyun Yeol himself came to welcome Kyeong'ui.

The sound of conch shells echoed through the air as the five warships sailed into the harbor. The port bustled with people eager to catch a glimpse of the princess. Hongyoo, ever vigilant, scanned the crowd for any signs of danger, but Kyeong'ui, as always, remained unfazed. Yeol, dressed in a crisp uniform, stepped forward and bowed deeply three times. It was their first meeting. Kyeong'ui observed him with a keen eye, taking in his features and demeanor. The two brothers, though sharing a resemblance, were also strikingly different. Yeol had the same bold features as Hyeok, but his skin was tanned from years spent under the sun and sea. He was shorter than his younger brother, but his build was more robust. His formal demeanor and stern expression made him seem unapproachable.

After the welcoming ceremony, Yeol approached Kyeong'ui and greeted her with a polite bow.

"I am Gahngyun Yeol, the governor of Sahcheon," he said. "Welcome, Your Highness. I trust your journey was pleasant."

"It is a pleasure to meet you," Kyeong'ui replied.

Though he offered a warm smile, his eyes held a hint of apprehension. It was a strange mix of deference and fear.

"You bear a striking resemblance to His Majesty, just as I've heard," Yeol remarked.

"Is that so?" Kyeong'ui replied with a polite smile. "It is a pleasure to meet you on such a fine day."

Yeol bowed his head in acknowledgement. As the two exchanged greetings, Hyeok approached his brother and embraced him.

"It's been a while, brother," he said.

"Indeed," Yeol replied, returning the embrace. "It's good to see you."

"How are your wife and my nephews?"

Yeol smiled. "They are well."

He turned back to Kyeong'ui and gestured towards the harbor. "Shall we, Your Highness? Allow me to show you around."

Kyeong'ui nodded and led the way. As they walked away, Yeol shot his brother a glare.

"My wife and your nephews are in Sunyahng, you idiot," he hissed.

He hurried after Kyeong'ui, leaving Hyeok to his embarrassment. Hyeok bit his lip, then quickly followed.

Sahcheon was a picturesque region with numerous small islands dotting the horizon. As Kyeong'ui toured the coastal villages, she was met with enthusiastic crowds eager to catch a glimpse of their princess. From Yeol's officers to the local dignitaries, everyone was vying for her attention. Even the commoners, who had no particular reason to curry favor with her, seemed genuinely excited by her presence. This warm reception had been consistent throughout their journey from Sunyahng to Sahcheon.

However, this enthusiastic welcome was a source of concern for both Hongyoo and Hyeok. Kyeong'ui seemed to revel in the attention, her spirits lifted by the pure adoration of the crowds, a stark contrast to the formal deference she was accustomed to in the palace and at the Sanctuary of Intellect.

Yeol had been apprehensive ever since he received news of the princess's impending arrival with her fleet of five warships. The scale of her entourage seemed excessive for a mere sightseeing tour, and the fact that a princess, raised within the confines of the palace, would embark on such a journey, especially to Birahng, just before her wedding, seemed odd. He was unaware of the recent celestial events and the rumors surrounding the Crimson Star, and his lack of connections in the capital left him in the dark about the true purpose of the princess's expedition. Furthermore, knowing his brother's impulsive nature, he couldn't help but worry about the implications of their betrothal and this sudden journey.

Yeol was particularly attentive to the interactions between Kyeong'ui and Hyeok. Kyeong'ui's demeanor towards Hyeok was undeniably condescending, her every word and gesture laced with a subtle disdain. Hyeok, in turn, seemed determined to provoke her with his every action. The two were already distant, their relationship strained. In contrast, Kyeong'ui seemed much more at ease with her Royal Attendant, Hongyoo, their conversations filled with laughter and whispered confidences. Though Yeol couldn't know what had transpired between Kyeong'ui and Hyeok during their journey, the tension between the three was palpable.

After a brief tour of the district, Yeol invited Kyeong'ui for tea at the local government office. Kyeong'ui dismissed Hongyoo and Hyeok, requesting a private audience with Yeol. She took a sip of tea, then set the cup down and began the conversation.

"You oversee quite a large district for someone so young," she remarked. "Your promotion was swift."

"I have no particular achievements to speak of," Yeol replied modestly. "It is all thanks to His Majesty's grace."

He was clearly flustered by the young princess's compliment. Kyeong'ui recalled the stories Hongyoo had told her about Yeol's accomplishments.

"I've heard it said that Soyeolish ships are impossible to capture, only to be sunk," she said. "But someone managed to capture one for the first time."

"The enemy I faced was simply...unskilled," he replied.

Embarrassed by the praise, Yeol quickly changed the subject. "I believe this is your first time outside Sunyahng," he remarked. "I trust your journey was comfortable?"

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"It was pleasant," Kyeong'ui replied. "There is much to learn beyond the capital."

"Have you had a chance to speak with my brother?" Yeol asked.

Though his tone was light, his concern for his brother was evident. Kyeong'ui didn't beat around the bush.

"Are you worried?" she asked.

Yeol didn't deny it. "My brother has many shortcomings."

"Indeed," Kyeong'ui agreed with a hint of disdain.

She took a sip of tea. Yeol shifted in his seat, then spoke cautiously.

"Your Highness, if I may speak frankly, as someone who has experienced marriage, it is not solely built on love, nor is it sustained by love alone."

Kyeong'ui's eyes narrowed. Though she maintained a polite smile, her displeasure was evident. Yeol, undeterred, continued.

"I understand your frustration," he said. "This betrothal was not of your choosing. But with effort, I believe you and my brother can find happiness together."

"Though I appreciate your advice," Kyeong'ui began, "I'm curious why you chose to remain on the southern coast instead of pursuing a career in the capital. Surely, with your family name and your accomplishments, you could have easily secured a position in the Court."

"A soldier follows orders," Yeol replied stiffly.

"Those who blindly follow orders never take the first step," Kyeong'ui countered. "I've heard that you were denied proper recognition for your achievements in capturing the Soyeol ship because you defied the orders of your superior."

"There were extenuating circumstances," Yeol said. "I do not take the chain of command lightly."

"I'm more interested in the circumstances that keep you from Sunyahng," Kyeong'ui pressed.

Yeol, sensing her determination, quickly yielded. "I have no desire to return to the capital."

"Why not?" Kyeong'ui asked. "Sahcheon is a small pond for someone with grand ambitions."

"Ambitions can take many forms, Your Highness."

Kyeong'ui paused, considering her next words. "They say that those who remain in the outer regions for more than five years rarely return to the capital," she remarked. "But you are the eldest son of House Gahngyun, and your promotion was swift. If you desire a position in Sunyahng, the path is open to you."

"What are you suggesting, Your Highness?"

"Come to Sunyahng," Kyeong'ui said. "Lend me your strength."

Her directness startled Yeol. "Why do you need my strength?" he asked.

Kyeong'ui smiled. "I'll tell you on the way."

Yeol remained silent. Kyeong'ui nodded curtly and rose from her seat.

Inside the guest house, meticulously prepared by Yeol for Kyeong'ui, Hongyoo sat waiting. The air was filled with the delicate fragrance of incense, and the freshly laundered bedding looked crisp and inviting. Hongyoo rose as Kyeong'ui entered, taking her outer robe. Kyeong'ui's exhaustion was evident. She collapsed onto the bed, her eyelids heavy.

"I'm tired," she murmured.

"Would you like a shoulder rub?" Hongyoo offered.

Kyeong'ui opened her eyes slightly. "No, not my shoulders. My legs."

Hongyoo sat on the edge of the bed, gently pushing aside the layers of Kyeong'ui's clothing to massage her legs. He could feel the tension in her muscles beneath his fingertips. As he kneaded her calves, his lips brushed against her exposed skin. Kyeong'ui's body relaxed under his touch.

"Hongyoo," she whispered.

"Yes, Your Highness?"

"Lie with me for a while."

Hongyoo hesitated. "But what if someone sees us?"

"Who would see us?" Kyeong'ui scoffed. "No one is above me here. No one would dare intrude."

"But still..."

"And what if they do?" Kyeong'ui challenged. "What can they do?"

"I would certainly be executed," Hongyoo replied.

Kyeong'ui smiled confidently. "Do you think I would allow that?"

Hongyoo knew that Kyeong'ui had little real power here, but he found her confidence endearing. He lay beside her, pulling the blankets up to her chest.

"Hold me," Kyeong'ui whispered playfully.

Hongyoo wrapped his arms around Kyeong'ui, her small frame fitting perfectly against his. Kyeong'ui, enveloped in his warmth, felt a sense of comfort and security.

"We'll finally reach Birahng tomorrow," she murmured. "You've worked hard. Dealing with that imbecile must have been a trying task."

"Anything for you, Your Highness," Hongyoo replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Kyeong'ui chuckled. "What did you think of Gahngyun Yeol?" she asked.

"He's not easily swayed," Hongyoo observed. "I don't think he'll be a simple piece in our game."

"That's what I've heard as well," Kyeong'ui agreed, "But perhaps that's for the best."

"Why is that, Your Highness?"

"A rock, no matter where it sits, is still heavy," Kyeong'ui explained. "It's not easily moved."

There was a hint of loneliness in her voice, a vulnerability that tugged at Hongyoo's heart. He knew she was carrying the weight of her ambitions alone. Gahngyun Yeol, though capable and honorable, offered little political advantage beyond his lineage as the eldest son of a founding noble family. His only real value was his undeniable connection to Kyeong'ui through their future familial ties. It was a bond he couldn't escape, no matter how much he might wish to.

"There were other families, more powerful than the Gahngyuns, who would have gladly supported you," Hongyoo said. "It's a shame you had to settle for a fading noble house."

"I'll make do with what I have," she said. "Father started with nothing. He was the fourth son, with no support. But he still claimed the throne. I am his daughter. I can do this."

"Then you must gain something from this journey, Your Highness," Hongyoo said. "According to the Chief Royal Secretary, Birahng is a lucrative source of revenue. If the taxes collected by the court are that substantial, imagine the wealth flowing beneath the surface. If you can gain control of those finances, your path to power will be much smoother. Money makes everything possible."

Kyeong'ui turned to face him "Do you think there's someone capable of helping us?"

"It's too early to say," Hongyoo replied, a smile playing on his lips.

Kyeong'ui gazed at Hongyoo, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with a sudden tenderness.

"For what?" Hongyoo asked.

"For everything."

A surge of desire coursed through Hongyoo. He leaned over her, his arms wrapping around her waist, his lips finding the sensitive skin of her neck. Kyeong'ui, caught off guard, giggled, her laughter echoing through the room.

"What's gotten into you?" she asked.

"Don't you like it?" Hongyoo teased, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

"Yes," Kyeong'ui breathed, her cheeks flushed.

Hongyoo's finger traced the outline of her lower lip. "Then you must be quiet," he whispered.

Kyeong'ui responded by pulling him closer, her lips meeting his in a passionate kiss. Her arms tightened around his neck, their bodies pressed together. The air in the room grew heavy with their mingled breaths, the temperature rising with their shared passion.