Gahngyun Yeol sat alone in his office. The young princess's ambition was both pure and terrifying. She was the daughter of the king who had killed his own brother, murdered his wife's family, and ruthlessly disposed of the officials who had helped him seize the throne. And now, the princess, his daughter, was asking Yeol for his support. He shuddered, wondering if she truly understood the consequences of failure. Fear was all he had learned in his ten years of service.

He blew out the candle and rose from his seat. Stepping out onto the verand, he saw Hyeok sitting at the edge, his broad back slumped in dejection. Yeol's heart ached for his brother.

"Let's have a drink," Hyeok said, turning around, his usual playful grin plastered on his face.

Yeol forced a smile, masking his apprehension. "Of course," he replied, placing a hand on Hyeok's shoulder.

He led Hyeok to the inner quarters, where servants had prepared a simple snack and drinks. Yeol poured Hyeok a cup of liquor.

"How are Mother and Father?" he asked.

Before he could finish his sentence, Hyeok pulled a letter from his robe. "Here," he said. "She asked me to give this to you. She hasn't even looked at me since the selection, but she still entrusted me with this letter for you."

"And Seol?" Yeol asked, referring to their younger sister.

Hyeok refilled Yeol's empty cup. "She started her studies at the Sanctuary a few months ago. Those pesky nobles are a nuisance, but Seol is quite popular. She takes after me, you know."

Yeol's thoughts drifted to his younger sister, her youthful face still innocent and carefree the last time he had seen her. Hyeok's words seemed out of place, a stark reminder of how quickly his siblings were growing up. The realization that Hyeok was now betrothed to a princess only added to his melancholy.

"You?" he scoffed. "She takes after Mother, not you."

"Anyway," Hyeok continued, "I've been busy fending off those suitors."

"Don't complain," Yeol said. "They're all just like you."

"Come on, brother," Hyeok whined. "Can't you say something nice for once?"

Yeol shot him a disapproving glare. "You can't even remember if your sister-in-law and nephews are in Sunyahng or Sahcheon," he retorted. "And you expect me to say something nice?"

"I've been busy! It's easy to get confused."

"There are things you should never be confused about," Yeol said. "Don't make that mistake in front of the princess. She may be your betrothed, but she's still royalty. You never know how your words might be used. And don’t mention our family in front of her."

Hyeok inwardly sighed. His brother was as rigid and unyielding as ever. With a pout, he mumbled something under his breath before changing the subject.

"By the way, why did your wife go back to Sunyahng with the kids?" he asked. "Are things not going well between you two?"

Yeol took another sip of liquor, a bitter smile touching his lips. "They've grown enough to start their education," he replied. "I asked her to stay, but she insisted that the children should grow up in the capital."

"I agree. Raising kids in this backwater town would be a challenge," Hyeok said. "You should join them soon, don't you think?"

Yeol chuckled. "What would a soldier like me do in the capital? Become a scheming politician?"

"Unless you intend to make your wife a grass widow," Hyeok said, "you'll have to return eventually. There are many ways to serve the kingdom. Like me, easing the king's worries is also a form of patriotism."

Yeol's eyes narrowed. "Easing his worries?"

"There was quite a fuss about the princess's selection," Hyeok explained. "None of the candidates were suitable. So, I volunteered. Isn't that patriotic?"

Yeol's frustration grew as he watched Hyeok's carefree grin. "You have no sense," he said.

"What is it now?"

"Why did you volunteer to be the princess's consort?"

"Because I'm in love with her, of course. She's quite beautiful, wouldn't you agree?"

Yeol's jaw tightened with each flippant remark. "Is that all?" he asked.

Hyeok shrugged. "Instead of struggling to climb the ranks, why not accept an honorary position and enjoy a life of leisure? Painting, hunting... Since you're already carrying the weight of the reputation of our house, I might as well enjoy myself."

The rising anger tightened Yeol's fingers around his cup, threatening to shatter it. He fought the urge to strike his brother, to wipe that carefree grin off his face. He was furious, but also incredulous. If Hyeok had confessed to a passionate love for the princess, a love that drove him to risk everything, Yeol might have understood. But Hyeok's motives seemed far removed from such noble sentiments.

"Your foolish whims have put our family in danger," Yeol growled. "And you are laughing now?"

"What are you talking about?"

"The king may not be a saint, but he's not a fool either," Yeol retorted. "He wouldn't waste the royal treasury on a five-ship expedition for a princess's pleasure cruise. What is the true purpose of this journey?"

Hyeok, sensing his brother's fury, finally began to pay attention. He glanced at Yeol, then quickly averted his gaze.

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

"The sightseeing tour is just a cover," he admitted. "It's because of that star a few weeks ago. If the skies had been clear in Sahcheon, you would have seen it too."

"Are you talking about the Crimson Star of the Azure Scripture?"

"Yes, that one."

"The king mobilized troops because of the Azure Scripture?" Yeol asked in disbelief.

"The Royal Observatory claims the star is heading towards Birahng," Hyeok explained. "The commoners are in an uproar, and the court needs to investigate, but they also need a plausible excuse to avoid losing face."

Yeol's frown deepened. "And they entrusted this investigation to the princess?"

"Hongyoo told me she volunteered," Hyeok replied.

"Who is Hongyoo?" Yeol asked, his frustration growing with each question.

"The princess's Royal Attendant," Hyeok replied. "He said the idea to disguise the mission as a pleasure cruise was hers as well."

Yeol's heart sank. Hyeok, oblivious to his brother's growing concern, continued his explanation.

"But what's there to worry about? The Wi is gone, and all the Scions were slaughtered. If the Azure Scripture's prophecy were true, the world would have already turned upside down. But nothing has happened."

Yeol downed the rest of his liquor, the liquid burning its way down his throat. "The star may be a passing phenomenon," he said, "but this expedition is only the beginning."

Hyeok, exasperated by his brother's cryptic pronouncements, finally burst out, "What are you so worried about?"

Yeol glared at Hyeok. "Why do you think the princess volunteered to lead this expedition to Birahng?" he demanded. "And why, of all the excuses she could have used, did she choose a provincial inspection?"

Hyeok finally understood his brother's concern, but he couldn't share it. "Even if she has her eyes on the throne," he argued, "she can't succeed without the king's support."

"Do you honestly believe the king would be so naive?" Yeol interrupted. "It's an unspoken rule that no royal offspring, except the Crown Prince, is involved in state affairs. The court may appear calm, but they're undoubtedly scheming behind the scenes. The princess shouldn't even be entertaining such ambitions. She should be lying low, grateful for her life. If she reveals her claws, what do you think will happen when the Crown Prince ascends the throne?"

Hyeok's carefree demeanor faltered. Though he still believed his brother was overreacting, he couldn't ignore the grim reality of their situation. He knew how ruthlessly the king had disposed of his wife's family, and how cautiously the Crown Prince's wife's family had been treading. A sense of unease settled over him.

"Be careful," Yeol warned. "Your actions could endanger not only yourself, but our entire family."

Hyeok forced a smile. "You worry too much, brother."

"I sincerely hope so," Yeol replied heavily.

He refilled his cup and drained it in a single gulp. "Tell me," he said, wiping his mouth, "what kind of man is the princess's Royal Attendant?"

"Hongyoo?" Hyeok replied. "He's nothing special. His constant smile is unsettling, so I did some digging, but I couldn't find anything about his background. He's quick-witted, though. Unlike our dimwitted servants."

The image of Hongyoo whispering in Kyeong'ui's ear, the relaxed smiles they shared, flashed through Yeol's mind.

"The princess seems a bit too close to her attendant," he remarked.

"You're worrying about everything tonight," Hyeok said.

Yeol looked at him, but he didn't press the matter further. They finished their drinks and cleared the table.

As Hyeok was about to retire to his room, he paused in front of Kyeong'ui's guest chamber. The light was still on. His brother's earlier warnings echoed in his mind. He hesitated, wondering if he should pay her a visit, offer a goodnight greeting. But he remembered the times he had approached her during their journey, only to be met with icy glares and sharp rebukes. He had already earned her scorn. With a sigh, he turned and headed towards his own room.

──────────

The harbor of Sahcheon bustled with activity as dawn broke, the air filled with the sounds of sailors preparing for departure. Princess Kyeong'ui, accompanied by Hongyoo, had been at the docks since before sunrise, overseeing the preparations. Yeol, still feeling the effects of the previous night's drinks, arrived shortly after with Hyeok. As the soldiers began boarding the ships, Yeol approached Kyeong'ui and bowed deeply.

"I trust you slept well, Your Highness," he said. "I apologize for my late arrival."

"It's alright," Kyeong'ui replied. "I couldn't sleep, so I came early. It's a shame we cannot stay longer. Sahcheon is a beautiful place."

"Please visit again when you return to Sunyahng," Yeol said.

"I will," Kyeong'ui replied. "We still have much to discuss." Her voice held a subtle chill.

Yeol hesitated, then spoke. "Your Highness."

"Yes?"

He met her gaze. Kyeong'ui, sensing his unease, dismissed her guards with a wave of her hand.

"I have a request before you depart," Yeol began.

"What is it?"

"Please protect my brother."

Kyeong'ui smiled faintly. "I'm not sure I understand what you mean."

"This is a personal request, from a brother and an elder," he said. "I understand your ambitions, Your Highness. But as I said yesterday, there are many paths to greatness. And those paths can change as we grow. Your ambitions will endanger my brother, our family, and yourself. Surely, you understand that."

Kyeong'ui's expression hardened, but Yeol continued.

"You were born into privilege, Your Highness. You will never want for anything. There is much to be grateful for, much to enjoy. I urge you to reconsider your ambitions, to be content with what you have."

Kyeong'ui's gaze, sharp and cold, made Yeol's face burn. He met her eyes, refusing to back down.

"What is it you wish to protect?" she asked. "Your brother? Or your house?"

"Is there a difference?" Yeol asked back.

"There could be," Kyeong'ui replied.

Yeol didn't press for clarification. He remained silent.

"Your father was the Crown Prince's mentor for many years," Kyeong'ui continued, breaking the silence.

"Indeed," Yeol confirmed.

"I'm sure you're well acquainted with his character, and that of his wife."

"He is a man of discretion," Yeol replied evasively.

Kyeong'ui, sensing his reluctance, decided to abandon diplomacy. "I know them well," she said with a subtle threat. "There's only one way to protect your brother and your house. Help me, and we will all survive. Defy me, and we will all perish."

She turned her gaze towards the horizon. "What a beautiful day," she remarked, her voice light and carefree. "The sea is so calm."

The sudden shift in her demeanor, the stark contrast between her words and the chilling threat that lingered in the air, sent a shiver down Yeol's spine. He pushed aside his apprehension and spoke.

"You must complete your mission before the monsoon season," he advised. "Once it begins, crossing the South Sea will be impossible until late autumn."

"It won't take that long," Kyeong'ui assured him.

"Nevertheless, you should depart soon," Yeol urged. "The sea is unpredictable."

Kyeong'ui smiled. "Indeed."

Yeol bowed deeply, his hands clasped together. "I wish you a safe journey, Your Highness."

Kyeong'ui nodded curtly in response and boarded the ship. Hongyoo and Hyeok followed close behind. The fleet set sail, their black sails billowing in the wind.