It didn't take long to prepare five hundred lightly armed soldiers for departure. Before the sun reached its zenith, two Cannon Ships set sail for Nahmgyo, their hulls gliding smoothly through the calm waters. Inside the cabin, Kyeong'ui and Hongyoo were alone, but the atmosphere was far from intimate. Kyeong'ui sat with her arms crossed, her eyes closed, lost in thought.

Myeonghyeon. The name echoed in her mind, its significance growing with every passing moment. Why has the Crimson Star led me to Birahng, the same island where House Myeonghyeon has sought refuge? The coincidence seemed too perfect, too orchestrated. If Mahnry's claims were true, and the Myeonghyeons were indeed leading a prosperous merchant company, it could be a valuable opportunity. Have they been among those present at the tea party? Though she had no evidence, Kyeong'ui felt a strange certainty that she would recognize them.

"I'm still not comfortable with this plan, Your Highness," Hongyoo said, his voice interrupting her thoughts. He had clearly been hesitant to speak.

"Don't worry," Kyeong'ui replied dismissively. "I don't intend to antagonize them."

"May I know your intentions?"

"You said it yourself. We need to control the flow of money on this island."

Though brief, her answer seemed to satisfy Hongyoo, and he didn't press further. Instead, he asked, "What do you intend to do with Mahnry?"

"His background is unclear," Kyeong'ui replied. "We'll keep him confined within the encampment for now."

"You don't intend to grant his request, do you?"

Kyeong'ui scoffed. "Do you expect me to go back on my word?"

"Trust is a virtue best practiced with discretion," Hongyoo said.

"He simply wants a comfortable life in Sunyahng," Kyeong'ui dismissed. "Hardly a noble request."

"We must be cautious, Your Highness," Hongyoo said. "Even the smallest misstep could have unforeseen consequences. We don't know if this man is telling the truth about his past. He may have ulterior motives. We need to keep an eye on him, but his attempts to bargain with you are concerning. Wouldn't it be best to leave the affairs of Birahng on Birahng?"

Hongyoo's expression was grave, but Kyeong'ui simply smiled.

"Do you think he won't find his way to Sunyahng if I leave him here?"

"I'm suggesting we leave him buried on Birahng," Hongyoo clarified.

Hongyoo's words cut through the air like shards of ice. Kyeong'ui straightened, her eyes locking with his.

"What are you suggesting?" she asked. "That I should order a murder?"

"If it's necessary, then it must be done," Hongyoo replied calmly. "You don't have to do it yourself, Your Highness. Just give the order, and I'll take care of the rest. And if you're concerned about appearances, we can always fabricate a crime."

Hongyoo's gaze was cold and calculating. Kyeong'ui had witnessed countless tragedies within the palace walls, but she had always been a distant observer. The purges, the executions, they had all happened at arm's length. The power to decide another's fate, to choose between life and death, it was a terrifying concept, a power she had never truly wielded.

"I am not my father," she said.

Hongyoo's eyes narrowed. "Why do you think His Majesty favors you above all others?"

"Because everyone says I'm just like him."

"I doubt it's merely your appearance," Hongyoo said.

"Are you saying I act like him?" Kyeong'ui asked.

Hongyoo's smile widened, amused by her reaction. Kyeong'ui had heard countless comparisons to her father throughout her life. She always reacted with a strange mix of annoyance and pride. Hongyoo couldn't understand the complexities of their relationship.

"We are currently en route to Nahmgyo," he said playfully. "Perhaps you're not so different from him after all. Though you might be a bit more... sentimental."

"Don't be ridiculous," Kyeong'ui scoffed. "I have no intention of following in his footsteps."

"If you were simply the Crown Prince, waiting to inherit the throne, you could afford such idealism," Hongyoo said. "But your situation is not so different from His Majesty's when he was a prince. You don't need to feel guilty about making difficult decisions. A little bloodshed might be necessary for the greater good. And I believe you are the one who can lead Dahn to greatness."

Kyeong'ui remained silent, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts.

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"Are you afraid?" Hongyoo asked.

"I don't want to see anyone die," Kyeong'ui admitted.

"Then stay in the light, Your Highness," Hongyoo said. "I will handle the darkness. Just give the order."

Hongyoo's hand reached out and covered hers. His gaze was intense, and Kyeong'ui, a nervous smile on her lips, shifted uncomfortably.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked.

Hongyoo cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. The kiss was familiar, yet it had been a while since they had shared such intimacy. They kissed deeply, their bodies pressed together. Hongyoo pulled away slightly.

"It's been difficult to even hold your hand since we arrived on Birahng."

"We have to be careful here. These tents offer little privacy."

"You promised to protect me, no matter what," Hongyoo teased. "Have you lost your courage already?"

A giggle escaped Kyeong'ui's lips, but it was cut short by a knock on the door. They quickly pulled away from each other. Hyeok's face appeared in the gap. Hongyoo, his expression carefully neutral, bowed his head.

"Young Master."

Hyeok entered and settled into a chair, his gaze fixed on Kyeong'ui. "What were you discussing?" he asked.

Kyeong'ui glanced at Hongyoo. "You may leave us, Hongyoo."

"Yes, Your Highness."

An awkward silence filled the cabin as Hongyoo departed, leaving Kyeong'ui and Hyeok alone. It was the first time they had been alone together in such a confined space.

"Do you dislike him?" Kyeong'ui asked, breaking the silence.

"What?"

"I heard you snatched Mahnry away from him."

"Did he tell you that?" Hyeok's displeasure was evident.

"Of course not," Kyeong'ui replied. "I overheard it. Is it true?"

"Well, I was concerned for your safety, and I thought I would be more... discreet than Hongyoo. Why would he say I snatched him away?"

"Can you deny it?"

Hyeok sighed. "To be honest, I don't particularly like him."

"Hongyoo has been by my side for over ten years," Kyeong'ui said. "And he will continue to be."

"I understand."

"Why did you tell me about Mahnry?" Kyeong'ui asked.

"At first, I wasn't sure," Hyeok admitted. "But after hearing his story, I thought it might be useful to you."

Hyeok's lips were pursed, his expression uncertain. Kyeong'ui hesitated, then offered a lukewarm thanks.

"Thank you."

Though Kyeong'ui's words were a mere formality, they touched Hyeok deeply, his eyes widening in surprise. Perhaps it was the sting of her constant coldness, but her unexpected kindness brought a warmth to his heart.

"When His Majesty finalized the selection," Hyeok began, "he summoned me and gave me specific instructions."

"Tell me."

"He said a consort has only three duties."

Kyeong'ui's eyes narrowed, urging him to continue.

"To be loyal to the nation and the king, and to love and protect you, Your Highness," Hyeok said.

"That's only two," Kyeong'ui pointed out.

"Shall I tell you the third?" Hyeok asked, his gaze holding a playful glint.

Kyeong'ui's face hardened. She knew exactly what he was implying. "I'd rather not hear it."

Hyeok grinned, pleased with himself. "I'm confident I can fulfill all three duties."

Kyeong'ui scoffed. "Then you must not be in love with me yet."

"What? What do you mean...?"

"You said you were confident."

"Your Highness, that's just small misspeaking."

Kyeong'ui smiled enigmatically. "Do you know what your problem is?"

"What is it?"

"You misspeak too much."

Before Hyeok could reply, Hongyoo rushed back into the cabin. "Your Highness, we're approaching the harbor of Nahmgyo."

Kyeong'ui rose from her seat and made her way to the deck. Leaning against the railing, she gazed towards the shore. In the distance, she could see the fortress of Nahmgyo perched atop a hill, its granite walls, painstakingly transported from the mainland long ago, gleaming in the sunlight. Compared to its imposing structure, the walls of Sunyahng Palace seemed like a mere pile of moss-covered rubble.

"It's truly magnificent," she remarked, her voice filled with admiration. "Even the founder would be envious."

Hyeok, however, remained unimpressed. "It's what's inside that matters," he said. "I'm more concerned about how the Lady will receive us."

"Stop with your needless worries and drop anchor," Kyeong'ui snapped.

Hyeok, his face flushed, bowed his head. The ship soon reached the harbor and dropped anchor. The soldiers disembarked, forming ranks and marching towards Nahmgyo.

The distance from the harbor to the south gate of the fortress wasn't far. Kyeong'ui, flanked by her guards, led the procession. The merchants in the marketplace stopped to watch, their faces a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. They seemed unfazed by the armed soldiers, and even the sight of the black banners with their gold embroidery didn't elicit any signs of fear or respect.

Though the fortress had seemed close from the sea, the journey on foot was longer than anticipated. As they neared the gate, one of the soldiers rushed back to Kyeong'ui, his face pale.

"Your Highness," he reported, his voice breathless, "the gates are closing."

"Are they closing because of us?" Kyeong'ui asked.

"It would seem so, Your Highness. I can see movement on the walls. It appears they're mobilizing troops."

"Troops?" Hyeok echoed. "This doesn't bode well."

"We should proceed, Your Highness," Hongyoo advised. "We've come this far. We need to confront them to understand their intentions."

Kyeong'ui nodded. "Continue the march," she commanded.

The soldier bowed and returned to his position at the front of the procession.

They soon reached the south gates of Nahmgyo. Up close, it was even more impressive than it had appeared from afar. The walls were tall and imposing, their surfaces smooth and well-maintained. But there was no sign of the Dahnian flag on the gatehouse. Instead, a blue and white flags fluttered in the breeze. Though it didn't bear the markings of Wi, the sight of the blue flags angered Kyeong'ui. She could just make out Seolyo Jin standing on the gatehouse. Kyeong'ui spurred her horse forward, approaching the gate. A line of archers appeared on the walls, their arrows aimed at the princess and her entourage.