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Legacy of the Light - The Star of Birahng
5. The Loyal of the Ruin (13)

5. The Loyal of the Ruin (13)

The midday sun shimmered on the calm sea. Despite the rumors of Soyeolish pirates lurking in these waters, only a few fishing boats, their nets laden with the morning's catch, dotted the horizon. The Black Wings, however, remained vigilant, their cannons trained on the open sea. Though the waters surrounding Birahng were as clear and blue as they had been since time immemorial, the island itself remained a mystery, its secrets hidden beneath the surface like a deep-sea trench. The arrogance of the fortress masters, the enigmatic presence of House Myeonghyeon, the sudden appearance of that scarred stranger, Mahnriy... if there were answers to be found, those lay within the walls of Nahmgyo.

As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the deck, the walls of Nahmgyo emerged on the horizon. Hongyoo's warship sailed into the harbor and docked. The guards at the south gate granted him and his ten escorts entry. Hongyoo couldn't help but scoff at their leniency, remembering how the princess had been allowed only three companions. He strode purposefully towards the government office.

Inside, he was granted a private audience with Seolyo Jin. She held the letter from Kyeong'ui close to her face, her brow furrowed as she read. She set the letter down on the table and spoke.

"I have no objections. You may relocate your camp and conduct your search along the coast," she said.

"I didn't come to seek your permission, My Lady," Hongyoo replied smoothly. "I came to inform you, as a courtesy from Her Highness."

Jin's lips curled into a smile. "Will you be returning to Hyangdo immediately, Royal Attendant?"

"I intend to spend the night in Nahmgyo."

"I can offer you lodging in the guest house."

"That won't be necessary," Hongyoo declined. "I'll find my own accommodations. I'd like to explore the city."

"As you wish. I won't see you out." Jin picked up her pipe and lit it.

Hongyoo rose and bowed respectfully. Jin nodded curtly. Hongyoo, with a final bow, turned and left the office, heading towards Yeonyahng.

The inn, located on the main street near the south gate, was easy to find. Its boisterous atmosphere was just as he remembered it. As he stepped through the entrance, a young man, his face heavily powdered and his lips painted a bright red, approached him.

"Welcome, sir," the man purred. "Are you here for pleasure, or for a room?"

Hongyoo's eyes swept over the man's face, taking in his feminine features and flamboyant attire.

"A room," he replied curtly. "Do you have any vacancies?"

"We're usually full," the man said, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper, "but we happen to have one available. Perhaps a private room for you, sir?"

"That won't be necessary."

The man's smile faltered, but he quickly recovered. "Please wait here a moment," he said, bowing his head.

Hongyoo waited, his guards flanking him, his gaze taking in the chaotic scene. This was the source of House Myeonghyeon's wealth. He could hear the cacophony of foreign languages, the merchants haggling over prices, their voices punctuated by drunken laughter. Hongyoo crossed his arms, his hands hidden within his sleeves.

The effeminate man who had greeted Hongyoo and his entourage turned to Dara, who in turn sought out Seon, left alone to manage the accounts while her brother was away at Wicheong Palace.

"My Lady," Dara called out.

"What is it?"

"The princess's Royal Attendant is here."

Seon, who had been dismissing, looked up at the mention of the Royal Attendant.

"The Royal Attendant?" Seon echoed, her brow furrowing. "Is he here to see my brother?"

"No, My lady. He simply asked for a room. It seems he intends to stay for a night. He has ten soldiers with him."

"Of all the inns in the city, he chose this one," Seon mused. The Royal Attendant's arrival, just a day after the princess's threats, was an unwelcome surprise.

"Is he wearing his uniform?" Seon asked.

"He is."

"How curious," Seon remarked. She rested her chin on her hand, her brow furrowed in thought. If he wasn't here to see her or Ryang, then he must be a spy, she mused. But his ostentatious display of his official attire only deepened her suspicions.

"Bring him to the garden," Seon instructed. "And offer his soldiers some refreshments."

"Should I send some courtesans as well?"

"A few," Seon replied.

Dara hurried away, and Seon made her way to the garden to await Hongyoo.

Hongyoo, though surprised by the unexpected summons, betrayed no emotion. He had anticipated a meeting, but he was surprised that it was Seon, not Ryang, who had summoned him. He followed Dara to the garden, where Seon awaited him in a gazebo. Like Ryang, she was dressed in elegant shades of green, but her sleeves were embroidered with colorful silk threads, adding a touch of flamboyance to her attire. Her features, like her brother's, were refined and trustworthy, a testament to their noble lineage. But what set Seon apart was the vibrant energy that radiated from her dark eyes. There was a playful glint in those eyes, a vitality that Ryang lacked. Seon seemed to be around the same age as Kyeong'ui. Does everyone possess such vitality at that age? Kyeong'ui, despite her upbringing within the stifling confines of the palace, also possessed a boundless energy, a restless spirit that defied all attempts to tame it.

Hongyoo stepped into the gazebo, and Dara discreetly retreated. Seon rose to greet him.

"I was visiting Lady Seolyo on official business," Hongyoo began, bowing deeply, "and decided to stay the night. I didn't expect to be summoned here. Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Hongyoo, Royal Attendant to Princess Kyeong'ui."

Seon returned the bow. "Seon of House Myeonghyeon."

Hongyoo smoothed his robes and settled onto the cushion, a subtle smile playing on his lips. The evening air was filled with the chirping of insects, a soothing soundtrack to their meeting.

"A feast at this hour?" he remarked, his eyes scanning the table laden with delicacies.

"I had a feeling you might prefer liquor to tea," Seon replied. "Was I mistaken?"

Hongyoo chuckled. "Not at all. I believe we met briefly at the tea party. Though you weren't present when I visited yesterday."

"You have a good memory for faces."

"Yours is hard to forget," Hongyoo countered smoothly. "Both you and your brother are quite striking. You share a remarkable resemblance."

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"So I've been told," Seon replied as she lifted the jug. "Allow me to pour you a drink."

Hongyoo accepted the offered cup. "I understand the Lady didn't offer you lodging," Seon remarked as she filled his cup.

"I declined her offer," Hongyoo explained. "I wanted to explore the city. The guest house wouldn't be much fun, after all. And I must thank you for such a generous welcome."

Seon filled his cup to the brim, and Hongyoo reciprocated, filling hers. They raised their cups and drank.

"It's hard to feign ignorance when my staff recognizes the Royal Attendant," Seon said. "It seems we're both missing our counterparts today."

"Perhaps your brother is out for a stroll," Hongyoo remarked.

"He may seem like an idler, but he's quite busy," Seon replied. "Please, have another drink."

Hongyoo inwardly scoffed at her blatant attempts to ply him with alcohol. He drained his cup and refilled it. "I assume you've heard about Her Highness's meeting with your brother?"

"I have."

"And have you reached a decision?"

"We'll discuss that with the princess in person," Seon replied evasively. "It's not something I would share with the Royal Attendant."

"You won't have to travel far," Hongyoo informed her. "We'll be moving our camp closer to Nahmgyo soon. That's why I'm here – to inform Lady Seolyo."

Seon's eyes flickered upwards as she took another sip of liquor. "What did the Lady say?" she asked.

"It's not her decision to make," Hongyoo replied smoothly. "We're not setting up camp within the fortress walls. But perhaps we should steer away from such tedious topics. It seems a shame to waste such fine liquor on official matters."

Seon smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And what would you consider a more...pleasant topic?"

"Something a bit more personal," Hongyoo suggested, his lips curving into a smile.

Seon laughed. "Then allow me to pour you another drink."

"I wouldn't dream of refusing."

"What if I poisoned it?" Seon teased. "You don't even hesitate."

"If you intended to kill me," Hongyoo countered with a playful challenge, "I would already be dead. And if I'm going to die, I might as well enjoy this excellent liquor first."

Seon's laughter rippled through the air, her hand shaking slightly as she refilled his cup. Such bold words were either a sign of great confidence or utter foolishness. While Seon pondered his motives, Hongyoo took another sip of liquor.

"I understand your parents are deceased," he remarked casually.

"That's correct," Seon confirmed. "My mother passed away shortly after I was born, and my father died a few years ago."

"Do you have any other family?"

"You seem to have forgotten that we're in hiding," Seon said. "It's just my brother and me."

"My apologies. I seem to have misspoken. Are either of you married? You both seem to be of age," Hongyoo asked.

Though it was a question often asked by men with less than honorable intentions, Hongyoo's tone was different.

"I'm still quite young," Seon replied, deflecting the question. "And my brother... well, he's a bit past the ideal marrying age."

"Is there a reason he hasn't married?" Hongyoo pressed.

"I don't think he's intentionally avoiding it," Seon said with a shrug.

"If you don't mind my asking, how old are you both?" Hongyoo asked again.

"I came of age this year," Seon replied. "And my brother is twenty-six."

"You're both quite young."

"As are you, Royal Attendant."

"And how old do you think I am?" Hongyoo asked, his lips curving into a smile.

"Around thirty, I would say."

Hongyoo chuckled. "You have a keen eye."

"It's an occupational disease," Seon replied with a wink.

Hongyoo's gaze drifted towards Dara, who was busy lighting the lanterns in the deepening twilight.

"Do you two have this garden all to yourselves?" Hongyoo asked, his voice laced with a subtle curiosity.

"Only my brother and I, and the two servants who attend to us," Seon replied. "Though we occasionally entertain esteemed guests, such as yourself."

"I see," Hongyoo replied.

"What do you think of Birahng?" Seon asked, turning the question back on him. "Have you been here before?"

"This is my first visit," Hongyoo replied. "It's Her Highness's first time outside the capital as well. The scenery is quite breathtaking, as I've heard. She's currently conducting a survey of the island. The progress has been quite impressive. The court hasn't paid much attention to Birahng, but once the princess returns to Sunyahng, governing it will be much easier. We have a local man, Mahnry, assisting us."

Hongyoo's eyes flickered towards Seon, but she showed no reaction. She simply smiled, as she often did at the end of her sentences.

"That's good to hear," she said.

Hongyoo's smile tightened. Seon, sensing the conversation dwindling, quickly changed the subject.

"I've instructed my staff to prepare a private room for you," she offered. "Please make yourself comfortable."

"Thank you for your hospitality."

"If there's anything else you require, please don't hesitate to ask."

Seon's gaze lingered on him, and Hongyoo recognized the unspoken offer. It was a bold proposition, especially coming from someone so young. He chuckled.

"That's very kind of you."

"I can arrange for companionship, if you desire."

"Who is your brother's favorite?" Hongyoo asked. "I'm curious about his taste."

Seon's smile faltered. "I'm not so drunk that I would tolerate such insolence," she retorted.

"Perhaps not," Hongyoo said, refilling her cup, "but you could use another drink. Allow me to apologize for my impertinence."

Seon drained her cup and replied, "My brother is not that kind of man."

"And you, My Lady?"

Seon shook her head. "I see all sorts of people in this business," she explained. "Their behavior... it doesn't exactly inspire me to follow in their footsteps."

"Do you feel no guilt?" Hongyoo asked.

"Guilt?" Seon echoed.

"Those men are destroying themselves," Hongyoo continued. "And this establishment... it enables them."

"Would they suddenly find virtue if Yeonyahng disappeared?" Seon countered. "They'd simply take their vices elsewhere."

"So you're saying it's better for you to profit from their self-destruction?"

"Precisely," Seon confirmed, a sly smile playing on her lips.

Hongyoo leaned closer, his eyes fixed on hers. "And what is your purpose?" he asked. "This wealth... it seems excessive for simply maintaining your family's legacy."

"There's no such thing as excessive wealth," Seon countered.

Hongyoo chuckled and shook his head. "I seem to be misreading you at every turn," he admitted. "But you still haven't answered my question. What are you saving for? You don't seem to indulge in the pleasures this wealth could afford."

"What do you think we want?" Seon countered, turning the question back on him.

"Revenge, perhaps?"

"On whom? The royal family?"

"It's certainly a possibility. I would, in your position."

Though their conversation bordered on treasonous, Seon's expression remained carefully neutral.

"So you believe we're plotting rebellion?" she asked, her voice laced with a playful challenge.

"Sharing drinks with a rebel," Hongyoo mused, a smile tugging at his lips. "This will certainly be a memorable encounter."

"Or perhaps," Seon countered, "you're in the company of future loyalists."

Hongyoo threw his head back and laughed.

The night deepened, and the conversation continued until all the liquor Seon had prepared was gone. Hongyoo, who had always prided himself on his ability to hold his liquor, felt a wave of dizziness wash over him as he rose from his seat. He glanced at Seon, who seemed remarkably unaffected.

"Are you originally from Sung?" Seon asked as Hongyoo turned to leave.

Hongyoo paused. "Why do you ask?"

"Your accent."

A flicker of unease passed through Hongyoo, but he quickly masked it with a smile. "I've been away for many years," he replied smoothly. "It's surprising you recognized my accent."

"Told you. Occupational disease," Seon said with a wink.

"Goodnight, My Lady." Hongyoo bowed and headed towards the private chamber Seon had arranged for him. Dara, who had been waiting for their meeting to end, escorted him.

As he entered the room, the lingering effects of the alcohol made his stomach churn. Two figures, a boy and a girl, knelt on the floor, their youthful faces illuminated by the soft glow of the lamp. The sight of them only intensified his nausea. He drank a cup of cold water, the liquid calming his stomach slightly. He looked at the two young courtesans.

"You may leave," he said to the girl, dismissing her with a wave of his hand.

The girl bowed and scurried out. The boy remained. He helped Hongyoo undress, his movements hesitant as he gauged Hongyoo's mood. As he removed Hongyoo's inner robe, his lips brushed against the back of Hongyoo's neck. The unexpected touch sent a shiver down Hongyoo's spine, saddening him slightly.

"Am I not to your liking, sir?" the boy asked.

Hongyoo gently stroked his hair. "Do you know a man named Mahnry?" he asked.