"Mahnry?" the boy echoed, his brow furrowing. He looked at Hongyoo with confusion. Hongyoo's heart sank.

"Was there someone named Mahnry working for your masters?" he pressed. "His mother's name is Yu."

The boy shook his head. "Those who work in the inn don't have access to the inner section," he explained. "But we all know each other's faces. What does he look like?"

"I don't know what he originally looked like," Hongyoo replied. "He suffered severe burns recently. But his voice is young."

"I don't recall anyone like that," the boy said.

Hongyoo pushed him away, his grip tight on the boy's arms. "How long have you been here?" he demanded.

"Since last winter," the boy stammered, intimidated by Hongyoo's fierce gaze.

"And the girl who left earlier?"

"She arrived a few months after me."

Hongyoo released him, a chuckle escaping his lips. It was absurd. Seon wouldn't have sent someone who knew so much about the inner workings of the inn. The thought of them playing this game of cat and mouse amused him.

The boy's slender arms wrapped around Hongyoo's neck. "Shall we continue?" he said.

Hongyoo glanced at him. "Pour me a drink first," he instructed.

The boy turned towards the table where the liquor jug sat. Hongyoo's hand disappeared into his robe, then reemerged. The boy returned with a cup filled with liquor and offered it to Hongyoo, who pushed it back towards him.

"Drink it," he commanded.

"But I haven't learned to drink yet," the boy said.

Hongyoo scoffed. "They taught you everything else, but not how to drink?" he sneered. "Take it. It’s okay."

The boy hesitated, then accepted the cup and drained it in a single gulp. He grimaced, the strong alcohol unfamiliar to his young palate. His eyes were still clear, his skin smooth and unblemished despite its darkness. He was just a boy.

"How old are you?" Hongyoo asked, his voice softening slightly.

"Fifteen."

"Fifteen." Hongyoo echoed, a hint of sadness in his voice. The boy's eyes fluttered, his exhaustion evident.

"So, how did you end up here?" Hongyoo asked again.

"My parents died a few years ago during the plague," the boy replied, his eyes downcast. "I have younger siblings to take care of."

"There were no other options?" Hongyoo instantly regretted his words. Who will choose this life if they have any other choice? It was a careless question, a pointless jab at the boy's misfortune.

"Not all patrons are as kind as you, sir," the boy replied. "If I could do anything else, I would."

"Do the others... hurt you?" Hongyoo asked.

"No, sir. The masters would punish anyone who mistreated us."

So the pimps have some morals, after all. Hongyoo chuckled. "Then what do they do?" he asked, unable to help himself.

The boy's face darkened, and Hongyoo felt a pang of guilt. He was being far too callous. The boy's forced smile and youthful innocence tugged at his heartstrings.

"Do your masters treat you well?" he asked.

"They do. Though the older boys sometimes bully us when the masters aren't around."

"They treat you well..." Hongyoo scoffed inwardly. The boy's painted lips, his neatly styled hair... he was adorned with finery he couldn't possibly afford, his body a commodity to be sold to satisfy the desires of strangers. And yet, the Myeonghyeon siblings provided him with food and shelter, and protected him from physical harm. Are they his saviors? The thought of those two, with their expensive clothes and refined tastes, disgusted him.

He reached out and gently caressed the boy's cheek. The boy, though young, sensed the sadness in Hongyoo's eyes.

"What should I do, sir?" he asked.

Hongyoo remained silent, his gaze fixed on the boy's face. He lay back on the bed and pulled the boy down beside him.

"Just sleep," he murmured, his arm wrapping around the boy's thin shoulders.

The boy, exhausted, quickly drifted off to sleep. Hongyoo continued to stroke his hair, his voice a low whisper in the darkness.

"Sleep well."

──────────

Worried about leaving Wicheong Palace unattended for too long, Myeonghyeon Ryang set out for Nahmgyo shortly after receiving his instructions from Cheon Seong. He arrived late at night, the hour when most people were asleep. A light flickered in the window of his chambers in the rear garden. He pushed the door open, his heart pounding, and found Seon sitting at the table, her arms crossed, her expression unreadable. Ryang, momentarily relieved, frowned at her.

"Have you been drinking?" he asked sharply.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

Though Seon had changed into her nightclothes and showed no outward signs of intoxication, the pungent smell of alcohol filled the room. She glared at him.

"A lecture the moment you arrive?" she retorted. "What did the Guardian say?"

Ryang removed his hat and robe, hanging them neatly on a stand. "He said we should play along with the princess for now," he replied wearily. "We don't have much choice."

"And then what? Did he tell you to go to Sunyahng with her?"

"Don’t rush things," Ryang said, settling into a chair.

Seon watched him, her lips pursed in annoyance, waiting for him to elaborate. His silence, however, filled her with a growing sense of dread.

"Why are you being so evasive?" she demanded.

"This is just the beginning," Ryang said.

"Beginning of what?"

"The Guardian intends to attack the princess and seize control of Birahng before the monsoon season arrives. We need to buy him some time."

Seon's playful demeanor vanished.

"We won't be able to return to Wicheong Palace for a while," Ryang continued. "We need to persuade Nahmgyo to join our cause. Once they're on our side, Dongrahng and Seorahng will follow. And with any luck, we might even secure the support of Sung and Soyeol. We have to."

"Did the Guardian really say that?" Seon asked in disbelief.

"Why do you ask?"

"Because it's not like him."

Ryang glared at her. "What do you know about him?" he snapped.

Seon, though still skeptical, held her tongue. The reality of the situation hadn't sunk in yet.

"Is this really happening?" she asked. "Are we really going to war?"

"He has made his decision."

"Why do you trust him so blindly?" Seon argued. "Why didn't you consult with our uncle? Or even the High Emissary? They would have given you their guidance, wouldn't they?"

Seon's words struck a chord within Ryang. He, too, craved guidance, but he couldn't bring himself to trust either his uncle, who was overly protective of Seong, or Norahn, who would likely encourage Seong's recklessness. He missed his father's wisdom, his steady hand.

"If we don't act," Ryang said firmly, "we'll all be destroyed. The Crimson Star has appeared, and we have the Guardian Crimson. We have to follow the Guardian's lead."

"What a noble cause," Seon muttered sarcastically.

"Watch your tongue," Ryang warned.

He glared at her, but Seon ignored him. The silence stretched, heavy with unspoken anxieties.

"The princess's Royal Attendant is here," Seon announced casually.

Ryang's eyes widened in alarm. "What? Why is he here? After only a day?"

"He said he had business with Lady Seolyo," Seon explained. "He said they are moving their camp closer to Nahmgyo I'm not sure what their plan is, but I offered him hospitality and a private room. He should be sound asleep by now. I made sure of it."

"You drank with him?" Ryang exclaimed, his voice rising. "Are you insane? Do you have any idea who he is?"

Seon glared at him, annoyed by his usual barrage of reprimands. She turned away, her lips pursed in annoyance. Ryang, seeing her displeasure, quickly softened his tone.

"What did you talk about?" he asked.

"Why are you so interested in our conversation which displeases you that much?" Seon retorted, her eyes narrowed.

"Alright, alright, I apologize," Ryang conceded. "So tell me what happened."

Seon leaned closer. "He asked a lot of questions," she said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Are you married? Why not? How old are you...?"

"You didn't answer all those questions, did you?" Ryang asked, his voice laced with a hint of panic.

"I told him what he needed to know," Seon replied evasively.

Ryang frowned. "And I have to trust your judgement, right?"

"Do you have other options?” Seou continued. “Anyway, he was very curious about our finances. He kept asking what all our money was for."

"I suppose that's understandable," Ryang mused.

Seon's voice dropped to a whisper. "I discovered something interesting," she said, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

"What is it?"

"He's Sungian," Seon revealed. "I noticed his accent and asked him about it. He didn't deny it."

Seon savored Ryang's surprised expression, pleased with herself for extracting such valuable information from Hongyoo.

"How did a Sungian end up in the royal court?" Ryang wondered aloud.

"I didn't get that far," Seon admitted. "But it's not difficult to forge documents and take the civil service exam in Dahn. I'm sure he found a way."

"Did you learn anything else?"

"I sent two courtesans to his room, a boy and a girl. He sent the girl away."

"Please, tell me you did send the smart ones."

Seon chuckled. "Of course. We'll see what happens in the morning. I'm going back to my room now. Get some rest. You have enough to worry about without wasting your energy on private things."

She rose from her seat and headed towards the door.

──────────

Hongyoo awoke with a throbbing headache, the memories of the previous night hazy and dreamlike. He could hear the soft sound of breathing beside him. The boy was still asleep. He carefully extracted himself from the boy's embrace and rose from the bed, gathering his clothes. As he stepped out of the room, he was surprised to find Myeonghyeon Ryang waiting for him. Ryang bowed his head respectfully.

"Good morning, Royal Attendant."

Hongyoo, caught off guard, returned the bow. "I didn't see you last night," he said. "It seems we meet again. Hongyoo, the princess’s Royal Attendant."

"I trust you slept well."

"Thanks to your hospitality," Hongyoo replied smoothly. "I enjoyed a pleasant evening with your sister."

"I understand you're here to inform the Lady about relocating your camp," Ryang remarked.

"We'll be moving closer to Nahmgyo within a few days," Hongyoo confirmed. "I expect we'll be frequenting this establishment."

"We'll visit you once you've settled in," Ryang offered.

Hongyoo smiled. "I look forward to it." He bowed once more and departed.

As soon as Hongyoo and his soldiers left, Ryang and Seon summoned the boy who had entertained Hongyoo the previous night. The boy, sensing their displeasure, stood before them, his head bowed, his body trembling.

"Did he touch you?" Ryang asked.

The boy remained silent.

"What did he ask you?" Ryang pressed.

"I..." the boy hesitated.

"Answer him," Seon snapped.

"I only remember entering this room," the boy stammered. "I don't remember anything after that."

Seon's eyes widened in disbelief. "What are you talking about?" she exclaimed. "Are you lying to us?"

"I would never lie to you," the boy insisted, his voice trembling.

Ryang felt a sharp pain in his temples. If the boy was telling the truth, then this was no small matter.

"Did he give you anything?" he asked, his eyes narrowed. "Did you eat or drink anything he gave you?"

The boy shook his head vehemently. "I don't remember anything. I'm sorry."

Ryang abruptly rose and hurried towards the private chamber where Hongyoo had stayed, Seon following close behind. The room, as instructed, had been left untouched. Ryang surveyed the room, noting the disheveled bedding and the liquor jug on the table. He picked up the jug, its contents sloshing heavily.

"See how much is left," he instructed, handing it to Seon.

The jug held seven cups' worth of liquor. Seon poured cup after cup, tossing the contents out the door. She stopped at the sixth cup.

"He drugged the boy," Ryang concluded.

Seon's lips curled into a sneer. "How curious."