Hongyoo led them to a different tent, this one surrounded by a sea of flags. There were more flags than guards. Though they couldn't speak freely in front of Hongyoo, both Ryang and Seon were puzzled. Has Hongyoo deliberately led us to the wrong tent? This one was heavily guarded and lavishly decorated. Surely he couldn't have mistaken it. The memory of the scarred man's startled face left them with a lingering sense of unease.

Four guards approached, and Hongyoo bowed his head slightly. Ryang and Seon nodded, and the guards, after a thorough search, stepped aside.

"Your Highness," Hongyoo announced, "the Myeonghyeon siblings have arrived and request an audience."

"Enter," Kyeong'ui's voice called out from within. Though the tent was just a few steps away, her voice seemed distant, muffled by the thick canvas.

Hongyoo entered, holding the tent flap open for the siblings. Kyeong'ui sat at a table, her gaze fixed on them. Hongyoo bowed deeply, and Ryang and Seon followed suit. Kyeong'ui nodded in acknowledgement. Ryang's gaze swept across the table, taking in the stack of books and documents. They looked well-worn, their pages dog-eared and stained. Most of the books were commentaries on the Azure Scripture. He even spotted a copy of the scripture itself, its blue cover faded and worn. A nearby candlestick was encrusted with wax, evidence of countless sleepless nights. Ryang imagined Kyeong'ui poring over those texts, her brow furrowed in concentration. A map of Birahng, still incomplete, hung on the wall behind her. Though the drawing was skillfully executed, there were still many blank spaces. Ryang felt a pang of anxiety, imagining Wicheong Palace marked somewhere between Nahmgyo and Dongrahng.

"We've made quite a bit of progress in the few days since our arrival," Kyeong'ui remarked, noticing his gaze lingering on the map.

"I trust you've been well, Your Highness," Ryang replied politely.

"Hongyoo, clear the area," Kyeong'ui commanded. "No one within twenty paces."

"And what about me?" Hongyoo asked.

"You may stay."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Hongyoo exited the tent, and they could hear the clinking of armor as the soldiers retreated. When he returned, Kyeong'ui gestured towards Dara.

"Who is she?" she asked.

Ryang lowered his gaze. "This is Dara, our servant," he explained. "She's like a Royal Attendant to us. Please allow her to remain. She can relay messages when my sister and I are unavailable."

"Very well," Kyeong'ui agreed. "She may stay."

Kyeong'ui assumed this must be the servant Gahngyun Hyeok had mentioned, the one with the dark skin and round eyes.

Kyeong'ui gestured towards the seats, and Ryang and Seon settled across from her. She poured them each a cup of tea from the pot on the table. The tea was lukewarm. Ryang and Seon both grimaced slightly at the bitter taste.

"I'm not very good at making tea," Kyeong'ui admitted with a sheepish smile. "I've always had servants to do it for me. It's a shame I can't offer you the same hospitality you showed me in your charming tea room."

"Not at all, Your Highness," Ryang replied. "Your invitation is an honor in itself."

Kyeong'ui tilted her head, a curious smile playing on her lips. He was surprisingly smooth-tongued, a stark contrast to his earlier aloofness. She turned her attention to Seon, who, sensing the shift in atmosphere, quickly introduced herself.

"Seon of House Myeonghyeon," she said, bowing her head.

"It was a shame we didn't have a chance to speak properly the other day," Kyeong'ui replied. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

Seon bowed again, her jade earrings swaying gently. Kyeong'ui found herself captivated by her lively eyes and confident demeanor. Seon, with features strikingly similar to her brother's, was undeniably beautiful. Even Ryang, who was handsome in his own right, paled in comparison to her vibrant presence. Seon gestured to Dara, who stepped forward and placed a silk-wrapped box on the table.

"What's this?" Kyeong'ui asked.

"A small token of our apology for our previous discourtesy," Ryang explained. "And a gesture of goodwill."

"It's perfumed oil," Hongyoo whispered to Kyeong'ui.

Kyeong'ui carefully untied the silk wrapping, revealing a polished ebony box. Inside, nestled on a bed of white silk, lay a delicate glass bottle filled with a shimmering liquid. She uncorked the bottle, and a captivating fragrance filled the air. It was a unique scent, both sweet and spicy, unlike anything she had encountered before.

"It's from Sung," Ryang explained, noticing her fascination. "A rare and precious fragrance, not even found in the royal palace of Sunyahng."

"It's exquisite," Kyeong'ui remarked, inhaling the intoxicating aroma. "How did you acquire such a treasure on this island?"

"I'll explain eventually," Ryang replied.

Kyeong'ui smiled. "So you've made your decision?"

"We have, Your Highness," Ryang confirmed. "We accept your offer."

Though her face lit up with a triumphant smile, Kyeong'ui leaned back in her chair. "You were quite defiant the other day," she remarked. "What changed your mind?"

"We're not entirely convinced, Your Highness," Ryang admitted.

Kyeong'ui's brow furrowed slightly.

"Clinging to our petty authority and our unsavory business," Ryang continued, "doesn't seem like a fitting path for our house."

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"You said you wanted to protect your family," Kyeong'ui countered.

"This may not be the best way to do that," Ryang conceded. "But perhaps, with your help, we can find a way to reclaim our honor. We are willing to gamble on your ambition, Your Highness, and our own abilities."

Kyeong'ui smiled. "Thank you," she said. "Thank you for believing in me."

Kyeong'ui's eyes shone with a mixture of confidence and a barely concealed eagerness. Ryang and Seon could see the hope and anticipation she was trying to hide. It was a gaze that spoke of ambition and dreams, a gaze that could make one believe in the impossible. For a moment, they almost forgot their intention to deceive her. Ryang, unable to meet her eyes, looked away, his gaze falling upon the cluttered table.

"You've been studying the Azure Scripture and its commentaries," he remarked.

"I need to find a way to ensure our survival," Kyeong'ui replied. "And I need your help. You're more familiar with the Azure Scripture than I am. Would you be willing to come to the encampment tomorrow? I have many questions for you."

"Of course, Your Highness," Ryang agreed.

"I hope I'm not taking you away from your duties at the merchant company," Kyeong'ui said.

"My sister can manage things in my absence," Ryang assured her. "She's been handling most of the business for quite some time now. I've been occupied with other matters."

Kyeong'ui turned her attention to Seon. "You're quite capable," she remarked. "I believe we're the same age."

"You command a fleet of a thousand men, Your Highness," Seon said.

"That is merely a duty bestowed upon me by my father," Kyeong'ui replied. "It's not a reflection of my own abilities."

Seon smiled. "I'm in the same boat, Your Highness. I was born into a merchant family and had to learn to survive. But it is your courage and leadership that has brought us together today."

"Thank you," Kyeong'ui said, her smile widening.

Ryang, uncomfortable with the exchange of flattery, changed the subject. "I noticed your warships were out at sea today," he remarked.

Kyeong'ui took a sip of the lukewarm tea. "They're searching the coast," she explained.

"The coast?"

"I received a report that the Crimson Star disappeared over the southeastern coast. The informant even specified the location. It seemed worth investigating."

Ryang's brow furrowed. "You said you didn't believe in the Azure Scripture," he said. "Do you honestly believe you'll find something in the sea?"

"It's a matter of appearances," Kyeong'ui explained. "If we don't address these rumors, they'll only spiral out of control. It's better to take charge of the narrative."

Ryang's apprehension grew. He remembered the rumors about the Crimson Star falling near the southeastern coast. And the Guardian Crimson had been found in that same area. Though she had yet to reveal how she had arrived on the island, if Kyeong'ui discovered something, it could lead them to the truth. But if she found something and used it against them, their situation would become even more precarious.

"What will you do if you actually find something?" Ryang asked.

Kyeong'ui tilted her head slightly. "Let me ask you a question in return," she said. "Do you believe in the Azure Scripture?"

"It's just a story," Ryang replied without hesitation. "Though many on this island and in Soyeol still cling to the prophecy. And my father... he was a devout follower. I was merely taught its stories."

Kyeong'ui smiled. "Excellent," she purred. "Blind faith is no good to anyone. Especially to me."

After a lengthy discussion, Ryang and Seon rose from their seats and prepared to depart. Outside the tent, Kyeong'ui stood gazing at the flags fluttering in the wind, a sense of satisfaction swelling within her.

"I've seen the emblems of the Twelve Houses in the archives," she mused. "The Myeonghyeon emblem is quite similar to the emblem of Dahn, isn't it? The radiant sun. Perhaps Dahn, not Wi, was always the true home for the Myeonghyeon's loyalty."

The emblem of Dahn, embroidered in gold thread on the black flags, depicted the rising sun, its rays spreading across the horizon. The forgotten emblem of House Myeonghyeon was similar, a sun without the horizon, its brilliance undiminished. Kyeong'ui remembered the blue flags hanging above the entrance to the inn, its silver sun partially eclipsed. It was a clever alteration of the original Myeonghyeon emblem, a subtle reminder of their hidden allegiance, easily recognized by those familiar with their history.

"The Myeonghyeon emblem is not the sun, Your Highness," Seon corrected gently. "Even the Scion houses wouldn't dare claim the sun as their symbol, not while serving under a royal."

"Then what is it?" Kyeong'ui asked, her curiosity piqued.

"A mirror," Ryang replied.

Kyeong'ui's eyes widened. "That explains the circular border," she mused. "It makes sense now. Does the mirror symbolize the reflection of the ruler's light?"

"I prefer to think it symbolizes the reflection of the ruler themselves," Ryang replied.

"Both interpretations are valid," Kyeong'ui conceded. "And both are noble aspirations. That explains why the founder of Wi bestowed the name Myeonghyeon(明現) upon your house."

"It is an honor we strive to uphold," Ryang replied.

"Though it was the founder of Wi who granted you that name," Kyeong'ui remarked, "I trust you will honor its legacy by serving Dahn."

Ryang simply smiled in response. Seon gestured towards Kyeong'ui's personal flag fluttering beside the Dahnian flag.

"Your flag bears the emblem of the tiger-bird," she observed.

The emblem, embroidered in gold thread, depicted a creature with the body of a tiger and the wings of a bird.

"It was bestowed upon me by my father," Kyeong'ui explained, her gaze fixed on the flag.

"Why the tiger-bird?" Seon asked, her curiosity piqued.

Kyeong'ui's smile widened. "I'll tell you eventually."

Kyeong'ui accompanied the Myeonghyeon siblings to the entrance of the encampment. As they disappeared over the hill, she and Hongyoo returned to her tent.

"They're showing off," Hongyoo remarked.

"Showing off what?"

"The extent of their knowledge. That perfumed oil was no mere gift."

"What do you mean?" Kyeong'ui asked, her brow furrowed. "Is there something special about it?"

Hongyoo recalled Seon's sly grin and probing questions about his origins. He had been irritated by their every action, their subtle reminders of his connection to Sung, their blatant flaunting of their wealth and connections. He had told Kyeong'ui they were showing off, but to him, it felt like a veiled threat.

"It's a fragrance used by the Sungian royal family," he explained. "I encountered it once, during a visit to Sung before I entered the palace. It's a rather distinctive scent, hard to forget."

He stepped closer to Kyeong'ui, his gaze intense. "Don't trust them so easily, Your Highness. They're more than just merchants and brothel keepers. There's something else going on. I'll continue to investigate. Until then, take what you need from them, but keep your distance."

His words, a stark contrast to his earlier praise for the siblings' intelligence, surprised Kyeong'ui. But she didn't question him.

"I have a request, Your Highness," Hongyoo continued.

"What is it?"

"Grant me permission to handle Mahnry as I see fit."

"If you need to question him further, then do so," Kyeong'ui replied. "Why are you making such a fuss?"

"I might need to resort to unconventional methods," Hongyoo explained.

Kyeong'ui, sensing the danger in his tone, reluctantly agreed. "Do what you must," she said. "But don't do anything that would bring dishonor to my father."

Hongyoo smiled, his gaze softening. "Don't worry, Your Highness," he said. "I will be your shadow. And you will be the sun of Dahn."

Though they were alone in the tent, Kyeong'ui felt a shiver run down her spine at the intensity in his eyes. Hongyoo's hand reached out, his fingers gently caressing her neck. He leaned in, his lips finding hers. The familiar taste of his kiss, the warmth of his body, brought a strange mix of comfort and unease.