**This episode includes scenes of sexual assault that may be disturbing to some viewers. Please be advised.

Ryang entered and bowed deeply before Seong.

"I have returned, Your Luminance."

"Welcome back," Cheon Seong greeted him warmly. "How was your trip to Hyangdo?"

Seong, who had been informed of Ryang's arrival and was waiting for him, didn't engage in long greetings. Though he welcomed Ryang with his usual warm smile, a shadow seemed to linger in his eyes. Ryang pulled up a chair and sat opposite him.

"Upon arriving, the princess held a tea party for the fortress masters," Ryang reported. "She spent most of her time with the Lady of Nahmgyo, neglecting the governor of Hyangdo."

"What did they discuss?" Seong asked.

"I couldn't hear their conversation," Ryang admitted, "but it's clear that her purpose is not mere sightseeing. She inquired about my sister and me. The Lady believes she's after Nahmgyo's wealth. Most likely to fund her ambitions for the throne."

"Did she seem interested in the Crimson Star?"

"I haven't discovered anything concrete yet," Ryang replied. "But if it's related to her expedition, we'll find out soon enough. She'll be searching the entire island for any sign of it. We need to be cautious for now."

Seong nodded. "Indeed. Where has she set up camp?"

"On the coast between Hyangdo harbor and the north gate. She's staying in the guest house within the fortress, not in the military camp."

"Keep an eye on her movements."

"I've already instructed our men to do so."

"Good. And what of Soyeol and Sung? Any news from the Lady?"

"Nothing yet. But we should remain vigilant."

Ryang hesitated, observing Seong's expression, then spoke cautiously. "I saw the Guardian Crimson on my way back."

"So she's no longer sticking to her chamber," Seong mused.

Ryang had expected him to be upset, but Seong's expression was surprisingly calm. There was even a hint of a smile on his face.

"You released her?" Ryang asked.

"I did."

"That was a dangerous decision, Guardian. Why didn't you consult with me?"

"I don't need your approval for every decision, Ryang."

"That's not what I meant," Ryang insisted. "But Guardian, there's no harm in seeking counsel. If you had waited just one more day..."

"What would I have gained by keeping her confined?"

"We could have prevented any potential threats. Did the Ministry pleaded for her release?"

"I met with her and made the decision myself."

"Guardian."

"She is not our enemy," Seong said. "I understand your caution, but we can't let suspicion rule us."

"Did she say anything?" Ryang asked.

"No, she hasn't said a word. I think there's a reason she can't speak. It's not her choice. And she doesn't mean us any harm."

"How can you be so sure?" Ryang pressed, his voice rising in frustration. "You've only met her twice. And she called you unworthy the moment she saw you."

"Then why did you send Norahn to her?" Seong countered. "If you don't trust her, why would you send him?"

Ryang's gaze faltered. Seong's eyes swept over him.

"You gave him your commend tablet," Seong said. "I heard from the guards."

"I did," Ryang admitted.

"Why didn't you consult with me?"

"I needed to find out what she knew," Ryang explained. "She wouldn't speak to me after I challenged her. I thought she might be more willing to confide in the High Emissary Divine."

"Why didn't you ask me first?"

"I didn't want to burden you with more worries," Ryang replied. "I wasn't trying to hide anything from you."

"I know you weren't," Seong said. "You're not foolish enough to give away your commend tablet if you were trying to hide something. I spoke with Norahn yesterday, and he never mentioned meeting with the Guardian Crimson. I didn't know you had sent him."

"Why did he come to see you?" Ryang asked.

"He urged me to speak with her."

Ryang's mind raced, trying to piece together the events of the past few days.

"What did Norahn and the Guardian Crimson discuss?" Seong wondered. "Why didn't he tell me about it?"

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"Did she say anything to him?"

"Would she?"

"Either she didn't say anything," Ryang mused, "or she told him something he couldn't repeat. I'll ask him myself. I was the one who sent him to her, after all."

"Do that," Seong said with a nod. "It would be awkward for me to question him directly."

"I will." Ryang bowed his head.

The tension in the room dissipated, and Seong's voice softened. "Ryang," he began.

"Yes, Guardian?"

Seong hesitated. "I know I've been neglecting my duties," he confessed. "I know I've been relying on you too much. You were right to criticize me. You've become accustomed to making decisions without consulting me. But that's going to change. So please, don't do anything without discussing it with me first. I'll try to do the same."

Ryang's expression softened. "Then you'll need to change the way you speak," he remarked.

"What do you mean?"

"A Guardian doesn't ask; he commands."

Seong nodded.

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Cheongro sipped his liquor, a smug grin plastered on his face. He couldn't remember the last time he had enjoyed a confrontation with Ryang so much. The High Councilor's stunned expression, his flustered attempts to regain control... it was a sight to behold. All those titles and accolades – descendant of a noble family, scholar, Celestial Scion – they meant nothing now. Not with the arrival of the Guardian Crimson.

Sahngjon was a benevolent god. Though Cheongro was but a lowly orphan, a remnant of a fallen kingdom, clinging to existence on a remote island, he had risen to a position of power. It was all thanks to Sahngjon's grace. His silver tongue, so often despised by those of higher rank, had a way of charming the naive and gullible. He had used that talent to gather followers, to build his influence within the Ministry. He had served Sahngjon well, and he was confident that his loyalty would be rewarded.

"Who's there?" he called out.

An Emissary opened the door and bowed. "You called, Second Emissary?"

"Bring me that young one, Siu."

"Yes, sir."

Cheongro waited, savoring his liquor, until the Emissary returned with Siu. The young girl scurried into the room, hwr nose wrinkling at the pungent smell of alcohol. She bowed deeply.

"You summoned me, Second Emissary?"

Cheongro gestured towards the door, and Siu closed it. Cheongro leaned back in his chair, a sly smile playing on his lips.

"Why the frown, pretty face?"

"The smell..." Siu mumbled, her cheeks flushing.

Cheongro chuckled, amused by her naivete. "Are you going to report me to the High Emissary?"

Siu quickly lowered her gaze. "An Emissary's words should carry the weight of a thousand mountains," she recited.

"Well said," Cheongro remarked, his smile widening. "You're sixteen, aren't you?"

Siu, intimidated by Cheongro's intense gaze, simply nodded.

"Such a lovely age," Cheongro mused. "It seems such a waste for Sahngjon to confine you to the Ministry. You should be out there, shining brightly. Don't you ever get bored being an Emissary?"

"Serving Sahngjon is a joy," Siu replied dutifully.

"My dear, there are many joys in this world that you haven't experienced yet. Not all pleasures are sinful. Sahngjon gave them to us to enjoy. It is our duty to embrace them." He paused, his eyes twinkling.

"Have you ever... indulged in those pleasures?" he asked.

Siu's eyes darted around the room. "I don't understand what you mean."

"Have you ever been with anyone?" Cheongro clarified. "Man or woman?"

"N-no, sir." Siu's face flushed, and she quickly lowered her gaze.

Cheongro took another sip of liquor. "Are you sure?" he asked again.

"Purity is an Emissary's duty..."

"And how many do you think actually adhere to that?" Cheongro scoffed.

Siu, however, shook her head vehemently. "I've never broken that vow," she insisted. "Why do you ask? Have I done something wrong?"

She fidgeted nervously, assuming Cheongro's question was an accusation. Cheongro simply smiled.

"No, no. You haven't done anything wrong. Do you pray often?"

"I observe all the required rituals," Siu replied. "Though I'm sometimes reprimanded for being late..."

"Prayer isn't confined to rituals," Cheongro said, rising from his seat and smoothing his robes.

Siu looked at him, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Where are we going?"

"To the prayer rooms."

"What?"

Cheongro placed a hand on Siu's shoulder. "Sahngjon doesn't listen to just any prayer," he said. "You need to offer the right kind of prayer to receive an answer. Come, I'll teach you."

"Yes, Sir." Siu bowed her head and followed Cheongro out of the room.

There were many paths to the prayer rooms, but Cheongro chose a secluded one, rarely used by the other Emissaries. He walked in silence, his gaze fixed on the path ahead, making Siu even more nervous.

The prayer rooms of the Ministry was a network of small caves carved into the walls of Wicheong Palace. Each room was furnished with an incense burner, crystal haze, a small candle, and a white porcelain vase filled with fresh water from the sacred lake on Shinsuk Mountain. Some rooms were barely large enough for a single person, while others could accommodate several. It was late, and the prayer rooms were deserted. Cheongro led Siu to a secluded one, just large enough for the two of them. He closed the door behind them and placed a handful of Crystal Haze in the incense burner, lighting it with the candle. The small cave quickly filled with smoke. Siu, unaccustomed to such a large quantity of haze - the Emissaries usually burned only a pinch during prayers and rituals - felt her mind growing hazy.

"Second Emissary," she mumbled, "isn't that too much Crystal? My head feels cloudy."

"A clear mind is easily clouded by arrogance," Cheongro replied. "Look at the High Councilor. He's so full of himself, so convinced of his own intelligence. Sahngjon will punish him severely one day. Don't worry your pretty little head about it. Just relax."

Siu nodded and knelt on the floor. Cheongro moved behind her, placing his hands on the girl's slender shoulders.

"Close your eyes and breathe deeply," he instructed, his voice a soothing murmur. "Let your thoughts drift away. Empty your mind, and Sahngjon will fill it with his grace."

"Yes, Sir," Siu replied.

Despite her obedience, a growing unease settled over her as the smoke filled her lungs and clouded her mind. Her limbs felt heavy, her head light. She closed her eyes, and a wave of dizziness washed over her. When she opened them again, all she could see was Cheongro's face hovering above her, his features distorted by the smoke. The touch of Cheongro's hands on her body felt like a nightmare, and even in her hazy state, fear gripped her.

"Second Emissary..." she whimpered.

Cheongro's touch was relentless, his actions practiced and efficient. Siu, paralyzed by fear, couldn't struggle, couldn't scream. She was trapped, alone in the darkness, and the thought that no one would come terrified her.

Cheongro, his task complete, straightened his disheveled robes. Siu lay on the floor, her eyes vacant, her body limp. Cheongro poured sacred water from the porcelain vase over her, washing away the grime and sweat. The cold water stung Siu's skin, bringing her back to the present.

"You said an Emissary's words should carry the weight of a thousand mountains," Cheongro said, his voice a menacing whisper in the flickering candlelight. "You understand what will happen to us if anyone finds out about this, don't you?"

Siu remained silent.

"Answer me," Cheongro demanded.

"Yes," Siu whimpered, her eyes filled with tears.

"Good. Now stay here until your eyes are no longer red. And fix your clothes."

Cheongro turned and left the room. Siu's tears flowed freely now, her small hands clenching and unclenching in frustration and despair.