Norahn sat before the altar, the flickering candlelight illuminating his white robes, his gaze fixed on the flames. A soldier entered the chamber and knelt behind him.

"Your Sanctity," he called.

"Speak."

"The High Councilor requests your presence."

A deep sigh escaped Norahn's lips, unheard by the soldier. He sat in silence, his back rigid.

Until the true king ascends, your loyalty lies with the Guardian Crimson, not him.

Despite Yeong's chilling decree, Norahn's loyalty remained with Seong. He couldn't deny the allegiance that had taken root within him. Sahngjon's will remained hidden, and Norahn felt like a mere observer, unable to fulfill his role as the Guardian's eyes and ears. If, as Yeong claimed, Cheon Hwan was alive, where is he? What is he doing? And what will become of Cheon Seong if Cheon Hwan was indeed the chosen one? Fear gnawed at Norahn. Had his silence, his submission to the Guardian Crimson, inadvertently pushed Seong towards a path of no return? But even his fear for Seong couldn't lift the weight of his oath to Sahngjon.

"I will be there shortly," Norahn finally replied.

The soldier bowed and left. After a moment of contemplation, Norahn rose and headed towards Ryang's office. A guard announced his arrival and opened the door. Norahn, remembering the scar on his neck, adjusted his collar, ensuring it was high enough to conceal the mark. He entered the office, his gaze falling upon a brazier filled with glowing coals. Ryang was tending to a kettle, the steam rising and filling the room with warmth. He sat at his desk, nodding in greeting. Norahn returned the gesture and took a seat opposite him. As the water began to boil, Ryang lifted the kettle from the brazier. His movements were practiced and efficient as he prepared the tea. Norahn watched him, his gaze following Ryang's hands. The silence grew heavy, and Norahn spoke, eager to break the tension.

"The tea smells fragrant."

Ryang glanced at the teapot, a faint smile touching his lips. He poured the steaming tea into two cups and offered one to Norahn.

"Have a taste," he said. "I realized we've never shared a cup of tea before."

Norahn's long, slender fingers wrapped around the warm teacup. The warmth seeped into his fingertips as he took a sip of the tea.

"I heard you made a hasty trip to Hyangdo to meet with the Dahnian fleet," Norahn began.

"Indeed," Ryang confirmed. "I had to leave unexpectedly, leaving matters in your hands. I trust you understand the urgency of the situation."

"Of course," Norahn replied. "I can only imagine how tiring the journey must have been. I, on the other hand, am always here, confined within Wicheong Palace."

Norahn blinked, the blue light in his eyes flickering with each movement. Ryang couldn't get used to that light, no matter how hard he tried. He longed to understand the secrets hidden within those depths. Will those eyes see the path to Sunyahng, guided by the prophecy? He couldn't tell if Norahn was hiding something, or if he was truly as clueless as he appeared. Norahn's skin was pale and translucent, the blue veins beneath the surface visible. But his expression was unreadable, his thoughts a mystery. Though Norahn readily bowed before him, Ryang sensed a distance, a barrier he couldn't penetrate. He would have to tear down that barrier, Ryang thought, before they could return to Sunyahng.

"I won't keep you long," Ryang began. "Tell me what you discussed with the Guardian Crimson."

Despite his preparations, Norahn felt a knot of anxiety tighten in his stomach. Ryang's gaze was sharp, piercing. Norahn took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm.

"She said very little," Norahn replied. "She remained mostly silent."

"I heard you advised the Guardian to meet with her," Ryang continued. "And shortly after, the Guardian released her from confinement. Why the sudden change of heart?"

A faint smile touched Norahn's lips. "How curious," he mused.

"What is so curious?" Ryang asked, his eyes narrowing.

"You ask me about the Guardian's thoughts." He shook his head slightly. "I do not know the Guardian as well as you do, High Councilor," he continued. "I do not share the same bond with him that you do. I cannot simply ask him his thoughts."

"I'm not asking you to speculate on the Guardian's intentions," Ryang said. "I want to know what transpired in Wicheong Palace during my absence."

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"Did the Guardian not tell you anything?" Norahn asked.

"He's already troubled by the Guardian Crimson's accusations," Ryang retorted. "Must I add to his burdens by interrogating him?"

"Is that not the duty of a loyal High Councilor?" Norahn countered.

Ryang's lips tightened almost imperceptibly. Norahn, seemingly oblivious to his displeasure, continued his explanation. "I also haven't been informed of the reason for the Guardian Crimson's sudden release from confinement. You requested that I meet with her, but since she didn't provide any specific information to me, I merely suggested that the Guardian speak with her directly. I never requested her release."

His unusually detailed explanation raised Ryang's suspicions. "The Guardian is curious about your conversation with the Guardian Crimson," Ryang said.

For a fleeting moment, a flicker of panic crossed Norahn's eyes. Ryang, observing him closely, pressed further. "Did you truly learn nothing from the Guardian Crimson?"

"No," Norahn replied. "she said nothing. Perhaps it would have been better if I had been the one to suggest her release. Then, at least, I would have fulfilled my role, even if it meant disagreeing with you."

He took a sip of his tea, the liquid now lukewarm. Ryang's gaze, filled with suspicion, remained fixed on him. Ryang finally looked away.

"Very well," he conceded. He refilled Norahn's empty cup. "And how are things in the Ministry?"

"The Emissaries are steadfast in their faith."

"There's been no trouble?" Ryang asked again.

"Those who serve Sahngjon are resilient," Norahn replied. "They do not crumble under trials."

Ryang's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Indeed. I noticed a certain liveliness among the Emissaries on my way here. It's good that they've recovered from their grief so quickly. But you should keep an eye on them, High Emissary. Don't underestimate their sorrow. The further you distance yourself from their hearts, the further you drift from the people."

Norahn met his gaze. "Shouldn't an Emissary be wary of aligning himself too closely with the people?"

"There's a difference between being swayed and being empathetic," Ryang countered. "Aren't you supposed to guide the people towards Sahngjon?"

"If we maintain our purity and follow the light of Sahngjon," Norahn replied, "the people will follow us."

A cold smile touched Ryang's lips. "That would be such a paradise to behold."

Norahn, without a word, drank the tea Ryang had poured for him. The conversation ended there, and Norahn soon returned to the Ministry.

Not long after Norahn's departure, Seon returned from her meeting with Sobi. Though exhausted from a series of difficult encounters, Ryang didn't waste any time. The moment Seon sat down, he began his interrogation.

"How is the Third Emissary?"

"She looks like a ghost," Seon remarked. "Her face is as pale and gaunt as a fawn's."

"Did you give her the compensation?"

"She refused at first."

"And then?"

"I told her I'd give it to Cheongro if she didn't take it," Seon explained. "Then she accepted."

Ryang, who had been frowning, couldn't help but chuckle. Seon, however, was annoyed by his amusement which quickly faded, his face turning serious once again.

"What's with the frown?" Seon asked.

Ryang leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled. "The High Emissary met with the Guardian Crimson," he said.

"Did he learn anything?"

"He's clearly hiding something, but he won't say a word. And he's not someone I can intimidate into talking."

Seon scoffed. "You? Intimidate High Emissary?"

"I know," Ryang admitted. "That's why we need the Third Emissary. She has the High Emissary's trust. She might be able to get him to open up. How did your meeting go?"

"She's different from the other Emissaries," Seon mused. "Though she seems a bit...unhinged right now. I'm not sure what to make of her. I invited her to Nahmgyo. We'll share a cup of tea, and I'll see if I can get anything out of her."

"Did she agree?"

Seon shook her head. "She didn't give me a definite answer. I'm returning to Nahmgyo now. You can ask her yourself when you return."

"I told you, I can't get involved with the Ministry."

"Since when do you care about what the Emissaries think?" Seon scoffed. "Anyway, I'm done here. I have work to do in Nahmgyo."

She rose from her seat and headed towards the door. U’nso, who had been waiting patiently outside, bowed his head respectfully. As Seon was about to leave, Ryang suddenly remembered something.

"Wait," he called out.

"What now?" Seon asked, turning back to face him.

Ryang hesitated. Seon frowned, her impatience growing.

"I'll return to Nahmgyo in a few days," he finally mumbled.

Seon's eyes narrowed. She couldn't ignore the glint in his eyes.

"You want me to tell Dara, don't you?" she asked.

Ryang remained silent.

"Honestly," Seon muttered, shaking her head. She walked back towards Ryang.

"Get ahold of yourself," she said firmly. "You're the head of our family. Dara has served us well, and she's a capable, but that's all she is. She can never be the mother of your children. Have you forgotten that the Scion's bloodline must remain pure?"

"I know," Ryang mumbled.

"Then end things with her before it goes too far. And be discreet. We don't need more eyes on us, especially not from Wicheong Palace."

Seon's words were harsh, but Ryang couldn't deny their truth. U’nso, standing awkwardly by the door, shifted uncomfortably.

"Travel safely," Ryang said.

Seon, without turning back, waved a hand and left, her footsteps echoing through the empty hallway.