Throughout his explanation of the situation with House Myeonghyeon, Cheon Seong felt as if he were sitting on a bed of nails. Though the matter was undeniably serious, Kyeongseon Ung remained silent for an unusually long time after Seong finished speaking, his fists clenched on his knees. This silence was familiar. Whenever Ung was displeased or worried, he would retreat into silence rather than raise his voice. Seong remembered the countless times he had anxiously awaited the end of such silences, the feeling as unpleasant now as it had been then.

"Will it be alright?" Ung finally asked.

As Seong had expected, Ung was worried. He had always seen Seong as weak and vulnerable. Though he wished he could be a mentor and advisor like Myeonghyeon Seung had been, he knew he lacked the wisdom and experience. But he trusted his instincts, and they told him something was amiss. This plan to reclaim Birahng, hatched so suddenly by two inexperienced young men, seemed reckless.

"I trust Ryang," Seong insisted. "There's no need to worry. We won't be completely cut off. He'll be in Nahmgyo, but we can still communicate."

"But you will have to face any unexpected events alone," Ung countered, his brow furrowed.

Seong smiled. "That's what you've been training me for," he said. "Trust me."

But Ung's expression remained grim. Seong, seeing that his reassurances were falling on deaf ears, continued.

"Ryang will inform us of Seolyo Jin's decision soon," he said. "Whether it's good news or bad."

"What do you think she will do?"

"If she believes we're prepared, she'll join us."

Ung's frown deepened.

"Are we prepared?" Seong asked.

"No," Ung admitted bluntly.

Before Seong could even process his answer, Ung continued, his voice rising with urgency.

"We cannot conquer the four fortresses of Birahng with our current forces. We might be able to take Dongrahng or Seorahng, but Nahmgyo must open its gates willingly. Once we have their support, along with Dongrahng and Seorahng, we can attack Hyangdo. But even if we succeed, our losses will be significant."

"I've heard there are no more than two hundred soldiers guarding each fortress," Seong argued. "Is Hyangdo truly that impenetrable?"

"Governor Juyeong Hyo has maintained control with those two hundred soldiers," Ung replied. "It’s clearly not the result of his competency."

Though Ung spoke of their chances, his words offered little comfort.

"We can't sacrifice our soldiers to capture a fortress defended by a mere two hundred men," Seong said. "We need another plan."

"We have no choice but to rely on Nahmgyo for now," Ung said. "We need an experienced commander. I've only trained soldiers; I've never led them into battle. My advice is insufficient."

"But the soldiers in Nahmgyo only have experience defending their walls."

"It's better than having no experience at all."

Seong pondered, his fist pressed against his lips. What should I do? As Ung had pointed out, no one in Wicheong Palace had any experience with war, let alone leading a battle. He could try to persuade a disgruntled commander from the southern coast to join their cause, but that would only be possible after they captured Birahng. They needed a different approach, something less ambitious.

"Shouldn't Joon scout Hyangdo first?" he suggested.

Ung nodded. "Indeed. Shall I summon him?"

"No. I'll go find him myself. It's been a while since we've spoken. Do you know where he is?"

"I saw him near the spring on my way here."

Seong rose from his seat. As he turned to leave, Ung spoke, his voice grave.

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"May I offer some advice?"

Seong knew what was coming, but he forced a smile. "Of course."

"Why do you insist on making these important decisions with only Ryang?" Ung asked, his disapproval evident.

Seong's smile faltered. "I am the Guardian," he said. "And Ryang is the High Councilor."

"These are critical times," Ung pressed. "Ryang may be capable, but he lacks experience. Even the wisest can make mistakes. And your mistakes, Guardian, along with Ryang's, could jeopardize the Azure Scripture and the fate of Wicheong Palace. The only way to avoid such mistakes is to seek counsel. Especially in matters like this..."

He trailed off, his meaning clear. Seong, suppressing his annoyance, bowed his head.

"I'll keep that in mind."

He left the room, a childish resentment simmering within him. Though he understood Ung's concern, his words stung. Is it because Ung has always favored Hwan, with his superior martial skills?

He pushed aside these petty thoughts and continued towards the spring. He spotted Kyeongseon Joon from afar, his tall frame unmistakable. The sight of his broad back filled Seong with a sense of calm. He approached quietly.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice startling Joon.

"Oh!" Joon exclaimed, spinning around. "You scared me."

"You should be more alert," Seong chided, pleased with Joon's reaction.

"I was just admiring the view," Joon replied, gesturing towards Yeong, who sat by the spring, her hand trailing through the water.

"The Guardian Crimson," Seong acknowledged.

"She often comes here," Joon observed.

"I've seen her here a few times myself."

Though Yeong seemed to be playing with the water, her expression was far from playful. Now that she was no longer confined, she could wander freely and explore the island, but she remained by the spring. Seong, his gaze fixed on her distant figure, turned to Joon.

"Have you heard anything from the soldiers?" he asked. "Any complaints about her?"

"No, Guardian," Joon replied, surprised. "Why would they complain?"

"The deaths of the Emissaries are still unresolved. Some might resent Yeong."

"Yeong?" Joon echoed, his brow furrowing.

"That's her name," Seong explained. "She said Sahngjon calls her that."

Joon's gaze drifted towards Yeong. "That's strange. None of us have ever spoken to Sahngjon. Not even our ancestors," he mused.

He watched her slender fingers dance across the surface of the water, a sense of awe washing over him.

"Who would dare resent her?" he murmured. "Everyone wants to catch her attention. But she keeps to herself. Perhaps she has her reasons. No one believes she's the one who killed the Emissaries anymore."

"Ryang doesn't seem to like her very much," Seong remarked.

"The High Councilor?" Joon scoffed. "He'd glare at Sahngjon himself if he appeared before him."

"That sounds like him," Seong chuckled. His smile faded, and he turned to Joon. "I have a task for you."

Joon straightened, his back no longer leaning against the cave wall. "Your orders, Guardian?"

"I need you to go to Hyangdo. It's been a while since we've had a proper assessment of their defenses."

"Is there a reason for this sudden interest in Hyangdo?" Joon asked.

Seong's gaze hardened. "I've received Sahngjon's will," he declared. "It's time to act."

Joon understood. He bowed his head respectfully. "I'll prepare immediately."

Joon departed, leaving Seong alone with Yeong. Even after several days, her presence still felt surreal, like a dream. Perhaps it was her ethereal beauty, the way she moved with an otherworldly grace, that made her seem so unreal. Just looking at her drained him of energy. Though she had been in Wicheong Palace for some time, no one truly knew her. She was the Guardian Crimson, the one who would guide them towards Sahngjon's will. But what are her intentions? His plan to reclaim Birahng seemed insignificant compared to the grand scheme of the prophecy. If anyone knew the true path, it was Yeong. But she remained tight-lipped, her thoughts and intentions a mystery. He needed to unlock her secrets, to understand Sahngjon's will, even if it meant making a fool of himself. Whether she would accept his sudden gesture of goodwill was a problem for later.

He dismissed his guards with a wave of his hand, leaving him alone with Yeong by the spring. The silence amplified the sound of his footsteps against the damp cave floor. He approached her, stopping a few feet away, and settled on a nearby rock.

"I see you here often," he began, his voice gentle. "Why do you always stay by the spring?"

Yeong didn't reply.

"Is everything alright?" Seong asked again.

"Everyone treats me with respect," Yeong finally replied flatly.

"Of course they do," Seong said with a smile. "You're the Guardian Crimson."

"Not everyone," Yeong remarked. "Your loyal followers imprisoned me, remember?"

Seong, embarrassed, was about to apologize when the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the tunnel. He straightened, his gaze fixed on the approaching figure. It was one of his guards.

"A couple wishes to see you and the Two Guardians," the guard reported, bowing his head.

"A couple?" Seong asked.

"They're both soldiers of Wicheong Palace."

"Why do they want to see me?"

"They have a newborn with them," the guard explained.

Seong smiled, understanding dawning in his eyes. "Bring them here," he instructed. "The Guardian Crimson is with me."