"You want to make a deal?" Hongyoo scoffed. "And you think this is a reasonable offer?"

"What's wrong with my proposal?" Ryang countered.

"You're asking me to betray the princess?" Hongyoo asked back.

"I wouldn't have made such a request if you hadn't exposed us," Ryang explained. "I was willing to play along with her, to maintain a peaceful coexistence. But now that you've forced my hand, I have no choice but to take a more aggressive approach. Besides, it was always my intention to reclaim Birahng."

Hongyoo let out a hollow laugh. "My sole mission is to ensure Mihn's ascension to the throne," he clarified.

"Mihn?"

"Ah, you're unaware, I see. Yeongshin Mihn(永晨玟) is her birth name. In any case, your request is a death sentence for me. If you want to make a deal, you'll need to offer something more substantial."

"You'll fail," Ryang stated flatly.

"What?"

"The princess will never become the ruler. Dahn will fall before that happens."

"Do you have a hidden army of a hundred thousand men?" Hongyoo scoffed. "Or have you simply lost your mind?"

Though he masked his surprise, Hongyoo was both intrigued and confused. Ryang didn't seem like the type to indulge in delusions of grandeur. What is he planning? And what resources does he have at his disposal? The recent appearance of the Crimson Star, though a seemingly insignificant event, now seemed suspicious. Why is everything converging on this island? Nahmgyo, which had sheltered the Myeonghyeons for so long, was clearly involved in their rebellion. And Ryang had declared that the Wi flag would soon fly over the four fortresses. Does that mean Dongrahng and Seorahng were also part of their conspiracy? It would be impossible to hide an army and the necessary supplies within the confines of the island. Hongyoo's suspicions turned towards Juyeong Hyo, the governor of Hyangdo.

If the Wi remnants had managed to infiltrate the Dahnian military, then they were a far greater threat than he had anticipated. And Dahn, for remaining oblivious to their presence for so long, was laughably incompetent. Though he wasn't afraid of either of them, he was curious to see how this conflict would unfold.

"Ten rebellions to cripple Dahn," Ryang said, interrupting his thoughts, "or a single rebellion to overthrow it. Which is the better option for Sung? The princess may have her ambitions, but she's a minor player. But a rebel force, capable of destabilizing Dahn, operating right under your noses... that's valuable information, wouldn't you agree?"

"While you're busy fighting amongst yourselves, the northern provinces could fall," Hongyoo countered.

"We can reclaim those territories once we take Sunyahng," Ryang said dismissively. "Our first priority is Dahn. And until then, Sung can enjoy the spectacle from a safe distance."

"I can't simply abandon my mission," Hongyoo retorted.

"Think about it carefully," Ryang urged. "Is it truly in Sung's best interest to see Kyeong'ui on the throne? You called her ambitious. I saw that ambition the moment I met her. It's not something you can teach. It's in her blood. I know someone with similar eyes. He brought chaos and bloodshed wherever he went. The princess might be capable of inciting the conflict you desire, but controlling her once she's on the throne will be a different matter."

Ryang was likely unaware that it was Hongyoo's own decision to conceal Kyeong'ui's dangerous nature and talents from Dahn's treacherous court officials—who, having failed to secure the Crown Prince's favor, now sought a puppet prince—and from Sung's court. Despite Ryang’s veiled threats mingled with persuasion, Hongyoo merely scoffed.

"Told you. I control the princess's heart," he said. "To bend her to my will, to Dae-Sung's will. And once she ascends the throne, I'll ensure my influence by making a few bastards, naturally."

Ryang's gaze hardened. "Dahn is your ally," he said. "Even if they weren't, there are lines you don't cross. Is this the honor and integrity of Sung?"

"Ah, so my actions offend your delicate sensibilities," Hongyoo sneered. "At least I'm sincere in my affections. Unlike you, who profits from the bodies of children."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

"Our children..."

"Your children?" Hongyoo interrupted.

He laughed for a long time, until Ryang could no longer ignore the meaning behind it, then continued speaking.

"What, pray tell, is the difference that warrants such pathetic sentimentality? Is it that your children are just gutter trash, while Princess Kyeong'ui is a noble royal daughter? Is it that I'm some Sungian spy bastard of unknown origins, while you're a descendant of some grand noble house, propping up a ruined kingdom's useless royals with your delusions of being 'Celestial Scion'?"

Ryang simply stared back at Hongyoo, his lips tightly sealed. Hongyoo continued his taunts.

"Don't give me that pitiful look. I know your situation. It's just a job you inherited, and maybe you didn't like it at first, with that haughty attitude of yours. But, hey, you're used to it now, right? Your loyalty to your lord is part of it, and you don't exactly hate the wealth the meat trade brings... What was it? Sung's dignity? There's no dignity in this game, just a dogfight. All those glorious flags flapping in the wind are just as thin a mask as the one you're wearing on your face."

Hongyoo’s gaze intensified. “A mirror for your king," he mused. "I wonder what your king sees reflected in those mirror-like eyes."

Ryang kept silent. Hongyoo's words were a harsh reminder of the truth, a truth he couldn't deny. He knew that no amount of justification could convince even himself. Ryang, who feared becoming vile, was outmatched by Hongyoo, who had no such fear. Acknowledging their shared nature could have been liberating, perhaps even allowing Ryang to definitively subdue Hongyoo. Yet, Ryang refused to win in such a way. Unable to bear the sight of his own deterioration, he changed the subject.

"We may have ended our deal," he said, "but your friends still frequent Yeonyahng. I never intended to use you to bargain with Sung. Whether Sung changes their plans or not, I'll hear it from them, not you. You have two choices: become a liability with your identity exposed, or achieve something remarkable. Control the Princess until the time is right, and let Sung believe this was all your plan, conceived after you so cleverly uncovered my true identity."

Hongyoo let out a hollow laugh.

"You proposed a deal..." he muttered. "And now you resort to these tiresome tactics?"

"There's no reason we can't. The time has come for us," Ryang declared.

"So, you demand the princess as a hostage," Hongyoo mused.

"Is her situation any different now?" Ryang shot back.

A smirk played on Hongyu's lips as he shook his head.

"I must say, I'm not quite fond of your plan," he said.

Ryang broke the short silence.

"The Sungian spies all have different roles," he began. "Some have missions critical to their success, while others, like yourself, are less vital. Whether Princess Kyeong'ui ascends to the throne won't determine the fate of Sung. You are merely extra support. Even if you aid us, I will ensure you are not seen as a failure or a traitor. This deal will not lead to your death or dishonor. Your safety will be guaranteed. If we take the princess hostage, you will be captured as well. If we release her, you will also be freed. Your identity will remain secret to her. I hope it won't come to that, but even in the most unfortunate event, you will return to Sung unharmed. I will protect you. I know it's foolish to kill a Sungian spy needlessly."

"So, what is it you want?" Hongyoo asked.

"Despite my efforts to persuade you, you continue to resist. It makes me curious. Why are you so determined to protect her?"

"Protect?" Hongyoo echoed.

"Can you explain your refusal with any other reason?" Ryang pressed.

Hongyoo scoffed. Ryang continued, "You love her."

"And what if I do?" Hongyoo replied indifferently,

It was Ryang who felt the sting of Hongyoo's frank response. Unfazed by the renewed surge of anger within Ryang, Hongyoo smiled gently.

"I told you, I have genuine feelings," he said.

Ryang's voice simmered with barely suppressed disgust. "And you would deceive the one you love? Even contemplate handing her over to the rebels as a hostage?" he accused.

"Mihn is mine, no matter where or how she is," Hongyoo said. "You think love demands honesty? That's your mistake. Love thrives on lies. A real man will do anything to win love, a spirit you backwater moths, huddled at the edge of the world, wouldn't understand."

"Does the princess share your view?" Ryang challenged.

"What's your point?"

"That's not love," Ryang retorted, "it's a delusion. Do you truly believe the princess would keep you by her side if she knew what you had done?"

Hongyoo raised a finger, indicating himself and Ryang. "We're both the same. For your plan to work, you need to believe in my 'love.' Remember, I control Min's thoughts and feelings."

Ryang bit his lip, suppressing his contempt. Hongyoo finally offered a cryptic reply.

"I can't answer your threat disguised as an offer right now. I don't know what orders I'll receive from above. If, as you boast, you have an avenue of communication at Yeonyahng, I will await instructions and decide then."

"It would be wise not to delay your decision too long," Ryang warned. "This island is hostile territory for both you and the princess."

Hongyoo flickered his eyelids in response. There was no need to prolong the unpleasant pre-dawn conversation.

"You should return to your camp before daybreak," Ryang said.

Hongyoo stretched and flexed his limbs before stepping out of the study. Outside, the sky was still dark, the sun yet to stir. Just before Hongyoo vaulted over the wall, Ryang offered a brief farewell.

"Travel safely. Sir."