Milyeong stood before the high officials of the Imperial Court, her head bowed in solemn silence. The revelation that she had sent a secret message meant her position was no longer secure. The officials fixed her with cold, unyielding gazes, their words sharp as blades.
"Milyeong," the chief official said gravely, "we have received confirmation that the letter you sent has fallen into the hands of the Cheonuhoe. Have you forgotten your duty as a member of the royal house? There is undeniable evidence that you conspired with them. What excuse do you intend to offer?"
Milyeong answered in a steady, unwavering voice.
"The letter I sent was meant to prevent unnecessary conflict between the Imperial Court and the Cheonuhoe. An armed clash benefits no one—not even the Empire."
Another official scoffed.
"Your intent is irrelevant. Your actions have damaged the Court's authority. You no longer act as a daughter of the Empire, but as a sympathizer of the Cheonuhoe."
Soon after, Milyeong was summoned by the Emperor himself. He looked down at her with an icy expression and spoke with measured force.
"Milyeong, explain your actions. Why did you aid those who oppose the throne? Where do you truly stand—by the Empire's side, or with the Cheonuhoe?"
Milyeong met the Emperor's gaze with composure.
"Your Majesty, I have acted for the sake of both the Empire and the Cheonuhoe. They are not traitors. They protect the powerless of Murim and have no desire to oppose the Court directly."
The Emperor listened in silence, then asked in a low voice.
"Then choose. Will you remain here and serve the Empire, or will you turn your back on your birthright and join the rebels?"
Milyeong fell into deep contemplation. Though she had found trust and camaraderie among the Cheonuhoe—particularly with Lee Do-hyeon—she had been born and raised within the Imperial Court. She wrestled with the weight of responsibility and belonging.
'The Cheonuhoe stands with my ideals. But the Empire is the place I am bound to by blood and duty.'
She recalled the wisdom and political lessons instilled in her by the palace and questioned herself.
'If I walk away from the Empire, the bridge between the Court and the Cheonuhoe will be severed forever. But if I stay… there may still be room to mediate between them.'
The next day, Milyeong stood once more before the Emperor. After a deep breath, she spoke with conviction.
"Your Majesty, I will remain in the Imperial Court. I will devote myself to mediating between Murim and the Empire. I will fulfill my duties as a daughter of the Court."
The Emperor gave her a long, unreadable look, then gave a slow nod.
"Very well. I will give you a chance to prove your loyalty. But know this—should your actions again threaten the dignity of the Empire, there will be no forgiveness."
Milyeong bowed her head.
"I will earn Your Majesty's trust. I offer all that I am in service of the Court."
She accepted her decision to remain within the Empire. Though it pained her to turn away from the Cheonuhoe, she resolved to find a way to ease tensions—not through rebellion, but by influencing the Empire from within.
Silently, she made a vow to herself.
Do-hyeon… I will find a way to help you. I may not be able to stand beside you, but I won't let the Empire destroy you. Not while I remain here.
Meanwhile, back at the Cheonuhoe, the absence of any further message after Milyeong's letter left them disoriented.
"What if something's happened to her?" Han So-yeon asked, concern coloring her voice.
Baek Wolhui smiled gently.
"Do-hyeon-nim~, I believe she's helping us in her own way. Losing someone like her would be a loss for the Court itself."
Lee Do-hyeon murmured, as if to himself,
"Milyeong… I hope your decision to remain was the right one. But something tells me… our paths are not finished yet."
Though Milyeong stayed within the walls of the Imperial Court, part of her heart remained with the Cheonuhoe.
***
Chapter : The Beginning of Strategy
At the Cheonuhoe's base, Lee Do-hyeon summoned an emergency council. Gathered around him were Han So-yeon, Baek Wolhui, Cheong Unjin, and Jeong Ho-rim—trusted figures of the inner circle.
Lee pointed to a specific spot on the map.
"The Imperial forces are gathering here. Their numbers are far greater than we anticipated. A direct confrontation would be suicide. We need to draw their main army into the mountainous terrain."
Baek Wolhui offered a mischievous smile.
"Commander~, diversion tactics are our specialty. I'll organize a scouting party to track their exact movements and make sure they follow where we want them."
Han So-yeon studied the map silently before speaking.
"Drawing them into the mountains is sound—if they follow. But what if the Court decides to simply wait for us on the plains? If they refuse to move, our plan collapses."
Lee nodded.
"Exactly. That's why we'll deliberately expose part of our position and make it look like some of our forces are retreating into the mountains. If they believe we're trying to hide or regroup there, they're more likely to pursue us into the terrain."
Cheong Unjin folded his arms.
"So in the end, it's about buying time. While they commit to the mountains, we hold the line and ready our main force."
Jeong Ho-rim raised a hand and added,
"Commander, we should utilize the local mountain dwellers for reconnaissance and supply support. They know the terrain and would be ideal for monitoring troop movements."
Lee gave a satisfied nod.
"Good. Then let's move to the next phase."
Later that day, key members of the Murim Alliance gathered. Representatives from the righteous sects—Hwasan, Mudang, and Ami—along with figures from the Cheonuhoe, filled the council chamber.
The acting leader of the Mudang Sect spoke first.
"Commander, I understand your desire to avoid direct conflict with the Imperial Court. But even if we succeed in luring their forces into the mountains, how can we be sure we can defeat them there?"
Lee answered calmly.
"That depends on how well we use the terrain. If they enter the mountains, we'll split their ranks with ambushes and flanking maneuvers. The key is to prevent them from operating freely on open ground."
A senior from the Hwasan Sect leaned forward.
"Your logic is sound, Commander. But what if the Court reinforces from the rear while we're occupied dividing their front lines?"
Baek Wolhui smiled brightly.
"Leave that to me~. My scouts will monitor all rear movements. If we spot anything unusual, we'll adjust the plan before they can act."
The leader of the Ami Sect hesitated before speaking.
"Commander, mountain warfare might be difficult for us. Many in our sect are women, and full-scale combat in such terrain could be a disadvantage. We may be more suited to supporting with medical aid and logistics."
Lee turned to her and replied with sincerity.
"That role is vital. The outcome of battle often hinges on supply lines and care for the wounded. If your sect handles those responsibilities, we'll be free to fight with confidence."
As the meeting drew to a close, each faction's role became clear. Lee Do-hyeon stood to address the room one final time.
"The Imperial Court seeks to divide and destroy us. But if we stand together, their strategy will fail. Let us protect the honor of Murim and defend what must be preserved."
With the meeting adjourned, leaders of each sect returned to make preparations. Lee Do-hyeon remained behind with his closest allies, reviewing their final strategy as they steeled themselves for the battle ahead.