Norahn replied, "That is a matter the Guardian has already dismissed."
"This time is different," Cheongro insisted. "Do you think I would risk my life provoking Myeonghyeon Ryang without reason?"
A lifeless sneer flickered across Norahn's lips. "So you're saying you assaulted the Princess out of your deep concern for the Ministry?"
"Your Sanctity."
Norahn, suppressing his scorn, turned away.
"We must proceed with your marriage soon," Cheongro continued. "The Guardian Crimson has long commanded you to produce an heir, and the elders are growing impatient. We cannot delay any longer. But before that, the Ministry must secure its foundation. Surely you don't intend to pass on our current predicament to the next generation."
What predicament does he speak of? Is it my position as High Emissary, forced to ignore Sahngjon's revelations, facing reprimands from the Guardian Crimson and the anxieties of discovery by Seong and the elders, while being manipulated by the Second Emissary? If he had to produce an heir, if it was an inescapable duty, like it had been for his parents, he didn't want to pass on this burden. He didn't want to pass on his flesh, his life, anything he possessed, to his offspring.
Cheongro pressed his advantage. "If you refuse to act, I will bring the elders here and implicate them all. Is that what you desire?"
The scars that marred Norahn's body throbbed at Cheongro's threat. He responded with resignation, "Very well. I will act, for your sake."
Satisfied with Norahn's acquiescence, Cheongro took his leave. Once he was gone, Norahn straightened his robes and sought out Seong. The soldiers informed him that Seong had left early that morning to look around the city.
Nahmgyo was vast, but Seong drew crowds wherever he went, so Norahn didn't have to search for long. He found Seong in a small plaza near the east gate, surrounded by children. Seong conjured tiny flames in his hands, entertaining them with simple tricks that sent the children into peals of laughter. The sound reached Norahn, tugging at his heart. Have I ever seen Seong smile so freely? The sight of his lord, so carefree and beloved, filled him with a bittersweet longing. Unable to approach, he watched for a while, then turned and walked away.
Seong, like a playful jester, continued to entertain the children, then began grilling skewered conches for them. With a furrowed brow, he focused intently on the task, then broke into a wide smile as he handed a perfectly cooked skewer to a child who had been eagerly tugging at his sleeve.
"There you go," Seong said. "Not burnt, is it? Looks perfectly cooked to me."
The child, beaming, took the skewer and eagerly took a large bite. A woman, presumably the child's mother, watched from a distance, her voice gentle as she scolded, "You should say thank you first, my boy."
The child, his mouth full of savory conch, mumbled through blackened lips, "Thank you!"
Whenever Seong toured the city, children flocked to him. The adults treated him with deference, even fear, but the children were fascinated by his flames, their innocent eyes seeing only wonder and amusement. They readily believed in the warmth of his smile. Seong, overwhelmed by their unreserved affection, wished he could shield these innocent smiles, untouched by the world beyond the sea.
A familiar, low voice spoke from behind Seong. "You use the power bestowed by Sahngjon to grill fishes for children? The same power you were too afraid to use in battle?"
Seong turned to see Yeong standing there. He laughed dismissively. "They enjoy it."
Yeong didn't reply, but Seong imagined he saw a faint smile on her lips.
Yeong was right; this wasn't what he had been given these powers for. But Seong found joy in using his abilities to touch the lives of ordinary people. Once, while walking through the city, a family had rushed out from their home, bowing and pleading for help after their hearth fire had died out. Seong had rekindled their fire, and the feeling of warmth and gratitude he received in return was far more satisfying than the thrill of burning enemy ships in Hyangdo. He had to cross the southern sea to return to Sunyahng, and he knew it would mean bloodshed far exceeding their first battle. He couldn't help but wish that this peaceful, beautiful place could be Sunyahng instead. The futile thought drifted through his mind.
A child, barely reaching his knees, tugged at Yeong's crimson robes. Yeong looked down, and the child, shyly, whispered, "Show us something amazing again."
The other children, who had momentarily scattered, quickly gathered around Seong and Yeong. Yeong seemed flustered by the sudden attention. She looked at Seong, her expression pleading for help. Seong, however, had no intention of rescuing her. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he gestured towards the children. Yeong reluctantly flicked her fingers. Water from a nearby well rose into the air, scattering into tiny droplets that hung suspended, shimmering like raindrops caught in a spiderweb after a storm. With another flick of her wrist, Yeong sent the droplets raining down on the children, who shrieked with laughter as the water splashed over their heads and faces.
"They like you," Seong remarked softly.
Yeong turned away, flustered. "They're just amused by my tricks. They don't like me."
"Of course they like you. You're showing them such wonderful things. Children aren't afraid to approach and embrace those who play with them and smile with them. So try smiling at them."
Seong's expression was warm and gentle as he looked at Yeong. Unsure how to respond to his request, she simply shifted her gaze from side to side. The children, seizing the opportunity, clung to her robes, burying their faces in the fabric. Yeong hesitantly placed her hands on their backs, her touch stiff and awkward.
Norahn wasn't the only one observing Seong and Yeong amidst the crowd. Ryucheon, standing beside Ryang, also had his gaze fixed on them.
"Your lord seems to possess great virtue," Ryucheon remarked. "Seeing him mingle with the people like this, it's as if we've already achieved an era of peace and prosperity."
"He is a lord the people can love," Ryang replied, his gaze lingering on Seong with an affection that Ryucheon found mildly amusing.
"Love…" Ryucheon echoed. "He seems quite young. You said he's two years younger than you?"
Ryang nodded silently.
"And the woman in red beside him," Ryucheon continued, "is she the one responsible for that spectacle we witnessed?"
"Responsible?" Ryang warned. "Choose your words carefully."
"Ah, my apologies," Ryucheon said smoothly. "Is he an only child? No other siblings?"
Has the news of Cheon Hwan's existence, revealed by Jang'gyeong Yoon before Hongyoo's death, reached Ryucheon? Ryang, concealing his apprehension, replied, "No."
Ryucheon's smile widened, slow and deliberate. "For the past few years, a remarkable figure has emerged in Soyeol, on Seomy. He's even managed to seize one of our warships, captured by the Lord of Seomy, Baekan Yujeong. He calls himself a king and styles himself the 'Isleless King'—quite the title, wouldn't you say? His ship, with its black sails, is called the Black Wings."
Ryang stared at Ryucheon, his blood running cold. "Sir."
Ryucheon's face, partially hidden by the black silk covering his lower jaw, was unreadable, but his eyes gleamed with a sharp intensity. "Since you have a presence here, the tale of this 'Isleless King' can't be mere rumor, can it?" Ryucheon asked.
Ryang remained silent.
"Reinforcements are coming from Gahng'ahn," Ryucheon continued. "Dae-Sung's coffers may be overflowing, but this is no small investment for us. Abandon any thoughts of hiding things from us. If you concealed the existence of this brother because it's disadvantageous to you, I suggest you deal with it swiftly. I heard about this 'Isleless King' in Gahng'ahn, so our superiors are already aware."
If Ryucheon's words were true, then, contrary to his fears, information hadn't flowed from Hongyoo to Ryucheon. However, the fact that Ryucheon had learned of Cheon Hwan's existence without Hongyoo was hardly a good sign. Ryucheon's chilling demeanor softened as he smiled once more.
"Well then," he said, "shall we go pay my respects to your lord?"
Ryang left Ryucheon standing outside the crowd and approached Seong and Yeong, wading through the throng of children who swarmed around their legs. He called out to Seong.
"Your Luminance."
"High Councilor," Seong replied, turning with a bright smile. Ryang felt a pang of guilt at interrupting this rare moment of carefree joy, but he pressed on.
"Baek Ryucheon of Sung requests an audience with you."
Seong glanced at Ryucheon, who stood respectfully at a distance. Ryang had been anxious about how Ryucheon would conduct himself before Seong, but to his surprise, Ryucheon bowed deeply, his hands clasped together. The ring he usually wore as a mark of his status was absent. Seong and Yeong excused themselves from the crowd and approached Ryucheon.
"I am Ryucheon of House Baek from Gahng'ahn, the deputy of His Majesty of Dae-Sung," Ryucheon introduced himself. "It is an honor to meet the Guardian of the Azure Scripture."
"I've heard much about you from the High Councilor," Seong replied. "First, let me express my gratitude. I hear you've been assisting in the care of our wounded soldiers even recently. You saved the High Councilor's life, and now you're treating his affliction…"
"It is only my duty as a physician," Ryucheon said modestly.
Seong gestured towards a less crowded path. "Shall we take a walk?"
Ryucheon bowed silently, and Seong led the way, with Yeong by his side. Ryucheon and Ryang followed behind.
"I was observing you from a distance," Ryucheon began. "You seem to be fond of children."
"These are the only years of my life when laughter comes easily," Seong replied. "For now, the laughter of these children is protected thanks to your support. Words cannot express how grateful I am."
"Dae-Sung merely offers its cooperation in pursuit of its own interests," Ryucheon said.
Seong pondered his words. "Dae-Sung's interests… I believe Sung is taking a gamble. Our forces are still quite insignificant."
"Indeed, it is a gamble," Ryucheon agreed. "But the chance to win a fortune with a small wager is the thrill of it all, wouldn't you agree? Don't worry about Dae-Sung's coffers. We have more than enough to sustain this island for several years. Besides, with your remarkable abilities, it's not just a gamble. Perhaps it is the King of Dahn who truly needs Dae-Sung's aid."
Seong stopped abruptly and turned to face Ryucheon. "We do not consider Sung our enemy. Our goal is to reclaim Sunyahng and usher in the new world prophesied in the scriptures," he declared.
Ryang, sensing the tension, watched Ryucheon nervously. Ryucheon, however, merely smiled politely.
"There is something I've been meaning to ask," he said. "What exactly is this new world described in the Azure Scripture? I doubt it simply refers to the restoration of Wi. I would appreciate a clear answer from you, Your Luminance."
"No one knows the answer yet," Seong replied. "We can only fulfill our duties and move forward."
Yeong, who had been listening silently to their conversation, suddenly exuded a chilling aura. Seong hastily brought the discussion to a close.
"It's time for me to return to the office," he announced. "We shall continue this conversation properly later. May the light of Sahngjon illuminate your path while you are here. High Councilor, please see our guest out."
Ryang bowed and accepted the order. Ryucheon, standing beside him, pondered Seong's unfamiliar words.
"The light of Sahngjon…"
As they walked back to the office together, Yeong asked Seong, "Is he Sung's spokesperson?"
"Essentially," Seong replied.
"Does he communicate with us through the High Councilor?"
Seong stopped and turned to Yeong. "Do you know his background?"
"No," Yeong admitted. "I wasn't meant to know such things. He shouldn't be involved in this holy war. His impertinent curiosity, daring to pry into Sahngjon's will…"
Seong's expression was troubled. "We need Sung's support to survive in Birahng and cross the southern sea."
"Sung was the first to betray the light of Sahngjon," Yeong argued. "And you seek their help to reclaim Sunyahng?"
Without waiting for Seong's response, she walked away, disappearing into the crowd.
Seong returned to the government office alone to find Norahn waiting for him in the courtyard. Seeing Norahn standing there in his white robes, Seong sighed deeply.
Here it comes.
After the pleasant interlude with the people, the prospect of dealing with Baek Ryucheon and now Norahn felt exhausting. Norahn bowed deeply as Seong approached.
"Your Luminance."
Seong nodded in acknowledgment and entered the building. Once the soldier closed the door behind them, silence fell over the room. Seong poured a cup of tea and offered it to Norahn.
"What brings you here?" he asked.
"I seek compensation from the High Councilor for the injury inflicted on the Second Emissary," Norahn replied without hesitation.
"I thought as much," Seong said.
"I ask you to allow the Ministry of Emissary Divine to rearm," Norahn requested.