Princess Kyeong''ui(敬義), accompanied by her Royal Attendant(影官), Hongyoo(洪瀏), slipped unnoticed through the West Gate of the palace. She led the way, navigating the labyrinthine alleyways of Sunyahng with a practiced ease. The narrow passages twisted and turned, leading them deeper into the city''s shadowed heart. Finally, they arrived at a familiar, dilapidated dwelling. Kyeong''ui pushed open the weathered door, stepping into the darkness within. Hongyoo followed, his eyes scanning their surroundings before he closed the door firmly behind them.


    Inside the abandoned house, dust motes danced in the pale moonlight filtering through the cracks in the boarded-up windows. Kyeong''ui expertly helped Hongyoo out of his clothes. He pulled her close, his lips tracing a path along her neck as he pressed her against the wall. Kyeong''ui surrendered to the intoxicating sensations, her mind a haze of pleasure. Hongyoo''s touch ignited a fire within her, a forbidden pleasure she couldn''t experience within the stifling confines of the palace. He teased and tempted, pushing her senses to their limits. Finally, she succumbed, pulling him down onto the makeshift bed, their bodies entwined.


    Lost in their passion, they were oblivious to the faint commotion that filtered through the silence from outside. Kyeong''ui stilled, her breath catching in her throat.


    "Wait," she whispered.


    "What is it?" Hongyoo asked. He sat up, pulling her close.


    She clung to him, her ears straining to decipher the sounds beyond the walls. "What''s that noise?"


    The commotion grew louder. "Stay here," Hongyoo instructed, "I''ll investigate."


    He gently pushed her aside and scrambled to dress. As he slipped out the door, Kyeong''ui pulled a garment around her. She waited, her heart pounding. Hongyoo returned a few moments later, his breath coming in ragged gasps.


    "Your Highness," he urged, "get dressed. We must return to the palace now."


    "What''s happening?" Kyeong''ui demanded.


    "You''ll see when we get outside. Hurry!"


    His urgency was unmistakable. Kyeong''ui quickly dressed. As they emerged from the dilapidated dwelling, Hongyoo pointed towards the southern sky. Her eyes widened, reflecting the crimson glow that painted the horizon. Without a word, they ran towards the palace.


    ─────────


    Baekyang Seoh(白楊徐), the Chief Royal Secretary, hurried through the palace gates, his breath catching in his throat as he approached the South Gate. He flashed his identification to the guards, who, recognizing the urgency, granted him immediate entry. He made a brief stop at the Observatory, where the astronomers worked, before continuing his breathless dash to the king''s chambers. Only when he reached the door did he pause to straighten his disheveled clothes. His uneven breaths preceded him as he announced his presence.


    "Your Majesty, it is I, Baekyang Seoh, your Chief Royal Secretary."


    "Enter," the king commanded.


    The doors swung open, and Baek Yangseo stepped inside, bowing low before the king. The king didn''t inquire about his unexpected return, looking at him with disapproval.


    "You should have returned sooner," the king stated.


    "My apologies, Your Majesty," Seoh replied.


    "What is the extent of the unrest?" the king pressed.


    The king''s question referred to the crimson star that had suddenly appeared in the southern sky above Sunyahng. Seoh, who had witnessed this ominous sight on his way home, had immediately rushed back to the palace. He calmly relayed what he had observed.


    "Despite the late hour, people of all ages have gathered in the streets and on rooftops," Seoh reported. "Some have formed crowds. Even the night patrol seems to be caught up in the commotion. It appears the unrest will not subside until the star fades."


    "Such discipline among my troops," the king said sarcastically.


    "Your Majesty," Baekyang Seoh began, "the number of people is far too great to disperse by force. And this event... it is so extraordinary that even the patrol guards..."


    The king cut him off. "And such negligence of the Royal Chief Secretary."


    The king glared at Seoh, but Seoh didn''t back down.


    "Such harsh measures against the people will only fuel their unrest, Your Majesty."


    "Unrest is a word for commoners," the king said with disdain. "The night patrol are soldiers under my command. Punish those who failed in their duty."


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Seoh said, reluctantly bowing his head.


    "Is there more?" the king asked.


    "Many still cling to the beliefs of the Azure Scripture," Baek Yangseo explained. "Rumors of a ''prophesied star'' are spreading among the people. Some even speak of... the revival of Wi."


    He glanced up, then quickly averted his gaze, sensing the king''s growing fury.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "It is your duty, and that of the other officials," the king warned, "to quell such foolish rumors."


    "Your orders will be carried out, Your Majesty."


    "Ensure those imbeciles in court refrain from uttering such nonsense tomorrow," the king commanded.


    "I will inform the ministers accordingly."


    "Is there more?" the king asked again.


    "On my way here, I stopped by the Royal Observatory," Seoh reported. "The astronomers believe that, based on the trajectory of the meteor and the alignment of the stars, it appears to be heading towards Birahng."


    "Absurd," the king said with a scoff.


    "Birahng is considered a sacred land by the Wi people," Seoh added.


    "I’m aware," the king replied.


    The king closed his eyes, his brow furrowed in contemplation. The situation was unsettling, the appearance of the crimson star an ill omen. He had always confronted his enemies head-on, their forces tangible, their strategies predictable. But this time, the enemy was different. This enemy was either formless or innumerable. He opened his eyes and looked at Baekyang Seoh.


    "Silence the astronomers," he commanded. "The last thing we need is rumors of a star pointing towards Birahng adding to the unrest."


    "It has been done, Your Majesty," Seoh replied.


    The king fell silent once more, pondering. The silence stretched, and Seoh shifted nervously.


    "Your Majesty," he finally suggested, "we must formulate a response. The Three Supreme Councilors and the heads of the Seven Boards will soon arrive."


    "What response?" the king said with irritation. "Should we announce to the court that this star is a grave omen and incite panic? Seal the palace gates. No one is to be granted an audience because of this celestial phenomenon."


    "But Your Majesty, this is a crisis," Seoh said urgently. "On what grounds can we deny the high officials an audience?"


    "It is not a crisis," the king declared. "Do not exaggerate the situation. If anyone tries to exploit this star to create a crisis, they are traitors."


    "As you wish, Your Majesty."


    Seoh paused, observing the king''s expression, then continued. "Still, Your Majesty, we must formulate a response. It need not be a public declaration."


    "Who is currently stationed on Birahng?" the king asked.


    "Juyeong Hyo is the governor of Hyangdo*."


    "Anyone else?"


    "I believe Moonseong Yool, the second son of House Moonseong, is there on a sanctioned excursion."


    "One is a fool, and the other a wastrel," the king scoffed, his irritation growing.


    The report did little to ease his concerns. He couldn''t very well convene a formal court session in the main hall of Yeonghwi Palace** over this ambiguous matter, especially one concerning the Azure Scripture, a text he and his predescessor had denounced and suppressed. He remained silent. Trustworthy individuals within the palace were few and far between.


    "Summon the Crown Prince and the other two," he finally commanded.


    "The Crown Prince and his siblings, Your Majesty?" Seoh asked.


    "Didn''t you say a response need not be a public declaration?" the king said impatiently. "Stop with the questions and carry out my orders. This matter is already a headache."


    "As you wish, Your Majesty."


    Seoh bowed and retreated. He sent palace staffs  to the younger prince and princess, and he went to the East Palace, the residence of Crown Prince Kyeongshin(敬晨), the eldest of the royal children. Kyeongshin, dressed in light clothes as he was about to retire for the night, came out to greet him. Seoh bowed deeply.


    "Your Royal Highness," he addressed.


    Kyeongshin, noticing the urgency in Seoh''s demeanor, spoke first. "It seems you''ve returned long after the appointed hour for dismissal."


    "Matters of state are not bound by time, Your Highness," Seoh replied. "His Majesty urgently requests your presence."


    Kyeongshin glanced at the southern sky. "It must be because of that star. But why summon me? Shouldn''t he call for the astronomers or the ministers?"


    "He has summoned Prince Kyeongyul and Princess Kyeong''ui as well."


    "My siblings?" Kyeongshin''s brow furrowed in surprise.


    "Please prepare yourself and accompany me," Seoh urged. "His Majesty awaits."


    "I shall be ready shortly."


    Kyeongshin dressed and followed Seoh to the king.


    ─────────


    Kyeong''ui and Hongyoo arrived just as a palace staff from the main hall approached. Kyeong''ui had barely finished changing when the staff''s voice called out from beyond the door. Stepping outside, they found the familiar one bowing before them.


    "Your Highness," she addressed Kyeong''ui, "His Majesty urgently requests your presence."


    Kyeong''ui and Hongyoo were still catching their breath, their foreheads damp with sweat from their hurried return. The staff seemed to notice their disheveled appearance, his eyes widening slightly. Kyeong''ui, feigning composure, replied nonchalantly, "Me?"


    "He has also summoned the Crown Prince and Prince Kyeongyul," the staff added.


    Kyeong''ui assessed the situation. It was long past the hour when the lights in the main hall were usually extinguished. The reason for her hasty return to the palace and the reason for her father''s sleeplessness were undoubtedly connected.


    But why summon his children instead of officials?


    Kyeong''ui recalled her father''s stern expression, the deep furrow in his brow. A silent exchange passed between her and Hongyoo.


    "I shall be ready shortly," Kyeong''ui informed the staff.


    She retreated back into her chambers and changed into more formal attire. Hongyoo stood silently as she adjusted her clothes. As Kyeong''ui turned to leave, Hongyoo caught her arm.


    "Your Highness."


    "What is it?"


    Hongyoo''s voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "If you seize your chance tonight, you must not falter."


    "You were the one who advised caution," Kyeong''ui said, frowning.


    "If there''s only one chance," Hongyoo replied, his gaze intense, "it''s best to conserve your strength. I believe tonight is that chance."


    Kyeong''ui''s eyes narrowed. Hongyoo nodded. Without another word, Kyeong''ui stepped out of her chambers.


    When they arrived at the main hall, they found Kyeongyul already waiting. As Kyeong''ui was about to greet him, they heard the sound of hurried footsteps approaching. Crown Prince Kyeongshin, accompanied by the Chief Royal Secretary, appeared. The two younger siblings bowed in greeting. Kyeongshin, barely acknowledging their presence, spoke curtly.


    "Let’s go in. Father awaits."


    Kyeongshin stopped before the door and announced their arrival. "Father," he called out, "it is I, Kyeongshin. Kyeongyul and Kyeong''ui have arrived."


    "Enter," the king''s voice called out from inside, and the doors to his chambers swung open.


    *Hyangdo : A fortress located in the northwest of Birahng.


    **Yeonghwi Palace : The main palace of Dahn