Ryang''s gaze bore into Seong, the weight of his silence a silent vow to bury Seong''s decision to disband Wicheong Palace. Beside him, Myeonghyeon Seon stood in silent agreement, her expression mirroring her brother''s. Faced with their unwavering front, their silent pressure to recant, Seong felt trapped, with nowhere to retreat. Though he was the Guardian, the one who commanded, it was Ryang and the others who operated. Yet, even this simple act of leadership, of issuing a command, felt like an insurmountable burden.


    "Very well," he finally agreed. "Dispatch the High Emissary."


    He turned towards the High Commander, Kyeongseon Ung, but before he could issue the order, Seon interjected.


    "But Your Luminance," she asked with concern, "who will oversee the late Guardian''s funeral rites if the High Emissary is absent?"


    Murmurs of agreement rippled through the room. Ryang, surprised by his sister''s sudden intervention, shot her a warning glance.


    "Though the Crimson Star demands our attention," Seon continued, "we are still in mourning. The High Emissary has always presided over the funeral rites. While a swift resolution would be ideal, unexpected problems could delay his return. Must he truly lead the expedition?"


    Ryang''s gaze hardened, his eyes fixed on Seon''s seemingly innocent expression. He silently urged Norahn to dismiss her concerns, but he remained silent, his gaze still lowered.


    "What say you, High Emissary?" Seong asked.


    Norahn hesitated. Though eager to act, the shame of failing to attend the late Guardian''s deathbed weighed heavily on him. "I have no opinion to offer," he replied. "I await your command, Guardian."


    Seong turned to Ryang. "What is your thought, High Councilor?"


    Ryang paused, gathering his thoughts before addressing the room. "We cannot be certain of the star''s true nature," he began. "But if this is indeed the Crimson Star of the Azure Scripture, then much will change. We cannot cling to the old ways if we are to face the challenges ahead."


    "Are you suggesting we send the High Emissary?" Seong asked.


    "You must decide who is best suited for this task," Ryang replied. "As for the funeral rites, I can oversee them, following the Ministry''s guidance. Such rituals are rare, and they too will need to consult their records."


    Ryang nodded subtly towards Norahn, a silent gesture of encouragement. Seon''s lips tightened, but she remained silent, recognizing the futility of further protest. Seong finally issued his command.


    "Very well," he said. "Dispatch the High Emissary. High Commander, provide him with an escort of one hundred men in civilian attire. High Councilor, you will oversee the funeral rites."


    Ryang bowed his head in acceptance, but Ung''s face was etched with concern.


    "Your Luminance," he said, "one hundred men is too many. We''ve never deployed such a force outside the palace. It will hinder our movements and risk exposure should we encounter the Hyangdo."


    "We need those men, High Commander," Ryang insisted. "The High Emissary has no heir. We cannot risk his safety. While we must protect Wicheong, we must also protect him. I urge you to follow the Guardian''s command."


    Ung hesitated, but he eventually yielded. "As you wish."


    Ryang turned to Norahn. "You have your orders, High Emissary. Make haste."


    Norahn rose, smoothing his robes and bowing respectfully towards Seong. "I will seek Sahngjon''s guidance."


    "May the Light of Sangjon guide your path," Seong replied, offering a small nod of encouragement.


    Norahn bowed once more, then, with Cheongro and Sobi behind him, exited the chamber. The eyes of the assembled leaders followed them, a mixture of hope and trepidation reflected in their gazes.


    The meeting concluded, and the attendees dispersed, their hushed whispers echoing through the chamber.  Seong, his shoulders slumped, retreated to his chambers. Ryang, sensing his distress, decided to postpone further conversation. He exited the chamber, leading Seon and Dara towards the library in the Ministry. The Emissaries guarding the entrance bowed respectfully as they approached, then discreetly stepped aside. Ryang held the door open for Seon and Dara, then followed, securing the entrance behind them.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    "What was that about?" he asked Seon sharply.


    Seon ignored his question, her attention focused on the shelves lining the walls. "It was a valid concern," she replied dismissively.


    "It was unnecessary," Ryang said. "Absence of the High Emissary doesn''t prevent us from proceeding with the funeral rites."


    Seon raised an eyebrow. "Are you oblivious to the Emissaries'' disdain for us? Even with Norahn gone, they''ll find fault with your every decision if you don''t have the Guardian''s explicit approval."


    She moved between the shelves, her fingers trailing along the spines of ancient texts, searching for the relevant scrolls.


    "Father never bowed to the Ministry''s whims," Ryang said.


    Seon emerged from between the shelves. "That''s because he was a wise councilor."


    "What?"


    "Don''t be obtuse," Seon said. "Do you honestly believe it''s wise to let Norahn seize control? Do you truly know less about the Azure Scripture than he does? I believe you could have handled the star just fine."


    "I wouldn''t have the same urgency," Ryang said.


    "That much is true," Seon agreed with a nod.


    Ryang paused, a retort forming on his lips, but he swallowed the words, choosing silence instead. Seon continued her search among the shelves, her movements a whirlwind of restless energy. Ryang''s voice, laced with concern, cut through the musty scent of aged paper.


    "Don''t speak out of turn," he advised. "You hold no official position. As you said, the Ministry already views us with disdain. Your interference will only worsen matters. Even the most well-intentioned actions can backfire, especially given our connection to the Guardian. Don''t become a burden to the new Guardian."


    Seon remained silent, though a faint grumble suggested she had heard his words. Ryang turned to leave. The creak of the opening door made Seon whirl around, her movements a blur as she rushed to the table, dropping the books with a thud.


    "Where are you going?" she aksed.


    "To see the Guardian."


    "Don''t you have work to do?"


    A faint smile touched Ryang''s lips. "My capable and caring sister will handle things in my absence, I''m sure. Dara, stay here and assist Seon."


    "Yes, my Lord," Dara replied with a respectful bow. Seon scoffed.


    As Ryang exited, Seon slammed the door shut. "He expects me to do all the work while he gallivants around, playing the dutiful councilor?" Seon muttered. "Who kept the trading company afloat while he was gone? Who handled everything while he was incapacitated?"


    "Don''t be discouraged, my Lady." Dara said, attempting to soothe Seon''s frustration. "You''ve come of age. Surely, greater opportunities await you. Perhaps these tasks are a stepping stone to something more."


    "I don''t need insignificant tasks," Seon scoffed. "They''ll only lead to more menial labor. I''ll forge my own path."


    Seon''s sharp tone made Dara flinch. Seon noticed her apprehension and added, "Don''t even think about whispering tales of my defiance to him. There will be consequences."


    "Yes, my Lady," Dara replied, bowing her head submissively.


    Seon settled at the table, her gaze fixed on the scrolls she had selected. Dara prepared the inkstone, grinding the ink stick with quiet efficiency. The gentle scraping sound filled the room, mingling with the subtle fragrance of the ink. Seon''s eyes, initially narrowed with frustration, softened as she focused on the text illuminated by the candlelight. Dara, observing her shifting emotions, struggled to keep pace.


    "Are you alright, my Lady?" she asked cautiously. "With the Guardian''s passing, I mean."


    Seon looked up from her reading, her brow furrowed. "Why do you ask?"


    "He was particularly fond of you."


    "He was," Seon agreed and returned to her reading, offering no further explanation. Dara, sensing her withdrawal, remained silent.


    ──────────


    Ryang left the library and headed towards Seong''s chambers. With each flickering torch that lined the cave walls, the image of the crimson star, hanging ominously in the southern sky, flashed through his mind. Its light seemed to pulsate with an unsettling energy, a far cry from the gentle radiance he associated with Sahngjon. He wondered where Norahn and his Emissaries were, imagining their reactions upon reaching their destination – a mixture of awe and perhaps, disappointment. Lost in contemplation, he didn''t notice Ung approaching.


    "Going to see the Guardian?" Ung asked, breaking through Ryang''s thoughts.


    Ryang stopped abruptly, bowing his head in respect. "High Commander."


    "Your burdens will be heavy now, High Councilor," Ung said proudly. "You are the Guardian''s most trusted advisor."


    "My duties remain the same," Ryang replied neutrally.


    Ung glanced around before continuing in a hushed tone. "Guide and support the new Guardian. He is easily swayed." His eyes, creased with worry, held a plea that Ryang found unsettling.


    "I disagree," Ryang said. "Your assessment is too harsh."


    "It''s better for us to discuss this than for the entire palace to whisper behind his back," Ung argued.


    "Uncle..." Ryang began, but Ung stepped closer.


    "You understand my concerns, Ryang," he said urgently. "When you mentioned Hwan earlier, the Guardian was clearly shaken. This star, this prophecy... it''s what we''ve all been waiting for. It''s not right for him to hesitate now, for personal reasons."


    "He is grieving," Ryang argued. "His father passed away before the star appeared. He wasn''t even allowed to be by his father''s side in his final moments."


    "And have I been sleeping all along?" Ung said.


    Ryang''s lips tightened.


    "Only you and I should witness his vulnerability," Ung continued. "Go to him. Strengthen his resolve."


    Ryang nodded. Ung clapped him on the shoulder, then continued on his way. Ryang bowed his head, watching him go, then turned towards Seong''s chambers.