"I understand your concern," she said, her voice softer now, but no less firm. "I, too, do not wish to invite further unrest, nor bring harm upon our people. But I do not believe that adhering blindly to custom—simply for the sake of appearances—is the right course of action."
She paused, her eyes sweeping across the hall, meeting the gaze of each advisor in turn.
"This is no longer a mere cultural formality. It is a matter that directly touches upon our national security. Given its magnitude, I believe it is imperative we consult the Minister Jade. His insight on our military readiness and border defense will be essential before we take another step."
A respectful silence followed her words.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the Minister of Foreign Affairs said finally, bowing deeply. "That would indeed be wise."
At once, the rest of the council followed suit, lowering their heads in unison toward the Queen, their silence signaling not just obedience—but the weight of the uncertain road that now lay before them.
Jade stood tall before the assembled warriors gathered across the training ground, his presence commanding yet composed.
"This concludes this morning's group training," he announced clearly, his voice carrying with practiced authority. "Today as well, carry out your duties with excellence—protect the royal family, guard the borders, and uphold order among the people."
In perfect unison, the warriors roared, "We shall keep that in mind!"
Without hesitation, they formed ranks and marched swiftly toward the rear gate, their footsteps echoing in rhythmic precision as they exited the field.
At the edge of the grounds stood Enna, momentarily lost in thought. Her gaze had been fixed on Jade, her mind distant and unfocused. But as the sound of marching boots faded into the distance, she blinked, startled back to the present.
'This isn't the time to be standing around.'
Shaking off her daze, she turned sharply and headed away from the training ground, her steps quick and purposeful.
Opposite the sprawling field, a row of government buildings came into view. Each structure stood with its own character, shaped by function and age. One, pristine and white, gleamed under the morning sun—the Foreign Affairs Office. Another, with faded stone and ivy creeping along its outer walls, radiated a quiet, aged dignity—it was the Administration Bureau.
'The palace grounds are just as massive as I remember,' Enna thought, glancing around. 'If you don't learn your way properly, it must be so easy to get lost here.'
After weaving her way through the many corners of the palace—lingering in shaded courtyards, tracing her fingers along carved columns, and taking in every scent, sound, and sight—Enna finally felt a dull ache settle into her limbs. The excitement of her arrival had masked it until now, but fatigue was beginning to seep in, slow and heavy.
It was the exhaustion of a long, sleepless journey—one that had carried her all the way from Western Village to the royal palace through the cold hours of the night, without so much as a proper rest.
'I should lie down for a while… just enough to clear my head. Then I'll come back out.'
With a small sigh, she turned away from the broad palace avenues and made her way toward the royal kitchen, the path that would lead her back to her temporary lodging. The thought of a warm blanket and a quiet room, even if just for a short while, now felt more inviting than any grand hallway or towering gate.
Meanwhile, a heavy silence settled over the Foreign Affairs Council Hall, thick with unspoken tension. The ornate chamber, lined with tall scroll windows and maps of neighboring realms, seemed to hold its breath.
Finally, from the far left end of the long council table, Minister Moon Yohan broke the stillness. His voice was low but deliberate.
"What are Your Majesty's thoughts on the matter?"
All eyes turned toward Queen Genie, who sat at the head of the table with composed dignity. She took a moment before responding, her tone calm and unwavering.
"The annual cultural envoy has long been a tradition, yes," she said, her gaze steady. "However, the Ash Kingdom has yet to issue a proper apology—or offer any form of reparation—for their unprovoked attack last winter.
In light of that, I do not believe we can, in good conscience, proceed with the envoy as if nothing has happened."
There was a brief murmur of agreement, quickly subdued. Seated beside the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Moonsen gave a solemn nod.
"I share Your Majesty's view," he said. "Even the previous envoy members have expressed grave concern. Many are hesitant to cross the border again under such uncertain and dangerous conditions."
Across the table, the Minister of Foreign Affairs shifted uneasily. His fingers tapped once on the lacquered wood before he looked directly at the Queen, his expression conflicted.
"Your Majesty… if I may speak candidly," he began, carefully choosing his words. "The annual envoy to the Ash Kingdom has not been missed even once during the reign of the late king. To abandon it now would be… unprecedented."
He hesitated, then added with visible concern,
"If we withdraw, the rift between our nations may grow beyond repair.
And if they view our silence as provocation—should they retaliate with force—our people could suffer even more grievously than before."
Queen Genie nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful as she absorbed the Minister's words.
"I understand your concerns," she said, her voice calm but firm. "I, too, have no desire to endanger our people or invite further unrest. But tradition, when followed blindly, can become a chain rather than a guide."
She paused, her gaze sweeping across the council members, meeting their eyes one by one.
"This is not a matter of formality—it concerns the safety and dignity of our nation. Given its gravity, I believe we must consult with Minister Jade. It falls squarely within the realm of national defense, and his counsel will be essential before we decide our next step."
The Minister of the Foreign Affairs bowed deeply, his tone respectful.
"Yes, Your Majesty. That would be wise."
At his lead, the other diplomats rose from their seats and lowered their heads in unison, acknowledging the Queen's decision with solemn reverence.
The air in the chamber shifted—less tense now, but no less serious—as her words settled over them like a quiet decree, the weight of leadership pressing forward into uncertain days.
Shortly after, Jade arrived at the Royal Audience Chamber in response to the Queen's summons. The corridor was quiet, the morning light filtering softly through the tall lattice windows as he came to a halt outside the heavy wooden doors.
"I have come to see Her Majesty," he announced, his voice clear and composed.
Chief Han, the Queen's senior aide, stepped forward and gave a respectful nod as he opened the door with practiced efficiency.
"Please enter. Her Majesty is expecting you."
With a firm, purposeful stride, Jade stepped into the chamber.
The room was quiet, filled with the hush of polished stone floors and high, vaulted ceilings. At its center, Queen Genie sat alone at the long council table, her elbows resting lightly atop its surface, chin gently propped on her interlaced fingers. She seemed lost in thought, her gaze fixed somewhere far beyond the room.
"Your Majesty," Jade greeted her quietly, not wishing to disturb the contemplative stillness too abruptly.
Sensing his presence, the Queen slowly looked up. Her expression was calm but tinged with something deeper—weariness, perhaps, or restrained frustration.
"Please, take a seat," she said.
He bowed respectfully before settling into the chair opposite her.
Jade studied her for a moment. Even in silence, the tension in her posture betrayed her inner unrest.
"What troubles you, Your Majesty?" he asked gently.
Queen Genie exhaled a slow, steady breath, as if trying to organize her thoughts before voicing them aloud.
"I called you here because I wish to hear your thoughts," she began, her voice low but steady. "The time is drawing near for the annual cultural envoy to the Ash Kingdom. Just yesterday, they sent a formal message to the Foreign Affairs Office—clearly expecting us to proceed as usual."
Her gaze lowered briefly, and a shadow crossed her expression.
"But as you well know, they have yet to issue a single word of apology, nor offer reparations for their unprovoked attack. And still… they expect our cooperation."
She sighed, the sound soft but weighted.
"I cannot decide whether we should maintain the tradition or refuse outright. Either way, the consequences could be severe."
A silence fell between them.
Then Jade spoke, his voice even and resolute.
"If I may, Your Majesty… I believe we should not send the envoy this year."
Queen Genie fixed her gaze on Jade, her eyes sharp and unwavering.
"You do understand the risks such a decision may invite?"
"I do, Your Majesty," he replied without hesitation. "The Ash Kingdom may seize the opportunity to claim insult—to frame it as provocation and use it as justification for another strike. But even if we do send the envoy… there is no assurance they won't attack us anyway. They've proven they care little for protocol." His voice rang with conviction, steady and clear.
Yet beneath that firmness lay something else—something heavier. A weight of knowledge unspoken.
'I want to say more… but I cannot. Forgive me, Your Majesty…'
He averted his eyes for the briefest moment. He couldn't reveal what he knew—not without unmasking his true identity, and with it, secrets far more dangerous than this council could bear.
Unaware of the storm beneath his calm exterior, Queen Genie nodded slowly, as if affirming her own thoughts rather than his.
"Sending an envoy will not be enough to quell their ambition," she said quietly.
Jade's heart skipped a beat.
'Ambition?'
There was something in her tone—measured, resolute—that suggested more than diplomatic caution. It was as though she already understood what he had long known in secret.
Maintaining his composure, he asked carefully, "Your Majesty… may I ask what you mean?"
The Queen met his gaze without flinching. Her tone was even, but her words landed with force.
"I speak of the Ash Kingdom's ambition to conquer Hana."
'She knew…?'