In the fresh hush of early morning, the military yard lay almost empty, touched only by the faint gold of dawn. Jade stood alone at its center, his figure poised and still for a breath — and then, in one swift motion, his sword cut through the air.
The sound of steel slicing wind echoed sharply as he struck five wooden poles in perfect succession — each one breaking cleanly in rhythm with his precise turns.
From the distant walkway behind the yard, a few court servants passing by slowed their steps, their eyes drawn toward the motion of the man they all revered.
"Minister Jade is truly a legendary warrior," one whispered. "And yet, he still trains every single day."
"Exactly," another replied quietly, carrying scrolls in his hands. "Diligent and unmatched — no wonder the Queen trusts him so deeply."
Jade's breath came heavy, his body steady and disciplined. Though to others it seemed he was only practicing swordsmanship, every swing carried the weight of prayer — a silent devotion whispered in motion.
He prayed for strength. For the kingdom. For God's will to be done.
And in the stillness between strikes, his heart whispered gratitude — for the Queen, for this morning, for the divine grace that led his every step.
As the sun lifted above the horizon, painting the yard in amber light, Jade slowed his final swing. The blade came to rest.
He exhaled deeply, a quiet breath that mingled with the rising warmth of dawn.
And then, he turned toward the gate of the military yard.
If he walked thirty minutes straight out that gate, he would reach the Queen's pavilion.
'I wonder what Her Majesty is doing right now,' he wondered, feeling his heart quietly flutter.
The moment from the previous night kept echoing in his heart.
"I love you. Not only as the Queen. Not only as the Princess. But as a woman. I love you, Your Majesty."
"I love you too," Genie had said, "Not just as my subordinate. Not just as my royal guard. But as a man. I love you."
Jade smiled now at the memory. Then, lifting his sword and his heart alike, he turned toward the gate and began walking—ready to greet the day that was just beginning.
With lunch concluded, a soft drizzle began to fall, veiling the palace in a cool breath of spring rain. The wind carried the faint scent of wet blossoms across the courtyards, rustling through the eaves of the grand buildings.
Soon, the great assembly hall began to fill with the quiet shuffle of footsteps and the low murmur of voices—the royal officials gathering for Queen Genie's monthly meeting. It was the last day of April, the day of reports, questions, and answers—a rhythm the palace knew well.
One by one, the officials took their places, and a calm yet weighty anticipation settled in the air as they awaited the Queen's entrance.
Jade stepped inside, followed closely by Deputy Commander Danjin. His boots sounded firm against the marble floor as he moved toward his usual place—on the right side of the Queen's seat, just below the stairs.
As he passed, he caught Moonsen's eye on the opposite side. Moonsen gave a courteous nod, and Jade returned it with a faint, almost imperceptible smile.
From across the hall, Moonsen's gaze lingered. His composure remained intact, his smile polite and still. Yet within, a quiet thought stirred.
'Her Majesty likes Minister Jade…' A pause. A flicker of longing behind his calm eyes. 'Is there room for me as well…?'
Soon, Queen Genie appeared through the side gate reserved solely for her entrance, her presence radiant yet serene. Chief Han and Lady Park followed faithfully behind, with the court ladies moving in quiet grace at the rear.
"Good afternoon, Your Majesty!"
Voices rose in unison, the royal officials bowing deeply as the sound of rustling robes filled the vast hall.
Genie offered a gentle nod, her expression composed but warm, and ascended to her throne. The soft rustle of her gown echoed faintly as she settled into the Queen's chair.
Her gaze swept across the assembly, calm and attentive. And then—her eyes met Jade's.
For a brief heartbeat, the world seemed to still. A flicker of shyness touched her face as she quickly turned her gaze away, while Jade maintained his collected expression, though his heart quietly fluttered beneath the armor of formality.
"Good to see everyone gathered for the monthly meeting," Genie spoke, her voice calm yet luminous beneath the high ceiling. "Let us begin with the reports from each ministry. The Ministry of Administration shall start."
And so, the monthly reports proceeded—each minister and royal official stepping forth in turn, their voices resonating across the great hall as parchment rustled and the faint echo of quills marked the rhythm of duty.
After nearly half an hour, the final report came to a close. Queen Genie glanced around the assembly, her calm eyes reflecting both composure and quiet gratitude.
"Well done with the reports," she said with gentle authority. "Thank you for your diligent and faithful service. Please continue to labor with love for the people of our kingdom. Now—let us move on to the next matter, the requests and questions session."
A hush fell over the hall, the air still and expectant.
Genie's gaze swept across the gathered officials. Then, from among them, the Minister of Culture, Han Son, stepped forward. His demeanor was calm, his face carrying a serene yet earnest expression.
"Your Majesty," Han Son began, bowing slightly. "Many of the royal officials have long discussed one particular matter, and we wish to present it to you today for consideration."
Jade's eyes shifted subtly toward Han Son, then to Queen Genie—his attention steady, his posture quietly alert.
Genie inclined her head, her tone composed.
"Very well, Minister Han. Please, proceed."
Han Son's voice carried through the vast chamber—low, measured, and solemn.
"Your Majesty," he began, each word deliberate, "not only within this court, but throughout the entire kingdom, there has been growing interest in Your Majesty's marriage. The matter of the royal consort is one of great importance—not merely for Your Majesty's personal life, but for the stability and future of the Hana Kingdom itself."
A faint tremor passed through Genie—so subtle that none but the most perceptive could have seen it. Still, she kept her composure perfectly poised, her eyes steady as she looked at Han Son, then slowly at the assembled officials before her.
From the right side of the hall, Jade's gaze flickered. His breath quiet but deep, he steadied his heart, though a faint tightening crossed his chest. He turned his eyes toward the Queen.
'Your Majesty…' the thought echoed within him, heavy yet tender, as he watched the serenity in her face.
Then, from among the gathered ministers, another voice rose. The new Minister of Land—appointed only a month ago after the departure of Ju Tak's father—stepped forward. His tone was respectful, yet firm with conviction.
"Yes, Your Majesty," he said. "With our relations with the Ash Kingdom restored, and the bandit uprisings now resolved, this may be the right moment to resume the long-delayed matter of the royal consort appointment."
A hush spread through the hall.
Genie's eyes swept the assembly—calm, thoughtful, and unreadable, though a faint shadow crossed their depths.
On the left side of the hall, further back than Jade, Moonsen watched the Queen closely, his jaw set, his expression grave. Slowly, he lifted his gaze toward Genie, and in that quiet glance, a storm of restrained emotion flickered behind his composed face.
Now, every gaze in the great hall turned back to Queen Genie.
A faint sigh slipped from her lips—barely audible, yet it softened the charged stillness of the room.
"Well, thank you to the two ministers for sharing such an important agenda," Genie said, her voice calm, measured, regal. Then, lifting her chin slightly, she looked ahead with a confident, composed smile. "I don't wish to rush this matter, as it holds great importance. I will take the time to reflect carefully and return with my decision. Anything else?"
Her eyes swept across the hall.
Under the light pouring through the tall windows, her poise and serenity radiated a quiet authority—one that made even the elder ministers bow their heads in silent admiration. Despite her youth and gentle grace, her presence alone commanded the room.
"Well," Genie continued, her tone soft yet decisive, "as it seems all matters have been addressed, the meeting is concluded for today. Thank you."
She rose to her feet.
Without the slightest hesitation, she turned and walked toward the exit, her silk robes trailing in rhythm with her steady steps. Chief Han, Lady Park, and the court ladies followed behind her, the royal guards moving in a silent line beyond them.
The royal officials watched as Queen Genie disappeared through the side gate, her calm figure fading beyond the tall golden doors.
Then came the murmurs.
"Is Her Majesty agreeing with the idea or not?"
"I have no idea. She's impossible to read."
"Maybe she simply doesn't wish to proceed with it now."
"No… I think she's agreeing. She's probably taking time to arrange the plans before announcing it."
Their hushed speculations rippled through the hall like low waves breaking against stone.
Jade remained still, standing where he was—his gaze fixed toward the empty dais where Genie had just sat moments ago. Then, slowly, he turned his head.
Across the hall, his eyes met Moonsen's.