The next day, Hyeok woke up early, made a detailed request to Yeol, and set sail around noon. Even after darkness fell upon the sea, Nahmgyo remained a distant point of light. Hyeok finally reached the harbor late at night. Kyeong'ui was still awake, so he immediately went to report the situation in Hyangdo and Sahchun. As expected, she wasn't pleased.
She looked at Hyeok, his head bowed. He must have tried to find a solution, given that he went straight to Sahchun after being rejected in Hyangdo. Still, he hadn't achieved the desired outcome and stood before her like a prisoner. The arrogance and overconfidence he'd displayed on the day of their departure were gone. Kyeong'ui didn't scold or berate him, and Hyeok was inwardly surprised.
"So, when will he be able to send the ships after the evacuation?" she asked.
"Your Highness," Hyeok began, trying to persuade her, "why not give up on the idea of relocating everything at once and make two trips instead? The sea is unpredictable, even with thorough preparation. It might be better to move in two or three trips to avoid the risk of losing everything in one go. My brother said that Cannon Ships are more than capable of fighting ten Soyeolish warships at once, so even with just three escorting the fleet, pirates won't attack. He seems reluctant, so he'll probably delay with excuses. If the monsoon season arrives, we won't be able to reach Sahpung and will be stuck in Birahng."
Kyeong'ui stared at him, her gaze intense. Hyeok, intimidated, looked away.
"How long will the evacuation take?" she finally asked.
"He asked for ten days," Hyeok replied. "I told him to stockpile enough provisions for the residents to last until the ninth month, just in case we have to stay on Sahpung until then."
"Then, as you said, we'll relocate in separate trips once the evacuation is complete. Prepare accordingly."
Hyeok's face lit up at her unexpected agreement. As he excitedly bowed and turned to leave, Kyeong'ui called out to him.
"Young Master?"
Hyeok turned back.
"I'm going to Nahmgyo with Master Song'un and Seo'oh on the night of the full moon," she said awkwardly. "It's a holiday in Birahng called Summer Greetings. The Myeonghyeon siblings offered to show us around. Would you like to come too?"
"Me?" Hyeok asked, feigning hurt. "Were you planning to leave me behind?"
"You don't like them," Kyeong'ui explained.
"That's true, but... Where else would I be but with you? Of course, I'll go if you're going."
"That's good. I understand."
Hyeok smiled at Kyeong'ui, who still seemed awkward, then turned and left. Preparations for the relocation began quietly the next day, and the news didn't reach Nahmgyo.
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The culprit was her, Myeonghyeon Seon.
When she declared that she was the true owner of the family business, not him, Ryang was certain. She was the one with the easiest access to the funds, the one who could move them unnoticed. Why didn't I suspect her from the start? Why did I wrongly accuse and imprison Dara? He was foolish not to have suspected his own blood. If I hadn't imprisoned Dara, if I had just sent her away, she might still be alive. I wouldn't have had to execute her with my own hands. The thought of Dara brought a wave of nausea, and Ryang shuddered.
Even with his suspicions confirmed, he couldn't confront Seon hastily. He had to uncover the exact whereabouts of the missing funds before making any moves. If Seon sensed his suspicions, she might plot something else. Has she colluded with Kyeong'ui to transfer more funds without my knowledge? If so, who has helped her? The situation was absurd, having to doubt his own sister.
Ryang summoned U'nso. As always, U'nso stood before him with a respectful and reliable posture, bowing his head.
"U'nso," Ryang began.
"Yes, My Lord?"
"Would you do anything I ask?"
U'nso hesitated at the sudden question, then answered, "If it's for House Myeonghyeon, then yes."
"For House Myeonghyeon..." Ryang pondered his answer. If U'nso's loyalty lay with Seon, not me, does he consider me an enemy of the family? He believed Seon, like himself, only trusted U'nso enough to handle the family funds, so he was certain that questioning him would lead to answers. However, he was also sure that U'nso wouldn't reveal anything if he believed Seon's actions were for the good of House Myeonghyeon. Ryang dismissed him.
"You may leave now."
As the night of Summer Greetings approached, Joon and the recovering soldiers moved to Yeonyahng. Four more soldiers had died from the plague while confined to the ship. The siblings learned from Joon about the deaths and the loss of the Black Wings. Hwan was never an easy target, but Joon's blunder was evident. However, Ryang couldn't blame him when he was already suffering from guilt. He tried to dissuade Joon, who was preparing to return to Wicheong Palace.
"Why don't you stay in Nahmgyo and rest until Summer Greetings?" Ryang suggested.
"I don't deserve it, High Councilor," Joon replied.
"Just call me casually. We're alone."
"But you're also the Mirror of the Guardian now."
"Titles don't matter."
Joon remained silent.
"I'm not telling you to go out and celebrate," Ryang said. "It's better to recover here than in the cave, isn't it?"
Joon scoffed. "Recover? That's a luxury I can't afford in front of the dead."
"Joon, we're about to go to war," Ryang said. "We're going to lose countless lives."
"So you've gotten used to it?" Joon asked, his eyes filled with resentment.
Ryang didn't answer, not wanting to delve into those memories. Joon, his belongings packed, walked past him and left.
After Joon and the surviving soldiers returned to Wicheong Palace, the night of Summer Greetings arrived amidst the villagers' busy preparations. Ryang and Seon, as promised to Kyeong'ui, managed to gather enough tangerine wine and residents who knew how to cook anchovy soup and sent them to the camp. Anchovy soup wasn't a problem, but there were complaints about the Sunyahng people taking their precious drinks when they barely had enough for themselves. Ryang hoped Kyeong'ui would forget about her promise to visit on the night of Summer Greetings, but that didn't happen.
As the sun set on Summer Greetings, Kyeong'ui and her entourage arrived at Nahmgyo in simple attire. She had even left her escort troops far from the city, so the Myeonghyeon siblings, who had been waiting for her outside the south gate since sunset, didn't recognize them from afar. Only when they approached did Ryang recognize Kyeong'ui. He bowed and asked, "You came dressed like that?"
"I didn't want to disturb the festivities," Kyeong'ui replied.
The siblings led the group into the city. Although it wasn't yet late, the streets were already lively. The smell of laver pancakes frying in oil and the savory fish broth of anchovy soup filled the air, and different songs clashed across the street, each melody distinct. Stalls lined the main road from the south gate, peddling trinkets like crude amulets, handheld fireworks, and wooden dolls. Crowds gathered at each stall, and vendors accepted Dahn's copper, iron, and silver coins. Those who recognized Sungian currency also accepted it, and some even exchanged Soyeolish silver ingots for Sungian or Dahnian currency after assessing their purity and weight.
The group was too busy taking in the sights to engage in much conversation. Ryang, however, was secretly anxious as he kept spotting Wicheong Palace soldiers in the crowd. The soldiers, recognizing Ryang and Seon accompanying Kyeong'ui's group, exchanged glances and greetings. Ryang couldn't relax, unsure whether to smile or not.
Except for Hongyoo, everyone in Kyeong'ui's group was excited by the unfamiliar and bustling streets. They were particularly amused by the people. Sungians were also present, easily recognizable by their elaborately braided and styled hair. Their clothes were brightly colored, but their designs were simple and neat. They often encountered Soyeolish people, who carried several swords and moved in groups. Seon, staying close to Kyeong'ui, explained that the people with short hair and minimal clothing were Soyeolish, while those with cumbersome braids were Sungian. Both Sungians and Soyeolish people favored bright colors, leaving Dahnians as the only ones with drab attire.
In a large open space, a group of Soyeolish people danced and played music with the locals. Kyeong'ui watched, fascinated by the unfamiliar instruments. A shirtless man played a stringed instrument with a long neck, sweat dripping from his brow as if he were possessed. The instrument's lively melody stirred excitement. A couple, caught in the rhythm, spun faster and faster, their bodies pressed together, their lips locked in a passionate kiss. The sight of people dancing, singing, and embracing under the influence of alcohol or drugs stirred a warmth within Kyeong'ui. She turned her head and blushed, catching sight of a couple who had slipped away from the crowd, their bodies urgently entwined in the shadows of an alleyway. She chuckled, realizing the true meaning of "the night we greet the first summer heat."
"I told you," Ryang said, embarrassed. "The streets become a bit indecent."
"Indeed," Kyeong'ui replied. "So this is how the people of Nahmgyo enjoy themselves."
"Are the people of Sunyahng different?" Seon asked.
"Compared to this, they're quite naive," Kyeong'ui said. She pointed across the street. "Is that the Lady?"
Seolyo Jin was drinking tangerine wine from a large bowl among the crowd.
"She always joins the festivities on holidays," Ryang explained.
Seon, catching Jin's eye, excused herself and went over to her. Kyeong'ui watched them from a distance, amused by their boisterous laughter.
"Your sister seems quite different from you," she remarked to Ryang.
"I apologize," Ryang replied.
"Why are you apologizing? It was a compliment." Kyeong'ui looked at Ryang, enjoying his bewildered expression. "In some ways, she's easier to talk to than you. It seems you don't like that side of her."
"Wouldn't any brother feel the same?" Ryang countered.
After a moment of silence, Kyeong'ui spoke, her voice subdued.
"We will relocate our camp to Sahpung in ten days," she announced. "The research here is proving more challenging than anticipated. We require a more suitable environment and resources. We'll evacuate the entire island and provide proper support for the scholar to continue her research."
Hongyoo and Hyeok, who had been silently accompanying Kyeong'ui, exchanged anxious glances. Ryang replied calmly, "You're leaving sooner than expected."
"You'll come with me, won't you?" Kyeong'ui asked.