"Yes, Your Majesty. Thanks to Her Highness's kindness, this humble subject, despite holding no official position, was able to return to Sunyahng on a warship. I ask Your Majesty's forgiveness."
"It was simply a favor extended by Kyeong'ui to an acquaintance," the King said dismissively. "There's no need for asking my forgiveness."
Yool bowed deeply.
"Can you recount the events leading up to your departure?" the King asked.
"Your Majesty, I'm not certain what you wish to hear."
"Everything," the King insisted. "Anything at all. There are no royal chroniclers present, so speak freely. Tell me everything you remember."
His gaze was insistent, and Yool, after a moment of hesitation, began his tale.
"Actually, Prince Kyeongyul summoned me earlier today," he revealed.
"Kyeongyul?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. He asked me the very same question you just asked. He requested a detailed account of my encounter with the princess, considering the Queen's grave illness..."
"I see," the King said. "He didn't inform me."
The tightness in his throat wouldn't ease, and he struggled to speak. Yool, sensing his discomfort, lowered his head, worried he had misspoken.
"Tell me what you told Kyeongyul," the King finally said.
"To be honest, Your Majesty, I didn't have much contact with Her Highness after her arrival in Birahng," Yool began. "Though it was said she was there for a leisure trip, the sheer size of the encampment suggested a military objective as well. When I heard the fleet was preparing to depart, I decided to pay my respects before leaving. Her Highness graciously welcomed me and offered me passage on a ship returning to Sunyahng, a generous gesture considering our coincidental timing. She even invited me to join her on a hunt, but I declined, claiming my lack of skill would only be a hindrance. It turned out to be a hunt for seabirds within the encampment grounds. She said it was her pastime whenever she had free time. Her archery skills were remarkable; I was quite impressed."
He paused, and the King's attention sharpened at a particular detail.
"During my visit, a man from Nahmgyo arrived and approached Her Highness," Yool said.
He noticed the change in the King's demeanor and tensed.
"What was his purpose?" the King asked sharply. "What did they discuss?"
"She dismissed me and her Royal Attendant, so I don't know what they talked about," Yool replied. "But even in that brief encounter, I sensed a familiarity between them that surprised me. I recognized the man from Nahmgyo..."
"Where did you see him?"
"He was the owner of the inn where I stayed. Yeonyahng, the most luxurious establishment in Nahmgyo."
"Yeonyahng," the King echoed. "Does it use the characters for 'longing (戀)' and 'sunlight (陽)'?"
Yool, startled, raised his head. "How did you know?" he asked.
"Was there anything suspicious about the inn?" the King continued, ignoring his question.
"There were many foreigners," Yool recounted, "and since it was Birahng, many openly indulged in Crystal Haze and Sogahmcho. The atmosphere was quite... decadent. There were also separate quarters for distinguished guests."
"It sounds like a prosperous business," the King observed.
"Indeed," Yool confirmed. "It was always bustling with guests. I even recognized a few faces from Sunyahng. I was curious about Her Highness's familiarity with the owner, so I asked the Royal Attendant, but he was evasive. He seemed rather anxious, constantly glancing towards the tent where they were meeting alone."
"What was the atmosphere like in Nahmgyo?"
"The city seemed a bit restless in the days before my departure. I mentioned it to Her Highness during our conversation, and she seemed concerned, asking me about it."
"Kyeong'ui?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. The Royal Attendant explained that it was probably due to the approaching monsoon season and people preparing to leave."
"Did it seem that way to you?"
Yool, taken aback by the sudden question, stammered a response. The King, noticing his discomfort, softened his tone.
"I'm asking if it seemed to you that the unrest was solely due to preparations for the monsoon season."
Yool bowed deeply once more. "I've traveled abroad extensively, Your Majesty," he explained, "so I'm quite familiar with foreigners. It wasn't just foreign merchants who seemed restless. At the time, I didn't think much of it, but now, seeing how things have unfolded... I apologize for my oversight."
"There's no need for apologies," the King said, though his mind raced.
Yool's seemingly innocuous words were filled with potential implications. Is it the current crisis that heightens his suspicions? Or is there truly something more to uncover? The King felt a desperate urge to find some solution before the envoy's return, but his vision blurred with anxiety. There was one thing he needed to confirm.
"Did she seem well?" he asked.
Yool's gaze softened with sympathy. The King couldn't ignore the pity in his eyes, but he needed to hear his answer, even if it was a lie.
"She was tanned from the sea and sun," Yool replied, "but she seemed to be in good spirits."
The King cleared his throat, trying to mask his emotions. "Very well," he said. "I have more to discuss with your father. You may leave."
Yool rose, bowed once more, and retreated. Once his son was gone, Ik moved closer to the King, and Seoh sat beside them. The King took a sip of cold water, then turned to Ik with a forced smile.
"You've raised a fine son," he remarked. "A perfect blend of both parents."
"You flatter him, Your Majesty. He hasn't even begun his official service."
"How is your eldest daughter?"
"My second grandchild is due this autumn."
"Wonderful news," the King said, though his expression remained somber.
Though it was customary to begin conversations with pleasantries about family, both Ik and Seoh wished to avoid the topic today. After a brief exchange of forced pleasantries, the King broached a more sensitive subject.
"I hear Kyeonjeong Hye has been frequenting the Seojung residence lately."
"That is correct, Your Majesty."
"Those who associate with that family must be hoping for Kyeong'ui's demise."
"Princess Kyeong'ui is a royal descendant," Ik countered firmly. "How could any subject harbor such thoughts?"
"Do you think I summoned you here for such trivial reassurances?" the King retorted. "Tell me, is Guseo Joon also swayed by their influence, opposing the deployment of troops south?"
"Your Majesty, I agree with Guseo on this matter," Ik said. "And he is not one to be swayed by personal gain. Why do you question and doubt a decision you already made?"
The King sighed deeply, his frustration evident. Ik sensed that the King needed a scapegoat to deflect his guilt, but this wasn't the time to indulge him.
"Is there a connection between the owner of Yeonyahng, the inn my son mentioned, and the rebellion?" he asked.
"There's no reason for such a name without a connection," the King replied, his voice filled with anger. "We've neglected Birahng for far too long."
"Is it House Jang'gyeong or House Kyeongseon?"
"It's House Myeonghyeon."
Ik was taken aback. "But Your Majesty," he stammered, "House Myeonghyeon..."
"They all burned to death," the King interrupted. "That's what the people believe, and that's what I was told. The Founder himself told me he set fire to their house with the whole family inside. Perhaps he lied to his grandson. I don't know what happened, but Kyeong'ui claims that House Myeonghyeon is settled in Nahmgyo. They even have a flag with a modified version of their old emblem hanging at their inn."
"Did the Princess send a separate letter aside from the official one?" Ik asked.
"She did."
"And Baekyang Seoh was aware of its contents?"
"He was."
The air thickened with tension as Ik's voice took on an accusatory tone. Seoh shifted uncomfortably.
"Your Majesty," Ik began, "I recommended Baekyang Seoh based on my trust in him, but his duties are limited to those of the Chief Royal Secretary. Matters of the nation should be discussed and decided with the Council and the Boards. And this is a grave matter. Had you informed me of this earlier, we could have devised a different strategy."
"Are you implying that Kyeong'ui's predicament is my fault?" the King retorted sharply.
"That is not what I'm saying, Your Majesty," Ik countered. "I offer this counsel for the sake of resolving this situation properly. You know that the affairs of a nation must follow proper procedures to ensure stability."
"If we followed proper procedures," the King sneered, "neither of us would be sitting here."
Ik stood his ground. "It was because procedures weren't followed that you ascended to the throne, to rectify the chaos. That is what I believed, and that is why I have served you."
"Moonseong."
"I've heard that Baekyang Seoh dismissed the Royal Chronicler in your presence a few days ago, citing the nation's imminent collapse," Ik continued. "And it seems you've dismissed the Chronicler today as well."
"You have keen ears."
"Such matters must reach my ears for the court to function properly," Ik retorted. "What could be so important that he dared to do such a thing, and that you condoned it?"
The King glared at him. "If I reveal this matter to you while the Chronicler is present, can you guarantee you'll handle the consequences? If you're confident you can bear the responsibility, whatever I've concealed, whatever happens to our nation, then I'll make it public."
Though Ik had intended to remain calm for Kyeong'ui's sake, he couldn't help but feel his anger rising. "Your Majesty, how can you be so childish and irresponsible?"
"It's your demand to make this public without any plan or solution that is irresponsible," the King countered. "Who doesn't know the importance of procedures, of hierarchy, of the historical records? But I concealed this matter because of its gravity. See for yourself."
He threw the letter at Ik. Ik's expression remained unchanged as he read the lengthy document. He let out a sigh when he finished.
"Can the Council and the Boards resolve this?" the King asked.