The elder didn't flinch. "You understand what I mean," he said with a subtle threat.
"Mind your tongue when speaking of the Third Emissary," Norahn retorted.
His voice, firm and unwavering, was unlike anything the elders had heard from him before. They exchanged surprised glances, and even Cheongro, who had been listening quietly from the corner, raised his head to look at Norahn. Norahn's eyes, usually downcast, were now fixed on the elder, the blue light within them flickering with intensity.
"The Third Emissary's priority is to recover," he declared. "I believe this situation arose from a gesture of goodwill, not some illicit transaction or relationship. And I will not change my assessment. Therefore, until the Third Emissary has fully recovered, and even after, no further accusations will be tolerated. This is an order."
Cheongro cautiously stepped forward. "But Your Sanctity," he began, "even if we refrain from speculation, there are undeniable inconsistencies in the Third Emissary's dealings with House Myeonghyeon. Wasn't it she who delivered the gold offered by House Myeonghyeon last spring? Rumors are already spreading. If the truth isn't revealed, the Emissaries will lose faith in her authority."
"The Third Emissary's authority is derived from Sahngjon and bestowed by me," Norahn countered. "Who dares question it?"
"Then she should have addressed the matter herself," another elder interjected.
"Her authority remains as long as I do not revoke it," Norahn insisted. "If any Emissary refuses to obey her commands, I will deal with them accordingly."
"According to the law, the Third Emissary should be punished by death for accepting the gold," the elder argued.
Norahn's face hardened. "If that is what the elders desire, then all Emissaries must answer for their transgressions. Do you truly wish for me to restore order within the entire Ministry?"
"What do you intend to do?" an elder asked. "Execute those who defy you?"
"If you continue to undermine her..." Norahn's threat hung in the air.
The elders fell silent, their eyes fixed on him. They had never questioned the chains that bound Norahn, and he had always acted according to their expectations. A flicker of fear crossed their wrinkled faces.
After a tense silence, Norahn spoke. "The High Emissary's lineage will end with me."
"Your Sanctity!" The elders, who had been so confident just moments ago, were now filled with terror.
Norahn was determined to protect Sobi, and he showed no fear of Cheongro, who was present at the meeting. His threat, whether it meant refusing to produce an heir or ending his own life, was unclear. Cheongro, though aware of Norahn's vulnerability, couldn't act.
Norahn turned to Cheongro and commanded, "Second Emissary, once she has recovered, assist her in preparing for my marriage."
The order to Cheongro was Norahn's final offer to the elders. They didn't mention the gold from House Myeonghyeon again, and the meeting was adjourned.
In the newly established annex, Norahn occupied the largest quarters, previously used by Ryang. He allocated the tea room, study, and storage rooms to Second Emissary Cheongro, the elders, and the remaining Emissaries, while Seon's former bedroom was refurbished for Sobi. Throughout the summer, Norahn had anxiously awaited Sobi's return, and now she was finally here. The physicians who examined her reported no physical ailments, but they sensed a deep emotional distress.
As Norahn made his way to Sobi's chambers, he recalled the vision he had received before Seong's departure from Nahmgyo. Sobi, kneeling helplessly before a triumphant Hwan engulfed in flames. The letter that had arrived with Sobi contained a cunning message from Hwan, claiming that Sobi had faithfully served Sahngjon's will in Ju, and therefore, even if they succeeded in reclaiming Birahng, the gold given by Ryang should not be confiscated but bestowed upon Sobi as a reward. Norahn knew Sobi wouldn't have obeyed Hwan's instructions, and seeing her collapse at his feet upon her return, he couldn't help but imagine the ordeal she must have endured. He regretted not heeding the vision, not finding the courage to prevent her departure, no matter the cost.
He stopped before her door and called out, "Are you there?"
The door opened silently, revealing Sobi's small face. She stepped aside, allowing Norahn to enter. Her face was still pale and drawn. Norahn sat facing her, and tears immediately welled up in Sobi's eyes.
"Your Sanctity," she choked out, "Cheon Hwan..."
"There's no need to explain," Norahn interrupted gently. "I've read everything."
"Even what I did in Ju?"
"Yes."
"I have nothing to say."
Sobi lowered her head, her shoulders shaking with sobs. Norahn's mind flashed back to the day he had brought her from Dongrahng, her small frame collapsing before him in tears. He spoke, hoping to ease her guilt, though his words might end up breaking her further.
"There's no need for apologies," he said. "You never abandoned your duty as an Emissary."
His words, sharp and unexpected, made Sobi stop crying and look up at him. Norahn averted his gaze, unable to meet her eyes. Even if he remained silent, the truth wouldn't change. He finally spoke, breaking Yeong's command.
"Sahngjon showed me a new vision after you left."
"What did you see?"
"Cheon Hwan, standing triumphant, engulfed in flames. And you were kneeling before him."
"How do you interpret this vision?" Sobi asked anxiously.
Norahn hesitated. It was the same question he had asked Yeong, a vision she had refused to interpret. But he was the High Emissary, the one who saw Sahngjon's will. He had to decide.
"It seems Sahngjon's will lies with Cheon Hwan," he finally said.
Sobi's face paled. "But the Guardian..."
"He has shown his powers as well. But..."
"Did you see the sails of the ship I returned on?" Sobi interrupted.
"Why do you ask?"
"They were made from the skins of Cheon Hwan's men and the Myeonghyeon sailors. The soldiers who held the sword you blessed... they became a part of those sails."
Norahn felt a chill run down his spine.
"It was Cheon Hwan who slaughtered those eight faithful Emissaries last spring," Sobi continued, her voice shaking. "He is a monster. How can you say Sahngjon's will lies with him? How can you say such a thing to me..."
She choked back a sob, unable to continue. Tears streamed down her face, tracing paths through the grime and blood.
"Sobi," Norahn whispered, his heart aching for her.
Despite Norahn's heartfelt plea, Sobi remained stubbornly silent. "The Azure Scripture mentions the High Emissary's ability," Norahn said. "You know this."
"You mean the passage about guiding the king towards the righteous path with Sahngjon's light in his eyes?" Sobi replied listlessly.
"No, the passage that follows."
"When Sahngjon's light illuminates the eyes, the vision of the world is clouded. When gazing upon Sahngjon, one cannot see the world, and when observing the world, Sahngjon's will remains hidden." Sobi recited the passage from memory. "You taught us that this is a metaphor, not just a teaching for the High Emissary. You taught us that we must not focus solely on Sahngjon or the world."
Sobi's eyes pierced Norahn. "Why can't we see the world while gazing upon Sahngjon's light?" she demanded.
"That is Sahngjon's providence," Norahn replied.
"Which will you choose to see this time?"
Norahn couldn't answer, and Sobi's anxiety grew as she sensed his hesitation.
"How did the others interpret the vision?" she asked.
"Only the Guardian Crimson knows," Norahn replied. "She commanded me to remain silent until further instructions."
"Then why do you say Sahngjon's will lies with Cheon Hwan?"
To answer Sobi's question, he would have to reveal the vision he had received before Seong awakened to his powers. He couldn't bring himself to confess his silence, the silence that had endangered Ryang and given Cheongro leverage.
"Let's go to Hyangdo and inform them of the situation," he said, changing the subject. "We don't have much time, according to Cheon Hwan's letter."
"I failed the High Councilor," Sobi said, her voice filled with shame. "I let those three soldiers he entrusted to me die. I can't face him."
"The Guardian and the High Councilor need to hear what you've seen and heard," Norahn insisted. "You must go, even if it's painful."
Sobi, her head bowed, accepted his words.
The Emissaries prepared the Dahnian warship they had repaired and learned to operate during the summer. Norahn urged them to hasten their departure, and the ship set sail for Hyangdo before dawn. Cheongro saw them off at the harbor.
"I will have everything prepared for your return," he said.
They arrived in Hyangdo before noon. The long rains had ended, and the clear skies brought a renewed vibrancy to the city. Since the weather had turned colder, many families, including House Myeonghyeon, had begun construction on their new homes. Norahn's visit brought a wave of tension to the bustling city. Aside from the exchange of letters and supplies since their departure from Nahmgyo, this was Norahn's first visit to Hyangdo. The city had also received the urgent news of Sobi's return, the first to arrive from Nahmgyo, flying the blue flag. Cheon Seong and the Hyangdo leadership expected Norahn to deliver Jongwon Soh's reply in person. Standing on the gate tower, Seong watched the Emissaries disembark, their somber mood a grim omen.
He greeted Norahn at the city gates. Norahn, followed by Sobi and the other Emissaries, bowed deeply to Seong.
"Guardian," he greeted.
He straightened and looked at Seong, his eyes as bright as the clear autumn sky, yet troubled, the light within them flickering with unease. Seong led Norahn and the Myeonghyeon siblings towards the government office, the Emissaries following in silence.
Once they were settled in the meeting room, Seong, unable to bear the tension any longer, asked, "Did Jongwon Soh send a reply?"
Norahn bowed deeply and presented the letter to Seong. The seal was already broken. The letter bore Hwan's unmistakable handwriting.