Ryucheon raised a finger, pointing at Seon playfully. "Did you really expect me to answer that honestly?"

  "There's always a grain of truth in every lie and rumor," Seon countered. "Tell me your story, and I'll decide what to believe. Do you have orders like Hongyoo?"

  Ryucheon's face immediately clouded over. "I find it quite offensive that you would compare me to that scoundrel. I'm merely a traveler passing through. Hongyoo was never under my command, nor had I ever met him before encountering you. My purpose on this island is simply to observe the political landscape. I don't involve myself in such unsavory affairs."

  Seon smirked. "There are other ways to dirty one's hands. I recall a young courtesan being sent to Hongyoo's room the night he stayed at our inn."

  Ryucheon's eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly. A wry smile touched his lips as he shook his head.

  "I have no interest in buying pleasure. Seduction is far more appealing. If you're so suspicious, feel free to check the ledger. You won't find my name there."

  "As if a spy from a great kingdom would indulge in such pleasures under his own name."

  "Think what you will. But why am I explaining myself to you?"

  "Indeed," Seon teased. "I see enough scoundrels at this inn that there's no need for you to justify your actions to me."

  Ryucheon's gaze lingered on Seon, a playful glint in his eyes. "By the way, you clearly despise Hongyoo. What's your history with him?"

  "Didn't he tell you?"

  "Not particularly."

  Fury surged within Seon. The memory of her near-death experience at Hongyoo's hands made her clench her jaw. She had never been harmed by anyone in her life. After the death of their parents, Ryang had been strict, but he had never raised a hand against her. And within the Wicheong, no one dared scold her, the cherished niece of the Guardian. There had been one exception: Cheon Hwan, who had once forced her and Ryang to kneel on the cold ground.

  "A few days ago, that bastard nearly killed me with his hidden needles," Seon spat.

  "By accident?" Ryucheon's eyebrows rose in mock surprise.

  "Accident? Are you serious? He nearly killed me and then threatened my brother!"

  "Indeed," Ryucheon chuckled. "It's hardly a mistake a spy from Dae-Sung would make."

  Ryucheon snapped his fingers. A thin, gleaming needle appeared between his index and middle fingers. "This is what you're referring to, isn't it?" he asked casually.

  Recognizing the object, Seon's eyes widened in horror. She scrambled back, pushing her chair away in alarm. "You said you were a traveler!"

  "I am a traveler," Ryucheon replied with a smirk.

  "Why would a traveler have something like that?!"

  Ryucheon, unfazed by Seon's glare, replied with a playful smile. "Traveler or resident, all of us learns to use these. I need something to defend myself with in case of emergency. I'm starting to grasp the complicated situation between you and Hongyoo. Don't feel too wronged. Unless he had a crucial mission, revealing his identity to you would typically result in severe punishment."

  Ryucheon raised the needle to eye level, his gaze fixed on its sharp tip. The playful smile vanished, replaced by a stern expression.

  "Furthermore, he deceived us." he continued. "No one in the Board of Diplomacy was aware of Kyeong'ui's true character and ambitions until she led her fleet beyond borders. I won't let this go unpunished. Sooner or later, he will face the consequences."

  "That's good to hear," Seon said, her voice laced with satisfaction. "By the way, you don't seem old enough to command men like Hongyoo."

  "I may oversee experienced agents here," Ryucheon replied with a shrug, "but back in the capital, I'm just a fledgling."

  "Is that why he dared to raise his voice to you?" Seon asked, her lips curving into a sly smile.

  Ryucheon chuckled, winking playfully. "There are ways to deal with that."

  Seon's smile widened. "So, what brings you to this island as a traveler?"

  "To advance quickly in the Board of Diplomacy, one needs experience in the outer regions. What enjoyment could those accustomed to the comforts of the capital find in this kind of work? They all do it out of necessity. I ended up on this island due to a random draw. Still, I find it somewhat enjoyable. Nahmgyo, with its diverse and boisterous crowd, is far less tedious."

  The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

  "You mentioned a predecessor earlier. Did he speak of us?" Seon asked.

  Ryucheon nodded slowly. "He did. Quite often, in fact. About you and your brother."

  "What did he say? Besides the obvious observation that we are both attractive."

  "He seemed quite dismissive of your brother. Ryang, was it?"

  A sense of satisfaction washed over Seon. "Not many people are fond of my brother," she admitted.

  Ryucheon leaned closer, resting his chin on his clasped hands. His face was now inches from hers, his gaze intense. "It seems your family benefited greatly from our dealings. Yet, after your father's passing, your brother severed all ties with us. Do you know why?"

  Seon shook her head. "I've never heard of such a thing. I only recently learned about your involvement with our family."

  "It was because of you, Lady Myeonghyeon," Ryucheon revealed.

  "What do you mean?" she asked, her brow furrowed.

  "It seems my predecessor had quite the eye for you," Ryucheon explained. "Most of what he told me during the handover was about you. I don't think it was purely lust; he seemed genuinely smitten. It's a pity, really. But brothers have a knack for sensing these things. There's an unspoken understanding between men."

  "I never noticed anything of the sort," Seon said.

  A low chuckle escaped Ryucheon's lips. "That's precisely the problem, isn't it? Even if a man falls for you, you remain completely oblivious. It's not your fault, of course. It's your brother's doing. With a brother like that, how can you ever hope to experience true romance?"

  Seon, caught between agreement and defiance, remained silent. Ryucheon, shifting in his seat, continued, "Since you're so fond of directness, Lady Myeonghyeon, allow me to make a proposition."

  "What kind of proposition?"

  He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "While your overbearing brother is away, perhaps we could indulge in a little revenge?"

  Seon, intrigued, leaned closer. "What do you mean?"

  "Grant me your company tonight."

  Seon recoiled, her expression hardening. "I am the proprietor of this establishment, not a courtesan. If you think this is a leverage for a favorable report to your superiors..."

  Ryucheon, momentarily surprised by her reaction, quickly recovered his composure. "As a member of House Baek, I maintain a certain level of integrity. I would never dream of mixing Dae-Sung's affairs with my personal pleasures."

  He winked, a playful glint in his eye. "Although, it might make me more inclined to assist you."

  Seon scoffed. "I'm sure you're aware your advances are unwelcome. But humor me. What's your reason for such a bold proposition?"

  "Must there be a grand reason? Perhaps in our close proximity, I found myself... captivated."

  Seon's lips curved into an enigmatic smile. "You mentioned my brother earlier," she warned. "If he ever learns of this, you won't escape unscathed. Sungian official or not."

  "Is your brother your keeper? Why are you so concerned with his opinion?"

  "I'm not concerned with his opinion. I simply prefer not to give him any leverage over me."

  "But your brother is absent tonight," Ryucheon pointed out, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

  Seon, amused by his audacity, burst into laughter. When her laughter subsided, she said, "You certainly are bold. Lady Seolyo was right."

  "And what did she say?" Ryucheon asked, intrigued.

  "That Sungian men are the most daring of all."

  Ryucheon's smile widened. "I'd advise you to trust her judgment."

  "But she also said the Soyeolish men are the best," Seon continued. "That they're as skilled in bed as they are with a sword. She's quite fond of that saying."

  Ryucheon's face contorted in disgust. "Such repulsive words! Whoever gave her that impression is a disgrace to Dae-Sung. I must clear our name. Give me a chance tonight, and I'll prove her wrong. I'll demonstrate until my bones give out on you."

  He leaned closer, but this time, Seon didn't recoil. Sensing a slight shift in her demeanor, Ryucheon seized the opportunity and gently took her hand. He pressed his lower lip against the back of her hand and seduced once more.

  "You won't regret your courage."

  The smile on Seon's lips faltered. She pulled her hand away. His fingers tightened reflexively, but Ryucheon made no move to stop her. Seon rose to her feet.

  "Dream as you wish. Enjoy your stay at Yeonyahng, Lord Baek."

  Leaving Ryucheon to his simmering frustration, Seon exited the room with a nonchalant smile. Hongyoo was already gone when she emerged from the room. Her steps felt lighter as she returned to the rear garden. She didn't send any courtesans to Ryucheon's room.

  Night had fallen, but sleep eluded Seon. The day's conversation with Ryucheon replayed in her mind. Battles and odds, conviction and paths. The shining mirror of the royal family. Ryucheon's voice, once warm and inviting, now echoed in the depths of her anxiety. It had only been half a day since their encounter, yet his face and voice were already fading from her memory. Seon tossed and turned, the rustle of the pillowcase filling the silence. Moonlight streamed through the window, casting an ethereal glow across the room. Seon threw back the covers and rose from the bed.

  ──────────

  The night stretched endlessly in the solitude of his room. Ryucheon tossed a silver coin towards the ceiling, catching it repeatedly, a rhythmic counterpoint to his restless thoughts. The soft rustle of footsteps on the dirt path outside his door broke the silence. As he sat up abruptly, the returning coin struck him squarely on the chin. He rubbed his jaw, wincing at the sting, as the footsteps drew closer. The door creaked open. Through the narrow gap, he saw the flickering flame of a lantern. Ryucheon's gaze followed the slender fingers holding the lantern, meeting Seon's eyes. Seon spoke.

  "Follow me."

  With that, Seon turned and walked away. A bright smile curved Ryucheon's lips as he rose to his feet. The flutter of Seon's robes beckoned him forward, leading him towards the rear garden.