Seong, meeting Ryang's clear gaze, felt a pang of guilt, but he quickly masked his unease. "You've never traveled alone before."

  "Of course I have," Ryang countered. "I traveled alone because of the princess recently. And I arrived alone today."

  "I'll assign some soldiers to accompany you."

  Ryang couldn't miss the uncharacteristic anxiety in Seong's voice. "You're acting strangely today. Why are you so worried? Did something happen that I should know about?"

  "It's nothing. With the incident at the Ministry and everything else going on... And you're not exactly a skilled swordsman. Not that I'm much better..."

  "Don't worry, Guardian. I can fend off a wolf with a dagger."

  "I'm serious, Ryang."

  Ryang's playful smile faded. "The Royal Attendant knows about us. If we travel in a group and he discovers our base, we'll be at his mercy. I won't tell you not to worry, but this is a risk we have to take."

  Seong fell silent. Ryang's eyes, usually warm and gentle, now held a determined glint. It was a familiar look. Whenever Ryang argued with such conviction, Seong found it impossible to refuse him.

  "Can't you just... indulge me this once?" he pleaded, admitting defeat.

  Ryang's voice softened. "If you insist, Guardian, I have no choice but to obey."

  "You always make it impossible for me to insist."

  Ryang chuckled, bowing his head. Seong offered a brief farewell.

  "Be careful on your journey."

  "I'll see you soon."

  As Ryang reached the door, Seong stopped him.

  "Brother."

  "Yes, Guardian?"

  Seong, suppressing his anxiety, asked, "Will you bring good news next time?"

  "I'll do my best."

  Ryang bowed once more and left the room. As soon as he disappeared down the hallway, Seong headed towards the training grounds. He spotted Joon practicing his spear techniques, his movements fluid and precise.

  "Joon!" Seong called out as he approached.

  Joon turned, his brow damp with sweat. He leaned his spear against a nearby wall and bowed his head. "Guardian. What brings you here? You seem to be in a hurry."

  "Ryang is returning to Nahmgyo soon. Can you assign a few of your most agile soldiers to follow him discreetly?"

  "Slow down," Joon said, frowning. "What do you mean, 'follow him discreetly'?"

  "Now!" Seong insisted.

  Joon's frown deepened. "Why not just have them escort him openly? Why the secrecy?"

  "He arrived alone because of the Dahnian troops. He insists on returning alone as well. I agreed, but I'm worried."

  Joon let out an incredulous laugh. "Then just overrule him. It's not like you're asking him to do anything unreasonable. Why the need for secrecy?"

  "He's right, so I couldn't argue. That's why I'm asking you. Do you have anyone who can follow him without being noticed?"

  Joon, still confused, raised an eyebrow. Seong's pleading gaze swayed him.

  "I suppose so. Three men enough?"

  Seong's face brightened. "Thank you."

  Joon bowed his head and hurried. Seong watched him go, his expression a mix of gratitude and anxiety.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

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  Dara paced restlessly along the forest path. She couldn't risk being seen with Ryang near Wicheong Palace, so she waited on his usual route, her anxiety growing with each passing moment. Today was the deadline Hwan had given her. She dreaded the consequences of failing to intercept Ryang, but the thought of facing him, of carrying out her task, filled her with an even greater dread. What am I hoping for? What do I expect to achieve? She longed for no tomorrow, no future that held such a devastating choice.

  Just as her anxiety reached its peak, she spotted Ryang in the distance. A wave of relief washed over her, followed immediately by a crushing despair. Ryang, recognizing her, quickened his pace. As he drew closer, she saw his expression – surprise, followed by unconcealed joy, his face breaking into a bright smile. Dara's heart shattered. Ryang reached her, pulling her into a warm embrace.

  "What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice filled with surprise and concern.

  Dara clung to him, savoring the warmth of his embrace. Tears welled up in her eyes. She gently pushed him away.

  "I'm so relieved I didn't miss you."

  Ryang, seeing the genuine fear in her eyes, felt a surge of concern. "Were you waiting for me? What if we hadn't crossed paths?"

  "You always take the same route," Dara replied evasively.

  "Something's wrong at Yeonyahng isn't it?" Ryang asked, his brow furrowed.

  "The Dahnian camp has been active since yesterday," Dara explained, fabricating a story she had concocted on her way. "They've finished their reconnaissance and were confined to their camp, but now they've resumed patrols around the fortress, morning and night. And there are more of them than before. Lady Seolyo is on edge."

  She had hoped her lie would be convincing, but she wasn't sure if Ryang would buy it. To her relief, he didn't seem to doubt her words, his expression turning grim.

  "Does Seon have any idea what they're up to?" he asked.

  "She is also in the dark."

  "I hope Hongyoo isn't playing games."

  "Whatever the reason, you should take a different route today. That's why I came looking for you. I was worried you might be in danger."

  "If that's the case, I should turn back. Better safe than sorry." Ryang gently brushed a stray strand of hair from her sweaty forehead. "You always go through so much for us."

  "There's a path I sometimes take when I'm worried. Follow me."

  Dara reached for his hand, and Ryang took it without hesitation. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver through her, but she steeled her resolve. As she led him away, she kept her back turned, her gaze fixed on the path ahead.

  Don't look back.

  If she met his eyes, her resolve would crumble. And then, both her father and Ryang would be lost.

  They walked for a while, stopping by a stream to rest and quench their thirst. The drop site was close now. Dara's fingers were numb with anxiety, and she clasped her hands together, trying to warm them. Ryang splashed water on his face, droplets clinging to his hair. He settled onto a rock, catching his breath, then turned to Dara, his eyes filled with warmth.

  "Beautiful," he murmured.

  "What?" Dara asked, flustered by his intense gaze.

  "You are."

  Dara, unable to meet his eyes, looked away. "You're the only one who says that."

  "Isn't that enough?"

  A sad smile touched her lips. "It is."

  Tears welled up in her eyes. Ryang moved closer, resting his head on her lap. He closed his eyes, his voice heavy with exhaustion.

  "It's nice to be alone with you like this. I wonder when we'll finally be able to rest easy."

  Dara gently stroked his forehead, her throat tightening. She swallowed hard before answering.

  "Will that day ever come?"

  Her voice held a note of sadness. Ryang sat up, facing her.

  "We'll make it happen."

  Dara's lips parted, but no words came out. Tears streamed down her face. Can this kind, gentle man truly think about leaving me? Her eyes, filled with unshed tears, held no deception, no understanding of betrayal.

  We should run away. Now.

  The thought echoed in her mind, but her body remained frozen.

  At that moment, a sharp whistling sound cut through the air, followed by a thud. Ryang slumped against her, an arrow protruding from his shoulder. He groaned, his hand reaching for the shaft, his eyes widening as he saw the blood on the arrowhead. His vision blurred, and he sank to his knees, darkness creeping at the edges of his consciousness. He looked up at Dara, his face contorted in pain.

  "Run..." he gasped, his voice fading.

  He lost consciousness, his body slumping against hers. Dara cradled him, her hands and clothes stained with his blood. Four figures emerged from the bushes, led by Hwan. He approached them.

  "You're just in time," he said.

  Dara looked up, her face pale with terror. Hwan's face and clothes were covered in blood, a thin cut marring his cheek. She then noticed the three severed heads clutched in his left hand. She clapped her hands over her mouth, stifling a scream. Hwan tossed the heads at her feet.

  "Did you know you were being followed?" he asked.

  Dara remained frozen, her eyes wide with horror. Hwan chuckled.

  "Seong's little trick, I presume. A waste of good men. They weren't bad fighters, though."

  He stepped closer. Dara recoiled, and Ryang's unconscious body slid to the ground. Hwan knelt beside him, studying his face. The youthful innocence was gone, replaced by a weary maturity, but the noble features remained unchanged. A satisfied smile spread across Hwan's face. He gently brushed a stray strand of hair from Ryang's forehead.

  "You've done well managing Wicheong," he said softly. "Now, it's time to come with me. Brother."