《Legacy of Light - The Star of Birahng》


 The Crimson Star (1)

    A new monarch was ascending the throne of the fallen dynasty. Cheon Seong(ÌìêÉ) remained by his father''s bedside, bearing witness to his final moments. The air was thick with the scent of death, and Seong felt a profound sadness weigh down on him as he realized his beginning coincided with his father''s end.


    "The restoration of Wi(Ðl) falls to you," Cheon Yong(Ì윥) rasped, each labored breaths carrying the weight of his final decree. He was using the last of his strength. Seong listened with a heavy heart to his father''s ragged breaths.


    "You must now become the Guardian of the Azure Scripture(ìi•ø)*." Yong spoke again, his voice fading.


    "I know." Seong''s reply was curt, hiding the turmoil within. "Tell me something else," he pleaded, his voice a mere whisper.


    Though a grown man, he clung to his father like a child. Yong''s weary gaze settled on his son''s face, tracing the familiar lines of his eyes and nose - a mirror image of his own. Each time he saw his reflection in Seong, the weight of his sins pressed down on him with renewed force. He turned away, unable to meet his son''s gaze.


    "Leave me," he commanded, his voice strained.


    "Father," Seong pleaded.


    "Summon Ryang and Seon."


    Seong rose and moved towards the door. Outside, Myeonghyeon Ryang and his sister Seon, and Gyeongseon Ung and his son Joon, stood waiting anxiously. They bowed their heads together as Seong emerged from the room.


    "Young Guardian(С•øÖ÷)," they greeted, their voices a mixture of respect and apprehension.


    Seong acknowledged their greetings with a solemn nod. His gaze settled on Ryang as he inquired, "Is the High Emissary still absent from the mountain?"


    "I''ve sent word, but he has yet to..." Ryang replied.


    "I see. He''ll be back soon."


    Even with his head deeply bowed, Ryang sensed the somberness in Seong''s voice. He cautiously raised his head to meet Seong''s gaze.


    "How fares the Guardian?"


    "He nears his end," Seong replied.


    Though prepared for the news, Ryang felt a wave of grief. "Hasn''t he been frequently ill these past few months? Yet, he recovered each time."


    "Today feels different," Seong stated firmly.


    Ryang could not bring himself to ask further. He, too, was aware that Yong had refused any healers for days. Seong placed a hand on Ryang''s arm.


    "He asked for you and Seon. Go in." Seong urged.


    "But surely, Young Guardian, you should remain by his side." Ryang insisted.


    "He doesn''t want to see me anymore."


    Embarrassed by Seong''s words, Ryang lowered his gaze. The others in the room, sensing the tension, remained silent.


    "Go in," Seong urged.


    Bowing to Seong once more, Ryang entered the room, followed by his younger sister, Myeonghyeon Seon. Seong stood with his back turned, listening to the sound of the door closing.


    Ryang and Seon approached the bedside and bowed low before their ailing uncle. "Your Luminance," they greeted respectfully.


    Cheon Yong did not acknowledge their greeting. He already looked like a corpse. His gaunt cheeks were hollowed, casting deep shadows, and the whites of his eyes had long since yellowed. He beckoned Ryang and Seon closer with his gaze. Seon approached and sat beside him, gently taking Yong''s hand in hers beneath the blanket. Ryang felt a surge of resentment towards Yong, his uncle.


    "Must you be so cruel, even in your final moments?" Ryang asked.


    "Trying to act like a father now... does not absolve me of my sins," Yong rasped, each word a struggle.


    Ryang fell silent. Yong''s gaze drifted between Ryang and Seon, lingering on Seon''s face. Her features ¨C every line and curve ¨C mirrored those of his late wife, her aunt. A flicker of strength returned to his hand, gripping Seon''s.


    "Finally, I see her again. After all these years..." he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.


    "My Guardian." Ryang acknowledged softly.


    "I have kept her waiting for too long." he whispered, tears tracing paths down his wrinkled cheeks.


    Ryang watched, his heart ached with pity at the sight of his uncle''s lingering regrets. The dead do not wait, he thought, swallowing the words before they could escape his lips.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    Yong''s breath rattled in his throat. He gripped Seon''s hand one last time before his eyes fluttered closed and he breathed his last. A heavy silence fell over the room. Seon gently placed his hand upon his chest. Ryang and Seon retreated, sinking to their knees before the lifeless form.


    "May the Light of Sangjon guide your path. Rest, Your Luminance." Ryang whispered


    Ryang rose, his movements swift as he crossed the room and opened the door. Seong, sensing the urgency in his return, followed him back in. Yong lay lifeless, his eyes open and mouth agape. Seong approached his deceased father, gently closing his mouth and smoothing his eyelids shut. His face remained impassive. Having just bowed before his deceased uncle, Ryang bowed again, this time to his new lord.


    "Guardian of the Azure Scripture(ìi•øÖ÷)**," he acknowledged.


    Following her brother''s lead, Seon also bowed before Seong. However, Seong did not accept their obeisance.


    "Please, there''s no need for that."


    Seong''s reply was curt. Ryang''s eyes narrowed, his displeasure evident even from his bowed position. Seong addressed Seon.


    "Seon, please, close the door."


    Seon nodded silently and rose to close the door. Seong sat down and looked at his father''s body. Then, he calmly began to speak


    "I intend to disband Weichung Palace," he said quietly


    Ryang and Seon lifted their heads abruptly, their eyes wide with surprise. Ryang, shocked, questioned Seong''s decree.


    "What do you mean?"


    "It''s what I''ve been telling you all along, brother. We are..."


    "Just ghosts?"


    "Indeed," Seong said, his voice heavy with finality. "It''s time for us to fade away."


    Seong remained calm and aloof, his composure sending a chill through Ryang''s heart.


    "My Guardian," he began, "this is not a decision to be made lightly. Your time has come. Over two thousand soldiers have placed their faith in you."


    "Faith in what?" Seong countered, "is there any hope in the prophecy of the Crimson Star and the revival of Cheon-Wi(ÌìÐl, Sacared Wi)?"


    Ryang was momentarily speechless. But he quickly regained his composure and continued more firmly,


    "The revival of Wi can be achieved without relying on prophecy." Ryang insisted.


    "For what purpose?" Seong questioned.


    "The blood spilled by Dahn stains the land more than the rivers of Sunyahng(ÉÈê–)***. The flags of Dahn, soaked in the blood of our ancestors, should not fly over Sunyahng. Have I not told you this countless times?"


    "So you''re saying we should shed even more blood to tear down those blood-soaked flags?" Seong argued.


    "How can the weight of blood shed for a righteous cause be compared to the weight of blood spilled in senseless slaughter?" Ryang argued back.


    "No matter the weight of that blood, it cannot outweigh the life of a single living person," Seong declared resolutely.


    Ryang clenched his jaw, his lips forming a tight line. In his silence, Seong continued.


    "Think of those bound to Wicheong. Nearly two thousand people are sacrificing themselves for a futile hope. It''s been half a century since our dynasty fell. Dahn is becoming increasingly stable, and the people are at peace, while our people are denied a life of their own. I cannot demand such sacrifices any longer."


    Ryang found himself unable to counter Seong''s words. They held a truth he couldn''t deny. With a heavy heart, he spoke.


    "Their sacrifice is a choice they made themselves. We cannot force them to sacrifice, nor can we force them to abandon their cause. The revival of Cheon-Wi is not a dream solely nurtured by the royal family. We cannot unilaterally decide to forsake it."


    "If I do nothing when I should act, it''s the same as forcing them."


    "It is better to face this coercion than to see their hope turn to ashes. How will you bear the weight of their despair?"


    "Life will go on, and their despair will fade, even if it''s a slow process. This will be my first and final decree as the Guardian of the Azure Scripture. I will inform everyone once the funeral rites are concluded. Until then, keep this to yourselves."


    Despite Ryang''s earnest pleas, Seong remained silent, his back still turned. Ryang, determined, added one more remark.


    "My father gave his life for the royal family of Wi."


    His words pierced Seong''s heart. Though Ryang spoke of the royal family, his words were clearly directed at Seong himself. Seong closed his eyes, battling the memories of blood and violence that haunted him. His eyelids tightened as he fought to maintain his composure. Finally, he spoke.


    "I do not believe this path deviates from the teachings my uncle taught."


    "Guardian."


    "Can we please talk about this another time?"


    Exhaustion laced Seong''s voice. Ryang''s gaze shifted between the face of the deceased Yong and Seong''s rigid back. Despite a lifetime of cold indifference from his father, Seong had still suffered a loss. The sight of his slumped shoulders caused a pang of sympathy in Ryang''s heart. Unable to press further, he rose from his position.


    "I will return to Nahmgyo(ÄϘò) for a short while. I need to take care of some urgent matters in Nahmgyo before the funeral rites."


    Seong nodded slightly. Ryang bowed his head.


    "I will be back before midday tomorrow."


    Ryang nodded to his sister, and Seon rose as well. As the siblings exited, the Kyeongseon father and son entered the chamber. They too, upon witnessing their lord''s passing, prostrated themselves. They bowed deeply, showing respect for the deceased Yong and loyalty to Seong. Seong, his back still turned towards them, addressed in a calm voice.


    "High Commander."


    "Yes, Guardian."


    "The High Councilor(•øÁî)**** and Seon will be traveling to Nahmgyo shortly. Please assign a few men to escort them. The night is dark."


    "Of course. Joon, see to this." Kyeongseon Ung relayed the order to his son, who bowed curtly and hurried out. In the stillness of the room, Ung observed Seong''s composure, a flicker of concern in his eyes.


    "Are you alright, Guardian?"


    "He has been ailing for a long time. This was expected."


    "Even with preparation, death is not something one easily becomes accustomed to."


    Seong''s reply was tinged with sadness and regret.


    "Is it strange? That I do not grieve?"


    "Your father has passed away."


    "Indeed. He was my father. And I, his son."


    Seong''s response was brief, his voice devoid of emotion. Kyeongseon Ung fell silent. Beneath Seong''s closed eyelids, tears welled, hidden from view.


    *The Azure Scripture(ìi•ø) : The sacred text of the prophetic faith revered by the people of Wi. It is bound in a blue cover, hence the name "Azure Scripture."


    **The Guardian of the Azure Scripture(ìi•øÖ÷) : The protector of the Azure Scripture, a role traditionally held by the ruler of Wi. After the fall of Wi, the royal family lost their kingly title and became known solely as the Guardians of the Azure Scripture.


    ***Sunyahng(ÉÈê–) : The former capital of Wi and the current capital of Dahn.


    ****The High Councilor(•øÁî) : The chief administrator of Wicheong Palace, responsible for overseeing all administrative affairs and assisting the Guardian of the Azure Scripture.

 The Crimson Star (2)

    The Myeonghyeon siblings, accompanied by their servant Dara(¶àÈR), made their way to the entrance of Wicheong Palace(ÐlìiŒm). The path leading to the entrance was steep. Though called a palace, Wicheong was, in fact, a cave where the remnants of Wi sought refuge. The cave was located at the northeastern foot of Mount Shinsuk(ÉñËÞɽ), which towered over the heart of Birahng. Despite its narrow entrance, barely wide enough for a horse to pass and concealed by thick undergrowth, the cave opened into a vast network of tunnels, stretching endlessly, worthy of the title ''palace.'' Wide passageways branched out, forming large sections, while smaller tunnels were blocked off with earthen walls and wooden planks, creating a labyrinth of rooms and chambers. The labyrinthine structure was easy to get lost in for those unfamiliar with its twists and turns.


    Incense burned thickly in every room, dispelling the dampness and musty odor, warding off insects, while charcoal fires beneath the plankstone beds chased away the chill. The scent of burning incense and charcoal lingered in the air, but a constant draft from deep within the cave swept the smoke away, keeping the air clear.


    As they made their way towards the exit, torchlight flickered on the cave walls, casting dancing shadows, and the soldiers they encountered bowed respectfully at the sight of Ryang. He was not usually expressive, so the soldiers failed to notice the grief etched on his face. Ryang walked deep in thought, his mind preoccupied with the new Guardian''s shocking declaration. The new Guardian, Cheon Seong, intended to disband Wicheong Palace, the sanctuary where the remnants of the Wi royal family and their followers had survived for three generations, praying for Wi''s revival. The finality of Cheon Seong''s decision weighed heavily on Ryang, the young High Councilor, and he walked in silence, his shoulders slumped. Seon glanced back at him with concern.


    Outside the entrance, five soldiers and horses sent by Gyeongseon Joon awaited them, and as Ryang stepped forward, Dara called out to him, offering a thick coat. "My Lord, it''s still cold. Please wear this before we depart."


    Ryang''s gaze lingered on the coat, then drifted to Dara''s slender wrists and bare shoulders. He ignored the offered coat and walked past her. "I don''t need it. You wear it," he said.


    With a curt reply, Ryang mounted his horse, leaving Dara embarrassed as she withdrew the coat and followed. Once Seon had also mounted, Ryang took the lead, urging his horse forward.


    They journeyed through the night in silence. The early spring night on Birahng was chilly. Lost in thought, Ryang let his horse guide him through the darkness. Every so often, a soft sigh escaped his lips, dissipating into the night like fleeting wisps of smoke. Seon, riding beside him, felt her frustration grow with each exhaled breath.


    After they had ridden some distance from Wicheong Palace, Seon signaled for the soldiers to fall back and rode closer to Ryang.


    "How do the funeral rites proceed?" she asked.


    "I haven''t witnessed the rites myself," Ryang replied, his voice flat. "We''ll consult the records. But I''m sure the Ministry is handling everything. The High Emissary will be down from the summit soon, and we can offer our support then. They dislike interference."


    "Has the Young Guardian..."


    "The new Guardian you mean?" Ryang corrected.


    Seon quickly amended her words. "Has the Guardian ever mentioned disbanding before?"


    "Never," Ryang shook his head. "He''s expressed doubts before, but I thought it was just the pressure of leadership. I never thought he''d actually do this."


    "You really didn''t know? If you don''t know his thoughts, who does?"


    "I am the High Councilor, not a soothsayer."


    "As the High Councilor, you should have known."


    A hint of mockery in Seon''s voice made Ryang cast her a sharp glance. Knowing Ryang would remain silent unless provoked, Seon just smirked and continued, "He may have only just announced the disbandment, but he''s been neglecting Wicheong for a while now. You''ve been doing all the work..."


    "Be quiet."


    "He must be certain of his decision?"


    "He''s not one to make decisions lightly."


    "He''s always been indecisive," Seon scoffed. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    "Seon," Ryang warned, his voice growing firmer. Unlike Ryang, who was troubled by Seong''s decree, Seon felt liberated.


    "Maybe this is a good thing. We can finally focus on ourselves instead of wasting our efforts on a lost cause. Like the Young Guardian, no, the Guardian said, let''s just leave and go to Sung, Soyeol, or wherever we want."


    "Seon!" Ryang, mindful of the soldiers trailing behind, tried to silence Seon, but her grievances continued to spill forth, each word laced with a dangerous edge.


    "Our loyalty, our sacrifices, all for nothing,¡± Seon said bitterly. ¡°Our family''s exile from Sunyahng, our father''s death... It was all the fault of the royal family."


    Ryang finally reined in his horse. "Even in front of Dara and me,¡± Ryang said, his voice low and sharp as he reprimanded Seon. ¡°you must choose your words carefully."


    Dara''s eyes darted nervously between them. While they bickered often, like any siblings, today''s dispute felt different, heavier. Seon, however, was undeterred by Ryang''s rebuke.


    "He could have saved our father," she accused.


    "How is that the Guardian''s fault?!"


    "Then whose fault is it? Was it Father''s, for believing in that... that incompetent fool?!"


    "Seon, enough!" Ryang''s voice rose as Seon dared to bring up their father''s death.


    Seon bristled at his tone. Though only six years her senior, Ryang often assumed a paternal role, chastising and lecturing her. But he rarely raised his voice. Seon recognized the fury simmering beneath his calm facade. She swallowed the bitter words that threatened to spill from her lips, forcing her voice to remain steady.


    "You are just as frustrated, brother."


    Seon paused, catching her breath. Her throat tightened with emotion. ¡°So, what now?¡± she asked.


    "We''ll try to persuade him. Maybe the High Emissary can help."


    "The High Emissary Divine siding with you?" Seon scoffed.


    "He may be enigmatic, but his loyalty is unwavering. He won''t let the Azure Scripture be abandoned."


    "So, you do care about the fate of the Azure Scripture after all," Seon let out a hollow laugh.


    "Why are you being so difficult today?!" Ryang''s voice rose again. Seeing no end to their argument, Dara discreetly signaled for the soldiers to retreat further. Ryang glared at Seon, but she met his gaze without flinching.


    "Why cling to the royal family? Even the Guardian has given up! Don''t you care about our house?"


    "Do you even understand what our house represents?" Ryang asked.


    "Just say what you want to say."


    "The name Myeonghyeon carries weight. As Ryang and Seon of House Myeonghyeon, we have a duty to uphold its honor."


    "The weight of our name?¡±  Seon scoffed. ¡°We''ve already lost our name trying to uphold it. We''re not a noble house of loyalists anymore. We''re nothing more than backwater merchants with dirty secrets."


    It was a glory neither she, nor her father, nor her grandfather had ever experienced. Even her father''s memories of his childhood in Sunyahng were distant, far removed from the time when House Myeonghyeon held the King¡¯s trust. But the truth was, they had been abandoned long before the fall of Wi. Her grandfather''s loyalty, his decision to rescue the surviving prince and seek refuge in Birahng amidst the chaos of rebellion, now seemed nothing more than foolish sentimentality. Seon''s grip on the reins tightened.


    "We''ve endured enough. It''s time to focus on our own survival."


    "What do you believe is the true essence of House Myeonghyeon?" Ryang asked.


    "What kind of question is that?"


    "We are not merchants at heart. Our place is not here in Birahng, nor in Sung or Soyeol."


    "Brother..."


    "We will return to Sunyahng."


    Ryang''s voice resonated with conviction, but Seon''s laughter cut through his words, "When? How? You''re usually so practical, why are you being so obtuse now? Dahn has nearly two hundred thousand soldiers, and we barely have two thousand. Do you honestly believe we can win a war against them? We''re hiding here, on this tiny island, even concealing our precious names! What good is the essence of House Myeonghyeon in this situation?"


    Before Ryang could respond, Seon continued her tirade. "It would be a hundred times faster to admit our grandfather''s foolishness and beg for the King of Dahn''s forgiveness than to try and reclaim Sunyahng with that weakling Guardian. If returning to Sunyahng is so important to you."


    "Don''t even speak of such impossibilities," Ryang warned, glaring at Seon.


    "Your delusions are the true impossibility," Seon scoffed.


    "If we cannot achieve it, then our descendants will," Ryang declared. "We will fight for their future. That was our grandfather''s will, and our father''s."


    Seon continued her mockery. "Such a devoted son. Perhaps you should have listened to him while he was alive."


    "One more word..." As Ryang''s voice rose again, Dara rushed forward, interrupting them.


    "My Lord! My Lady!"


    "What''s the matter?" Ryang turned towards Dara, alarmed by her tone. Dara''s dark eyes, fixed on the night sky, reflected a crimson glow. Ryang''s gaze quickly followed hers. In the southern sky, a red star blazed, leaving a trail of shimmering light. A red star, burning bright in the night sky. Ryang knew instantly what it meant.


    "We must return." He urged Seon and Dara, frozen in shock, to action. "Turn back! Now!"


    Ryang wrenched the reins, turning his horse sharply. His white steed reared, then galloped into the night. Seon and Dara followed, their horses'' silver tails streaming behind them in the darkness. The soldiers struggled to keep up.

 The Crimson Star (3)

    The moonlit sea of Birahng shimmered beneath a vast expanse of inky sky, studded with countless stars. Cheon Hwan(Ì쟨) narrowed his eyes, scanning the horizon where the moonlight danced upon the waves. It wasn''t long before he spotted the silhouette of a merchant vessel, its dark hull cutting through the shimmering expanse. Oars protruded from its sides, their rhythmic strokes propelling it forward. Jang''gyeong Yoon approached.


    "It seems they intend to flee," Yoon remarked


    "It''s futile," Hwan said with sneer. "No ship is faster than the Black Wings."


    Yoon''s eyes narrowed as he assessed the size of the distant vessel. It was a sizeable merchant ship, a tempting prize. "It must be the Namgyo merchant vessel," he said thoughtfully.


    "None other would possess such a vessel," Hwan agreed. "Prepare the oars. Increase our speed."


    "Yes, Guardian," Yoon acknowledged.


    Oars emerged from the Black Wings'' hull, their blades slicing through the water with increasing speed. Even with minimal effort, the Black Wings easily gained on the merchant vessel. The distant ship drew closer, the faces of its crew now discernible. Arrows began to fly between the two ships, a deadly exchange in the moonlit night. Undeterred by the incoming volley, the Black Wings'' crew launched grappling hooks, pulling the merchant vessel closer. Each time the merchant sailors attempted to raise the boarding planks, a hail of arrows forced them back. With escape no longer an option, they drew their weapons, steeling themselves for a fight. The Black Wings'' warriors swarmed across the boarding planks, and a fierce battle erupted.


    The merchants, ill-prepared for such an assault, quickly crumbled. Hwan, his gaze sweeping across the deck, noticed a knot of fierce resistance. Amidst the chaos, a few figures fought back with surprising ferocity. Their blades flashed against the Black Wings'' warriors. A few of Hwan''s men fell. Even Yirahng, nimble as she was, struggled against a skilled mercenary.


    "Soyeol mercenaries," Yoon reported, his voice tight with frustration. "We''ve already lost two men, five are injured."


    "Those mercenaries are nothing special," Hwan said dismissively, annoyed by the unexpected resistance.


    "None of you are impressive."


    He finished his assessment and strode across the boarding planks, joining the fray. The mercenaries recognized their primary target, abandoning their current opponents to converge on Cheon Hwan. The warrior who had been battling Yirahng also joined the attack, his blade aimed at the black-clad figure.


    Hwan drew his sword. The first two assailants fell before they could even clash blades with him, their waists and ankles sliced through. The next attacker swung his swords down towards Hwan''s head, but he parried the blow, using the flat of his blade to deflect the attack. He then exploited the opening, his sword flashing forward to strike the attacker''s collarbone.


    Hwan waited, his blade poised, as his enemies surged forward, their attacks reaching a fever pitch. Then, just as their momentum waned, he struck. He met each assailant with calculated precision, deflecting their blows and exploiting their vulnerabilities. His sword moved with a deceptive lightness, slicing through the air with deadly grace. He thrust, he parried, he riposted, each movement a blur of deadly efficiency. He reveled in the feel of his blade against flesh, the subtle give of muscle and bone as he twisted his weapon deeper. With chilling ease, he cut down five Soyeol mercenaries, their lifeblood staining the deck.


    They were herded to a corner of the deck, their faces pale with terror. Some, driven to desperate measures by their fear, leaped into the churning sea. Swords and spears found their marks with ruthless efficiency. Blood pooled on the deck, seeping between the planks and dripping into the cabins below. While one group finished off the remaining merchants, another ransacked the ship''s hold. Hwan leaned against the railing, watching the carnage unfold, waiting for the chaos to subside.


    "When silence finally returned, broken only by the lapping of waves against the hull, Keumpyeong Hui(½ðƽϲ) emerged from below deck.


    "Guardian, the ship has been secured," Hui reported.


    "Transfer the valuables to the Black Wings," Hwan commanded. "Leave the rest."


    "Yes, Guardian."


    Just as Hui turned to leave, the faint cry of a baby echoed from below deck. The sound, though muffled, was unmistakable, drawing confused glances from the assembled men. Hwan frowned.


    "Why is there a babe crying on a merchant ship?" he asked.


    "I''ll investigate," Hui replied, hurrying back below deck with a handful of torch-bearing men.


    They found the infant nestled amongst a pile of cargo, swaddled in cloth. It appeared to be no older than a year. There were no women among the crew, so Hui assumed the child belonged to one of the merchants. He returned to the deck, cradling the infant in his arms, and presented it to Hwan.


    "The father must have hidden the child within the cargo," he explained.


    Hwan''s brow furrowed. Hui, sensing his displeasure, cautiously asked, "What are your orders, Guardian? Should we take it ashore...?"Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    "Kill it," Hwan commanded.


    Hui''s face paled. "Guardian?"


    "If you cannot bring yourself to stab it, then throw it overboard. We do not leave survivors. Death is the only mercy you can offer."


    "But Guardian, you have spared Dahrae''s father," Hui said pleadingly.


    "He is useful," Hwan replied dismissively.


    Keumpyeong Hui stood paralyzed, his mouth agape. Without hesitation, Hwan drew his dagger and swiftly ended the infant''s life. The delicate neck, barely able to support the weight of its tiny head, was more than halfway severed with a single stroke. The child, its cries silenced before they could even begin, coughed up a splatter of blood and died. Keumpyeong Hui crumpled to the deck, the lifeless infant still clutched in his arms. His clothes were stained with the child''s warm blood.


    "Such weakness," Hwan sneered, turning away from the gruesome scene.


    Jang''gyeong Yoon approached the stunned Keumpyeong Hui. "Dispose of it. Now. And don''t just sit there like an idiot.¡±


    Hui, his face ashen, slowly got to his feet. With his eyes squeezed shut, he dropped the tiny body into the dark water. The child disappeared beneath the waves, leaving barely a ripple.


    "What about the ship, Guardian?" Yoon asked. "We could sell it for a good price.


    "Sink it," Hwan replied dismissively. "We have no need for such trivial gains."


    "But Guardian, it''s a valuable ship," Yoon insisted. "Who knows when such an opportunity will arise again? We could sell it in Soyeol"


    Hwan was starting to get annoyed. He loathed dealing with such mundane matters, but Yoon''s persistence was clear. With a resigned nod, he granted his permission.


    "Do as you see fit," Hwan said.


    "Yes, Guardian," Yoon said, bowing deeply.


    Hwan turned and headed back towards the Black Wings. Yirahng, however, was quick to intercept him, her face alight with a triumphant grin. He looked down at her, his expression unreadable. She stepped closer, her blood-stained body pressing against his, her arms wrapping tightly around his waist.


    "Let''s go to the cabin," she said seductively, her eyes sparkling. Her right eye, a crimson hue that shimmered in the moonlight, burned with a playful lust.


    Hwan said with a smile. "Now?"


    "Yes, now," Yirahng insisted. "Now is perfect."


    Hwan just chuckled. Yirahng, sensing his acquiescence, pulled him towards the cabin, their footsteps echoing on the deck.


    Yirahng closed the cabin door and, with a swift motion, pushed Hwan onto the bed. His clothes fell open, revealing skin crisscrossed with scars, gleaming in the flickering candlelight. Yirahng''s own clothes seemed to melt away, her nakedness a source of pride rather than shame. She stood unashamed, her body a tapestry of scars contrasting against her smooth, sun-kissed skin. Hwan''s lips found those scars, tracing their paths with a hungry urgency. The taste of salt lingered on her skin. Yirahng, vibrant and untamed, moved with a restless energy, her body a wave crashing against his. She arched her back, a moan escaping her lips as pleasure coursed through her. Hwan flipped her over, pinning her beneath his weight. Yirahng''s heat intensified as Hwan explored her body, his touch leaving a trail of fire. His hand tightened around her throat, his grip possessive. Yirahng''s eyes fluttered, her nails raking across his cheek, leaving red marks. He released her neck, pulling her close, their bodies entwined. Her cries echoed through the cabin as he collapsed on top of her.


    As his breathing slowed, Hwan touched the scratches on his cheek, the blood already beginning to dry.


    "Careful with those claws," he murmured, his voice rough against her neck.


    "I thought you were going to kill me," Yirahng replied teasingly.


    "You know I wouldn''t," he chuckled.


    He propped himself up on one elbow, his hand reaching out to stroke her hair. The tangled mess of black and white strands, damp with sweat and seawater, resisted his touch. He tugged at a knot, pulling her head back. As he leaned in for a kiss, Yirahng twisted away, rolling out of his reach. She wrapped her arms around him from behind, her voice a low murmur against his skin.


    "Let''s go above deck," she whispered.


    "We just came down," he replied, his voice wearily.


    "I want to feel the night air," she murmured.


    "Why are you so energetic tonight?"


    Yirahng nuzzled against his back, her cheek pressed against his damp skin. "Let''s go," she urged.


    Hwan sighed and pulled on his clothes. Yirahng, already dressed, bounded up the stairs. He followed more slowly. Yirahng leaned against the railing, her gaze fixed on the churning water below.


    "I want to swim," she said.


    Hwan joined her at the railing. "You would drown in these waters at night."


    "Everyone dies eventually," Yirahng replied, her tone oddly serene for someone so young and full of life.


    He grasped her chin, making her meet his gaze. "Not you. Not before me."


    Yirahng smiled playfully. "That''s a foolish wish, isn''t it?"


    He smiled back, but didn''t reply. Yirahng, sensing his reluctance to discuss the matter further, changed the subject.


    "Aren''t you worried about your father? Dahrae sent a new message."


    "He''s always been a sickly old man," he said indifferently.


    "Don''t you want to see him before he dies?"


    Hwan let out a harsh laugh. "Return to Wicheong Palace?" he said with a sneer. "You think I did all this to crawl back to that wretched cave?"


    "But you''re the Guardian, the rightful king," Yirahng argued. "Do you intend to spend your life at sea?"


    "No," he admitted. "But Wicheong Palace is no place for a king. It''s a rat''s nest."


    His voice was filled with bitterness. Yirahng pulled open his robe, pressing her face against his bare skin. She wrapped her arms around him, her gaze lifting towards the star-studded sky. A red star blazed in the distance, its light growing brighter, eclipsing the others. Yirahng''s eyes widened.


    "Look," she whispered, her voice awestruck. "That star is strange."


    "What star?" Hwan said dismissively. "Are you stargazing now?"


    "Yes, but I''ve found something... unusual."


    He felt a chill. He pushed Yirahng away and looked up. The crimson star blazed ominously, casting a shadow over the deck. The playful atmosphere vanished. The other crew members murmured nervously. Hwan''s heart pounded.


    "Summon Jang''gyeong Yoon," he ordered, his voice sharp with urgency.


    His crew, distracted by the phenomenon, didn''t hear him. Hwan raised his voice.


    "Fetch Yoon!"