Empress Handbook

Chapter Forty-Three | Tug of War

Yoongi picks a restaurant next to the Han River. However, despite the romantic atmosphere, the air feels tense with a strange apprehension.

Yeoreum examines Yoongi's reaction as she explains the Shinji cult and Cheonji Island. A hint of shock briefly disturbs the tranquillity in Yoongi's eyes, but he quickly composes himself.

Yeoreum emits a long sigh. "Do you think we should do something about this?" she says.

"No," Yoongi utters. "I don't think we should do anything about it. If we take down the Imperial House, the federal departments will take care of that cult."

"But there are high-ranking federal department officials who are loyal followers of the Shinji cult. They will probably downplay the whole situation."

Yoongi irons the last bit of gentleness on his face into a firm look of resolution.

"I know this may sound cold, but I honestly don't think it's any of our business. The cult further proves how wrong it is for the Imperial House to exist. They are funding a cult that harms the public with the public's money. We could use it to solidify our point and make the authorities take care of it."

"But there are a lot of perfectly innocent people who are involved in that cult. We can't just leave them at luck's mercy. What if something like Jonestown happens? Their lives are more important than the point we are trying to make."

"You have been watching way too much true crime documentaries," Yoongi says dismissively.

"And those documentaries are there for cautionary purposes," Yeoreum retorts. "You can't deny that possibility."

Yoongi heaves a chagrined sigh. "You are so brainwashed."

"And can you tell me without batting an eyelash that you are not brainwashing yourself into believing this is not a serious situation because doing something could affect the secretive plan you are hiding from everyone?"

Anxiety creeps on Yoongi's expression, and he gulps.

"What are you talking about, Yeoreum?"

"The company you are running in secrecy is what I am talking about, Yoongi. It's why our plan is so uncertain, right?" Yeoreum says. Her lips flutter with the urge to sell out Jungkook, but she eventually holds back. "Everyone in the industry knows. I'm not stupid."

"Fine, that's true." Yoongi flits his eyes away from her. "Yeoreum, can you swear that Kim Taehyung didn't lie about the Shinji cult and Cheonji Island to manipulate you?"

"Yes, I can," Yeoreum utters. "Seohee was taken there, and people who have displeased Empress Dowager have also been sent there."

Yoongi clasps her hands. Under the flickering candlelight, a silent plea softens his eyes.

"I don't want to fight over this, Yeoreum, I am not going to help, and that's my final decision."

Yeoreum sighs. "Fine, I respect that," she says hesitantly.

———

A couple of days after that unhappy dinner, Yoongi requests to see Taehyung and Yeoreum. Afraid that Yoongi will do something reckless, Yeoreum asks Nara to tell him to cancel the meeting, but he cannot be reached.

The chandelier projects a bright shaft of light over the anxiety on Yeoreum's face. There is only one minute until their agreed time.

Suddenly, a knock strikes the door. Yeoreum puts down her tea and folds her hands together. She cannot escape now.

"Come in," Taehyung says. He looks at the concern on Yeoreum's face and tilts his head. "Are you okay, Yeoreumie? Are you unwell?"

"I'm fine," Yeoreum says, forcing a smile. "I'm just a bit tired."