My deep soul

Chapter 8

The morning sun cast long shadows across the capital as the citizens gathered in the square. The air was thick with anticipation, whispers rippling through the crowd. On the raised platform, Queen Jiso’s presence was imposing, her gaze sweeping the citizens as she spoke.

“We shall select the most beautiful of young men and teach them morality and how to enjoy the arts. We shall teach them to be great men of Silla. Hwarang—for the future of Silla!”

Jinyeon watched silently from the edge of the crowd. She folded her arms, lips pressing into a thin line. *Not for the future of Silla. For herself,* she thought bitterly, her gaze flicking to the proud display before her.

A quiet rustle behind her caught her attention. From the shadows, a figure watched her intently. Jidiwi. For the first time in days, he allowed himself a small smile, drawn unconsciously to her presence. The sound of her laughter, the curve of her smile, the subtle grace of her movements—it was impossible to stay away. Paoh, standing nearby, noticed the shift in his master’s demeanor but said nothing, silently keeping watch.

---

That evening, back at her home, Jinyoen sat in her private study, the warm glow of lanterns casting soft light over her manuscripts. Kyung entered quietly.

“Lady Jinyoen, Minister Park Youngshill has come to see you,” Kyung said, bowing slightly.

“Very well. Ask him to come in,” Jinyoen replied, straightening her posture.

A few moments later, the minister entered, his expression carefully controlled, but his eyes sharp and calculating.

“Ah, Lady Jinyoen, how wonderful to see you here,” he began, bowing politely. “I came some days ago, but I was informed you were not at home.”

“I heard about that,” Jinyoen said, tilting her head slightly. “I wondered about your sudden visit. I cannot say I wasn’t surprised.”

“So, you heard. Since you did not send word, I thought perhaps you were unaware of my arrival.”

“Well, Minister,” Jinyoen replied coolly, “I have no reason to meet you. Why should I seek you at your doorstep? Those who wish to meet me must come to mine.”

Park Youngshill’s lips curved in a tight smile. “Of course. That is the nature of yours.”

Jinyoen leaned back slightly, eyes narrowing. “And what brings you here, Minister? I know there is always a reason behind such a sudden visit.”

The minister’s gaze flickered momentarily before he composed himself. “Ah, I merely wish to know… did you hear about the Hwarang the queen plans to create?”

Jinyoen’s expression remained unreadable. “Yes. It seems she wishes to create a group of dogs to protect her son. A noble idea, if it pleases her.”

“What?” Park Youngshill’s eyes widened, his voice lowering. “Lady Jinyoen, this is no mere hobby. She will control the noble families of Silla through them. Are you… truly indifferent?”

Jinyoen’s lips curved into a faint, mocking smile. “It does not concern me. Her schemes cannot touch my family. But should she dare try, we shall see.”

The minister’s tone shifted, smooth and persuasive. “Tell me, Lady Jinyoen… is it the throne you desire? Is that why you’ve returned to the capital?”

Jinyoen’s eyes glimmered with quiet amusement. “I am not interested in the throne, Minister. Unlike you, I already wield power enough to influence it without claiming it for myself. I am the youngest child of one of Silla’s most powerful clans. Why would I need what I already command?”

Park Youngshill paused, his expression unreadable. Then he leaned forward slightly, voice low and sincere. “Consider carefully, my lady. If you wished it, I could support you. Together, we could rule Silla. Think wisely.”

With that, he bowed and withdrew, leaving Jinyoen alone in her study. She let out a soft, mocking laugh, her fingers brushing the edge of her desk.

"I knew there would be a price for this visit," she thought, her lips curling into a smirk. "But I will not allow you the throne, Youngshill. Never. It is a promise—a promise I will keep."

Outside, the city hummed with life, unaware of the silent chess game unfolding in its midst, a game in which Jinyoen held her pieces close to her chest, every move calculated, every secret guarded.