𝐄𝐗𝐈𝐋𝐄 ♕ 𝐉𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐊

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘆-𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲

"—a few corpses unaccounted for that we are trying to identify. However, they are mangled beyond recognition so we plan on matching them with people reported...missing..."

Lord Park exchanged uncertain looks with Master Heo as Gaeun continued to stare unblinkingly at the cup of tea on his table. He cleared his throat loudly and she jolted out of her daze. Flustered, she straightened her back.

"I'm sorry," she apologized, "I was listening, I swear."

"Is everything alright..." Lord Park didn't know how to address her, "Your Highness?"

Gaeun nodded, "Yes, I..." This was no time to daydream. She looked between the two men, sighed, and clasped her hands together over the table. "I might as well save time and get to the point," she said tersely, "I will speak to you now as an ally and representative of Teukjeondae."

Both the masters stiffened at her tone and Lord Park gestured for her to continue.

"We are aware you suspect Cheonbukwan to be the perpetrator behind the soul shifter attacks and that Jinyuwon is supporting them in exchange for finding their lost heir." Lord Park did not react but Master Heo twitched in his seat, swirling his head and looking aghast towards the leader.

"Is this your confession that Yeol is indeed spying on Songrim?"

Gaeun smiled, mirthless and amused, at Lord Park. "No," she said, "The captain of this operation wants you to know of your incompetence. You are slow. You do not have any answers."

He raised a hand to calm Master Heo down who was already turning red from Gaeun's 'disrespect'. "And your organization has them, I suppose?" He asked sharply.

"I would not be speaking to you if we didn't." Gaeun shifted, placing her hands in her lap. "Cheonbukwan is collaborating with someone inside the Palace and is bringing forth soul shifters through sorcery. They are in possession of the ice stone and are responsible for several attacks including the massacre in the maternal home of the Queen of Yeol."

Lord Park seemed to age ten years at the information. He closed his eyes, mumbled a curse, and then asked, "What is it that you want from Songrim?"

"To work together. Teukjeondae's activity is limited due to diplomatic reasons. Our conventional methods may be seen as...acts of hostility by the Crown."

He hung his head, focussing on the stack of documents on his table. Master Heo rubbed his chin in thought and mumbled, "Even if Songrim and Teukjeondae were to join hands, where would the investigation begin?"

"We need to find a way to comb through Cheonbukwan. There is a name," she told them, "Ryu Minshik. Have you heard him being mentioned anywhere?"

The men shared another look. "It does ring a bell," Lord Park said, "I don't have a face to go with the name, however. Jin Mu might have mentioned him in passing but I've never really paid attention."

"There have been no patients in Sejukwon by that name either," Master Heo said, "Are you sure it is him?"

"Yes. He's known as the Master within Cheonbukwan. He has a tome called the Book of Binding that he is using to invoke and capture the Celestial Four. They are already in possession of the Vessel of Baihu." At the confusion on their faces, Gaeun clarified. "In the north, the White Tiger is known as Baekho."

Master Heo reeled back in horror. "Master Lee was saying," he clutched his chest, "long ago the scales had been thrown off balance. There are new gods now. It was easier to take advantage of the disharmony."