"The Second Ruler"

•°18°•

As the months passed, the Royals had been tirelessly searching for the black-clad people and the Scythicons.

It had been eight long months since they parted ways to attend to their respective kingdoms.

The situation in the kingdom had grown increasingly dire.

The black-clad people had been launching attacks on small towns, villages, and cities, spreading fear and chaos.

Emperor Taehyung had been in a foul mood ever since, unable to smile. His people were in danger, and he had yet to capture those responsible for their suffering.

Hoseok and Yoongi could see the change in Emperor Taehyung.

The weight of his responsibilities and the ongoing threat had taken a toll on him.

Taehyung had not informed Seokjin about the possibility that Seokjin's father might be involved in these nefarious activities.

He was unwilling to see Seokjin saddened by such news.

From that moment, Taehyung had ceased writing letters to his lover, Jungkook, just as Yoongi had stopped writing to Jimin.

Both were consumed by their duties and the pressing matters at hand.

Now, Taehyung sat on his throne, his face rigid and his posture regal.

His voice echoed through the silent courtroom, filled with his royal advisors and officials.

"Now I need to travel and search for them myself. What are you all doing? It puzzles me," he declared, his tone sharp and filled with disappointment.

Everyone's eyes cast down, unable to meet the angry and disappointed gaze of their Emperor.

The room was heavy with tension, the gravity of the situation weighing on everyone present.

The once vibrant court now felt like a place of solemnity and urgency.

Hoseok and Yoongi exchanged worried glances, knowing that Taehyung's frustration was justified.

The attacks had been relentless, and the kingdom's defenses seemed inadequate against the elusive enemy.

They could see the burden Taehyung carried, and it pained them to witness his struggle.

Taehyung's mind raced with thoughts of his people, his kingdom, and the loved ones he had distanced himself from.

The silence in the courtroom was deafening, each advisor and official feeling the weight of their Emperor's words.

They knew they had to act swiftly and decisively to support their ruler and protect their land.

Commander Woo-shik rose from his chair, his expression one of deep disappointment.

"Your Majesty, we have utilized all our knowledge and resources, yet we are unable to find them," he clarified, his voice heavy with regret.

Taehyung's gaze remained fixed on Woo-shik before shifting to General Soo-jin.

"We have searched everywhere, Your Majesty, except..." Seo-jin hesitated, causing a ripple of curiosity among the court.

He glanced at Seokjin, who sat beside his husband, Namjoon. "Except for Western Asia in the kingdom Aranthia," he finished, his voice barely above a whisper.

Seokjin's heart pounded at the mention of his homeland, fear gripping him as thoughts of his father flooded his mind.

Namjoon noticed his distress and gently squeezed his hand to comfort him.