"The Second Ruler"

•°19°•

The morning sun cast a golden hue over the kingdom of Elsiya, its rays gently warming the serene landscape.

The air was crisp and filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, a perfect contrast to the tension that lay ahead.

The horses of the Goryeo royals came to a halt before the grand gates of Elsiya, their riders weary from the long journey.

Yoongi, Taehyung, and Hoseok exchanged tired but relieved smiles as the gates opened, revealing the bowing guards.

Dismounting from their horses, the three men entered the palace grounds.

Their first sight was King Ji-woo, standing with a wide, sincere smile.

Flanking him were his splendid sons, Crown Prince and Second Prince, beside Jungkook stood the breathtaking Lisa.

Jungkook's appearance was striking, his strong features softened by a gentle smile.

His eyes, however, held a hint of torment, reflecting the inner turmoil he tried to hide.

Jimin, with his regal bearing and composed demeanor, also wore a beautiful smile, but his eyes betrayed a deeper sorrow.

Lisa, radiant and graceful, stood with a smile that could light up the darkest room, yet there was an unusual glint in her eyes that puzzled Hoseok.

Yoongi's gaze lingered on the crown prince, baffled by the younger's refusal to meet his eyes.

A frown creased his brow as he wondered about Jimin's strange behavior.

King Ji-woo stepped forward and embraced Taehyung warmly.

"Welcome once again, Emperor Taehyung. I am glad to have you and the esteemed Royal Guard in Elsiya again," he greeted, his delight evident.

Taehyung, aware of the delicate situation between Jimin and Yoongi, responded softly.

"We are glad to visit the kingdom once again, Your Majesty." His heart pounded with the desire to hold Jungkook in his embrace, but he knew his limits.

Hoseok, too, found it hard to tear his eyes away from Lisa's adorable smile and sparkling orbs, noticing something unusual in her gaze.

As they all entered the palace, King Ji-woo's curiosity was piqued as he settled into his chair.

"I am puzzled. What urgency brought the Emperor to visit Europe?" he asked, leading them to their seats.

"It's regarding the black-clad people and the Scythians," Taehyung replied, taking his seat.

He noticed the changes in Jimin's demeanor, aware of the underlying reasons since receiving the letter before his visit.

While the main reason for his visit was indeed the Scythians, the relationship between Yoongi and Jimin was equally important.

Jimin's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions, but he remained silent, his gaze fixed on the floor.

Jungkook and Lisa exchanged worried glances, sensing the tension in the room.

King Ji-woo leaned forward, his expression serious. "The Scythians? Have you discovered something important?"

Taehyung's gaze was steady.

"Our investigations have revealed that the black-clad warriors use techniques and poisons that match those of the Kingdom of Aranthia. We believe they have resurfaced and are behind the recent attacks."

Ji-woo's eyes narrowed in thought. "This is troubling news. Isn't King Aldric Emperor Seokjin's father? I am puzzled as to why they would cause trouble for his own son."