Whispers of the Mystery Book

Chapter 110: Shattered Crown

Minister Hwan turned sharply to the other ministers, his expression filled with both grief and fury.

Minister Hwan: (commanding) "The kingdom has lost its King, and the throne is left vulnerable. All groom selection preparations are to be postponed indefinitely! The court must be gathered for the funeral rites immediately!"

The ministers exchanged uneasy glances, some nodding in agreement while others remained quiet, their minds already calculating the implications of the King's sudden death.

Minister Hwan: (to the guards) "Anounce the King death officially and prepare for the rituals. We will honor our King and ensure his soul is guided safely."

The guards rushed to follow orders, their hands shaking as they lifted the King's broken body from the bloodstained floor. The weight of their failure pressed upon them like an unbearable burden.

As the court dissolved into whispers and speculation, Ji Bu-In stood at a distance, watching the chaos unfold with masked indifference. Ji-Mong remained by her side, his expression unreadable.

Ji Bu-In: (softly, smirking) "Now, the real game begins."

Ji-Mong's lips curled into a knowing smile as he whispered back.

Ji-Mong: "The kingdom will burn in its own grief before they even realize what's coming."

The grand court of the palace was filled with an overwhelming silence, broken only by the flickering of torches and the quiet murmurs of mourning officials. Ministers, nobles, and Ji Bu-In gathered, their faces grim with the weight of what had transpired. The golden throne stood empty, its presence a stark reminder of the void left by the King's brutal assassination.

Minister Hwan stepped forward, his voice steady but carrying the depth of the kingdom's sorrow.

Minister Hwan: "The King is gone. The kingdom is leaderless, and in times of such instability, we must act swiftly to prevent further chaos."

A few ministers exchanged glances, hesitating before one finally spoke.

Minister Kang: "The Crown Prince... he died years ago. There is no direct heir to claim the throne."

Ji Bu-In, standing at the side, watched quietly, her hands clasped together as if in mourning, though her mind was already playing out the next steps of her scheme.

Minister Hwan: (firmly) "That is why there is only one choice left-Princess Na-Rae must be crowned as Queen."

The court erupted into hushed discussions. Some nodded in agreement, while others seemed hesitant.

Minister Kang: "A Queen on the throne without a King? The other kingdoms will see this as weakness!"

Minister Hwan: (sharply) "Would you rather have no ruler at all? The kingdom needs a sovereign. If we delay, we invite war upon our lands!"

The weight of his words settled over the court. One by one, the ministers bowed their heads in agreement.

Ji Bu-In: (softly) "Then it is decided. The mourning period will be observed, and once the time is right, Na-Rae shall ascend as the rightful ruler of Joseon."

The entire kingdom entered a state of deep mourning.

Officials and nobles wore white mourning robes, their attire reflecting the sorrow of the court.

Commoners dressed in plain, uncolored clothing, their heads bowed in respect whenever they passed the palace gates.

Merchants halted their businesses, and the streets were filled with the echoes of prayers and wails.

The King's body was prepared with the highest honor.

His body was purified and washed, dressed in royal burial robes with multiple layers symbolizing dignity and status.

He was placed in a handcrafted wooden coffin (능, neung), and elaborate ancestral rituals were performed.

Thousands gathered to witness the grand funeral procession, with soldiers, musicians, and officials carrying royal banners through the capital streets.

Nightfall - Na-Rae's Chambers

Na-Rae lay curled on her bed, her face buried in the silk pillows, damp from hours of weeping. The pain in her chest was unbearable-her father, the man she had loved and admired all her life, was gone.

She hadn't eaten. She hadn't spoken. She had barely moved since the morning.

A knock at the door.

Soojin, who had been sitting beside Na-Rae all day, stood up hesitantly. As she opened the door, her eyes widened in shock.

To be continued!!!!!

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