The New Guard

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When Soo and So neared the palace again, one of their guards approached them.

"Guard Kim, what has happened?"

After greeting them with a bow, Guard Kim spoke.

"Your highness, we tried to follow them but they all entered the palace. It seems they are all working from within, so it might be easier to identify them that way instead of capturing them outside the palace."

So nodded, contemplating.

"If we follow their movements we might be able to see who they are reporting to as well. Good thinking Guard Kim."

"Thank you, highness. Shall we head back to the palace now? Our men will continue to keep a lookout."

"Yes, let us head back. Did you want to see anything else at the market Soo ya?"

Soo shook her head and took So's extended hand as they started towards the palace entrance with Guard Kim trailing behind. Although their plan did not go according to planned, what happened was probably for the better.

"No, I think I have seen enough for today. Arang and Eun Bi will wonder why I have so many packages when we come back!"

----

Over the next several days, So would visit the royal guard training areas to scout out those who had been following them. He was accompanied by Guard Kim frequently during this time, who was able to discreetly pinpoint who they should pay attention to. When asked by the chief royal guard why he frequented the training grounds, So would coolly reply:

"I am looking for more guards to protect my quarters."

"You have visited for many days now, your highness. Have you made your choice yet?"

"I have. What is the name of that guard over there?"

So smiled and pointed to one of the men who was currently sparring with his partner. He was relatively tall and slim in stature. Although he did not seem special, So had a keen eye and knew that he was leisurely practicing now, though his partner seemed to not notice. That particular guard had a lot more skill and strength than he let on. Perhaps that was why he was chosen as a pawn in this game. He had a portrait drawn last night and confirmed with Soo that it was the right person.

"Soo ya, I had portraits made of the suspected guards today. Would you mind looking at them?"

Soo put aside one of her medicinal texts and reached out to receive the rolled parchments that So handed to her. Upon unrolling one, she took a few seconds before smoothing out the paper onto her table. With the help of So, she placed a few paper weights on the corners before reaching out to cover the bottom half of the face. She did this for all of the portraits before finally seeing the last one.

"Do I have the right person, Soo ya?"

Soo nodded and began rolling the parchment back up to give back to So.

"Although I did not see his entire face, I recognized his eyes and the top of his face. The mole on the right side of his temple confirms it, and I saw it when we were in the village the other day as well. This last one is the guard we are looking for."

The chief royal guard widened his eyes slightly when he saw the 4th prince choose a particular guard. He cleared his throat and looked back to the 4th prince to answer.

"That guard's name is Hyeon Joon, your highness."

"Is he currently assigned to any quarter yet?"

"He is new to the palace and is currently not assigned to anyone yet, your highness."

"Adequate. Have him sent to the astronomy tower tonight after he finishes his training. I would like to meet him formally before we make it official."

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