The first light of dawn bled through the narrow windows of the army's operations hall, casting pale streaks across the war table. The air was cold and still, heavy with the scent of ink and old parchment. Around the table, Queen Genie sat flanked by Jade, Vice Commander Danjin, and a line of grim-faced military officers, their armor catching the faint glint of morning light.
Spread beside them was a vast map of the Kingdom of Hana, its borders and mountains inked in deep strokes, its rivers curling like veins through the land.
Without a word, Queen Genie rose. The hem of her robe brushed softly against the polished floor as she stepped forward. Taking the long pointer in hand, she struck the southern edge of the map with a crisp tap that echoed in the silent chamber.
"According to the movement routes and retreat records of the bandits," she said, her voice steady but edged with command, "as Minister Jade has reported to me..." Her pointer traced a slow arc to the southernmost frontier. "It is most likely their base lies here—at the very edge of our kingdom."
She turned from the map to face the officers, her gaze sweeping over each man as if weighing his resolve.
"What do you all think?"
Vice Commander Danjin's voice rang out first, firm and certain.
"Yes, Your Majesty. From my own campaigns in that region, their source must be there."
A ripple of agreement passed around the table as heads bowed in solemn nods.
But then Jade stepped forward with a respectful yet measured attitude.
"Your Majesty…" His eyes lingered on the southern frontier linked on the map. "It is possible the bandit leader is no longer in the south.
Queen Genie's gaze lingered on Jade, a faint spark of approval in her eyes.
"Jade is correct," she said at last, her voice cutting through the quiet like the edge of a blade. "It is possible they are no longer at the southernmost point. That is why…" She stepped closer to the map, lifting the pointer once more. "…we will employ this strategy."
With a single decisive motion, she dragged the pointer in a sweeping arc from the heart of the capital down through the central provinces, the wood striking the parchment with soft, rhythmic taps.
"We will trace their movements from here—" she tapped the map near the capital "—and hunt them through the central lands. Step by step, we will drive them back to their source. No…" Her voice sharpened, cold steel beneath silk. "…we will force them there."
The officers bowed their heads in unison, the air heavy with the weight of her words. Shadows from the high windows stretched across their armor like black banners.
Jade straightened, carrying the steadiness of an oath.
"By Your Majesty's command, we will eradicate them—completely."
The officers struck their fists to their chests.
"We pledge our loyalty, Your Majesty!"
Queen Genie gave a slow, grave nod. The faintest gleam caught in her eyes, like a hidden flame.
'I will not let this go so easily this time.'
The soft ripples of the royal pond caught the midday sun, scattering gold across the water's surface. Lotus blossoms swayed gently, their perfume drifting into the open pavilion where Queen Genie sat, her lunch laid neatly before her. The quiet was almost serene—until a familiar voice broke through.
"Your Majesty."
Genie turned, her spoon pausing midair. Moonsen was striding toward the pavilion, the long shadow of his figure stretching across the polished wooden floor. His sudden appearance made her fingers slacken; she set her spoon down with a faint clink against the porcelain.
"What is the matter?" she asked, her tone calm but edged with surprise.
Moonsen halted just inside the pavilion, one hand resting against the wooden pillar as he caught his breath.
"Forgive me for disturbing Your Majesty's meal," he said, lowering himself into a deep bow.
"It's all right," she replied, watching him closely.
He straightened, lifting his gaze to meet hers. His eyes held a weight that was difficult to read.
"Is it true, Your Majesty," he asked, voice low, "that you are departing tonight to suppress the bandits?"
"Yes," she answered without hesitation. "It's true."
Moonsen's lips pressed into a thin line, his gaze momentarily dropping before returning to hers.
"I see, Your Majesty."
His expression dimmed, the faint light in his eyes clouding over. The truth he had quietly dreaded was now laid bare before him, and a heaviness settled in his chest.
"If Your Majesty were to be placed in danger…" His voice was measured, yet laced with unshakable concern. "I am… worried."
Genie's lips curved in a faint smile, touched by the sincerity threading through his tone. "Do not worry. I will be accompanied by Jade and our most capable officers."
At the sound of that name—Jade—something flickered in Moonsen's gaze, quick and subtle, like a shadow cast by passing clouds.
"So… you are going with Minister Jade."
'As I thought, Her Majesty is going with him.'
He forced a smile that did not quite reach his eyes.
"That is fortunate, Your Majesty. I am relieved you are going with him."
But deep within, an unfamiliar pang stirred—sharp, unwelcome. The image of the Queen and Jade traveling together once again twisted at him in ways he could not name, and yet he buried the feeling swiftly. She did not need to see the tangle of his private thoughts.
Unaware of the silent storm behind his composed expression, Genie continued warmly, "Yes, so do not worry. We will return without issue—well before you and the envoy depart for the Ash Kingdom."
Moonsen's lips curved into a helpless smile.
"Yes, Your Majesty. You must return before then."
'Your Majesty, he thought, the words lodging in his throat, you truly do not know my heart. It is not the envoy's departure that troubles me.'
He simply returned her brightness with a quiet smile, letting her warmth wash over him like sunlight through morning mist.
'Still… as long as Your Majesty does not push me away, that is enough for now.'
For a heartbeat, the bustle of the palace seemed distant, the sound of the pond's ripples the only thing between them. Moonsen's gaze softened, holding hers with a gentleness that spoke of unvoiced feelings—steady, patient, and enduring.
That evening, the corridors of the ministry lay hushed, the lanterns casting long, flickering shadows against the papered walls. Dinner had long ended, and most had retired to their quarters, but Jade remained in his office, bent over his desk. His brush moved in swift, precise strokes across the parchment, the faint scratch of ink the only sound in the quiet room.
With a long journey ahead, he was determined to complete his reports before his departure—every detail in order, every duty accounted for.
The door slid open a fraction, and the doorkeeper stepped inside, bowing.
"Minister Jade, you have a visitor."
Jade paused, lifting his gaze from the parchment.
'A visitor?'
"Let them in," he said.
The door opened wider, and Enna stepped in, her movements measured, almost hesitant. She carried a large cloth bundle clasped tightly in both hands, her head lowered in formality.
"It has been a while, Minister Jade," she said softly, bowing with deliberate grace. "I hope I am not disturbing you when you are busy…"
Jade rose from his chair, the lamplight glinting against the ink-black strands of his hair.
"Not at all, Master Cook," he replied. "But what brings you here?"
Enna lifted her head slowly, her eyes finding his. There was a quiet resolve in her gaze, tempered with something shy and unspoken.
"I have something I wished to give you before you depart."
His attention shifted briefly to the bundle in her hands.
She took a step forward, the faint rustle of her skirts accompanying her as she approached his desk. With care, she set the cloth bundle down, her fingers lingering for a heartbeat before she let go.
"I heard you are traveling far to suppress the bandits," she began, her tone gentle yet earnest. "I thought this might help—tea made with herbs known for restoring energy and building stamina. I hoped… you might drink it before you go."
Caught completely off guard by the unexpected gift, Jade's voice came out steadier than he felt.
"Thank you. I will drink it well."
Enna's cheeks flushed a delicate rose as she quickly averted her gaze, bowing deeply in a rush of embarrassment.
"Then, since you are busy, I will take my leave."
Flustered, she turned away, her footsteps light and hurried against the polished floor. Jade watched her retreating figure, a quiet ache stirring somewhere beneath his calm exterior.
The door slid softly closed behind her, leaving the room suddenly still and heavy. He turned back to the bundle resting on his desk, fingertips brushing the cloth as if trying to grasp the sincerity woven into it.
But beneath that warmth, an unfamiliar unease prickled at him, sharp and insistent.
'Could it be…?' He shook his head quickly, as if to banish the thought. 'No, it's probably my mistake.'
Still, his gaze lingered on the gift, shadowed with silent hope that it was nothing more than what it appeared—a simple, heartfelt offering meant to steady him on the road ahead.