Shogun Choi Seojun approached the group as the audience hall began to empty out. "I know you're all waiting on the Mistress of Shengyowon, but she hasn't arrived yet," he said. "In the meantime, feel free to walk the palace grounds. The Imperial Gardens are just outside, and you're welcome to rest in the pavilion for a while."
"Thank you, sir," Vincent said, bowing respectfully.
They all bowed to the Shogun before heading outside. Out in the palace courtyard, Haein paused beside a stone lantern, spoke a short message, and sent a glowing wisp of light shooting up into the sky. It flickered once before streaking through the clouds toward the Fabled Class headquarters.
A quiet sense of relief settled over her. For years their organization had worked from the shadows just to keep people alive, worried that governments would twist their motives into something political. Now, by helping the empire protect its borders and stabilize its lands, they finally had an official alliance — and a way to save far more lives out in the open.
Further down the stone path, inside a wooden pavilion overlooking a quiet pond, Yejin grabbed her brother by the arm and pulled him inside.
"You're going to help us talk to Maiden Raine about this," Yejin said, planting herself in front of him with her hands on her hips.
Eunjoo let out a tired sigh and stood up from the bench. "Yejin, I already told you. I'm not helping."
"Wait, don't just walk away!" Yejin threw her arms out, blocking the steps. "The fate of the world could depend on this. Do you actually want fiends running loose through our towns? Because I sure don't."
Eunjoo looked down at his sister with a calm, easy smile. "Neither do I, but don't worry, little sister. If fiends show up, I'll just kill them all myself."
"That's exactly the problem," a quiet voice said.
Eunjoo turned toward the railing, where Kei stood watching.
Kei's eyes lit up with a soft blue glow. Through his Deathsight, he studied the Dae-Ryeong closely. "You're strong, no question. I can see it clearly from here — your energy is practically overflowing."
"You have an unusual ocular ability," Eunjoo crossed his arms and tilted his head, listening.
"The point is, even with strength like yours, the Abaddon Gates are still a total mystery," Kei went on, keeping his voice level. "Some of these fiends can literally grant wishes — people worship them like gods. If the Heavenly Crystals keep losing power, we'll be completely overrun. Raw strength alone might not be enough to stop it."
"He's right, Eunjoo," Yul added, stepping up beside them. "You're the Dae-Ryeong. The Mistress of Shengyowon has to respect that, at least a little. If you're standing with us, we've got a much better shot at convincing her."
Eunjoo looked between them. "You don't understand the situation. If I come with you, she'll probably turn you down even faster. The Mistress of Shengyowon doesn't like me. At all."
Yejin blinked, caught off guard. "What? Why would you say that?"
"Never mind," Eunjoo said, looking away. "Fine — I'll agree to talk to Maiden Raine. On one condition."
Yejin's face brightened instantly. "Anything! Name it."
"Leave us alone," Eunjoo said flatly. "When I talk to her, none of you can be there."
Yejin threw her hands up with a wide grin. "That's it? I thought you'd ask for something harder. Phew." She leaned in with a teasing smirk. "If all you wanted was some alone time with your old sweetheart, you could've just said so—"
THWACK.
Eunjoo flicked her lightly on the forehead.
"Ow!" Yejin rubbed her head, pouting. "What was that for? I didn't even say anything wrong!"
Eunjoo cleared his throat and walked off into the gardens without another word.
A couple of hours later, the deep sound of a bronze horn rolled across the palace grounds, announcing an important arrival.
Inside the Grand Audience Hall, Emperor Suzaku Ryuta sat on his golden throne. The heavy double doors swung open, and two figures walked down the long carpet. Leading the way was Sheng Lizhan, the Mistress of Shengyowon, dressed in flowing dark robes with a high collar that set off her pale skin and dark hair. Beside her walked her daughter, Maiden Raine.
"Thank you for answering my summons, Mistress Sheng," Emperor Ryuta said from the dais.
Lizhan bowed deeply, offering a calm, polite smile. "I read the letter you sent, Your Majesty. But even coming from you directly, I'm afraid I have to refuse."
The Emperor let out a slow, heavy breath. Disappointment crossed his face, though his voice stayed steady. "Is there truly nothing that could change your mind?"
Lizhan only bowed her head again in silence, her smile polite but completely unmovable.
The side doors opened, and Yejin walked in with Vincent, Kei, Haein, and Yul close behind. They stepped forward and knelt together before the throne.
Lizhan turned her sharp gaze on them. "Are these the ones you intend to send into Shengyowon, Your Majesty?"
"They are," the Emperor replied.
Vincent stood, stepped forward, and bowed low from the waist. "Please, Mistress of Shengyowon, grant us an audience within Shengyowon's walls."
Lizhan didn't answer right away. She studied each of them, her dark eyes lingering on their faces before she finally spoke.
"Shengyowon is the most sacred place in this empire — maybe in the whole world," Lizhan said, her voice smooth but chillingly firm. "Not the Yeoljindang. Not the Sun Temple of Hwadosen. It holds dozens of cursed artifacts, enchanted items, and magical texts and scriptures that have existed since before our kingdoms were even unified." She turned her gaze back to the Emperor. "That is exactly why I cannot let outsiders pass through its doors, Your Majesty. Doing so would break a sacred oath I swore to my mother. Please understand my position."
"Mistress Lizhan, please," Vincent said, his voice edged with desperation. "The fate of the entire world might depend on what's inside those walls. Towns and villages are already falling to fiends. The Fabled Class exists for one reason — to protect Zeon from exactly that danger."
Shogun Choi Seojun also stepped forward from beside the throne, bowing respectfully. "Mistress Lizhan, the Fabled Class has already proven their loyalty to our people. They fought on our front lines, bled in our wars, and defended our lands. As Shogun, I'm asking you to give them a chance."
At the edge of the hall, Dae-Ryeong Choi Eunjoo stepped forward as though about to speak — but the moment his eyes met Maiden Raine's, both of them froze. Raine's hands tightened around the fabric of her dress as color rushed to her cheeks, while Eunjoo went rigid and silent, his mouth snapping shut before a word came out.
Lizhan noticed the look passing between them, her eyes narrowing slightly before she turned back to the Shogun.
"How easily they've won you over, my lord," Lizhan said. "Entry into Shengyowon isn't a favor I can simply hand out. Most people think of Shengyowon as nothing more than a storehouse for cursed things, but what they fail to understand is that Shengyowon is a seal. Its true purpose is to protect the outside world by keeping those dark relics locked away from anyone who might misuse them. I will not risk that barrier breaking, for anyone."
Lizhan turned back to the throne and gave a deep, formal curtsey. "Your Majesty, I deeply apologize, but I cannot grant your request. My answer will not change."
The Emperor gave a slow, resigned nod. Vincent's shoulders sank, and a heavy wave of disappointment settled over the whole group.
"If that is everything, we'll take our leave," Lizhan said smoothly, rising with effortless composure. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Without waiting for a response, the Mistress turned and strode out of the hall, Maiden Raine hurrying quietly after her.