Chapter 68: Shadows of Schemes

The letter requested a secret meeting late at night.

Sonkyedu, who insulted me so boldly before noon, now wants to see me?

Curiosity alone made it impossible not to go.

So, at the time specified, I went to the promised place. It was just a backyard behind a hall.

Sonkyedu was already there, waiting.

“You’ve come, Your Highness.”

His tone was polite, perhaps because no one was watching, or he was confident I’d show.

A sneer, the sound of pure mockery.

“Greetings, Grand Prince Ikwon.”

His belated courtesy felt like a performance, or maybe a jest.

I nodded briefly and spoke.

“Why meet at this hour?”

As I spoke, I touched the sword hilt at my waist. Sonkyedu wasn’t glaring, but still.

Surely he didn’t call me to stare at his face.

Hahaha!

Sonkyedu burst into laughter, though not loudly, cautious of passersby overhearing.

“Please don’t take it to heart.”

Asking me not to mind after such words? He must think I’m some magnanimous lord.

I smirked.

“Sorry, I’m not that generous.”

“For one destined for great things, shouldn’t you have a big heart?”

What’s that supposed to mean?

“Anything you do, Your Highness, is a great matter.”

“There’s a misunderstanding. I’m just delivering a message.”

“Isn’t a sharp tongue stronger than a blade? My words could sway this city’s fate.”

Does this fool think his mouth holds such power?

Sonkyedu shut his mouth, still smiling, as if wanting to change the topic.

I obliged.

“So, what’s the point?”

“Wolhanseong is an old city. Its outdated rules and customs persist, don’t they?”

“Maybe.”

“Isn’t it time for a new wind?”

What’s he saying?

I stared, and he flinched.

What?

“A clan with such history wouldn’t easily accept new blood, even from the capital.”

What new wind?

“A military alliance?”

Hahaha!

Sonkyedu laughed again. Why does he keep laughing? I’m getting annoyed too.

“You’re an outsider here, aren’t you?”

He looked at me slyly, his eyes gleaming, almost trembling.

“I have a request.”

To join him.

What’s he planning?

“It’s not difficult.”

What is it?

“If you grant this small request, I, Sonkyedu, will never forget your kindness.”

Just say it.

“I ask you to delay the decision on military aid.”

Delay the military aid?

So he wants to avoid damage?

If we hunt monsters sooner, fewer people die.

“Do you realize what you’re saying?”

“Of course.”

“It’s for the people’s lives, not your city’s schemes.”

“I see. You dislike the Lord of Wolhanseong. Now I understand.”

Not a light topic, but Sonkyedu only raised his lips.

“Will you grant my request?”

“I’m no saint, but I don’t harm the innocent.”

“What does it matter from the distant capital? You need the northern clans’ power, not Son Cheongeum.”

But…

“Fine, suppose I agree. It’s not about whispering secrets or scheming here.”

Seeing my reluctance, Sonkyedu’s smile faded.

“But why should I?”

“Wouldn’t you gain a foothold in Bukgye?”

Bukgye’s foothold?

The northern wall.

And the capital’s backing.

I snorted, and Sonkyedu clasped his hands, bowing deeply.

“It all depends on Your Highness. I’ll await your response.”

Laughable. If I refuse, he’ll surely hold a grudge. I’m stuck choosing to protect Son Cheongeum or follow Sonkyedu to ruin her.

“Thank you for your precious time.”

I narrowed my eyes, glaring at his bowed head, then turned away.

Back at my quarters, I said, “Check this.”

I carefully wrote a letter for the Pyeonggwang Trading Company.

If anyone’s reliable, it’s them. A useful connection.

The letter’s contents?

Who’s behind it?

Nothing much. Whether Sonkyedu and Son Cheongeum are at odds, and if so, why.

Sending a lackey to do my bidding isn’t gentlemanly.

Rumors of me with a crow spread widely. Not great to be so noticeable.

“Not going?”

I’ll make that bastard pay someday.

“What’s that?”

I pointed to a small box in the corner with trinkets. Not many, but a few accessories. Not my taste, but the original mad prince loved such things.

“Jewels!”

Gon fluttered to the box, nodding as if pleased.

“Oh, I’ll be extra careful!”

Right.

I tied the letter to Gon’s leg, and he flew out the window. Watching him soar, I returned inside.

Time for a nap.

Who knows when he’ll return?

Maybe tomorrow if late.

I lay down, half-asleep.

How much time passed?

Caw!

A crow’s cry woke me. It was far but enough to rouse me. I rushed to the window.

“Where?”

The pesky bird flew at night, invisible. Narrowing my eyes, I scanned the dark, hearing another cry.

Caw!

Closer, more urgent, like a scream.

What?

He’s not in mortal danger, so what’s this?

What’s he doing?

The unsettling sound, invisible in the dark, grew eerie.

After a few more cries, I spotted him.

Gon was diving toward my window at terrifying speed.

I squinted, studying him.

His flight looked odd.

What?

I cursed the moment I realized. A dark lump, like a stone, hurtled toward me.

Huh?

“Argh!”

Thud!

Crash!

I fell to the floor, words failing me.

Only one thought.

I’m screwed.

“Ugh!”

I flailed, blind in the dark. After swinging uselessly, I pried the bird off my head.

What’s this?

Was it trying to kill me?

Hitting me and knocking me down hurt, though not badly.

Rubbing my head, I checked Gon. My palm was wet.

Lifting my hands, they were bloody.

What?

From my head? No wounds.

Not my blood. Gon was bleeding, his feathers too dark to see clearly.

Dead?

He was too busy to be silent, his body limp.

Really dead?

Even if I called him birdbrain, after just a few days, to die like this?

Really?

Then Gon jerked his head up.

“Save me!”

He cried. Save him? Is something chasing him? As I thought this, danger loomed.

Who? An assassin? The elders dislike me, but not enough to kill.

“Ugh!”

Gon slammed into my chest, a sudden tackle. Heavier than expected, I staggered.

Damn it, what’s today? Scaring me like this.

“You startled me! My life matters more! We must flee!”

He flapped, hitting my face. Stunned, I grabbed his neck and lifted him.

“What happened?”

“Later! Hide first!”

Hide?

In Wolhanseong, this hall is the safest. A prince’s quarters with dozens of guards, plus my warriors.

What help?

“Listen! Hide now!”

Gon screeched, crawling under the bed’s blanket.

Really? Who’s coming? An assassin?

Just in case, I rested my hand on my sword hilt, ready to draw.

Rustle.

Caw!

A nearby tree’s leaves shook. My second-floor room’s window nearly touched the branches.

Be quiet.

But Gon kept squawking, as if to deafen me.

Caw!

Calm down, it’s a tree.

“Who’s trying to kill me?”

He wasn’t mad this morning, so it’s not nonsense. But he’s a bird, and in Wolhanseong, no one’s bold enough for murder.

Maybe someone’s hunting birds?

Is that it?