The ruggedman stood before the empress with his head bowed down, crystal the size of his palm glittering in his hands. With her interest undeniably piqued, she smiled from her throne and nodded at the court eunuch to examine the sparkling jewel he had brought. Listening intently as he explained there were millions more like it in the cave of the land being fought for, she realized the war would be more brutal than she hoped.
With a nod of her head, she ordered food and money be bestowed on the man as an offering to feed his family while the jewel was taken to the treasury room. She turned to the courtiers and demanded they send in more troops to protect Daejong and the land housing these minerals as it was a fortune the country couldn't afford to lose.
