Wang Ki sat calmly, sipping his tea in the quiet room. He glanced to his left and right, taking in the faces of the ministers around him, including Miju. They were all taking a brief break after the intense trial for the governor's fraud case and the financial department's corruption.
"I never thought things would get this bad, Jeonha Mama..." one of the ministers finally spoke, his voice heavy with concern. Wang Ki nodded, releasing a sigh as he listened.
"This isn't just fraud we're dealing with," Wang Ki said, his tone sharp. "It's about slavery. Something banned for years, and yet here it is, right under our noses." He clenched his fist, his frustration evident. "As those responsible for governing, we must admit—we've failed. Failed to protect our people."
The bitter words hung in the air, heavy and hard to swallow.
"We did what we could, Jeonha. But it always comes down to the individual's morality," another minister chimed in. He wore a deep purple robe, a mark of the Learning Department—the only department considered pure, filled with scholars who served the kingdom with wisdom and integrity.
"A philosopher's view, always as pure as it is.." Wang Ki replied, his voice steady. "Every person has both light and darkness within them. They just need the right catalyst for either to emerge."
The ministers around him nodded in agreement.
"Speaking of which, Jeonha Mama," another minister hesitated before asking the question on everyone's mind, "... the region is without a governor now. Who will take charge?"
Wang Ki took a breath before responding, "I have someone in mind. He's young, but trustworthy—a rising talent from the financial department."
The ministers exchanged curious glances. "May we know his name, Jeonha Mama?" one of them asked, eager to learn more.
But to their surprise, Wang Ki shook his head slightly. "I only had a consice meet with him before and we have no chance to talk about this matter, so I won't reveal his name for now. It's confidential until he accepts my offer," the king explained, a faint smile on his lips.
Miju, however, was not so easily swayed. His brow furrowed, and after a moment, he gathered the courage to speak. "Jeonha, with all due respect, wouldn't it be better if we knew the candidate's name? That way, we can discuss the suitability of his appointment."
The room buzzed with murmurs as the ministers pondered Miju's words. The Minister of Resources, in his gray robe, backed him up, bowing slightly.
"Seja Jeoha is right. The appointment of a new governor is a matter that requires broader input."
Wang Ki sighed softly, his gaze drifting to the Prime Minister, who subtly shook his head, advising the king against revealing more.
"I've chosen to consult only a few trusted individuals on this matter," Wang Ki finally said. "This situation is more severe than we anticipated. I need to proceed carefully to avoid further mistakes."
Silence fell over the room. No one dared to push further. They all knew that the king's word was final—a decision they could not contest, no matter how it hard it was for them to accept it.
***
Later, Sun An stood before Wang Ki, bowing respectfully. The king smiled as he looked at the young man, clearly pleased.
"I'm impressed with how you handled the case," Wang Ki began warmly. "Your bravery not only saved lives, but you also uncovered a crime hidden for far too long. On behalf of the realm, I thank you."
Sun An bowed again, humbled. "I was only doing my duty, Jeonha. It's my responsibility as a public servant. If I had failed, I would've lost everything."
"Many people turn a blind eye when money or power is involved, but you didn't. You chose the truth," Wang Ki said. "Had you not followed the notes from my princess, we might never have solved this."
"How could I ignore words from Gongju Jaga? Her words are as important as yours, Jeonha Mama," Sun An responded, his humility evident.
Wang Ki looked at Sun An with a mix of pride and admiration. "You're too humble, Sun An. You should be proud of yourself."
But Sun An only shook his head, his voice soft. "Once I've devoted myself to the kingdom, every part of me belongs to the kingdom—"
"Stop," Wang Ki interrupted, his voice firm. "I hate that. Please don't say it."
Sun An quickly apologized, lowering his head. Wang Ki sighed, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. Slavery—the very concept of ownership over another life—was something Wang Ki despised, and Sun An's words, though meant respectfully, echoed too closely to that idea.
"You can't treat me like a god," Wang Ki continued, his voice softer now. "I'm just a king. Even with this throne, I'm still human. If you want to devote yourself, do it for the people, not for me. My reign will end one day, but this kingdom and its people will continue. Don't devote yourself to something temporary."
"I understand, Jeonha Mama," Sun An replied, his voice steady. Wang Ki nodded, satisfied with the response.
"Good. Because what I'm about to tell you relates to that very idea," Wang Ki said. Sun An's expression tightened with anticipation, unsure of what was coming.
"I've heard from my nephew that you're skilled in both intelligence and combat. I know you once had plans to join the Hwarang, but circumstances led you to join the Phoenix instead."
Sun An nodded, silently acknowledging the truth.
"What if I offered you something even better than the Hwarang?" Wang Ki asked, his words catching Sun An off guard. The young man blinked in surprise before speaking.
"What do you mean, Jeonha Mama?"
Wang Ki smiled and handed a scroll to his eunuch, who passed it to Sun An. "I want to appoint you as the new governor of the region. We need someone urgently, and I believe you're the right person for the job."
Sun An's eyes widened as he read the scroll, shock evident on his face. "Me? But why? Surely, there are others more suited to the position..."
"The financial department is in shambles after the corruption case. You're the most qualified person left," Wang Ki replied.
"But, Jeonha... if I leave, that department will lose another key person!"
"Are you saying you'd rather stay in a position that isn't truly yours? For the rest of your life?" Wang Ki asked, frowning.
Sun An fell silent, remembering his conversation with Dan. He had already expressed his discontent with his current role.
"Jeonha Mama," Sun An spoke softly, "being a governor isn't what I want either. I prefer the work I do now."
Wang Ki shook his head, clearly disappointed. "Sun An, this is an opportunity not just for you, but for your family. Right now, you live in staff quarters and barely see them. As governor, you could bring them with you, live together. We can offer them work, and your siblings could receive the best education."
He paused, letting the words sink in. "Take the scroll and think it over. Discuss it with your family. But don't take too long—we need your decision soon."
With a heavy heart, Sun An accepted the scroll, bowing once more before leaving the hall. His mind was spinning, torn between duty and desire, unsure of which path to choose.
The road ahead seemed uncertain, and the weight of the decision pressed down on him.