As the political ramifications of Seo Kyung's plots came to light, the palace was a hive of activity. Under the cover of darkness, a number of nobility who were involved in his schemes had left the capital. Jin-Ho accompanied the Crown Prince, supervising the guard's attempts to bring the peace back.
Tae-Min muttered, "You've saved this kingdom and my life." However, peace is brittle. We will continue to be put to the test after this.
Jin-Ho gave a nod. The shadows of treachery would persist for years, and the path to stability was a long one. For the first time, though, he felt prepared to take on whatever lay ahead.
Jin-Ho was alone in the barracks, the familiar weight of the sword on his lap grounding him as he ran a palm over it. The most difficult portion of his trip was just getting started, even though he had survived treachery, intrigue, and assassins.
Every choice he made as commander would have an impact that went beyond himself. Fighting was no longer enough; he would need to take the initiative. Leadership also meant sacrifice.
As the weight settled in his chest, he let out a deep exhale. Carrying the weight of honor forward at all costs was his destiny.
Later that night, as the cool breeze stirred her cloak, Mei Lin joined Jin-Ho on the palace wall. After silently examining him for a while, she grinned. "You know, you could still go. Start anew in a peaceful location far from everything.
A tiny smile tugged at Jin-Ho's lips as he shook his head. "This is where I belong."
Mei Lin put her head on his shoulder as she leaned in closer. "So I suppose I'll have to stay as well."
For the first time in a long time, the silence between them felt like calm rather than absence as the stars glittered above them.
A scout from the borderlands brought critical news just as the palace was starting to calm. They had underestimated how shattered the surviving members of the assassin guild were.
The scout reported ominously, "They've regrouped." "There are rumors that a new leader will emerge from the guild's ashes."
Knowing that his battle was far from over, Jin-Ho closed his eyes for a moment. He was not yet finished with the blade of fate.
Jin-Ho stood at the palace gate at the crack of dawn, looking out over the far hills where the first rays of sunlight appeared on the horizon. Although the world seemed big and full of opportunities and threats, Jin-Ho's heart remained stable.
He had lost his best friend, battled for his honor, and discovered a new calling. He was prepared for whatever occurred next.
He inhaled quietly, gripped the sword at his side tightly, and said to himself, "I'll keep going. Regardless.