(In the Third Prince's Study)
The atmosphere inside the Third Prince's study was tense. Maps and scrolls were scattered across the table, and candles burned intensely, casting flickering shadows along the walls.
Third Prince Hyeon stood with his arms crossed, carefully studying the documents before him. Beside him, Claudete—or rather, Mi-Suk—analyzed the strategic routes on the map, while Second Prince Victor lazily twirled a dagger between his fingers, an amused expression on his face.
Their conversation revolved around a single subject: The Shadow.
The Shadow was an invisible enemy, a skilled conspirator who pulled strings from behind the scenes of the kingdom. Almost no one knew his true identity, but his name was linked to assassinations, betrayals, and the dangerous game for power.
Hyeon took a deep breath before speaking.
Third Prince Hyeon: (serious) We must act cautiously. The Shadow is cunning and may be closer than we imagine.
Claudete traced her fingers over the marked routes on the map.
Claudete/Mi-Suk: (agreeing) We need to strengthen palace security and investigate among our subjects. Someone within the kingdom knows more than they should.
Victor leaned on the table, spinning his dagger and throwing an amused glance at the two.
Second Prince Victor: (mocking) And let's not forget there are spies among us. We need to move discreetly, or we'll end up dancing to their tune.
Hyeon nodded, but his expression remained tense.
Third Prince Hyeon: (thoughtful) Yes… But we still don't know the true extent of The Shadow's power. He could be anywhere.
Suddenly, the study door burst open urgently.
A messenger rushed in, kneeling before Hyeon and presenting a sealed scroll.
Messenger: (breathless) An urgent message for the Third Prince.
Hyeon took the scroll and swiftly broke the seal. His eyes scanned the words rapidly, and his expression immediately changed.
Third Prince Hyeon: (tense) What… This can't be true.
Claudete noticed how his shoulders stiffened. Something was wrong.
Claudete/Mi-Suk: (frowning) What happened, Hyeon?
Hyeon lifted his gaze from the scroll, his eyes filled with concern.
Third Prince Hyeon: (taking a deep breath) The First Prince… has disappeared. There's no sign of him in the palace.
A heavy silence followed.
Claudete exchanged a quick glance with Victor, who was now fully attentive.
Second Prince Victor: (raising an eyebrow) This could be a trap. We must proceed with caution.
Claudete/Mi-Suk: (serious) The First Prince may be missing, but that doesn't mean he's defenseless. Ying is cunning, and we know he never does anything without a purpose.
Hyeon clenched his fists, clearly frustrated.
Third Prince Hyeon: (rigid) We can't underestimate this. If The Shadow is involved, the situation could be even worse than we imagined.
Victor let out a low chuckle, but his gaze was sharper than usual.
Second Prince Victor: (provocative) Interesting… So our dear eldest brother, the all-powerful First Prince Ying, vanished without a trace?
Claudete crossed her arms, deep in thought.
Claudete/Mi-Suk: (determined) If The Shadow is involved, we can't afford to lose one of our own. No matter what I think of Ying… the kingdom's stability depends on this.
Victor sighed dramatically.
Second Prince Victor: (mocking) I'd say Ying's disappearance is a gift from the heavens, but I suppose you two will insist on looking for him…
Hyeon shot his brother a sharp look.
Third Prince Hyeon: (serious) This isn't a joke, Victor. If Ying has disappeared, it means someone is moving in this game faster than we expected.
Victor raised his hands in surrender, though a calculating glint remained in his eyes.
Second Prince Victor: (yielding) Fine, fine. If we're going after him, where do we start?
Hyeon pointed at the map.
Third Prince Hyeon: (resolute) First, we need to find out when he was last seen. Then, we map out a search plan.
Claudete leaned over the map, analyzing possible escape or abduction routes.
Claudete/Mi-Suk: (firm) If he disappeared, someone saw something. We'll start by questioning the guards and palace servants. And as for The Shadow…
Hyeon finished the sentence, his eyes burning with determination.
Third Prince Hyeon: (convicted) If The Shadow is involved, we'll drag him out into the light by force.
Victor smirked, clearly enjoying the growing tension.
Second Prince Victor: (sarcastic) This is getting more interesting…
And so, with the news of the First Prince's disappearance, the political chessboard of the New Chin kingdom began shifting in dangerous ways.
{Next Day – In the Third Prince's Garden}
Claudete/Mi-Suk: And what about my poisoning? Do you have any idea who might be behind it?
Bora: (thinking) I can't say for sure, but during that time, the only person who was close enough to poison you… was the maid, Hye-Jin.
Claudete/Mi-Suk: (determined) Then Hye-Jin is our main suspect. We need to find out what she had to gain from this.
Bora: (nodding) I'm already investigating, my lady. I'll try to gather information discreetly.
Claudete/Mi-Suk: (appreciative) Good, Bora. And stay safe. We can't trust anyone in this place.
Bora: I'll do my best, my lady.
At that moment, a servant approached with a respectful bow.
Si-Ho: (politely) Excuse me, Lady Mi-Suk. Lady Ji-Hye is in the drawing room.
Claudete/Mi-Suk: (suspicious) Ji-Hye? What does she want?
Si-Ho: I don't have that information, my lady. I'm merely delivering the message.
Claudete/Mi-Suk: (sighing) I don't pay you to not know, but fine. I'll go see her. Bora, keep investigating discreetly.
Bora: Understood, my lady.
(In the Drawing Room)
Claudete/Mi-Suk entered the room, her gaze sharp as she spotted Ji-Hye and Ji-Mi, both wearing polite yet insincere smiles.
Ji-Hye: Mi-Suk, dear, what a surprise to see you so early. How have you been?
Claudete/Mi-Suk: (coldly) I'm not here for small talk. What do you want?
Ji-Mi: (feigning innocence) We just wanted to talk, of course. You suddenly came back from the dead, and we thought we should… reconnect.