Dan-Bi watched the Minister of Rites walk away, his words lingering like a ghost in the dimly lit corridor.
"The question is—will you survive long enough to prove it?"
The weight of the moment settled over him. He had gained an ally, but at what cost? If the Grand Chancellor had been testing the waters, then Dan-Bi was now a marked piece on the board.
And pieces that drew too much attention were the first to be sacrificed.
He needed more information.
More power.
Dan-Bi turned on his heel, weaving through the palace toward the archives. The court's history was written in ink, but its truths were whispered in the shadows.
And if he wanted to survive, he needed to listen.
—
The library was nearly empty at this hour. A lone candle flickered at the corner table, where an aging scholar dozed over a pile of scrolls.
Dan-Bi moved silently, scanning the shelves.
He was looking for one name.
One piece of evidence that could confirm what he already suspected.
His fingers traced the spines of old records—until a rustle behind him made him freeze.
Someone else was here.
Dan-Bi didn't turn immediately. Instead, he let his fingers curl around a scroll as if he were simply reading.
"Scholar Dan-Bi."
The voice was soft, yet firm.
Dan-Bi turned, keeping his expression neutral.
It was the prince.
Crown Prince Seong-Jin stood between the bookshelves, his arms folded, his eyes sharp with unspoken questions.
Dan-Bi gave a respectful bow. "Your Highness."
The prince stepped forward, his voice low. "You're looking for something."
Dan-Bi tilted his head. "A scholar is always seeking knowledge."
"Don't play with me." The prince's voice carried an edge. "I saw your face today in court. You weren't just defending yourself. You were reading the room—analyzing them."
Dan-Bi stayed silent.
The prince took another step closer, his gaze unwavering. "I'll ask only once. What are you hiding?"
Dan-Bi felt the weight of the moment.
This was dangerous.
This was too soon.
But if there was one thing he had learned in court, it was that silence could be more powerful than words.
So he simply met the prince's gaze, let the tension stretch—
And then, finally, he smirked.
"I suppose you will have to find out, Your Highness."
Then, before the prince could respond, Dan-Bi turned on his heel—
And disappeared into the darkened hall.