Lee Seong-min did not believe in coincidences.
He sat in his study, Ji-hwan's report in his hands. The analysis was too precise, the observations too sharp for a mere secretary.
And that last line—a quiet suggestion, yet perfectly placed—had led him to uncover Minister Choi's falsified records.
Ji-hwan had not accused anyone directly. But he had guided Seong-min to the answer.
Seong-min's fingers drummed on the desk.
"Who are you, Yoon Ji-hwan?" he murmured.
A noble's son, trained in court etiquette, but exiled from palace life for years. And yet, Ji-hwan carried himself with the confidence of someone who knew exactly how the court worked.
It was unsettling.
And fascinating.
A knock at the door. Minister Kang entered, bowing. "Your Majesty, I have looked into Lord Yoon as you requested."
Seong-min's eyes narrowed. "And?
"He lived quietly in exile after his father's fall. No political ties, no known ambitions." Minister Kang hesitated. "Yet his knowledge of court matters is… unexpected."
Seong-min hummed in thought. "Yes. Unexpected."
A silence stretched between them.
Then Seong-min smirked.
"Let's see just how much Lord Yoon knows."
He had tested Ji-hwan once. Now, he would push further.
If Ji-hwan was hiding something—Seong-min would uncover it.