The court was in turmoil.
A royal envoy had just returned with grim news—one of the border provinces had begun an uprising against the King's rule.
The ministers argued fiercely over the next course of action.
"We must send reinforcements immediately!" one barked.
"No, that will only escalate the rebellion!" another countered.
Dan-Bi remained silent, watching. Listening.
Across the room, the Crown Prince's expression was unreadable.
But Dan-Bi could feel it—the pressure, the frustration simmering beneath his composed façade.
This crisis was personal.
Because the rebellion had started in a region loyal to the late First Queen.
The Crown Prince stood suddenly.
"Enough. We will not act recklessly."
The ministers turned to him.
"Then what do you suggest, Your Highness?"
The Prince's gaze flickered briefly to Dan-Bi.
"I suggest," he said, "that we hear from the one person in this room who has lived among the commoners."
Dan-Bi's heart slowed.
He was being tested.
Dan-Bi took a slow breath before speaking.
"If the people are rebelling, it is because they have lost faith in the throne. Sending soldiers will only prove them right."
Minister Cho scoffed.
"And what do you propose, Scholar? That we simply sit back and allow the rebellion to grow?"
"No," Dan-Bi said calmly. "We send a negotiator. Someone they will trust."
The chamber went silent.
And then—
"Very well."
All eyes turned to the Crown Prince.
"You will go."
Dan-Bi stiffened.
"Your Highness—"
"You suggested it, Scholar. Unless you wish to retract your words?"
Dan-Bi clenched his jaw.
He had walked straight into it.
He had no choice but to accept.
That evening, as Dan-Bi prepared for departure, a knock sounded at his door.
The Crown Prince entered without waiting for permission.
"I hope you realize what you're walking into," he said, arms crossed.
"I do," Dan-Bi replied, packing a few scrolls.
"Good," the Prince muttered. "Because if you die, it will be terribly inconvenient for me."
Dan-Bi smirked.
"I didn't realize Your Highness would be so affected by my absence."
The Prince scowled.
"Don't be arrogant."
Silence stretched between them.
Then, softer—
"Just… be careful."
Dan-Bi paused.
This was different.
There was something unspoken in the Prince's voice.
A hesitation.
Dan-Bi turned slightly, meeting his gaze.
For the first time, the Prince looked uncertain.
And for the first time, Dan-Bi felt… unsettled.
Because this had nothing to do with politics.
And everything to do with them.
Dan-Bi was barely two days into his journey when trouble began.
The rebels were expecting him.
Someone had leaked his arrival.
Someone wanted him dead.
And as he faced a line of armed men blocking his path, Dan-Bi realized—
He may have underestimated just how dangerous this was.