He could see streaks of light around him and smiled thinking how beautiful this morning must be. Even the fact he will have to spend most of the day inside didn't cloud his good mood, though he longed for those days when he, Hak and Yona could watch this view. The memories of past flooded him. When he turned and his eyes stopped on the ringlet of Yona's hair that Tea-jun gave him.

'Your Majesty, have you waken up?' asked the servant. 'Your advisor, Kye-sook, wants to see you.'

'Tell him I will see him in half an hour.'

The country was like a bottomless well of problems. Once one matter had been solved, another popped up, but he could not complain. There was no other way to save the Kingdom and its people than become the King. He even sacrificed his friendship with two people who were precious to him. The two people he wanted to keep away from this. The two people he wanted to protect from this bloody affair. But both of them got entangled anyway. It may have been too naïve of him to think that he could somehow spare them from what was coming. Maybe if he were more open it would not end up like this. No, considering what could have been was pointless now.

He wandered if there was no other way, but to fight with Hak the next time he will see him. His relationship with Hak and Yona was broken beyond repair. The murder's thirst that was overflowing from Hak made it more than obvious. It made him smile wryly. He was devastated upon learning that Yona and Hak fell from the cliff. If possible, he would not want to go through this grieving again. It was such a relief to see Yona in Awa. Now it seems that he will have to kill them with his own hands.

What a twist of fate it would be. To suffer from losing them and then learning that they are alive only to kill them or to be killed by them. Naturally, he understood their hatred and that there was no going back. He promised that the next time he would see Hak he will kill him. Was it his punishment? To be forced to kill them? He knew he didn't want to do it and hoped that he would never have to do it. That he would never meet them again. It was better to never see them again than kill them.

'Your majesty, are you ready?' Soo-won recognized Kye-sook's voice.

'I am ready. What is it?'

'It is an invitation from Sai.'

'Hmm…, what do they want?'

The King ask you to attend his sister's marriage. Apparently his sister is your cousin.'

'Yes, she is my fifth cousin twice remove, but I doubt the King of Sai is doing it to have a family meeting,' replied Soo-won.

'It doubt it too. There are rumors that the army of Sai is gathering on border with Kouka. I advise that you don't go anywhere. They may want to attack while you are on their territory or may want to try something.' He ended looking at Soo-won attentively.

Soo-win smiled while looking out of the window. 'You are probably right, but it may be an opportunity for us.'

'What do you mean?' Kye-sook asked surprised.

'The King of Sai will be at the wedding too. Am I not right?'

'Yes, your majesty.'

After a pause Soo-won asked. 'Please, find strong warriors and tell Jo-doh and Guen-tea that I will need them.'

'Very well,' said Kye-sook. 'But can I ask what are you thinking about?'

Soo-won turned and said. 'Hunting may be dangerous. If the hunter is not cautious, he may sometimes become the hunted one.'

'Indeed,' Kye-sook said smiling too now. 'Rumors has it that the King of Sei was not favored with wits,' but add after a while 'But we should be cautious anyway. Rumors may be wrong.'

'You don't need to worry, I will reserve my judgment till I see him with my own eyes,' Soo-won answered calmly.

On hearing it Kye-sook bowed his head to Soo-won and left the room. Soo-won looked at the pile of papers left and sighted. Now, reading through this would take the whole morning at least. There was plenty of work due to Il's years of neglect. All of a sudden, the unwanted memories came flooding back for the first time since he killed this bastard. Soo-won discovered a bit surprised that his deep hatred for Il didn't vanish, but how could he not despise Il? Did he not have good reasons? How could he not hate that person? He killed his father. He almost brought his country into ruin. He agreed to marry his daughter to the King of Kai and almost turned Kouka into Kai's province. He …His thoughts were abruptly stopped by the appearance of a bird that without any fear flew into the room and chirped happily. It calmed him down a bit. That's right. Whatever Il did, it didn't matter now. There was no reason to be tormented over it anymore. Il was no more.