18 Chapter 18

Following the initial plan, Kim Jong-Seo left Gongju for the capital before his family. He left specific instructions for the guards and his sons regarding the travel arrangements and he left early in the morning, two days after he received the Chief of Police's report.

Wanting to travel light and fast, he only took with him five guards, men trained by himself in the earlier years. As soon as he approached the capital city Hanyang, Kim Jong-Seo could feel the bustle and frenzy behind its walls. Having sent word ahead, he decided to make a stop at Chief State Councilor's house, before heading to his own.

Kim Jong-Seo's friend and ally was waiting for him in his room, reading a book at candlelight. Hwangbo In was around the same age as his Left State Councilor, Kim Jong-Seo. His old face seemed troubled. He kept his eyebrows knitted together and even though he kept the book opened, his eyes had not moved along the rows, nor had he turned the page since several minutes ago. He let out a deep sigh and the candle flickered across the paper frames. Raising a hand, Hwangbo In arranged his tall hat with three rim levels, the kind a Chief State Councilor usually wore.

When the servant finally announced Kim Jong-Seo's arrival, Hwangbo In raised his eyes and nodded his head in acknowledgment. The two had been friends for many years and have always discussed matters openly, regardless of how good or bad they were. The current situation was one of those unfortunate issues that had to be considered carefully, before any actions were made. Having royals fighting each other for the throne was nothing new, nor was having courtiers plotting against each other in order to gain power and wealth. However, hiring a group of elite mercenaries who were thought to be dead, in order to eliminate enemies was something serious.

"Did you have a safe trip?" Hwangbo In said, motioning for Kim Jong-Seo to take a sit.

The general bowed his head slightly and took a seat on the floor crossing his legs beneath him. He took his hat off and placed it on the floor beside him. He and Hwangbo In were of close rank after all and friends, so there was no need for formalities.

"Yes, thank you for inquiring." Kim Jong-Seo replied with a short nod. "Though, I cannot say it has been pleasant. Despite the beautiful weather outside, my mind has been assaulted by dark thoughts, Hwangbo In." the general finished with a sigh.

"Let us talk about it then."

"As I have said in my letter, based on the Police report, the dead man's body presented the signs which identified him as a Black Swords member. He had the tattoo on his sword wielding hand and had also been castrated."

"Was he genuine then?" Hwangbo In asked, leaning forward against the table. "Was he really one of the Black Swords?"

"Based on these facts, it appears he was indeed one of them. I have my doubts though."

"Indeed?" Hwangbo In eyes flew wide. He knew very well of Kim Jong-Seo's sharp intuition and if he was doubting something, then there had to be a reason for it.

"Yes. Something does not quite add up. They never associated themselves with other groups, and therefore it is strange that he attacked together with two others who were not Black Swords."

"Strange indeed. What about the other two then?"

"They were former guards who gave up their stations and went rogue. How were they recruited and by whom, I do not know. My men were not able to find out more."

They both remained silent for a short while, buried deep in thoughts. Their foreheads were creased, and their eyes reflected the candlelight, making them look like two statues. Then Hwangbo In broke the silence.

"There are strange rumors going around the Palace. I have heard ministers and officials saying people have been disappearing."

"People disappearing from the Palace?" Kim Jong-Seo exclaimed, his eyes widening and his palms grasping his knees tightly.

"Eunuchs and maids. Some say even two guards have been reported missing." Hwangbo In continued in a low voice.

Kim Jong-Seo pondered for a moment. He raised a hand and brushed it across his chin. When he spoke, his voice was firm and determined.

"We will have to find out more before we reach a conclusion. I will have my men investigate and if we wait a bit longer, more information could come to light. Our enemy is bound to make a mistake and we will be there to surprise him."

"I expected nothing less from an accomplished warrior like yourself."

Hwangbo In spoke in a pleased voice. The corners of his mouth were curved into an appreciative smile and he gazed at his friend openly. He continued to speak in a calm and friendly voice.

"I also wanted to talk to you about something else. A personal matter of yours. But for that, we will need tea."

"Of course."

Hwangbo In called for the servant and ordered his tea to be brought in. Two minutes later, the two men were each holding a hot cup in their hands.

"I heard that before he died, your brother was involved in something that went against His Majesty's wishes." Hwangbo In spoke, lowering his cup.

"Indeed, my brother and I had very different opinions regarding political matters." Kim Jong-Seo approved with a slight incline of the head.

"Then is it wise to take his daughter under your protection? I heard your niece is staying with you now." Hwangbo In said staring at the general with beady eyes, taking another sip of tea.

Kim Jong-Seo remained quiet for a short moment. He had been sure that eventually the Chief State Councilor would want to have this conversation. It was, after all, a matter that could affect the court and His Majesty's plans. Kim Jung Seo looked into the eyes of his friend and saw a great deal of intelligence and cunningness in their glitter. He was again glad that this man was his ally instead of his enemy. He raised his hand, took a small sip of tea, then smiled at the Chief State Councilor.

"My niece, Hwangbo In, does not know of her father's political ideas. She can barely remember the event that had rendered her an orphan. I hardly think she will represent a threat. Nevertheless, I will speak to His Majesty about this when I go to the Palace tomorrow."

"I put my trust in you, Jong-Seo, as always." Hwangbo In said with a short nod and a small smile on his lips.

"Thank you Hwangbo In. You honor me, as always." Kim Jong-Seo said, bowing his head slightly, returning the smile.