It was just past noon when I left the prison and headed toward a quiet area of the palace.

This part of the palace was unusually still, guarded by only a few sentries. It was where the few remaining physicians of the North Sea had gathered.

Passing through the tranquil corridors, I arrived at a particular room and opened the door.

Creak.

The rusty hinges groaned as I turned the knob, revealing a familiar face inside.

Namgung Bi-ah was sitting there, mid-bite, clearly in the middle of a meal. She looked up at me and spoke, though her words were …