CHAPTER 159: DISMISS THE GUARDS

"You are here," she began, her voice smooth and commanding, carrying an edge of disdain, "and yet, you are not of noble blood. How were you admitted to the academy?" Each word landed with precision, designed to cut through pretense and force honesty.

Jae responded carefully, his voice steady, concise, deliberate. He explained his background, the circumstances of his admission, and his motivations.

Her eyes never wavered from him, and he noted each micro-expression, the twitch of an eyebrow, the subtle tightening of her jaw, the ever-present tension in her shoulders.

Every movement, every inflection, was loaded with authority, a test, and a probe, and he cataloged them meticulously.

She pressed him further, questioning the details of his life, challenging his choices, and interjecting frequently to correct or dismiss parts of his explanation.

Jae recognized the patterns: she dominated the conversation, asserting control at every opportunity, pushing him to reveal weaknesses or reveal more than he intended.

Her sharpness was both an interrogation and an evaluation, and he treated it as both, observing and responding without revealing too much, never letting frustration show.

Throughout the conversation, he measured her tone, her approach, and her intentions. He noted the way the guards were stationed near the door, a silent statement of her control and anticipation of possible defiance or deception.

When the conversation finally drew to a close, Jae felt relief wash over him. The tension that had wrapped around his shoulders loosened slightly as he stepped back toward the doorway.

Observing her from this final angle, he compared her personality to Sun’s, wondering who influenced who.

Was it sun who filled her mind with hate against him or was it the queen that had made sun hate him?

He speculated on whether her disdain for him might be connected to the recent attacks on the academy, noting the coordinated guards, her sharp questioning, and the deliberate scrutiny he had experienced.

Stepping back into the corridor, he let himself take a deep, controlled breath. The sunlight spilling through the palace windows greeted him like a small reprieve, and he felt the weight of the encounter begin to lift.

The Queen’s presence, her authority, and her potential involvement in the attacks had added layers of intrigue and danger, but also curiosity. His mind worked through strategies, possibilities, and contingencies.

He resolved that investigating the tunnels, uncovering the truth behind the artifacts, and understanding the motives of the royal court would be a priority

xxxx

Jae walked through the palace halls, his boots echoing softly against the polished stone. The tapestries fluttered slightly in the warm draft from the open windows, showing the royal crest and past victories. He noticed how the servants hurried past him, careful not to meet his eyes for longer than necessary.

He frowned. Why does the King show so little interest in me? The academy never ignored him like this. Here, in the palace, he felt... peripheral.

He shook his head and muttered under his breath. "It can’t just be that I’m not noble. Can it?"

A soft laugh drew his attention, and there she was, Yuna, strolling leisurely through the corridor, her golden hair catching the morning light. "You look troubled," she said, tilting her head.

Jae blinked, caught off guard. "I... am just thinking." He hesitated. "So I need to check out a tunnel under the palace, but it’s blocked by the Queen’s guards..." He trailed off.

You really want to enter huh? Yuna asked.

Jae nodded.

Yuna’s laugh was light, teasing. "Afraid of a few guards? Don’t worry, I can help." She leaned casually against a column, smirking. "They’re guards you just need to be a little more... insistent."

"I don’t know if it’ll work," Jae muttered, crossing his arms. "They obey orders, and they’re loyal. If I even try to push..."

Yuna stepped closer, lowering her voice. "That’s exactly why I’m going with you. Watch, listen, and learn. First rule, never show doubt. Never let them think you’re afraid."

Jae frowned. "Never show doubt, huh?"

"Exactly," she said, her tone firm yet playful. "Walk in like you own the place, speak like your word matters more than theirs. You’re asserting authority, not asking permission."

He studied her expression. "And if I slip up?"

"You won’t," she said sharply, almost smiling. "Confidence is contagious. You act sure, they hesitate. You show hesitation, and they ignore you. Simple as that."

He let out a small laugh, shaking his head. "Alright. Let’s see if I can pull off your method without looking like a fool."

"Try not to embarrass me," she said, tugging lightly at the hem of her tunic, drawing his gaze for a moment before stepping toward the tunnel entrance.

Jae followed, his mind racing. Confidence. Never doubt. Own it. He glanced at Yuna, who carried herself with the casual dominance of someone born into command. She looked back at him, raising an eyebrow. "Ready?"

"As I’ll ever be," he muttered, trying to steady his breath.

They approached the guards, two stalwart men in polished armor standing firmly at the tunnel entrance. Their expressions were polite but resolute, hands resting lightly on their spears.

Yuna took the lead. "Good morning," she said, her voice firm and smooth. "We’re here to inspect the tunnel."

One guard straightened. "Princess Yuna. Orders state that no one enters without royal authorization."

She gave a small, practiced smile. "I am the authority here. Step aside."

The guard hesitated, exchanging a glance with his companion. "Princess..."

Jae shifted slightly behind her, wondering if it would work.

Yuna’s gaze sharpened, eyes glinting. "I said step aside."

There was a tense moment, the kind of silence that makes your chest tight. Then the guard took a careful step back, bowing slightly. "Yes, Princess."

Jae exhaled quietly. "Well, that was... easier than I expected."

Yuna smirked. "You just needed to see it in action. Now watch me handle the second one."

The second guard was taller, more rigid. "Your Highness"

"Move," she said firmly, voice carrying. The man flinched, suddenly aware of the weight behind her words. After a moment, he stepped aside.