“Left Prime Minister. Whether it was during the last state report or now, why scratch where there’s no itch in such peaceful times? The atmosphere in the assembly is already creating unnecessary anxiety.”

“Why pretend not to know the upcoming danger for the sake of a momentary stability?”

Despite Minsangju’s criticism, Ryu Rim was undeterred and continued speaking.

“The scale of this upcoming rebellion will be unlike any before. We must quickly rectify the lax military system and bolster the troops.”

“Even if a rebellion occurs, offering a few bags of rice will be enough to quell it. How much can these uncivilized savages stir up a rebellion?”

“Have you forgotten about the incident where one of the towns in Hamgyeong Province fell due to the rebellion of the previous numbers? You must not take the signs of this impending rebellion lightly.”

“Even so, it wasn’t a small village in the borderlands, was it?”
As with the last state report, a division emerged within the assembly as a group sympathizing with Ryu Rim and Minsangju’s opinions, causing the atmosphere in the faction to gradually become more tumultuous.

Hwan raised his voice to quell the commotion.

“Enough of this!”

Instantly, the surroundings fell silent.

With a cold gaze, Hwan questioned Ryu Rim.

“From whom did you obtain this memorial?”

“I received it from Lord Gwangho.”

“Ha!”

As if expecting this, Hwan let out a disdainful sigh.

“Do you trust Lord Gwangho?”

“My loyalty is solely for the purpose of protecting the country.”

“Frankly, I cannot accept Lord Gwangho’s intentions purely. If his aim is not to protect the country but rather to shake the foundation of the nation, what will you do?”

Hwan looked at Ryu Rim with a troubled expression.

He tended to react excessively, almost having a seizure, whenever the word “Gwangho” was mentioned.

Ryu Rim calmly replied to Hwan’s questioning gaze.

“Your concerns are excessive. Under the same sky, with a heart dedicated to the country, how could our intentions differ? It’s not too late to discuss countermeasures after preparing for the worst.”

“So, are you saying that your intentions align with Gwangho’s?”

“If it is for the sake of the country’s existence and peace, then yes.”

After a moment of contemplation, Hwan spoke.

“Following my Left Prime Minister’s advice, I will send an interpreter and a local resident (recruited soldier) to the Ministry of Defense for investigation.”

“!”

Contrary to expectations, Hwan accepted Ryu Rim’s suggestion almost naively.

While it was fortunate for Ryu Rim, Hwan’s unusual attitude caused her unease.

Hwan spoke again after a brief pause.

“However, if the contents of this memorial turn out to be false, it will be considered an attempt to cause chaos in the country, a rebellion.”

“Ma, Mama!”

If the numbers didn’t rebel, Hwan seemed poised to brand Geon as a traitor.

“I hope you have no regrets about your intentions.”

Ryu Rim was also included in the target.

Hwan’s pressure, promising to keep an eye on them, overwhelmed Ryu Rim.

Only after Hwan averted his gaze from Ryu Rim did it seem like the stifled breath was released.

Whether the country would face turmoil due to the rebellion of the numbers or whether they would overturn the plot of rebellion.

Either way, it seemed like an arduous path.

New recruits entered the Gwangho Army, and the number of soldiers increased rapidly.

It felt like it was just the other day when they entered the Gwangho Army as trainees, and now they had already become senior soldiers. Yeonwoo couldn’t believe it.
It feels like I just joined the Gwangho Army, but I’ve already removed the trainee badge and become a senior soldier. Yeonwoo couldn’t believe it.

During a brief rest after the morning training, Dae Bok, who was catching his breath next to Yeonwoo, spoke up.

“Senior soldiers can commute starting today, right?”

“Yes. There are many new trainees, and the accommodations are insufficient.”

“What about Ah-woo?”

“Of course, she has to commute!”

Yeonwoo responded promptly, as if she had been waiting for this question.

Commuting from home meant she wouldn’t have to hunch her body against the cold wind that entered the barracks every time she slept and wouldn’t need to greet the morning dew every morning.

Above all, she could freely wash without worrying about others’ eyes. Having a private space was like living in paradise.

“Really? Surprising. Won’t it be inconvenient to go back and forth?”

“Well, I’ve already found a place to live, so there’s no need to go back.”

“What? Ah-woo bought a house?”

“Well, something like that.”

Although Yeonwoo didn’t buy the house with her own money, the ownership was under Yeonwoo’s name, and there was no need to inform Dae Bok about living with Geon using Geon’s money.

“Why didn’t you tell me?! We need to celebrate, housewarming!”

“Uh… I haven’t prepared anything since it’s my first time going to the house…”

Yeonwoo scratched her head.