He remembered her eyes, full of life in a thin face.

He remembered a pride that hadn't wilted even with death beside her.

Which was why

the Baek Soeun standing before him now came as a shock.

She couldn't even lift her head. Her hands were clasped tight, trembling faintly.

Seo Woojin could only stare. Baek Gyeong stepped forward.

Thud.

He dropped to his knees beside his daughter and bowed his head low.

"She is a criminal who dared take a blade to my lord. I beg you, punish the child. And punish me as well, her father."

The Azure Turtle Unit warriors apparently hadn't seen that coming. They were plainly thrown.

So was Baek Soeun.

She still couldn't lift her head, but her hands kept clenching and unclenching.

Seo Woojin looked at them, his eyes gone cold and still.

His voice was colder still.

"Everyone but Military Advisor Woon, withdraw."

One of the warriors hurriedly opened his mouth.

Then his eyes met Seo Woojin's, and he didn't dare.

In the end, they had no choice. They filed out of the main hall, crestfallen.

That left only Seo Woojin and Woon Seorin. And Baek Gyeong and Baek Soeun.

Seo Woojin turned his back on them and walked off.

He took the Alliance Lord's seat, propped his chin on his hand and glared at Baek Gyeong.

The silence was so heavy that not even Woon Seorin could break in.

A long while passed before Seo Woojin spoke.

"Clan Head Baek. Say that again."

Baek Gyeong's head stayed bowed.

His voice was firm as he repeated it.

"This humble one's daughter committed the crime of daring to harm my lord. Nothing can ever repay it. Worse still, by my lord's kindness, she has lived in comfort until I came. That cannot be allowed. It is late, but even now, you must make an example of us to uphold the Alliance Lord's dignity. Whatever the punishment, we will gladly..."

"Silence—!!"

Seo Woojin's roar cut him off like a thunderclap.

Bang!

Seo Woojin slammed his fist on the arm of the seat, furious.

"I…