The Moon Palace in winter was submerged in white snow. Pavilions rose grandly atop stone foundations stacked layer by layer along the mountainside, and the snow that fell overnight sat softly upon the dark tiled roofs and colorful dancheong. Thin icicles hung from the ends of the deep eaves, and the cold wind sweeping down the mountain ridges brushed through the long corridors, ringing the faint sound of wind chimes. Occasionally, flurries of snow were swept by the wind across the pavilions, but the order of the palace remained undisturbed.

In Gyeongjeong Hall, reports from officials had been continuing since early morning. Lee Gyeon-woo looked down at the table below the throne, reviewing documents. The gold thread patterns on his dark dragon robe shimmered faintly, and there was no hesitation in his fingertips as he turned the pages. From the governance of occupied territories after Baekyo's surrender to the transport of military rations and diplomatic issues with the newly enthroned king—there was still much to handle.

Proceed with the transport of military rations along the river as planned, but investigate the local situation again and report back.

As the calm command was given, the official bowed his head. Lee Gyeon-woo added no further words. The war was over, but the task of dealing with its aftermath was just beginning. The execution of the former King of Baekyo was also at the end of a decision already made. To the King, it was simply one of the consequences following the nation's defeat and victory.

Around that time, in the depths of the Moon Palace, at Rangun Hall—the residence of Sobi—a silence as cold as the winter chill had settled.

Several peach trees were planted in the rear garden surrounding Sobi's quarters. In the warm Kingdom of Baekyo, these trees would have had pale pink petals fluttering on every branch each spring. However, the winter in Sinwol was harsh. Snow piled up on the bare branches, and even the sunlight seeped faintly onto the frozen earth.

Inside the room, the warmth of the brazier and a thin trail of steam with a subtle fragrance rose from the teacup. Just then, the cautious voice of a courtier was heard from outside the door.

“Sobi. A messenger from Baekyo wishes to speak with you.”

A moment later, a messenger with melting snow clinging to the hem of his official robe entered. He prostrated himself before the Queen to pay his respects but could not open his mouth for a long time. His bowed shoulders were stiff, and his clasped fingertips held both cold and tension.

“The King of Baekyo... has been executed.”

The short sentence settled in the room. The messenger went on to report that the King, defeated in the battle of Gwansan Fortress, had been captured by the Sinwol army and ultimately beheaded. The King's death was an act already carried out, and a new king had ascended the throne in Baekyo to follow him.

Even after he finished speaking, the messenger could not lift his head. Only the sound of charcoal breaking slightly in the brazier spread through the quiet room. Outside the paper window, snowflakes fluttered again, and pure white snow fell silently onto the dry branches of the peach trees.