209 Unknown Enemy (1/2)

Before the emperor knew it, three weeks had passed. Through the days, he would request reports on Rin's progress. When he wasn't attending court matters, he would personally go and inspect the training grounds.

One evening, he came to barracks. Everything was silent, empty. Not a single person was seen in sight, causing the emperor to frown. However, the moment he entered the training grounds, his eyes widened.

Lines upon lines of soldiers, long wooden staffs gripped in hands, engaged in a mock battle in uniformed unison. On the other side were archers, consistently shooting arrow after arrow at a target of trees.

There were a thousand new recruits training under the melting sun with not a single whisper of complaint. This was a rare sight to see.

The emperor glanced over to see a rather short figure observing the troops with roving eyes as they intently watched the recruits' every movement. The young man would look up then lower his head to record something in his notebook.

This had only been three weeks into the training. In only a short amount of time was the northern strategist able to show his abilities.

More often did the emperor quickly finish his work before going to the training grounds to see Rin's improvement. Each time, a lingering of hope would fill his heart.

On the first day of the fourth week, the emperor would visit again.

”Come on! Faster! Move!”

Rin shouted at the troops running across the field. Every day, the recruits ran thirty miles around the field by noon.

”For someone so young, he's quite impressive isn't he?” General Donghai watched alongside the emperor.

”Yes...” The emperor nodded. ”But he's still someone from the north. All his efforts have shown he's capable. But not trustworthy. However...”

The emperor's eyes followed Rin's movements with a profound gaze.

”I can't help but be hopeful.”

General Donghai glanced at him before looking back at the young strategist on the training grounds. When the troops finished their laps around the field, they all lined up in a row, waiting for their following commands.

”Well done. Now that you've completed your warmups, you may all go to eat your meals for today. When you finish, return here and commence your training.”

”Yes, sir!”

Holding back a smile, Rin turned to greet the pair of eyes observing her from a distance. From the beginning, she sensed the emperor's stare on her. Not just today but for the last few weeks now. Every few days, he would come and watch her train the recruits. After they finished, he would leave without saying a word.

Except for today that is.

”Come to my study for a drink.”

”Please, have a seat.” He motioned to the chairs in front of his desk before turning to a table of liquors. ”I have to say, I'm impressed by your abilities. From what I've heard so far, the new recruits are doing exceptionally well.”

”I'm honored my techniques impress you, your Majesty,” Rin replied as she took her seat.

The emperor chuckled dryly. ”May I ask who taught you?”

His words were as sharp as his eyes that looked upon her. Rin accepted the cup of wine passed to her and looked up to stare into his piercing gaze.

”I was trained by my grandfather,” Rin said in a regular tone.

”Oh? Who is he?”

The beautiful eyes of the youth met his own, and a sweet smile appeared on Rin's face, revealing her intoxicating dimples.

”Your Majesty would not know him.”

The emperor didn't buy it.

”You dare lie?” He rumbled, and his deep voice was dark, almost harsh.

There was still that perpetual smile on Rin's face as her glazed eyes stared at him for a moment, ”If that's what your Majesty believes.”

When the emperor heard this sentence, he couldn't help but furrow his brows, his face revealing he was in a bad mood. Despite the man's powerful, cold glare, her demeanor was calm. Inwardly, however, Rin's heart was beating fast.

The main goal was gaining authority in the western palace, all without involving the Bai family. Even if hiding her origins heightened the emperor's suspicion, she wasn't willing to risk the safety of her family.

Rather than growing angry, the emperor distastefully swept his eyes over her face, then pursed his lips. Rin could feel his eyes gazing at her intensely as if he were trying hard to find someone else within her.

”Your eyes...Does everyone else in your family possess that color?” The emperor's tone suddenly became solemn.

This question caught Rin off guard. She blinked her eyes rapidly before shaking her head.

”No. It's just me, your Majesty.”

”Why is that?”

Looking down at her lap, Rin touched the rim of her cup with an unclear smile.

”Unfortunately, they're no longer among the living.”

The study fell quiet. The emperor stared at her strangely. He suddenly thought of something, and the blackness of his eyes slowly withdrew, returning to their usual appearance. He didn't say anything, he just gazed at Rin's quiet expression, with no other thought in his mind.

Just at this time, there came a panicked voice from outside the study.

”Your Majesty! A message has just arrived from the western provinces. It's urgent!”