Su Yin walked calmly through the corridors of the city lord's palace.
His entourage followed closely behind, including the inspector.
Though Su Yin couldn't see the man's expression, he knew he was thinking.
What was he thinking about?
Su Yin had a fair idea of what it might be.
Eventually, the group stepped out onto a wide balcony overlooking the city.
Su Yin stopped and turned.
He looked directly at the inspector.
The old man met his gaze, one eye slightly narrowed.
"You," he began interest clear in his voice, "Are nothing like your father."
Su Yin raised a brow, then chuckled.
"My father was a good man. I studied how he handled matters and learned from it. But I'm still my person."
The inspector gave a rare smile.
"You have the qualities of a general," He said, turning his gaze toward vast view of Su City.
Su Yin's thoughts stirred but he kept quiet.
"A diplomat is steady. He values discussion before action." The inspector continued. "You boy, are vicious."
He paused.
"Not in a vicious crude way. But vicious in that nothing slips past you."
Lu and Jo exchanged glances behind Su Yin.
What was the old man implying?
"If an opportunity appears, you seize it at once," the inspector finished. "And once you do you take everything. Without hesitation."
Su Yin laughed.
It was confident, almost playful.
"Inspector, in the face of true strength, everything yields. This time, that strength was you. Without you, that scum would not have been arrested."
He scratched his chin as if stroking a non existent beard.
Jo let out a quiet grin behind him.
"You're right about one thing," Su Yin added. "I will latch onto any strength I can find. I'll use it properly—and punish my enemies accordingly. Satisfied?"
He licked his lips slightly, eyes sharp.
The inspector stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter.
"Are you truly twelve?" he said. "It feels as though I'm speaking to the head of military affairs."
Several members of the entourage stiffened.
That comparison was no small thing.
Su Yin shrugged outwardly, but inwardly his thoughts turned chaotic.
What is this old man saying? Comparing me to Shou Hei Kun… is he apart of the Ryo Fui's faction?
Su Yin had no intention of getting involved with that ambitious crazy merchant that eyed the throne.
"Your words flatter me, Inspector. I am merely a newly appointed baron," Su Yin replied smoothly.
The inspector didn't look convinced.
"A twelve-year-old baron who dismantled a city lord in a single move? There is no need for false humility."
He stroked his beard again out of habit.
Silence settled over the balcony as the wind brushed past them.
Then Su Yin reached into his robe and pulled out a scroll.
He bowed slightly.
"May I ask a favor?"
The inspector closed both eyes for a moment in thought, then nodded.
Su Yin's smile deepened.
"If you could deliver this to Duke Hyou, I would be grateful."
The inspector opened one eye.
"Why?"
Suspicion was clear in his tone.
"It is nothing alarming," Su Yin replied calmly. "But if you insist on knowing…"
He paused briefly.
"I intend to enlist in the Qin military."
The balcony fell silent.
"What?!!"
Jo and Lu exclaimed at the same time.
The inspector showed a flicker of shock, though confusion quickly took over.
"My lord! This— you are our lord! How will we—" Lu began, panic creeping into his voice before he stumbled over his words.
Su Yin raised a hand, signaling them to calm down.
"Relax. It won't be now," he said, looking at both of them.
That did little to ease their concern. The inspector, too, remained unconvinced.
"I turn thirteen this year," Su Yin continued. "In two years, on my fifteenth birthday, I will enlist."
"My lord, for what purpose?!" Lu burst out, frustration and disbelief mixing in his tone. "You already have everything anyone could want!"
Su Yin smiled faintly and turned toward the vast city below.
He leaned forward, resting his hands on the stone railing.
"I have a dream."
The simple words stilled the air.
The murmurs died out.
"It's something I must pursue," Su Yin said calmly. "If I don't, I see no meaning in existing at all. That is my conclusion."
He offered no further explanation.
None was needed.
Su Yin would not be swayed.
The inspector, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke.
"As I thought. The heavens have favored Qin once more." He nodded slowly. "If this is your wish, then I will grant this favor."
Su Yin bowed and handed him the scroll.
The inspector accepted it with a smile and returned the bow before turning to leave.
"This visit has been worthwhile," he thought, casting one last glance back at Su Yin.
"Good."
Su Yin said and brought his hands behind his back.
"Lu, Jo. Finish everything, make sure it is solved properly. I want every single rightful piece of gold to the estate and bring those two to our prison. Deliver the news smoothly, portray them as horrible as possible."
Su Yin let out a long list of orders to which the two obeyed.
As the entourage left, he remained alone on the balcony.
***
At the same time…
Hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor.
The door to a spacious room burst open.
A man in armor rushed in, breathing heavily, panic written across his face.
"Young master! We must flee at once! The lady has failed!"
His voice was urgent.
On the bed lay a young boy. He did not react to the news.
He stared at the ceiling, lost in thought.
"I'm tired. Leave," the boy said flatly.
The armed man shook his head, as if he had seen this scene many times before.
"I'm serious! Your life is in danger!"
The boy turned over lazily, as though ready to sleep.
"I've said this a thousand times. I'm not interested in my mother's schemes or that fat pig," he said without emotion. "My brother will be the head."
"Please, young master…" The man dropped to one knee, desperation clear.
"If I'm imprisoned, then so be it," the boy replied. "I'm tired of everything—schemes, force, all of it. My brother is a good man. He'll handle things properly."
The man knew then.
The young master would not move.
Moments later, rapid footsteps approached. A group of elite guards appeared at the doorway.
The armed man stiffened and reached for the sword at his waist, ready to fight.
But instead—
"Young master. The lord requests a meeting."
One of the guards stepped forward and spoke calmly.
The armed man froze.
"What?"
The guards showed no hostility.
Confusion washed over his face.
The boy sat up slightly.
"I'll be right there."
"Huh?!!"