King Hangoong met with his high officials in his private chambers, telling them he had a very important matter to discuss. Once they were all inside his chambers, the king cleared his throat. 

“An issue has arisen regarding the Crimson Sword,” he noticed that one of his generals cringed at the mention of the powerful weapon. “It is time to recharge it, after only two years. I am not certain about how the sword managed to lose all of its power, but it needs to be taken to the Crystal Waters to be recharged. I am wondering if any of you know who would be fit for the job of taking it.” He looked at the Weapon Master. “Your son, Byungjoo, will certainly be one to go. He has the clearance to handle the special sword, and it will be in his possession. However, I want to send some guards to protect him.” 

The Weapon Master smiled at him. “I am privileged that you would send my son. He has not proven himself in anything yet. I think it would be a good idea to send his guard with him. They know what they are doing, and can protect him.”

 The king sighed. “That would be a good idea. He is the best person to go, and sending guards with him would ensure his safety. I think it would also be a good idea to send my youngest son, Hansol. He has not done anything with his life, and he is not the Crown Prince, so it is safe to send him. Besides the two of them, I am not terribly concerned about who is sent, as long as they are trustworthy enough.”

The Weapon Master nodded, retrieving a paper from his satchel. “Your Majesty, this is a release form for the Crimson Sword. If anything happens to it, I will be held responsible personally. This is why the release form needs to go with either my son or Prince Hansol.”

The King shook his head. “It will go into the possession of your son, since he is more responsible. That way, it will not be lost. If it IS, you will be held responsible, as you stated.” He turned to the rest of the council. “This is now set. Prince Hansol and the Weapon Master’s son, Byungjoo, will be two of the people to go, and they will be set with a traveling party. They need to leave with the sword by tomorrow. Is this clear to everyone?” 

There was a unanimous ‘yes’ and the meeting ended. 

That evening, Prince Hansol was called into the council room. He paused when he saw that Byungjoo was in the room also. He would rather not be around the ‘perfect Weapon Master’s son.’ The other young man was well loved, while Hansol himself was not. he was the prince, yet even his own father valued and loved perfect Byungjoo, and not his ‘failure of a son.’

Sighing, Hansol noticed that Atom, his scribe and best friend, was also in the room, which made him smile. Walking over to the younger man, he began to take a seat next to him. However, his father sent him a sent him a stern look and m