The Oathbreakers

It was already dark, probably around 7 PM. The quiet of the night only seemed to make everything feel more surreal. As Mihun drove, I couldn't help but ask, "Where are we going?"

"You'll find out soon," Mihun replied, his tone cryptic as ever.

I tried pressing him again, but he remained silent, his attention on the road. I could feel the tension in the air, a mix of uncertainty and determination. "Can you at least tell me what's going on?" I asked, my voice almost pleading.

Mihun shot me a quick glance before replying, "The answers will come, Hyorin. Just trust me." I wanted to trust him, but this whole situation was a whirlwind of confusion and fear.

We arrived at an old building, its exterior worn by time and abandonment. There was no light, only the faint glow of the moon casting eerie shadows across the crumbling walls. The alley was far from the bustling streets, isolated in its silence. The stillness sent a chill down my spine.

"Why are we here, oppa?" I asked hesitantly as I stepped out of the car. My voice barely echoed in the suffocating quiet. Mihun didn't respond, his gaze fixed ahead as he strode toward the entrance. I hesitated, glancing around the deserted alley, but the fear of being left alone overpowered my reluctance. I hurried after him.

Inside, the darkness deepened, the air thick with an unsettling stillness. My heart pounded as Mihun approached a closed door. Without hesitation, he leaned forward, allowing the scanner to register his eye. A soft beep resonated, and suddenly, the door slid open with a mechanical hum.

"Get in," he instructed before stepping inside.

Swallowing my unease, I followed him. The moment the door sealed behind us, the floor beneath us shifted—we were descending. My breath hitched, the sensation of moving downward amplifying my apprehension. When the doors reopened, I was met with a sight that left me stunned.

An entire underground facility sprawled before me, an intricate labyrinth of advanced technology and hushed activity. Rows of sleek, ergonomic workstations lined the vast room, each occupied by individuals immersed in their tasks. Multiple high-resolution monitors cast a bluish hue across the space, their screens flickering with real-time data—surveillance footage, live security feeds, tracking data, and biometric scans. Some displayed city-wide maps, blinking indicators marking moving individuals and vehicles, while others showcased heat signatures and access control logs. The air buzzed with the quiet intensity of concentration, fingers gliding over keyboards, voices murmuring reports, and the occasional beep of notifications.

At the heart of the facility, a colossal video wall dominated the space, showcasing a mosaic of surveillance feeds from across the city, possibly even the entire country.

Every frame told a story—a car pulling into a restricted zone, a figure slipping through a guarded entrance, a transaction unfolding in secrecy.

A cold shiver ran down my spine as my eyes drifted toward the men standing guard. Clad in tactical gear, their fingers rested on the triggers of their large firearms, their expressions unreadable. Recognition struck like lightning.

"They… they are the men I saw when someone broke into my apartment," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

Mihun glanced at me, his expression unreadable. "Yes, they work here."

Confusion swirled within me. If they were here, then… what did that mean? Before I could process my thoughts, Mihun gestured for me to follow him.

We made our way toward a separate chamber, the air growing heavier with an unspoken gravity. The moment Mihun stepped inside, the occupants of the room immediately stood, their hands clasped behind their backs in a formal greeting.

"Director Park," they acknowledged in unison.

Mihun nodded, his presence commanding absolute authority. "Good evening, everyone. This is Lady Han. I'm sure you are all familiar with who she is." His voice was steady, unwavering. "I have brought her here to help her understand many things, as requested by her highness. If she joins the investigation, she will be a great asset to us."

The men and women before me bowed in unison. "Welcome, Lady Han."

I returned their greeting with a faint smile, still processing the weight of Mihun's words.

"You may return to your work," Mihun instructed, and just as swiftly as they had risen, they resumed their tasks, their focus unwavering.

I turned to Mihun, watching the room operate like a well-oiled machine. "Is this where you investigate? A headquarters or something?" I asked.

Mihun's gaze swept across the vast command center before settling on me. "This is the Command and Control Center of Yeonghwa Group." His voice carried an air of solemnity. "As you know, nobles like us hold influence, but that influence comes with its own dangers.

Yeonghwa was created by an elite council. It is the nerve center of a high-level security force, tasked with safeguarding the lives of royalties and influential figures. A fusion of advanced surveillance technology, tactical coordination, and deep-rooted strategy, the facility operates with unwavering vigilance, ensuring that no threat—internal or external—goes unnoticed."

I listened intently, the weight of his words settling over me.

"At the heart of the command center sits the Intelligence Security Division, where top officials issue commands to operatives stationed throughout the region. Field agents, bodyguards, and intelligence officers receive directives through secure communication lines, ensuring a coordinated response to any emerging threat." He paused, his expression darkening. "However, despite our sophisticated operations, Yeonghwa faces an insidious crisis from within—The Oathbreakers."

A chill ran down my spine at the name.

"Not all who once served the nobles remain loyal," Mihun continued. "Some individuals, disillusioned by strict traditions and laws, have turned their backs on their benefactors, forming secret factions that conspire against them. Likewise, employees, guards, and officials—those entrusted with the daily workings of this operation—have abandoned their oaths, using their inside knowledge to infiltrate and sabotage. These Oathbreakers operate in the shadows, their ranks consisting of spies, hackers, rogue financiers, and defected security personnel."

His gaze locked onto mine. "Their motivations vary—some crave power, some seek revenge, while others believe the system is outdated and unjust. They spread misinformation, stage sabotage, and manipulate public perception to weaken the structure from within."

I swallowed hard.

"The Yeonghwa Command and Control Center stands as the last line of defense against these traitors," he continued, his voice laced with determination. "Every conversation is monitored, every movement tracked, and every potential betrayal scrutinized. However, the Oathbreakers are cunning and adaptive. They blend in, manipulate, and strike when least expected."

"Why am I safe and she's not? Is it because I'm a noble and she isn't? Is that what this is about?"

He met my gaze, unwavering. "Hyorin, if you want to protect the people you love, you need power. Right now, you're known—you're respected—but respect alone isn't enough. You don't have the authority to shield those who matter to you."

I swallowed hard, my hands shaking. "Then tell me… what do I need to do?"

"Accept nobility," he said simply, yet the weight of his words crashed down on me like a tidal wave. "We only acknowledge you because of Mrs. Choi, but you've never officially accepted your title. Without that, you hold no real influence."

His words left me speechless.

"Take your time," he continued. "But when you're ready… go to the Yeonghwa Estate and speak to Her Highness."

With that, he sent me back to the hospital.

I sat beside my mother's bed, my fingers trembling as they brushed through her hair. Tears blurred my vision, spilling over before I could stop them.

"I've cried so much today, Eomma," I whispered, my voice raw with exhaustion. "I've cried so much since I came back from Paris." A strangled breath escaped me. "I don't know what to do anymore. Everything is too heavy—too painful. I don't know if I can handle it." My fingers tightened around hers. "So please… wake up. I need you."

The weight of it all crushed me, and before I knew it, exhaustion dragged me under. I fell asleep beside her, my tears still warm on my cheeks.