"My daughter remains inside the palace waiting for a King who refuses to enter her chamber, while my useless nephew nearly exposes the other foundation I built for this family," Lord Seo said as he finally reached for the second cup, although his hand remained tense around it. "Do you understand how much effort I spent arranging both matters? One daughter close to the King and one hand around the rice supply would have placed the Western Clan where no other family could easily challenge us."
The steward lowered his head. "Perhaps His Majesty will still summon the young lady."
"Perhaps," Lord Seo repeated with obvious irritation. "But I do not build power based on perhaps."
He took one sip before placing the cup down again, then looked toward the messenger who had remained kneeling near the entrance.
