some truths are easier expressed through ink.

: trivia chapters are letters sent from Eunuch Kim!

Chun-ja-ssi,

Have you been well? How is your son?

Please accept my apologies for how long it has been since my last letter. And yes, as well for the formal tone with which I must insist on writing in, no matter how you tease me for it, as it is what I am most accustomed to...

As you likely have heard, we have secured a full victory over the French invaders due to jeonha's excellent leadership, so I hope you and the rest of the townspeople can feel safer from now on. Though it seems one threat has been replaced by another: the terribly harsh winter. I still remember that occasion in January when you threw a ball of snow at my back, nearly knocking me to the ground! I might have to return the favor when I see you next. Consider this your sole warning. ...But do dress warmly, please.

By your question after jeonha's health, I see the rumors of his illness have spread through town. I cannot reveal much about his current status, though please know that is more out of precaution's sake rather than a lack of trust in you. It could never be the latter. The rebels and jeonha's enemies are many, and they would not hesitate to stoop to dastardly methods for their personal gain. But you will be happy to know that our dear uinyeo-nim has been promoted to su-uinyeo-nim, her mother's prior position. She bested even our oldest physician in aiding the king, creating a new medicine that alleviated some of the strain that the campaign has put upon him. We celebrated with some strong cheongju that night. By the end of the evening, she was belting out folk songs loudly enough to alarm the guards! She sends her warmest regards to you, and to Sook-ja-ssi too.

To reply your last query, I am indeed keeping myself healthy, though perhaps all the running around the palace I do contributes to such. In the past months, seja-jeonha has taken on much more responsibility in assisting his father, and I must stay by his side. Though I imagine it must be tiring work, he shows little signs of exhaustion and pushes himself to learn as quickly as he can. It's truly a blessing to be able to watch him mature as the days pass, though I do wish he would take more opportunity to relax. Well, perhaps the few companions he has will convince him to do so with promises of cookies.

Ah— I have been called, so I must stop here. I will send this letter with our courier and hope that it reaches you quickly. I have also included a few treats, as I know how much Han-jae likes them.

Oh, and... Chun-ja-ssi, perhaps... after all of this is over... you will do me the honor of joining me for tea at the teahouse? And you can tell me again about the texts you have been reading? And the flowers you have discovered on your walks? I [there's a splotch of ink here, as if there was an attempt to blot out a character] miss seeing you.

Please, stay safe.

- Kim Namjoon.