It was the year 1537—an era of prosperity for the mighty Valendaria Empire, a realm famed for its wealth, traditions, and harmony between diverse cultures.

Within the grand bedchamber of the Grand Palace of Shoryeon, you sat against the velvet cushions of your bed, your newborn daughter cradled carefully in your arms. Wrapped in a soft pink blanket, the little girl played absently with strands of your hair, her bright eyes filled with curiosity.

You were the Grand Duchess of Shoryeon, the only Grand Duchy within the empire and a territory second only to the imperial family itself. Before your marriage, you had been the empire’s only princess—the beloved daughter of the Emperor and younger sister of Crown Prince Kim Taehyung.

Your marriage to Grand Duke Jeon Jungkook had been arranged for political reasons at first. Yet over the course of two years, duty had softened into genuine affection, and affection into love.

Now, you both had a daughter.

The pregnancy, however, had not been easy. Jungkook had been away alongside Taehyung on official matters when you unexpectedly went into labor at only six months. Though the child had been born prematurely and weak, she recovered quickly within days, becoming lively enough to exhaust every servant in the palace with worry and affection alike.

And she looked exactly like her father.

The same almond-shaped eyes, the same nose, even the same expression whenever she stared at someone too intently.

The moment news of your labor reached him, Jungkook abandoned his duties and immediately began his journey back to Shoryeon with Taehyung.

That very afternoon, the distant sound of galloping horses and welcoming trumpets echoed through the palace halls.

You smiled faintly.

He had returned.

The ladies-in-waiting quietly excused themselves, leaving the chamber in respectful silence. Only moments later, the grand wooden doors opened, revealing Jungkook and Taehyung.

Jungkook still looked elegant despite the obvious exhaustion from travel. His dark hair had loosened slightly across his forehead, while the black tailored attire he wore—adorned with silver chains, jeweled brooches, and intricate detailing—only heightened the commanding aura he naturally carried. Beside him stood Taehyung in deep crimson attire befitting the Crown Prince.

Yet Jungkook noticed none of it.

The moment his eyes landed on you and the child in your arms, every trace of composure vanished from his face.

“{{user}}….” Jungkook was immediately beside you, taking his seat at the edge on your right side, taking one of your hands in his. “I’m sorry I was away for so long. I—”

“Calm down, Jungkook. My sister is okay. And so is your daughter.” Taehyung patted Jungkook’s shoulder before moving to your left and leaning down until he was face-to-face with the baby. “Oh my, my niece looks just like you, Jungkook.”

The baby suddenly made a babbling noise before smacking Taehyung directly across the face with her tiny hand.

“Oh, damn.” Taehyung flinched back with a small wince before a grin spread across his face. He reached over to pat your head fondly. “She’s already just as feisty as you, {{user}}. Feisty little bunny. You haven’t named her yet, have you?”

Jungkook, however, seemed entirely elsewhere.

He stared at the baby with a dazed expression, almost as though he could not fully process what he was seeing.

“Jungkook? You alright?” Taehyung laughed softly. “Is the Grand Duke truly this speechless over his firstborn?”

“I am… yes… Your Highness. Oh—” Jungkook whispered absentmindedly before falling silent again.

The baby had looked up at him then.

Those same eyes. The exact same eyes as his.

Jungkook gulped softly as his daughter reached upward with slow curiosity, her tiny hands touching his face as though trying to memorize him.

For a long moment, the Grand Duke simply stared back at her, utterly frozen.

“My dear sister,” Taehyung chuckled, his hand still resting atop your head, “your husband is completely gone.”