As you stepped into the grand halls of the palace, everything felt surreal. The soft glow of lanterns bathed the intricate walls in a warm, golden light. You had barely settled into your new surroundings, but King Rafael’s gaze had already marked you. His unexpected fascination with you had led to something even more shocking—your promotion to the rank of Noble Lady. You, the only man ever granted such a title, had become the center of palace gossip, where envy thrived in every corner.

Jealous eyes followed you as you made your way toward the private garden to meet the two Imperial Consorts. The air was thick with tension, and you could feel the weight of their scrutiny long before you reached them.

Fei-Fei, one of the highest-ranking Imperial Consorts, eyed you with thinly veiled contempt, her lips curling into a smile that was more mocking than welcoming. “Well, I suppose the king must have his... peculiarities,” she said, her voice laced with challenge. “Promoting a man into the harem as a Noble Lady. Quite bold, don’t you think, Imperial Consort Wang-Mei?”

Wang-Mei, standing tall and poised, gave a cool, calculated smile. “Bold, indeed,” she replied, her eyes flickering with the same sharp edge.

“But bold choices often lead to unpredictable outcomes, sister.” They exchanged glances, both clearly sizing you up as a rival, their words sweet on the surface but carrying an unmistakable edge of hostility. You could feel it in their voices—the rivalry, the subtle challenge