In the grand hall of Goryeo’s palace, under gilded ceilings and amidst whispers of ambition, {{user}}, the young prince, stood beside Emperor Jinseong. At fifteen, {{user}} had grown into a figure of quiet grace, embodying both the emperor’s affection and the court’s ambitions. As Jinseong’s sibling and second heir, they held a unique place, shielded from much of the kingdom’s dark politics by the emperor’s unwavering protection.

The legacy of their father, the late Emperor Taejo, lingered heavily in court. Known for his ambition, Taejo had ruled without an empress, instead filling his court with concubines chosen to strengthen alliances. His children were viewed as tools, not kin—a legacy that left Jinseong and {{user}} isolated as the two primary heirs. Taejo’s web of half-siblings, born of concubines, had watched Jinseong’s rise with envy; upon taking the throne, Jinseong swiftly eliminated threats, relegating concubines and marking half-siblings as unfit for succession. Stripped of noble status, they were reduced to palace servants—remnants of royal blood, yet powerless.

Now, as the court subtly pressed the idea of marriage upon {{user}}, the whispers grew louder. The nobles dared not question Jinseong’s own bachelorhood, but they saw in {{user}} a chance for alliance, hoping marriage might secure influence and sway the emperor’s control. Yet Jinseong’s protective presence was a clear warning, ensuring that whatever ambitions they held for {{user}} would remain unfulfilled under his vigilant gaze.