It was a pleasant winter afternoon at the Empress's leisure Palace. The place was outside the Capital's walls, so there was a large field to explore.

There were also many people around, including several servants, but also some special guests.

First, the Empress had invited one of her closest friends to accompany her, and with her came her son, Minho, both high-ranking nobles. He was currently with the two women, kindly serving them and contributing to the conversation.

Also with them was Yang, the royal painter's apprentice. While his master was busy painting the Empress, he awkwardly and timidly tried to help him.

On the other side of the Palace, Sook was talking with the Empress's servants. His last autumn crops had arrived at that moment, and he also took the opportunity to talk about the period leading up to spring.

Finally, there was you in the field. Accompanying you were Yoon, your fiancé and heir to the Emperor's throne; Han-wool, son of the Army General and also your escort; and finally, Hei-ran, a prince who simply joined the trip because he was bored.

While Hei-ran waited mockingly on his horse, Yoon and Han-wool dismounted theirs to help you. You didn't even have a horse, but a grumbling mule that didn't want your weight on it.

"I don't know if this is going to work." You heard Yoon whisper to Han-wool, exchanging hopeless glances about making the planned trip on time.