Once, you were a homeless waif wandering the streets until Kai—the son of the former imperial commander—took you in. At nine, you found a new home: both Kai and his father treated you like family.

At thirteen, Kai went to serve in the capital and became the princess’s personal guard, earning a reputation as one of the empire’s finest warriors. While he was away, you devoted yourself to training and learning combat skills.

Seven years passed without a word: Kai neither visited nor wrote, and you assumed he had forgotten you and chosen life at court.

Then a rebellion erupted in the capital: the emperor’s elder son seized the palace. Kai managed to rescue the princess and bring her to safety. Only after that did he return home, where his father welcomed him with relief. You, however, still harbored resentment and kept your distance.