Chapter 14
A Disturbing Presence
“…A woman?”
For the first time, Yi-hwa’s usually calm brow creased.
It was strange. Gyeom had never kept any woman close to him—not even her, the Empress. So how could there be rumors that he had one now?
‘No… there was that vile wench.’
Yi-hwa recalled the woman who had been dragged into the palace as a tribute.
The arrogant woman who dared to openly tempt Gyeom in front of her, the Empress.
As that pale, insolent face came to mind, Yi-hwa’s shoulders stiffened.
“Speak clearly. What do you mean?”
“It is said His Majesty has recently taken to enjoying nightly walks.”
Yi-hwa gave a bitter laugh.
“How strange indeed.”
For Gyeom to suddenly enjoy moonlit strolls was suspicious. Since the age of twenty, when he rejected the Grand Empress Dowager’s regency, he had immersed himself in state affairs every night without rest.
Becoming Emperor at fourteen, he had been a puppet for six years. Only after assuming real power did he labor tirelessly, working deep into the nights to grasp every matter of state.
Even now, eight years into his reign, when his rule was stable, he never neglected governance. It was the only way to strengthen the weakened throne and keep powerful in-laws in check.
“To assume he has a woman simply because he walks at night—don’t you think that is a leap?”
Indeed, the sudden change was enough to stir gossip, but still, Yi-hwa found it insufficient as proof.
“They say His Majesty’s nightly destination is Chuwoljeon.”
At that name, Yi-hwa’s brow furrowed deeply.
Chuwoljeon (Pavilion of the Moon).
A place where the moon was most beautiful within the palace—a residence traditionally granted to the Emperor’s favored consort.
It was also where Yi-hwa had first met that insolent tribute woman.
“Are you saying His Majesty spends the night there, in dalliance with a palace maid?”
“It seems not so, Your Majesty. His visits are brief.”
Yi-hwa secretly sighed in relief.
If Gyeom were truly entertaining a woman each night, he would have already made her a consort. Even the Grand Empress Dowager, desperate for an heir, would not remain silent.
“If this is nothing but rumor meant to unsettle me, you may leave.”
Yi-hwa’s voice turned icy as she shoved aside her attendant’s hand.
But then—
“Your Majesty, there is testimony that each night, a maid brings medicinal decoctions into Chuwoljeon.”
Yi-hwa froze.
“So it is true that His Majesty meets a maid there each night?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Yi-hwa’s expression turned deathly cold.
It was not yet dalliance, but it could become more. And she could not allow it.
‘I will not be made a fool again.’
Better that Gyeom remain chaste and indifferent toward her than have him favor a mere maid over the Empress. The thought of a lowly palace maid possessing what she herself could not was intolerable.
“Scour the palace. Find that maid and drag her before me at once.”
Meanwhile…
“Your Majesty, are you certain you won’t visit Geonwoljeon tonight?”
Taeyeom spoke cautiously as he trailed after Gyeom.
Geonwoljeon was where Yi-hwa resided—and tonight, she was waiting for him.
“I said I was returning to Geoniljeon.”
“Still… should you not at least show your face—”
Though everyone knew of the Emperor and Empress’s strained relationship, Yi-hwa was still the daughter of Grand General Cheon Taesu. To ignore her entirely was to antagonize the powerful Cheon clan. For the sake of political stability, Taeyeom believed Gyeom ought to appease her, even superficially.
But at his words, Gyeom halted mid-step.
“And why, pray, should I?”
The Emperor’s voice was sharp and cold. Taeyeom flinched.
“It is only that… Her Majesty—”
“If you mean to spout nonsense about outdated traditions, hold your tongue.”
The frost in his tone silenced Taeyeom at once.
“If you understand me, never again meddle in matters concerning the Empress.”
“…Yes, Your Majesty.”
Bowing low, Taeyeom followed quietly as Gyeom resumed walking.
‘I cannot fathom him these days.’
Taeyeom had served Gyeom since his days as Crown Prince, priding himself on knowing him best. But recently, the Emperor’s actions baffled him—summoning a maid nightly to give her medicine, openly spurning the Empress, and behaving in ways wholly unpredictable.
‘Surely he is not involving himself in something dangerous…’
Taeyeom prayed his worries were unfounded.
Back in Geoniljeon, Gyeom sat to resume state affairs. Yet his focus wavered.
‘Why does she linger in my thoughts?’
Each time he returned from Chuwoljeon, the same pale, fragile face surfaced unbidden in his mind.
Though the Grand Empress Dowager never spoke of it, Gyeom knew Yi-hwa had poisoned Danseol. That knowledge alone had left him unsettled by her frailty.
It was why he had ordered the Imperial Physician to prepare antidote-based tonics to restore her strength.
But in truth, the medicine was not for kindness.
‘If she dies before I can use her, it would ruin my plans.’
That was all it was—ensuring his scheme remained intact.
Or so he told himself.
‘Hmph. She’s already wasted enough of my time. Displeasing, every bit of it.’
Just as he tried to refocus on a memorial report—
“Your Majesty, forgive the late disturbance.”
“Speak.”
Through the sliding door came Taeyeom’s shadow. Gyeom straightened; he would not let himself appear distracted over a woman.
“A dispatch has arrived from the North.”
“From Seolhwa Kingdom?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Bring him in.”
A soldier entered, kneeling.
“I bow before the radiant Sun of Hwangseon, the Emperor!”
“What news do you bear?”
“General Cheon Taesu has utterly subdued the Seolhwa Kingdom and is returning triumphantly to Hwangseon.”
Despite the victory, Gyeom’s expression darkened.
Cheon Taesu—father of the Empress, Yi-hwa—was the second most powerful man in the empire. His return meant political headaches. Yet it was inevitable; he could not be kept abroad forever.
“Tell him the palace will hold a grand banquet in honor of his triumph. He may rest from his journey.”
“Your grace is immeasurable, Your Majesty!”
As the soldier withdrew, Gyeom stared after him.
‘I must hasten my preparations… before Cheon Taesu grows any stronger.’
The palace was abuzz.
“The whole place feels restless.”
Danseol, a lowly palace maid, muttered as she carried out her chores. The palace brimmed with bustle—exotic foods arriving, musicians and dancers summoned. Though she was but a servant, even she could sense it: a victory feast was being arranged.
But to her, the words—victory, army, celebration—brought only pain.
They dragged her back to Seolhwa. To the day she lost her parents and her homeland. What this empire called “victory” was to her nothing but grief and ruin.
‘Was it like this then as well? When they slaughtered our king and queen, when they crushed Seolhwa underfoot—did they celebrate, just like this?’
Her chest clenched with bitterness.
Thunk—
Someone shoved past her, knocking over her water bucket.
“Ugh, watch where you’re going.”
The palace maid who collided with her brushed off her own wet clothes, offering no apology.
“I’m busy, so I’ll overlook it today. But next time, open your eyes and walk properly.”
“Tch. Look who’s talking.”
Danseol muttered, glaring as the woman stalked away. Her hard-earned water was spilled, her clothes ruined. She had no choice but to fetch more.
With a sigh, she picked up the bucket and headed toward the well—when excited voices reached her ears.
“Did you hear? General Cheon Taesu has just returned to the palace! They say he brought incredible spoils!”
“Spoils?”
“Treasures from Seolhwa itself!”
Danseol froze.
Seolhwa.
The name struck her like a blade. Without thinking, she followed the crowd rushing to watch the triumphant procession.
From afar, she saw them—Cheon Taesu at the fore, tall and broad-shouldered, radiating vigor despite the long campaign. Behind him, generals marched with pride, their armor glinting beneath the sun.
The onlookers gasped at their splendor.
But Danseol’s gaze went past them—to the carts that followed.
Carts laden with treasures.
‘No… it can’t be…’
Among them, she saw it—the Great Incense Burner, a sacred heirloom of Seolhwa.
And there—discarded carelessly—were the golden crowns her father and mother, the slain King and Queen of Seolhwa, had always worn.
Her vision swam.
Thud.
“Maid! Are you all right? Someone has collapsed! Help, quickly!”
Danseol had fainted where she stood.
