⁝ oh estate.

@✿ oh jiyong Stepping into the office of the young Duke, Kiwoon discerned and assessed the man before him with slight curiosity and intrigue. He had heard of Oh Jiyong before, their encounters fleeting at court gatherings and their shadows encountering in the esteemed halls of royal assembly. Despite the younger one’s age and appearance, Oh Jiyong gave off an air that seemed to speak of his years, showcasing a sense of duty and responsibility.

Kiwoon noted the dark circles under the other’s eyes, evidence of the tireless work he had been dedicating himself to. He was no stranger to the familiarity of such circumstances, curtly noting that the two were more similar than they had thought.

Returning the bow with a respectful nod of his own, the Duke from the House of Three-legged Crow took the offered seat opposite the other, wasting no time in getting straight to the matter at hand. "Thank you, Duke Oh," he began with a steady composure. "I appreciate your willingness to meet with me and hear me out."

Straightening slightly in his seat, he soon revealed the purpose of his visit without reservation. "I have come to propose an engagement that I believe could be of mutual interest for the good of both our families," he stated.

He allowed the proposal to hang in the air for a moment, before continuing, "I am not immune to the reputation and rumors that surround my brother, Cha Kihyun. Specifically, I am more than aware of the trouble that follows a man as bold and brazen as him. However, a union with your sister may be the key to taming a wild man such as Kihyun."

Kiwoon paused, allowing the weight of his proposition to settle momentarily. "I have heard only great things about you sister although I have not met her before. But I assure you, if she marries into the Cha family, she’d be given nothing but honor and respect.”

@✿ oh juwon [h] @✿ oh jiyong @✿ oh bitna Upon seeing all three of his siblings gathered, Sejin couldn't help but feel a rush of nostalgia as they entered the dining room where he awaited them. Jiyong arrived first, offering a curt greeting which Sejin reciprocated with a small nod, patiently waiting for his younger brother to take his seat. Shortly after, Bitna joined them, and a smile naturally spread across Sejin’s lips as he gazed at his sister. It had been quite some time since he had seen her in person, and although they had exchanged letters, being in her presence again was a different experience altogether.
Sejin couldn't ignore the contrasting dynamics in his interactions with Jiyong and Bitna. His relationship with Jiyong had always been strained, particularly since their parents' ambush—an unresolved predicament that continued to weigh on the marquess.

"It has indeed been a while, Bitna," Sejin remarked warmly, rising from his seat to approach where Bitna stood. Without hesitation, he enveloped his little sister in a heartfelt hug, genuinely relieved that she had arrived safely in Hanseong.
"I hope the journey to Hanseong was not too taxing on you," he continued, gently guiding Bitna towards a seat opposite Jiyong's before returning to his own place at the table.

The final arrival to join them was Oh Juwon, the youngest cub of the House of the Blue Lion. It had been more than a decade since Sejin last saw his youngest brother at their parents’ funeral. As Juwon entered the room, Sejin couldn't help but notice how the years had been kind to him—or so he initially thought. Juwon had grown significantly taller since their last encounter, a natural progression over the passing years. Despite Sejin's diligent efforts to ensure Juwon's safety from potential assassination attempts, a profound and seemingly insurmountable gap appeared to exist between them—one that felt even more immense than the longstanding divide between Sejin and Jiyong. Despite his desire to bridge this gap, Sejin remained uncertain how to connect with Juwon on a deeper level after all this time apart.

"Juwon, I'm genuinely glad you could make it," Sejin said, making a conscious effort to sound less serious and more welcoming, lest Juwon feel alienated. The marquess truly wanted his youngest brother to feel valued and included.

"I appreciate all of you taking the time to gather here with me. I'm sure each of you has more pressing matters and responsibilities than simply 'playing house' with me. Nonetheless, I am sincerely grateful to see everyone together," Sejin expressed, his tone aiming to convey warmth and gratitude despite the complexities that lingered beneath their familial reunion.

As Sejin's gaze swept across the room, he couldn't shake the realization that they were no longer children. It seemed surreal, as if it were just yesterday when he would lovingly watch over his siblings as they ran around the estate. The faces that now looked back at him bore striking resemblances to their parents, yet they were devoid of the familiar warmth and closeness they once shared many moons ago.

Each glance at his siblings evoked a flood of memories—of carefree days and shared laughter, of tender moments and unbreakable bonds. But now, the passage of time had etched its mark upon them, transforming them into individuals with their own burdens and experiences.

The room felt heavy with unspoken truths and unresolved tensions, a stark contrast to the innocence and camaraderie of their youth. Sejin longed for the days when their family was a sanctuary of warmth and love, but the reality before him painted a different picture—one marked by distance and unspoken emotions.

“Jiyong, I would like to ask your help in dissolving my arranged engagement to the Lady Kang Heejin.” Sejin wastes no time in voicing his issue towards the duke. The only one who has the final say in his betrothal.
“I also do not believe in things like a love match; however I have met with the Lady and we agreed to dissolve the betrothal. I believe it is unfair to her if we are to wed.”

@✿ oh bitna Happiness is a state where one deserves to feel delighted, manifesting in myriad forms and multifaceted perspectives.

Juwon had once chosen to believe his happiness was supposedly rooted in the notion of 'family'—a reliable father, a caring mother, and supportive siblings formed the pillars of this ideal.

Yet, reality cruelly shattered Juwon's naive expectations from the very moment of his birth. The family he received was a distorted echo of his dreams, plagued with dysfunction and bristled with painful thorns. The concept of a dependable father quickly turned into a ghostly hope, best left unmentioned. The image of a nurturing mother dissolved into a persistent yearning, underscored by a stark absence of affection. Sibling bonds, seared with scars of past grievances, drove wedges of cold distance between them. The idyllic family portrayed in a forgotten book in the dimmest corner of the royal library—a book he stumbled upon in his childhood—remained a literary fantasy, never to cross into his reality.

As a child, Juwon had indulged in dreams of a blissful domestic life, like any other child might. But his initial encounter with his family was chillingly sombre, set against the backdrop of their graveside. Greeted not by warmth but by cold tombstones, a mound of earth, and sombre flowers under a brooding sky, which soon unleashed a torrential downpour as heavy as the sorrow in his young heart. The words he uttered there were lost to the unresponsive breeze, words his parents would never hear. Did they ever long for him—the child they bore yet never cherished? Internally, he conjured numerous questions, seeking answers that would never come from the silent realm his parents had retreated to. No matter how loudly he wished to yell or cry out, his voice would never breach the divide between life and death.

When a letter from his eldest brother eventually found its way to him, a fleeting surge of joy overwhelmed him, lighting up his features foolishly. Each night, as he prepared for sleep, he would pore over the letter meticulously, clinging to the semblance of familial intent, even while knowing his presence was merely required to round out their numbers.

This quorum of siblings, each marooned in their private deserts of despair, battled silent, personal endgames. Aware of the underlying fractures, Juwon, the perpetually out-of-place younger brother, chose neglect over confrontation, unwilling to stir the undercurrents of silent turmoil in the family he held dear yet felt helpless to heal. His eager responses, initially brimming with genuine emotion, were gradually retracted, overwritten by a facade of polite detachment—a mere courtesy from a younger brother overshadowed by his elders. His honest words twisted into sarcasm, a mask for the sentiments he truly wished to express.

In Juwon's mind, there lay no reason to plead for happiness in a bond that appeared wholly asymmetrical. To face rejection from his own kin was a possibility too harsh to entertain. Recognised as the prodigy, the golden boy within his broader community, he nonetheless confronted the harsh reality of familial neglect since birth—a fate imposed though not chosen. This acknowledgement steeled him against the insincerity that might have otherwise tempted him. Alienation had become preferable to false affections. He refused to pretend that he was wanted or loved when, evidently, he was absent from their hearts.

On the day designated for a family gathering, Juwon felt an unbidden thrill at the prospect of reuniting with his siblings, though he chastised himself for this weakness. What awaited him, he anticipated, were dismissive glances and a reinforcement of his peripheral status among them.

Approaching the venue, every step heavier than the last, the estate seemed to darken with his approach. The gardens, though lush, appeared lacklustre, and the vibrant blooms mocked his solitude. His anticipation of familial rejection clouded his ability to appreciate the scene before him. His aversion to the home that had forsaken him intensified with every breath.

The vastness of the house seemed to mock his insignificance, its walls echoing with the laughter and lives of others from which he was forever excluded. Inside, no trace of him could be found, no echo of his laughter mingled with theirs. He was an outsider, always out of frame, never integral to the picture.

Was his presence then necessary only to complete a formality? Necessary to the family puzzle yet perpetually superfluous, his inclusion felt like an afterthought—a decorative piece rather than a cherished member.

His emotions tangled—resentment entwined with an inexplicable love for the very individuals who caused his deepest pains.

He mourned each night for a bond that faded with the setting sun, wondering if his affection was ever reciprocated.

In a house devoid of his essence, amongst family pictures that captured every smile but his, Juwon stood once more at the threshold of inclusion, yet apart.

With these heavy thoughts, he entered the dining hall. His expression, schooled to neutrality, betrayed none of his turmoil as he selected the most distant seat. Offering a perfunctory bow, he settled into his role—the silent spectator, present yet so profoundly absent, just as he had always been.

@✿ cha kiwoon It was not uncommon for Jiyong to hole himself away in his office for days at a time, often would the staff and household members whisper to themselves that the young Duke was not to be disturbed at this time. It would happen at a seemingly random rate, his usual self overcome with an irritability that would get worse the more one would poke and prod at the sleeping lion. Jiyong would usually isolate himself completely until this feeling would pass, no one would hear from him or of him until it was over. If he was summoned by the assembly or anyone else of urgent matters, he would go, but he would stick to strict business. This was an attribute to his loyalty to his work, the dark circles under his eyes from hours of tireless work, and the usual cheerful Jiyong would be replaced with one akin to the memory of Oh Jiwoon, the late Duke, and even that of Oh Seokchin, a force of nature when it came to his position in the politics of Joseon. This is what made Oh Jiyong fit for the role of duke in times of uncertainty.

Jiyong only accepted Cha Kiwoon’s arrival because he was just leaving this phase in his life once more. He had started to feel a little better in the last few days, able to request a cup of tea without getting agitated at his staff. There was a small thought of hope in his head that this would not cause problems for this meeting, as it was risky, but he couldn’t think of how riskier it would be to deny the other’s request. To deny a personal visit from a Duke that Jiyong did not know, would be impolite. Jiyong had no idea what Kiwoon wanted from him, but he would have to hear him out. Perhaps this, alongside all the other work he had to do, would silence the silence that followed him everywhere he went.

Thus, Jiyong had vacated his office for the first time in two weeks that day, allowing it to be cleaned and re-organized. He had stayed in his room until Kiwoon had arrived, making his way back into the office before his guest arrived.

So, when Kiwoon entered, wasting not a moment to spare, Jiyong was glad that they would not be making time for needless formalities. “Duke Cha,” Jiyong answered in turn, looking to the other man and bowed his head as a form of respect. “Please, sit. Your proposition intrigues me.”

@✿ oh sejin @✿ oh juwon @✿ oh jiyong Hanseong, a city of a hundred arched bridges and a thousand cherry blossom trees. A city of mud and sweat and sewage. A city of golden cranes and amber sunsets.

A city filled with many, devilish secrets of their own.

The imperial city had changed over the years within its walls, it was clearly bigger compared to how it used to appear, and the outskirts of Hanseong now pressed beyond the fields and forests that ringed its borders in the past. Snaking through the city's center was a gently flowing river littered with the dying blossoms. Its petal pink waters were painted separating the tiled roofs on either shoreline━a swell of blue-gray clay, rising like the sea, bandied by a storm.

Bitna’s step-mother, Miyoung, had once said the entire story of the imperial city could be told by its roof tiles alone. The curved clay marked where the grandest sections of Hanseong gave way to its poorer thoroughfares. Its downtrodden lanes. Where the rounded tiles and the gleaming angles dipped into the dusty disrepair. Where they vanished into the parts of the city Bitna had never frequented. The number of cracked and misshapen roof lines had become even more staggered and crowded in the last couple of years. Strange how━regardless of the wealth or circumstances━they all appeared to use the same kind of tile.

The same color, the same shape.
Proved to no avail that the nobles held higher statuses.

The journey from Jeongju to Hanseong was a long one, Bitna shifted uncomfortably in her seat completely dressed from head to toe in a fine silk hanbok, her jeogori was a lovely cream color embroidered with dandelions and the chima of her dress a beguiling olive green. Bitna was also adorned with rich jewelry, much unlike her usual choice of fashion, the reserved woman stubbornly sulks upon the matter at hand.

After departing from a local inn within the outskirts of Hanseong, at the first sight of dawn, Bitna’s loyal maid Mirae, had given strict orders to the Marchioness about her standing.

“Remember Lady Oh, despite your kinship with your brother’s, you must portray fittingly properly in the presence of Lord Sejin and the Duke.” Mirae restated, as she assisted in readjusting Bitna’s white norigae that fell out of place, during Bitna’s struggle to find comfort in the tiny carriage.

“I am well aware, Mirae, of my position in this family,” Bitna coldly retorted, there was a hint of aggravation in her voice, “you needn’t worry yourself over such trivial matters. My dearest brother’s are father’s hope in continuing our line for generations, I know the importances of their existence very well, I assure you.” Finishing off her pronouncement with an almost heart-breaking gaze, Bitna turned away to face in another direction to avoid her maid’s intense stare.

“Lady Oh, I wish you would acknowledge your purpose in this family as well, you are just as prominent. Do you understand how sad your parents would be if they were to hear such words come from you?” The elder woman reacted out of genuine sympathy for the young woman she had spent a lifetime raising over the years. Mirae sincerely views Bitna as a child of her own, despite their obvious statuses, not a single day goes by that Mirae’s old heart doesn’t break at the sight of the Marchioness’s hidden facade of pain.

Bitna does not respond to her maid’s utterance, she found no reason in trying to explain her feelings to the elder woman, despite the closeness in their relationship. Sometimes, there are certain things that need to remain unshared with the rest of the world.
At last, the carriage steadily pulls before The Oh Family’s Estate, a guard from outside announces their arrival to Bitna and she moves in quick motions to exit the cramped atmosphere she had been forced to endure during her travel to Hanseong.

“Please be careful Lady Oh, you may hurt yourself!” Mirae scolded the Marchioness from behind, “Most certainly the Duke and Lord Sejin would have our heads if something were to happen to you!” She continued with her non-stop nagging, landing a steady footing onto the ground right after Bitna.

The young woman initially turned around to face her maid, “I am not that fragile of a woman, Mirae. Have you forgotten who’s daughter I am?” Bitna questioned in sternness, the absolute tone in her soft voice sent Mirae expressing a sigh of exasperation.

“You are right, M’lady, please forgive this old woman for her rubbish words. I shouldn’t have doubted you, after all, I helped in raising you since you were but a child. Shame on me for forgetting even the slightest fact that you are stronger than you appear, M’lady.” Mirae regretfully bowed her head apologetically, Bitna finally found the decency to naturally let a smile bestowed upon her lovely visage.

“No need for the dramatics, Mirae. I would love to continue our conversation, but I must make haste and join my fellow brother’s in reunion. Please make sure to get some rest once you and the other’s have settled in. I will be on my way now.” The Marchioness bid farewell to her crew and turned back around to enter the familiar Estate, her figure quickly disappearing from Mirae’s view as she is granted entry by the guards and shown about her way into the Oh’s Estate.

Once the lassie had broken away from the crowd of servants she brought with her during her endeavors, Bitna followed the lead of a guard who stated he’d guide her towards her destination where her brother’s awaited.

Observing the home she was not usually used to in diligence, memories of her dear siblings came at her in a flash flood. Bitna and Sejin were as close as a pair of siblings could possibly be, their kinship blossomed over the years that the two continued to keep in contact with one another through letters and if the young woman were to be completely honest, Sejin remained the only family she considered left in her lonely world where everyone else had already gone.

As for Jiyong, Bitna could only remember bits and pieces of their past, for certainty she knew they used to be inseparable. Sharing the same birth parents it made sense she and Jiyong’s bond came naturally to them, but through unimaginable circumstances, the pair slowly fell apart from each other. The death of their mother Seolyu left a wound in Bitna’s heart as a child and although she was no more but a child then, Bitna had sworn to keep her kinship with Jiyong close. Treasuring him as if he were the last piece of their mother she had. Bitna recalls the way the pair used to run alongside one another hand in hand, declaring their hopeful promises to one another to always stick together until the end. Their mother was now gone, and all she had left of her was Jiyong’s sincerity, how tragic it must have been for them to let their bond slip through their fingertips due to decisions made per the demand of the adults in their lives at the time. A shamed Bitna knew she should have fought harder to protect her little brother, now she is stuck living in the consequences of her rash actions.

Lastly, Juwoon, was the brother Bitna stood most distant with. Not truly by choice but by the actions of their parents. All Bitna truly knew about Juwoon was that he had been sent to a temple shortly after he had been born. The opportunity to form any kinship with him was nearly impossible. How he had been raised and what he may look like now, Bitna could only assume he’d resembled a little bit of their father and mother.

“Here we are.” The guard pronounces, stopping before a large door. The Marchioness lifted her head to look at the door in front of her nervously, unsure about the way she was going to enter the room with no actual plan to declare to her dearest brother’s.

As quickly as when they arrived, the guard bowed his head in respect to the young woman, before dismissing himself and leaving her alone in the quiet hallway of the Estate. Bitna knew she could not stand outside the doors forever, no matter how at war with herself she may appear, she needed to face her brother’s with diligence.

In a final decision, Bitna in a deep breath to calm her nerves and with the touch of her delicate hand, she opened the door to the room she had been guided to. Slowly entering its space, Bitna meets two sets of familiar eyes upon her entry.

“Sejin. Jiyong, it has truly been a minute.” Bitna greets the two with a smile. Shutting the door behind her as well, presuming whatever it is they are to discuss should remain between the three.

@✿ oh sejin @✿ oh juwon @✿ oh bitna The letter on Jiyong’s desk harked back to his mind as he walked down the halls of this estate. The letter, given to him by one of his attendants with Sejin’s handwriting, stayed on the wooden desk, unmoved from when Jiyong read it and pulled out his writing tools to write a quick reply. The letter was so formal, as if Sejin had truly sent the letter across Hanseong, across all of Joseon, as if the manor was as big as the little peninsula they lived in, the space of mountains between the siblings’ wings. Sejin and Jiyong had lived on opposite sides of the manor after all, the Duke’s room oft used as now as Jiyong spent most of his time in Hanseong rather back in Jeonju. Was it better to face the memories of a time unchanging, children laughing and adults’ chattering, or here in Hanseong, where the world spun no matter how much blood Jiyong spilled on his hands.

Yet, even in Hanseong, that same melody played. More haunting than Jeonju could ever be.

It kept Jiyong upright as he walked, a blank stare on his face, world passing by him in seconds in these tight halls. Though it may be treasonous, he didn’t see any difference between the Oh Estate in Hanseong than he did of the Royal Palace, unmoving, monstrous, eerily quiet though whispers and secrets lurked within. It was never a home, and it never would be. Cold and echoing, forgotten dreams coming to him in sparse intervals.

The dining hall was close, yet Jiyong dawdled. He remembered his father’s words, there was power in being late for special meetings, to having everyone’s eyes on you as you walked in. Of course, Jiyong was never late, nor was he now. He didn’t dawdle because he wanted to exude power, show off to his siblings’ who could never hold the title for themselves, as Jiyong wasn’t so sure of his own desire for it… Rather, he wanted to cower. Hide in fear of this meeting, one that had been postponed for so long, if only for Jiyong’s own heart. He felt the pace in his ears, pulsing blood through his head as he walked down the halls.

Sejin had called for Jiyong to speak on the engagement Jiyong approved. Of course, Bitna would be there, likely to heed her own complaints about her arrangement, too… Juwon, well, he was a stranger to the rest of them, likely only invited to show courtesy, even if all of the siblings wanted to see his face desperately. Especially Jiyong, the last time they had met was back when…

Perhaps now, as they were all adults, Juwon reaching his third decade only a few months prior, their conversation could be civil and concise. Even allowing small talk here and there. Jiyong typically detested the endeavour, but he was desperate to know how his siblings were faring— especially after that heinous war. After he could’ve nearly lost all of them, or they could’ve lost him. While Jiyong still had his reservations surrounding the title of Duke, he wasn’t so sure how life could go on if he had passed…

“Hyung,” Jiyong spoke once he entered the dining hall, catching Sejin’s ever-present looming figure in the corners of the household. “You look well.”

@✿ oh juwon @✿ oh jiyong @✿ oh bitna [June 25th, 1869 Oh Estate Hanseong]

Spring was in full bloom, evident on the lush growth of Hyacinths and Crocuses that adorned the surrounding of the manor, the spring breeze carried their fragrance as if enveloping the estate in its flowery embrace all thanks to Bitna’s intervention right after the last of winter’s snow melted.
Thanks to the intervention of their devoted sister, the once desolate garden, now meticulously nurtured by their diligent servants, bloomed with vibrant life. Without her care, it would have stood as a stark reflection of the underlying turmoil within the Oh family's affairs. Fortunately, the presence of the blossoming flowers masked this reality, creating an illusion of perfection that softened the harsh truth.

Sejin couldn't help but feel the grandeur of the estate enveloping him as he strode through its corridors. The walls seemed to stretch endlessly, dwarfing even his imposing stature. With each step toward the main dining hall, he couldn't ignore the subtle reminder of his place within the family hierarchy. Situated in the farthest wing from his siblings, the distance spoke volumes about his status—an undeniable marker of his position as the firstborn yet perpetual outcast among them. It did not bother him anymore as years had gone by, but as he took the long walk from his quarters to make his way to the meeting place, each step reminded him of his youth. Now that he’s faced with the reality of meeting his siblings once again, the Marquess could not help but feel nervousness and anxiety eat at him.

Indifferent to the opinions of outsiders, Sejin's concern lay solely with the perceptions of his siblings. Among them, he knew he likely appeared distant, aloof, perhaps even indifferent. Yet, amidst this sea of misunderstanding, there was Bitna, a beacon of warmth and understanding who consistently saw beyond the facade. Her unwavering belief in his inherent goodness brought him a sense of solace and contentment. Still, beneath this comfort lurked a deep-seated fear—a fear that one day, even Bitna's faith in him would wane, revealing him as the unworthy Oh he secretly feared himself to be.

The Oh family estate in Hanseong was just as large as the one back home in Jeonju. Albeit having a lot of differences like the lack of warmth and memories—at least for Sejin. He never really spent time at home. Lost within the call for duty and the avoidance of his younger brother, he only found solace within its walls at night when he attempted to sleep. Passing through a grand hall adorned with an impressive array of weaponry spanning various epochs, Sejin couldn't help but ponder the family's storied military legacy. Tales abounded of the Ohs amassing the most war trophies, a testament to generations of martial prowess. While the veracity of such boasts remained uncertain, the sheer quantity of weapons on display was undeniable. From floor to ceiling, each piece was meticulously mounted, some bearing the marks of centuries past while others gleamed as if freshly forged, poised for the next battle. The Marquess never really paused to take a good look at his family heirlooms. Was it even right for him to think they’re also his?

Footsteps echoed on the wooden floor of the estate as the main dining room where their meeting was set loomed ahead. He had gotten a response from Jiyong and Bitna saying they would come. Juwon also sent him a missive, but it indicated that the youngest Oh was not sure of his attendance. With each stride, the anticipation heightened, yet so did Sejin's uncertainty. Despite nearing the threshold of the main dining room, his steps faltered, weighed down by a mixture of apprehension and longing. For years, he had yearned for a pretext—a catalyst to reunite his scattered siblings. Now, fate had presented itself in the most unexpected form: his coerced engagement.

Sejin comes to a halt just before the grand door, exhaling deeply before pushing it open. Despite the tumult of emotions within, his countenance remains stoic, a well-rehearsed mask of indifference settling over his features as he assumes his place at the table. With impeccable timing, he finds himself the first to arrive, the silence of the room amplifying the weight of his solitude.

His gaze drifts over the lavish spread laid out by the attentive servants, a feast fit for royalty, yet the sight fails to stir any hunger within him. This gathering was meant to be a familial affair, a chance for siblings to reconnect amidst the trappings of their opulent estate. However, as the minutes tick by in solitary anticipation, Sejin finds himself grappling with a profound sense of emptiness.

Leaning forward, he rests both arms upon the polished surface of the table, fingers interlaced as he contemplates the significance of this reunion. Each passing moment stretches into an eternity as he waits, the silence broken only by the rhythmic ticking of a nearby clock. In the stillness of the room, Sejin remains a solitary figure, poised at the precipice of familial reunion, yet burdened by the weight of uncertainty.

@✿ oh jiyong The Duke from the House of Three-legged Crow stepped out of his carriage with his gaze sweeping over the grand appearance of the House of Blue Lion. The air was thick with anticipation as he approached the imposing gates, guarded by his staff of sentinels. With measured steps, he ascended the stairs leading to the entrance with only his trusted guard, Handan, following closely behind.

On rare occasions he had crossed paths with the young duke, Oh Jiyong, whether it was through passing at the palace or from fleeting encounters at assembly. Their two respective houses had not once graced the others’ radar, but today, Cha Kiwoon had come with a purpose—to secure a political alliance.

As he was ushered through the gates and into the elegant halls of the estate, Kiwoon couldn't help but feel a sense of determination coursing through him. He knew that forging an alliance during these turbulent times with rumors surrounding his family’s prestigious name was necessary more than ever. And the House of Blue Lion could also greatly benefit from this union if they so need it.

But Kiwoon had done his research to ensure he was taking the proper steps. As far as he knew, the young duke to the House of Blue Lion was in a peculiar position similar to himself with both having inherited such titles and responsibilities that required delicate and cautious handling. Navigating the political landscape was not an easy feat and any misstep can have consequences for their houses.

As he awaited his audience with the young duke, Kiwoon's mind raced with strategies and negotiations. He knew that he would have to tread carefully, but he was no stranger to such games—he had honed his skills from a young age in the cutthroat reality of the political sphere, and he was prepared to do whatever it took to secure the alliance he sought.

Finally, they reached the grand study of the young duke and Kiwoon took a moment to collect himself before entering. He turned towards his personal guard with a knowing glint and subtle nod, a reassurance that said ‘wait out here’. Once the servant announced his arrival, the door slid open and he crossed the threshold with an image of determination.

Kiwoon remained composed and his voice steady to greet the other. "Duke Oh," he began with no hesitation, "I come to you today with a proposition—one that I believe could greatly benefit both of our houses."