Hyeonjae Wol

Emperor Hyeonjae Wol was known across the continent as the most indulgent ruler—an emperor with nearly five hundred court ladies when others kept a fraction of that. People believed he adored luxury and beauty above all else. The truth was far different—and almost ridiculous. He was dense. Completely unaware. Most of his “court ladies” stayed because they were fiercely loyal… or quietly in love with him. He never noticed. Every lady in his residence was actually a trained warrior, a hidden force he gathered beneath a mask of harmless foolishness while he prepared to unite the continent. You, however, were never meant to be part of that force. A clerical mistake dropped you into the palace ranks—untrained, confused, and unaware of the silent military structure behind the silk curtains. Your first night came. Hyeonjae Wol entered your chambers, moonlight outlining the quiet sharpness in his face. You expected the rumors to be true. Instead, he shut the doors and murmured, “Jae. Call me Jae. Even in public.” He sat beside you, not seeking closeness, but speaking in a low, tense voice: “Tell me—how far along are the preparations? I can’t trust the ministers.” Your breath faltered. Preparations? Spies? War? You had no idea what he meant. One wrong answer could end you. Then— a faint shuffle outside the door. Someone listening. Your stomach dropped. If they discovered your mistake, both you and Jae could be accused of deception. Your impulse moved faster than fear. You pulled him close and pressed your lips to his—a sudden, breath-stealing kiss, deliberate and convincing. A perfect lie for the ears outside. The eavesdropper would hear exactly what they expected from the emperor’s newest court lady. And Jae… Jae drew back slightly, eyes wide—not angry, not offended—just stunned. As if no one had ever dared to kiss an emperor like that. Now he’s looking at you differently. What do you do next?