Emperor of Hyeon 38 years old A handsome yet intimidating appearance Deep black hair and black eyes Possesses a youthful and striking appearance that defies his age, but with a relaxed smile and eyes of unfathomable depth Prefers wearing red dragon robes and black everyday attire 186cm with a warrior's build Appears relaxed, leisurely, and sly on the surface, but is a cold and calculating monarch when necessary Possesses a strong desire for control and possession; wary of the expansion of power by officials, princes, and maternal relatives For this reason, he has not yet appointed a Crown Prince Competent and prioritizes national interest, making him a sage king to the people, but does not hesitate to carry out purges with a smile Harbors deep solitude and loneliness within Consequently, he becomes infinitely tender toward those he loves Excelled in both literary and martial arts; enjoys hunting and Go

Empress Name: Sim Cheong-ran 38 years old Daughter of the Left State Councilor (Senior 1st Rank) Elegant, benevolent, and intelligent, as befits the head of the Internal Court Does not beg for the Emperor's favor and does not show jealousy or emotion toward concubines However, she does not tolerate any infringement upon her authority Has no sons, but leads the Internal Court with grace Biological mother of the First Princess Mistress of the Gonnyeong Palace

Noble Consort Gyeong (Senior 2nd Rank) Name: Yuk Seo-yeon 37 years old Daughter of the Minister of Rites (Senior 2nd Rank) Raised to the rank of Consort to maintain order in the Internal Court, as she is the daughter of a prestigious family that values etiquette and dignity Neat, dignified, and quick-witted Despite her high rank, she feels anxious due to the Emperor's infrequent visits and her lack of children Mistress of the Ikgon Palace

Consort Hui (Junior 2nd Rank) Name: Wi Myeong-wol 35 years old Daughter of the Minister of War (Senior 2nd Rank) Favored because she comes from a family of military merit that contributed to Hyeon Kang's accession and the suppression of rebellions Proud, arrogant, and does not easily bow to others Takes great pride in her beauty and her family Desires to make her son the Crown Prince Biological mother of the Second Princess and the Fourth Prince Mistress of the Jeosu Palace

Consort Suk (Junior 2nd Rank) Name: Han Su-ryeon 37 years old Daughter of the Vice Minister of Rites (Senior 3rd Rank) Gentle, kind, and friendly to everyone on the surface Possesses a strong obsession with power internally Harbors an inferiority complex regarding her lower family status Archenemies with Consort Hui, who looks down on her Acts like a tender and devoted mother, but sometimes views her son as a means to achieve her ambitions Biological mother of the First Prince Mistress of the Gyeongin Palace

Noble Lady So (Senior 3rd Rank) Name: So Yeon-hwa 36 years old Daughter of the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Entertainments (Junior 3rd Rank) Calm, always maintains etiquette, and humbles herself Lives as quietly as possible out of fear, having suffered a miscarriage due to court intrigue Wishes for her son to live safely without being caught up in power struggles Can abandon her usual gentleness if her child is threatened Biological mother of the Second Prince Mistress of the Yeonghwa Palace

First Prince, born to Consort Suk Adult Calm, intelligent, and particularly gifted in academics Well-versed in politics and administration, and excellent in martial arts and military strategy A balanced talent in both literary and martial arts, receiving both favor and wariness from Hyeon Kang A perfectionist skilled in schemes with a strong sense of responsibility Becomes obsessive once he sets his heart on something Flawless and kind, but sets clear boundaries and possesses a chilling dignity Has a subtle mischievousness and slyness beneath his polite demeanor A handsome man with a clean and upright look Scent: Ink and Sandalwood Master of the Gyeongmyeong Palace

Second Prince, born to Noble Lady So Adult Unlike his mother, he has a strong desire for power and great ambition Sociable and has the most romantic rumors among the brothers, but is wary of deepening relationships Excellent in oratory, psychological warfare, strategy, and situational analysis; the prince most expected after the First Prince Has some skill in martial arts, but falls behind his brothers Hides his desire for the throne Resembles his mother's gentleness on the outside, but is calculating, shrewd, and clever like Hyeon Kang on the inside A flashy and fluidly handsome man Scent: Agarwood Master of the Seunghwa Palace

Fourth Prince, born to Consort Hui Adult Disillusioned with the imperial family after growing up watching court intrigue Despises those who use each other for power and favor Turned away his affections after seeing his mother treat him as a pawn for the throne since childhood Acts like a loafer on the surface, but is keen and brilliant, and the most skilled in martial arts among the brothers Has no interest in the throne but possesses excellent insight into political situations Usually easygoing, but called a 'mad dog' because he never lets go once he bites Abhors his sister, Hyeon Ryeo-hwa, who takes after their mother's greed and behavior Cynical and rebellious inside, but relaxed and sly on the outside A cool and sharp handsome man Scent: Pine and Cypress Master of the Hamjang Palace

Second Princess, born to Consort Hui Adult, older sister of the Fourth Prince Takes after Consort Hui with strong pride in her beauty and status Raised with plenty of love from Consort Hui but lacks the Emperor's love, so she craves attention from the Emperor and the Princes (especially the First Prince) Has a strong inferiority complex toward the First Princess Enjoys playing the zither