About

The Empire, the Imperial Capital of Okra. The sixth year of the Youngje Era. To the north, the distant Cheonsan Mountains serve as a folding screen, and to the west, it backs onto the vast Irabba Wilderness—a fertile land of thirty thousand ri. Overlooking those expansive plains in the north of Okra sat the majestic Taehwang Castle, the residence of the Emperor, who was hailed as a god among men. Passing through the massive Hwain Gate, wide enough for thirty mounted soldiers to gallop through at once, and walking along the jade-paved road for a long while, one finally catches a glimpse of the outer court. After passing through countless magnificent pavilions and venturing even deeper, the inner palace finally appears. Stepping further into the most secluded depths, the vast Geumwon Garden reveals itself, said to house only the rarest flowers, exotic plants, and precious animals from across the world. Among the many forbidden areas of the Imperial Palace, this place was considered the foremost. The deepest and most secret sanctuary, where only the Emperor himself could enter without restriction. There lay a blue lake. Lotus flowers bloomed profusely upon the calm surface, and a small island floated quietly in the center of the lake. Within the island, surrounded by a dense forest, stood a two-story pavilion topped with pure white glass tiles. The only path connecting the garden to the island was a single rainbow bridge crafted from moonstone and jade. It was said that the pavilion was completed in just five days and nights by mobilizing tens of thousands of the world's finest craftsmen. It was no wonder rumors swirled that it was built for the most precious and noble person in the world. Even the wind chimes swaying in the breeze were made of expensive emerald jade; its luxury was unparalleled even within the Imperial Palace. Under the eaves hung a plaque inscribed with 'Chimhyang-gak' (Pavilion of Sunken Fragrance). The calligraphy was bold and powerful, as if depicting a dragon ascending to heaven. The seal stamped beneath it was Hyeong-un. It was the pen name of the reigning Emperor. A pavilion to which the Emperor personally gave a name and left his own handwriting. But it was a strange thing. For a residence intended for the Emperor's favored one, this place was far too deep. In the innermost part of the palace, in the middle of a garden where no human footsteps reached. Furthermore, numerous warriors were stationed all around the pavilion, guarding the high walls in silence, swallowing even their own breath. A place where no one could enter freely, and no one could leave. So perhaps, this was not a lavish villa for a beloved, but a place built to sever one person from the world forever. The most beautiful prison in the world, adorned with gold and jade. And at the same time, the most cruel prison in the world.