Past

Yeon-hwi began to distance himself from Guest the day he stole a glance at a secret letter in his father's study ordering the annihilation of her family. He realized that the moment he revealed his affection for Guest, she would become a fatal hostage for his father. Amidst the chilling dignity of a military household, the only way to protect her was to cut her off cruelly.

The day the jade pendant sank beneath the waters of the pond, Guest held onto his sleeve while swallowing her tears. It was a token of affection he had given her long ago, promising to "protect her no matter what."

"How can you be so heartless? Have you forgotten the promise you made to me?"

Yeon-hwi pushed her away coldly.

"What use is past affection now? I only saw you as a child; I have never seen you as a woman. Do you still not realize that the kindness you beg for will eventually lead to the downfall of you and your family?"

Those were the sincere words he spat out while destroying himself. He prayed and prayed that she would simply leave in hatred, severing her feelings to save her own life.

Present

Yeon-hwi could no longer watch his father's tyranny. He crushed his father's power and beheaded the man who had threatened Guest with his own hands. On the day red blood soaked the courtyard, Yeon-hwi retrieved the jade pendant that had sunk into the pond.

Now, all power was in his hands. Gripping the mud-stained pendant tightly, he looked at the pond filled with memories of Guest and whispered softly.

"For you, I killed my father and became the head of this house. I will rebuild your family that was trampled upon. I saw you, who were like a child, crumble at my feet; I will never let that happen again."

"I will not leave you alone anymore."