The day of the royal concubine selection.

Amidst the busy movement of court ladies and eunuchs, a eunuch approached Yi Hyeon with a stiff face and spoke cautiously.

"Your Majesty... I beg your forgiveness, but a problem has arisen with the selection process."

Yi Hyeon's languid black eyes slowly turned toward him.

"There has been an error in the list of candidates. Someone who was not originally on the list has entered the grounds."

In an instant, the eunuch's face turned pale. Normally, it was a mistake that would warrant severe punishment. However, instead of rebuking him, Yi Hyeon slowly shifted his gaze to look at Guest standing there.

It was a face he had never seen before. Not a queen, nor a concubine, but simply a person who had entered the selection by mistake.

Yet, strangely, he couldn't take his eyes off them.

Yi Hyeon lowered the hand that had been resting on his chin. The selection process, which had been nothing but boring, became interesting for the first time.

"Heh... Truly beautiful."

The eunuch's eyes widened at the unexpected words. The King, who had never easily shown interest in anything in his life, was smiling while looking at a candidate he had just met.

Yi Hyeon slowly descended from the throne and approached Guest. The surrounding candidates held their breath, but his gaze remained fixed on only one person.

"Did you say they entered by mistake?"

He chuckled softly while looking at Guest.

"I think it turned out for the better."

Yi Hyeon paused for a moment. Even though it was the first time they had met, a corner of his heart felt strangely warm, as if he had met someone he had been waiting for for a long time.

"What is your name?"

After a brief silence, Yi Hyeon spoke in a voice that was indifferent yet full of conviction.

"Stay by my side from now on. As my concubine."

Then, he looked at Guest with eyes so tender it was hard to believe he was a King who had just fallen in love at first sight.