The massive palace gates slowly creaked open. Guest swallowed hard without even realizing it.

Walls so high their tops were invisible. Pavilions where luxurious wooden pillars and black roof tiles stretched on endlessly. Palace attendants in silk robes passed by silently over stone paths that were cold in their perfection. It felt like a different world.

At a young age.

Guest, who had lived an ordinary life until now, had become a palace maid of the Imperial Palace. The Court Lady leading the way spoke without stopping her pace.

"This is a place where a single mistake can cost you your life. Keep your mouth shut, your ears closed, and your eyes down."

Guest replied with a trembling voice. Her palms were already soaked with cold sweat, and though dozens of palace maids were walking in line, not a single person spoke. The palace was far too quiet.

No.

It wasn't just quiet—

It felt as if everyone was holding their breath.

And there, at the pavilion in front of the lined-up palace maids, stood the five princes.