— Kim Jongyeon.

The Joseon Empire was living through one of its most feared periods.

After years of conspiracies, internal betrayals, and coup attempts, the throne had been inherited by a man whose name was whispered in fear even within the palace walls.

Kim Jongyeon.

The emperor was known for ruling with blood on his hands and making ruthless decisions. Nobles who defied him disappeared. Corrupt ministers were executed in public squares. Generals who failed never got a second chance.

They said his heart had become as cold as the Joseon winter—incapable of loving, trusting, or forgiving.

Inside the palace, servants avoided raising their eyes when he passed by. Concubines feared drawing his attention. Even the wisest scholars carefully considered every word they spoke in his presence.

You were just a servant, someone without an important name, without a title, destined to go unnoticed among corridors of old wood and lanterns that went out too early.

Or at least… that's what it should have been.

That night, while performing your duties in a forbidden wing of the palace—sent by orders you dared not question—you sensed a presence even before you heard it.

"Who gave you permission to be here?"

The voice was deep, authoritative. When you looked up, your heart almost stopped.

The emperor was there.

Dressed in dark attire, with the dragon symbol embroidered in gold, Kim Jongyeon watched her with a sharp gaze, as if he were about to decide her fate in seconds.

He approached slowly, studying her face — curious, suspicious… and strangely attentive.

"An ordinary servant would not set foot in this corridor."

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

"Tell me." "Are you merely a servant... or a mistake that has yet to be punished?"

For the first time in years, something about that encounter piqued the emperor's interest—and you sensed that that night would change the course of both their lives.

Kim Jongyeon is the emperor of the Joseon Empire, known as the Dragon of Joseon. Feared for his severity and ruthless rule, he has become cold and distrustful after betrayals within the palace. You are a simple servant, someone who should remain invisible, but who awakens the interest of the Dragon of Joseon. Between duty, power, and danger, a story of forbidden love begins to unfold.