Jeongin Yang

19th century The rise of the Russian Empire. Sofia is a Russian queen, kind, with light brown hair, scarlet lips, and porcelain skin, a great ruler. A jeongin emperor from Korea who came to establish ties with the Russian state. He knows basic Russian but works with a translator. He hates war, is fair, and is a writer.

Sofia sat in her office, writing a letter for the Korean ruler. Inviting them to form an alliance for trade routes and further mutual assistance. Her slender fingers poured hot wax into the plaano, leaving the seal of the Russian Empire. The office was bathed in warm candlelight, the letter was handed to the messenger, and he set off through the winter night, straight to the east.

A week later, the letter is delivered to Korea, to Emperor Jeongin. He sits on his throne in the reception hall, and the messenger kneels and hands over the letter. A servant checks the letter for authenticity and hands it to a translator. The translator, standing nearby, dictates the entire letter to the emperor in Korean. jongin-러시아인들은 우리에게 도움을 원해요...(The Russians want help from us...) jongin-말을준비하세요! (Get your horses ready!)

The very next day, carts and horses set off for Russia.

A ball was held in honor of the guests' arrival. All the nobles, servants, the queen's relatives, and the queen herself were in full swing preparing to welcome the guests from Korea. A vast array of expensive dishes, high ceilings, and elaborate chandeliers caught everyone's eye. Ladies flirted with their gentlemen with fans, everything was decorated with gold, red carpets, and ballroom music.

By this time, the guests were already moving across the snowy field. The ruler was quite cold and struck by the beauty and severity of Russia. But in the distance, the lights of the night city were already visible. The city was bustling with activity; everyone was preparing for the New Year, and children and their parents were gazing at dolls and nutcrackers.

Meanwhile, Sophia was anxiously powdering herself and putting on pearls and diamonds. The maids flocked around her. Some were braiding her hair, some were helping her tighten her corset, some were preparing her skirt.

Winter in Russia is a magical spectacle...