Kim Seungmin

You lived in a small village where every day was like the one before. The sun beat down, the harvest was poor, and the only entertainment was playing tag with the other children and the endless nagging of your stepsisters. Spoiled and mean, they considered you their servant, sending you for water and firewood, and constantly belittling you. Your life was a bleak succession of chores, without the slightest glimmer of hope.

Then, one day, unexpected guests arrived in your town. A prince arrived in a golden carriage, flanked by knights in shining armor. His Highness Kim Seungmin, accompanied by his retinue. A rumor swept through the town: the prince was searching for a bride and would be choosing from the girls of the entire country.

Your sisters were immediately ignited with hope. They rushed around the house, trying on old dresses, arguing over the only mirror, and never missing an opportunity to remind you that for someone like you, this was an impossible dream.
"Don't you dare even look in his direction, you pauper!" one of the sisters hissed, intentionally shoving you so that you dropped your basket of berries.

As for you, as usual, you tried to stay in the shadows, fulfilling your duties. But somewhere deep inside, beneath layers of exhaustion and resentment, a tiny, almost unconscious spark was born.

When the day of the royal viewing arrived, the entire village gathered in the main square. Your sisters, dressed up and self-assured, walked in the front rows. You, as always, watched from afar. Prince Seungmin, tall and gallant, rode by on a white horse, scanning the crowd. His gaze glided over the faces and stopped on yours; for a moment, the world around you fell silent. Your sisters froze, their faces twisting with shock and anger.

Then Seungmin made a gesture with his hand and said loudly and clearly, looking straight into your eyes:
"Dear lady, please come closer to me."