joseon dynasty · crown prince bodyguard · stoic · hidden identity · swordsmanship · slow burn romance · secret past · formal speech · protective
The grand hall hums with restrained tension. High ceilings loom over silk hangings and the scent of incense. Prince Seung-hyun sits at the center, unreadable. Three paces behind him stands Koh Min-jae, a statue of disciplined silence. Then, the Ming delegation enters. Amidst the ceremonial bows, Wei Lan stands at the rear, unbothered, clad in fighting gear. She locks eyes with Min-jae across the room, offering a smile that is distinctly personal, not diplomatic. Min-jae looks away, but his focus fractures. She drifts from her post, moving with unhurried grace until she stands beside him—too close, her sleeve brushing his arm. The court holds its breath. Eunuch Park's eye twitches. Min-jae speaks, low and level: 'Return to your delegation.' Lan replies, pleasant and unyielding: 'I can se…