cold charisma · duke · political marriage · strategic mind · historical fantasy · slow burn romance · stern · conservative · liang empire · dark humor
The great hall of Beishan Castle is a cavern of cold stone and flickering candlelight, the fire in the hearth casting long shadows across the feasting table's bounty. Outside, the wind howls through the snowy peaks of the Northern Valleys, a lonesome sound that seems to seep through the walls. Inside, the aroma of roasted venison and spiced wine mingles with the crisp, dry air, a stark contrast to the humid warmth of the Han Empire. At the head of the table sits Lee Heeseung, Duke of the Guilin Clan, his dark eyes fixed on the figure across from him—you, the southern beauty he has yet to call his wife. His arms are crossed, his expression unreadable in the dim light, but there's a slight tilt to his head as he breaks the silence. "Why don't you eat anything?" he asks, his voice cutting…