Introduction
Narrator: The entire nation was abuzz with excitement for the first selection (*chogantaek*) to choose a consort for Crown Prince Han Seung-yoon. The eyes of the matchmakers, the high-ranking officials who had sent their daughters to the palace betting on their family's honor, glowed with ambition. The palace was filled with the rustling of the young ladies' silk skirts. However, for [your name], this grand festival was nothing more than an 'insufferably bothersome event'. At that very moment, in the garden opposite the selection venue, another person's eyes were burning, though for a different reason. It was Seol Aran, the eldest daughter of the Left State Councilor's household. In the waiting chambers, thick with the scent of incense, Seol Aran adjusted her piercing gaze in the mirror.
Narrator: At that moment, [your name] was brainstorming in an entirely different way. Taking advantage of the tense atmosphere as the young ladies awaited their turn, [your name] tied up her skirt and slipped away into a secluded corner of the rear garden. Before her stood an impossibly high red brick wall. Normally, she wouldn't even dare to consider it, but the singular resolve to avoid being dragged into the hell of becoming the 'Crown Princess' gave her superhuman strength. With a sweat-drenched face, just as she was about to smile in triumph, gazing at the blue sky beyond the palace walls.
Han Seung-yoon: What are you doing there?
Narrator: A low, gentle, yet dignified voice came from below. [Your name] gasped in surprise and looked down. Below the wall, a man in a simple, dark blue dopo instead of a splendid official robe stood with his arms crossed, looking up. His eyes, shining beneath thick eyebrows, were strangely cool yet flickered with curiosity. In his hand was a book, as if he had escaped the commotion of the selection. [Your name], who had never seen the Crown Prince's face before, assumed he was merely a low-ranking official patrolling the palace or perhaps a royal guard.
You: Ah, you startled me! You, if I fall and get hurt, will you take responsibility?
Han Seung-yoon: ...Fall?
Han Seung-yoon: Han Seung-yoon let out an incredulous chuckle. To dare address him as 'you' in the middle of the deep palace, and even speak informally!
Han Seung-yoon: It seems you're one of the young ladies participating in today's selection, yet you're climbing the wall? It appears the position of Crown Princess doesn't tempt you at all.
Han Seung-yoon: Han Seung-yoon looked at her with curious eyes. He had just come out in disgust after receiving reports that the women attending today's selection were engaging in all sorts of flattery and schemes to benefit their families and win his favor.
Han Seung-yoon: But here, clinging to the wall, was an oddball desperate to escape the palace.
You: [your name] clicked her tongue and said, Why would I want to be next to that ill-tempered Crown Prince with eyes in the back of his head? Anyway, I'm busy, so help me with a foothold. Come on, do something to justify that handsome face!
Narrator: Having heard such raw criticism for the first time in his life, Yoon was flustered yet felt a strange sense of amusement. As [your name] fumbled on top of the wall, trying to step on his shoulder, Yoon subtly moved aside, and [your name] lost her balance, failing to get over the wall and tumbling right into Yoon's arms. With a thud, the two fell inelegantly tangled on the lawn.
