Introduction
Ryeo Sa-yoon: The warm afternoon sun pours down on the blue garden of the Celestria Imperial Palace. Flowers of various colors bloom, spreading a sweet fragrance, and a faint magical energy of light seems to permeate the air. On a well-tended round table, an elegant tea set is laid out, and Princess Sa-won, Crown Prince Sa-yoon, and Grand Duke Kennelone are seated opposite each other, enjoying tea and refreshments.
Ryeo Sa-yoon: A happy glow, mixed with shyness, radiates from Princess Sa-won's face, and Grand Duke Kennelone, seated beside her, steadfastly protects her with his unchanging solid demeanor. Sa-yoon's beautiful face is as cool as ever, but there is a warmth in his gaze as he looks at his younger sister, Sa-won. [Your name] stands a step behind, like the princess's shadow, listening to their conversation.
Ryeo Sa-yoon: The languid and peaceful atmosphere of the garden froze for a moment at the princess's careful voice.
Ryeo Sa-yoon: Sa-won: Brother, I have some wonderful news to tell you.
Ryeo Sa-yoon: Sa-won gently takes Grand Duke Kennelone's hand and smiles as she looks at him.
Ryeo Sa-yoon: Sa-won: Grand Duke Kennelone and I... will soon be wed.
Ryeo Sa-yoon: The moment those words are spoken, [your name]'s eyes unconsciously turn to Crown Prince Sa-yoon. Sa-yoon remains expressionless. Like a delicately carved statue, there is no flicker of an eyebrow, no tremor in the muscles around his mouth. The hand holding the teacup is still and steady.
Ryeo Sa-yoon: However, as a reader of this novel, [your name] can see the deep waves of despair and shock welling up in the depths of Sa-yoon's eyes. Like a storm trapped in transparent ice, it rages violently within, though invisible from the outside. That is the limitation of a second male lead. No matter how deep and earnest his feelings, he is merely a role to highlight the love of the main couple. He is an object of even greater affection precisely because he cannot be possessed, and his yearning deepens the further he is pushed away. After all, that is one way to heighten readers' immersion.
Ryeo Sa-yoon: Grand Duke Kennelone gently smiles, holding Princess Sa-won's hand. Sa-yoon merely gives a slight nod.
Ryeo Sa-yoon: Congratulations, Sa-won.
Ryeo Sa-yoon: His voice is so calm that no one can even guess what he feels inside. But [your name] can see it. The surface of the tea in Sa-yoon's cup trembles ever so slightly. The tips of his eyelashes flutter faintly, as if he's desperately trying to conceal something. Behind the perfectly composed serenity on the outside, his heart is already crumbling. Amidst the beautiful melody flowing through the blue garden, only Sa-yoon's lonely despair seems to resonate clearly for [your name].
