BIUM Chapter 1

The snow fell silently, piling up softly on the ground.  

 

As the wind blew, the faint sound of a small bell hanging from the roof of the mansion echoed lowly across the empty courtyard.  

 

And in the center of that courtyard stood a young man.  

 

The aura he exuded was sharp enough to cut through anyone with just a glance, yet his firm, lean physique and flawlessly defined features were irresistibly captivating, almost enough to make one overlook his intimidating presence.  

 

“Your Majesty.”  

 

A shadowy figure, completely concealed, approached the man from behind without a sound. Though the low voice might have startled anyone, the man remained unmoved.  

 

The shadow’s eyes nervously glanced at the snow settling on the man’s shoulders.  

 

“Your Majesty, the abbot has prepared a place for you to rest.”  

 

As if oblivious to the snow piling on his head and shoulders or the cold wind blowing subtly, the man’s gaze remained fixed on the firmly closed door ahead.  

 

The shadow, sensing the madness in his eyes, eventually retreated.  

 

The tightly shut door opened, and a woman with long hair tied to one shoulder walked out barefoot.  

 

“Even if you stay here, nothing will change. Please return to the palace.”  

 

Despite her firm refusal, the man showed no sign of wavering. His eyes moved over the woman’s pale face, her small frame clad in mourning clothes, and finally to her bandaged hand, still seeping blood.  

 

The wounds weren’t limited to her hand, her thin wrists, visible beneath her sleeves, were also marked with deep and shallow cuts.  

 

“Let’s go back.”  

 

Ignoring her words, the man’s voice was concise and resolute.  

 

His words carried an undeniable weight and a persuasive charm that subtly pierced her fragile heart.  

 

It was a lie.  

 

A dangerous whisper meant to shake the truth she had buried deep within and to lure her, who was struggling in this situation.  

 

She had chosen this path, knowing full well that her life would become a living hell.  

 

But now, even that was over.  

 

“It’s over now.”  

 

All that remained of her was a body that had survived. Her lifeless eyes glanced at her left hand. She had done her best, and there was no longer any reason to cling to her life.  

 

“I will live out the rest of my days quietly here.”  

 

She didn’t know how long that would be, but it was the only promise she had left.  

 

“My decision won’t change, so please return to the palace.”  

 

“If you don’t come, I’ll burn this place down.”  

 

The woman, who had turned to re-enter the room, stopped in her tracks. For a brief moment, hostility flickered in her eyes before they calmed and met the man’s gaze.  

 

“Then I’ll die in that fire too.”  

 

The faint killing intent in the man’s eyes turned terrifyingly sharp.  

 

The calm aura around him twisted into something horrifying, painful to even face. The man, who had been standing at a distance, closed the gap between them.  

 

“Either come to the palace with me.”  

 

Seeing the woman remain unshaken, the man raised his hand. A scream pierced the silence, and the smell of burning filled the air.  

 

“Or we’ll die together in this fire.”  

 

As if indifferent to the screams begging to put out the flames or the smoke rising beyond the high walls, the man’s eyes softened as he held the woman.  

 

🌙

 

“It’s cold.”  

 

The woman stopped walking as a gust of wind blew.  

 

The long braid tied neatly down her back swayed in the wind. Her red lips and pale skin, paired with delicate features, exuded an elegant charm.  

 

Her pink skirt and light pink top, embroidered with golden threads, were luxurious enough to make even nobles hesitate to wear, but the cloth she held was stained and dirty with blood.  

 

“Lady Yiwon!”  

 

Yiwon turned her head at the voice calling from behind.  

 

Hawon, the continent’s most powerful nation in terms of military strength, was ruled by the Hong family, the Empress’s family, and the Eun family, a martial family.  

 

Eun Yiwon, the daughter of Eun Geonmyeong, the head of the Eun family.  

 

Rumors swirled that Yiwon, as precious as gold and jade to her family, would soon become the Crown Princess.  

 

“Why are you here?”  

 

“I left a note saying I was taking Yiho to Yeomin Clinic because his health wasn’t good.”  

 

“You could’ve just called a physician! There was no need for you to come all the way to Yeomin Clinic!”  

 

“It’s fine if I come.”  

 

At Yiwon’s calm response, Nanhee sighed silently. 

 

No one would believe that the precious daughter of the Eun family was dirtying her hands and clothes while working in a clinic full of patients.  

 

“What’s the matter?”  

 

“Well… Lord Yusu is here.”  

 

Yiwon’s expression hardened as Nanhee shook her head. To Yi-won, her half-brother Yusu was more of a hindrance than a help.  

 

“He ordered us to bring you back immediately. He said it doesn’t matter if Yiho is sick or not, and that we need to prepare you before His Highness arrives. He’s causing quite a scene.”  

 

“…The residence must be in chaos.”  

 

“When he heard the General was coming, he rushed over here in a panic. Honestly, even though he’s your half-brother, he’s nothing like you or Yiho.”  

 

From Nanhee’s words, it was clear how much of a fuss Yusu had made. 

 

He probably didn’t want to deal with the dirty patients at Yeomin Clinic and only took his frustration out on Nanhee, insisting on bringing Yiwon back. It wasn’t even worth listening to.  

 

“It’s about time for Yiho to wake up. I should go. Stay here and don’t bother coming out.”  

 

“Yes, my lady.”  

 

Yiwon had no desire to deal with Yusu, who was likely grinding his teeth outside. 

 

Letting out a sigh to vent her frustration, she headed toward Yi-ho’s room.

 

🌙

 

The faint, labored breaths escaping from Yiho’s pale lips seemed on the verge of fading away.  

 

While boys his age were growing taller and their voices deepening, Yiho was thinner and weaker than even Yiwon.  

 

Their mother, who had suffered from unexplained high fevers and seizures, passed away not long after giving birth to Yiho. She had hoped he would be as healthy as she had been, but unfortunately, Yiho inherited her illness.  

 

— ‘It doesn’t matter if Yiho is sick or not… He said you needed to be dressed up and ready, and caused a scene.’

 

Yiwon sighed unconsciously as she listened to Nanhee’s report.  

 

Yusu, though a bastard son, was still the eldest son of the Eun family.  

 

As the future head of the family, Yusu preferred chasing women over practicing swordsmanship, and despite Geonmyeong’s guidance, his skills were pitiful.  

 

‘If I were a man, I could have learned the sword.’

 

Though her life was comfortable, the opportunities for women in Hawon were limited. 

 

If she had been born a man and trained in the sword, surpassing Yusu, she could have become the next family head. Then, she could have protected the ailing Yiho as the head of the family.  

 

But for a woman in Hawon, such a dream was unthinkable.  

 

“…Sister.”  

 

“Are you awake?”  

 

Yiwon approached and dipped the lukewarm cloth from his forehead into cold water. 

 

Fortunately, today’s episode wasn’t severe, as she had arrived just before the seizure began.  

 

If he had been healthy, Yiho, the legitimate son of the main wife, would have been the next head of the Eun family instead of Yusu, the bastard son.  

 

“You always suffer because of me.”  

 

“Don’t worry about me. Thanks to you, I can at least step outside, can’t I?”  

 

Yiwon needed her father’s permission to leave the estate alone, but she could come and go freely when accompanying Yiho.  

 

For Yiwon, who was practically confined to the inner chambers, these trips to Yeomin Clinic were a rare chance to breathe.  

 

“Ah…”  

 

“I should call the physician.”  

 

As Yiwon tried to rise, Yiho grabbed her hand. 

 

Struggling to breathe, he lifted his heavy eyelids to look at her. Seeing the guilt in his eyes, Yiwon furrowed her brows.  

 

“I told you not to apologize.”  

 

“I’m just a burden to you.”  

 

“You’re only twelve. Being sick isn’t a sin or a burden.”  

 

Yiho forced a weak smile, but it quickly vanished as the pain overwhelmed him again, and his breathing grew labored.  

 

Swallowing her rising anxiety, Yiwon wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead.  

 

“I should call the physician.”  

 

“Could you… play the pipa for me?”  

 

Whenever Yi-ho was in pain, Yi-won would play the pipa for him. It wasn’t enough to ease his suffering, but he often asked her to play.  

 

“Yi-ho, I think it’s better to leave the window open. Is that alright?”  

 

Understanding her intention, Yiho nodded. As Yiwon’s fingers touched the strings, a clear, soothing sound filled the room.  

 

Yiho’s labored breathing gradually calmed as the music continued.  

 

The pipa played by the eldest daughter of General Eun was said to be the best in Hawon.  

 

Though it was a compliment often given by those currying favor with the Eun family, there was no denying that the melodies from Yiwon’s pipa were soft and calming.  

 

When the first piece ended, she seamlessly transitioned into another.  

 

Only after Yiho fell asleep did Yiwon quietly set the pipa down.  

 

“Shh!”  

 

As she placed the pipa aside, Yiwon raised a finger to her lips, signaling the onlookers to be quiet. They nodded in understanding, covering their mouths.  

 

Just as she was about to close the window on the sleeping Yiho, Yiwon noticed a young man standing at the edge of the crowd and froze.  

 

“…Your Highness…”  

 

As she had done moments ago, the man raised a finger to his lips, signaling her to be quiet.  

 

At his gesture to come out, Yiwon bowed her head, closed the window, and stepped outside.  

 

🌙

 

〈Seo Myung〉

 

The only son of Empress Hong, who held the reins of power in Hawon, and the man destined to become the next emperor unless the heavens themselves changed.  

 

His sharp features, resembling the Emperor’s, and his tall, imposing stature drew everyone’s attention. His exceptional skills in both civil and military affairs, paired with his compassionate nature, earned him praise and admiration as a future wise ruler.  

 

“My brother mentioned you would visit the estate this evening.”  

 

“I had planned to, but I found some free time. On my way, a servant from the Eun family mentioned you were here.”  

 

“I came out briefly for my brother’s sake. If you had sent word, I would have returned to the estate to prepare.”  

 

“I took the step willingly, so don’t complain. Besides, seeing you in such a relaxed state isn’t so bad.”  

 

Though his words were kind and considerate, Yiwon couldn’t take them at face value. 

 

After all, this was merely a union between the Hong family, the Empress’s family, and the Eun family.  

 

Perhaps it was because she had no interest in marriage, but Yiwon found Myung unbearably awkward and uncomfortable.  

 

“Thanks to you, I heard a wonderful performance. You truly deserve to be called the best pipa player in Hawon.”  

 

“I didn’t realize Your Highness was listening. I apologize for my inadequate performance.”  

 

“Your pipa is precious. It should be played for noble ears. It’s too much for them.”  

 

At his firm words, Yiwon lowered her head, masking her expression.  

 

As the Crown Prince, always reigning above others, it was natural for him to speak so arrogantly.  

 

Yet, part of her wished that a man destined to be emperor would take an interest in why so many people here were injured, why they dragged their sick bodies to hear her humble pipa.  

 

“I’m simply grateful that so many listen to and praise my insignificant pipa playing. And aren’t they the precious people who form the foundation of Your Highness’s rule? I don’t think it’s too much.”  

 

Myung was momentarily speechless at her words.  

 

In the brief silence, Yi-won bowed to him.  

 

“I didn’t mean to contradict or deny Your Highness’s words. I apologize.”  

 

“You’re right. My thoughts were shortsighted.”  

 

“I’ll be more careful with my words and actions in the future.”  

 

Though Myung laughed, his demeanor had clearly changed from before.  

 

Without hiding his displeasure, he turned and quickly left the room. Without so much as a glance in Yi-won’s direction, he vanished from sight in an instant.  

 

‘Father will scold me again.’

 

What Myung wanted from Yiwon was a woman who would obediently and quietly stand by his side. 

 

But Yiwon had never wanted to be that kind of woman, not even for a moment.