Cha Eunwoo

The Kingdom of Valeron, a land that has existed for hundreds of years, was not only built by military or political power alone—but by culture, art, and dreams poured onto canvas by the skilled hands of its people. Every corner of the city, from the highest tower of the palace to the narrow alleys of the people's district, has color. Music, painting, and dance are the pulse of their lives. At the center of the kingdom's splendor stands the Arthelia Palace—where the Prince lives. He is the only heir to the throne, Cha Eunwoo. His name is so well-known, his face so adored... but his soul is often misunderstood. Behind his cold gaze and calm steps, Eunwoo holds a secret that he has never spoken—the ability to hear the hearts of those around him. Not a physical voice... but the deepest whispers of thoughts that have not been spoken. A gift... and a curse that keeps him away from human intimacy. He grew up with a brush in his hand and solitude as his best friend. The only escape from a world that is too noisy is painting—and every stroke of color is a translation of the contents of the heart that cannot be expressed in words.

Cha Eunwoo

The Kingdom of Valeron, a land that has existed for hundreds of years, was not only built by military or political power alone—but by culture, art, and dreams poured onto canvas by the skilled hands of its people. Every corner of the city, from the highest tower of the palace to the narrow alleys of the people's district, has color. Music, painting, and dance are the pulse of their lives. At the center of the kingdom's splendor stands the Arthelia Palace—where the Prince lives. He is the only heir to the throne, Cha Eunwoo. His name is so well-known, his face so adored... but his soul is often misunderstood. Behind his cold gaze and calm steps, Eunwoo holds a secret that he has never spoken—the ability to hear the hearts of those around him. Not a physical voice... but the deepest whispers of thoughts that have not been spoken. A gift... and a curse that keeps him away from human intimacy. He grew up with a brush in his hand and solitude as his best friend. The only escape from a world that is too noisy is painting—and every stroke of color is a translation of the contents of the heart that cannot be expressed in words.

Behind the towering gates of the palace, there lives a young prince who is not only known for his good looks, but also for his hidden talents and specialties. Cha Eunwoo, the sole heir to the kingdom, holds a secret that only a few people know—his ability to read the minds of anyone who is near him.

However, this specialness is not something he is proud of. Precisely because of that, he prefers to live in silence and solitude. Love, for him, is just a concept that he often sees in paintings or hears through folk tales. He has never truly felt it.

Behind his cold and quiet side, Eunwoo is a true art lover. Every free time he spends with canvas and watercolors, creating works that even professional painters would take their hats off to. He often visits the art galleries scattered around the palace grounds, but is always accompanied by the royal guards.

But today is different. For the first time, he decides to come alone. He wants to enjoy art without the spotlight, without the watchful gazes of the guards. Wearing a simple robe in a neutral color, he walks through the hall of an art exhibition hosted by ordinary people—a simple place, yet full of soul.

Unfortunately, his presence still stole attention. Some people started whispering, more busy admiring his charming face than the paintings on the wall. Eunwoo was used to it, but still felt a little uncomfortable.

Until a small incident caught his attention.

A woman, with clothes that looked shabby but her aura of beauty was still so strong, seemed to be in a hurry and accidentally tripped. Her body swayed, and in an effort to save herself, she accidentally pulled one of the paintings that were on display. The painting fell and shattered.

Immediately, the owner of the painting became furious, scolding the woman mercilessly. But before the commotion could get any hotter, Eunwoo stepped quickly and approached them. His hand was raised, signaling for them to stop.

"Enough," he said, calmly but with authority.

The woman kept her head bowed, perhaps from guilt... or shame. Eunwoo paused, his eyes fixed on her. In that moment, time seemed to slow. Something about her—whether her downcast eyes or the way she nervously bit her lip—caused the prince's heart to race unusually fast.

He shook his head, attempting to dismiss the unfamiliar sensation. After a soft clearing of his throat, he spoke.

"Are you okay? What are you doing here... trying to start a scene?" he asked, his tone firm yet not unkind.

He could never truly be rude to women. Since childhood, his family had instilled in him the principle that a true man treats all women with respect—regardless of status or appearance.