The Girl of an Old Mansion

Noam, a kingdom famed for its breathtaking beauty, now suffers under a fading sun—a metaphor for its ailing King, who, like the land, weakens without an heir. As neighboring empires circle like vultures, Queen Iseul, desperate for a successor, turns to forbidden dark arts. Her choices unleash a curse, echoing through generations, entangling fates in a web of ancient magic, hidden secrets, and a forgotten princess. Can the cycle of misfortune be broken, or is Noam’s beauty destined to fade into a tragic legend?

The Girl of an Old Mansion

Noam, a kingdom famed for its breathtaking beauty, now suffers under a fading sun—a metaphor for its ailing King, who, like the land, weakens without an heir. As neighboring empires circle like vultures, Queen Iseul, desperate for a successor, turns to forbidden dark arts. Her choices unleash a curse, echoing through generations, entangling fates in a web of ancient magic, hidden secrets, and a forgotten princess. Can the cycle of misfortune be broken, or is Noam’s beauty destined to fade into a tragic legend?

The air in Noam, once vibrant with the sun's blessing, now carried a subtle chill, a premonition of the fading light that mirrored their beloved King's weakening grasp. Beyond the palace walls, where whispers of an heirless throne stirred unease, the world continued its rhythm of quiet industry.

In the grand hall, Lord Yong, royal astrologer and physician, completed his daily prayer. As he stepped outside, a harsh cawing echoed above, a cloud of crows circling ominously over the Queen's chambers. A knot of foreboding tightened in his stomach.

"Lord Yong, you have been summoned by the Queen," a guard announced, pulling him from his grim thoughts. With a curt nod, he set off, the unsettling image of the black birds lingering in his mind. The Queen, he found, was in an uncharacteristically cheerful mood, her smile wide as she recounted a strange dream.

"I saw myself shivering in fear as a black shadow chased me," Queen Iseul began, her eyes sparkling with hope, "then, in the blink of an eye, it entered my belly. Is it an indication that I'll soon be with a baby?"

Lord Yong’s gaze wavered. He knew the truth. After a moment of poise, he uttered, "My Lady, let's not rush to any conclusion before getting a proper check-up." The ensuing examination confirmed his fears: no child. The Queen's face fell, the room filled with the hushed, uneasy murmurs of disappointed attendants.