If Han Seoryu thought he'd finally get to sit quietly in a peaceful palace corner pretending he wasn't a certified surgeon who accidentally got yeeted into the 18th century
HE WAS WRONG. SO WRONG.
After that acupuncture stunt in the village?
Suddenly, everyone wanted a piece of him.
Some with tea.
Some with questions.
Some with hidden agendas.
And one apparently—with a personal vendetta? And a cat?
Welcome to Joseon, bestie.
"Lady Yura, the Empress Dowager requests your presence for tea."
Seoryu blinked mid-bite into his stolen rice cracker.
"Ha? Who?"
"The Empress Dowager, Your Ladyship."
His internal system screamed: 'ERROR: ERROR. I AM JUST A SIDE CHARACTER. PLEASE DO NOT ATTACK'
And of course—because he was cursed—
Minutes later, he was standing in front of the most terrifying woman in the entire palace.
Clad in gold and red robes, her hair raised in a tower of pins and phoenix ornaments, the Empress Dowager didn't need to smile to show power.
One glance from her and you'd feel like you committed high treason just by breathing.
"Sit, child," she said calmly.
Seoryu bowed, hands trembling. "S-So honored, ma'am. Your hair accessories are… stunning."
She raised an eyebrow. 'Shit. Why did I say that?!'
"I heard," the Empress began, "that you performed quite the miraculous healing in the village."
Seoryu laughed nervously. "Ah… just lucky! I learned it from TikTo—uh, nature!"
She sipped her tea. "You used acupuncture. Very precise. Not something learned by chance."
"Ehh… I'm just a really passionate fan of… needles."
Before she could say more, the curtain to the room opened.
A graceful figure entered.
"Introducing, Lady Jihae of the Seong Clan."
Tall. Poised. Sharp smile.
Seoryu sighed and said in his mind: 'Ah shit. There's a Queen Bee here already.'
Lady Jihae gave a perfect bow and sat beside Seoryu, the embodiment of elegance.
But her eyes? Sparkled with silent murder.
"So you're Lady Yura," she said, voice as sweet as poisoned honey.
"Hi! You're so pretty. Like… Snow app filter levels."
"…Pardon?"
The Empress smiled. "Jihae has long served in the inner court. She's been a… trusted favorite of His Highness."
Jihae leaned closer.
"I'm sure you'll find your place, eventually. If you last that long."
Seoryu internally screamed: 'Okay. Noted. This girl wants me DEAD.'
The Empress placed her teacup down. "There is one way you may prove your loyalty, Yura. Show me that you belong here. Perhaps… a quiet test will come."
Seoryu bowed, cold sweat dripping down his spine.
.
.
.
Later that evening, a messenger arrived again.
"Lady Yura. His Highness the Crown Prince summons you. Now."
Minutes later, Seoryu stood in front of the Crown Prince's private chamber.
Dimly lit. Air tense. Vibe: Netflix historical thriller.
The Prince stood by the window, holding a scroll.
"You were seen using acupuncture," he said without turning. "Very specific points. Perfect placement."
Seoryu gulped. "Just… dumb luck?"
He turned slowly.
"I do not believe in luck."
Their eyes met.
Long stare.
Intense. Unblinking.
Seoryu's mind: 'God help me. Am I in a romance drama or on trial for witchcraft?'
The Prince walked closer.
"You are not who you say you are."
"I… I just want to live quietly. I swear I'm not trying to cause trouble."
Then suddenly, his voice softened.
"…Yet, you helped a dying man. You saved a life. You didn't run."
He stepped even closer.
"If you betray me, I will know."
"But if you trust me… I will protect you."
Seoryu stared up at him, heart pounding like a club beat.
"W-WHY ARE YOU BEING NICE?!"
The Prince blinked. "…I am not."
Trying to escape the emotional spirals, Seoryu wandered into the garden the next day.
That's when he met her.
A tiny, stray, orange kitten.
"OMG. Kimchi. I shall name you Kimchi."
He cradled the cat like it was his child.
A few days later, he was always in the garden, playing with Kimchi.
Feeding her fish.
Singing BLACKPINK songs.
Laughing with a cute young palace guard who'd been helping care for the cat.
They got close.
Too close.
So when the Crown Prince entered the garden and saw Seoryu laughing, cheeks flushed, while holding Kimchi AND touching the guard's arm—
His mood went full stormcloud.
He approached. Calm. Deadly.
"Lady Yura."
Seoryu nearly dropped Kimchi. "AH! Hello! Nice day, right?!"
The Prince looked at the guard. "You're dismissed."
The guard fled like his pension depended on it (it probably did).
Seoryu blinked. "Is something wrong, Your Highness?"
"You seem… overly friendly with my soldiers."
"Oh no, no! Just team building!"
He stepped closer.
"You laugh too easily with others. But you freeze around me. Why?"
"Maybe because… you're intimidating? Like… a tax audit?"
Silence.
"Do you… prefer his company?"
Seoryu squinted. "…Are you JEALOUS?"
He didn't answer. Just stared.
Then finally: "I don't like sharing what's mine."
Seoryu's jaw dropped. "S-Sorry?! WHO'S yours?!"
The Prince turned away, robe swishing like drama.
"You're dismissed."
Seoryu walked out screaming internally while Kimchi meowed in confusion.
Seoryu's mind: 'Did I just get soft-claimed by Joseon's hottest warlord?!
And why… did my heart flutter?!'