In the hushed confines of the Royal Tailors' room, a sense of urgency permeates the air as the officials grapple with the daunting task of recreating the lost Royal Robe of the King.
"The King wishes to retrieve the Royal Robe, which he wore back in the most glorious days of his life," the Chief Tailor explains, her voice carrying a weight of solemnity. "But because the Robe has been lost a long time ago, he ordered the Royal Tailors to remake the Robe."
A ripple of concern courses through the room at the enormity of the task, each tailor acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead.
Diana, her mind buzzing with ideas, quietly raises her hand, seeking a solution to the dilemma.
"Shouldn't a portrait of His Majesty guide us?" she suggests tentatively, her voice carrying a note of hope.
The Chief Tailor's eyes widen with realization at the suggestion, the room falling silent as the implications sink in.
"The King's Portrait...?" she muses, considering the possibility.
A smile slowly spreads across her face, the weight of uncertainty lifting as a plan begins to take shape.
"Yes...! We do have a way," she declares, her voice ringing with newfound optimism. "That is actually an excellent idea!"
Diana can't help but mirror the Chief Tailor's smile, a sense of pride swelling within her at the recognition of her contribution.
"Yes, I might get a golden thread," she muses to herself, her thoughts drifting to the tantalizing prospect of earning the coveted reward.
But her reverie is interrupted by the arrival of Young Lord Taesoo, his demeanor brimming with impatience.
"Why are you so late?!" he chides, his tone laced with exasperation. "You think I've arrived on time because I'm free?"
Diana rolls her eyes playfully, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips.
"Hey, I'm not that late! Besides, you are free! Everyone in the Sungkyunkwan tells me you're bumming around," she retorts, a playful glint in her eye.
In the quiet confines of the library, Taesoo and Diana pore over ancient texts and scrolls in search of any reference to the lost Royal Robe. Despite their differing personalities, they've found themselves thrown together by the shared urgency of their task.
Taesoo furrows his brow in concentration, meticulously examining the details of each illustration and text.
"The width of the sleeve on this right side seems different. And if you look over here..." he begins, his voice trailing off as he delves deeper into his analysis.
Meanwhile, Diana's mind races with questions, her thoughts swirling amidst the sea of information before her.
"Why is he helping me out with his all might?" she wonders silently, her gaze drifting over to Taesoo. "Because it's related to Lord Sung? Or because it's related to the King? If they're not the reason, is it because...?"
But before she can voice her thoughts, Taesoo interrupts her reverie with a pointed observation.
"You're not focused," he remarks, his tone laced with amusement.
Diana's cheeks flush with embarrassment at the accusation. "Huh?" she stammers, caught off guard by his remark. "I-I've got nothing to say! And I was focused...! You said... the sleeve... This sleeve is..."
But her attempt at explanation is cut short by Taesoo's laughter, the sound ringing out through the library.
"Go on. What about this sleeve?" he prods, his eyes twinkling with mirth.
Diana can't help but feel a surge of frustration at his laughter, but as she meets his gaze, she's struck by the warmth of his smile.
"Stop laughing at me!" she protests, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
Taesoo chuckles softly, his laughter infectious. "Like what? I'm just laughing, that's all."
Diana rolls her eyes, a playful glint in her eye. "You're laughing as if you're trying to seduce me! Yes, like that!!" she retorts, a mischievous grin playing at her lips.
As the weight of the impending loss hangs heavy in the air, Taesoo's awkward attempt at humor only serves to heighten the tension between them.
"What...? I-I-I wasn't laughing like that...!" he stammers, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Diana can't help but feel a surge of panic at his words, her mind racing with uncertainty.
"Diana... Then were you seduce...?" Taesoo's voice trails off, his eyes searching hers for a response.
Caught off guard by his question, Diana's mind goes blank. She knows she should deny his implication, but the words stick in her throat, leaving her tongue-tied.
"Oh, uhh...." she stammers, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
As she fumbles for a response, the atmosphere of the library seems to shift around them, the dim candlelight casting long shadows across the room.
In the midst of the tense silence, Diana's thoughts drift to the King's declining health and the looming sense of uncertainty that hangs over the palace.
"The King was in a worse state than expected," she muses silently. "It won't be strange to see a hurricane coming..."
But amidst the chaos and uncertainty, a glimmer of opportunity presents itself. The Chief Tailor's suggestion of creating mourning clothes for Lord Sung offers Diana a chance to prove herself as a valued member of the Royal Tailors.
"The mourning clothes for the Crown-prince...?" she echoes, her mind racing with possibilities.
As she weighs her options, a sense of determination washes over her. This is her chance to make a difference, to leave her mark on the palace and its inhabitants.
"Accept the offer," she decides, her voice firm with resolve. "Of course, I should do this...!"
And so, with her decision made, Diana prepares to face the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead, knowing that her skills as a tailor may be the key to navigating the turbulent waters of palace politics and intrigue.
As the solemn cries of farewell echo through the palace yard, the weight of the King's passing settles heavily over Diana. Though she had only glimpsed him once, the sense of loss permeates the air, leaving her feeling hollow and melancholic.
"The King is dead! May your soul rest in peace, and long live the King!" The final cry hangs in the air, casting a somber silence over the gathered crowd.
Amidst the stillness, Diana is approached by Soyong, who bears a mysterious gift in her hands.
"Soyong, where have you been?" Diana inquires, her curiosity piqued by Soyong's sudden appearance.
"Oh, I needed to run an errand," Soyong replies evasively, her expression unreadable.
"What errand?" Diana presses, sensing something amiss.
Soyong hesitates for a moment before handing Diana the parcel.
"It's from His Royal Highness," she explains quietly.
Diana's heart skips a beat at the mention of Lord Sung's name. She carefully unwraps the package to reveal a pair of scarlet arm warmers, lined with soft rabbit fur.
"He seemed to be worried that you're wandering around in thin clothing," Soyong adds, her voice tinged with a hint of amusement.
Diana is overcome with a flood of emotions at the unexpected gesture from Lord Sung. She knows he is preoccupied with the affairs of the palace, making his concern for her all the more touching.
"He's the busiest man in this palace at the moment... When was he watching me...?" Diana wonders aloud, her voice barely above a whisper.
With tears threatening to spill from her eyes, Diana clutches the arm warmers tightly to her chest.
"This is too much," she murmurs, her gratitude mingled with a sense of unworthiness.
In the quiet of the palace night, Diana finds herself pondering the unexpected turn of events. The gift from Lord Sung and the mysterious summons from the Queen leave her feeling both perplexed and apprehensive.
"Have I done anything wrong...?" she wonders aloud, her voice lost in the darkness of the palace yard.
As Diana steps into the Queen's chamber, she is immediately struck by a sense of familiarity upon seeing the Queen's face. With a pure yet regal countenance and soft but penetrating eyes, the Queen's presence commands attention.
"Come inside," the Queen beckons, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity.
"Yes, Your Highness," Diana responds, her voice tinged with a mix of reverence and intrigue as she bows respectfully.
The Queen wastes no time in addressing Diana, her tone measured yet warm.
"So, you are Diana of the Han family?" she inquires, her gaze fixed on Diana.
"Yes, Your Highness," Diana confirms, feeling a sense of awe in the presence of royalty.
As the conversation unfolds, Diana finds herself captivated by the Queen's graceful demeanor and the subtle elegance of her accessories.
"Oh, that's..." Diana begins to remark, her attention drawn to a particular accessory adorning the Queen's attire.
The Queen notices Diana's interest and offers a gentle smile in response.
"Oh, do you like it?" she asks, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Pardon? N-no, that's not it...!" Diana stammers, feeling flustered by the Queen's attention. "It's just... It suits you very well that it caught my eyes, Your Highness..."
The Queen's smile widens at Diana's response, her demeanor warm and welcoming.
"I see you have a keen pair of eyes," she remarks, her voice filled with approval. "This is a gift from my brother."
Diana's heart skips a beat at the mention of the Queen's brother, her mind racing with questions. Could it be... Kooju?
"Brother, Your Highness...?" Diana ventures, her curiosity piqued.
The Queen nods in confirmation, her expression curious.
"Do you know my brother?" she inquires, her tone expectant.
Diana hesitates for a moment, her thoughts racing as she considers her response.
"...Do you mean, the vice minister Kooju?" she asks tentatively, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
The Queen's eyes widen slightly in surprise at Diana's revelation, her interest visibly piqued.
"Yes, I can see that you know him well, from the look on your face," the Queen observes, her tone thoughtful. "So, what do you think of him?"
Diana takes a moment to gather her thoughts, careful not to reveal too much about her interactions with Kooju.
"Oh... Well... He doesn't want anyone near him," she responds cautiously, choosing her words carefully to avoid divulging too much information.
The Queen nods in understanding, her expression somber.
"Well, I suppose my brother is very distant to anyone," she acknowledges, her tone tinged with a hint of sadness.
Diana remains silent, acknowledging the Queen's words with a respectful nod.
"He was a kind and caring person," the Queen continues, her voice filled with fondness, though the words are spoken in past tense.
Diana's heart twinges at the Queen's words, sensing the depth of her loss.
"Right... Now, let's get down to business," the Queen says, shifting gears. "I would like to reward you for your work. Do you have something in mind?"
Diana's heart leaps at the opportunity presented to her. This is her chance, and she knows she must seize it.
"Yes, Your Highness," Diana responds eagerly, her voice filled with determination.
The Queen nods, indicating for Diana to continue.
"Do speak," she prompts, her eyes fixed on Diana with keen interest.
Diana takes a deep breath, steeling herself for what she is about to ask.
"I want to be bestowed a royal golden thread," she declares boldly, her voice unwavering despite the weight of her request.
The Queen's eyebrows raise slightly in surprise at Diana's bold request.
"A golden thread?" she echoes, her tone questioning.
Diana meets the Queen's gaze head-on, her resolve unwavering.
"Yes, Your Highness," she confirms, her voice steady despite the intensity of the Queen's scrutiny.
Though the Queen's eyes are kind, Diana senses a sharpness within her gaze, as if she is searching for something deeper within Diana's request.
"A golden thread, you say...?" the Queen muses, her expression unreadable as she considers Diana's request.
Diana can only wonder what thoughts are running through the Queen's mind as she awaits her response.
Diana finds herself back at the Hanbok Atelier after a long absence, the empty building feeling hollow and eerie compared to her home in Seoul.
"It's so different from my house back in Seoul..." she murmurs to herself as she sits on the wooden porch outside, her fingers idly toying with the box in her pocket.
"Lady Diana."
The gentle voice breaks through the silence, and Diana's heart skips a beat at the sound of it. She inhales deeply, catching the familiar scent of the man she longs to see.
"I feel like I'm dreaming..." she whispers, her grip tightening on the box in her hand. "Will I be able to return to Seoul, Sung...?"
Meeting Sung's gaze, Diana finds herself lost in his warm smile, a flicker of uncertainty clouding her joy.
"...Of course. You will go back," Sung assures her, his smile never faltering despite the shadows that linger between them.
As they step outside together, the moonlight casts a soft glow over the scene, illuminating the golden thread knotted in the bracelet Diana holds and the thread tied around Sung's waist. But even as they share this moment, their smiles seem to dim, overshadowed by lingering doubts and fears.
"So this is where you came from...?" Sung's voice breaks the silence, his eyes scanning the familiar yet unfamiliar surroundings of Bukchon in Seoul.
"Yes. This is Seoul. I'm... really back here..." Diana murmurs, her hands trembling as she reaches out to grasp Sung's sleeve, seeking comfort in his presence.
Their fingers intertwine, locking together as Diana leans her head against Sung's shoulder, her anxiety still weighing heavily on her despite his reassuring touch.
Diana finds herself strolling aimlessly inside the palace on a holiday, realizing that time is ticking away until she must return to Seoul. With a determined resolve, she quickly changes direction, her feet carrying her swiftly toward the Prince's Chamber.
"I need to see Sung," she murmurs to herself, her heart racing with anticipation.
As she approaches the chamber, she unexpectedly encounters the three men: Sung, Taesoo, and Young.
"Lady Diana!" Sung calls out as they cross paths.
"Oh, you're all here. Great," Diana responds, trying to hide her excitement.
"What brings you all the way here, my lady?" Taesoo inquires, curiosity evident in his voice.
Diana hesitates for a moment, unable to reveal her true intentions. Instead, she offers a proposition.
"Do you have time, the three of you?" she asks, hoping they'll agree.
"Well, I do... Are you in need of help, my lady?" Young offers, ever the dutiful companion.
"Not particularly... I just wanted to give you a present!" Diana announces, hoping to pique their interest.
"A present?" Sung echoes, his curiosity piqued.
With bated breath, Diana waits for their response, her nerves tingling with anticipation. Finally, the three men exchange knowing smiles, indicating their willingness to accompany her.
"Now, let's check for the last time," Diana says, her voice tinged with excitement. "What are the three things I told you to keep in mind and never forget?"
Sung flashes her a charming smile as he replies, "Don't be surprised to see 'anything.'"
Diana can't help but be charmed by his demeanor. Then, Young speaks up, his tone serious as ever.
"Never disappear out of my sight."
With the men's assurances, Diana feels a sense of relief wash over her, grateful for their companionship as they embark on their journey together.
Taesoo's startled cry echoes through the air, breaking Diana's reverie.
"No unpredictable actions," he stammers, his suspicion evident in his voice.
Diana can't help but smile at the familiar scene unfolding before her. These three men, unchanged despite the passage of time, bring her a sense of comfort.
"Shall we go, then?" Diana suggests, eager to share a piece of her world with them.
But as they step into Seoul, chaos ensues.
"Eeeek-! L-l-lady Diana..!!Wh-wh-what is that metal thing with wheels?!" Taesoo exclaims, his voice trembling with fear.
Diana chuckles softly. "That's called a car," she explains patiently, trying to calm his nerves.
"Don't touch that!!" she admonishes Young, who's eyeing the unfamiliar object with curiosity.
With each unexpected encounter, Diana's regret grows. "It hasn't even been an hour since we arrived at Seoul... I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but I never expected it to be this chaotic," she muses, feeling overwhelmed.
But amidst the chaos, Diana finds solace in the sight of the three men, their expressions a mix of awe and confusion.
"Huh, do they think I'll take notice of them? Well, I should!" Diana decides, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Taking pity on their bewildered faces, she comes up with an idea to alleviate their discomfort and lead them to a moment of rest.
The theater buzzes with excitement as Diana explains the intricacies of modern technology to her companions.
"...And if you press the button here... Voila! I get a call! When the movie's over, you just call me with this phone," Diana explains, demonstrating the workings of a mobile phone.
Her companions, Young and Taesoo, are wide-eyed with curiosity, eager to try out the new device.
"How is this even possible...?" Young wonders aloud, still trying to wrap his head around the concept.
Taesoo, on the other hand, is more enthusiastic. "Hey, pass it over. I want to try it, too...!" he exclaims, reaching out eagerly.
Diana watches their reactions with a mixture of amusement and concern. Despite their initial bewilderment, she knows they'll adapt quickly. After all, they've faced far greater challenges than a simple phone.
"Any questions?" Diana asks, turning to address her companions.
But before Young can voice his thoughts, Taesoo interjects defiantly. "Don't worry! You should really stop treating us like fools," he protests.
Diana can't help but smile at his boldness. "But you really are fools... At least, in this world you are," she teases affectionately.
Moved by their determination not to burden her, Diana's heart swells with gratitude. "Maybe because he doesn't want to be a burden to me, he pushes my back to go and rest," she observes, touched by their consideration.
With reassurances from Young and Taesoo, Diana leaves them to enjoy the movie. As she settles into her seat, she can't help but feel grateful for their presence in her life.
The winding path up Namsan Mountain leads Diana and Sung to the iconic N Seoul Tower, where they can behold the breathtaking panorama of Seoul. Diana, eager to share this experience with Sung, had mustered the courage to ask for this private moment.
As they ascend the trail, Diana explains the significance of the location to Sung, hoping to impart a deeper understanding of the land he will one day govern.
"This is the Namsan mountain! At the end of this ascending road, you reach a tower where you can see the view of Seoul from the top! And I wanted you to see the view," Diana tells Sung enthusiastically.
She chose this spot deliberately, wanting Sung to witness firsthand the beauty and history of Seoul, rather than merely hearing about it in words.
Sung marvels at the surroundings. "This is interesting," he remarks, taking in the sight of the trimmed gardens and towering trees that hint at Chosun's storied past.
But Diana can't resist teasing him. "Well, Mr. Handsome. Your face is much more interesting to me, hehe," she quips playfully.
As they near the tower entrance, Sung notices the locks hanging from the netted fences and asks about their purpose.
Diana hesitates for a moment, reminiscing about her own past. "Oh... Those are the locks of love. Lovers hang a lock, wishing for eternal love," she explains, carefully choosing her words.
Sung's curiosity leads him to inquire further. "Have you ever hung one, too, my lady?" he asks.
Diana laughs lightly, trying to deflect the question. "Right to the point, huh... Ahaha- Nope...! Let's say I've never had a chance, haha..." she responds with a hint of bashfulness.
Sung's unexpected suggestion catches Diana off guard.
"Why don't we try hanging it together, then?" Sung proposes, pointing to a nearby stall selling locks.
Diana's heart races at the idea, but she tries to play it cool. "H-hey, Sung...!!" she protests weakly, knowing they don't have money to spare.
However, Sung is undeterred. With determination in his eyes, he walks up to the stall and retrieves a red-colored lock.
"Come on, you don't even have any money..." Diana murmurs, feeling a mix of embarrassment and excitement.
Before she knows it, Sung is standing in front of the fence with the lock in hand. Diana watches nervously as he searches for the perfect spot to hang it.
"W-Why would you hang this?" Diana finally manages to ask, her voice betraying her uncertainty.
With a confident yet gentle demeanor, Sung approaches her from behind and places his arms around her shoulders, positioning the lock in front of her.
Diana's cheeks flush pink as she feels his proximity. She could easily step away, but something keeps her rooted in place, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Here," Sung whispers softly, his breath brushing against her neck. "I'm putting the half of my heart in this lock."
Diana's breath catches in her throat at his words, her mind reeling with the implications of his gesture.
Sung's words linger in the air, and Diana's heart races as she tries to decipher their meaning.
"I will be able to pour the rest half if the lady is ready to receive it," Sung says cryptically, fastening the lock onto the fence before stepping back.
Diana's mind whirls with questions, her cheeks still flushed from their close encounter.
"What do you mean...?" she ventures, unable to resist the urge to ask.
Sung chuckles softly, his expression enigmatic yet inviting.
"I'm asking for you to never forget the spot where I hung the lock," he explains, his smile hinting at deeper emotions beneath the surface.
As they continue their stroll along the Castle Wall Trail, the warm glow of the lights casts a romantic atmosphere around them.
Diana can't help but feel a sense of contentment despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her.
"So, Diana, what do lovers in this era do to spend their time together?" Sung inquires, breaking the comfortable silence between them.
Diana blushes at the mention of lovers, but tries to maintain her composure as she lists off common activities.
"They eat, watch movies, take a walk, or go on a trip... I guess being together should be enough for them, actually," she responds, feeling a pang of self-consciousness.
Sung chuckles softly, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, just like you and me," he says, his tone teasing.Sung's next words catch her off guard, and she can't help but protest his teasing.
"Yeah, I suppose you're- ...What?! Hey, are you teasing me??" she exclaims, her cheeks flushing even more.
But Sung's next move leaves her speechless as he gently takes her hand, his touch sending a shiver down her spine.
"I've seen couples holding hands, meeting their eyes like this," he murmurs softly, his gaze locked with hers, and for a moment, time seems to stand still.
"...He's teasing me, isn't he...?!" Diana thought to herself
"Oh, you know nothing!" she protest
"Do I?" Sung replied
"of course! You're from Chosun dynasty, not from here!" Diana exclaim
"Then I should learn the ways of this time." sung inquire
"yes! You still have lots to- ...W-wait...!" Diana said
Caught off guard by Sung's intimate gesture, Diana finds herself momentarily speechless. His lips linger on her hand, sending a rush of warmth through her veins. She feels her heart pounding in her chest, her breath coming in shallow gasps as she struggles to compose herself.
"S-Sung..." she stammers, her voice barely above a whisper.
But Sung doesn't relent, his gaze locking with hers in a silent challenge. His words, though softly spoken, carry an undeniable weight, leaving Diana feeling exposed and vulnerable.
"Do you not like me doing it?" he asks, his voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty. "I want you to tell me truthfully."
It's an intimate taunt, drawing out Diana's innermost desires and fears. She knows she should resist, should push him away and maintain her composure. But the truth is, she wants nothing more than to surrender to the moment, to lose herself in Sung's embrace.
"I... I cannot tell him truthfully," she realizes, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. "Because... I want it."
As Sung takes a step closer, Diana feels her resolve crumbling. His proximity sends a shiver down her spine, her senses overwhelmed by the heady scent of his cologne and the warmth of his breath against her skin.
But before she can fully succumb to the temptation, a sudden interruption breaks the spell. The sound of her phone buzzing jolts her back to reality, and she hastily reaches out to retrieve it.
"You need to tell me," Sung says, his voice tinged with amusement, "or I won't know."
As Sung's touch intercepted Diana attempt to answer the call, a hush fell upon the air, a silence broken only by the soft caress of his fingers trailing up her arm, lingering at Diana neck. The castle's ancient stones witnessed our clandestine dance as his lips, like a gentle breeze, found their way to her.
In that fleeting moment, suspended between duty and desire, it dawned upon her: perhaps he and Diana stood at the precipice of two worlds, teetering on the edge of a fragile balance. Their existed on a delicate thread, vulnerable to the whims of fate, poised to unravel at any moment.