The morning sky over Jin Kingdom was impossibly clear.

  Not a trace of last night's crimson omen remained.

  The waterfall behind the main palace flowed endlessly as it always had — steady, graceful, never overpowering. Contrary to what outsiders imagined, its sound was not thunderous. It was gentle. Relaxing. Like silk slipping over stone.

  Across the Jin Kingdom Palace — known formally as Tie Shan Gong, the Mountain Iron Palace — life had already begun.

  The palace earned its name from its strategic position. With the mountain range forming an unbreakable shield behind it, the structure stood like an iron fortress rooted into the earth itself. Half of the front faced the vast open sea, while the other half overlooked the thriving capital city of Jin.

  Within its many courtyards, maids bustled about, preparing basins of warm water, arranging robes, lighting incense. Every residence stirred awake to serve its master.

  And in the eastern wing of the palace—

  Jin woke up with a massive headache.

  He groaned softly, lifting a hand to his temple. His mind felt heavy, as though he had not slept at all.

  Still half-asleep, he reached to his left — instinctively searching for his phone that should have been charging overnight.

  Instead—

  His fingers touched something cold.

  Hard.

  Woody.

  He frowned.

  What kind of cheap bedside table was this?

  He tried to grab it and pull it closer, but it would not move.

  Annoyed but composed — because Jin was always composed — he slowly opened his eyes.

  Silence.

  Carved wooden beams framed his vision.

  Layers of silk canopy draped above him.

  Dark lacquered pillars held up a bed large enough for royalty.

  The air carried a faint scent of sandalwood.

  He blinked.

  Once.

  Twice.

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  "…What the f—"

  The curse slipped out before he could stop himself.

  The shout echoed across the chamber.

  Footsteps rushed in immediately.

  The doors burst open and a man dressed in ancient robes hurried inside, bowing deeply.

  "My lord! What is it, my lord?!"

  Jin froze.

  He stared.

  The unfamiliar room.

  The unfamiliar clothing.

  The unfamiliar… eunuch.

  The man wore traditional attire, his sleeves long and flowing, his posture respectful yet anxious.

  Jin's throat went dry.

  He screamed again.

  The eunuch stepped forward in concern. "My lord—"

  "Stop."

  The word came out sharper than he intended.

  The eunuch halted immediately.

  Jin's breathing steadied.

  Calm.

  Compose yourself.

  That had always been his strength. As a leader in his previous life — constantly surrounded by cameras, schedules, pressure — panic was never an option. He observed first. Reacted later.

  His eyes scanned the room again.

  Intricate carvings.

  Antique vases.

  Calligraphy scrolls.

  Authentic ancient Chinese architecture.

  His headache momentarily forgotten, a strange spark lit in his eyes.

  He loved this.

  No — he was obsessed with this.

  Chinese antiquities. Historical artifacts. Palace structures. He had spent years collecting rare pieces, studying dynasties, memorizing architectural eras for fun.

  And now…

  He was inside one.

  His lips slowly curved upward.

  If this was a dream, it was the most detailed dream he had ever had.

  He inhaled deeply.

  Alright.

  Let's go with the flow.

  Maybe this was his brain giving him a vacation. A break from his exhausting idol life as a leader — constant rehearsals, public scrutiny, responsibility.

  A historical dream?

  He could work with that.

  He sat up slowly at the edge of the grand bed.

  He needed information.

  But he didn't know the eunuch's name.

  "…Ahh… eunuch," he said weakly, pressing his temple as though in pain. "Eunuch… what?"

  The man immediately bowed lower. "Eunuch Kang, my lord."

  Eunuch Kang.

  Good.

  Eunuch Kang looked up carefully. "Has Your Highness forgotten my name after drinking with your prince brothers last night?"

  Jin paused.

  Prince brothers?

  Interesting.

  He simply nodded.

  Eunuch Kang sighed in relief. "This servant understands. Please allow me to assist Your Highness."

  He slipped a robe over Jin's shoulders — smooth, elegant, embroidered with subtle golden thread. The weight of it felt real.

  Too real.

  "Your breakfast is prepared, Crown Prince."

  Crown Prince?

  Jin's eyes flickered.

  Now this dream was getting better.

  —

  After breakfast — which, to his surprise, tasted unbelievably authentic — Jin walked toward the balcony doors of his chamber.

  The moment he pushed them open—

  He froze.

  The view stole the air from his lungs.

  Before him stretched the vast blue sea, glittering under the morning sun. Several ships approached the harbor, their sails full, moving steadily toward port.

  To his left, beyond layers of palace rooftops, he could glimpse the bustling capital city awakening — banners fluttering, smoke rising from morning kitchens, streets already alive with movement.

  The balcony was constructed from strong black stone, polished and solid. Elegant railings framed the edge. Pots of rare and vibrant flowers decorated the space, their colors soft against the dark structure.

  To his right lay a sizeable private pool, its water reflecting the sky like glass.

  He stepped forward slowly.

  "…Wow."

  His mouth remained slightly open.

  Behind him, Eunuch Kang watched in confusion.

  Crown Prince Jin had seen this view every single day of his life.

  Why did he look as though he were seeing heaven for the first time?

  Jin, however, felt only awe.

  Mountain at his back.

  Sea and city before him.

  A palace carved into legend.

  If this was a dream…

  He didn't mind staying asleep a little longer.

  Maybe a few more hours.

  Just enough to enjoy this beautiful, impossible world.

  Unaware that beyond the peaceful morning sky…

  The red moon's omen had not disappeared.

  It had only begun.