The momjong was sent to Haneul's chambers to inform her that guests had arrived and that her father would be hosting a banquet that evening in their honor.
When the maid entered the room, Haneul was seated by the window, gazing at the sky with a distant expression.
"My lady," the servant announced with a small bow, "your father has ordered a banquet for tonight. An old friend of his has arrived with his son, and they wish to celebrate the visit."
Haneul did not even turn her head.
"I will not attend," she replied calmly.
The momjong blinked in surprise.
"Are you feeling unwell, my lady?"
"I would prefer to remain in my chambers tonight."
The woman hesitated for a moment before pressing further.
"The guest is a childhood friend of your father. He has arrived with his son, the Daesagan of the Saganwon. They will be staying here for several days."
Haneul sighed wearily.
"Even so, I will not attend. If you can, offer my apologies to my father and to the guests."
The momjong studied her carefully.
She had known Haneul since they were both young girls, and something in the young woman's face deeply troubled her.
"My lady…" she said cautiously. "You have been different for quite some time. Your face is not the same as before. You used to enjoy every sunrise and every sunset as if they were gifts from heaven."
She paused before asking softly:
"Why have you changed so much?"
Haneul finally turned toward her.
Her eyes were serious—colder than usual.
"Do you not think that question goes beyond your duties?"
The momjong immediately lowered her gaze.
"Go," Haneul said firmly. "Tell my father what I have instructed."
The woman bowed quickly, as if fearing she had committed an offense.
"Forgive my boldness, my lady."
She withdrew in silence.
As she walked down the corridor, she murmured to herself:
"Something is definitely troubling the young lady…"
The message was delivered at once to the household eunuch.
Shortly afterward, his presence was announced in the hall where Haneul's father was seated with his guests. Entering quietly, he approached close enough that only his master could hear him.
Leaning forward slightly, he whispered:
"My lord… Lady Haneul is indisposed and will not attend tonight's banquet."
Han Ji-won listened without speaking.
Then he gave a small gesture with his hand, dismissing the eunuch.
When the man left the room, Han Ji-won remained silent for a few seconds. He had heard the meaning hidden between the messenger's words, and though his expression revealed nothing, a faint worry settled in his heart.
Still, he turned back to his guests with a polite smile.
"My apologies," he said calmly. "My daughter will not be able to join us tonight. She seems to be unwell."
Counselor Yi Seong-jae waved his hand casually.
"Do not worry about it, old friend. Let her rest. We will meet her tomorrow."
The evening continued without interruption.
Night slowly settled over the residence, and between laughter, stories, and cups of tea, the two old friends seemed to return briefly to the days of their youth.
It had been a long time since Han Ji-won had smiled so freely… or since his house had echoed with the warmth of celebration.
But far from that cheerful atmosphere, Haneul was trapped in a storm of thoughts.
The unease in her chest had grown unbearable, and at last she left her chambers to breathe.
She walked slowly toward the back courtyard.
She no longer climbed the cliff as she once did.
To her, that place had become forbidden ground—a territory sealed by memories that still hurt too deeply.
Meanwhile, inside the house, Yi Jun-ho watched the gathering with quiet courtesy. After some time, he excused himself, leaving his father and their host to enjoy their conversation.
He walked toward the corridor leading to the guest quarters.
But before he arrived, something caught his attention.
In the distance, a female silhouette crossed the back courtyard.
Jun-ho stopped.
Without making a sound, he followed the figure with steps as light as feathers.
In the courtyard, Haneul paused beneath the night sky.
She lifted her face toward the stars, seeking in them the only peace she was still capable of finding.
The night was calm, and the heavens stretched above her like an endless mantle.
From a distance, Yi Jun-ho, still unaware of who she was, watched her in silence.
There was something about the way she looked at the sky that left him motionless.
She did not gaze at the stars like someone who merely admired them…
but like someone who understood them.
And for the first time since arriving at the observatory, the young Daesagan felt a quiet curiosity awakening within him toward the mysterious young woman.
End of Chapter
But neither of them yet realized that this quiet moment beneath the stars would become the first thread in a web of secrets, power, and destiny.
Because the woman who studied the heavens…
was already altering the fate written within them.
And soon, Yi Jun-ho would discover that the greatest secret of Cheomseongdae was not hidden in the stars…
But in Haneul herself.