Birth Name : Haruna

Age : 33

Birthplace : Heian-kyo, Nihon

Status : Married

Husband : Seol Seungjo (Baek Gaon)

Children : Mari (6), Nara (3) and Gaon/Koryu (2)

Personality

(+) defined by her poise, grace, and unwavering devotion. In the face of immense pressure, she maintains an elegant composure, never allowing the weight of her responsibilities to show. Her calm demeanor masks a fierce resolve, and beneath her tranquil surface lies a woman capable of great strength and sacrifice when it comes to those she loves.

(-) Haruna’s outward grace hides a deep well of strength, her inner world is also shaped by more cutthroat tendencies. She is highly competitive, never content to be second best, and will do whatever it takes to secure her family's power and legacy. Her sense of justice is fierce, but it often gives way to a vengeful streak when she feels betrayed or wronged. Haruna's inability to forgive runs deep; once someone has crossed her, it is nearly impossible for them to regain her trust. These traits, while fueling her drive, also make her a formidable and sometimes ruthless opponent.

But her beauty was never meant to be a source of happiness or fulfilment. In a world where marriage was about alliances and the continuation of power, her striking appearance became just another asset to be used in the political games of the ruling class.

Their marriage, however, was as cold and transactional as the politics that fueled it. Seungjo’s reliance on Haruna was only for the Fujiwara clan’s resources, never for emotional support or companionship. The role that Haruna had always dreamed of—a true partner—was never hers to claim. Instead, Seungjo found that connection in Songyi, and Haruna’s place in their relationship remained distant, a mere fixture in the background of a power-driven union. She was left in the position of a ceremonial wife, never fully accepted as a partner or confidante. This transactional relationship only deepened the isolation she felt within the confines of her role. Her life has been one of political alliances, unspoken agreements, quiet sacrifices and tethered solely to her familial obligations.

In the years following their marriage, Haruna did what she could to fulfill her duty as a wife. Shortly after their union, she gave birth to a daughter, and a couple of years later, another girl. Haruna found a profound sense of love and fulfillment in motherhood. She cherished the moments with her daughters, their innocence and warmth filling the empty spaces within her soul. Yet, despite the joy her children brought her, a yearning for a son—an heir—remained in her heart. How great would it be to gift her husband with a son, someone who could carry on the legacy of both the Fujiwara and Baek families?

Her inability to produce a male heir, however, became the talk of the court and beyond. Whispers spread throughout the nation, questioning whether Haruna was fit to fulfill her most important duty. The pressure was unbearable, but a few years later, Haruna finally succeeded in bearing a son—Gaon, the long-awaited heir. Her heart soared but the joy of her son's birth was short-lived.

Soon after, a mysterious illness began to spread across the nation, striking down the young and old alike. Fever, weakness, and a relentless cough marked its deadly progression. To Haruna’s horror, Gaon fell gravely ill. Her world, already fraught with political tension and marital distance, was now threatened by this new, unforeseen danger.

She fought with every ounce of her strength to care for Gaon, tending to him day and night, willing him to survive. Being a mother was everything to her. The idea of losing Gaon—the one true legacy she could offer—was too much to bear. Yet, as she nursed him back to health, a troubling thought began to take root in her mind. Something about this illness felt… orchestrated. She couldn’t ignore the nagging suspicion that someone, somewhere, had intentionally set this chain of events in motion. The possibility gnawed at her.

Was this illness aimed at her son, knowing he was next in line to the throne? However, as more people in the court and the surrounding regions fell ill, Haruna tried to push aside her suspicions. After all, it wasn’t just Gaon who was affected. But deep down, her instincts told her that someone—whether within her family or beyond it—was using this illness as a weapon to destabilize her bloodline and prevent her son from securing his place as heir.

Haruna once cared little for the trappings of status, wealth, or power; her heart had always been bound by the quiet, sacred love she held for her children. Yet, the threats to their safety have left her no choice. With the preservation of her family’s legacy at stake, Haruna has resolved that she shall no longer remain a passive figure in the background. She will stand beside her husband, Baek Gaon, to aid him in securing what is rightfully his and ensure a prosperous future for their offsprings, all the while guarding them from the forces that seek to undermine their power.