In a secluded area of the main family estate stood the Yeonhwa Pavilion, a building reserved for significant gatherings, mainly the family’s annual banquet, held perhaps once a year.

The pavilion rarely saw any foot traffic, as it wasn’t used frequently enough to warrant daily upkeep. Other than the occasional visit from maintenance staff and security personnel, it remained quiet most of the time.

Today, however, the Yeonhwa Pavilion buzzed with life.

Hong Yeonhwa raised her head to look up.

The orange glow from luminescent stones embedded in the lanterns hung from the ceiling cast a warm hue over the …