Chapter 1 — A Eunuch's Bride 2 - The Wedding

Surprisingly, the wedding was simple.

In fact, it barely qualified as a wedding at all.

If one were to marry for show, they'd throw a lavish ceremony to boast before the world. But Emma Lee's wedding passed by in near silence.

She wore the traditional bridal robe, her head covered with a traditional bridal veil cap, her lips painted with rouge—just like any other bride. Yet there was no mat laid out in the courtyard, no guests cheering, no ceremonial procession.

Her wedding ended the moment she bowed to her father and stepped into the waiting sedan chair.

A once-in-a-lifetime event concluded with a single bow. But to Emma Lee, that was a blessing.

At least she wouldn't have to endure whispers: "She married a eunuch!" How fortunate.

And her father seemed relieved too. Though not because he worried for his daughter—no, it was about face. An aristocrat's pride couldn't help but bristle at the thought of giving his daughter to a eunuch.

As the sedan chair carried her from the outskirts toward the city center, Emma Lee felt an odd sensation rise within her.

They were heading north—to Bukchon.

Bukchon—the neighborhood where only the most powerful aristocratic families lived.

Ordinary people didn't come here. You couldn't just buy a house here, no matter how much money you had.

Even wealthy merchants struggled to purchase property in this district. Emma Lee had heard stories: those desperate to connect themselves to noble bloodlines would try to buy homes here, but the established families rarely sold. And when a rare house did become available? It went to someone with connections. The residents of Bukchon were practically permanent fixtures.

And yet, here stood the residence of David Kim, a high-ranking palace eunuch.

I'm going to live in Bukchon.

They called a eunuch's wife a hwancho—a "eunuch's spouse."

Since the engagement, Emma Lee had researched everything about eunuchs. Before, she hadn't cared even a fingertip's worth about them. But now it was her life.

Eunuchs came in two types: senior eunuch and commuting eunuch.

The commuting eunuch eunuchs commuted to the palace daily, entering in the morning and leaving at night—much like ordinary officials.

But senior eunuch eunuchs lived almost permanently inside the palace, rarely stepping outside.

The closer one was to serving the king directly, the less they left the royal grounds. And David Kim? He was exactly that kind of senior eunuch.

More specifically, he held the title of Second Senior Rank official (Daegam).

Sangseon was a Second Senior Rank position—worthy of being addressed as Great Official, or "Great Official." Only ministers of the Six Ministries or the Chief Scholar held such rank.

By rank alone, he stood among the highest echelons of power—closest to the king. What kind of influence could such a man wield?

He could grant a failed civil service examinee like her older brother an official post. He could appoint a magistrate to a rural county.

Of course, he'd be drowning in wealth.

With such authority, aristocrat families would line up day and night, slipping him bribes just for favor.

So he'll hardly ever be home, right? Since he's a palace-bound eunuch, he probably lives at court. That means I can just do whatever I want and live my life freely?

She'd heard that senior eunuch eunuchs left the palace only twice every ten days.

That meant, at most, she might see him seven or eight times a month.

That didn't sound so bad.

No major clashes, no deep entanglements—just a formal, distant marriage. Maybe even bearable.

Could we end up like friends?

There was a nine-year age gap, but perhaps friendship wasn't impossible.

What does he look like? Is it true he has no beard?

Beards were an aristocrat's pride. They never cut them.

Her twenty-five-year-old brother grew hair beneath his nose and chin—though it didn't suit him. Good looks made a beard dignified; on an unattractive man, it was simply dreadful.

A eunuch wouldn't have facial hair at all. Will he adopt a child later? I hope it's a sweet child. Someone to talk to, to keep me company.

Lost in thoughts of a future that hadn't even begun, she suddenly felt the sedan chair slow.

Then—a creaking sound. The gate opening.

The sedan chair jolted.

Have we arrived?

Yes. At last, she had reached David Kim's residence.

"Madam."

The first word Emma Lee heard upon stepping down was "Madam."

Madam? That feels strange.

Hearing herself addressed so formally sent a peculiar ripple through her.

It finally hit her—she had truly entered the household of a powerful, influential man.

"We'll escort you to the inner quarters, Madam."

The woman who greeted her appeared to be a servant of the house.

She looked about ten years older than Emma Lee, with a gentle, warm expression.

"The Master is on duty tonight. He won't return until late."

...

Even on their wedding night, he wouldn't rest?

Did he think so little of this marriage?

Was this union merely a formality to him?

Am I just a decoration? Well… at least I won't have to worry about food anymore.

From the moment the proposal came until today, Emma Lee had done a great deal of thinking. Mainly: what would life be like as a eunuch's wife?

And she'd reached one conclusion: Do whatever I want.

Until now, she'd always wanted things but couldn't do them.

No money. No time. No opportunity.

For six long years, she'd managed the household.

With a lazy, irresponsible father and an older brother with no sense, she'd had no choice.

Even though it was a tiny house, the work never stopped—from dawn till dusk, she'd never known rest.

And the emotional burden? Even heavier.

But now, that was over.

Weren't daughters supposed to become outsiders after marriage?

Besides the cartload of rice she'd brought as dowry, she'd also received bolts of silk, cotton cloth, and silver coins as gifts.

She wasn't sure if it was dowry, bride price, or something else—but her family had received plenty. Her father and brother wouldn't need to worry for a while.

Let them figure things out on their own now.

She planned to cut ties with her birth family—except for her mother.

If her mother ever returned, Emma Lee intended to bring her here separately.

If she told David Kim she was lonely and wished to bring her mother, would he agree?

After all, he wasn't home anyway. He should at least grant her that small request.

"Madam, please come inside and rest."

Following the maid's words, Emma Lee stepped into the main bedroom.

This is it.

She gaped as she looked around the room where she would now live.

It was nothing like her old space—a cramped, one-pyeong room where her head and feet nearly touched opposite walls.

How can a room be this large?

She could roll around here if she wanted. (Though she wouldn't.)

Even walking from the gate to the inner quarters, she'd glanced sideways—this house was enormous.

Truly a ninety-nine-room tiled-roof mansion.

Main hall, inner quarters, servants' quarters, guest wing—why build something so vast for just one person?

He must've lived alone until now.

What was it like to live in such a huge house, all by oneself?

Still wearing her traditional bridal veil cap, she sat down and idly ran her hand across the desk.

The wood grain was exquisite.

On the desk sat brush, inkstone, ink stick, and paper—all neatly arranged.

An elegant orchid painting adorned the folding screen.

A refined, tasteful room.

Nice.

She'd never lived in such a fine place.

Her grandfather had been a county magistrate in the countryside before she was born—but that was long before her time.

When she was born, the family was dirt poor, clinging only to the pride of being aristocrat.

Her father and brother were useless. Only her mother had worked tirelessly.

To young eyes, her mother had seemed extraordinary.

Emma Lee had always wanted to grow up to be strong and responsible, just like her.

But these past six years, crushed under relentless responsibility, she now wanted to throw it all away.

And this marriage? The perfect chance.

"Sake."

On a small table in the center of the room sat a bottle of hap hwang-ju—wedding wine—and two cups, neatly placed.

"I've never drunk alcohol before."

Both cups were set out.

Yet the groom himself was still at the palace, working.

What a strange wedding.

Should I take just a sip? My throat is dry.

She tilted the bottle, filling one cup, then gently touched her lips to it.

The aroma was exquisite.

Is all alcohol this fragrant?

She had no idea—never having tasted it before.

She let the tip of her tongue taste it.

Sweetness, like ripe fruit, bloomed on her palate.

Delicious.

Sweet. Fragrant.

Reminded her of fruits she'd never eaten before.

She drained the cup in one go, then poured another—and gulped that down too.

Should I really keep wearing this traditional bridal veil cap?

The alcohol warmed her, and discomfort crept in.

Her ceremonial robes were cumbersome. She wanted to remove the traditional bridal veil cap. The makeup itched.

Her powdered face itched. Her rouged lips felt sticky.

If weddings happened more than once, this would be unbearable.

But the sash… isn't it supposed to be untied by the groom? Can I undo it myself?

She glanced sideways at the knot on her dress.

Could she untie it alone?

What if the Master comes back tonight, finds I undid it myself, and flies into a rage? What if he calls off the marriage?

She knew her father and brother had already spent part of the silk and cotton given as gifts.

If the marriage were annulled, they'd have to return it—but they'd already used it. There was no way to repay.

Better not touch it.

Right. Best not to do anything that might cause trouble.

Resolved, Emma Lee decided to wait until night.

Surely he'd return before the curfew bell rang.

He couldn't possibly come after that. There was a curfew, after all.

Gradually, her eyelids grew heavy.

She'd woken far too early this morning.

After sleeping late last night, she'd risen at dawn.

She'd needed to pack, tidy up, make sure everything was in order before leaving home for the last time.

She'd done her best until the very end. Now, no one could blame her.

Nodding off.

Her head dipped forward, then snapped back up.

Still wearing the traditional bridal veil cap, she dozed, her head bobbing.

The ornamental tassel on her headdress swayed with each nod.

The front gate opened.

A servant carrying a lantern stepped inside first.

Behind him came a man in official robes.

A man in navy-blue danryeong, layered over armor-like cheollik, wearing a black hat, entered the compound and glanced at the waiting maid.

"Madam is in the inner quarters."

"Has she eaten dinner?"

This man was David Kim—Second Senior Rank, Chief Palace Eunuch of the Royal Court.

Tall and broad-shouldered, he looked less like a eunuch and more like a military officer at first glance.

His voice was deep, his features strikingly handsome. He was thirty years old.

"Did you tell her to rest comfortably?"

"Even so… today is her wedding night. It might seem improper for the Madam to rest alone while the Master hasn't returned."

The maid spoke respectfully, yet firmly.

"Is that so?"

"Yes, Master. For a woman, the wedding night is terribly important."

"If you say so, then it must be."

David Kim called the maid—about thirty herself—"sister," and smirked.

It was rare indeed for a man of such high rank to address a household servant so familiarly.

"What do you think? Does she seem suitable?"

"She's a sharp-looking young lady."

"And her character? Does she seem kind?"

"She will be. Daughters usually resemble their mothers, don't they? The old saying about judging a daughter by her mother's character exists for a reason."

"That's true. If the mother was good, then the daughter likely inherited that goodness."

"Exactly. You've chosen well, Master."

"But will she accept me? I worry she might cry and protest—'I married a eunuch!'"

"That won't happen."

The maid smiled knowingly.

David Kim raised a finger to his lips. Shh.

Suspiciously intimate.

When David Kim entered the bridal chamber, Emma Lee was asleep.

He stared silently at her curled up on top of the quilt, still wearing her traditional bridal veil cap.

Quietly, he sat beside her and removed his hat.

He glanced at the low table.

One of the two cups had a small amount of sake left.

Clearly, she'd drunk alone.

He picked up the bottle and shook it.

The liquid sloshed lightly.

"She drank quite a lot. Little drunkard."

Yet his eyes were smiling.

"Let's see… what do you look like."

He gently leaned in to study her sleeping face.

She'd slept with white powder on her skin and red rouge on her lips.

He chuckled softly.

"You're better without the powder."

Then he reached out and carefully removed the traditional bridal veil cap from her head.

After that, David Kim got busy.

Removing her heavy ceremonial robes took more effort and strength than expected.

How many layers had she worn? He couldn't tell.

And the sashes—why were there so many? He kept untying, yet it never ended.

Finally, he stripped off all her clothes, leaving her in only her undergarments.

He gently laid her flat on the luxurious bed, pulled the quilt over her, and tucked her in.

---

"It's only fair—if you wish to repay me, marry my daughter."

David Kim had never seen Emma Lee before today.

The reason he proposed was simple: to repay a debt of gratitude.

Three months ago, he had nearly died.

Not an exaggeration—he had truly been moments from death.

Just as he'd accepted his fate, an unexpected woman saved him.

That woman was Song Emma Lee's mother.

Thanks to her, he survived.

When he offered to repay her with anything she desired, she asked only one thing: Marry my daughter.

Her daughter was of marriageable age, but their poverty meant no proposals came.

She begged him to take her daughter as his wife.

He couldn't refuse.

David Kim had never intended to marry.

His duties kept him confined to the palace. His household affairs were already managed by the woman he regarded like a sister.

He'd never felt the need for a wife.

In fact, eunuchs taking wives often attracted unwanted gossip—so he'd never considered it.

But how could he deny the woman who saved his life?

Thus, he sent the proposal.

Besides, this girl knew he was a eunuch. She understood there would be no marital duties.

She'd agreed to marry him knowing he was a senior eunuch—someone rarely home. Surely she'd understand his absences.

It was a light-hearted arrangement, made without deep expectation.

He'd seen other eunuchs take wives.

But he never imagined he would.

"She must've liked the fruit wine."

This hap hwang-ju was royal wine, personally gifted by the king.

When the king heard David Kim was marrying, he was delighted.

He even offered David Kim several days of vacation.

Such was the king's affection for him.

Because David Kim had played a crucial role in securing the king's throne.

Without him, the king wouldn't have ascended—let alone survived.

Fate was strange.

Just as David Kim saved the king's life and helped him gain power and status, now Song Emma Lee's mother had saved David Kim—and in turn, David Kim took her daughter as his wife.

A cycle of repaying debts?

"To leave only half a cup? Such a heartless bride."

Smiling, David Kim downed the remaining half-cup in one gulp, then set the cup down.

Fortunately, David Kim didn't care much for alcohol.

Half a cup was enough.

But this heartless bride had nearly emptied the entire bottle by herself.

"Maybe we're well-matched after all."

He removed his danryeong and cheollik. Then hesitated as he reached for his trousers.

If he took them off, he'd be left only in his undershorts.

He couldn't sleep beside a virgin bride in just that.

So he left his trousers on and lay down beside Emma Lee, who was snoring softly.

Side by side on the pillows, sharing one quilt, he listened to her steady breathing.

Strange.

Sleeping beside someone felt odd. He'd been alone for too long.

Long ago, he'd slept crammed in a small room with family.

But that was ages past—when he was very young.

"I suppose introductions and formalities can wait until tomorrow morning."

Tomorrow, he wouldn't enter the palace.

"This is our wedding night. Should I really go to court tomorrow? If I dare, the king will throw me straight into prison. Stay away from the palace for three days."

When David Kim had reported he intended to resume duties tomorrow, the king flew into a rage, shouting as he banished him.

So David Kim was forced to take a three-day break.

An unexpected vacation.

Without this, he wouldn't know how to rest.

It wasn't that he loved work so much—it was that he didn't know what else to do at home.

There was no one there.

The woman he saw as a sister had her own husband and children.

He couldn't steal her time.

At home, he was alone.

At the palace, there was the king, colleagues, purpose.

That was why he became a workaholic.

He simply didn't know what else to do.

No hobbies. No desire for any.

The quilt is so warm.

Sharing it with someone made it wonderfully cozy.

No matter how many fires were lit in the room, winter quilts never warmed properly.

But even without a roaring fire, sharing a quilt with another person made it warm.

Apparently, no fire could match human warmth.

It's been a while. This isn't so bad.

Smiling contentedly, David Kim closed his eyes.

"Hmm."

He shifted in his sleep.

David Kim rarely slept deeply. Since he was ten, he'd never truly fallen into deep slumber. Even asleep, one ear remained alert.

But tonight, he'd slept soundly.

Was it because the quilt was so warm?

"Hmm."

My throat's dry.

Waking from thirst, David Kim slowly sat up.

His eyes fell first on the sake bottle.

Empty.

And he couldn't drink alcohol to quench his thirst.

I'll get water.

Remembering there was no chamber pot by the bed, he started to rise—then froze.

He turned his head.

And locked eyes.

With whom?

With Song Emma Lee.

Emma Lee was sitting in the corner.

The moment their eyes met, both froze in place.

"U-um, that is…"

They hadn't even introduced themselves yet.

They hadn't exchanged greetings, hadn't said Let's get along well from now on.

He'd planned to dress properly and greet her in the morning.

Instead, they'd met like this—in the middle of the night.

David Kim's topknot was slightly messy. That was a small mercy.

Because right now, Song Emma Lee…

Was sitting on the chamber pot.

Her under-skirt lifted slightly, she blinked rapidly.

Psssshhhh.

A soft sound echoed in the silent room.

A stream of water flowed into the empty chamber pot.

And at that exact moment, Emma Lee's face turned bright red.

"Kyaaaaaaah!"

She screamed, yanking her skirt down.

But she couldn't stand up yet.

Because it was still coming.

"Kyaaaaaaah! Kyaaaah!"

Screaming like she'd encountered a robber, she covered her face with both hands.

David Kim, who had been staring dumbfounded, now jumped like a midnight intruder caught in the act—and fled, scrambling for the door.

And thus, Chief Palace Eunuch David Kim experienced an utterly unexpected humiliation on his wedding night.

A self-imposed exile from his own bridal chamber.

Outside the door, sitting on the doorstep beneath the bright full moon, David Kim quietly reflected.

For the briefest instant, he'd seen it—the bottom resting on the chamber pot.

Round. Pale. Just like that full moon.