WILE

Prologue

The reign of King Sansang is a legendary chapter in the history of Korea during the Goryeo dynasty. Goryeo's prominence soared globally following the unification of the three kingdoms: Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekjae. King Sansang's approach to governance set him apart as a remarkable and unconventional leader. Unlike his predecessors who often delegated responsibilities and indulged in power, King Sansang actively immersed himself in the affairs of his kingdom. His hands-on approach ensured that his people enjoyed a prosperous and harmonious existence.

This atypical leadership style demanded a similar dedication from his officials, despite the allure of handsome compensations. They marveled at the king's uncommon work ethic, often pondering why he couldn't conform to the typical royal demeanor. However, King Sansang's unyielding commitment to his people earned him unparalleled reverence among his subjects.

Within the confines of his palace, King Sansang defied convention by being a devoted husband to his three wives. This unprecedented practice in Goryeo's history saw one queen and two royal consorts receiving his unwavering affection. While monarchs traditionally maintained harems, King Sansang upheld a unique principle, allowing every woman to marry the man of her choice.

Rumors abound about the deep bond between King Sansang and his queen, Her Royal Highness, Queen Yebin. Their enduring connection dates back to their youth, and Queen Yebin's status as the crown princess and eventual bearing of the king's first child only reaffirms their extraordinary relationship..

The palace

The cloudless azure sky was bathed in the brilliant, golden rays of the sun during a radiant and balmy day in Goryeo. In the midst of the midday sun's intense glow, the earth shimmered under the heat, with birds melodiously chirping, trees swaying gently, and the ground radiating warmth.

The sun cast its luminous glow upon the intricately embroidered five-toed dragon emblem adorning King Sansang's pristine white robe (gonryongpo) as he stood by a tranquil pond in the palace, marveling at the magnificence of nature. Positioned behind him was a vigilant royal guard, an eunuch sheltering him with a grand umbrella, and a multitude of court maids standing respectfully with their heads bowed.

Suddenly, the resplendent sun that had bathed everything in warmth began to dim, as thick clouds obscured the once clear blue sky, signaling the imminent arrival of rain.

Under the watchful eye of Court Lady Song, the king's esteemed court lady, the words gracefully escaped her lips, 'Jeonha, it seems the sky yearns to unleash its burden once more,' she said with serene composure.

"Let's wait a little longer. We'll leave when the rain starts," he replied, his voice tinged with weariness. He let out a heavy sigh, a reflection of the burden he had been carrying for the past few months. He longed for some respite, knowing that he needed to rest.

Shortly after, a middle-aged woman, elegantly attired in a hanbok adorned with minimal gold patterns, reminiscent of the style favored by court lady Song, hurriedly made her way to his side. Her hair, neatly arranged in a bun, was adorned with a delicate hairpin. Upon reaching him, she bowed deeply in a show of utmost respect.

Addressing her, he inquired, "Aren't you one of the Queen's court ladies?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I am," she replied, maintaining her posture of deep reverence.

His heart skipped a beat as he heard her speak. "What brings you here?" he asked calmly.

"Please pardon me, Your Majesty," she replied urgently, "but Her Majesty, the Queen has gone into labor."

That was it! it was all his queen, His mind raced with concern for his queen. Ever since she had become heavy with child, he had been consumed with worry. As her due date came and went two months ago, his anxiety only deepened. The news of her going into labor provided a momentary sense of relief, but his apprehension lingered

"Huh?" He exclaimed nervously, his voice trembling with concern.

"That’s right, Your Majesty, the royal midwife is with her now," she replied, her words carrying a sense of urgency.

"I need to go see her," The King panicked, his heart racing as he made his way to the Queen's quarters. The rain drizzled down, creating a melancholic backdrop as he ran hastily, the sound of his footsteps drowned out by the pitter-patter of the raindrops. He paid no attention to the umbrella held over his head, his only focus being reaching the Queen as quickly as possible.

The Queen’s Palace

The midwife's voice trembled as she addressed the queen, "Jungjeon mama, we need to give it another shot. We're almost there," she pleaded, her eyes reflecting a mix of concern and determination. The queen's agonized groans filled the chamber, each one a testament to her enduring pain. She had been in labor for what seemed like an eternity, yet there were no signs of the baby's imminent arrival.

"I don't know what to do. I feel like I'm dying," the queen groaned, her body drenched in sweat, her once pristine white garment now marred with the evidence of her struggle.

"You can do it, Your Highness," the midwife reassured, her voice unwavering despite the urgency of the situation.

Queen Yebin wept uncontrollably as the rain cascaded down and the lightning cracked like a whip, heralding the approaching storm.

"A little more strength, Your Highness, the baby is coming," urged the midwife.

With a final, gut-wrenching cry, Queen Yebin summoned every ounce of her remaining strength. The heavens seemed to echo her anguish as the baby's first wail pierced the air, filling the chamber with a sense of both relief and awe.

The midwife carefully enveloped the newborn in a soft silk blanket, her face adorned with a wide, joyful grin. "Congratulations, Your Highness. You have been blessed with a healthy prince," she announced with pride.

The queen mustered a faint smile as she gazed at her newborn son. "He gave me such a hard time; he better be healthy," she quipped, her voice trembling with emotion as laughter filled the room. Suddenly, the queen winced, a cry escaping her lips as she clutched the sheets tightly.

Concern etched on her face, the midwife inquired, "What's the matter, Your Highness?" "Quickly, I believe there's another child coming," she urged, passing the first prince to her assistant. As the baby kicked her tiny legs in the air, another cry joined the chorus, filling the room with its sweet sound. The onlookers were captivated by the breathtaking scene. Despite her discomfort, the queen clenched the sheets, groaning with pain as another prince made his grand entrance into the world.

_______

In a grand corridor adorned with exquisite tapestries and flickering torches, King Sansang's anxious footsteps echoed off the stone walls as he paced back and forth outside the Queen's quarters. His brow furrowed with worry, he fervently prayed to the heavens for the safe delivery of their child. Suddenly, the melodious cries of babies filled the air, drawing the attention of everyone nearby. A collective sigh of relief swept through the crowd, and a smile of profound satisfaction illuminated the king's face, blossoming into genuine joy as he laughed with unbridled happiness.

The heavy door creaked open, and the midwife emerged from the room, her eyes alight with joy. "Congratulations, Your Majesty," she announced, her words ringing out like music. Laughter and cheers erupted in the courtyard as the news spread, and all present joined in to celebrate the king's joyous moment.

"Thank goodness," the king exclaimed, releasing a deep, heartfelt sigh of relief, his smile radiant.

"The Queen requires absolute rest, so please be gentle when you're with her," the midwife instructed, her voice carrying a note of gentle authority.

The King's heart raced with excitement as he hurried into the room, eager to see his little family. Upon spotting his frail wife, he quickly sat by her side, cradling her head in his lap. "My queen, are you alright?" he asked with concern.

"It's a triplet, Your Majesty," the queen replied with a faint smile.

"That I can see. Goodness, look how much blood you've lost," the King fretted, gently touching her soaked clothes as the babies cried.

"That's all your fault," the queen teased, grasping his hand as he kissed her forehead.

"Thank you, Da hye," he said emotionally, and the queen responded with a smile before the cries of their babies interrupted them.

"Ah, so which is my Wangja (an apparent heir to the title of the crown Prince)?" the King teased.

Underwater

Mura knelt before her mother, her voice trembling as she pleaded for her babies. "I beg you, mother. These babies are innocent. They haven't committed any sin," she implored, her babies huddled behind her.

The Queen, her expression stern and unyielding, countered, "Babies, you say? They aren't babies, they're humans. To crown it all, they are forbidden humans. They can bring calamities to our world, don't you get it?"

Tears streamed down Mura's cheeks as she confessed, "I'm the one to blame, mother. I mated with a human, so I'm the sinner. Please don't punish my innocent babies."

The Queen's tone remained resolute. "There's nothing I can do. They're not a part of us. They don’t even have tails like us; they have human legs. They can't stay here," she stated firmly.

Desperation filled Mura's voice as she made one final plea. "They're your grandchildren, mother. Please let them stay here. They will live as lowly beings, hidden from the world."

The queen's voice echoed through the underwater chamber, filled with authority and determination as she declared, "Stop it, Mura! Yes, they're my grandchildren, but I'm still the queen of the underwater. I'll go to any length to protect this world."

Mura, her voice trembling with emotion, pleaded, "No, mother, you can't do this to me. I'll die if they leave me!"

Torn by her daughter's heart-wrenching sobs, the Queen made a decision. "Okay, they can stay here in this world, but not as my grandchildren. They're to leave when they're adolescents so as not to cause chaos here," she instructed with a firm resolve.

"Mother, can't they stay with me for a little longer? They'll be too young to be sent to that unknown place all alone," Mura implored.

"You should be grateful I didn't send them to the human world immediately," the Queen snapped back. "They don't belong here. They will have to leave eventually," she concluded, her tone unwavering.

Goryeo

The Queen’s Palace

The atmosphere was filled with the sound of pouring rain and the brilliance of lightning flashing across the sky. The shaman's attention was fixed on the infants as she released a deep, heavy sigh.

"What's troubling you? Are my children safe?" the queen asked in a panicked tone.

"My Queen, I ask for your protection as I reveal what I have witnessed," the shaman said with a frozen expression.

"What's happening? Why are you so agitated?" the queen fretted.

"Forgive me, Your Highness, but I have seen something deeply troubling. A living demon has taken residence in one of the royal babies," the shaman announced, her voice trembling with fear.

"Huh, a living demon, how?" The Queen stammered, her voice trembling with disbelief and fear.

"Mawang has been reborn, Your Highness," She said again, her eyes filled with concern.

"Mawang has been reborn?" the queen muttered in confusion, her mind racing to make sense of the news. "That means....." she said as her face lit up with a mixture of realization and dread.

"Yes, Your Highness, one of the royal triplets is blind," she deduced, her words heavy with the weight of the revelation.

The Queen staggered on her seat as she clutched her hanbok, looking at the babies in pity. A heavy, suffocating feeling settled in her chest as she contemplated the implications. If one of her babies were born blind, then the royal triplets would be stigmatized by the whole country.

"Um, is there any solution to this?" The queen asked nervously, her voice strained with hope and desperation.

"There is, Your Highness," the shaman replied, her expression solemn and unwavering.

"We'll have to perform a sight ritual!" She said with a straight face, her words carrying the weight of a daunting task that lay ahead.