In the kingdom of Kazunaga, the law of the crown had never changed.
Only a man could rule.
It did not matter if the first child of the royal family was a daughter. The throne would always pass to a male heir.
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Many years ago, the ruler of Kazunaga was King Lima.
His first child was Princess Sato.
She was respected in the palace—known for her sharp mind and quiet authority.
But no matter how capable she was, everyone understood the truth.
The crown would never belong to her.
Because she was not born a man.
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Instead, the throne passed to her younger brother—
Prince Korei.
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When King Lima stepped down, Korei ascended the throne and became the new ruler of Kazunaga.
Princess Sato was later married into the powerful Han family, one of the most influential noble houses in the kingdom. Her husband, Choi Han, was respected by both the court and the army.
Together, they had a son.
Haru.
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Because of Kazunaga's law of succession, the future of the throne seemed already decided.
After Korei, the crown would pass to Haru.
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From a young age, Haru was raised like a king.
He studied war.
Politics.
Leadership.
Ministers observed him closely.
The court treated him as the next ruler of Kazunaga.
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Meanwhile, King Korei took a queen from another kingdom.
Catherine of Aryanda.
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She was known for her noble lineage.
And for her fragile health.
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For years, the court believed she would never bear a child.
And so, the kingdom accepted it.
Kazunaga would have no heir from Korei.
Which meant—
one day, the crown would belong to Haru.
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Everything was certain.
Everything was decided.
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Until something unexpected happened.
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Five years after their marriage…
Queen Catherine became pregnant.
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The palace was thrown into shock.
Her condition made the pregnancy dangerous. Many feared it would take her life.
But Catherine refused to abandon the child.
She said she would give the king an heir.
No matter the cost.
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Months later, within the walls of the royal palace of Kazunaga—
a child was born.
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A child no one had expected.
A child that would change the fate of the crown.
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A girl.
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Her name was Eri.
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And from the moment she opened her eyes—
the future of Kazunaga began to shift.