Luna, not born into the Luna royal clan. Born and raised in a nameless fishing village by the river.
Her mother, of humble origin. From childhood, endured scorn for a mother bearing a child without a husband. Yet, she cared little, always laughing, optimistic.
Mother, gentle, warm, ever cheerful.
Life then, though tough, always joyful, warm.
But at eight, war, famine, failed harvests raged. Mother, knowing she wouldn't survive, revealed the truth about her father.
....
"When my mother was in her twenties, she once went casting nets on the river and happened to rescue a man who was on the verge of death, drifting in the water. That man later became my father.
She brought him home and took care of him with great devotion.
Over time, affection grew between them.
But the joy was short-lived. One day, my father left without saying a word, unaware that my mother was already pregnant with me. Though she was heartbroken, she never once regretted giving birth to me.
She passed down to me two keepsakes: a ring and a jade pendant. The ring had been her dowry, a gift from my grandmother when she was a child. Now, she gave it to me. The jade was left behind by my father. My mother told me to always keep smiling, no matter what.
Not long after, my mother passed away. This village no longer had her, and I no longer had any attachment to it.
At the age of eight, I was already forced to live a life of wandering. If it hadn't been for Madam Kim's help, I would have died long ago. She became like a second mother to me.
As the years went by, I came to understand just how harsh and unforgiving life could be—and learned what it takes to survive.
My mother was truly foolish, sacrificing so much for a man. I wanted to find that man and demand an explanation. I wanted him to suffer every hardship my mother had endured.
Following the trail of the pendant, I discovered at the age of twelve that it belonged to the royal Luna family.
But that very discovery led to my arrest. They accused me of stealing royal property. I was imprisoned, tortured, and interrogated. I thought I would die for sure.
But on the morning of my execution—my father came and saved me.
I still remember the look in his eyes when he first saw me: stunned, frozen, and filled with tears—a gaze of someone utterly broken.
He held me in his arms and took me back, caring for me tenderly. For the first time, I felt warmth.
I couldn't believe that the father I had been searching for all those years was the Emperor of the Moonlight Empire.
He knelt in front of me, his eyes full of sorrow and rage. Seeing that anguished expression, I grew furious. "Why is he the one in pain?" I thought.
I struck him, cursed him, called him a heartless man who had brought endless suffering to my mother.
He took it all without protest.
In the end, I broke down in tears—and so did he. He pulled me into his arms, whispering, 'I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... I didn't know...'
After that, he placed one hand on the imperial seal and the other over his heart and began to tell his story."
...
"I wanted to abandon all to live simply with your mother. But one night, the royals came. I knew I had to return, claim the throne, or many kin would die. Once crowned, I couldn't leave the palace. Yet, never forgot your mother. Sent men to search, found no trace. After two months, heard she was killed by bandits, her body desecrated. I grieved deeply. Until days ago, received the jade I gave her in betrothal. Furious, thought its holder tied to those bandits. But learning it was a twelve-year-old girl, I hoped. And, thankfully, arrived in time. Now, let me care for you. I swear, by the royal name, those involved will face my wrath."
…
His eyes, his demeanor, not false. Heart warmed, yet an unease lingered, indescribable. But his patient, tender care, steadfast, felt like Mother's. The warmth dreamed of nightly.
Later, became the most pampered princess, privileges surpassing the heir… Gradually, ceased blaming Father.
..
"But deep down, still dislike men who, for duty, abandon the women they love."
Night fell, a full moon high. Breezes carried mountain forest scents. In the courtyard, a small fire, skewers of meat sizzling, fragrant.
Noah, Lalatina, Liora, silently listened to Luna recount her tale.
When it ended, Noah, quietly marveling. So, as a child, she suffered thus.
Yet, somehow, felt Luna's glances, intentional or not, darting his way.
No way, targeting me? That last line was definitely about me. That fabricated story… What now? Must resolve this, lest misunderstandings grow.
"Luna, in your subconscious, two thoughts clash. One, the real pain you endured, birthing a personality to shield from external threats. The other, your parents' hopes, wishing you joy, laughter, sparking a kind, lively personality. These conflict, causing inner turmoil."
"Let me tell you a story, for reference."