EO SUNSIN IS JOINING THE SOCIAL SEASON。
EO SUNSIN
"He striks a dashing figure when he wants to, and he always wants to. I remind him sometimes that vanity is a sin. He infuriatingly never fails to respond that it is the most striking one."
— Marchioness Eo Sumin, eldest sister
— Marchioness Eo Sumin, eldest sister
FACECLAIM Kim Kibum (Shinee)
BACK UP Hui (Pentagon)
BACK UP Hui (Pentagon)
WARDROBE Sunsin is a fashionable one, always making sure he strikes a good figure wherever he is. He likes to be a little flashy, none of that classy toned down appeal to him, if you can't see he looks better than anyone else in the room then what is even the point of dressing up? As subtle as a peacock.
"He is far too clever for his own good. I have been trying to get him to come to one of my soirees for weeks but he always slithers out of it!"
— Countess Jung, whose daughter he does not wish to cal upon
— Countess Jung, whose daughter he does not wish to cal upon
PERSONALITY Sunsin was blessed with a wit as sharp as his cheekbones, if only he had the ambition to actually do something with it. A keen intellect but no patience to back it up, Sunsin has a curiosity for the new and interesting but never any patience for things as dull as study. Similarly, while he's always thrilled by a battle of wits, a battle with swords is best left to those dullards who had nothing better to do than complete their drills (when one's mind is dull one must find an edge elsewhere, he supposes). Sunsin has much better things to do, such as ponder the world, get into lively discussions, drink far too much soju, and nap. He is a bit like a cat in that anything that interests him will see him hyper-focused but anything that doesn't interest him will see him wishing he was sitting somewhere in the sun, sleepin the day away.
But of course, Sunsin has a reputation and an image to uphold, and the mask is a practiced one. You see, Sunsin is the kind of man who could probably conquer the world if he put his mind to it, if only his nemesis wasn't his own disinterest and absolute lack of ambition. Thus also comes his conflicted feelings about society. On the one hand he loves the gossip, the secret wars fought in glances and fans held just so and double entendres he could graps from a mile away. Polite society is a battlefield much more suited to him than any military or politics ever would be and he excells at this dance. On the other hand he's easily bored by the conventional, and while ballroom politics and scandals are ever interesting, polite remarks and small talk are not. He must marry, and thus he must dance with a multitude of ladies, but he can't bear the dull small talk when there are so many more interestin things to observe. Truly, the match making is one of the least interesting things that happens in a ballroom.
But of course, Sunsin has a reputation and an image to uphold, and the mask is a practiced one. You see, Sunsin is the kind of man who could probably conquer the world if he put his mind to it, if only his nemesis wasn't his own disinterest and absolute lack of ambition. Thus also comes his conflicted feelings about society. On the one hand he loves the gossip, the secret wars fought in glances and fans held just so and double entendres he could graps from a mile away. Polite society is a battlefield much more suited to him than any military or politics ever would be and he excells at this dance. On the other hand he's easily bored by the conventional, and while ballroom politics and scandals are ever interesting, polite remarks and small talk are not. He must marry, and thus he must dance with a multitude of ladies, but he can't bear the dull small talk when there are so many more interestin things to observe. Truly, the match making is one of the least interesting things that happens in a ballroom.
He's extremely secretive and difficult to read, a quality he has had to nurture to cover for some... unforeseen circumstances of his person. He is also rather perceptive and greatly enjoys soaking in the scandal around him, mostly to root for the scandalous ones. It makes life more interesting, does it not? After all, rule eist to be broken. Isn't he the living proof of that? Sunsin mocks the shallows of society, but he plays the game oh so well, one would be hard-pressed to see his true self under the mask until he lets a little of that sharp wit out, the kind that shades more than is fair, a little mockery of the charade in front of them. But he would also be lying if he said he didn't adore the peacockery of it all, strutting in your finest softest silks, the dancing and the material boasts and the oh so necessary grandeur. He would also be lying if he said he wasn't excellent at the secret wars and battles that is polite society, at navigating the unspoken but iron-set rules of the ton, at charming a dowager with just the right comments on her impeccable taste, or complimenting the hostess' little daughter just so she feels a little included with the grown-ups. Women, especially, are the ones he feels right at home around. Men? Hardly.
But in truth, Sunsin just yearns to escape the moment he arrives at the Eo manor in Seoul. No matter how good he is at the charade, no matter how much it feels like the persona slips on like a glove, it isn't true. It's a falsehood. A falsehood that feels as natural as breathing but is still a falsehood if the charmed ever so pleasant company would turn on him the moment they knew his true nature. He would much rather pack up his bags and go back to traveling with Kijo and slip on the comforts of (priviledged) anonimity. He's far more out of place in the jungles of Vietnam than he's ever been on the battlefield of a ball but one of these is welcome to the face of his true self and the other very much is not. Thus, he flees the only place he ever truly feels in his element.
But in order to return to those jungles he must first find a wife. One season, he only has to endure it for one season. Find a wife, deposit her at the estate, and go back to following his heart, which is to say, Kijo.
And then he meets Yongdam, and maybe her heart aligns more closely to his than he ever imagined.
But in order to return to those jungles he must first find a wife. One season, he only has to endure it for one season. Find a wife, deposit her at the estate, and go back to following his heart, which is to say, Kijo.
And then he meets Yongdam, and maybe her heart aligns more closely to his than he ever imagined.
BACKGROUND Sunsin was born the only son to the Duke of Jeolla, a rather prestigiou and old-fashioned family who proudly trace their lineage back to the ancient kingdom of Baekje. His father held him up to impossible standards of masculinity Sunsin could never fulfill, so he got used to be a disappointment early on. Thankfully, Sunsin was stubborn enough to go his own path no matter what, despite the constant efforts of his father to see in him some of the perfect gentleman he wanted. Aside from a frosty relationship with his father, Sunsin got along swimingly with his youngest sister and well enough with his mother, but h always felt the constraints of expectations. That alongside the blossoming feeling of otherness that culminated kissing his loyal knight in the shadows of the stables and, well, you see why an escape might have been in order.
So at 20, he packed up his things and started traveling the continent alongside his knight and close friend Kijo. This wasn't necessarily something shocking, many young men chose to travel in their adolescence, though Sunsin and Kijo certainly took more adventurous destinations than the usual noble cities and courts. In fact, Sunsin was never happier and more free than when he was far away from any court at all. He traveled longer than was usual or desired, ignoring many a long-travelled letter from his mother urging him to come home.
Then tragedy struck a year and a half before the present. His father passed from cancer while Sunsin and Kijo were exploring the Buddhist temples of Nepal. He traveled back as soon as he could, which of course took months, and he missed the funeral. He was met by his uncle, who now oversaw the duchy, and given The News. Ever obsessed with his lineage and dismayed at Sunsin's lack of interest in such, the testament demands that Sunsin must first get married before he can receive his inheritence and title. Sunsin gives no s about the title but, well, it's difficult to do your priviledged rich boy avoiding responsibility and traveling when one is no longer a priviledged rich boy. Angry and frustrated, he grabbed his not yet unpacked belongins and left. For a year he traveled with Kijo until the funds started drying and he had to face the fact that yes, he must get married.
And thus here he is, attending the season for the first time since he was 20, having to get reacquainted with old acquaintances, and find himself A Wife.
So at 20, he packed up his things and started traveling the continent alongside his knight and close friend Kijo. This wasn't necessarily something shocking, many young men chose to travel in their adolescence, though Sunsin and Kijo certainly took more adventurous destinations than the usual noble cities and courts. In fact, Sunsin was never happier and more free than when he was far away from any court at all. He traveled longer than was usual or desired, ignoring many a long-travelled letter from his mother urging him to come home.
Then tragedy struck a year and a half before the present. His father passed from cancer while Sunsin and Kijo were exploring the Buddhist temples of Nepal. He traveled back as soon as he could, which of course took months, and he missed the funeral. He was met by his uncle, who now oversaw the duchy, and given The News. Ever obsessed with his lineage and dismayed at Sunsin's lack of interest in such, the testament demands that Sunsin must first get married before he can receive his inheritence and title. Sunsin gives no s about the title but, well, it's difficult to do your priviledged rich boy avoiding responsibility and traveling when one is no longer a priviledged rich boy. Angry and frustrated, he grabbed his not yet unpacked belongins and left. For a year he traveled with Kijo until the funds started drying and he had to face the fact that yes, he must get married.
And thus here he is, attending the season for the first time since he was 20, having to get reacquainted with old acquaintances, and find himself A Wife.
TRIVIA
- He plays the pianoforte rather skillfully. This isn't customary for a man, music was mostly a woman's area in nobility, but Sunsin loves music and wasn't content to just wait around for one of his sisters to play.
- He plays the pianoforte rather skillfully. This isn't customary for a man, music was mostly a woman's area in nobility, but Sunsin loves music and wasn't content to just wait around for one of his sisters to play.
- He is also an excellent dancer, possessing a natural grace and knack for it which absolutely saved his from humiliation as he does not have the patience for constant practice.
- Give him a sword tho and he's absolutely useless. That's what Kijo's for, thankfully. Thank god for personal knights, amirite? Sunsin will cut you with his words, he'll probably just cut himself with a sword.
- He has an absolulely stellar repatutation amongt mothers for never getting into a scandal of womanising. Not a single rumour exists of a mistress or a trip to the brothels, truly Sunsin is an upstanding citizen, Jesus would be proud.
- He has a penchant for rooting for the underdog, partially because he secretly is one, partially because they tend to make society a little more interesting.
- Very good at coming up with creative solutions and strategy though. Sunsin can look 10 steps ahead if he's motivated. He just, you know, has to get off his lazy and turn that brain on first. Will think of some extremely convoluted plan to get out of a party or and extremely convoluted excuse to refuse a dance right on the spot, while still flattering the recepient into thinking that truly he wanted nothing more than to dance with her daughter but alas.
- While Sunsin does truly like adventure and exploring new things, much of his desire to stray from the regular path of court-hopping people of his rank do on their travels comes from the simple fact that the farther one is from a court, the fewer eyes are upon you.
- He has an absolulely stellar repatutation amongt mothers for never getting into a scandal of womanising. Not a single rumour exists of a mistress or a trip to the brothels, truly Sunsin is an upstanding citizen, Jesus would be proud.
- He has a penchant for rooting for the underdog, partially because he secretly is one, partially because they tend to make society a little more interesting.
- Very good at coming up with creative solutions and strategy though. Sunsin can look 10 steps ahead if he's motivated. He just, you know, has to get off his lazy and turn that brain on first. Will think of some extremely convoluted plan to get out of a party or and extremely convoluted excuse to refuse a dance right on the spot, while still flattering the recepient into thinking that truly he wanted nothing more than to dance with her daughter but alas.
- While Sunsin does truly like adventure and exploring new things, much of his desire to stray from the regular path of court-hopping people of his rank do on their travels comes from the simple fact that the farther one is from a court, the fewer eyes are upon you.
RELATIONSHIPS
"He avoids his responsibilities cleverly, I haven't seen him in society for years. But, it seems Eo Sunsin is finally ready to do his duty, mothers should be ecstatic with an eligibile duke joining the season."
— Queen Sujeong from Imperial House of Kim
— Queen Sujeong from Imperial House of Kim
Queen Sujeong / Imperial House of Kim / 4
— Sunsin has attended 2 seasons when he was young, to accompany his family (his mother and sisters for the social seasons, his father for the simultaneous political one). He was already a charmer then, though with far less of a skillful mask and thus more openly lazy and vain. She probably remembers him having promise and rather flamboyant charm. Then he left for years and the ton went on without him. I imagine she's rather surprised to see him again and maybe a little pleased he finally seems ready to settle down and stop being an incorigible bachelor.. (Nobody yet knows he has to marry for his inheritance)
— Sunsin has attended 2 seasons when he was young, to accompany his family (his mother and sisters for the social seasons, his father for the simultaneous political one). He was already a charmer then, though with far less of a skillful mask and thus more openly lazy and vain. She probably remembers him having promise and rather flamboyant charm. Then he left for years and the ton went on without him. I imagine she's rather surprised to see him again and maybe a little pleased he finally seems ready to settle down and stop being an incorigible bachelor.. (Nobody yet knows he has to marry for his inheritance)
Lord Yul / Imperial House of Yul / 1
— There is a historic rivalry between the duchy of Jeolla and the duchy of Gyeongsang going back to the days they were the kingdom of Baekje and Sulla. None of that nonesenes was really necessary for Yul and Sunsin to not get along however. Yul is the prime example of the kind of son Sunsin's father would have loved to have. A capable warrior to bring pride to the family, a beautiful wife ready to continue the line with, bla bla. Sunsin has never really been good with befriending The Straights, particularly not those who were pinnacles of masculinity or some such. Best avoided.
— There is a historic rivalry between the duchy of Jeolla and the duchy of Gyeongsang going back to the days they were the kingdom of Baekje and Sulla. None of that nonesenes was really necessary for Yul and Sunsin to not get along however. Yul is the prime example of the kind of son Sunsin's father would have loved to have. A capable warrior to bring pride to the family, a beautiful wife ready to continue the line with, bla bla. Sunsin has never really been good with befriending The Straights, particularly not those who were pinnacles of masculinity or some such. Best avoided.
Lady Hyemok / House Eo, former house Park / mother / 6
— His mother is a typical busy-body, though things have been a little awkward since the death of his father and his return. Sunsin feels guilt for not being there in the time of his family's need, which of course manifests in pushing them farther away. Hyemok, meanwhile, is overjoyed that he finally seems ready to start a family and she's already thinking of the wonderufl amount of grandchildren he'll give her (oh honey). She's trying to set him up and matchmake him where she can, being familiar with many of the eligible ladies and social standings.
Marchioness Sumun / House -unused marq level surname-*, former house Eo / eldest sister / 5
*not naming the house for your sanity, you can name it later if you eed it <3
— Sumun is 3 years younger than Sunsin, but they were never particularly close. As the only son he was tutored apart from her while she was groomed to be this perfect responsible little future wife, a duty she always took seriously. She married well, to a powerful marquis, and Sunsin lost almost all the little connection they had, not in the least because of his constant disappearing acts.
Lady Suwan / House -same as above-, former house Eo / youngest sister / 9
— Despite being 6 years younger, Suwan was always the one Sunsin was closest to. She has a little fire in her that made their mother sigh helplessly in frustration and made Sunsin grin. He doesn't remember how often Suwan would beg him to play the piano in the parlor to make it sound like she was there while she was off on some mischief. He absolutely doted on her and was chastised quite often for spoiling her when he was still often at home. He can't believe his wild chaotic little sister got married.
-collabs-
Ha Kwang / future favourite artist / ?
— It's Sunsin's mother who suggests they might offer popular painted Ha Kwang patronage now that his commissions for the Nam family are completed. Sunsin sees no harm in it, he appreciates the arts tremendously, and he appreciates the beauty of his own face reflected on canvas even more. Besides, the painter amuses him and makes for brilliant conversations. Why shouldn't he offer him his patronage? He has no idea of Kwang's relationship to Yongdam of course.
If you choose to delve into their relationship as well, Sunsin would be totally cool with it of course (kinda hypocritical not tobe) but would absolutely have fun ing with Kwan who does not know this. Besides, it would be nice not to be the only civilized person in this now love quadrant.
So while Kwang is pining and then feeling guilt for pinin after his patron's betrothed, Sunsin is just absolutely rooting for him. Just maybe like wait until he and Yongdam are married, he doesn't fancy having to do this whole wife finding dance all over again should a scandal Ruin Everthing. Like please let him put a ring on her and THEN you can shag his wife, Kwang.
If you choose to delve into their relationship as well, Sunsin would be totally cool with it of course (kinda hypocritical not tobe) but would absolutely have fun ing with Kwan who does not know this. Besides, it would be nice not to be the only civilized person in this now love quadrant.
So while Kwang is pining and then feeling guilt for pinin after his patron's betrothed, Sunsin is just absolutely rooting for him. Just maybe like wait until he and Yongdam are married, he doesn't fancy having to do this whole wife finding dance all over again should a scandal Ruin Everthing. Like please let him put a ring on her and THEN you can shag his wife, Kwang.
Lady Byul / House Jung / acquaintance / 1
— Lady Byul, ever the beauty, was one of the girls Sunsin's mother suggested he dance with. One dance was all Sunsin needed to know that he wasn't particularly keen on a second. Her air of vapid lady bored him to tears and he sees her as exactly the worst kind of shallow debutante, beautiful yet critically uninteresting. Of course he's wrong about that, but he is so quick to form an opinion.
Jeon Yoonhak / House Jeon / surprisingly, friend / 8
— Sunsin has been away from polite society for so long, he's woefully deprived of gossip, but the one of the first things he picks up is that Jeon Yoonhak is no good. That, of course, made Sunsin's ears perk up instantly, especially when Yoonhak is only no good when you're a concerned mother. Always here to root for the underdog, Yoonhak and his story amuse him greatly and he''s rooting for the guy to probably get his act together while hopefully never stop being a thorn in polite society's eye.
What he didn't expect was for the interest and amicability to be reciprocated, they actually get on rather well. Getting on rather well with someone so, at least at first glance, hyper masculine as Yoonhak is certainly new for Sunsin (were he a little more modern he might revel at finally infiltrating The Straights) but undoubtedly Yoonhak keeps things interesting even in conversation. You might be able to find them having a drink together where Sunsin lets the mask slip and court shade drip out, before happily discussing incidents of their travels. Now what happens after a few too many of those drinks? Eh, no comment, your honour.
&space &space
NAM YONGDAM
"She is awful, Kijo. By far the single worst dancer I have ever had the absolute pleasure of dancing with. Yes, worse than you if ever you could believe me. You're sorry? Kijo, it was the best time I've had at a ball in my life!"
— Eo Sunsin
— Eo Sunsin
THEIR STORY It's Sunsin's first ball since returning to society. He's agonised ovr his wardrobe, refreshed his dance steps by torturing Kijo with lessons, and gotten his mother to refresh him on all of the important people and (much more interestingly) gossip. Then he's at some distant relative's ball and it takes one single dance for him to be bored. The dancing is fun, mind, Sunsin has always enjoyed the energetic country dances full of intricate steps. It's the atmosphere surrounding it. The looks, the whispers, the expectations, oh god the pleasantries. He's 30 minutes in but if he has t discuss the weather or the decorations one more time he shall scream. He looks to be in his element, smiling and charming, but inside he suffers. His mother steers him at this girl or that and he dutifully dances which each of them, but at the end he can hardly remember which girls bored him the most.
He's seen Yongdam in passing a few times now. She wasn't one of his mother's picks but after half of a night of seeing her sit in that same chair he truthfully felt bad for her. Wasn't it supposed to be chivalrous to offer a dance to a seated lady? Truly how is the molly* the most gentlemanly in attendance? The upcoming dance was one of his favourites (high energy, lots of footwork, time to be a show-off) so he approached this neglected lady and offered her the dance.
And thus, within about 3 steps of the dance, Sunsin finds out exactly why Yongdam wasn't popular on the dance floor. You see, Yongdam is a horrible dancer. Truly, it is absolutely tragic in a way that completely blindsides Sunsin. To spare his toes and the ones of Yongdam's neighbours, Sunsin quickly prompts the next steps an she actually manages to follow the instructions and before Sunsin can stop himself he's laughing with sheer joy at the absurdity and fun of it all. There's something so enjoyable about this conspiratorial cooperation. "twirl on your right here" "to your left- other left!"
It was complete and utter chaos. It was absolutely delightful. It was the best fun he'd had at a ball, like, ever.
And when the dance ended, Yongdam is the girl he remembers.
He's seen Yongdam in passing a few times now. She wasn't one of his mother's picks but after half of a night of seeing her sit in that same chair he truthfully felt bad for her. Wasn't it supposed to be chivalrous to offer a dance to a seated lady? Truly how is the molly* the most gentlemanly in attendance? The upcoming dance was one of his favourites (high energy, lots of footwork, time to be a show-off) so he approached this neglected lady and offered her the dance.
And thus, within about 3 steps of the dance, Sunsin finds out exactly why Yongdam wasn't popular on the dance floor. You see, Yongdam is a horrible dancer. Truly, it is absolutely tragic in a way that completely blindsides Sunsin. To spare his toes and the ones of Yongdam's neighbours, Sunsin quickly prompts the next steps an she actually manages to follow the instructions and before Sunsin can stop himself he's laughing with sheer joy at the absurdity and fun of it all. There's something so enjoyable about this conspiratorial cooperation. "twirl on your right here" "to your left- other left!"
It was complete and utter chaos. It was absolutely delightful. It was the best fun he'd had at a ball, like, ever.
And when the dance ended, Yongdam is the girl he remembers.
~*~
So, as it is custom to call upon a lady the day after a ball, Yongdam is the name that floats to mind and he finds he actually enjoys her company. No simple pleasantries here, Yongdam can more than keep up with his ephemisms and doublespeak and shade while offering her own right in return.Not only that, but, once she opens up, he finds Yongdam is filled with a spark that ever fascinates her. Would he normally care for something as banal as the value of a radish? Absolutely not. But when Yongdam starts talking about her garden she does so with such life and passion that anything she'd say could keep him invested. Anyone else looks at them and sees the romance of the season, but Sunsin feels he's found someone who could be a true friend. The more time he spends with her, the more he feels the outcome he didn't even dare hope for, a wife whose company he actually enjoys, might come to pass.
Kijo is less pleased. He was never a fan of this whole thing to begin with, as much as he can see the necessity of it, but he actually really likes Yongdam and feels she deserves better than being tricked into a sham marriage. The moral ambiguity of it all really weighs on hi, he's far less able to push his own selfreservation before the rights of others, that has always come easier to Sunsin than him. They argue frequently, Kijo wants Sunsin to come clean to Yongdam before the proposal so she can make an informed decision, Sunsin fears she will be offended and out them both. Sunsin is just really really scared of trusting anyone with this secret. Kijo wins though, and Sunsin concedes that he shall tell her when he'll propose the next day, and then when it comes to it he completely chickens out. She's overjoyed and he just feels so much guilt wow.
And then she walks in on Sunsin and Kijo having a rather more intimcate moment than two gentlemen ought to have and the cat is out of the bag anyway. Cue panic, stress (come on),doom scenarios repeating through both of their minds. Sunsin would be ostracized by society but protected by his title, but Kijo would see the pillories at best the gallows at worst should a formal accusation be drawn against them. To put it in a fitting yet anachronistic way: in their minds they are well and truly boned.
As Yongdam processes, Sunsin's mind is awirl with planning an back-up planning. He cold probably over-rule her word in court as he outranks her, unless anyone who dislikes them backs her up. Or her father. And his reputation would be forever stained. Could they perhaps escape abroad? Somehow make do without his fortune? Perhaps he could install himself as some foreig court's pet banished duke, though he would have to forbid Kijo from ever dancing lest they be kicked out. If only he were more stdious, he could have pretended to be all proper and pious and scholarly and retreated to one libraries of Shanghai... Peraps Kijo could become a mercenary and he could tag alon as his pretty squire like knights in the old tales. They'd never have to return to Korea ever again! Perhaps he could flee to Japan and become an informant, callously tossing his people to their age-old nemeses. Or better! Travel all the way to France where a bloody revolutions had actually made a land safe for the likes of them.
Kijo is less pleased. He was never a fan of this whole thing to begin with, as much as he can see the necessity of it, but he actually really likes Yongdam and feels she deserves better than being tricked into a sham marriage. The moral ambiguity of it all really weighs on hi, he's far less able to push his own selfreservation before the rights of others, that has always come easier to Sunsin than him. They argue frequently, Kijo wants Sunsin to come clean to Yongdam before the proposal so she can make an informed decision, Sunsin fears she will be offended and out them both. Sunsin is just really really scared of trusting anyone with this secret. Kijo wins though, and Sunsin concedes that he shall tell her when he'll propose the next day, and then when it comes to it he completely chickens out. She's overjoyed and he just feels so much guilt wow.
And then she walks in on Sunsin and Kijo having a rather more intimcate moment than two gentlemen ought to have and the cat is out of the bag anyway. Cue panic, stress (come on),doom scenarios repeating through both of their minds. Sunsin would be ostracized by society but protected by his title, but Kijo would see the pillories at best the gallows at worst should a formal accusation be drawn against them. To put it in a fitting yet anachronistic way: in their minds they are well and truly boned.
As Yongdam processes, Sunsin's mind is awirl with planning an back-up planning. He cold probably over-rule her word in court as he outranks her, unless anyone who dislikes them backs her up. Or her father. And his reputation would be forever stained. Could they perhaps escape abroad? Somehow make do without his fortune? Perhaps he could install himself as some foreig court's pet banished duke, though he would have to forbid Kijo from ever dancing lest they be kicked out. If only he were more stdious, he could have pretended to be all proper and pious and scholarly and retreated to one libraries of Shanghai... Peraps Kijo could become a mercenary and he could tag alon as his pretty squire like knights in the old tales. They'd never have to return to Korea ever again! Perhaps he could flee to Japan and become an informant, callously tossing his people to their age-old nemeses. Or better! Travel all the way to France where a bloody revolutions had actually made a land safe for the likes of them.
But then Yongdam calls and Sunsin braces himself for the worst. He really really liked her but maaaybe for one half of a second he considered pushing her out of the window and running for it. Look, days of fight or flight panic are not good for the psyche ok. But there is no ruination, there are no charged. He never even thought to include this scenario in his plans A-Z, never even considered the possibility that she might not think them godless sodomites but here she is and she is still willing to marry him despite it all and he could cry right then and there. He might actually have, it's all a bit of a blur.He remembers Kijo lifting her up and spinning her around with joy.
From then on everything is so much easier. No more pretense, no more being the perfect fairy tale duke. Finally he can just e Eo Sunsin around her with no caveats or asterisks or amendments. Society might look at them and see the romance of the season, but Sunsin has truly found love. Just the equally wonderful platonic kind.
* regency-era slang for gay men
From then on everything is so much easier. No more pretense, no more being the perfect fairy tale duke. Finally he can just e Eo Sunsin around her with no caveats or asterisks or amendments. Society might look at them and see the romance of the season, but Sunsin has truly found love. Just the equally wonderful platonic kind.
* regency-era slang for gay men
...
SU KIJO
"If only your smile wasn't so beautiful, there would be a lot fewer ladies with mangled toes in Seoul. But alas, I cannot blame them wishing for a dance."
— Eo Sunsin
FACECLAIM Hyunsik (BtoB)
BACK UP Young K (Day6)
BACK UP Young K (Day6)
WARDROBE Simple and discreet where he can. Most of his wardrobe is sponsored by the Eos and of considerable quality, but Kijo is not one for standing out. He says it's his duty to blend into the shadows. Sunsin says that's poppycock, isn't a bodyguard supposed to be seen for the sake of prevention? Kijo grumbles something under his breath while Sunsin is already picking out exactly what outfit would suit Kijo for the next ball. Kijo endures it knowing his turn will come dressing a complaining Sunsin in more subtle atire for their travels. Comeuppance is never far away.
"Did you hear about lord Eo's knight? He frequents balls frequently but rumor has it he put his duty above romance. Isn't that just so inspiring? Truly, knights should look upon his loyalty as exemplary."
— idk someone in the gossip mill
— idk someone in the gossip mill
PERSONALITY
There are two distinct sides to Kijo. To a person unknown or untrusted, Kio is closed and reserved. Distrustful by nature, he doesn't easily open up or show his true face. Sunsin hides behind a thetre mask, Kijo hides behind meters-thick walls where the only genuine thing filtering through is his awkwardness in the face of proper social conduct. Kijo is a fish out of the water in polite society, a bit of an elephant in a china shop of unspoken taboos no matter how much Sunsin tries to help a teach him. He's never had a gift for people and too much of a ift for stepping on toes even without the walls, you see, and unlike Sunsin appeasin total strangers is just not all that high on his list of priorities. That and there is also the layer of his common blood, something that he is well aware makes hi a triviality at most and an outcast at worst in social situations. Part of him feels that if he should reject high society then high society doesn't have the power to reject him. But unfortunately keeping Sunsin safe is his job, and one he has a vested interest in, and Sunsin goes to social occasions thus often so must Kijo.
But we mentioned two sides, did we not? The other side, the one seen by those trusted, shed in degrees like the layers of an onion (at the start of the story just Kijo and partially Yoonhak and Sunsin's family who he gets on well with), is a surprisingly easygoing man. Kijo is naturally fairly straight-laced simple solutions to complex problems kinda guy, but he also has a wicked straight-faced kind of humour and just waiting for an opportunity to bust out the story of how Sunsin got scammed by this band of urchins in Nanjing. He has the most delightful laugh, one Sunsin could wax poetic about for hours, all disappearing eyes and booming joy. Sure, he's generally the grounding force that keeps Sunsin from going off the rails too much, but he's just as ready to gab a pint with Yoonhak and talk about the wonders of Nepal. He is someone who can go from optimitic and playful to serious in a heartbeat if danger is perceived, and will surely hold onto any episode of ridicule to tease Sunsin with later, just as Sunsin is gleefully holding onto every moment of Kijo ball failures. Sure, Sunsin got robbed blind in Nanjing, but do you want to hear about that time Kijo managed to offend the entire court of Saigon??
Kijo also has a very strong moral compass and is an excellent influence of the more self-serving Sunsin in that regard. With that in mind he's also the one most concerned about this scheme and the moral implecations thereof. He's also voted most likely to throw a coin at an urchin, just as he's most likely to shoo a fake disabled beggar away. He's a big softie honestly, and much more cognizant of class struggles than Sunsin could ever hope to be, what with how he teeters on the edge himself. He has a worldliness gained from walking miles in both shoes, among the low and the high born. He understands things Sunsin in all his priviledge never could, and does try to give back some of the fortune to those who did not receive it. Slight bit of survivors guilt there, but like many things Kijo isn't one to dwell upon them. He simply gives back and moves on.
There are two distinct sides to Kijo. To a person unknown or untrusted, Kio is closed and reserved. Distrustful by nature, he doesn't easily open up or show his true face. Sunsin hides behind a thetre mask, Kijo hides behind meters-thick walls where the only genuine thing filtering through is his awkwardness in the face of proper social conduct. Kijo is a fish out of the water in polite society, a bit of an elephant in a china shop of unspoken taboos no matter how much Sunsin tries to help a teach him. He's never had a gift for people and too much of a ift for stepping on toes even without the walls, you see, and unlike Sunsin appeasin total strangers is just not all that high on his list of priorities. That and there is also the layer of his common blood, something that he is well aware makes hi a triviality at most and an outcast at worst in social situations. Part of him feels that if he should reject high society then high society doesn't have the power to reject him. But unfortunately keeping Sunsin safe is his job, and one he has a vested interest in, and Sunsin goes to social occasions thus often so must Kijo.
But we mentioned two sides, did we not? The other side, the one seen by those trusted, shed in degrees like the layers of an onion (at the start of the story just Kijo and partially Yoonhak and Sunsin's family who he gets on well with), is a surprisingly easygoing man. Kijo is naturally fairly straight-laced simple solutions to complex problems kinda guy, but he also has a wicked straight-faced kind of humour and just waiting for an opportunity to bust out the story of how Sunsin got scammed by this band of urchins in Nanjing. He has the most delightful laugh, one Sunsin could wax poetic about for hours, all disappearing eyes and booming joy. Sure, he's generally the grounding force that keeps Sunsin from going off the rails too much, but he's just as ready to gab a pint with Yoonhak and talk about the wonders of Nepal. He is someone who can go from optimitic and playful to serious in a heartbeat if danger is perceived, and will surely hold onto any episode of ridicule to tease Sunsin with later, just as Sunsin is gleefully holding onto every moment of Kijo ball failures. Sure, Sunsin got robbed blind in Nanjing, but do you want to hear about that time Kijo managed to offend the entire court of Saigon??
Kijo also has a very strong moral compass and is an excellent influence of the more self-serving Sunsin in that regard. With that in mind he's also the one most concerned about this scheme and the moral implecations thereof. He's also voted most likely to throw a coin at an urchin, just as he's most likely to shoo a fake disabled beggar away. He's a big softie honestly, and much more cognizant of class struggles than Sunsin could ever hope to be, what with how he teeters on the edge himself. He has a worldliness gained from walking miles in both shoes, among the low and the high born. He understands things Sunsin in all his priviledge never could, and does try to give back some of the fortune to those who did not receive it. Slight bit of survivors guilt there, but like many things Kijo isn't one to dwell upon them. He simply gives back and moves on.
BACKGROUND Kijo was a charity case adoption of the marquesse of Gwangju who showed great aptitude with the sword, intent to sponsor him to knighthood. An orphan from a young age, he doesn't remember much of his early childhood, and doesn't feel much need to dwell upon it. There are many such stories among the lower class, his was simply one of the few that ends well. He was never truly treated as a member of the family of course, but the Marquesse sponsored his training while he underlined her charitable reputation, and he grew up with a roof over his head and food in his belly. Pretty good deal.
He was sent to the Eo estate when Sunsin showed aptitude for anything but the sword. Sunsin's father hoped that Kijo might have a positive effect on Sunsin's studies, his mother hoped he could give Kijo the companionship of a boy his own age. His father would be sorely disappointed, but Sunsin did gain a lifelong friend and companion out of it so his mother won! I just don't think she ever envisioned just how close they would get.
He was sent to the Eo estate when Sunsin showed aptitude for anything but the sword. Sunsin's father hoped that Kijo might have a positive effect on Sunsin's studies, his mother hoped he could give Kijo the companionship of a boy his own age. His father would be sorely disappointed, but Sunsin did gain a lifelong friend and companion out of it so his mother won! I just don't think she ever envisioned just how close they would get.
TRIVIA
- Pour one out for Sunsin's toes, he seems to have a Type.
- Pour one out for Sunsin's toes, he seems to have a Type.
- Kijo loves their travels as much as Sunsin, but where Sunsin looks for momentary highs of interest, Kijo is the one most often putting together the bigger picture. He isn't the most intelligent, but Kijo loves to understand if you take time to teach him.
- To illustrate their tropes: Where Sunsin draws up this longwinded ridiculous plan to distract the guards and sneak in, Kijo gets ready to punch their lights out and they go from there when Sunsin's plan inveitably fails.
- To illustrate their tropes: Where Sunsin draws up this longwinded ridiculous plan to distract the guards and sneak in, Kijo gets ready to punch their lights out and they go from there when Sunsin's plan inveitably fails.
- Practicing for yourself is boring, teaching your awkward knight how to dance? That is absolutely golden entertainment Sunsin could do it for hours
- Kijo must admit though, the food at balls or soirees is absolutely excellent. Find him preying upon the desserts when dinner is finally announced. You just can't find this at a road-side tavern.
- Kijo must admit though, the food at balls or soirees is absolutely excellent. Find him preying upon the desserts when dinner is finally announced. You just can't find this at a road-side tavern.
"I remember so well the first time you arrived at the estate. You were all nervous energy, strapping muscles, and that charmingly goofy smile. How could I not fall in love that very instance?"
— Eo Sunsin
— Eo Sunsin
THEIR STORY
Personal knight, childhood friend, constant companion, and committed life-partner.
Kijo and Sunsin have known each other since both of them were 15 years old and... entangled since both of them were 19 years old. The attraction was always there, the jump was what took a lot of chemistry and courage, and the bond was formed ever since.
Kijo and Sunsin have known each other since both of them were 15 years old and... entangled since both of them were 19 years old. The attraction was always there, the jump was what took a lot of chemistry and courage, and the bond was formed ever since.
Their bond has survived shady Chinese markets, stuffy Thai court of which neither knew the customs, and treacherous hikes through the jungle. It has survived a previous season, stuffy soirees, and smoky gentleman's clubs. Their romantic moments are stolen in the shadows, but their relationship is more than that and their close companionship is thankfully within social norms to see. As my Latin professor once said of Achilles and Patroklos: theyre not gay, oh no, they're just really good friends.
They complete each other very naturally. The vain flippant peacock and the grounded calm knight against the world. In many ways they are night and day, but they have had years to figure out how to make the dawn and dusk meet and turn their differences into a beautiful collaboration.Rich and poor, vain and humble, eloquent and straight-forward, the list goes on. But, as anyone in a true long-term committed love will tell you, after the honey moon period true love is all about choosing each other over and over and over again. Choosing to meet in the middle, choosing to address the hard parts, choosing to disagree, choosing to let transgressions slide, choosing to offer support, choosing to listen, choosing to love each other every day.
Of course it's not all sunshine. Kijo feels very conflicted about this particular turn of events. He doesn't approve of tricking a lady into a loveless marriage, something Sunsin is very much aiming for at the start of the season. He dislike the need to deceive and pities the girl who might think she's stepping into a fairytale romance with the perfect duke. Sunsin is much more flippant, thinking more of his own future than hers, soothing himself thinking a lady shouldn't complain with a land and title, right? He was giving her status and wealth after all, just not romance and babies. The whole thing is causing real tension between them, the kind that only spotlights the power imbalance that inherently exists between them, especially when sunsin's priviledge shines through.
They complete each other very naturally. The vain flippant peacock and the grounded calm knight against the world. In many ways they are night and day, but they have had years to figure out how to make the dawn and dusk meet and turn their differences into a beautiful collaboration.Rich and poor, vain and humble, eloquent and straight-forward, the list goes on. But, as anyone in a true long-term committed love will tell you, after the honey moon period true love is all about choosing each other over and over and over again. Choosing to meet in the middle, choosing to address the hard parts, choosing to disagree, choosing to let transgressions slide, choosing to offer support, choosing to listen, choosing to love each other every day.
Of course it's not all sunshine. Kijo feels very conflicted about this particular turn of events. He doesn't approve of tricking a lady into a loveless marriage, something Sunsin is very much aiming for at the start of the season. He dislike the need to deceive and pities the girl who might think she's stepping into a fairytale romance with the perfect duke. Sunsin is much more flippant, thinking more of his own future than hers, soothing himself thinking a lady shouldn't complain with a land and title, right? He was giving her status and wealth after all, just not romance and babies. The whole thing is causing real tension between them, the kind that only spotlights the power imbalance that inherently exists between them, especially when sunsin's priviledge shines through.
Truly, both of them are quite miserable in this situatio.
...
HI, I'm Liv <3
Luigi-a / 9
Luigi-a / 9
POST SCRIPT
I absolutely consider this a love story, just not a romantic one.
Okay so for the love story, we gave you some broad and ou're absolutely fee to fill in in however you like. Want to add more draa? Go for it. Want to focus more on the courtship? Make it as long as you like. Wanna breeze through it and write about the engagement and bearding shenanigans? Have at it! There's so much chaos and wholesome comedy potential in this wholesome foursome and it is yours to fill in as you wish.I know it's A Lot but it mostly exists so you can focus or fast forward to your heart's content. The same goes with the story of Sunsin and Kijo, feel free to drive as much drama and conflict there if you want to explore an established relationship dealing with the most difficult thing its ever had to deal with before. As long as I get my happy ending in the end (there must be no tragic gays here, thank) <3 Or you can keep Kijo as more of a side character and focus on the two at the heart of it all. All good to me.
Okay so for the love story, we gave you some broad and ou're absolutely fee to fill in in however you like. Want to add more draa? Go for it. Want to focus more on the courtship? Make it as long as you like. Wanna breeze through it and write about the engagement and bearding shenanigans? Have at it! There's so much chaos and wholesome comedy potential in this wholesome foursome and it is yours to fill in as you wish.I know it's A Lot but it mostly exists so you can focus or fast forward to your heart's content. The same goes with the story of Sunsin and Kijo, feel free to drive as much drama and conflict there if you want to explore an established relationship dealing with the most difficult thing its ever had to deal with before. As long as I get my happy ending in the end (there must be no tragic gays here, thank) <3 Or you can keep Kijo as more of a side character and focus on the two at the heart of it all. All good to me.
Also feel free to downgrade his status I'm not married to that at all, mostly made him duke for irony since in romance novels those are always the omg must have eligible duke guys. Similarly his family mostly exists for flavor, to make it not like the character has no family for ease of writin. Feel free to only mention them in passing or not.
Did I raid the Joseon battle wikis for era appropriate names? You bet I did! Except for the ladies cause, you know, insert rant on how women get lost to time cause nobody gives a about them :) I'm not salty.
Did I nab the marry to inherit plot from Jane Austin? I will never admit it. Is Jane Austin improved with an infusion of queer themes? You tell me <3 The travel bit is certainly inspired by Gentleman Jack, a show I highly recommend.
PASSWORD love. love finds a way.
SCENE REQUESTS Did you know the georgian/regency era had their own gay bars They were called molly houses and were quite illegal thanks to the british newfound obsession with moral virtue, but within the crime reports (unfortunately some of the only evidence we have of the lgbt shadow society) some fun stories can be gleaned. Not really a story request so much as if the lgbt side of history interests you, inspiration is to be had aplenty.
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