Lord Namjoon's Arc

Chapter 1 of 2

Lord Namjoon set down his teacup and studied the empty storefront through the dusty window. The space wasn't much—cracked plaster walls and warped floorboards—but he could see it filled with tables and voices. He wanted to build a tea house where nobles and merchants could sit beside travelers and farmers. A place where different people shared stories over warm cups. His fingers traced the brass key in his pocket. This abandoned shop could become that dream, if he had the courage to start. He needed customers first. The shop would take months to repair and furnish. Lord Namjoon pulled out a sketch he'd drawn the night before—a small wooden stand with carved panels and shelves for tea samples. He could build it himself and set it up in the town square. People could taste his blends and learn about his plan. He gathered his tools and wood from the back room. By afternoon, the stand took shape under his hands. The intricate woodwork gleamed in the fading light. Tomorrow he would take it out and meet the people who might one day fill his tea house. His dream was finally beginning.