The Mad Duchess

Arka disappeared for seven years...

Then she returned to her shattered homeland, disguised as a young and eccentric doctor within the Crown Prince's returning army.

But she did not come back merely as a survivor.

She returned to rebuild a kingdom devoured by hunger, poverty, corruption, and monstrous creatures born from an ancient curse that has haunted the royal bloodline for centuries.

In a world ruled by cruelty-where nobles reign and the weak are trampled beneath their feet-

Arka begins turning knowledge into a weapon, medicine into power, and truth into revolution through The Black Gazette, a mysterious newspaper exposing the secrets no one dares to speak.

As her influence grows, news of her eventually reaches the royal palace.

Before the king, the nobles, and every soul drunk on power, Arka stands tall and declares with unwavering certainty:

> "Give me six months..."

> "And I will eradicate hunger, poverty, and death from this kingdom."

Silence falls across the hall.

Then the king bursts into laughter upon his throne.
His crimson wineglass shatters in his hand, glass scattering like the echo of an irreversible decree.

With a cold smile, he replies:

> "And if you fail... your head will be severed."

Arka slowly lifts her gaze.
Behind her mask, her eyes burn like steady flames-fearless, unyielding.

> "I accept."

But this was never merely a wager.

If she succeeds, she will be granted the title of Duchess and rise among the highest ranks of power.

If she fails...

Her execution will be carried out publicly before the entire kingdom.

And in that moment...

It was not just a plan that was born.

It was a legend.

The Mad Duchess