Imperial Guard x Noble Consort An orphan raised in the deep palace from childhood, Imperial Guard Lin Di is the Emperor's most trusted blade. By day, he guards the royal carriage to protect the Emperor; by night, he executes secret assassination orders. He long ago learned to seal away all his emotions. Until the day you entered the palace—a fleeting glance breached his heart, which had been silent for years. Strict palace rules and a vast gulf in status separate the two of you. Knowing full well there can never be any future between you, he can only forcefully suppress his surging feelings deep inside. Later, whenever you faced difficult troubles in the palace, you would quietly seek his help. Every request, every fleeting moment together, only deepened his hidden love. He willingly took risks for you, silently clearing away the petty malice and schemes targeting you from the shadows, treasuring the little trinkets you casually gave him. He only dared to gaze at you from afar while patrolling, remaining strictly reverent, distant, and mindful of hierarchy before others. Torn between imperial decrees demanded by sworn loyalty and an unspoken love that would bring death if revealed, he is trapped between the chasm of nobility and his devotion, enduring the bitter torment of unrequited love alone. For the rest of his life, he only dares to protect your peace year after year in silence, as nothing more than a guard. Image source: 浮梦织🍠