The Head Attendant leads Erya and Yetsune down a hallway towards the reception room. Gilded columns line the walls, adorned with intricate carvings of golden phoenixes. Upon reaching the reception room, their presence is announced, and the doors swing open. Their eyes are immediately drawn to the large screens featuring elegant calligraphy and exquisite paintings, followed by the ornate decorations on the sideboard and the soothing scent of incense. As they enter, they see the Empress standing behind a round table, her back turned.
Erya and Yetsune curtsy, hands clasped at their navels. "Greetings, Your Majesty," they say in unison.
The Empress turns, her trailing dress and the dangling gold chains of her headpiece swaying gracefully. "You may rise," she responds.
As they stand, they take in the room's splendor while the Empress takes her seat. Vibrant, richly colored panels adorn the walls, accented with exquisite lacquer linings. Sideboards display vases of fresh flowers, jade figurines, and decorative porcelain bowls.
The Empress smiles and gestures for them to sit. Erya and Yetsune comply, while the Head Attendant stands behind the Empress.
"You must be the elder sister," she remarks, observing Erya keenly.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Erya confirms.
The Empress shifts her gaze to Yetsune. Unlike the Queen of Asana, known for her gentle countenance and preference for subtle, pastel-colored adornments, the Empress exudes a bolder persona. Her emerald green dress and gold jewelry command attention.
"I heard you were severely injured. I hope you have fully recovered now," the Empress inquires, concern evident in her tone.
Yetsune offers a reassuring smile. "The imperial physicians have confirmed my complete recovery, Your Majesty."
"I am relieved to hear that," the Empress responds with a nod.
The doors open, and a procession of palace maids enters, bearing trays laden with an array of dishes. They set the table, arranging the feast before each person. Erya and Yetsune stare in awe at the sumptuous spread, their mouths watering at the sight.
"Since you saved the Emperor's life, it is only fitting that I treat you to this meal," the Empress says, gesturing for them to begin eating.
The table is filled with an exquisite variety of dishes. Steaming rice, braised fish in rich sauces, succulent roasted meats, seasoned vegetables, and an assortment of delectable pastries. The tantalizing aroma permeates the air, teasing their senses and causing their stomachs to growl in anticipation.
Yetsune's gaze flickers toward the Empress, wondering if she is like her own mother. At home, every meal would feature a similar spread, but always under watchful eyes. Her every bite, posture, chewing motion, and mannerism would be scrutinized. The mere thought of eating before others feels like a punishment.
Erya expresses their gratitude, "We are truly grateful, Your Majesty."
As they begin to eat, Yetsune takes small, measured bites. The Head Attendant observes her reserved manner, noting that her grace and poise while eating are reminiscent of noble ladies from high-status families. One might expect a commoner to eat more carelessly.
Erya expresses their gratitude, "We are truly grateful, Your Majesty."
As they begin to eat, Yetsune takes small, measured bites. The Head Attendant observes her reserved manner, noting that her grace and poise while eating are reminiscent of noble ladies from high-status families. One might expect a commoner to eat more carelessly.
After the meal, which they barely touched, two maids from the Phoenix Palace escort them back to their residence, bearing presents from the Empress. Despite their initial refusal, they are compelled to accept the gifts after much insistence.
They finally arrive at their residence with the presents only to find another palace maid waiting in their courtyard.
"You're finally back!" the young maid exclaims upon seeing them.
"And who might you be?" Erya inquires, hoping the Imperial Consort hasn't sent her.
"I'm from the Moon Palace. The Noble Consort has requested your presence," the maid answers, her perfect rows of teeth revealed in a broad smile.
Yetsune glances at Erya, reluctance apparent in her frown. She's barely full but the thought of having to eat in the presence of another feels like more punishment.
Upon reaching the Moon Palace, Erya and Yetsune immediately notice its stark contrast to the Phoenix Palace. While the latter boasts regal gold and red colours, the former exudes a calming serenity. Minimal decor and subdued colors create a tranquil oasis, a welcome respite from the outside world.
They find themselves captivated by the garden's serene beauty. The air is perfumed with blooming flowers, vibrant butterflies dance on gentle breezes, and distant birdsong creates a harmonious melody. Two fountains flank the garden, and a bridge spans a large pond dotted with floating lotus flowers, leading to a peaceful pavilion.
"They are here, Your Highness," announces the escorting maid.
Yetsune's gaze rests on the woman standing by the pavilion's stone rim, eyes closed and a serene smile gracing her face. Her loose, fiery locks shimmer like molten copper under the sun's gentle caress.
The Noble Consort turns. "You've arrived," she says, her voice warm and genuinely pleased.
"Greetings, Your Highness," Erya and Yetsune curtsy, hands clasped at their navels.
She approaches, gently raising them by their elbows. "Please rise. Such formal greetings aren't necessary." She guides them to a stone table, sitting and gesturing for them to join her.
Yetsune's eyes remain glued to the Noble Consort. She was taken by her beauty when they first met, but she is even prettier now. She now understands the Imperial Consort's animosity and attempt to mar her face. The Noble Consort raises an eyebrow, noticing Yetsune's stare.
"Is there something on my face?" the Noble Consort inquires, lightly touching her cheek.
Yetsune smiles shyly. "I was simply… admiring your beauty, Your Highness."
The unexpected compliment catches everyone off guard. The Noble Consort bursts into hearty laughter, surprising Attendant Nan, who hasn't heard such mirth from her mistress in ages. Yetsune continues to gaze at the Noble Consort, drawn to her warmth.
The Noble Consort's hearty laughter subsides as she covers her mouth with her hand. "I heard you are sisters. What are your names?" she inquires.
Yetsune gestures to Erya, "She is the eldest, Erya," then introduces herself as Yetsu.
Leaning forward eagerly, the Noble Consort asks, "So tell me, how did you come to save the Emperor?" Her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Erya and Yetsune exchange surprised glances, she resembles a child eager for a story. Yetsune begins, recounting the tale with such enthusiasm and elaborate gestures like she's reliving the moment.
The Noble Consort listens intently, her eyes following Yetsune's movements. She chuckles at humorous points. Attendant Nan and Erya's gazes flicker between the two, amused by their immersion in the story.
"…When I woke up, I found Erya crying beside me," Yetsune concludes, glancing at Erya.
The Noble Consort looks at Erya empathetically. "You must have been filled with deep sorrow."
Erya nods, now feeling embarrassed at how she'd cried at the thought of Yetsune dying. Yetsune glances at her, stifling a teasing chuckle.
Then The Noble Consort turns to Attendant Nan and orders, "Bring it in."
Attendant Nan nods and leaves, returning shortly with a covered tray. She sets it on the table and resumes her position by the Noble Consort's side.
"I heard you were already invited to the Phoenix Palace for a meal," the Noble Consort says, lifting the sheet to reveal a wide porcelain plate filled with pastries.
Yetsune and Erya look at the pastry with puzzled expressions. These treats were not among those served at the Empress's feast. They are small and round with with lotus pattern carved on the pastries.
"These are lotus cakes, please indulge yourselves," the Noble Consort urges as her attendant places the plate before them.
Yetsune still feels a trace of hunger, having eaten only what was expected of a lady in the Phoenix Palace. They each take a pastry, hesitating before taking small, cautious bites. The Noble Consort observes them with raised eyebrows and pursed lips, awaiting their reaction.
After swallowing, they stare at the pastries in their hands, their expressions a mix of surprise and confusion.
"Do you not like it?" The Noble Consort's face falls at their reaction.
Yetsune hastily waves her hands in denial. "Of course not! It's the most delicious pastry I've ever tasted." Erya nods, supporting Yetsune's assessment.
The Noble Consort's face brightens with relief. "I was worried you wouldn't enjoy it. It's been a while since I last made them."
"Your Highness made these pastries yourself?" Yetsune asks, astonished.
Attendant Nan answers on the Consort's behalf with pride, "You are among the very few who have had the privilege of tasting her lotus cakes."
Yetsune and Erya look at her in amazement. They never imagined a Noble Consort would personally bake pastries for commoners.
The Noble Consort smiles warmly. "I should thank you for giving me the opportunity to make them again," she says, putting them at ease.
They resume eating, unable to resist the exquisite pastries they could have sworn were baked by a master chef.