After savoring a few more pieces, Yetsune suddenly feels the weight of the Consort's gaze fixed on her. Self-consciousness about her mannerisms sets in, and she stops eating. She realizes she had become too comfortable, taking big bites and openly showing her enjoyment of the cake. Lowering her gaze, she scolds herself internally.
"Are you full already? Have a few more," the Noble Consort urges her.
Yetsune glances up. "Was Your Highness not thinking I am eating too much?" she asks bluntly.
Erya, engrossed in relishing the pastry, stops eating. She alone understands the true meaning behind Yetsune's question.
"Certainly not. I was only staring because you bear a striking resemblance to someone I knew," the Noble Consort replies melancholically. "Your eyes are exactly the same."
Yetsune stares at her in silence before asking, "May I ask who it is?"
Sadness fills the Noble Consort's eyes, which glisten as her gaze drifts away, lost in memories. Her smile turns wistful as she reminisces. "She is the former owner of the Moon Palace, the late Empress," she reveals.
Erya and Yetsune freeze, dumbfounded. They hadn't expected the person to be Yetsune's deceased aunt. Yetsune now understands why the Emperor had also stared at her.
"But wouldn't the late Empress have lived in the Phoenix Palace?" Erya asks, puzzled
Attendant Nan clears her throat in caution. No day passes by without her mistress dwelling on the past and she worries their probing might make her start thinking again.
The Noble Consort rises, turning her back on them, her gaze on the clear skies. "The Phoenix Palace was where she spent her last peaceful days, and the Moon Palace is where she endured her sorrowful last moments," she answers Erya's question.
Moved by the sadness in her voice, Yetsune stands and walks to her side. "What kind of person was she?" she inquires, curious about her aunt.
"She was an epitome of warmth and kindness, a ray of light in a world of darkness," the Noble Consort reminisces.
"It seems you cared deeply for her," Yetsune remarks.
Shaking her head, the Noble Consort responds, "I was the woman who possessed her husband's heart," she adds, tears welling in her eyes.
"Your Highness, please do not say that," Attendant Nan implores.
Yetsune doesn't understand what the Noble Consort's words mean but she can sense the deep sorrow and guilt in her heart. "I'm sure the late Empress feels your affection for her in the afterworld. She will be comforted to know someone in this world still cherishes her memories," she consoles her, lifting the hem of her sleeve to wipe the tears on the Consort's face.
The Noble Consort, taken aback, peers into Yetsune's eyes, finding the same warm gaze the late Empress used to bear. She first noticed it when Yetsune wiped the blood off her face with her sleeves during their first encounter.
Yetsune lowers her arm, chuckling awkwardly as she realizes their stares. "Please forgive my impudence," she steps back and bows her head.
"There is no need to apologize. Instead, I am grateful to you for asking and listening," the Noble Consort says, including Erya in her glance.
At this moment, Attendant Nan senses another presence and turns. "Your Highness," she calls out, alerting the Consort.
The Noble Consort smile wanes, prompting Erya and Yetsune to turn their heads only to find the Emperor standing at the end of the bridge. He arrived when the Noble Consort rose and decided to watch when Yetsune went close. He's never seen her get so close to anyone for years, not even himself.
He starts walking towards them. "Greetings, Your Majesty," they all say, including the Noble Consort.
"You may rise," the Emperor says as he walks around the stone table to the Noble Consort's side. He takes her hand and leads her to sit at the table while the rest remain standing.
"I didn't know Your Majesty would visit. You should have summoned me," she remarks with a hint of displeasure in her voice.
The Emperor feigns ignorance of her tone. "The Physician that you have been struggling with sleep," he responds, his concern and affection evident in his voice.
Yetsune can see the depth of his care for the Noble Consort in his eyes. It occurs to her that she has seen someone with the same gaze.
"It is of no concern, Your Majesty. The physicians must have exaggerated the issue before you," the Noble Consort tries to dismiss him.
The Emperor's gaze shifts to Yetsune, her eyes reminding him of that person again. If he can see it then the Noble Consort can see it as well, that must be the reason she seemed so close to Yetsune earlier.
"I heard that you were invited by the Empress for a meal. How is it that you are also here?" He asks.
"Her Highness invited us to the Moon Palace after the meal with the Empress," Erya answers, worried he might suspect they are trying to socialise to elevate their status.
The Emperor turns to the Noble Consort with a look that suggests he is seeking her side of the story. The look in his eyes is very familiar to her. Yet, when she sees that look now, it makes her heart filled with dread. Yetsune observes this subtle exchange, sensing the tension between them. Her gaze shifts back and forth between the Emperor and the Noble Consort.
Breaking the locked gaze, the Noble Consort lifts her gaze to Yetsune and holds her hand. "Would you like to reside here in the Moon Palace?" She asks.
Yetsune is stunned by the unexpected proposal, she glances at Erya who mirrors her surprise then the Noble Consort. Even the Emperor and Attendant Nan are dumbfounded by the question.
"They are only residing in the palace for a month. Moreover, they might disturb your peace," the Emperor tries to convince her otherwise. Even if they saved his life, they are still mere peasants that are not worthy to be in her presence.
"I don't mind it. I haven't had such delightful company in years," the Noble Consort responds, keeping her endearing gaze set on Yetsune.
Yetsune glances between her eyes. The warmth and affection in those eyes is like Lord Azryn's. He is the only one who has offered her anything similar to parental affection.
She finds herself eagerly agreeing with a nod, "It will be my honour to serve you, Your Highness."
The smile on the Noble Consort's face widens as she turns to the Emperor. "I hope Your Majesty will allow them to keep me company in the Moon Palace."
The Emperor is perplexed by her insistence on keeping these mere peasants close. He recalls how she removed all maids from the Moon Palace, leaving only one behind. It must be because of Yetsune's resemblance to the late Empress. That darned friendship is haunting him again.
"Since my beloved Consort wants them, you may keep them for as long as you desire," the Emperor concedes.
Erya and Yetsune exchange alarmed glances. 'For as long as you desire!' They exclaim inside.