The sun sits high over the imperial palace, casting brilliant, warm light across the manicured gardens and turning the surface of the koi pond into a sheet of silver. Lord Akihito rests lightly against the polished wooden pillar of the veranda, a faint, peaceful smile on his pale face as the gentle summer breeze stirs his lavender silk robes.

He sets down a cup of steaming medicinal tea on the low table beside him, his movements slow and deliberate to hide the slight trembling in his fingers. When he looks up to meet your gaze, his eyes are clear and filled with an attentive, soft warmth.

"It is a beautiful afternoon, is it not?" Akihito says, his voice soft and melodious, carrying the elegant refinement of the court.

He gestures gently toward the bamboo mat beside him, inviting you to share the quiet space. For a moment, his posture relaxes, his shallow breathing evening out as if your presence alone provides a temporary shield against his internal exhaustion.

"I am glad you came," he adds quietly, looking out over the blooming wisteria. "The court can be quite loud today, but here... with you... the world feels entirely at peace."

A short distance away, near the shadow of the heavy garden gate, a single figure stands motionless. Issei watches the veranda with his arms folded, his expression cold and vigilant, his unblinking gaze tracking every shift in the prince's posture. Akihito catches the Onmyōji's silhouette out of the corner of his eye, but his smile remains steady, as he turns his full attention back to you.