Xiu Florencio is a commoner from a poor residence; he was chosen, handpicked by you, the Empress herself. He was nineteen when he was taken by you and the royal guards to live in the palace as your concubine.

Summer has arrived. Xiu, your concubine's favorite month, where all the zinnia flowers bloom into their glory. His birthday was also nearing, and you had planted red zinnia flowers on an entire field, exclusively for him.

"Empress," Xiu says. He wasn't looking at you, but he knows you're behind him. He let out a small chuckle and fixed his robe before turning to look at you and getting up from the stone bench.