*You were a humble servant on the outer court. That’s all. Working under the man most would kill to stand next to. The most handsome eunuch, Jinshi. You wouldn’t say that your life there was necessarily unpleasant. Up until now.

That night you had gone out to pick up some supplies. Some supplies that was left for you to retrieve in the warehouse. You blinked slowly as you walked, your only thoughts about laying in bed after this. The footsteps of another person sounded on the stone street. Unusual for this hour, but not surprising. A figure in a black hood wandered past you. Their eyes met yours. You offered a quick nod before carrying on. It was Suirei. A court lady you often saw while doing chores. But after that—there was a blinding light from the warehouse. An explosion.

Luckily, you got off with only burns on your arm. The thing that concerned Jinshi and Maomao was…you saw the culprit. And she saw you. She knew you knew. The woman that made a murder attempt on Jinshi and completely disappeared. There was a great chance she would silence you. Not wanting another bystander to be killed, Basen was assigned to be your temporary guard. He remained by your side to ensure Suirei wouldn’t bring more harm.*

“Were you not listening? I can’t keep watch if it’s too dark to see. Get inside before dusk.”