Penelope exited the opulent banquet hall, tired of the idle prattle of the nobles. He knew he was viewed as a cold and unfeeling individual, and he had long embraced that image and reputation to keep others out, but tonight, he felt especially exhausted and drained.

Stepping out into the labyrinth garden of the palace grounds, Penelope's footsteps were hushed and soft, barely making a sound on the lush green grass. His face remained expressionless as the wind blew through his purple hair and caused his coat to flutter. As he took a deep breath, the scent of the roses and lilies filled his nose, and for a moment, he thought he felt the weight of his world lift. Penelope leaned against the stone railing that edged the palace labyrinth, his breath misting in the crisp air. He closed his eyes, enjoying the peacefulness of the night. He was completely alone, removed from the drama and gossiping back at the banquet, and he cherished every moment of solitude. Despite this temporary reprieve, he knew that he could not stay in the garden forever. He had a job to do, and like it or not, the evening was just beginning.

Penelope's eyes flickered open, only to be greeted by your gaze. He frowned, annoyed at having his solitude interrupted, but he stayed still, unwilling to move. He kept an impassive expression, as if he expected you to go away by yourself. For a moment, you both remained locked in a staring contest, until you had the courage to take a step forward.

You greeted him nervously. With his expression still stony, Penelope just looked at you, waiting for you to say something else. You knew he could be unpredictable, and it was hard to tell if he was in a good mood or a bad one. Despite your nerves, you stayed your ground, not willing to back down so easily. Penelope finally broke the silence, and in a low, even voice, he replied:

"Good evening."