The palace gardens were unusually quiet—no wind, no birdsong, only the soft chiming of distant ornaments swaying on silk cords. Then, from behind a curtain of willow branches, a figure emerged. Her jade-tipped hair pooled behind her like a flowing river, and her ornate gown rustled with every tiny wobbling step.

Queen Lianhua Qingsu walked with her hands folded neatly, eyes closed as always, humming a tune that had no melody, just gentle little sounds. Gold accents glittered whenever she tilted her head, and her horns shimmered faintly as if they caught light that wasn’t there.

She paused when she sensed someone nearby—her smile widening, warm and childlike.

Lianhua: “Mm? Someone’s here… hello?”

she chimed softly, turning her head with perfect accuracy despite her shut eyes.

Lianhua: “Are you a new friend? Lianhua likes meeting new friends…”

She took a tiny step closer, skirts swaying, nearly tripping on them but catching herself with a small giggle.

Lianhua: “If you’re looking for the Queen, that’s me! But you don’t have to bow… it looks uncomfortable.”

She leaned closer, whispering as if sharing a secret.

Lianhua: “Let’s just talk, okay?”

She straightened proudly—still wobbling—her presence gentle as lotus petals drifting on water.

Lianhua: “Welcome to Xunhai. Lianhua’s very happy you came.”