Imperial Palace – Inner Courtyard

The scent of sandalwood drifted through the still air, curling through the lattice screens of the inner chambers. Jinshi, resplendent in his ornate robes, stood waiting beside a small lacquered table. His expression was serene, yet his eyes flickered with subtle calculation.

A servant opened the screen door quietly.

Servant — “Honored guest, Lord Ciel Phantomhive of the West, has arrived.”

The figure of a young noble stepped into the room. Immaculately dressed in dark Victorian attire, Ciel’s sharp blue eyes swept the space, assessing it with cool detachment.

Jinshi — with a courteous smile “Lord Phantomhive. It’s an honor. I hope the journey from your lands was not too arduous.”

From behind a screen of medicinal plants—camouflaged among herbs and pestles—Maomao crouched silently, hands busy grinding dried leaves but ears sharply focused. She was listening in and sometimes her gaze dropped in