Qi Kingdom, City of Evernight.
The rain had been falling nonstop. Thanks to the main city's well-developed infrastructure, there were no puddles on the roads. Rainwater, carrying fallen leaves, gathered along the gaps between the blue bricks and flowed into the drains on either side of the road. Only when rolling wheels passed over them did the ground splash up tiny droplets.
A carriage broke through the curtain of rain and slowly stopped at the side gate of the Palace City. A figure carrying a palace lantern climbed out, a pair of long boots landing on the blue bricks with crisp taps.
The palace gate rumbled loudly and revealed a narrow opening. There was not the slightest trace of light within, as though it were an abyss capable of swallowing even wind and rain. Two expressionless palace attendants were waiting inside. Without any pleasantries, they silently led Ying Ru Shi through the imperial city in the rainy night.
Pavilions of jade, carved railings, and jade steps stretched before her. Stone lamps illuminated the road along the way, but this city was like the endless rain—cold and utterly devoid of warmth. Ying Ru Shi suddenly found herself missing Thieves' Den. Though Thieves' Den was pitifully small compared with the imperial city, and even with her own residence, the beds inside should at least be warm, right? She would probably sleep soundly there.
The central hall was still brightly lit. Even the curtain of rain could not conceal the boundless radiance within.
Ying Ru Shi was not surprised in the slightest. Your Majesty always lit every lamp when she slept. As the ruler of Evernight Sky, her world had no night—only one day passing into another.
She waited outside the hall to be summoned, but the palace attendants did not lead her