The Observation Deck of Las Noches Main Palace.
The downpour had stopped at some point.
Stars dotted the night sky, and the crescent moon hung like a hook.
Liuyu stood alone at the railing, his white haori fluttering gently in the breeze.
He tilted his head back, gazing at the phantom of the Soul King Palace taking shape in the night sky, his eyes filled with a deep, unruffled calm.
Footsteps sounded behind him.
Light and steady.
Tier Harribel approached his side with an exquisite white jade tea tray, knelt on one knee, and raised the tray above her head.
"Your Majesty, your tea."
Liuyu turned his head slightly and glanced at her.
Then he reached out and took the cup.
The tea was warm, its temperature just right.
The clear brew shimmered with a pale golden hue and gave off a delicate fragrance-it was Pre-Rain Spirit Mist, a specialty of the Land of Rain.
Only a few pounds were produced each year. In the past, it had been a tribute reserved for the Mizukage alone.
Liuyu took a sip.
The fragrance unfurled across his tongue, carrying a hint of bitterness before giving way to a sweet aftertaste.
"Good tea," he said softly.
Tier Harribel remained kneeling, merely raising her head a little, her golden eyes watching him quietly from behind her mask.
"Your Majesty," she said, her voice slightly muffled by her mask yet carrying a rare trace of gentleness.
"You have been standing here for three hours."
Liuyu did not respond.
He simply took another sip, then raised his head to continue watching the phantom of the Soul King Palace in the night sky.
Only after a long while did he speak.
"Tier Harribel."
"Yes."
"Tell me, do gods grow tired?"
Tier Harribel was silent for a moment.