At this moment, the pearl-strung curtain shimmered brilliantly beneath the glow of the luminous pearls.
A soft, thick velvet carpet lay spread flat across the floor.
A few simple furnishings had been placed within this somewhat empty hall. Aside from the dazzling luminous pearls on the ceiling still casting their light, and the gems embedded in the walls still glittering brightly enough to dazzle the eye, the great hall seemed rather desolate.
It was already night. Beyond the half-open window, moonlight had appeared.
Yet compared to the light within the hall, that moonlight seemed far dimmer.
A tall, slender figure paced back and forth beneath the luminous pearls. Its shadow fell upon the walls, carrying more than a hint of bleak loneliness.
"Has Her Majesty not come out yet?" Outside the hall, a female official approached. Seeing four maids standing at the entrance, she could not help walking over and asking them.
This hall was unlike the other places in the Royal Palace. It was the Hall of Reflection, a place where members of the Royal House punished themselves and underwent confinement.
The furnishings within were simple, and the atmosphere was cold and gloomy. Staying here too long would certainly affect one's health. Those who came here usually remained only a short while before leaving.
By coincidence, female official Aibeting was on patrol in the palace today. She knew that Her Majesty had come here again.
"Lady Aibeting, Her Majesty has not come out yet," one of the four maids said softly after paying her respects.
Looking up at the sky, Aibeting saw that the night had grown quite deep. Remaining in the hall at such an hour made it easy to fall ill. Though divine arts could provide treatment, every priest knew that this would in fact shorten one's