Qiong

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Qiong (琼)
Gender	Female
Affiliation	Saint Leniya University, Faculty of History and Literature 40
Occupation/Role	University student; investigator; practitioner of mystic rituals 23 40 41
Status	Alive 50
First Appearance	Chapter 23

Background / History

Qiong is a student at Saint Leniya University who becomes involved in Fan Ning’s investigation into Nora Carr’s death and the circumstances surrounding Professor Anton Conall. She eagerly accepts Fan Ning’s request to investigate Nora’s movements, claiming familiarity with mysterious knowledge and detective work. 23

Her investigation reveals that Nora Carr and Conservatory student Vulkan Harvey were secretly lovers. Both had participated in a choir rehearsal in Chamber Hall No. 4 on the evening before their deaths, giving Fan Ning a possible connection between their deaths and the earlier chamber-hall incident. 40

Qiong later assists Fan Ning in performing a series of Regression or Retrospection Rituals. The rituals are intended to reveal past events through a submerged mirror, rippling water, candles, salt, crystals, written symbols, incense, and prayer to the Lord of Witnesses known as Winter Wind. 41 42

Although Qiong initially cannot see the ritual’s visions clearly, Fan Ning strengthens the ritual with his Inspiration. Together, they observe scenes of musical rehearsals, performances, gatherings, and the mysterious man and woman who appeared in both Chamber Hall No. 4 and Fan Ning’s crossing-over scene. 42 48

Qiong also joins Fan Ning’s string quartet as the second violinist. She performs alongside Hiran, Roy, and Lu in the first rehearsal of Death and the Maiden, despite admitting that she needs additional practice. 42 46 47

Appearance

Qiong is petite, with a delicate face, dark eyes, smooth black hair, and a cheerful, lively voice. Her appearance often contrasts with the seriousness of her occult knowledge and investigations. 23 40

Distinguishing features include:

• Petite build and youthful appearance. 23
• Dark, expressive eyes. 23 40
• Smooth black hair that falls beside her cheeks. 24
• A bright, energetic manner and sweet voice. 23 41
• Often carries a small shoulder bag filled with personal and ritual materials. 40 41 47
• Uses a white violin case when attending rehearsals. 45

Personality

Qiong is cheerful, energetic, and socially confident. She frequently jokes with Fan Ning, reacts enthusiastically to food and music, and turns even dangerous investigations into an opportunity for excitement. 23 25 47

She is intensely curious about mysteries and the occult. Her interests include old books, antiques, herbs, minerals, divination, summoning arrays, dream interpretation, and urban legends. This curiosity also makes her reckless; Fan Ning repeatedly warns her not to investigate supernatural matters alone. 23 24

Despite her playful behavior, Qiong is observant and capable. Her investigation into Nora and Vulkan uncovers their secret relationship and the rehearsal that preceded their deaths. She also understands complex ritual procedures, ancient prayers, symbolic correspondences, and mystical materials. 40 41

Qiong is protective of Hiran and becomes a reliable companion to both Hiran and Fan Ning. She worries that Fan Ning may be unable to protect Hiran from hidden supernatural threats, but ultimately respects his judgment and works with him. 24 48

Abilities & Skills

Investigation

Qiong is highly effective at gathering information and uncovering concealed relationships.

• Investigates Nora Carr’s movements before her death. 23
• Discovers Nora’s secret relationship with Vulkan Harvey. 40
• Establishes that both victims attended a choir rehearsal in Chamber Hall No. 4 before their deaths. 40
• Connects the rehearsal to the recurring chamber-hall incidents under investigation. 40
• Offers to investigate dangerous mysteries despite Fan Ning’s warnings. 23

Mystic Rituals

Qiong possesses extensive practical knowledge of mysticism, although the context does not definitively establish whether she is a Knower.

• Performs Regression Revelation and Retrospection Rituals. 41 42 48
• Uses candles, salt, water, crystals, incense, essential oils, parchments, mirrors, and ritual symbols. 41
• Prays to the Lord of Witnesses Winter Wind. 41
• Understands the ritual significance of the Key and Wasteland Phases. 41
• Uses a silver key to trace a protective or binding boundary around the ritual area. 41
• Can direct ritual energies toward a submerged mirror to reveal scenes from the past. 41
• Her rituals may produce unclear or obstructed results without additional assistance from Fan Ning. 42 48

Ancient Languages

Qiong knows enough Tulungalia to recite a ritual prayer to Winter Wind. She learned the language from Hiran, who studied it with Professor Anton. 41 42 48

Music

Qiong is a multi-instrument musician and participates in Saint Leniya Conservatory’s chamber-music activities.

• Studies violin and flute. 42 47
• Performs second violin in Fan Ning’s string quartet. 42 46
• Can sight-read a demanding quartet, though she makes some mistakes and requires further practice. 47
• Shows strong enthusiasm for Fan Ning’s compositions. 42 47

Dream Interpretation

Qiong offers professional dream-interpretation sessions and gives Fan Ning three free sessions as payment for accompanying her to Marchioness McAdam’s music salon. 25

Equipment / Items

• Small shoulder bag — Carries personal belongings and the materials needed for her rituals. 40 41 47
• Silver key — Used to trace a ritual boundary after being rubbed against herbal ashes. 41
• Ritual candles and holders — Four candles represent Winter Wind, while a single candle represents Qiong herself. 41
• Submerged mirror and basin — Used as the medium for Regression and Retrospection Rituals. 41 42
• Salt, crystals, parchments, quill, incense, and essential oils — Components of her ritual altar. 41
• White violin and violin case — Used during rehearsals and performances. 45 47

Relationships

• Fan Ning — Friend, investigative partner, and musical collaborator. He relies on her information-gathering skills and ritual knowledge while warning her against reckless supernatural investigations. 23 40 41 48
• Hiran — Close friend and frequent companion. Qiong helps care for Hiran after Anton’s funeral, investigates the circumstances surrounding Anton and Nora, and performs music with her in Fan Ning’s quartet. 23 24 25 46
• Professor Anton Conall — Hiran’s late father and a scholar whose death becomes one of Qiong’s main investigative subjects. Anton and Hiran also taught Qiong Tulungalia. 23 42
• Ram Cecil — A university figure whose offer to protect Hiran makes Qiong suspicious; she believes he may be using the situation to pursue Hiran. 23 24
• Roy MacAdam — Fellow member of Fan Ning’s string quartet. Roy plays cello while Qiong plays second violin. 46 47
• Lu Adair — Fellow quartet member and musician. He plays viola and praises the quartet’s composition after the first rehearsal. 46 47

Story Role / Major Arcs

Anton Conall’s Funeral

Qiong first becomes important when Fan Ning asks her to investigate Nora Carr’s death and its possible connection to Anton. She volunteers enthusiastically, but Fan Ning warns her and Hiran to avoid dangerous investigations without his involvement. 23

At Anton’s funeral, Qiong supports Hiran and challenges Fan Ning’s decision to protect Hiran himself rather than leave her with another group. She later accepts responsibility for gathering information. 24

Investigation into Nora Carr and Vulkan Harvey

Qiong uncovers the connection between Nora and Vulkan and identifies their shared participation in the Chamber Hall No. 4 rehearsal. Her findings lead Fan Ning to question whether the Remnant of the Musical Scale was truly the sole cause of the deaths. 40

Regression Rituals

Qiong introduces Fan Ning to ritual mysticism through her attempts to reveal Nora’s past. When the visions are obscured, Fan Ning strengthens the ritual with his Inspiration, allowing them to see scenes from the chamber halls. 41 42

A later ritual at the site of Fan Ning’s crossing-over reveals that the same man and woman appeared in both Hall No. 4 and Hall No. 1. Qiong helps Fan Ning identify them as possible perpetrators behind the students’ deaths and the failed attack on him. 48

String Quartet

Qiong joins Fan Ning’s chamber ensemble as second violinist for the performance of Death and the Maiden. She is nervous during the first sight-reading but remains enthusiastic and promises to practice until she can perform the work properly. 42 46 47

Notable Quotes

“No problem, Caloen. I’m very good at investigations and uncovering mysteries...” 23

“You know, sometimes I think I’d actually be suited to becoming a detective...” 23

“Caloen, as repayment, I’ll provide you with three dream-interpretation sessions free of charge.” 25

“Caloen, I feel great. Technically, this piece isn’t too difficult for me... I’ll be able to handle the musical expression markings.” 47