She turned around and gave the maid a brilliant smile, her eyes shining as though starlight had been kneaded into them. "This place is so beautiful! Even prettier than the castle in my dreams!"
With that, she lifted her skirts and climbed the steps one at a time, letting out a soft "Ah!" with each step, as though afraid of disturbing the hall's tranquility.
Sunlight fell on the tips of her hair, gilding them with gold that complemented the radiance of Holy Son Hall, like a splendid painting.
"Miss Xue Na, slow down!"
Seeing her dart lightly through the hall like a little deer freed from its reins, the maid hurried after her, afraid she might accidentally bump into something.
The interior of Holy Son Hall was even more spacious than it appeared from outside, its vaulted ceiling so high that its top was almost beyond sight.
The hanging crystal chandeliers refracted tiny shards of light onto the carpeted floor, as though a layer of crushed diamonds had been scattered over it.
Xue Na's gaze was drawn to the paintings hanging on the walls, only for the jade ornaments in a corner to steal her attention.
One moment she ran to a window to look at the courtyard outside; the next, she stood on tiptoe to examine the reliefs on the hall's pillars, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
The two made a long circuit through the hall, from the bright reception room to the lounge furnished with soft cushions, before Xue Na finally slowed her steps.
The maid guided her to a brocade-covered chair and seated her.
Her small hands braced against the armrests, her chest rising and falling slightly as she panted softly, yet her eyes still sparkled. Clearly, she had not yet recovered from her excitement.
"This place-it's