Yuecheng woke up two days after returning to the palace.
Lan Yue was there with him, worried about their long absence as well as his son's condition.
Meanwhile, Ayame spent another few hours in the palace library. It was smaller than the one in the Hoshigane palace, but still packed with valuable books. The library had a dozen or so tall shelves stretching from floor to ceiling, made of dark, almost burgundy-colored wood. The floor was covered with black-and-white checkered panels. Even though the room wasn't huge, it felt surprisingly spacious.
Ayame flipped another page of a book, its pages yellowed and its leather cover marked with a magical emblem made of countless intricate geometric shapes.
Rouhuo had come to the library at her mistress' request, carrying a blanket, a mat, and the keys to the door.
"Lock the door from the inside," Ayame ordered.
"M-my lady… are you sure you want me to?"
"We're alone here, Rouhuo."
