As we walked down the refined staircase, my feet pressing against the dark purple carpet, I felt the quiet weight of the palace's history with each step.
The air shifted—cooler now. The warm glow from the upper floors dimmed into something softer, more ambient, like the light itself was adjusting to the stillness of this place.
A long, sprawling hallway stretched ahead, mirroring the elegance of the upper floors, but here, the vases stood out even more. They were tall, delicate works of art made from clear glass, shaped so intricately they seemed as though they'd melt under a single touch. Inside, you could see the roots of the plants twisting through layers of water and stone.
Some of the vases shimmered like prisms, catching slivers of light and scattering it in strange, mesmerizing patterns across the polished walls and floor.
My gaze wandered to the paintings now—large frames hanging between the vases, each one portraying regal women dressed in lavish gowns. Not one portrait resembled the next. Every woman carried her own presence, her own aura, captured in brushstrokes that felt far too lifelike. There was something ethereal about them… something hauntingly beautiful.
Beneath each portrait were tiny letters, engraved delicately into golden plates. I squinted at them, trying to make out the names or words written beneath, but they were too small to read while walking.
'I can't read them. The letters are too small…'
Just as I gave up trying to decipher them, Ms. Vesta's voice floated softly beside me.
"This is the second floor," she said. "We still have one more staircase to go down."
Her words were calm, gentle, as always.
"This level is home to the rooms for various arts—pottery, embroidery, painting, gardening, writing, even tea-making. All sorts of crafts can be practiced here."
She looked over her shoulder to glance at me. I was just a few steps behind her, following quietly.
'That's a lot of rooms.'
I was amazed by how much could be done in just one palace.
'And if this is only one of the palaces within the Imperial Palace grounds… what else is there to find?'
I couldn't even begin to imagine it.
"There is also a library on this floor," Ms. Vesta continued. "If the lady is interested in reading, you may ask one of the knights to escort you."
She was referring to the two knights behind us—still walking in complete silence, doing their best not to let their heavy armor make any unnecessary sound.
"A library?" I echoed, tilting my head slightly. "I've never been in one."
A strange flicker of uncertainty crossed my mind.
'Wait… Have I?'
"I think the lady would love it," Ms. Vesta said, her voice fond. "It's one of the most cherished places here in Kunzite Palace. The architecture alone is enough to leave one breathless. Many visitors have fallen in love with it… but there was one in particular who spent nearly all her days there."
She paused briefly, as if sifting through a memory.
"She would come every day and read to her heart's content. She read endlessly—bringing books with her wherever she went. Her favorite place to read, though, was the greenhouse. Out of all the rooms in this palace, that's where she spent most of her time."
I listened closely, curious about the woman she was speaking of.
"Is she here now?" I asked. "Does she live here?"
Ms. Vesta's expression softened.
"Unfortunately, no. She doesn't live here anymore," she said gently. "Though she does come by from time to time. Whenever she visits, we are always delighted to see her again."
"I see…"
There was something wistful in her tone—like the woman had left behind more than just books and memories. Maybe a feeling. A presence.
"We may explore as many rooms as the lady wishes after breakfast," she said. "But first, your health comes first. You are still growing, and especially for someone as slender as the lady, breakfast is important."
Our footsteps echoed in the wide hallway, steady and quiet.
"The palace may seem large and tiring to navigate," she added, "but the greenhouse is actually just outside—near the entrance. And do not worry about getting lost in this labyrinth. The knights will always be at your side. And if we, your ladies-in-waiting, are not around, the workers and guards are here to assist the lady."
"As long as the knights are with me," I said softly, "I won't have to trouble anyone else."
We passed by more doors—each one made of the same dark oak, yet every door had different designs etched into them. Some were adorned with vines, others with celestial symbols or elegant patterns I couldn't quite name.
At the end of the hallway, a tall wall was approaching, and with it, a large door. Just to its left, I noticed an open space, though from where I was walking, I couldn't see what lay beyond.
"That door over there leads to the library," Ms. Vesta explained as my eyes drifted toward it. "Once you walk through it, you'll be enchanted by its structure. The entire palace is beautifully crafted, yes—but the library was clearly the architect's favorite."
She smiled gently.
"We'll visit it after breakfast, just as planned."
As we got closer, I finally saw what was beyond that open space.
The final staircase.
Though, when I saw it, a thought struck me.
'Why did we have to walk through the entire hallway just to reach this staircase?'
It felt… unnecessary.
"Ms. Vesta…" I asked quietly. "Why aren't the stairs all connected? Why did we have to walk through the halls to get to each one?"
Ms. Vesta gave a soft cough and let out a quiet chuckle before answering.
"Well, the one who designed this palace was the Emperor himself," she said. "We all thought the same when we first arrived. Eventually, we asked him out of curiosity, since… it's not very common to design a structure this way."
She paused as we began our descent down the final staircase.
"He said the purpose was for guests to admire the palace in its entirety. To not be lazy. To explore. To use their legs and move their bodies. If the stairs were all built together in one place, the guests would have stayed hidden in their rooms."
Her voice was light and amused.
"He wanted them to walk. To pass by the rooms. To get curious. Simply telling them what the palace had wasn't enough. He wanted them to see it for themselves."
She glanced back at me with a knowing look.
"And it worked. The guests explored. They got curious. They used the rooms. And while they did say it was tiring to return to their quarters… they enjoyed the time they spent here."
She shook her head slightly, smiling as if still amused by it all.
"Who would've thought the Emperor had the time to think of such a thing… especially with how busy he always is."
As we stepped down, another enormous window flooded the staircase with sunlight, its warmth bathing my skin in soft gold. The marble steps gleamed beneath our feet.
"And he cares about this place?" I asked.
"He does," she answered. "Not just this palace—every palace in the Empire. He personally oversaw the refurbishing of many rooms, both exterior and interior. He truly took the time to shape these places, even while managing his royal duties."
Finally, we reached the ground floor.
More greenery welcomed us. Along the hallway were even more flourishing plants, pots arranged in a beautiful, clean symmetry. But what drew my attention most was the grand circular lobby at the center.
It stood proudly beneath a towering ceiling carved with four circles. And at its heart, a chandelier unlike anything I had ever seen.
It spiraled down like a staircase from the ceiling, its silver branches supporting elegant candles. Suspended between them were long, purple crystals that shimmered faintly in the light.
"What are those things attached to the candles?" I asked, staring up in wonder.
"Ah," Ms. Vesta smiled. "Those are kunzite crystals—the symbol of Kunzite Palace. The crystal itself represents unconditional love, self-acceptance, and also serves as a symbol of purification and protection. Each palace within the Imperial Palace has a meaningful object that represents them."
We stepped onto the floral beige floor that curled in delicate patterns beneath our feet, moving toward the massive front door. Two people in black suits stood at either side, and as we neared, they opened it for us with practiced grace.
I bowed my head politely.
"Thank you," I said softly, glancing at them before returning my gaze forward.
As soon as we stepped outside, the warmth of the morning sun wrapped around me. Below our feet, white stone paths curved gently through a garden. On either side, tall bushes reached up to my height, their tops covered in soft blooms.
The breeze rolled by, quiet and calm.
Some petals broke free and danced along the path, brushing past my legs and catching in the air like whispers.
"Not too far from here," Ms. Vesta began, her voice calm as always, "only a five-minute walk or so, we'll reach the greenhouse."
We continued down the white stone path, a gentle breeze brushing past us. Petals scattered along the edges of the trail, stirred by the wind like delicate confetti.
"This is just a small part of the open garden of Kunzite Palace," she continued. "It stretches far beyond what the eyes can see. The gardeners come by every day, tending to the plants—trimming back overgrown bushes, keeping the grass neat, making sure everything thrives."
She spoke with a quiet reverence for the place, her words soft but steady as we passed multiple side paths that curved off in other directions.
"Of course, every member of the staff has their own room within the palace. Most of them live far from their families. It's only right they have a place to stay nearby."
I nodded slowly, listening.
"They're given time off twice a year to visit home. It's essential, really. Being away from loved ones for too long… it can weigh on the heart. That time with family—one to three weeks depending on their needs—helps them return with motivation, peace of mind, and joy in their hearts."
As she spoke, I could picture it. People who spent every day here in this massive, elegant place, still longing for something as simple as home.
"Where are their rooms located in the palace?" I asked, glancing up at the towering windows and the levels we had walked through earlier.
"On the main floor," she answered. "That's where you'll find the most foot traffic, as it connects to the work areas and entrances. The second floor is for creative workspaces—pottery, embroidery, painting, writing. And the third floor is where the guest rooms are situated."
I furrowed my brow slightly.
'Only three floors?'
That was unexpected.
I had assumed there would be more. Given how grand the palace was, three floors almost felt… too few.
'Had I overestimated the size of this place?'
We continued walking for a little while, the path still straight ahead, until something large and glimmering came into view. Just ahead of us stood a tall structure made entirely of glass. From a distance, I could already see the greenery within.
"There it is," Ms. Vesta said with a small nod. "The greenhouse."
As we approached, two women dressed in black stood at the entrance. They bowed respectfully when we arrived.
"Please bring in the breakfast," Ms. Vesta instructed.
The women turned to carry out her request, and Ms. Vesta led the way inside.
I stepped in after her, and immediately, the scenery changed.
The stone path remained beneath our feet, but the surroundings were no longer dirt and soil. Now, everything was lush. Green grass blanketed the floor, soft and vibrant.
Sunlight poured through the glass ceiling above, revealing a world that felt almost enchanted. Overgrown plants wound their way up the walls and across the beams, while thick vines and branches formed a living canopy overhead.
The entire ceiling was dotted with hanging Kunzite crystals in varying sizes—lavender, soft pink, and translucent white. When sunlight filtered through them, it scattered light across the greenhouse in shimmering colors, like a prism had cracked open and spilled its magic everywhere.
Flowers bloomed in every direction. Trees stretched upward, and their branches swayed gently despite the stillness of the air. Birds flitted from one branch to another, their soft chirps echoing through the space. Butterflies danced above the flowers, dipping and turning in slow spirals.
It was like stepping into another world.
Benches and small round tables were placed here and there, nestled between bushes and flowerbeds. Wooden swings dangled from thick tree branches, their ropes wrapped with ivy.
And at the center of it all, a large white circular structure stood. It looked like a pavilion, its columns wrapped in flowering vines, almost as if nature itself had chosen to decorate it. At its heart was a long table, set with elegant white chairs.
"Is that… where I'll be eating?" I asked, staring in quiet amazement.
"Yes," she replied. "The lady may take a seat and wait for the food to arrive. Once you've finished, you're welcome to explore the greenhouse as much as you like."
I continued to take in every small detail—the soft hum of insects, the way the light glimmered through the leaves, how the plants seemed to thrive in such harmony.
"I've only seen this greenhouse briefly," I said, "but it's truly beautiful. The design… the colors… the stillness. I think I understand now why the lady you spoke of spent most of her time here."
"I'm glad to see the lady finds it to her liking," Ms. Vesta said warmly. "It's a place that captivates the heart."
She waited beside me patiently. Realizing that, I hurried forward and stepped into the center of the pavilion, taking a seat at one of the pristine chairs.
"Sorry," I said, glancing up at her. "I got a bit distracted. I just wanted to take another look before sitting down."
"It was endearing to watch the lady observe the greenhouse," she replied with a rare softness. "I still find myself lost in its beauty, even after all this time."
I smiled faintly. "Did the… Emperor build this, too?"
"Yes," she answered. "Not that surprising anymore, is it?"
We stood in comfortable silence until a low hum began to approach—a quiet, continuous vibration that grew louder with each second.
From the far end of the greenhouse, wheeled tables appeared—each one pushed by a staff member in black formal attire. The trays on the tables were piled high, covered with elegant silver domes.
There were five tables in total.
And each one carried more food than I'd ever seen in my life.
The dishes shimmered beneath the covers as they were carefully rolled closer. I stared, wide-eyed, unable to process the sheer amount being brought toward me.
"This is… a lot," I whispered to Ms. Vesta, leaning slightly toward her. "Isn't this too much?"
"This is the normal breakfast, my lady," she replied without hesitation. "You requested a normal breakfast… so here it is."
She spoke as if this were the most natural thing in the world.
"We have other categories as well," she added calmly. "Standard—what you have now. Elite includes ten tables and a private chef who cooks in your presence. And finally, Deluxe."
She paused slightly for emphasis.
"Deluxe offers more than twenty tables. Several chefs and staff attend you directly. There's also an entertainer to amuse the lady during her meal. Though… Deluxe is usually selected when dining with multiple guests. It's quite rare for an individual to choose it alone."
I could only nod, overwhelmed.
As she spoke, the staff began placing the plates onto the table in front of me, one by one. Each plate had been arranged like a painting—delicate patterns of fruits, golden pastries, steamed dumplings, crisp greens, and unfamiliar but stunningly presented dishes.
Not a single gap on the table was left unfilled.
Then came the final reveal.
The cover was lifted from the last cart—revealing rows of glass barrels filled with colorful drinks. Inside, sliced fruits floated gently, resting in what looked like liquid gems.
One of the barrels glowed a golden yellow, with floating slices of mango, orange, and strawberry, along with large, crystal-clear ice cubes.
Another was a deep red, slightly transparent, holding blueberries, blackberries, red berries, and slivers of green apple.
They shimmered in the sunlight.
I stared at them silently, unsure whether I was more astonished… or intimidated.
"Would you like to try the drinks first?" Ms. Vesta asked gently. "You seem rather intrigued by the barrels."
"I-I mean… they all look so delicious," I said, my eyes still fixed on the vibrant liquids.
Honestly, when I asked for a normal breakfast, I was thinking something simple. Maybe a glass of milk, some eggs… pancakes, even. Not a whole banquet.
Still, I could imagine how much work went into preparing all of this—the people behind the scenes, the chefs, the servers, everyone doing their part.
"Thank you for… all of this," I added, awkwardly folding my hands in front of me. "But what happens if I can't, um… finish everything?"
I stared at the countless plates filling the table, my mouth slightly open.
"Oh, there's no need to worry, my lady," Ms. Vesta responded smoothly. "The royals seldom finish all of their food. Whatever remains is simply discarded."
My brows twitched at her answer.
I turned my head toward her slowly, trying to process what she just said. "…You throw it away?"
"The leftovers must be disposed of," she replied calmly. "That is the practice. If not, the food will spoil, and it becomes a mess to clean."
"But… haven't you thought about giving it to people who need it?" I asked, unable to hide the disbelief in my voice. "There must be families who can't afford to eat… children who are hungry…"
My thoughts flashed back to the streets I passed while living with Sir Exios. Around the tavern, there were small shops and quiet homes, but sometimes we had to travel farther into town to restock supplies. I'd seen children sitting in alleys, wrapped in torn, grimy clothes. One of them was eating a piece of bread that had fallen on the ground, stomped by countless feet before he picked it up.
Another child slept curled up on a damp piece of cardboard, tucked in a shadowed corner where the wind blew through every crack. I couldn't imagine how they managed to fall asleep in the bitter cold.
I remembered asking Sir Exios if we could help them somehow. He said he'd tried before… and it hadn't made a difference. He told me the problem wasn't just poverty—it was the system. The structure of the village. Of the Empire. And the people within it.
Some of those children had no homes because they were abandoned. Others had fled violence or watched their families die. Many turned bitter, angry at the world, choosing survival over kindness.
But some… gave up. Chose not to be part of society at all.
That's what Sir Exios told me. And I never forgot it.
Ms. Vesta looked at me with a softness I hadn't seen from her before. Her lips lifted into the faintest smile.
"Oh, my lady," she said gently. "By 'discarded,' I meant we give it away to the village. Of course, not everyone comes to receive the food, and we don't quite know why… but we do offer it to those who need it. Please don't worry."
A quiet breath of relief slipped from my lips, and I relaxed in my seat.
My attention drifted back to the table in front of me. The food was so colorful, so neatly presented—it looked more like art than something to be eaten.
I finally picked up my spoon and fork, hesitant at first.
The tip of the spoon poked at a soft, round white ball.
Curious, I sliced into it and brought it to my mouth.
The texture was so smooth and tender, it practically melted on my tongue. A soft milky flavor lingered, rich yet delicate.
"That is called mozzarella, my lady," Ms. Vesta explained from beside me.
"It's… really good," I mumbled, closing my eyes with contentment.
And from that moment, I couldn't stop.
One bite after another, I tasted dishes I couldn't name—some sweet, some savory, some that fizzed slightly on my tongue or warmed me from the inside. My stomach welcomed all of it, and I didn't even care if I was mixing too many things at once. My cheeks puffed up as I chewed, round like an 'O,' and I couldn't stop the soft hums of happiness that escaped with every bite.
Then, just as another contented hum slipped out, I opened my eyes… and froze.
The people in black suits who had been standing in silence, smiling at my reactions, had suddenly bowed their heads.
Even Ms. Vesta had stepped back and bowed gracefully beside me.
I blinked, confused.
There was no one else I could see—at least, not at first.
But after a few seconds, a figure emerged from behind the flowering archway.
A man.
He walked slowly toward the table with a calm presence, dressed in an elegant green tuxedo. His hair, too, was green—deep and vivid, like a field after rain. His posture was relaxed, but his aura… it was undeniable.
I stopped chewing entirely.
The food still rested in my mouth, but I couldn't move.
He reached the table and offered me a smile, warm and teasing—like sunlight breaking through a storm.
"Good afternoon, child," he said. His voice was smooth, easy… yet laced with something unspoken. "I see you must be very hungry."