The wedding preparations continued across the capital.
Red lanterns decorated noble residences.
Musicians rehearsed.
Servants hurried through courtyards carrying silk, flowers, and gifts.
On the surface—
The kingdom looked prosperous.
Peaceful.
But beneath that peaceful appearance...
Fear was quietly spreading.
---
It began with the Cheng Residence.
Just before dawn, a maid screamed.
Her cry echoed through the entire mansion.
Servants rushed toward the inner courtyard.
"What happened?"
The old gardener pointed toward the stone path.
His hands trembled.
Dozens of birds lay scattered across the ground.
Their feathers were untouched.
No wounds.
No blood.
Yet every one of them was dead.
The steward frowned.
"Perhaps poison?"
The palace physician was summoned.
After examining several birds, he slowly shook his head.
"No poison."
"No disease."
"I cannot determine the cause."
The servants looked at one another uneasily.
No one had an explanation.
---
