The Imperial Palace was unusually peaceful that afternoon.
A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of blooming plum blossoms through the winding stone paths. Sunlight filtered through the ancient trees, casting dancing shadows across the imperial garden.
After several days of recovering at the Duke Residence, the Empress had finally returned to the palace.
The palace no longer felt as cold as it once had.
Servants greeted her respectfully.
Maids smiled warmly.
Even the guards bowed with genuine admiration after hearing she had survived both the mysterious illness and the recent ambush.
The Empress slowly wandered through the garden, enjoying the quiet.
The lotus pond shimmered beneath the afternoon sun.
Birds sang from the flowering branches.
For the first time in many days...
She felt at peace.
Then—
A faint sound drifted through the air.
"...Om..."
"...Om..."
"...Om..."
She stopped walking.
Her brows furrowed.
It sounded like someone was chanting.
Not loudly.
