A few days later.
Emerald Cove — Nuya's Palace.
The afternoon sun filtered through the crystal leaves of the Spirit garden, scattering soft light across the white marble floor of the gazebo.
A gentle breeze carried the faint scent of blooming Moonlotus and Spirit grass, making the air feel alive yet peaceful.
Aksai sat across from Nuya at a round table carved from living redwood. In front of them, plates of Spirit cuisine and glowing fruits were laid out—Skyfish roasted with Stardew sauce, crystal rice steamed with Green Spirit mushrooms, and slices of Luminous Purple Melon that shone faintly like captured moonlight.
Nuya, dressed in a light violet robe embroidered with tiny silver blossoms, leaned back slightly as she placed her chopsticks down. Her long black hair shimmered faintly under the sunlight, its strands swaying with the wind.
"I must say, Aksai," she said with a soft laugh, "you always eat as if you're studying the flavor instead of enjoying it."
