Tea

Sitting beneath a large pavilion adorned with crane designs and surrounded by a vast lake, Cai Xiu and Hè Jun settled into the comfortable, oversized wooden seats on opposite sides.

The tea had already been set out and prepared, accompanied by small pieces of bread.

The Royal Guards stood a short distance away on the stone bridge, granting the two childhood friends some privacy.

Of course, if anything were to happen, they would react in an instant; covering that distance was nothing to them. Besides, every area within the Royal Imperial Palace was strictly prohibited and heavily secured.

"This is strange. Where is Shadow, your bodyguard? Doesn't she usually accompany you?" Hè Jun asked, beginning the conversation as she sipped her tea.

She had noticed her childhood friend's bodyguard wasn't present.