The corridor opened into a vast circular chamber, its ceiling a perfect replica of the night sky.
In the center, a man lounged on a pile of silk cushions, idly tracing constellations in the air with his finger.
"Ran!" The Moon Elder leapt to his feet with surprising agility, his silver hair bouncing in its half-bun.
"You've finally come to visit me without being summoned!"
His gaze shifted to Rui, and his eyes widened with delight. He clapped his hands together.
"And you've brought a lady friend! Oh, this is marvelous!"
Ran stepped forward, his posture stiff.
"Elder, this is—"
"No, no, let me guess!" The Moon Elder circled Rui, examining her with undisguised curiosity. '
"You've finally found someone who tolerates your brooding, and you need advice on courtship!"
"That's not—"
"I knew this day would come!" The Moon Elder draped an arm around Ran's shoulders.
"All those centuries of telling you to loosen up, and finally, a woman has cracked that icy exterior!"
