How Long Until I Return

The sky was clear and endless, with a few wisps of cloud scattered across it. He leaned beneath a cherry tree, holding a wine cup. His thin lips pursed slightly as he glanced sideways at the woman beside him. She was gazing at a distant stream, its water clear to the bottom.

"Do you like it?" he asked, his voice refined and gentle, stripped of his usual imperial authority.

"I do." She paused, her face beaming with happiness. "How did you find this place?"

"Is there anything I can't find?" He gave a soft snort and took a smug sip of wine. His delight was so plain that he seemed like a child.

She fell silent for a moment, then said with a faint, knowing smile, "I'm afraid there is!"

"Oh?" His lashes fluttered, and his gaze shifted. Turning to look at her, he waited for her answer.

"My hometown." She picked up the wine cup before her, rubbing a finger along its rim.

"Heh." He laughed, his expression darkening slightly. His tone brooked no disagreement. "Your hometown is the Cat Kingdom. As the queen of a nation, where else would you expect to make your home?"

She froze, then lowered her head as a peach-pink blush crept across her cheeks. A cherry blossom fell into his cup.

A beautiful woman and fine wine: a feast for the eyes.

"Besides, wherever you are, I can find you."

A ruler's word is worth a thousand gold. What distinction had she earned to make him promise her such a thing?

Then, slowly, came her voice:

"You stingy cat... I..."

"Hmm?"

"You..."

"Yes?"

"Are you missing virtue among your Five Elements or something?!"

"???"