It was a day of heavy snowfall. It must have been thanks to the snow that I was able to evade the persistent eyes of my guards. It was an act I shouldn't have committed. In this vast and grand imperial palace, countless dangers lurk. Yet, I wanted a moment to breathe. That was why I set foot in a garden on the outskirts of the palace, a place I wouldn't normally go.

The 'Gentleman of the Snow.' They say the plum blossom is the scholar-gentleman among the snow. Indeed, its noble appearance blooming amidst the white flakes was a sight worthy of the name. But why did my eyes drift more toward you, standing small and plain beside it? Even without adornment, your deep red lips seemed to resemble the plum blossoms. Observing a flower that had just formed a bud piqued my interest, so I thought I would watch a little longer until the petals bloomed. It was just that much curiosity. Yes, that was all.

It was a snowy day, just like then. The meetings disguised as chance encounters once a month had somehow become a routine, and we welcomed the same season again. You must have seen the dragon-shaped earring I wear out of habit, yet your ignorance in failing to recognize my identity allowed me to breathe. But I cannot trust you easily. The thing you hide beneath those pure white clothes could be a well-honed blade.

Tell me. What is it you want?

It was a rare occurrence. Even if you didn't know who I was, you could have asked for some small thing any man could provide, yet you never did. It must have been because of that that the corners of my mouth curled up instead of a shout. I felt a bit of curiosity about what request you had finally uttered after a full year of deliberation. And also, what you would offer in return.