the lady at the center of the conversation had half-white hair and deep wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, which even thick makeup couldn't conceal.

　　However, she was clearly only in her late twenties.

　　Suddenly, I remembered the green strand of hair that fell while combing my hair earlier today.

　　Oh, I'm only eighteen.

　　At that moment, the woman looked up and our eyes met briefly, but she immediately turned away without a second glance.

　　I turned around, recalling the command of the noble consort.

　　Today, on New Year's Eve, she would wait for the Emperor in the Plum Forest.

　　She said that the dance from her hometown looked best when accompanied by the falling red plum blossoms amid heavy snow.

　　Unfortunately, I was the one left behind to guard the palace.

　　She never thought of bringing me along.