To Yusen, she must have been a bad rabbit.
She had promised to return to the Glacier with him, to watch over the hatchling as it broke from its shell and offer it their blessings.
...Now, all of that had become an impossible dream.
Pear trees grew in the residence's garden. When the wind blew, white petals drifted down like snow.
Louis caught the tear hanging from her chin with his finger. "Miss, don't blame yourself. You've already done very well."
"The Mermaid and the hatchling will return to their homeland safely, just as you wished."
"If you have the chance to see Yusen again..."
"You can explain everything to him, Miss. I'm sure he'll understand."
Louis's voice was gentle and soft, like a spring breeze in March, soothing Yu Zhizhi's trembling heart.
Beneath the pear blossom tree, the young man wiped away her tears.
Yu Zhizhi gave a slight nod.
She was heartbroken, both because of their separation and because she had broken her promise—
