Chapter 52: The Blueprint, The Rat’s Warning, and The Calm Before the Storm

Chapter 52: Chapter 52: The Blueprint, The Rat’s Warning, and The Calm Before the Storm

The air in the East Palace was thick with the scent of ozone and drying ink. While the rest of the capital was buzzing with excitement for the Spring Purification Regatta, our pavilion had become a war room.

"It’s not just a boat," Yua whispered, spreading a piece of stained, damp parchment across the cedar table. "My sister had to crawl into the Imperial Mage’s disposal bin to find this. It’s the schematic for the lead barge, The Golden Crane."

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