Grand palace entry hall with polished marble and floral decorations. Aria in public_angel variant appears for the first time, face fully visible to camera, radiant and smiling as attendants greet her. Su-Jin hides behind a linen cart in the

Panel 1: a stern offscreen head maid's arm points down a dim service corridor marked by a plain wooden sign for WEST GATE. Panel 2: Su-Jin bows with a napkin basket held tight, face 3/4 visible, jaw clenched, bracelet hidden beneath sleeve.

Night rain begins. Su-Jin tumbles from the coal hatch into a narrow drainage lane beyond the palace wall, basket overturned, napkins scattered in muddy water. Her face is fully visible, gasping, hair ribbon loose.

Panel 1: Su-Jin crouches beneath a closed tailor's awning, soaked, checking empty pockets. Panel 2: across the rain-slick street, a warm sign reads MOONCUP CAFE above lit windows; the sign is plain painted wood, fictional business only.

Su-Jin stands alone in the rain outside Mooncup Cafe, reflected in the glowing window glass, maid dress ruined and silver streak bright against wet black hair. Inside are empty tables, warm lamps, and a possible hiding place.