====== Castorice: The Touch That Life Cannot Bear ====== The information here comes from a [[https://www.hoyolab.com/article/38150762|post]] made by the official account on Hoyolab on 10 April 2025. ---- {{ :external:amphoreus:castorice-chrysos4-cover.jpg?200|}} Castorice, the Chrysos Heir who seeks the Coreflame of Death, the daughter of the River of Souls.\\ "For them, I craft wreaths and light lanterns, and then... with these hands, I offer their final farewell."\\ "Though the answers about life and death remain elusive, I'm learning to feel the warmth that life holds." ▉ Vol. 04 Character: "Servant of Death" Castorice Producer: Hyacine\\ Photography: Photography King (Chimera)\\ Styling: Aglaea ---- ==== Embracing the Hope of New Life ==== {{ :external:amphoreus:castorice-chrysos4-1.jpg?200|}} > Castorice, the Chrysos Heir who seeks the Coreflame of "Death" and the daughter of the River of Souls, embarked on a solitary journey after her homeland Aidonia fell into deep slumber. On her endless path, she explores the meaning of life and death. Our interview took place in a quiet garden in Okhema, where she stood gazing into the distance, her skirt dancing in the gentle breeze. After a moment of reflection, she turned with a smile and offered a graceful bow. > "I am Castorice. Apologies... it is my habit to keep distance from others... I can get closer if you wish, however." **Q1: I heard you have rather special responsibilities. Would you mind sharing more details?**\\ My responsibility is to bring solace to those at life's end. I've met warriors with incurable wounds desperately seeking life's spark, and young girls who bravely fought illness until their final moment. For them, I craft wreaths and light lanterns, and then... with these hands, I offer their final farewell. Gazing at their faces, peaceful as if in sleep, I can still sense their bodies' instinctive resistance to death, or the unspoken regrets they carried... Some say death is the beginning of rebirth, but where do souls truly go after crossing the River of Souls? {{ :external:amphoreus:castorice-chrysos4-2.jpg?200|}} **Q2: So, what is your perspective on death?**\\ You know of Thanatos the Death Titan, and I was once called the Holy Maiden of "Death." In those days, the blizzards of Aidonia had not yet ceased. In that kingdom where death was worshiped, I used these hands to grant "merciful death" to the condemned. Yet in truth, my actions were no different from taking life. I often questioned myself then: could death possibly have another meaning? Until the Black Tide came, and I set forth on my journey. Gradually, I began to see life's truest colors, and these colors guided my slow steps forward. Though the answers about life and death remain elusive, I'm learning to feel the warmth that life holds. **Q3: Sounds like you've had quite a transformation in your outlook during your long journey~**\\ So I've been told... Looking back — when I came to Okhema, it was like turning a new page in my life. Following the golden thread, I learned my very first dance. The time spent studying at the Grove with companions became precious memories, while I also spent time capturing daily moments through photos, my first academic success, and learning to create dolls... Oh, sorry about that. Whenever I speak about life in Okhema, I tend to... Throughout this journey, I'm grateful to have met you all, and before my next departure, I hope to leave something behind for this world. **Q4: When are you planning to depart on your next journey?**\\ Unfortunately, the shadow of "Death" has not yet revealed itself, so I must continue my search. If you have any lingering questions, please feel free to leave me a message at any time. ---- ==== For Moments and Memories ==== {{ :external:amphoreus:castorice-chrysos4-3.jpg?200|}} What does capturing images mean to our readers?\\ For the young lady who tends to keep her distance from people, perhaps photography is her way of "connecting" with the world. > Lady Trianne says that this[(a chimera)] is the cutest little lifeform in all of Okhema. I feel the same way. > Lady Aglaea often stands in this exact spot.[(looking up at Kephale from the second floor of the Overflowing Baths)] I wonder if she sees the same view that I do? > The golden butterflies in the Grove aren't physical entities, so they probably won't be affected.[(By Castorice's touch of death.)] But just in case... I better not try. > Sunlight and flower fragrance in this cozy courtyard.[(Prior to becoming the Twilight Courtyard.)] I should recommend it to Hyacine, she would appreciate it. > I never expected anyone would actually challenge a dromas for food. They've done what I've only imagined doing. How wonderful. I think we began our journey to safeguard these very things... ---- ==== The Chimera Fairy Tale Storybook Collection ==== {{ :external:amphoreus:castorice-chrysos4-4.jpg?200|}} > by Castorice **The Little Monster Meets the Chimera** Once upon a time, there was a strange-looking monster bearing a sinister curse. People kept their distance, leaving it to curl up alone in an abandoned castle as snow and wind buried everything... Until one day, a group of Little Chimeras stumbled into the castle. Fig Stew, the bravest one with orange fur, dug through the thick snow. Honey Brew, the red one, discovered the monster and happily exclaimed: "Your wings are so big and beautiful!" The monster was frightened and asked: "I look strange, aren't you scared of me?" Vigethos, the white one, while busy competing in snow digging, said: "I have horns too, and even one more than you!" Krenabis, the pink one, chuckled and said: "And I have a tail too!" Oatmeal, the gold one and most composed, asked the monster: "We are chimeras, monsters of legend. Do you find us scary?" The monster shook its head and said: "You're all so cute." Then Nanus, the green one, brought a mirror, and the monster saw itself for the first time: there was no monster after all — it was just a purple chimera. Master Cat-Thief, the blue one, laughed and said: "Well, friend, from now one we'll call you Butterfly Cake!" ---- ==== Her Notes ==== {{ :external:amphoreus:castorice-chrysos4-5.jpg?200|}} > On Castorice's desk lies a notebook containing snippets about her companions, spontaneous thoughts, and daily plans she had to set aside... Dear readers, come along with our editor for a peek into her world~ **Monthly Plan** - Visit graves ✓ - Research popular jewelry stores ✓ - Polish gems ✓ - Visit the chimera — pending - Give the dolls a bath and some sunshine ✓ - Develop recent photos ✓ - Write an ending for my story — ✕ Abandoned > If Lady Aglaea hears more than two compliments in a row, she starts tapping her toes on the ground. That's when you can help by changing the subject. > Lady Trianne's favorite is pickled candy, Lady Tribbie's is butter cookies, and Lady Trinnon's is stuffed grape leaves. But if they eat anything too spicy, they all tear up. > The chimera I met this morning seemed to want head pats... Sorry, but I can't... Tomorrow, when Hyacine and I buy medical supplies, maybe I can visit it again from a distance... {{ :external:amphoreus:castorice-chrysos4-6.jpg?200|}} **Marmoreal Supermarket Receipt** - Sewing kit - Mixed wheat flour (2kg) - Honey (1.5kg) - Raisins (500g) - Photo album - Milk (1L) - Almonds (250g) - Pickled candy - Dromas feed pack (colored soil) Subtotal:\\ Member Discount (5%):\\ Amount Due: ;;# 70 Balance Coins\\ 105 Balance Coins\\ 490 Balance Coins\\ 140 Balance Coins\\ 350 Balance Coins\\ 70 Balance Coins\\ 350 Balance Coins\\ 70 Balance Coins\\ 1200 Balance Coins ;;# ;;# 2845 Balance Coins\\ -142.25 Balance Coins\\ 2702.75 Balance Coins ;;# Thank you for your visit! > Reminders: > This Friday during Action Hour, we're hosting a charity event making boiled Dollo egg dolls. We'd love to see you there~ I bought an old poetry collection from a second-hand bookstore. Page 9 suggests the previous owner loved rosemary. What does that scent smell like?\\ Reincarnation, systems... using predetermined settings to drive the plot.\\ What a clever concept! I should try writing it!\\ Brilliant flowers that help people forget their troubles when they stop to look at them. {{ :external:amphoreus:castorice-chrysos4-7.jpg?200|}} **Reading Notes** __But Rather in the Cocoon I Rest__\\ If I'm destined to die in the wind\\ why make me break free from my\\ cocoon to become a butterfly?\\ It is precisely the beauty that will shed\\ that makes each beat of wings so precious. __Thus Spoke Anaxagoras__\\ An old book I discovered by chance that perfectly mimics the teacher's voice.\\ Could it actually be his work? __Forbidden Love: The Tree and the Butterfly__\\ (..ᗜ˘_˘ᗜ..) May... may Cerces safeguard your thoughts... ---- ==== Today's Main Focus ==== {{ :external:amphoreus:castorice-chrysos4-8.jpg?200|}} **Post #2357: AwooAwoo211**\\ Today I spotted Lady Castorice at the market. Even from a distance, I could feel a could aura emanating from her. * **ChrysosScholar:** They say "being within five meters of her causes a slow death." Keep your distance, or misfortune will befall you! * **AAADriedFruits (Marmoreal Branch):** That's a bit of an exaggeration from the poster above. Lady Castorice shops like anyone else without issues. * **Trick Redsoil:** I doubt that. Last time she stood near a dromas for a while, and for some reason, someone nearby suddenly started eating redsoil. She definitely influenced their mind. **Post #2358: AwooAwoo161**\\ She can easily steal life from living creatures with a simple touch. Death is truly "within her grasp." For Aglaea to have such power is disturbing when you think about it. * **ReadLikeABook:** You council elders, stop using fake accounts and post with your own! **Post #3581: Honeycake**\\ For those who don't know her, this[(a blurry picture)] is Castorice! * **AwooAwoo111:** Did you take this with a door lock? Use a slate next time. * **ChrysosScholar:** And there it is! Okhema's eighth wonder of seven — "Photos of Castorice only turn out black and white or blurry." **Post #3582: Follow4CemeteryFacts**\\ Oh, that's her? I often see her sweeping graves for the deceased at the cemetery during my work hours... * **AwooAwoo233:** Perhaps she's repenting for the bloodshed she carries. * **DadJoke101:** What if Okhema is destroyed one day just because Castorice hugged the ground? * **LoveThyself:** Please watch your language. Respect others and help maintain a friendly community! ---- ==== Chrysos Heir Connecting ==== {{ :external:amphoreus:castorice-chrysos4-9.jpg?200|}} **Message from Vol. 3 Character Mydei** > **Mydei:** Why on earth did you sign up for an arm wrestling competition? > **Castorice:** Lady[(says Lord)] Cipher... she signed me up without my permission... **On the next issue, Vol. 5's cover...** > **Castorice:** Features a learned Sage with divided opinions, a mysterious figure who seldom accepts interview requests. **If you could ask them anything...** > **Castorice:** Is Thus Spoke Anaxagoras truly your own writing?