The information here comes from a post made by the official account on Hoyolab on 10 April 2025.

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

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?

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.

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^[1] is the cutest little lifeform in all of Okhema. I feel the same way.

Lady Aglaea often stands in this exact spot.^[2] 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.^[3] But just in case… I better not try.

Sunlight and flower fragrance in this cozy courtyard.^[4] 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…

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!”

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

1. Visit graves ✓
2. Research popular jewelry stores ✓
3. Polish gems ✓
4. Visit the chimera — pending
5. Give the dolls a bath and some sunshine ✓
6. Develop recent photos ✓
7. 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…

Marmoreal Supermarket Receipt

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.

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…