"Hoshiko," says a melodious voice from behind Shiro. When he turns he will see the same regal woman from the photograph - the Empress - sitting in all her regal pink finery on the stool, taking the mug which does not feature the cartoon ram and holding its warmth in her hands. "That's the name she chose herself, this round. It means 'star child' in your native tongue, does it not, Shirogane-san?"