Conflict at the Gates
The day started by painting Daiyu's little rented room in shades of red and orange. It had been quite a struggle, but she managed to convince the maids to take the bed while she rested on the sofa. Two young ladies snuggled next to each other, resembling a pair of content kittens.
As Daiyu stretched quietly, a gentle smile adorned her face. She stood gracefully before the window that overlooked the imperial complex. The dawning sun painted her white sleeping robes with brilliant hues, creating a breathtaking display. A soft ocean fog enveloped the surroundings, lending a gentle glow to the majestic buildings against the backdrop of rolling waves. She turned slightly, lowering her voice as she addressed the unseen presence in the room's rafters.
"Fa Sai, please relay a message to Ai Zian. Instruct him to take my brother to the Willow's Rest inn once they pass through the harbor gate. Let them depart after the morning meal, and we shall meet them there with two incense sticks before the evening descends. Also, arrange a private floor at the Flowering Blossom Banquet Hall for our afternoon meal, under the surname Hui. We will need adjoining rooms for everyone to rest, and our remaining entourage shall join us there. Ensure that carriages and horses are prepared for our departure after the meal," she commanded, her voice never rising from her soft gentle tone, so as not to disturb the two slumbering girls curled up on the soft comforter.
"Yes, young miss," the shadowy figure above her replied before departing to carry out the tasks. Daiyu continued to gaze at the unfolding day, lost in her thoughts.
*Your kind is indeed intricate and perplexing. Is not the ruler of this realm the progenitor of the young male youngling?* Zalgrass' voice echoed in her mind, filled with skepticism as he sensed the girl's emotions.
*Yes, he is. Yet, he possesses no genuine affection for the child, allowing superstition and propaganda to dictate his opinions on the boy's welfare,* she responded, her mental tone dripping with disdain for such a ruling "father." If a man could not properly care for and love his own flesh and blood, how could he be trusted to determine the fate of people he had no relationship with?
*Should your leaders not lead by example? Are all such genetic groups like this?* Inquired the creature.
*No, many families are loving and most elders would sacrifice for the sake of the younger generation, nurturing them to protect and care for their elders. However, in this current era, male family leaders are permitted to have multiple mates, resulting in numerous offspring. These larger families have become complex and scheming cesspools instead of upright units founded on loyalty. The well-being and development of many young ones are disregarded, be it in education, morality, or even physical health, as long as it does not inconvenience the family leaders* Her tone was matter of fact but the emotion behind them was one of clear disdain.
*Indeed, a complex and corrupt system. Most creatures in nature wouldn't even harm their young. It seems you are detached from these genetic connections. Do you not have a "family" other than the boy?* Zalgrass probed further.
*In my previous life, I had siblings, grandparents, and two loving and doting parents. They all died early in different ways at different times, eventually leaving me alone. My earliest years were happy and filled with simple joys. In this life, it seems my biological father taught me much, cared for me deeply, and also died due to conflict. My mother is currently in the imperial complex, and I plan to save her from the poison that is being used to take her life. Though I expect no love from a mother who allowed her natural children to be sent away.* Silence slipped in as Zalgrass took in her emotional state and the details she had just shared.
In the annals of history, the Taiharn people were renowned for their extraordinary prowess in poetry, art, and music. Yet they were best known for their battle skills, their dogged and ruthless determination to defeat their enemies and preserve their way of life. Yet her mother, Zheng Ba Aming, was a delicate greenhouse flower that had known no hardship until she fell in love with Daiyu's biological father. She had been pampered in the palace from a young age, and though she was not selfish or malicious, Daiyu felt she was naive.
Trained to become a Qinmay tribute bride, her education revolved around the feminine arts of painting, calligraphy, chess, embroidery, and virtues. Falling in love with a prominent young general at a banquet was not part of the palace's original plan for the delicate second princess. Yet, it happened, and he reciprocated her love. The general managed to secure a boon from the court due to his military prowess, which he used to take Zheng Ba Aming as his bride.
In the memories inherited by Daiyu from the previous host of her current body, the child could not have understood the conspiracy. However, the current Daiyu, with her years of experience, detected the inconsistencies in the battle that unfolded on the fateful day Yun Ver Chao was slain.
Although chaos was to be expected on any battlefield, the magnitude of the disastrous outcome hinted at external interference. With that in mind, no plan goes quite that pear-shaped without outside effort. In that theater, The War God had fortified ground, the advantage of long-range archers, armored cavalry, and originally more manpower. According to her assessment, her mother's marriage had become a complication in the trade agreement with Qinmay. Despite Zheng Ba Aming being meticulously groomed to seamlessly integrate into Qinmay society, her marital status proved to be an obstacle, preventing her from being utilized as a bargaining chip.
Among the other two princesses' of Taihar, one being Daiyu's age at the time, the apple of the Esteem's eye, born with a fiery and self-satisfying temperament, a quintessential Taiharn princess, she would never submit to the many social rules required of women in Qinmay. However, her mother, Zheng Ba Aming, the older princess, seemed to have been specifically grown and cultivated just to fit into Qinmay society, a tigress with her claws cut and her hunting instincts dulled.
Daiyu pondered who might have been involved in this conspiracy. Did her grandfather, the Esteem of Taihar, possess knowledge of the plan to assassinate his son-in-law for the sake of trading his daughter like a commodity? Was he complicit in such a scheme?
The current Esteem of Taihar, was the third son of the previous ruler. He had survived a brutal battle for his father's throne, reluctantly participating solely to ensure his own survival. Initially, he had no aspirations for rulership but ascended the throne by default when no other direct candidates survived. In Daiyu's memories, he did not seem like the type of father who would sacrifice his daughter's happiness for political gains.
According to the memories she had inherited, the Taiharn Esteem was a loving father and grandfather, more involved in his children's lives than most rulers. He was considerate and understanding of their individual preferences and dislikes. He had designated his successor long ago, raising his other children to support the future of their nation, each with their own specialties. Greedy for power, he was not, and by Taiharn standards, he could be deemed scholarly, preferring books over swords.
Since the original fairytale plot had never delved into this aspect of Daiyu's life, and the previous host had been preoccupied with keeping her brother and herself out of harm's way, the present Daiyu knew very little about her paternal family's events after they were sent to Qinmay. She had uncles, aunts, and cousins on her father's side, yet due to her age, travel restrictions, or emotional detachment, she, the original host, had never sought help or guidance from her mother or father's family during their times of hardship—a vulnerability that their enemies had exploited.
Her gaze narrowed as the golden streaks of sunlight danced upon the water's surface. That would change today; the current Yun Val Daiyu was not the naive angry child of fourteen lunar years. Instead, she was a well-aged battle-hardened woman of over forty lunar years older, if you add the host's age. Today would be very different, and the future would change drastically; it just required first steps.
***
"State your purpose for entering the city," the guard barked, his gaze fixed on the group of three women standing before him. Behind him loomed the imposing dual gate, covered to shield the city's secrets. Guards diligently inspected credentials and scrutinized every inch of cargo. One entrance catered to foot traffic from the harbor, while the other was reserved for merchants and their wares.
According to city policy, anyone with cargo had to transfer their items from carriages to specialized 'city cargo carriages.' These unique vehicles were designed to seamlessly integrate with the city's internal rail system. No goods or cargo were allowed to be transported within the city unless they traveled via the rail system. As a result, carriages for transporting cargo were strictly prohibited. If you weren't a member of a capital trade organization or didn't own a rail carriage within the city, you had to rent one from the Xia clan.
Although not one of the large founding families of Qinmay, the Xia clan had been a steady merchant family in Qinmay for four generations. A generation ago, they had brought rail technology to the previous Esteem and revolutionized the security of goods coming into the city and how it was transported to streamline traffic in the growing metropolis.
"My mistress has come to admire the city's sights," Ba Indu replied with a composed expression.
"A young Taiharn miss wandering our vast capital without any male family members or ties to our glorious empire?" The guard questioned, causing the line of people behind the three young women to shift uncomfortably in the chilly morning air. To their right, a serene lake sparkled, occasionally disturbed by a leaping fish quickly vanishing beneath the giant lily pads that adorned the glass-like surface. On their left, the grand entrance of the main Xia clan's residence towered over the expansive road that flowed through the harbor gates and into the city.
"There was a mishap during our travels, though it should not be of any concern to such an honorable servant of our great empire. If you are of such a mind to pry, the young miss' uncle should be arriving in the city in a few days. Until such times she will be staying at 'The Flowering Banquet Hall' where a reservation currently awaits our young miss' arrival." At this moment, Daiyu gently lifted her head. To appear less threatening, she had donned a delicate blue dress in the multi-layered Qinmay style. Soft purple peonies danced along the seams, and the tightly wrapped upper portion accented her soft curves as the gown expanded and drifted around her body as if she was a blooming flower. The guard was entranced by her captivating blue eyes and elegant demeanor, a flicker of greed and lewdness momentarily crossing his gaze.
"Unfortunately, you won't be permitted to enter the city without a male guardian. Step aside and let me handle the crowd behind you, and perhaps we can discuss possible options during my upcoming break," the guard suggested, his voice dripping with suggestive undertones. Daiyu responded with a sweet smile, her face exuding innocence. Deep within her heart, she concealed her intent to kill, her bandaged hands gripping tightly onto a concealed dagger hidden within her flowing sleeves. Delicate sapphire hair ornaments glistened as she tilted her head inquisitively, the sunlight casting a mesmerizing glow upon her black-blue hair which had been elegantly spun into a captivating flower bun, with a few tendrils delicately cascading down her back.
*If you were to take this man's life, would you still be able to enter the city? Your society surely has strict rules against such actions, does it not?* Zalgrass asked curiously, its voice laced with genuine intrigue. Ignoring the question, Daiyu raised her voice slightly, ensuring her words reached the crowd and the apparent superior officer approaching their location, likely wondering about the delay in their line.
"Is there truly a law forbidding unescorted female tourists from entering the capital city? I have read many travel guides about your magnificent empire, and they do contain numerous rules and regulations. However, this particular stipulation seems to have been omitted from Taihar's official documentation on your illustrious nation. It originally stated that a gate fee, inspection, and proper paperwork were the necessary requirements, all of which our group has provided and submitted. Yet, this unknown requirement seems to take precedence over the ones we were aware of. Perhaps you could enlighten me regarding this law and how long it has been in effect within your great city?" The guard's face momentarily paled, then flushed with anger.
"How dare Taiharn scum attempt to lecture me!" The guard seethed, no longer paying attention to the crowd as he openly berated the small group of women. Both maids instinctively stepped forward, shielding their employer.
"Scum? Perhaps there is a language barrier, good sir? This one is sure you are not casting disparagement upon an outside representative of another Empire due to personal prejudice. Nor does this one believe you would attempt to extort any unreasonable requests from a lone traveling tourist simply because they seem to be a weak and mild-mannered young woman?" She made the end of it sound as if it was a light inquiry, tinged with a subtle hardness that crept into her words.
The crowd murmured and shifted, comprised mostly of Taiharn merchants diligently gathering their cargo for the forthcoming clear tide season. Their eyes sparkled with anticipation, yearning to return to Taihar with a fresh array of exquisite wares to entice local clientele from distant shores. These enterprising individuals had become accustomed to enduring various forms of mistreatment due to their foreign status, considering it an inevitable toll of conducting business in unfamiliar lands. However, in the ethereal realm of The Frozen Kingdom, where the scarcity of female births lent an aura of reverence to each girl child, they were regarded as cherished gems. It was precisely this treasured status that afforded them the liberty to be unreserved and imbued with a free-spirited nature. Hence, many Taiharn, guided by their own cultural norms, instinctively felt a profound sense of protectiveness envelop them, their hearts brimming with concern for this diminutive, lone female traveler.
"How dare you attempt robbery in broad daylight? Are all the soldiers of the Qinmay empire so bold as to prey on young, innocent female travelers?" A dazzling merchant, who had lined up to bring new wares into the city, spoke out. The guard visibly flinched, suddenly aware of the crowd's watchful gaze. A bead of sweat trickled down his face as he scanned his surroundings, desperately searching for words to smooth over the situation that had veered off script. Usually, the girls he harassed and intimidated would cower and beg for his leniency. None had ever stood up to him or questioned his actions.
"I am a member of the Merchant's Guild, and in ten lunar years, I have never encountered such brazen lies! How dare you abuse your position to extort a young female traveler!" Another voice with a pristine capital accent chimed in, as angry men began stepping forward to defend the girl.
"Private Mao! What is causing the delay?" demanded a stern voice as the superior officer finally arrived, having witnessed the heated exchange.
"Captain!" the guard exclaimed with an air of false concern. "This Taiharn woman has been causing trouble and insisting on entry into the city. I suspect she is a disruptive force that should be barred from entering." With a confident salute, the guard aimed his sneering words at Daiyu's group. The pudgy young man, emitting an unpleasant odor, shamelessly displayed his lack of remorse for his actions, basking in the presence of his superior. Daiyu gracefully inclined her head, exuding an aura of modesty, as she performed a delicate curtsy. Her two maids, in a show of respect, bowed in greeting to the newly arrived captain.
"Good sir, could you kindly clarify the entry rules for us? We find ourselves a little perplexed," Na Binh inquired politely, extending their documents and the entry fee to the taller, more authoritative man in his early thirties. His dark hair was elegantly tied in a high ponytail, secured with a commanding brass clip that glistened under the morning sun. Casting a disdainful glare at the younger and plump guard identified as 'Private Mao,' the newcomer accepted the items from the timid young maid.
"He attempted to extort this young girl! Please, uphold justice, sir!" A woman's voice suddenly rang out, drawing the crowd's attention back to Private Mao's transgressions.
"Those chosen to guard the gates represent our empire. How can such a man be allowed to hold such an important post?" An indignant voice of an older QinMay woman chimed in.
"The words of this righteous woman carry truth. How can we expect fair trade and treatment if this is the reception extended to visitors from foreign lands by the Empire of Qinmay?" Another voice, this one male and heavily accented in a manner suggesting the speaker hailed from the tribes of Nanman, voiced his concerns.
"We apologize for the delay, Young Miss Hui. You may proceed. We will waive the entry fee for your visit and wish you a delightful stay in our splendid city," the older man spoke with a warm smile, exuding a protective elder brother-like aura. The group graciously acknowledged the kindness, while the crowd behind them grew increasingly furious, demanding retribution for Private Mao's actions.
"We express our sincere gratitude for your prompt resolution. May the light of the Maker shine upon you this day, sir," Na Binh responded with utmost politeness, receiving back their papers and the few coins they had presented, accompanied by a graceful bow. The three women continued their journey through the gates without looking back, leaving behind a crowd that grew more unruly and a perspiring Private Mao, whose face turned pale with anger.
"Captain, you can't allow them to pass! I explained..." The chubby man's indignation seeped through his voice, as if his superior was not standing before him. Daiyu internally growled at such insubordination, her hand discreetly clutching the dagger within her sleeve for reassurance, as her small group began ascending the stairs leading to the pedestrian gate.
"Private Mao, while you may be a member of the Mao Clan, you are still under my authority, an authority bestowed upon me by Esteem himself..." The captain's words of reprimand trailed off as they entered the echoing stone archway, descending a flight of stairs and arriving at an intersection. The group turned towards a long covered bridge with vibrant blue shingles, its bright sky-blue framework radiating under the soft morning light.
Proceeding forward, the group encountered a gracefully crafted sign, its elegant calligraphy instructing pedestrians to adhere to the right side of the path. Meanwhile, carriages glided with elegance along the sturdy metal tracks on the left. Each step they took on the solid wooden planks resonated with soft thudding sounds, harmonizing with the peaceful ambiance enveloping them. To their right, a tranquil lake unfolded before their eyes, its surface reflecting the gentle caress of sunlight. The group stood in awe, beholding the opposite shore they had traversed the evening before, a massive elevated rise field. Streams of water cascaded from the elevated field, gracefully pouring into the lake, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of glistening ripples under the vibrant glow of the spring morning.
"Oh, Miss, it's absolutely breathtaking! Have you ever witnessed such vibrant colors and liveliness?" Na Binh gasped in awe, rushing over to lean over the dark oak railing to catch a glimpse of the colorful fish and aquatic plants adorning the lake, practically vibrating with energy. Amidst the dancing kelp and swaying seagrass, bright pink and red corals sparkled, embellishing a carpet of lily pads. Various birds congregated on the water's surface, diligently foraging for their morning sustenance, their loud squabbles filling the air as they dove and swam.
It had been so long since Daiyu had encountered such a sight up close, she couldn't recall the last time she had been in the presence of such serene wildlife and tranquil surroundings.
"It is indeed lovely, but please remember decorum Na Binh," Daiyu spoke without slowing down, leaving the maid, who was excitedly waving at a particularly majestic crane as if the animal would ignore its need for food to frolic with the oddly energetic girl. Ba Indu, who was a year younger yet more composed than Na Binh, watched her excited coworker with a mixture of frustration and amusement. She firmly grasped Na Binh's sleeves, dragging her forward along the remaining stretch of the bridge.
Once on the other side, a majestic livery building emerged before them, adorned in shades of bright blue with dark oak and stone accents. Men bustled in and out, their movements synchronized with the anxious stomping of horses eager to begin their day's work. A street sign proclaimed the building as the bustling hub of the Xia Clan's carriage and horse rental operation. Another sign pointed the way to the Flowering Banquet Hall, enticing Na Binh with its allure. Her eyes widened in surprise and excitement as she gushed about the beauty and strength of the horses compared to those in the countryside. Ba Indu, on the other hand, found Na Binh's exuberance unacceptable. With a mixture of frustration and a hint of amusement, she firmly guided the enthusiastic girl forward, contemplating whether a leash would be more effective than relying on the sleeves of her uniform.
Following the path that meandered around the livery and ascended the slope of the rice field, they found themselves enveloped by towering, broad trees. The shade provided respite from the sun's warmth, and a gentle earthy fragrance permeated the air replacing the scent of the housed livestock.
*Yun Val Daiyu, I struggle to comprehend this sensation. What do you call this feeling that engulfs you? You have undoubtedly experienced it before, but it eludes my understanding, * Zalgrass interrupted her thoughts, causing her to smile gently to herself.
*It's a mixture of awe and wonder. Where I came from initially, there are no great trees or an abundance of wildlife. The people of my ancestral planet killed everything, mining for resources. There are so many trees that the city feels as if it is a forest, and the buildings are outsiders to the natural tranquility. I find it an incredible experience.* Her response carried an undercurrent of joy, for the verdant surroundings overwhelmed her with their vibrant shades of green. The air, comfortably moist, carried a gentle fragrance, and thick, fragrant vines draped from the towering trees, swaying gently in the whispering breeze.
As they turned a corner, a magnificent seven-leveled Pagoda building emerged like a celestial palace, its dark blue-shingled rooftops reaching towards the heavens. The structure stood proud and commanding, captivating the gaze of those who beheld it. The air was alive with the enchanting sounds of a guzheng, its ethereal melodies coaxing a sweet and soothing rhythm that seemed to weave through the fabric of reality itself. Each pluck of the strings created a vibrant tapestry of harmonies, transporting the listeners to a world beyond imagination.
Stepping through the grand entrance, they were enveloped in a realm of otherworldly beauty. The pagoda, adorned with the Xia family's signature colors of bright blue and dark oak, now boasted vivid splashes of luminescent green, like mystical energy pulsating through its very essence. Na Binh's senses came alive, her eyes fixated on the radiant lime-colored path that meandered through the room. The path seemed to possess a life of its own, gracefully winding amidst the crowd, outlined with contrasting black against a vibrant blue backdrop. It beckoned with an allure that was impossible to resist.
The atmosphere within the pagoda was a captivating sensory feast, an immersive tapestry woven with a multitude of colors, tantalizing scents, and gracefully choreographed movements. Silk linens draped the tables in a kaleidoscope of hues—cyan, purple, orange, and lime—overwhelming the eyes with their vividness as if the colors themselves had been plucked from a painter's dreams. The serving staff, their movements as graceful as the petals of a blooming lotus, added to the enchantment of the scene. They weaved through the space like ethereal spirits, their vibrant costumes flowing like ribbons in the wind, their every step a dance of elegance and finesse.
A grand dark oak stage stood as the centerpiece, flanked by stairways of luminous lime. Upon it sat three musicians, their attire resplendent, befitting celestial divinities. With impeccable posture, they held their large stringed instruments, their hands moving with the precision of masters. The music that emanated from their instruments was a gateway to another realm, evoking emotions both familiar and yet unknown as if it resonated with the very essence of the listeners' souls.
The picture windows that adorned the pagoda's walls unveiled awe-inspiring panoramas of the vast ocean, stretching infinitely into the horizon. The gentle sea breeze, carrying both sweetness and saltiness, gracefully intermingled with the fragrant dishes served to the enthusiastic patrons. The aromas wafted through the air, a captivating blend of exotic spices, subtle herbs, and the pure essence of the freshest ingredients, composing a harmonious medley of scents that seduced the senses and ignited the appetite.
After a momentary pause, an elegantly dressed woman glided toward the group, her every movement exuding an air of regality. Her bright green dress accentuated her flawless pale blue skin, like a rare gem in the moonlight. Her long, golden hair was adorned with sapphires, meticulously arranged with the precision of an artist. Her presence commanded attention and reverence, a living embodiment of grace and beauty in this fantastical realm.
"This humble servant extends her warm greetings to our distinguished guests. How may I be of assistance on this blessed morning?" The woman's voice resonated with a melodic cadence, seamlessly entwining with the music as if she were narrating its very essence.
"Blessings from the Maker upon this splendid morning. Our honored miss carries the surname Hui and has made a reservation," Ba Indu spoke with a graceful bow and a gentle salutation.
"Indeed, we have eagerly awaited your arrival. Your reservation is for the fourth floor. If you would allow this lowly one to guide you, please follow along." The woman executed a flawless bow, gracefully gesturing towards the prominent dark wood and lime-pillared spiral staircase at the center of the grand edifice.
Ascending to the second floor, they entered another expansive banquet hall adorned with large picture windows and tables resplendent in a myriad of colors. Partial glimpses of nondescript rooms behind closed doors teased their curiosity as they continued their ascent. A sign affixed to the stair pillars indicated that the third floor housed a 'tranquility spa'.
Upon reaching the third floor, the group was met with the laughter and mirth of scantily-robed men and women, reveling and splashing in the midst of swirling steam that danced through the wide windows, revealing captivating views of the city and the ocean below. Tightly secured closed doors guarded private bathing and changing chambers, while guests gathered around an elevated heated tub or congregated at the grand, vibrant blue banquet table on the other side.
Despite the early hour, the room hummed with the lively interactions of servers and guests. Na Binh's eyes widened like saucers at the opulent and flirtatious spectacle, prompting Ba Indu to give her a firm tap between the shoulder blades, urging her to proceed up the stairs where she stood momentarily transfixed.
On the fourth floor, two long banquet tables flanked the stairway, abundantly adorned with delectable snacks, set before the expansive open picture windows. Along the other walls, four private resting rooms beckoned, while the staircase continued its ascent.
"The fifth floor remains unreserved for today, ensuring tranquility. However, floors six and seven are exclusively designated for staff and owners, thus inaccessible to guests. Unless specified, would you prefer privacy screens around the stairwell?" Daiyu gently shook her head in dismissal, indicating it was unnecessary.
"Very well, we have prepared a selection of complimentary delicacies for your enjoyment. A'lin, here, shall attend to your immediate needs. Should you require anything, please inform her, and she will ensure your desires are fulfilled to your utmost satisfaction. May you relish every moment until the approaching dusk," the woman gracefully conveyed, directing their attention towards a young girl of tender thirteen lunar years. Despite her petite stature, she exuded the grace and elegance of a blossoming flower, adorned in a soft ensemble of pink and white. Her large eyes emanated a gentle aura, while her lips, tinged with a rosy hue, displayed a professionally courteous smile. Daiyu nodded graciously, signaling the conclusion of their interaction, and made her way toward one of the expansive windows, where she could admire the view.
"I shall take a short nap, awaken me upon the arrival of our remaining party members. Feel free to indulge in the refreshments provided; there are currently no restrictions," Daiyu informed her companions as she entered one of the private rooms. Both maids couldn't contain their excitement, joy, and disbelief at the magnanimous treatment bestowed upon their young miss. Without hesitation even Ba Indue joined in, pouring fragrant tea and partaking in the exquisite pastries and appetizers that adorned the tables.
Meanwhile, A'lin, the serving girl assigned to attend to their floor, stood motionless like a sculpted statue, her countenance void of emotion, except for a fleeting moment of confusion that flickered in her eyes like lightning before vanishing, leaving her features as calm as a winter's lake.
Daiyu closed the door behind her, offering a small smile to the two young girls. She turned her attention to the windows in the room, realizing that one of them provided a perfect vantage point of their nocturnal arrival on the shores the night before. She wondered if their disembarkation had been visible in the depths of the previous evening's darkness. However, such thoughts held little significance at the moment. They had successfully passed through the gates without alerting any soldiers.
Although the possibility of being spotted during their arrival lingered in her mind, they had no choice but to press forward with their plan. Daiyu turned her gaze to the inviting large bed adorned with soft red covers. She knew she needed more rest, for there was still much to be accomplished before the next day's sunrise.