The road to the palace was calm.
Too calm.
Inside the carriage, Princess Zhao Lianhua sat elegantly, her posture straight as servants carefully adjusted her attire.
"…Everything must be perfect tonight."
It was the Queen's birthday.
A night meant for celebration
And appearances.
Outside, the guards remained alert.
The forest around them was quiet.
Unnaturally quiet.
Suddenly
RUSTLE!
"AMBUSH!"
Figures in black burst from the shadows, surrounding the carriage in an instant.
"Protect the Princess!"
Swords clashed.
Steel rang loudly through the forest.
But something was wrong.
The attackers were too skilled.
Too fast.
The guards began to fall one by one.
Inside the carriage
The princess frowned.
"…How dare they attack me?"
Before the situation could worsen
SWOOSH!
A figure dropped from above.
Light.
Silent.
Deadly.
A young woman dressed in simple traveler's clothes landed between the enemies.
Her long hair moved gently with the wind.
Her expression
Calm.
Unreadable.
Without a word
She moved.
Fast.
Precise.
Effortless.
One by one
The enemies fell.
Silence.
The remaining attackers fled.
The forest returned to stillness.
The princess stepped out of the carriage, her gaze fixed on the mysterious woman.
"…Who are you?"
The woman lowered her head slightly.
"…Just a traveler."
Her voice was soft.
Gentle.
"I have no home… no family…"
"…and nowhere to go."
A brief silence passed.
The princess studied her.
Then
"…Come with me."
"You saved my life."
"…You will accompany me to the palace."
"…From today on, you are under my protection."
The woman slowly lifted her gaze.
A faint smile formed on her lips.
"…Thank you, Your Highness."
But behind that gentle expression
Her eyes darkened.
"…Everything is going according to plan…"