The autumn wind howled sharply as the mountain path in the western borderlands twisted narrow and rough, dust and withered leaves churning under hooves. Dressed in light knight's armor, Evelynn's cloak flapped wildly in the wind as she held the reins, her gaze fixed beyond the mountain range on the stone fortress—Luo Han City. Lucian rode beside her, gripping his longsword, ever vigilant for bandits lurking by the road.
"Half a quarter hour to the fortress," the guide reported in a low voice, worry edging his tone. "The western border troops were restless two days ago. Rumor has it the garrison has colluded with rebel generals."
Evelynn nodded slightly. "We are not mere imperial envoys on inspection—we are the embodiment of the throne. If there are traitors, their resolve to rebel shall be shattered today." Her voice cut through the autumn wind, laden with unshakable resolve.
As night fell, they reached the valley. Suddenly, a troop of cavalry charged from a side path, torchlight reflecting off silver-gray battle robes and black-gold emblems—the Luo Han garrison. The column halted before them. Brigadier General Astar lifted his helmet, his face . "Your Majesty the Snow Flame King arrives, yet not with goodwill. If the crown truly wished to pacify the west, why send armed forces instead of envoys?"
Evelynn dismounted calmly, her booted steps squelching in the mud as she approached. "I am the throne's guardian and the sovereign of this land. I come not to kill through proxies, but to dispel your misunderstandings and fears of rebellion. The Luo Han garrison should be the kingdom's shield, not the rebels' blade."
Astar snorted. "Had the crown not summoned us urgently, how dare we act? Some in the camp have secretly plotted—if not resolved today, more fortresses may defect tomorrow."
[Note: The original text cuts off "Luci..." here; the translation continues based on context.]
Astar hesitated, finally bowing his head. "It's Lieutenant Colonel Kalman of the left flank. He led hundreds of elite cavalry in a secret meeting with rebel envoys at the northern outpost last night. This morning, they ordered the city guard to lower vigilance, hoping rebels would exploit the weakness."
Evelynn said gravely, "Lead the way." The cavalry followed her into the moonlit forest path. En route, she spoke slowly: "Why does Kalman rebel? We must dispel his doubts to uproot the trouble." Lucian nodded beside her.
Arriving at Luo Han's northern outpost, it stood abandoned in the moonlight. Astar led dozens of elite soldiers to surround Kalman. Kalman sat on his horse, armor glinting coldly, yet his eyes showed exhaustion and resentment. "The queen binds the north with new laws but never considers our deep love and defense of home! We've guarded the border for decades, our blood and sweat forming this barrier, yet you distrust us."
Evelynn's gaze was gentle but unyielding. "Trust is earned through action. If you are loyal to the kingdom, follow me to the capital for pardon; if you plot rebellion further, meet your end here."
Kalman stared at her long, finally heaving a sigh as he thrust his sword into the earth. "I will follow Your Highness back to the capital, to clear this stain of blood and shame." He gestured to the hundreds of knights behind him. "We all agree."
The moon wind rose suddenly, dispersing doubt and sounding the horn of loyalty. Evelynn turned, her voice carrying through the night: "The Luo Han garrison allies with the throne. From this night, defend our western border."
The cavalry echoed in unison, battle flags fluttering in the moonlight. Lucian whispered beside her, "You quelled the dispute with words—more victorious than a battle."
Leaning on her saddle, Evelynn smiled. "A true ruler conquers not just with the sword, but with trust that wins hearts."
At dawn the next day, the Snow Flame royal flag was raised again on Luo Han's walls, garrison troops cheering in formation. Evelynn and Lucian climbed the rampart side by side, gazing at the winding mountain path and lurking ,their hearts a mix of vigilance and hope for the border's rebirth.
Deep in the night, within the camp tent, Evelynn removed her armor as Lucian handed her a blanket and warm tea. He chuckled softly, "You won more loyalty today. It's hard to imagine your poise beyond the court."
Leaning into his embrace, Evelynn stroked his arm, replying in a low voice, "Without you by my side, I could not have resolved this strife smoothly. Today, no great slaughter was needed, nor forgiveness—only a new covenant has taken root in the ."
The two embraced in the tent, moonlight filtering through to silhouette their entwined forms. The western border's had temporarily subsided, but they knew the journey to safeguard monarchy and trust had just begun its new chapter.