The day Lian Evelyn and her family feared had finally arrived. That morning, the atmosphere at the nation's main gate was heavy. A quiet sadness hung in the air, pressing down on everyone's hearts as they gathered to send off General Lian Zaeil. Even the wind felt different. Gentle, cold, and sorrowful, as it knew what was about to happen. Everyone stood silently, eyes fixed on the figure in armor preparing to leave. No one spoke. There were only tight throats, held-back tears, and silent prayers.
"Dear, don't cry. This isn't the first time I'm going to war," General Zaeil said softly and hug his daughter tightly. But Lian Evelyn cried harder. Her small hands gripped his armor, and her tears soaked into the front of his robe. "But this time feels different… You're leaving so suddenly. I'm scared, Daddy." said Lian Evelyn which make General Zaeil's heart clenched. He hated seeing her like this. "I promise I'll come back safely. Nothing bad will happen to me, alright?" Lian Evelyn sniffled and looked up at him with teary eyes. "Pinky promise?" He chuckled and held out his hand. Their pinky fingers linked. "Pinky promise," he said. "Then you have to promise to write me letters!" said her. "I will. But you have to promise me something too," he said, wiping her tears gently. "Be good. Listen to your mother. No sneaking out of the house, okay?" said him. "of course im not. im a good girl!" she protested, turning to hug her mother's arm. "Right, Mommy?". Madam Qinan smiled and stroked her daughter's head . "Of course you are."But General Lian Zaeil's expression turned serious. "I mean it, Evelyn. Don't go outside while I'm away. Love," he turned to his wife, "make sure she follows the rule.". remind him again. "Don't worry," Madam Qinan assured him. "I'll take care of her. You just focus on your mission. And don't forget to eat properly."
As if on cue, the sharp sound of a bugle echoed through the air. It was time to head to battlefield. General Zaeil pressed a kiss to his wife's forehead, then to Evelyn's. He mounted his horse and gave them one last look before riding off, disappearing beyond the hills of Zhan County.
A Few Weeks Later
"Happy, happy, happy! Hmm, I feel so happy!" sang Lian Evelyn. "Miss, your mood seems really good today. What happened?" asked her maid, Xiao Yun. "Today's the grand opening of my favorite candy shop!" Lian Evelyn replied excitedly. "Huh? Your favorite one is in Xia Country, right?" Xiao Yun asked. "Yes, but they're opening a new branch right here in the capital!" Evelyn beamed. "Wahhh, really, Miss? I want to go too! Can you bring me along?" begged Xiao Yun with puppy eyes. "Of course! But hurry do my hair first ," Lian Evelyn said. Xiao Yun nodded and began fixing Lian Evelyn's hair, but suddenly froze in realization.
"Ehhh, Miss… aren't you not allowed to leave the house?" she asked hesitantly.
Evelyn smirked mischievously. "That's why we have to sneak out," she whispered."But Miss, what if the General finds out?" Xiao Yun asked, clearly worried.
"He won't, unless you tell him," Evelyn said confidently. "But… but…". she about to say something but Lian Evelyn cut her off "No buts!" Evelyn grabbed her maid's hand and headed toward the back of the house.
---
"Miss, are you sure this is a good idea?" Xiao Yun asked as she watched Evelyn climb the brick wall. "Of course. This is the best idea ever! Hurry up!" Evelyn called down from the top. "I can't climb!" Xiao Yun said, trembling slightly. "Yes, you can. I'll help you," Evelyn said, extending a hand to pull her up. Finally, both girls sat atop the wall.
"Miss, do we have to jump?" Xiao Yun asked, looking down nervously.
"Yes, but if you're scared, I'll jump first and catch you," Evelyn said, and without hesitation, jumped. "See? Nothing happened! Just jump, I'll catch you. Don't worry, I'm strong!" She wasn't bragging Lian Evelyn had trained in martial arts since she was a child. Though she wasn't on her father's level, she could protect herself.
"Okay... but if I die, you have to serve my favorite candy at my memorial tablet," Xiao Yun said tearfully. "Ugh, stop talking nonsense and jump!" Evelyn scolded.
Xiao Yun nodded and jumped. Evelyn caught her safely and helped her down.
"See? You're still alive," Evelyn grinned. "Miss, you're the best," Xiao Yun said, wiping away her tears. "Of course I am. Now let's go!" Evelyn declared, and both girls headed toward the capital.
Back at Zhan Castle
Prince Zhan Nathenial sat peacefully at a table under a tree, reading. Unbeknownst to him, a figure crept up quietly from behind.
"WAAAAAAAAAA!" scream the figure.
"AHHHHHH!" the prince screamed and immediately drew his sword but realize the culprit was his sister, Princess Dyyana.
"You little demon! You scared the life out of me!" he scolded. Princess Dyyana only laughed harder. "Hahahaha! You were so shocked! How can someone like you even go to the battlefield?" Prince Zhan Nathenial's face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment."If the enemy attacks, it'll be with swords and arrows, not random screams! I'm not used to that!" he tried to defend himself. But his sister kept laughing. "Ishh, go away. Don't bother me," he muttered, returning to his seat.
"Oh, don't be so grumpy." She sat beside him, still giggling. "Anyway, I came to ask for something.". said her and sit next him. "what now?" ask him.
"Can I borrow your men? Just for today. I want to go to the capital." tell her.
"No." he replay shortly. "Why not?! You're so stingy!" mad Princess Dyyana
"They have things to do. Ask Father for guards." said him again and focus back at his book. "But your men are better trained! Pleaseeee," she whined, clinging to his arm.
He sighed, defeated by her puppy eyes. "Fine. But be back before nightfall." remind him to his sister. "Yay! You're the best!" She jumped up and hugged him.
"Ugh, get off….." He shoved her gently, making her stumble and fall with a yelp.
That's for screaming in my ear."He smirked and ran off. Princess Dyyana's eyes blazed with fury. "YOU!!" she screamed and chased after him.
Few hours later,
"Your Highness, wherever you go today, we will follow you in secret. Don't worry, we will protect you no matter what happens," one of the men in Prince Zhan Nathenial's guard group said. They were the elite martial guards assigned to protect Princess Dyyana.
"Okay, but be careful. Don't let anyone know you're protecting me. " Princess Dyyana replied, her voice calm yet firm. The man nodded in understanding.
"Let's go to the capital," she said, settling into the carriage with her maid, Shu Mia. The horse-drawn carriage began its journey toward the capital.
"Your Highness…"
"Shh," Princess Dyyana cut off her maid before she could say more.
"We're outside the castle now. Don't call me Your Highness. Just call me Miss," she explained.
"Oh, sorry, Miss," Shu Mia apologized. "I just wanted to know where we're going."
"Since you wanted street food, I'll take you to a new candy shop. It's actually located in the Xia capital, but they've just opened a branch in our capital," Princess Dyyana replied with a smile.
"Really? Ah, this is my lucky day!" Shu Mia exclaimed, her face lighting up.
"Yes, your lucky day. But after you eat, we need to find some books—poetry books and literary works. And I don't want to hear you say you're tired or want to go back to the castle, understand?" Princess Dyyana added with a serious expression.
Shu Mia sighed and looked away, but she didn't say anything more.
Arriving at the Candy Shop
"Miss, we've arrived," the charioteer announced.
"Okay," Princess Dyyana replied, stepping out of the carriage. She and Shu Mia walked into the candy shop, where a variety of colorful treats filled the shelves. The line was long, and people were eagerly waiting to buy the famous candies.
"Miss, the queue is so long! How will we possibly get any candy? They'll be sold out before we even reach the counter!" Shu Mia pouted in frustration.
"Well, we don't have much choice. We'll have to wait in line," Princess Dyyana said, resigned.
"Aaah, but Miss, this line is too long! I'll probably faint before we even get our candy!" Shu Mia grumbled, crossing her arms.
"Fine, how about this," Princess Dyyana said, offering a solution. "We can't cut the line, since others have been waiting too. But I'll ask my guards to wait for us, and while they do, we can walk around. How does that sound?"
"Okay then, we'll go walk first," Shu Mia agreed, taking Princess Dyyana's hand as they stepped out of the line.
Princess Dyyana smiled and gave a subtle signal to the guards who had been following them in secret, instructing them to stay in line.
An Unexpected Encounter
"Faster! We need to get the candy before anyone else buys it!" Lian Evelyn shouted as she rushed toward the candy shop.
"Miss, did you make an appointment with the owner?" Xiao Yun asked, panting as she ran beside her. "Why are we still running?"
"Even so, we need to hurry! We can't let them forget about me!" Lian Evelyn replied, her urgency clear.
Suddenly, Lian Evelyn collided with Princess Dyyana, and they both tumbled to the ground.