Observing the distraught sisters kneeling before her, Cendrarsa set aside her chopsticks, rising to approach them and squatting down slowly.
"Young maiden, is Zagonnas truly as despicable as claimed?"
"Yes, Great Leader."
"Heh." Cendrarsa chuckled softly, reaching out to caress the elder sister's face.
"Alright, as long as your words hold, I will assist in his demise. No, such a beast must be castrated. However, dear girl, do not deceive me. Falsehoods will not go unpunished. Trust not, or you and your sister may face dire consequences."
Cendrarsa's words carried a chilling weight, causing the younger sister to tremble. Fortunately, her elder sibling remained composed, reassuring Cendrarsa of their veracity.
"Very well, I trust you. Tomorrow, at the Demon-Slaying Conference, summon your courage and expose that beast's atrocities."
With a gentle pat on the elder sister's cheek, Cendrarsa rose from the ground.
"Lupan, I understand your intentions. Regarding titles and distinctions, I do not need your endorsements. However, in Zagonnas' case, justice will be served. Be wary, Lupan."
With these words, Cendrarsa departed, leaving Lupan deep in thought. Only after she had walked away did he address the sisters still kneeling before him.
"Rise. If you seek retribution against Zagonnas for your father's sake, fear not death. Convince Cendrarsa of your truth, and our cause gains strength. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Uncle."
As the sisters departed, Lupan, his thoughts lingering, inquired about any valuable information circulating outside.
"I heard that the City Lord of Linxian City intends to marry Cendrarsa."
"The City Lord? Who is he?" Lupan had never encountered such a prominent figure before.
"Quite mysterious. His identity remains a mystery, but rumour has it—he is exceedingly wealthy."
"Did Cendrarsa agree to this?" Lupan pressed.
"Seems so. Some claim that the white jade pendant she just wore around her neck is a token from the City Lord, the Linxian City Lord's seal."
"A curious development indeed. It appears that discord has arisen between Zagonnas and Cendrarsa. Perhaps tomorrow's events will be revelatory," Lupan mused, finally finding some peace of mind after two months of apprehension.
Meanwhile, Cendrarsa returned to the bustling streets. The city was aglow with countless red lanterns, emanating a festive and joyous atmosphere.
"Great Leader, I do not believe that the master would commit such atrocities," the Poisonous Phoenix remarked as she noticed Cendrarsa's sombre expression.
Cendrarsa lightly chuckled, her gaze fixed towards the end of the street.
"I know he is not that kind of man. But do you know what angers me? Despite knowing that I am Cendrarsa, why does he not trust me? Why did he choose to leave, preferring to sever all ties with a farewell letter? What is he thinking?"
This turmoil weighed heavily on Cendrarsa's heart.
"Young lady."
As Cendrarsa wiped her slightly moist eyes, a young girl approached her.
"Yes? What is it?"
"The City Lord requests your presence. Will you come with me?"
"The City Lord?"
The mysterious City Lord, who had showered her with gifts earlier in the day, merited at least a brief meeting.
"Very well, lead the way."
"Oh, dear lady, the City Lord wishes to see you alone," the girl added, glancing hesitantly at the Poisonous Phoenix.
"Could there be a plot?" the concerned Phoenix whispered to Cendrarsa.
Cendrarsa shrugged indifferently. "No matter. You may return; I shall investigate."
With that, Cendrarsa followed the girl. After navigating through narrow alleys, the young girl led her to a riverside location.
"Sister, do you see that bridge? The City Lord awaits you there."
"Thank you."
Cendrarsa pinched the girl's cheek playfully, took a deep breath, and with a light step on lotus leaves floating in the water, she gracefully ascended to the bridge.
Standing there, Cendrarsa noticed an unusual silence enveloping the area. While the streets bustled with activity, this spot seemed deserted, devoid of any presence, including the enigmatic City Lord.
"Where are you? If you do not show yourself, I shall depart."
As the sea of lanterns drifted away, Cendrarsa called out, receiving no response.
With a sense of finality, Cendrarsa, twirling her golden bell, leaned against the railing, one foot raised, the other tapping lightly on the ground.
Amidst the serene quietude, the tinkling of the bell echoed distinctly. At that moment, she observed red lanterns rising from the river surface.
One by one, the lanterns ascended, gradually multiplying in number. Initially countable, they soon became an uncountable mass, decorating the sky with their luminous presence.
As a gentle breeze blew from the east, Cendrarsa's face was turned westward. The floating lanterns converged, resembling a river of stars flowing gracefully across the sky, beneath the bridge and over the tranquil waters.
Gazing upon this spectacle, Cendrarsa couldn't help but smile. Regardless of the City Lord's intentions, the display of lanterns had indeed pleased her. However, the question lingered—what was the purpose behind this enchanting gesture?
Surveying the empty surroundings and the absent City Lord, Cendrarsa shouted into the silence before abandoning the spot, the sound of her footsteps fading away.
In the shadows, a figure watched, resisting the urge to approach her and embrace her. For now, the perceived animosity between them shielded her from any potential backlash, even if he were to exact retribution against their enemies the following day.
Yet, the impending nuptial owed to her would remain unfulfilled. The vibrant red festivities, fireworks in the sky, and the myriad lanterns were his final gestures of tenderness towards her.
Unbeknownst to anyone, tears of remorse cascaded down his once handsome face. Tomorrow would mark the conclusion for him and the world.
The vendettas of his parents and mentor's wife would finally find closure."