The festival started with vibrant traditional music echoing across the venue. As the lively drumbeats faded, a loud cheer rose from the Schleiman people, young and old alike.
Since dawn, the village had buzzed with excitement. Even the town blacksmith, his face usually smudged from work, had taken the time to comb his messy hair with a bamboo comb before stepping outside.
The delicious smell of roasting chickens filled the streets. A mix of music and songs from the kingdom's people floated through the air.
The main market street was decorated with a lovely floral path, made from countless mountain flowers scattered by local women.
Everyone's hearts raced, waiting eagerly for the graceful Lady Roen to pass down this very road.
Then, in an instant, a blinding flash caught the eye of a boy holding a venison skewer.
KABOOM-!
An ear-splitting blast rang out, shaking the area.
"Aaaaargh!"
"Kyaaah!"
Through the thick smoke, people burned in wild flames, thrashing in pain on the ground.
Fiery explosions tore through the streets. Chaos spread as people ran in all directions, their terrified screams echoing everywhere.
***
"My lady, you look absolutely stunning."
After a long session of grooming, Roen's face already showed hints of exhaustion. But despite this, Haran spoke with genuine, heartfelt admiration as she looked at her.
Four handmaidens surrounded Roen, brushing various powders on her face, keeping her as still as a statue. Yet, as the beauty routine dragged on, Roen was growing increasingly tired.
When one of the handmaidens finally announced they were finished, Roen silently thought, "At last!" She opened her eyes and stared at the reflection of a radiant woman in the mirror.
Her normally straight hair, which flowed down to her lower back, had been styled into a circular shape on top of her head, like a lotus flower. A long jade hairpin, adorned with a large gem, held it securely in place.
A blue silk wrap, beautifully embroidered with tiny white jade beads like stars in the Milky Way, draped softly over her pale shoulders. Beneath it, a light pink silk skirt hugged her slender frame.
As Roen gazed at the unfamiliar reflection, a shy smile began to form on her lips.
KABOOM-!
A deafening explosion shattered her thoughts, slicing through the silence like a knife.
"What was that?"
Overcome with sudden panic, she leapt to the window and quickly pulled back the curtain.
As she opened the window and looked out, her eyes reflected the sight of fierce red flames.
The color drained from her face. Her mind spun, trying to make sense of the chaos outside.
KABOOM-!!
A second dark projectile crashed into the vendor-lined street. Roen's eyes darted to the source of the next deafening blast.
"Gyaaaah!"
"Help us, please!"
"It's an ambush!"
The village descended into chaos as people ran wildly, trying to escape the spreading fire.
"My lady... What is happening?!"
Haran, watching from the side, was frozen in shock. Her slender frame started to tremble.
Roen's vacant gaze fell on the people writhing in pain, swallowed by flames. A single, horrified gasp escaped her.
It was an ambush.
On a day meant for celebration, terror had come unannounced.
Roen bit her lip, turned, and drew her sword from its scabbard.
***
"Commander-in-Chief, sir!"
"Have you assessed the situation? Who are they?"
Daphman asked, his face serious. Suhen, the deputy commander of Schleiman and Roen's uncle, replied between gasps for breath.
The banquet hall, where Daphman and his team had been discussing Roen's upcoming wedding, was thrown into chaos by the sudden news of an attack.
"Uh, we couldn't identify them, sir."
"Unable to assess?"
"There are no flags, no signs of any kingdom or tribe. They're wearing unfamiliar armor, and their faces are fully hidden by black masks..."
Hearing this, Daphman's face darkened. The wedding was set to start in just three hours.
An attack on such an important day? Unthinkable.
"The attackers—how many?"
"Roughly two hundred, sir. We haven't been able to assess their strength yet..."
"For now, evacuate the townspeople and assemble our troops immediately."
"Yes, sir!"
"Is Bi Young still in the guest room?"
"I went there earlier to inform them, but... they weren't there. They seem to have stepped out with their guard."
Daphman took a moment, thinking carefully.
"Have the Byro Kingdom ministers left yet?"
"About two hours ago, we received word from Byro saying their departure would be slightly delayed."
"Send a message to wait if they haven't left yet, and once we locate Bi Young..."
Suddenly, the banquet hall doors burst open. Roen entered, her face pale but finely adorned, gripping a sword with fierce determination.
"Father!"
"Oh... Roen."
"What... what on earth is happening?"
"Hah... I don't fully know either. For now, we'll try to speak with them directly..."
KA-BOOM—!
As a savage roar echoed through Schleiman, Daphman's face twisted with fury.
"Blast! Everyone, arm yourselves! Take your battle positions!"
The attackers, having momentarily halted their vicious assault, stood confidently, watching the scene unfold.
Their figures were rigid and still, appearing completely emotionless, like lifeless statues.
Across the river, they faced Roen's fierce glare.
All wore black masks and dark blue clothing. From a distance, a disturbing crimson emblem on their left chests and shoulders glinted faintly in the sunlight.
Daphman, flanked by hundreds of well-armed soldiers, showed his agitation.
With a quick glance, Daphman silently signaled Suhen. Suhen stepped forward and shouted loudly.
"State your purpose for being here!"
The men stood stiff, their eyes fixed straight ahead, unfazed by his demand.
Suddenly, the apparent leader of the group narrowed his sharp eyes slightly.
The intricate, lavish design on his clothing hinted at his high rank.
Roen studied him. Even with half his face hidden, his eyes gave off an intense presence.
Beside him stood two tall, muscular men who looked like his immediate subordinates. Roen's gaze swept over them, pausing on one in particular.
He was a man radiating an unmistakable power that was apparent at first glance.
Even wrapped in dark, tattered cloth, a quiet yet undeniable sense of danger surrounded him, detectable even from this distance.
An aura of lifeless death—that was how Roen described this mysterious man.
"I want your land."
At that moment, hearing the unsettling tone beside her, Roen couldn't help but scoff in disbelief. The soldiers around her began to stir uneasily.
Daphman, frowning deeply, stepped forward and shouted.
"Identify yourselves! This land belongs to us, Schleiman!"
At Daphman's words, the eyes of the enemy leader narrowed menacingly, curving like a drawn bow.
Was he smiling...?
Imagining the cold smirk hidden behind the mask sent chills down Roen's spine. Unconsciously, she tightened her grip on her sword.
"If they resist, then so be it."
The man's words, spoken as if to himself, made Roen catch her breath. It felt like she could see how the situation would unfold.
"Hwai, Sahan."
His eyes flashed with a chilling light. The two masked warriors beside him briefly bowed their heads in acknowledgment.
"Crush them."
Daphman quickly turned around and yelled to his soldiers.
"Everyone, get into combat positions! Defend Schleiman!"