Leonos continued, "The lavaliere only appears when she performs rituals or summons it."
The Grand Emperor, Herbio, turned to his knights. "There is no time to waste. We march to conquer the South-East Empire!"
Lady Kial hesitated. "But what about finding the lavaliere?"
Herbio smirked. "The lavaliere is with Long Yan. Once we have secured the empire, I will send my men to retrieve it."
Lady Charlos turned to Leonos. "You must remain vigilant. I know you resigned from knighthood due to your health, choosing instead to serve as the Empress's lady-in-waiting. But you cannot afford any mistakes."
Leonos bowed.
At dawn, Long Yan and Maroon awoke with empty stomachs and set out in search of food and shelter. As they wandered, they marveled at the village's beauty. The streets were clean, the villagers joyful, and even the animals seemed content.
A woman from a bread shop called out to them. Long Yan turned back, and the woman handed her a loaf of bread.
"I have no money," Long Yan said.
The woman smiled. "No need to pay. 'Service to God is service to mankind.' You seem like an outsider, though. You look Chinese."
Long Yan hesitated, unsure how to respond. She simply thanked the woman.
Just then, she noticed Maroon lost in thought, oblivious to an approaching carriage.
"Maroon! Look out!" she screamed.
But Maroon didn't hear. The carriage thundered toward her.