The Legend of Carmine

Alor carried Carmine out of the execution hall, his heart heavy with fear that he might never see her alive again. She was gravely wounded, her body marked with countless injuries, and her clothes were soaked in blood. He wondered why she couldn't just live like an ordinary girl.

Determined to stay by her side, Alor kept her company day and night until she began to recover. As he gazed at her face, an unexpected thought crossed his mind—he could marry her.

The realization startled him. He was shocked by his feelings and couldn't understand the profound sense of helplessness he had experienced when he desperately wanted to save her during those unpredictable times.

Carmine eventually recovered fully, her strength returning along with her spirit.

One day, Carmine visited Alor unannounced. She found him engrossed in carving a silver hairpin, so focused on his work that he didn't even notice her arrival.

Quietly, she sneaked behind him, grabbed the hairpin, and startled him.

"Who's the lucky girl our Alor has chosen?" she teased with a mischievous grin.

"She must be beautiful!"

"How is it that I don't know about this girl?"

Then, with a playful tone, she added, "Did you meet her when I sent you off with the Emperor? No wonder you arrived back just in time. Did you stop by to see your sweetheart on the way?"

Alor's expression darkened, and her words hit him like arrows piercing his heart. He glared at her, clearly showing her teasing had gone too far.

Realizing she had crossed the line, Carmine quickly returned the hairpin, apologized softly, and left without another word.

Meanwhile, back in her room, Carmine couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it. She realized she might have crossed a line with her teasing and made a mental note never to discuss that topic with Alor again. She assumed he might like someone, but perhaps her parents were against it.

Life in the Shar was peaceful. Rulean had long since returned to the Capital, leaving no one to stir up trouble for Carmine. At this point, she commanded Shar and Inap by default, and she was performing her duties admirably. She relished the calm, enjoying the rare moments of tranquillity.

She spent her days training with her comrades, honing her skills and practising swordsmanship with sword-Xade.

Then came a royal edict summoning Alor and Carmine to the Capital, Ejin, to receive their reward for saving the Emperor.

As Alor and Carmine rode back to the Capital, they stopped to rest at an inn. During their meal, Carmine joked, "What do you think the Emperor will give us as a reward? Do you think he'll make me the Grand General? No,.. that would be too much to expect, even if the Emperor is progressive. He would never give such a title to a woman. Besides, I'm not one of your kind. He'd probably fear that with such power, I might rebel. I think he'll reward me with much gold and silver instead."

She continued playfully, "Since you've done such a great favour for the Emperor, why don't you ask for the Grand General position yourself? Also, tell the Emperor you're considering getting married and ask for a house and some land. That way, you can easily convince the girl's parents and get their approval for the marriage!"

Alor didn't say anything; he smiled. Throughout the trip, he seemed playful whenever Carmine was around, but at other times, he appeared lost in deep thought.

They finally arrived in Ejin as the sun set, dusk casting its golden glow over the city.

Both of them entered the palace. The Emperor Cyanx had organized a banquet for them the following evening.

Carmine relaxed in her chamber, surrounded by all the luxuries provided, including a hot bath and delicious food. She thought to herself, "I need to enjoy this while I can—I may not get such comfort again."

Her beautifully embroidered new general's uniform had already been delivered to her room, symbolising her growing recognition.

She felt truly at ease within the palace walls for the first time in a long while. With her mind and body finally at rest, she soon drifted off to sleep.

However, shortly after their arrival, Alor requested an audience with the Emperor.

He paced back and forth anxiously as he waited for permission. When finally summoned to see the Emperor, he clenched the hairpin he had painstakingly crafted and walked resolutely toward the Emperor's visiting chamber.