The gates of Kanyou stood open as victorious armies from the Sanyou Campaign entered the Qin capital. Citizens crowded both sides of the streets, cheering the returning soldiers whose victories had expanded Qin's borders once again.
Generals, commanders, and officers marched in orderly ranks toward the royal palace where the long-awaited reward ceremony would be held.
Among them walked the towering figure of Hyou Ren, now clad in ceremonial armor instead of battlefield steel. His imposing presence naturally drew countless gazes from the crowd. Beside him strode Ri Yue, equally composed, her elegant yet martial bearing earning admiration from nobles and soldiers alike.
Walking at their side was a much younger warrior.
Shin.
Several officers frowned at the unusual sight.
"Fool," one officer scoffed.
"You should be in the rear with the thousand-man commanders."
Another looked Shin up and down.
"Who's the boy?"
"The Great General's sword bearer?"
Whispers quickly spread among the procession.
"What arrogance..."
"He thinks he belongs beside General Hyou Ren?"
Just then, Mou Ten casually appeared beside Shin with an embarrassed smile.
"Come on, Shin. They're going to keep talking all day. You should be standing with us."
Without waiting for permission, Mou Ten grabbed Shin by the arm and pulled him toward the rear ranks.
Shin protested.
"Hey! Let go!"
"I was walking just fine!"
Mou Ten only laughed.
"Save yourself the headache."
Neither Hyou Ren nor Ri Yue reacted.
Not because they agreed with the officers...
But because there was no need.
The entire Qin military believed Shin was merely a rising young commander.
None of them knew the truth.
None knew that Shin was their son.
Walking beside them would have been perfectly natural had his true identity been known.
The great hall of Qin soon fell silent.
An announcement echoed through the palace.
"The King of Qin has arrived!"
Every official and soldier immediately knelt.
Into the hall walked the young King Ei Sei, wearing the black robes of the Son of Heaven. His calm expression carried an authority far beyond his years.
For the first time, Hyou Ren and Ri Yue laid eyes upon the king they had sworn to serve.
The king's gaze briefly swept across the gathered generals before the ceremony began.
One by one, names were called.
Commanders received promotions.
Officers were awarded noble ranks.
Generals gained territories and riches.
Finally...
The herald raised his voice.
"Hyou Ren!"
The entire hall became quiet.
Even veteran generals turned their attention toward him.
Hyou Ren stepped forward before kneeling.
"For your unparalleled achievements throughout the Sanyou Campaign..."
"For defeating Heavenly King of Renpa…."
"Gen Po and Rinko..."
"For repeatedly turning the tide of battle..."
"For your countless victories in service to Qin..."
"By decree of His Majesty..."
"Hyou Ren is hereby promoted to the rank of Great General of Qin!"
The hall erupted in astonishment.
Although many had expected the promotion...
Hearing it officially declared still carried immense weight.
The herald continued.
"Furthermore..."
"The lands of Seihi..."
"Seirin..."
"And Daika..."
"Are granted to Great General Hyou Ren as hereditary domains."
Gasps echoed through the court.
Three territories.
An enormous reward.
The herald was not finished.
"In addition..."
"Three thousand units of gold..."
"And ten units of royal treasures..."
"Are bestowed upon Great General Hyou Ren."
Even the nobles looked stunned.
Such rewards rivaled those once granted to Qin's greatest heroes.
Hyou Ren lowered his head.
"This servant accepts His Majesty's generosity."
King Ei Sei nodded.
"Continue serving Qin."
"I expect even greater achievements from you."
"I shall not disappoint Your Majesty."
After the ceremony ended, the court slowly dispersed.
While ministers gathered around the newly promoted Great General Hyou Ren, Shin quietly slipped away into one of the palace gardens.
There, another figure was already waiting.
Ei Sei.
The two stood beneath the shade of an old tree.
For a brief moment...
Neither spoke.
Then Ei Sei smiled.
"You've grown stronger again."
Shin scratched the back of his head.
"I've got people to catch up to."
He looked toward the palace where Hyou Ren was surrounded by officials.
"Becoming a Great General..."
"I used to think that was the end of the road."
He laughed softly.
"But not anymore."
Ei Sei remained silent, listening.
Shin's eyes grew firm.
"I've realized something."
"Our paths are the same now."
"I don't just want to become a Great General."
"I want to help you."
"I want to help you unite all of China."
The words hung in the air.
Ei Sei looked directly into Shin's eyes.
There was no hesitation.
No boasting.
Only conviction.
A small smile appeared on the king's face.
"I had hoped you would say that."
"Our ambitions are finally aligned."
Shin grinned.
"Oh, and I've got something else to tell you."
Ei Sei raised an eyebrow.
"What is it?"
"I'm getting married."
The king blinked.
"...What?"
Shin nodded proudly.
"I'm heading back to my hometown soon for the wedding."
Ei Sei chuckled in disbelief.
"I didn't expect that."
He crossed his arms thoughtfully.
"So..."
"Which one is it?"
"Kyou Kai?"
"Or Karyo Ten?"
Shin rubbed the back of his neck with an awkward laugh.
"Actually..."
"I'm marrying both of them."
Silence.
Ei Sei stared at him for several moments before letting out a helpless laugh.
"Only you could say something so outrageous with a straight face."
He shook his head.
"Congratulations."
"I'm genuinely happy for you."
Shin smiled.
"Thanks."
"I want you to come."
"The wedding's in my hometown."
Ei Sei nodded.
"I'll probably attend disguised as an ordinary traveler."
Shin immediately shook his head.
"No."
"You don't need a disguise."
Ei Sei looked surprised.
"You should come as yourself."
The king frowned slightly.
"As the King?"
"Wouldn't that cause unnecessary attention?"
Shin smiled confidently.
"I'll probably need you to come as the King."
"If you are going to gain support from my family..."
"It'll help."
Ei Sei blinked.
"Your... family?"
He stared at Shin in confusion.
"I've always thought you were an orphan."
Shin only smiled.
"You'll understand when you get there."
The young king remained silent.
Family?
Support?
Just who exactly was Shin referring to?
As Shin walked away, Ei Sei watched his departing figure with growing curiosity.
Who is Shin's family...?
And why does he speak as though they possess influence worthy of a king's presence?