The northeastern territories of Qin had changed dramatically.
After His Majesty's reward following the Sanyou Campaign, the lands of Sehi, Seirin, and Daika were placed under the influence of the Hyou Family.
What was once a collection of struggling territories would now be integrated in on of Qin most powerful region.
Inside the great hall of the Hyou mansion, a large map covered the central table.
Duke Hyou sat at the head of the room, his sharp eyes examining the territory lines while Princess Ei You stood beside him, carefully reviewing reports from the local officials.
"The reconstruction of Seirin's farming districts has progressed faster than expected," one official reported.
"Trade routes between Sehi and Daika are also being restored. Merchants have already begun returning."
Princess Ei You nodded.
"Good. These lands were entrusted to our family. They are not merely territories for our control."
"They are homes for thousands of people."
Duke Hyou crossed his arms and grinned.
"Make sure those thousands can eat, fight, and prosper."
The officials immediately bowed.
"Yes, my lord duke."
The discussion continued until suddenly…
BANG!
The doors opened.
A messenger rushed into the hall.
"My Lord Duke! Lady Princess!"
Everyone turned.
The messenger dropped to one knee.
"Young Master Shin has arrived."
For a moment, silence filled the room.
Then…
"Shin?"
Princess Ei You's eyes widened.
Duke Hyou immediately stood.
"That brat finally decided to visit?"
The officials looked surprised.
The legendary Duke Hyou, who had faced countless enemies on the battlefield, had completely abandoned his serious expression.
Instead, he looked like an excited grandfather waiting to see his grandson.
Princess Ei You smiled.
"Stop pretending you aren't happy."
Duke Hyou laughed.
"Gahaha! Of course I'm happy!"
Without another word, both of them left the meeting hall.
The confused officials watched as they hurried away.
Inside the main entrance of the mansion...
Shin stood beside Kyou Kai and Karyo Ten.
The two girls looked around in amazement.
"This place is huge..." Karyo Ten muttered.
Kyou Kai quietly observed the soldiers, servants, and officials moving around.
Shin scratched his cheek.
"Well..."
"My family has always been busy with work."
Before they could ask what he meant…
One of the mansion doors opened.
"SHIN!"
A powerful voice echoed.
Duke Hyou walked forward with a huge grin while Princess Ei You followed behind him.
Shin immediately smiled.
"Grandfather. Grandmother."
Princess Ei You embraced him warmly.
"You've grown so much."
Duke Hyou grabbed Shin's shoulder.
"Gahaha! Look at you! You've become a proper warrior!"
Shin laughed.
"You're still as strong as ever."
Their attention then shifted.
Princess Ei You looked at the two women beside Shin.
"And these two must be..."
Shin turned.
"This is Kyou Kai."
"And this is Karyo Ten."
Both girls immediately bowed.
"It is an honor to meet you."
Princess Ei You smiled.
"So these are the people who have been fighting alongside our grandson."
Duke Hyou looked at Kyou Kai.
"The sword woman."
Then he looked at Karyo Ten.
"The strategist."
He laughed.
"Gahaha! Shin really gathered interesting people around him."
Karyo Ten smiled nervously.
"That's one way to describe it."
At that moment…
A voice came from behind.
"Looks like we arrived at the right time."
Everyone turned.
Walking toward them were Hyou Ren and Ri Yue.
They had just returned from inspecting the newly granted territories.
Shin immediately smiled.
"Father. Mother."
The reaction from Kyou Kai and Karyo Ten was instant.
"..."
"..."
They froze.
Karyo Ten slowly looked at Shin.
"Father?"
Then she looked at Hyou Ren.
"The General Hyou Ren..."
Kyou Kai's eyes widened slightly.
"Your father?"
Shin nodded casually.
"Yeah."
Karyo Ten nearly lost her balance.
"WAIT."
"You mean the famous Hyou Ren..."
"Is your father?!"
Shin tilted his head.
"Did I never mention that?"
Both girls stared at him.
"No!"
"You absolutely did not!"
Hyou Ren laughed.
"That sounds exactly like Shin."
Ri Yue smiled warmly.
"You have brought good companions with you."
"We meet again Kyou Kai and Karyo Ten"
Kyou Kai immediately bowed.
"My apologies for not recognizing you earlier."
Karyo Ten followed.
"It is an honor to meet Shin's parents."
Ri Yue looked at them carefully.
Then she smiled.
Both girls became slightly nervous.
Later that evening, the entire family gathered inside the main hall.
The atmosphere was unlike any military meeting.
There were no strategies.
No battle plans.
Only family.
Shin looked around.
His grandfather.
His grandmother.
His father.
His mother.
And the two women who had stood beside him through countless battles.
He smiled.
"There is something I want to announce."
Everyone looked toward him.
Shin took a deep breath.
"I'm getting married."
Silence.
For several seconds, nobody moved.
Then…
"HAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Duke Hyou's laughter exploded throughout the hall.
"My grandson is finally getting married!"
Princess Ei You covered her mouth, but her smile was impossible to hide.
"This is wonderful news."
Ri Yue looked at Shin proudly.
"I always wondered when you would finally realize your feelings."
Hyou Ren crossed his arms.
"Took you long enough."
Kyou Kai and Karyo Ten both blushed.
Duke Hyou immediately stood.
"Send messengers!"
"The entire northeastern region must know!"
"Every noble house under Hyou's banner will be invited!"
Princess Ei You nodded.
"This will not be a simple wedding."
"It will be a celebration of the Hyou Family."
Outside the castle, messengers immediately prepared their horses.
The news spread throughout the northeastern region.
The grandson of Duke Hyou was getting married.
A celebration was coming.
The following morning, Ri Yue approached Kyou Kai and Karyo Ten.
"Since you will become part of this family..."
"I wish to understand you both."
Kyou Kai looked curious.
Ri Yue turned toward her.
"I have heard of your swordsmanship."
Kyou Kai nodded.
"I have trained since childhood."
Ri Yue smiled.
"Then let me see your blade."
Kyou Kai's eyes widened slightly.
"A duel?"
"A friendly one."
Ri Yue walked toward the training grounds.
"As Shin's mother, I wish to know the strength of the woman who will stand beside him."
Kyou Kai smiled faintly.
"I accept."
Then Ri Yue turned toward Karyo Ten.
"And you."
Karyo Ten immediately became nervous.
"Me?"
Ri Yue nodded.
"I hear your strategies have saved Shin many times."
"I want to see your thoughts later."
She pointed toward the war room.
"We will play several battle scenarios."
Karyo Ten's eyes immediately lit up.
"A strategy test?"
"Yes."
"Good."
Karyo Ten grinned.
"I accept."
From a distance, Shin watched the scene.
Hyou Ren just smiled beside him.
"Our family has always been strange."
"Most mothers welcome their daughters-in-law with tea."
"Your mother welcomes them with swords and battle formations."
Shin smiled.
"That sounds exactly like her."
Hyou Ren looked toward the training grounds.
"But if they pass those tests..."
"They will truly be accepted as members of our Family."