Azaria took the corridor directly in front of her, then turned right, then left, before continuing straight ahead until she reached a grand staircase.
Still weakened by her recent accident, she cautiously placed her foot on the first step and began to descend slowly. She refused, however, to let her weakness spoil this outing.
Once she reached the ground floor, Azaria crossed the vast hall of the manor and headed towards the immense front door.
She opened it.
The two guards posted in front of the manor bowed immediately upon seeing her appear.
"Lady Azaria, your escort awaits you with Lady Shi Lim. We wish you a pleasant day."
Azaria simply nodded before continuing on her way.
A few meters from the entrance, Shi Lim was already waiting for her.
She stood near an imposing white carriage, its contours adorned with magnificent gold and amber ornaments. At the front, two enormous horses were harnessed to the vehicle. One had a deep brown coat, while the other was entirely white.
Surrounding the carriage were Shi Lim's personal escort.
Men and women clad in white armor rode powerful horses. Each carried a katana neatly tucked into their belt. They waited silently for their Lady's order to begin the journey.
Shi Lim caught sight of Azaria and folded her arms.
"You've taken your time, Azaria. I've been waiting for you for over ten minutes."
Azaria rolled her eyes.
"I thought you might have finally given up on coming," Shi Lim continued with a mocking smile.
Without immediately replying, Azaria approached her and tossed her a small sachet.
Shi Lim instinctively caught it.
"Ugh... Just be quiet and take this," Azaria replied. "Join me in the carriage. We've already wasted enough time."
Shi Lim examined the bag in her hands.
"What's this?"
"Part of my lunch. I didn't have time to finish it all."
Shi Lim gave an amused smile.
"Are you giving me your leftovers now?"
"Do you want them back?"
"Absolutely not."
Azaria sighed.
"Shizuku and my grandfather will probably be back soon. So let's hurry."
Without waiting any longer, she headed towards the carriage.
One of the escorting knights immediately dismounted and offered her his hand to help her up.
"Be careful, Madam Azaria."
"I'm fine," she replied.
Nevertheless, she took his hand and slowly climbed into the carriage.
A few moments later, Shi Lim joined her. Two of her knights also helped her in before closing the door behind her.
Inside, the carriage was just as sumptuous as its exterior. The seats were upholstered in soft, luxurious fabric, while several exquisite decorations adorned the walls.
Shi Lim sat opposite Azaria.
"Finally, we can leave."
Azaria leaned back in her seat and briefly closed her eyes.
"Yes… But don't tire me out too much."
"You're the one who followed me here, remember."
"Because you manipulated me."
Shi Lim burst out laughing.
Outside, one of the knights raised his hand.
— Escort! In position!
The riders immediately moved around the carriage.
The two horses in front began to move forward.
The immense gates of the Klausvitch family estate slowly opened before them.
The carriage passed through the entrance of the manor.
Then, accompanied by Shi Lim's armed escort, it set off toward the city.
Azaria silently watched the landscape pass by outside the window.
For the first time in two days, she was finally leaving her room.
The fresh air.
The sun.
The streets of Heishan.
She had missed it all terribly.
In the carriage, Azaria and Shi Lim ate peacefully as the vehicle moved through the streets of Heishan.
Azaria took a bite of fruit before slightly closing her eyes in satisfaction.
"Mmm… this is delicious." Shi Lim nodded proudly.
"I know. My cooks are always top-notch." Azaria continued eating before sighing.
"I wish I could have taken the whole tray with me." She paused.
"But that wouldn't be very courteous for someone in my position. I'll end up looking like a fool." With her mouth still full, Shi Lim laughed and dropped a piece of toast onto her clothes.
Azaria looked at her with a blasé expression.
"You're lucky the carriage windows are closed. If the townspeople saw you acting like this, you'd never go outside again." Shi Lim swallowed hard what was in her mouth before bursting into laughter.
"Honestly, Azaria, I couldn't care less what people think of me." She shrugged.
"I live, eat, and speak as I please."
Then, for no apparent reason, she started laughing to herself.
Azaria raised an eyebrow.
"This time, you've really lost it."
"No, no, it's not that." Shi Lim wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.
"I'm just remembering something that happened at our house not too long ago. Just thinking about it still makes me laugh." Azaria swallowed a piece of kiwi.
"What happened?" Shi Lim slowly turned her gaze toward her.
"You remember Pao?" Azaria nearly choked. "What? The guy who's been wanting you as his wife since you were a little girl?"
"Him himself." Shi Lim took another bite before continuing.
"He already tried to propose to me once, but I refused."
"Obviously."
"But he didn't give up." A mischievous smile spread across Shi Lim's face.
"So, he challenged the worst possible person to a duel... to win my hand." Azaria froze.
"Don't tell me..." She swallowed a grape almost without chewing, her eyes wide.
Shi Lim burst out laughing.
"he did."
She clapped her hands together lightly.
"At a banquet where his family was invited, he stood up in the middle of everyone to speak." Azaria leaned slightly toward her, increasingly intrigued.
"He challenged my father to a duel for his daughter's hand in marriage." A silence fell for a few seconds.
Then Azaria slowly opened her mouth.
"He really did that?"
"Yes!" Shi Lim immediately started laughing again.
"The whole room was stunned. My father was completely speechless."
"And my mother…" She placed a hand on her stomach.
"My mother was laughing so hard she could barely breathe." Azaria was already picturing the scene.
"And your brother?"
"My brother was clearly embarrassed by such a lack of class." Shi Lim adopted a serious expression, mimicking her brother.
"But he still accepted the challenge." Azaria swallowed.
"Oh no..." Shi Lim nodded slowly.
"Oh yes." She held up a finger.
"He smashed him to bits in front of absolutely everyone." Azaria clapped a hand over her mouth, unable to suppress her laughter.
"Poor Pao..."
"Poor?!" Shi Lim laughed even harder.
"You didn't see him after the fight!" She wiped away a tear.
"He left crying, with a runny nose!"
"Hahahaha!" Azaria burst out laughing.
"No... don't tell me that!"
"I swear!"
"Hahahahaha!" The two young women burst into uncontrollable laughter. Outside, several guards from the escort heard the laughter coming from the carriage and exchanged questioning glances.
Inside, however, Azaria and Shi Lim were unable to regain their composure.
The two young women gradually stopped laughing.
Their eyes were still wet with tears, and their stomachs ached after such a long fit of laughter.
Azaria wiped the corners of her eyes before taking an apple from the bag. She bit into it and chewed slowly.
Then her gaze fell on Shi Lim.
"It must be almost three years since we last saw each other, Shi Lim. What have you been doing all this time?" Shi Lim, who was eating some blueberries, sighed softly.
"I was training." Azaria raised an eyebrow slightly.
"For three years?"
"Yes." Shi Lim looked out the carriage window for a few moments.
"My father assigned me an extremely strict training program." She folded her arms.
"He thought my frequent outings to town with my cousins and my trips to come and have fun with you had become distractions." She looked slightly annoyed.
"According to him, I was wasting my talent instead of developing it." Azaria continued eating her apple while listening attentively. Shi Lim continued:
"So, for three long years, I had to train relentlessly." Her expression became slightly more serious.
"I underwent soul refinements, learned to refine my aura, developed my mastery of spiritual energy…" She raised her hand and began counting on her fingers.
"I also learned new sword-fighting techniques, improved my physical abilities, and underwent many other training courses." She sighed.
"Anyway… that sort of thing." Azaria silently observed her friend.
"Three years." She suddenly realized that Shi Lim was certainly no longer the same girl she had once known.
Then Shi Lim turned to her.
"Besides, I always wrote you letters." She raised an eyebrow.
"You received them, didn't you?" Azaria nodded immediately.
"Yes. I received them and answered you right away." Shi Lim picked another blueberry.
"Yet, your letters often arrived slightly late." Azaria sighed deeply.
"It's all because of Lucia and Esmeralda." Shi Lim's expression changed.
"What?"
"They played tricks on me." Azaria lightly squeezed her apple between her fingers.
"Sometimes, they deliberately delayed my letters before they were sent." She paused briefly. — And other times…
Her gaze grew colder.
"They completely destroyed them."
A hush fell over the carriage.
Then Shi Lim slowly opened her eyes.
"Ugh…" She shook her head in exasperation.
"You really do live with pests."
Azaria shrugged.
"I've gotten used to it."
Shi Lim leaned slightly toward her.
"If I were you, I would have already committed murder."
Azaria stared at her for a few seconds.
Then she sighed.
"You're really disturbing sometimes."
"I'm serious." Azaria rolled her eyes.
Suddenly...
The carriage stopped abruptly.
The two young women immediately turned their gaze forward.
A few seconds later, the carriage door opened.
Several knights dismounted and positioned themselves on either side of the entrance to help the two young women out.
One of the guards bowed respectfully.
"Lady Shi Lim, Madam Azaria. We have arrived at the park entrance."
Shi Lim gave her friend an amused smile.
"You wanted to be carried to the park, didn't you?" She raised her hand slightly.
"Guard, you may—"
Before she could finish her sentence, Azaria interrupted her.
"There's no need."
Shi Lim turned to face her.
"Huh?" Azaria folded her arms.
"I can walk." "I'm not disabled."
Shi Lim smiled.
"I knew you'd say that."
"Let's go." Helped by the guards, Azaria and Shi Lim climbed down from the carriage.
The horses sniffed calmly while the knights remained vigilant around them.
Before them stood the entrance to the park.
A massive metal gate, several meters high, marked the entrance.
Its surface was exquisitely decorated.
Patterns of white and scarlet flowers covered the entire metal, giving the impression that the plants themselves had grown through the gate.
The gates were already open.
Azaria and Shi Lim walked forward together.
And, as they crossed the threshold...
A magnificent landscape unfolded before their eyes.
The park was a true natural sanctuary.
Here, nature seemed to speak its most fundamental language. Tall trees reached for the sky, their immense branches casting wide patches of shade.
Others, smaller ones, were carefully tended to form magnificent natural compositions.
Flowers of every kind and color carpeted parts of the park.
Perfectly manicured bushes lined the stone paths.
Through the center of the park flowed a river of crystal-clear water.
The wind sometimes carried flower petals that gently settled on the water's surface.
Around them, nobles dressed in traditional robes strolled along the various paths.
Some walked with their husbands or wives.
Others strolled with friends, colleagues, or family members.
Laughter, conversation, and the sounds of musicians drifted through the park.
Small, exotic creatures scurried among the trees and bushes.
Some had small, colorful wings.
Others resembled tiny, unknown mammals, bounding swiftly between the branches.
Azaria slowed her pace slightly.
"It's beautiful..." Shi Lim nodded.
"I knew it would do you good to get out." Azaria approached the riverbank. Beneath the clear surface of the water, countless fish could be seen. Among them were common carp, crucian carp, sturgeon, and even some giant catfish.
Many other small species also swam the river.
But these fish were not just animals to the people of Heishan.
They were considered sacred.
Fishing for them was strictly forbidden. The people of the region had protected and revered them for generations.
But among all the species in the river...
Only one was considered particularly exceptional.
The Dragonfish.
This strange species possessed scales whose texture resembled those of a dragon.
It was of average size, but its appearance immediately distinguished it from other fish.
Above its eyes were small growths resembling dragon eyebrows.
When it swam in the sunlight, its scales sometimes seemed to reflect a faint golden light.
The Dragonfish was considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity.
According to some ancient Heishan beliefs, seeing a Dragonfish in the river was a sign of good luck.
Azaria watched the water intently.
Then, a slight smile appeared on her face.
Azaria crouched near a flowerbed and carefully examined the different plants.
She finally chose a magnificent white flower.
Delicately, she picked it before standing up and tucking it into her red hair.
Shi Lim watched her for a few seconds, then an amused smile appeared on her face.
"Well... it suits you perfectly."
Azaria turned her head slightly toward her.
"You think so?"
"Yes."
Shi Lim stared at her before letting out a small, mocking laugh.
"You look like a bride."
Azaria narrowed her eyes.
"Really?"
She took a few steps before adding, in a perfectly natural tone:
"I'm not the type to have a knight who would challenge my own brother to win my hand."
Shi Lim froze.
Her face immediately turned red.
"That's not nice!"
Azaria looked away slightly, hiding a smile.
"I'm just stating the facts."
"Are you really going to continue this story?"
"Absolutely."
Shi Lim puffed out her cheeks slightly, clearly embarrassed.
"You're insufferable."
Azaria let out a soft laugh.
The wind picked up in the park.
A gentle breeze caressed their hair and made the white flower tucked into Azaria's locks dance delicately.
The two young women continued their leisurely stroll.
Behind them, several knights from the escort advanced at a respectful distance, their white armor reflecting the sunlight.
After a few minutes, they arrived near a large fountain.
It depicted an immense dragon with a long, sinuous body, its paws seemingly embracing the structure.
Its mouth was wide open.
Perfectly clear water flowed continuously from it before plunging into a rocky basin below.
The statue was immaculate white, without the slightest imperfection.
Nearby stood a bench made of precious wood.
Azaria and Shi Lim sat down on it.
For a few seconds, they gazed at the landscape.
Then Shi Lim crossed her legs and turned her gaze toward her friend.
"So, Azaria…"
Azaria turned her head.
"What?"
"What are your plans for the next tournament?"
Azaria raised her eyebrows slightly.
"You haven't forgotten, have you?"
"Of course not."
Azaria placed her hands on her knees.
"I intend to participate."
Shi Lim looked at her intently.
"Even after what happened to you?"
"My current situation is only temporary."
Azaria glanced down at her hand.
"In a few days, my magical nerves will be sufficiently restored for me to gradually resume my training."
She looked up.
"And when the tournament begins, I'll be back in top form."
Shi Lim smiled.
"That sounds more like the Azaria I know."
Azaria gave her an amused look.
"And you?"
Shi Lim stood up proudly.
"Me?"
She placed a hand on her chest.
"Of course I'll participate!"
"I've trained for three years to get to this point. And I intend to continue until the long-awaited day."
Azaria smiled.
"If I remember correctly, the tournament is in two months."
"Exactly."
Shi Lim nodded.
"In two months."
Azaria thought for a few seconds before a slightly provocative smile appeared on her face.
"Be careful."
"Be careful of what?"
"Pao will probably want to participate."
Shi Lim froze.
Azaria continued, staring at her:
"He'll probably try to get your attention again."
Shi Lim sighed deeply.
"Pff..."
She ran a hand over her face.
"He'll be eliminated in the first round."
Azaria stifled a laugh.
"You don't really believe that."
"It's not a matter of opinion."
Shi Lim folded her arms.
"It's a matter of realism." "
She looked at the fountain in front of her.
"After what happened last time, he should understand that it's better to stay where he is than to bring such shame upon his family."
Azaria chuckled softly.
"You're truly ruthless."
"I'm giving him a taste of his own medicine."
The two young women continued chatting as the fountain water flowed peacefully before them.
Shi Lim remained silent for a few seconds, watching the river flow peacefully before them.
Then she slowly turned her head toward Azaria.
"You know, Azaria..."
"Hmm?" Shi Lim smiled slightly.
"I have only one dream." Azaria looked at her curiously.
"Which is?" Shi Lim placed her hands on her knees and gazed at the sky above the park.
"I want to see us face off in the final." Azaria's eyes widened slightly.
Shi Lim continued, a determined smile on her lips.
"You against me." She gently clenched her fist.
"Two young women with great ambitions, ready to disrupt the established order of our families." Azaria remained silent for a few moments.
"I know it sounds like a plot from a fictional novel that people are used to reading..." Shi Lim chuckled softly.
"But it's not impossible." Azaria watched her friend.
Then a smile gradually appeared on her face.
"You're right." She held out her fist to Shi Lim.
"Don't worry, Shi Lim." Shi Lim looked at the outstretched fist before smiling.
Azaria continued:
"We'll succeed."
"And we'll surpass each other." Shi Lim brought her fist closer to Azaria's.
"Deal."
Tap.
Their fists met.
A simple gesture.
But for them, it was a promise.
A promise to work hard.
A promise not to give up.
And above all…
A promise to one day reach the top of this competition.
The hours passed.
The sun gradually sank.
Golden rays illuminated the trees, buildings, and river waters one last time before disappearing behind the horizon.
Azaria and Shi Lim continued their walk.
They talked about their training, their families, their childhood memories, and their plans for the years to come.
They laughed several times.
At times, they stopped by the river to watch the Dragonfish swim through the water.
At other times, they sat for a few minutes on a bench before continuing their walk.
The knights of the escort always accompanied them, keeping far enough away to respect their privacy while remaining attentive to their safety.
Finally...
Daylight vanished completely.
The sky turned a deep blue.
A few stars began to appear above the park. The lanterns lining the paths gradually lit up, casting a soft glow over the gardens.
Shi Lim looked up at the sky.
"It's getting dark."
"Yes."
She stood up from the bench.
"We should go back."
Shi Lim stood up as well.
"Grandfather and Shizuku are probably back at the mansion by now."
Azaria nodded.
"And if Shizuku finds out I stayed out this long after his warning..."
She paused.
"I'd rather not think about what she'll say."
Shi Lim burst out laughing.
"Afraid of your own butler?"
"I simply respect his authority."
"Of course..." The two young women laughed one last time.
Then they headed back. Escorted by the knights, they gradually left the park as the metal gates closed behind them.
The white and gold carriage was already waiting.
A long day had just ended.
But for Azaria...
Something had changed.
For the first time in a long time, she wasn't just thinking about her weaknesses.
She was thinking about the future.
The tournament.
Her progress.
And this final that Shi Lim had just sworn to.
Azaria versus Shi Lim.
Two heiresses.
Two families.
Two different paths.
And one shared goal:
to reach the top.