🏹 Time: The sixth day of the war
Location: The second forward camp — on the edge of the Grantira Forest
Before her stood thousands of soldiers from the Kingdom of Peace — many had only seen her from afar.
All eyes held the same question:
Is this the queen who was captured?
Is she fit to lead?
Has she… truly returned?
But Niren was not as they remembered.
She stood on a makeshift wooden platform, wearing light silver armor, bearing the emblem of the "Blood Rose" on her shoulder — a symbol of peace unafraid to fight.
She raised her hand, and silence fell over the crowd.
Her voice was calm yet sharp as a blade:
"I am Niren… your queen.
But today I speak not as a queen, but as a mother, a wife, one who has known humiliation yet chose to fight instead of cry."
She lifted her helmet, revealing a small scar on her forehead — a mark of captivity.
"This is not a sign of defeat… but the beginning of a revival."
She pointed to the map behind her:
"Before us lie two paths:
One passes through the forest — filled with beasts and betrayal — but leads to the rear of Wey's army.
The other is safe… but will not enter the pages of history."
She paused, then smiled:
"I will enter the forest.
Whoever loves their homeland… follow me."
Without waiting for an order, she descended the platform, mounted her horse, and rode forward.
---
🌲 The battle: inside Grantira Forest
The forest was dense and green, but hid many traps laid by Wey's army.
Archers, ground traps, even plant sorcerers.
Yet Niren was not alone.
To her right: an elite battalion of Gold soldiers.
To her left: forest warriors from the old Peace tribes.
Before her: the silence of danger.
At the moment the first arrow flew,
she ducked swiftly, raised her sword, and shouted:
"Show no mercy to those who betrayed a pregnant woman!"
Her army charged with her.
The battle was fierce, but not one of brute force — it was Niren's strategic mind.
She sent signals agreed upon with sight and fire, trapping archers in pockets, separating enemy soldiers.
She used the forest trees themselves as shields — ordering soldiers to tie their armor to the trees and advance behind them like a living wall.
After three hours…
victory was theirs.
Wey's "Southern Forest Unit" fell,
and Niren's banner was raised atop the tallest tree in the camp.
---
🎖️ Evening — The command tent
Her hands were covered in blood and dirt, her face tired, yet she stood strong.
A commander entered and said:
"My lady… the soldiers only ask to see you… so they know they fought behind one worthy."
She went out to meet them — without armor, rank, or title — just her scar and her eyes.
Fang had said, "Darin will be Raen's sword,"
but today…
the soldiers said:
"And Niren has become a shield… for the entire empire."