I'm going to essed

Inside the largest inn in Bacain, the warm sunlight streaming through the open shutters illuminated the bustling atmosphere downstairs. In a private chamber, Princess Khillian sat across from the Chancellor, both dressed in elegant attire. Steaming tea cups rested between them on a polished wooden table.

The Chancellor's personal guards stood vigilant outside, their swords at their waists, scanning the surroundings for potential threats. The sound of murmured conversations and clinking pottery drifted through the door.

The Chancellor's eyes widened. "You're saying... you've already met him?" he asked. "Heaven's above! If we'd had his portrait earlier, we wouldn't have come to Bacain. But what was he doing in Tamil?"

"Master," Khillian began, "For the answer,I don't know. That night, I told them I was going to Bacain to look for Nameless, and one of his friends, Arnin, introduced him as Khailian."

She paused, collecting her thoughts.

"But I wonder... why didn't he reveal himself to me, even in secret, when I shared my plans?"

The Chancellor stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Could it be... a lookalike?"

Khillian's brow furrowed. "Possible. However, if not in Bacain, where could he be?"

The old man adjusted his sleeve. "Too bad the journey didn't meet our expectations, but at least it was worth it. My break is almost over; we have to return to Haven State."

"It's good; we have other forces for now," Khillian said, her gaze drifting away, lost in thought. Memories of the horrible incident resurfaced, and her voice took on a bitter tone. "I will wipe the Vexars away, every single one of them. Blood for blood."

The screams and her parents' voices echoed in her mind, though the memory itself was blurry. Years had passed, yet the pain remained, and she couldn't recall her family members' faces.

"Your Highness, Nanib still opposes Vexar rule," the old man said, attempting to comfort her. "They just can't act since they believe no royal heir survives."

"Even if we meet them, they might not believe us," Khillian replied. "The royal seal isn't with me."

"I know it's with your older brother, Prince Kha—" the old man began.

Khillian cut him off, her voice trembling. "Who we don't know if he's alive or not!" Tears welled up in her eyes as she rose and walked to the window. She gazed outside, her expression solemn, her eyes reflecting lost hope.

Her chest rose and fell with each labored breath, the weight of her responsibilities and unresolved grief pressing upon her.

Khillian took a deep breath and spoke calmly, "He might be dead already. Those traitors cared more about killing my older brother, the Imperial Prince, than me." Her voice still held a hint of bitterness.

The old man remained seated, his expression sympathetic. "Your Highness, we shouldn't jump to conclusions, especially not dire ones. Who knows? He might be searching for you too, at this very moment."

Khillian turned slowly, her eyes resigned, and walked back to her chair. She sat down, her voice laced with melancholy. "You said we shouldn't conclude, isn't that right? But a hopeless hope... is still hopeless." She drained her cup, finishing the tea.

With a sudden movement, she dropped the cup, stood up, and smoothed her dress. "Since we're leaving now, I'll wait for you downstairs." She opened the door and descended the stairs, her skirt rustling.

As she exited, a group of rugged men entered, clad in fur clothing, their faces weathered from travel. "Sir, give us something that'll keep us full for days!" one of them called out to the innkeeper.

The innkeeper yelled, "Alright!" and ordered his servants to prepare food.

The man sitting beside the speaker grinned determinedly. "You might not know, but our brother here is going to challenge Nameless in Essed. He may not be in the Eight Phase, but his internal strength and martial arts skills are no joke."

Upon hearing their conversation, Princess Khillian approached the men's table. "Greetings, sirs," she said, capturing their attention.

The second man exchanged a knowing glance with his companion, then turned to Khillian with a playful grin. "Brother, I only praised your martial arts and internal strength, and now you've found a wife!" The other men chuckled.

"Miss, what's your name?" the first man asked.

Khillian's gaze remained focused. "How do you know Nameless is in Essed?"

The man shrugged. "You stay in Bacain, don't you know? If Nameless isn't in Bacain at a time like this, he's likely in Essed."

Khillian's eyebrows furrowed. "A time like this? What do you mean?"

The third man leaned in. "Essed hosts martial arts competitions, but this time of year is the grandest. People from afar gather to showcase their skills. It's also a time to journey to Alsan, but few return alive,so I'm not going to alsan."

"When exactly is the big competition?" Khillian asked.

"In five months," the second man replied. "It might seem long, but it's not."

Khillian muttered to herself, "Essed..." Before turning to rejoin the Chancellor, who was descending the stairs with his guards.

The men watched her depart, confused. Moments later, Khillian, the Chancellor, and their guards exited the inn.

As they stepped into the sunlight, Khillian's mind whirled with the possibility of finding Nameless in Essed. The grand competition presented an opportunity, and she was determined to seize it.

As they prepared to board the carriage, Princess Khillian turned to the Chancellor. "I must go to Essed," she said, her eyes locked on his.

The Chancellor's expression turned quizzical. Had she overheard the men's conversation about Nameless? "For Nameless?" he asked.

Khillian nodded. "Yes. I heard he's there, and he'll stay for five months. If I don't go now, I might never have this chance again. And... there's an inexplicable pull, drawing me to Essed. Please, let me go."

The old man stepped closer, his voice low. "Khillian, Princess Khillian..." He glanced around, ensuring they weren't overheard. "If anything happens to you, I won't be able to face our ancestors. Your family..."

He paused, collecting himself. "Promise me: whether you find Nameless in Essed or not, you'll return to Haven State. Do you hear me?"

Khillian's face lit up with joy. "I promise," she said, her voice filled with determination.

The Chancellor nodded. "Three guards will accompany you. I'll arrange a suitable carriage. Remember your promise, Khillian."