"AAAAH!"
Leena and Maya nearly leapt out of their shoes.
A shadow blocked the path, dagger raised.
Then—
"Leena!"
She froze. "…Chen Yu?!"
The scholar beamed, twirling the dagger like a child with a toy.
"I heard you were leaving the palace… so I brought this!"
He offered it with a flourish.
"For protection! Against all the scary assassins chasing you."
Leena pressed a hand to her chest.
"You scared me to death!"
Chen Yu only laughed, his grin unshaken.
"Then it worked perfectly. I wanted to see where you're living now anyway."
He slipped into step beside her like he owned the road.
"It's… not really my home," Leena said softly, eyes on the ground.
"Oh? Is it that different from your country?" he asked.
Leena nodded, her voice carrying a hint of longing.
"I never thought I'd miss it this much…"
Maya leaned in, smiling wistfully.
"Right, madam! I miss the chaos of the market near your father's merchant hall—the spices, the smoke, the roasted nuts…"
Leena's face lit up for the first time that day.
"And the Payasa!"
Maya gasped dramatically.
"Oh, the Payasa!"
Leena clasped her hands together, sighing.
"I wish I could eat some right now…"
Chen Yu tilted his head.
"…What is that?"
Leena's eyes softened.
"A sweet pudding of milk and cardamom… with nuts and honey on top. Warm and soft… like home."
Chen Yu grinned.
"If one day I sneak into your country, I'll eat three bowls."
Maya giggled. Even Leena's heart felt a little lighter.
Their laughter followed them down the street, and for a moment, her chest felt lighter.
Soon, Merchant Bao's estate appeared before them—tall gates, curved eaves, and the faint shimmer of water beyond.
Leena paused, her chest tightening with bittersweet nostalgia.
"…It almost feels like home."
But before they could step inside—
Clang.
A tall figure in polished armor blocked the entrance.
The soldier's boots struck the stone with the weight of authority.
Cold eyes swept over the three of them, and a hand rested on the hilt of his sword.
"…Who are you?" he asked, voice low and sharp.
Leena's heart skipped.
This man was no ordinary guard.