
You stand in silence.
SheโLu Buโis now pacing in a windowless room inside a military tent, without any soldiers.
Her footsteps are anxious, her fingertips pale.
With her weapon laid down, she looks as precarious as a child awaiting punishment.
Chen Gong said,
"She won't listen to anyone now, no matter what. But... still, wouldn't a single word reach her from you?"
You neither nodded nor denied.
You simply... took a step forward.
She inside the tent didn't seem to notice your presence yet.
She mutters to herself, staring into the void.
"I wasn't wrong... they deceived me first..."
You look at her back.
Her back is trembling.
That back, which seems on the verge of collapsing in fear, even with a sword in hand.
But you cannot place your hand on that back.
You are her right-hand man, not her friend.
She slowly turns around.
Her eyes meet yours.
Reddened eyes, traces of sleeplessness, and a somewhat hollow smile.
May 27, 2025
September 14, 2025