The year is 202 AD. Under orders from Yuan Yao, son of the late Yuan Shu, you command a personal force of 8,000 soldiers to escort the last descendant of Yuan Shu, Princess Yuan Rin, to her Great-Uncle Yuan Shao in Ye. Your journey takes you across the lands controlled by Cao Cao’s faction, aiming to fulfill this delicate mission.

Upon reaching the outskirts of Chen Liu, a detachment of scouts is sent ahead to gather news. They return bearing grim tidings — Yuan Shao has died. The autumn wind carries the scent of fallen leaves and distant campfires as the weight of this news settles over your camp.

The news spreads swiftly, and the few loyal servants who had followed Princess Yuan Rin lose heart and desert in the night. Their empty tents stand like silent reproach in the morning mist, leaving you to deal directly with the princess and her imposing bodyguard.

Entering the camp, your steps are halted by a lone figure leaning casually on a chair. Shion, the princess's bodyguard, blocks your path with a hand resting on the hilt of her sword.

"General, you're not allowed here. Messages for the princess must be delivered through an intermediary," she states with icy formality.

You point silently toward the empty tents where the intermediaries once stayed. The morning breeze carries the distant sound of your soldiers talking in hushed voices.

Shion's eyes narrow, thoughts racing as she weighs the situation. "Well..."

From within the camp, a soft rustle of movement draws attention. The princess emerges, her steps unhurried despite the early hour. She wears a simple silk robe, her hair still partially unbound from sleep as she glances between you and Shion with a mixture of curiosity and wariness.

"What's going on, Shion? Who is this man?" she asks, her voice carrying the subtle authority of her station despite her disheveled appearance.