In the distance, the horizon and the open plains stretched endlessly. Cutting through them was a wide, fast-flowing river. In a flash of memory, they found themselves here—and here, there were three people.
Gavin, Victor Fan, and Cecilia stood by the riverbank.
"Your Majesty, I beg you, Your Majesty, this time in defeating Wooland, Cecilia's contribution is immeasurable..."
Victor Fan knelt on the ground, pleading again and again. Gavin's eyes remained fierce, and he began to smile.
"The credit for destroying Wooland belongs to Cecilia. Frederick was lost in her beauty, neglecting his duties—truly, a beauty is a curse. Now Yue prospers, and if blame must be laid, blame the heavens for giving you such a face. Victor Fan, you have done much for Yue. How can you let a trivial romance cause you to lose your greater purpose..."
Cecilia never took her eyes off Victor Fan. Hope flickered in her gaze for a moment, but as Victor Fan rose, no longer begging, Cecilia smiled, tears glistening in her eyes.
Victor Fan seemed to understand Gavin's intentions. He dared not speak further; any more words, and he might share Cecilia's fate—drowning in the river.
Cecilia smiled faintly, still looking at Victor Fan. The hope in her eyes had vanished. She gently drew the sword forged for her by Eugene Smithson, and the beauty bowed slightly.
Her every gesture could captivate any man in the world; even Gavin was momentarily entranced.
"Your Majesty, may I be allowed to perform the sword dance one last time?"