Long Yan froze. “They’ve begun searching for me.”


    Understanding the danger, the Duke granted her request.


    A month after their marriage, Long Yan frequently inspected the armed forces. However, she was dissatisfied with the number of knights. Determined to strengthen their military, she drafted a detailed proposal to increase the size, power, and tactical efficiency of the forces and presented it to Duke Vekem. He agreed and implemented her plan.


    Within a year, a formidable cavalry and infantry force was established in the Dukedom. Though powerful, it still paled in comparison to the Grand Empire’s army. Nonetheless, Long Yan and her forces began reclaiming territories under the Grand Empire''s rule. Three empires that had sided with the Grand Empire fell under their control. Enraged by this, Grand Emperor Herbio planned a surprise nighttime assault on Long Yan’s Duchies.


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    That fateful night, the attack commenced. Long Yan and her allies were alerted, and Duke Vekem immediately ordered his butler to dispatch his knights. The knights defended the realms while the cavalry and infantry forces launched a counteroffensive. Long Yan seized a sword hanging on the wall and rushed to the top of the fortress. From there, she saw Grand Emperor Herbio leading the attack. At that moment, the lavaliere appeared around her neck and glowed. Channeling its mana, she summoned the Dragon Knights and the Dragon Queen. Mounting the Dragon Queen, she descended into battle, slicing through enemy knights and barbarians as she fought her way toward Emperor Herbio.


    Meanwhile, Duke Vekem also joined the fray, engaging the enemy forces. However, a group of priests suddenly surrounded him, forming a massive sacred pentagon. The High Priest emerged and began chanting, transforming the pentagon into a dark, ominous one. From its lines, undead warriors rose and attacked him with barbaric weapons.