Judo and Luo Ye rode for a week until they reached the border town of Salim in the Kingdom of Haifi. "Are you familiar with this area?" Judo asked. "I grew up in the deep palace and rarely left, nor have I visited other cities in the kingdom," Luo Ye shook her head and said. "Alright, we'll ask around once we get into the town," Judo replied, urging his horse forward. As they approached the city gate, they found it collapsed on the ground, and the town within looked like ruins. The two cautiously entered the town.
Judo and Luo Ye dismounted and walked slowly, observing the collapsed houses around them. "There must have been a battle here," Judo remarked, surveying the scene. "Who are you?" a voice suddenly called out from nearby. Judo and Luo Ye turned to see an old man staring at them. "Are you a citizen of this town? I'm from the Kingdom of Xiustan, just passing through and hoping to rest here," Judo said politely.
"Whether soldiers or officials, they've all been executed by the demon clan. The whole town is in a state of anarchy now. After the demon clan conquered this place, they left without troubling us further, leaving us to fend for ourselves," the old man said helplessly. "Is that so? I see. Is there anything I can do to help? I'm one of the heroes," Judo continued. "Alas, there's no government here anymore. People have either fled or banded together. The town is full of factions, and food is being fought over," the old man explained.
"I am a princess of the kingdom's royal family. Seeing this situation, I cannot stand by and do nothing. Let me restore order here," Luo Ye declared, stepping forward. "You're the princess? Forgive my disrespect!" The old man prepared to kneel. "Please, don't do that!" Luo Ye quickly helped him up. "I'm sorry that, as a princess, I haven't been able to help. Could you tell me where the town's administrative office is and guide us there?" Luo Ye asked. "That place is now occupied by some civilian groups. It might be dangerous to go there," the old man replied. "Don't worry, elder. Just lead the way. I've got this," Judo said. The old man reluctantly agreed to guide them.
They arrived at the town hall, which was in complete disarray, with dirt mounds piled at the entrance. The old man, too afraid to enter, only led them to the doorstep. Judo and Luo Ye cautiously walked inside. After just a few steps, an arrow flew toward them. Judo swiftly dodged. "Who shot that arrow?!" he shouted, gripping his spear in readiness. Several people rushed out from the hall, wielding makeshift weapons. They appeared to be the civilian group the old man had mentioned. "Who are you, intruding here?!" the militia shouted.
Luo Ye stepped forward. "I am Luo Ye Tsuin Tenkai, a royal princess of the Haifi Kingdom." "She's a princess? Is she for real?" the militia murmured among themselves. "Silence! The demon clan's invasion has caused immense suffering to the people. I've heard that all the officials in this town have been killed. I've come to restore order and rebuild livelihoods. I hope you'll cooperate and assist me. I'd be deeply grateful," Luo Ye said solemnly.
At that moment, a middle-aged man who seemed to be the militia leader stepped forward. "How do you prove you're a princess?" he asked. Luo Ye presented a necklace and bracelet bearing the royal crest. "This is proof of my royal authority." Seeing this, the crowd knelt. "Forgive us for doubting you, Princess. We deserve death!" the leader hurriedly apologized. "Please, rise. I'm here to rebuild our home together," Luo Ye said, helping him up. "Can you tell us about the situation here?" Judo asked.
"About a month ago, the demon clan's army came to Salim. This town is in a remote part of the kingdom, and the central army couldn't arrive in time to help. The local soldiers were quickly defeated. The officers who refused to surrender were killed. After breaching the city, the demon clan didn't stay long and moved on. The survivors are left struggling in this lawless state. Our group is the largest in town, so we've taken control of the town hall as our base," the leader explained.
"I see," Luo Ye said. "I'll contact the capital as soon as possible to send troops and new officials to take over. But until then, let's work on restoring order in the town. I'll need to rely on your connections." "Please, Your Highness, give us your orders. We're ready to follow," the leader replied. "No need to be so formal. By the way, I haven't asked your name," Luo Ye added. "Forgive my rudeness for not introducing myself. I'm Yidela, at your service," the leader, Yidela, said.
"Good. Can you gather information on the town's supplies and population and report it to me? I need more details to understand the situation," Luo Ye requested. "It's not safe to talk here. Please, Your Highness, follow me into the town hall. We can discuss in detail in the meeting room," Yidela said, inviting everyone inside.