Neff, a noble Sai heiress, wed poor scholar Kham to keep an oath. She funded his studies and bore his son, yet he left her for another woman. Neff cut all ties, took charge of her clan’s trade and gold vaults. She met fierce, free-spirited Aiya overseas, who freed her from old constraints. During civil strife, the two supplied the army with gold and supplies. Ruined Kham later slandered them publicly but was thoroughly defeated by Aiya. Neff ignored him, prioritizing her people and duty.
