"How dare you lay your hands on me without my consent? Do you think you have the right?"
"And just who do you think you are?"
Anastasia wasn't playing games to torment Milan; she was genuinely seething with anger.
This wasn't like the times when she would deliberately crush her playthings to shatter their self-esteem.
The mere touch made her skin crawl, as if she had developed an allergic reaction to any man's touch except Riel's.
But Anastasia knew she couldn't abandon the charade just yet.
Another slap landed on Milan's cheek, but instead of cowering, it only brought a twisted smile of relief to his face.
This was the enchantress he
My departure to the enchanting Virisdescent Valley caused quite a stir in the bustling Ice Demon City.As soon as the notice appeared on the grandiose notice board, the townsfolk flocked to bid me farewell, their hearts brimming with well wishes.They showered me with gifts, eager to ensure my journey would be nothing short of luxurious.The atmosphere was electric, with a palpable excitement that tingled in the air.The night before my departure, I bestowed upon Anastasia a love so intense that it would sustain her for weeks to come. It was a passionate affair, a wild escapade that would render her bedridden for at least a week.As for Eliza, I entrusted her to the watchful eye of Wise, allowing her to oversee the city from a vantage point. Though I doubted she would harbor any mischievous intentions towards my beloved city, it never hurts to take precautions and ensure nothing untoward occurs.Anastasia, a master of manipulation, may have had the power to sow discord among the men
"Fascinating."David observed Roland closely and was surprised by what he saw.The presence exuding from this person was strong and substantial.It was as if one of his revered military leaders had suddenly appeared before him.His expression turned serious.For a mere baron to have a knight of such calibre and strength was unheard of and unwarranted."So, this is why Riel was able to overthrow a Count?" David pondered.While the common people might not know about Riel's victory over a noble count, the influential nobles in the empire had been aware of it for quite some time.But their indi
"I'm thrilled that you're not taking offense to my Lord," the butler said, motioning for me to enter the city gate with a welcoming hand. "Please come with me, Baron Riel. Count David will return shortly, and he's prepared a magnificent feast for you. I'm certain he has much to discuss with you.""Lead on," I agreed with a nod. The butler's smile grew even warmer and more deferential, clearly pleased with our easy conversation.He took the lead, guiding us with open arms into the lush and vibrant Virisdescent Valley.Roland took the reins at the forefront, while I trailed behind in my carriage.His eyes roamed with intrigue over the city and its formidable defense towers.We attracted many inquisitive stares from the locals, including the valiant knights who formed the backbone of Count David's formidable army.Among the crowd were the everyday people—farmers, laborers, and their families—in worn-out attire outside their modest homes in the distance.Their eyes were drawn to Roland, m
Evidently, these were citizens who held some significance in Count David's estimation.Besides that, the fortress immediately grabbed my attention with its impressive and imposing presence.This was the abode of Count David.The townsfolk gazed at the visitor with inquisitive eyes.These were individuals leading stable and intentional lives, free from the worry of going hungry.They dutifully paid their taxes and answered the call to arms in times of conflict.Now, their interest in the visitor was palpable, a stark contrast to the fearful and hesitant reactions of those in the slums.The citizens observed Roland, his majestic warhorse, and the imposing carriage with great curiosity.Yet, it was the enigmatic figure of the black-haired man, adorned in a resplendent noble attire atop his steed, that truly captured their attention.The people on this side of the city were no fools. They were keen observers.As Roland galloped through the streets, his elegant linen garments billowed in t
“You all can rest; my knight will not do anything.” I smiled."Roland, feel free to entrust your noble warhorse to the capable hands of the butler. I have every confidence that he will provide it with the utmost care," I assured him, casting a knowing glance in the butler's direction."Yeah, of course," stammered the butler, eager to prove his competence.With a nod from Roland, the reins of his majestic warhorse were handed over to a servant, and he fell into step behind me, still clad in his formidable armor and clutching his iron gauntlets tightly.I neglected to stow the ornamental sword fastened to my belt. Despite its impressive appearance, it was merely a decorative piece.Now that I've honed my skill in wi
As they pondered their recent conversation, an eerie chill descended upon the lord's hall, shrouding it in an unsettling silence."I believe Count David has extended the dinner invitation to more guests. It seems it's time to gather around the table," a peaceful voice interjected, diffusing the tension in the air.Without glancing at the nobles, I reassured Roland with a simple command, "Relax."Roland shot a final icy look at the nobles before turning his gaze elsewhere. His demeanour remained frigid as he took a seat without uttering a single word.This was the inaugural instance of witnessing Roland's uncharacteristic behaviour. Perhaps he simply couldn't stomach the nobles' disparaging remarks about me. I could discern a sinister glimmer of energy emanating from Roland. While imperceptible to others, if Roland's emotions continue to spiral, he might unleash his demonic energy and disrupt everything.I had to soothe his anger, but the truth is, I was the one fuming the most in tha
"300 shiny gold coins." I nearly lost my cool as I jacked up the price of the item by a whopping 30000 per cent."Excellent," Count David murmured, his gaze fixed on the salt.Upon hearing my words, the vassal nobles on both sides of David erupted in astonishment. They were not oblivious to the value of what they beheld. If this modest vessel alone was valued at 300 gold coins, then this was a salt that even they, with their noble status, could not easily obtain. It was a salt reserved for the palates of only the most esteemed nobles.Even though the nobles held prestigious titles like barons and viscounts, they could barely scrape together enough coins to afford a single jar of salt. Yet, even a pinch of that precious seas
In the grand dining hall, the flickering candles cast a soft glow on the walls, their dim light dancing in the gentle breeze seeping through the cracks in the door. The remnants of a lavish feast still adorned the table, a testament to the indulgent evening that had transpired.The butler stood nervously by, his brow glistening with a sheen of anxiety. His gaze was fixed on his master, Count David, his head bowed in deference. In that moment, he knew that maintaining an air of utmost humility and respect was imperative.In truth, not a soul in the room spared a moment for the humble butler. Before Count David, I presented the jar of shimmering blue salt, placing it delicately on the table.Count David gazed at the jar, the bluish substance shimmering under the soft glow of the dim light. It was no ordinary salt; it held an enchanting, otherworldly quality, a rare and coveted seasoning fit for the elite nobility.And this salt had another purpose as well. It was a favorite among the
"Hey! Why should we listen to a brat like you?" The interjection came from the back of the crowd, a young soldier, his face flushed with anger, his eyes blazing with defiance. The rest of the soldiers turned to stare, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.A genuine smile spread across my face. Finally, someone had the audacity to speak up. A flicker of satisfaction ignited within me. This was exactly what I had been hoping for, wasn't it? Didn't this feel like the natural order of things?I had anticipated this moment from the very beginning. There was no way these esteemed scions of nobility and battle-hardened knights would meekly submit to the commands of a mere child. The moment I was elected commander of one of the three mighty armies, I knew this tension would inevitably arise. After all, who among these talented warriors would willingly follow a teenager with little to boast of in terms of accomplishments? And let's not forget the shadow of my less-than-st
Ladia couldn't help but castigate herself for her lapse in judgment. How had she not seen it before? If the involvement of the magic towers would significantly aid the Empire, then the impact of the very person who had defeated the magicians of the tower participating would be monumental.The princess's heart thrummed with the realization, chiding herself for taking so long to come to this epiphany. Was Ethan's proposal the correct course of action or not? She no longer dwelled on the question.With a steely gaze, Ladia announced, "I have reached a verdict."The room fell silent as all eyes turned to the princess. The final decision lay in her hands, and she was ready to reveal it. The anticipation hung heavy in the air, and Ladia took a deep breath before continuing. "I have decided to accept Ethan's proposal."A murmur of surprise rippled through the room, but Ladia held up her hand for silence. "I believe that Ethan's plan, with a few modifications, is the best course of action for
My suggestion ignited a firestorm of debate among the upper echelons of the capital. The princess convened her officials in the grand throne room, where the air was thick with tension and uncertainty as they deliberated their next course of action. Ultimately, the march toward the City of Aran was postponed by a full day, a delay that weighed heavily on everyone present. The officials found themselves divided, caught between two stark choices: should they attempt to reclaim the nearby City of Aran from the Beast Kingdom, or should they focus their efforts on retaking the more strategically significant City of Northfall?"But, Your Majesty," one of the officials interjected, his voice rising above the murmurs of the assembly, "as we stand now, we cannot afford to risk an attack on the Northfall Fortress! I have heard reports that the beastmen have fortified their walls and laid even more traps to ensnare us! If we allow this farce to continue, we will be nothing more than lambs led to
A chill snaked down Ryle's spine. Ethan's suggestion hung in the air, heavy and suffocating, like a shroud woven from despair. To attack City of Aran, a fortress city now bristling with tens of thousands of Beast Kingdom soldiers, felt like a declaration of utter annihilation. Even Lance, their most valiant commander, had fallen captive within its walls.Ryle's brow creased into a deep furrow. He, too, was a commander of the Initiation Army, a man who had tasted the bitterness of defeat and the sting of loss. He couldn't fathom how Ethan, this newly appointed leader, could so blithely propose a course of action that reeked of self-destruction."I cannot, in good conscience, agree with your plan," Ryle stated, his voice laced with a mixture of disbelief and frustration. "As we stand now, attacking Northfall City is a fool's errand, a suicide mission. We are scattered, depleted, and outmatched. We must first rally our remaining forces, regroup along the borders, and then, and only then,
"Ryle Green, step forward!" the Royal advisor said, seeing Ryle was in a daze.Ryle coughed and stepped forward, his heart pounding with excitement as he knelt before the Princess."Ryle Green, you are hereby granted authority over fifty thousand soldiers," the Princess said, her voice like a melody that soothed the soul. "You shall be the commander of the Vanguard Army!"With a snap of her fingers, the Princess bestowed an insignia upon Ryle's shoulder, its glow of light like a beacon of hope in the face of the looming threat of the Beast Kingdom."I will crush those beastmen for you, Your Highness!" Ryle said, his voice filled with determination and resolve.The Princess smiled, her eyes filled with pride and hope. "We have faith in you, Ryle," she said. "Together, we will defeat the Beast Kingdom and restore peace to our lands."Princess Ladia nodded, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "I expect a lot from the younger generation, Ryle," she said, her voice laced with both encou
The Dwarven Kingdom, a land renowned for its glittering wealth, held its breath. The Brightwing Empire’s meager offer, a desperate plea for aid, was all they had to entice the notoriously hard-drinking mercenaries. Even if their weapons were outdated, their reputation for unmatched effectiveness in battle preceded them. Surely, that would be enough.“Your Majesty,” a guard murmured, his voice barely a tremor in the air. “They have arrived.”Princess Ladia, lost in a labyrinth of thought, startled slightly. She had wrestled with the decision for what felt like an eternity, but finally, a solution had emerged. All that remained was to face them, to meet their gaze and offer her hand in this desperate alliance.Viscount Lamiel, a man whose arrogance was only surpassed by his thirst for gold, strode into the royal garden, flanked by a legion of equally boisterous mercenaries. Princess Ladia recognized most of them – the nobles summoned by the crown, their faces etched with a mixture of g
The scene unfolded with brutal efficiency. Several soldiers, their faces grim and resolute, descended upon Drew and the other soldier, their movements swift and decisive. There was no struggle, no desperate pleas for mercy. They walked away with heads bowed, accepting their fate with a stoic silence that spoke volumes of their resignation.Ryle, his expression a mixture of weariness and amusement, ran a hand through his hair, a sigh escaping his lips. "What a waste of a perfectly good sleep," he muttered, his voice laced with a hint of exasperation. "Young men like myself need our rest, yet everyone seems determined to disrupt my slumber over such trivial matters."His gaze shifted to me, and a playful smile curved his lips. "Allow me to introduce myself," he said, extending a hand towards me. "Ryle Green, third son of Count Green, and as you might be able to tell, the future commander of this very army." He spoke with an air of unwavering confidence, his words carrying the weight of
Two soldiers from a rival camp, their boots crunching on the gravel path, happened upon the conversation. One soldier, his face contorting with barely suppressed mirth, clamped a hand over his mouth, desperately trying to stifle a chuckle. His companion, sensing the impending eruption, jabbed him in the ribs with an elbow, a silent plea for decorum. But the laughter, like a trapped spring, was too powerful to contain. Tears welled in the soldier's eyes, threatening to spill over as his shoulders shook with silent mirth. Finally, with a strangled cry, he burst into a full-blown guffaw. "Hahahaha! If it's the Young Master leading us! Hahaha! We'll be able to… Pft! Hahaha!"The sound of his uncontrolled laughter echoed through the camp, drawing curious glances from nearby soldiers. Gaston, his face a mask of confusion and irritation, turned to the source of the amusement. "Excuse me, but what's so funny?" he demanded, his voice laced with displeasure.The soldier, still gasping for br
The unyielding army of the Ice Demon City had been journeying for a considerable number of weeks, traversing a multitude of cities and towns along the way. During our sojourns, we would occasionally restock our supplies, find respite in taverns, and often in the great outdoors, before resuming our arduous trek.Given the unfortunate circumstances, we were informed that the Ice Demon City was the most distant of all cities from the capital. This reality meant that we were among the last to receive the urgent message, compelling us to join the ranks of the other nobles and their armies in the capital.It was in the fourth week of our relentless march that we finally arrived in the grand and magnificent Capital city. The journey had been long and arduous, but our determination never wavered, as we knew our presence was required in these critical times. I had already surmised that the majority of the other nobles and their forces would have already amassed in the capital, readying themse