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Julia and Maria gazed into the distance. The great white walls surrounding the vast Empire of Light rose like pillars of radiant light.
The enormous golden gate slowly began to open after a chanical eye scanned every arrival.
"I’ve heard the Empire of Light has an extrely strict security system," Julia said. "So please be careful and watch your actions inside until the right mont cos, okay?"
"Okay," Maria nodded. "I can erase my presence and aura completely anyway."
"I know, but better safe than sorry, right?" Julia asked.
"Yes, I suppose," Maria replied.
The carriage slowly rolled through the gates, revealing the breathtaking cityscape within the divine walls.
A dreamy, celestial tropolis unfolded—white buildings everywhere, streets adorned with gold, and every church dedicated to the gods crafted from white stone and gleaming gold, crowned with large, colorful tallic statues of each deity.
The grandest structure, naturally, was the colossal church and temple of Odin at the very center. It doubled as the Imperial Castle, ho to the Imperial Family—direct demigod descendants of Odin’s lineage.
"It’s enormous. Just how big is this damn tropolis?" Maria wondered aloud, captivated by its beauty.
"Mind your manners, Maria," Julia said gently. "We’re here. Let’s step out quietly and gracefully, like the young ladies we are, shall we? You two co with as well." She addressed her maids.
The green-haired elven maids nodded and stepped out of the carriage, which had been driven by Julia’s butler. He chose to remain behind.
"Safe travels, young lady," he said. "Please be careful."
"I will," Julia replied with a nod, then walked forward with Maria and the maids following close behind
They approached a group of soldiers checking arriving nobles against a list, nodding as each was cleared.
The officer in charge stood tall, with a large beak-like nose, long red hair, and eyes glowing with golden light.
The Empire of Light’s soldiers wore pristine white uniforms embroidered with golden patterns of light and the sun shining above clouds.
They donned long white hats bearing large golden numbers—the lower the number, the higher the rank.
This unassuming man with a sheathed rapier at his side was Soldier Number 30.
"Julia ndin Albraun and her partner! Step forward, please."
At the call, Julia and Maria advanced. The soldier scrutinized them both.
"It says here you would arrive with your fiancé. Where is he now, Miss Julia?" he asked, fixing Maria with a suspicious glare.
"My dear husband fell ill a few days ago—a persistent fever. Magicians and redies have been used, but he’s still recovering," Julia explained calmly. "His devoted sister kindly offered to accompany instead. I hope that poses no issue?"
The soldier raised an eyebrow, then studied Maria. She offered a sweet, innocent smile and bowed humbly, radiating modesty and perfect deference.
That seed to satisfy him.
"Very well. But please report such changes in advance next ti, Miss Julia," he said. "Ahem, next..."
He handed Julia and Maria golden plaques, marking them as distinguished noble guests for the grand conference.
Once all the nobles had arrived, Maria scanned the crowd for those still alive on her "Must Kill" list.
These were the vile people who had orchestrated her family’s ruin and tornted them in countless cruel ways.
From the Duchy of Veredictus: Duke Hansel Albraun and his retainers, Ellon Asshat and Edgard Tactile.
From the Duchy of Nesettia: Duke Gastron Albraun and his retainers, Alberto Nosotros and Tear Rubiera.
And from the Duchy of Netherine: Duke Netheron Albraun and his retainers, Hamill Firehand and Camillo Desperados.
"They’re here...! Heheh...! Hehehehehe! Kill, kill, kill! I’m going to tear them to shreds! DIEDIEDIEDIEDIEDIE!!!"
Maria could barely contain the surge of savage excitent. Seeing them all gathered in one place ignited the ghostly resentnt still burning in her soul, twisting her inner voice into sothing feral and mindless.
Fortunately, her living body suppressed the evil within her soul, allowing her to appear as nothing more than another gentle noble girl.
"Shall we go inside? It looks like things are finally starting," Julia said. "Uh? H-Hello?"
Julia tilted her head, noticing Maria staring obsessively at several groups of nobles.
"Are they the ones who...?" Julia asked quietly.
"Yes, they are. Thank you, Julia, for bringing here," Maria said, regaining her composure.
"It’s nothing. Let’s go inside now," Julia replied.
The two girls entered the imnse church-like imperial palace. Its vast, beautiful interior stretched before them—grand statues of the gods stood on shrines throughout, while countless clergy mbers moved in every direction.
Julia and Maria noticed most nobles heading toward a large hall inside, where lively noise echoed. Stepping in, they found a lavish banquet in full swing, music filled the air, nobles danced, others enjoyed drinks, food, and conversation.
"This is no different from a ball at my house," Julia sighed. "To think this grand event was just an excuse for nobles to indulge their selfish desires."
"Yeah... I can tell," Maria nodded, her gaze sharpening as it fixed on a different corner of the hall.
In that corner, a crowd had gathered around a stage where a noble was auctioning slaves.
"..."
"Ah!"
Julia gasped at the sight, while Maria forced herself to remain calm, though sparks of fury flashed in her eyes.
"And today, for you distinguished guests, we have a truly wonderful selection—recently captured after our latest incursion into the northern wilds!" the auctioneer announced. He was a young-looking man with a handso face, short white hair, and sharp blue eyes.
As he spoke, seven slaves stepped onto the stage. They wore fine, elegant clothing rather than rags, enhancing their appeal and driving up their perceived value.
"These are seven powerful warriors from the Northern Orc Tribes—the most beautiful female fighters we captured!" the man declared with a wide smile. "Not only do they possess an exotic, alluring beauty, but they’ll serve as excellent bodyguards... while also satisfying your needs at night." He winked at the n in the crowd, who erupted in excited shouts and cheers.
The female orcs towered over every man present, exceeding two ters in height. Their bodies bore intricate tattoos and battle scars, their skin a striking clear green.
Thick slave collars encircled their necks, pulsing with powerful enslaving magic.
Yet their eyes remained fierce, unbroken—never surrendering their warrior spirit, even after defeat in a great war and captured for sale.
"As you can see, these are premium slaves reserved exclusively for the nobles of the Empire of Light! But today only, you all have the rare chance to purchase one of these magnificent warrioresses and take her ho!" the man continued. "Bidding starts at twenty-five million gold!"
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