Kingdom of Lichstein Fief of Count Valentine – Outskirts of the Village of Holdiang
The villagers were enchanted by the mysterious young woman who had arrived only a few days earlier to their small community.Children approached her with curiosity, women kept a wary eye on her every move, while the men couldn't help but watch with either desire or caution.
But far from the family inn where she had been given shelter, deep in the Afrey Forest, the wind rustled the treetops and the songs of birds filled the silence and calm.
A lone figure stood in a clearing where sunlight barely pierced the dense canopy. The young woman stood with her eyes closed as a silver needle floated around her head.
The way it accelerated and held its curve gave the impression of a silver halo glowing in daylight.
In a whisper, like a secret slipping from her lips, sparks of fire bloomed from both hands.
Her breathing was steady, her mind serene—yet her soul was restless.
"My city, my parents, my friends, my freedom… even my integrity. Everything."
The flames grew brighter. The light and heat radiating from her hands gave her the illusion of fiery wings.
Tears slid down her cheeks, only to be dried by the warmth she gave off.
Suddenly, the magic ceased. The fire vanished, and the silver needle turned into a coin.
It fell into her palm. She gazed at it and recalled a voice:
—"Then… how do you keep living like that?"
—"I ignore it completely and move forward."
A crooked smile tugged at her lips.
"You say you ignore it and move forward… Then why did I feel you understood me? Why did I see in your eyes that you had suffered more?"
Her gaze shifted to the side, focusing on a blue bird singing from its nest. A knot tightened in her throat.
—"Sam… why are you so alike and yet nothing like… Tom?"
Karen, clutching her precious coin, sighed heavily.
The past would not define her present; vengeance would not be her path.Her parents, her friends, Tom—none of them would want that for her.
"I'll stay in this village… Now, with my power, I can protect. I don't want to be like the monsters and destroy."
***
Gregorian Empire – Province of Ataxia Coastal City of Ataxia, Temple of the Goddess of Wisdom
The temple rose upon a stretch of land between the sea and the coast, facing the city.The tides and crashing waves from the moons' pull could not erode its solid divine foundations.
The stone-paved path, broken here and there by patches of seawater, did not hinder the walk but instead adorned the scenery, like a bridge tying the temple to the city.
Marble pillars, finely chiseled and draped with blue ornamental cloth, gold adornments, and woven tapestries, welcomed visitors into the sanctuary. Golden torches lit the way to a resplendent altar encrusted with diamonds and other precious stones, upon which towered the statue of the Goddess of Wisdom.
The High Priestess gathered the two virginal maidens who had devotedly served the goddess as acolytes. An urgent message had arrived; the other attendants were dismissed to the eastern wing of the altar. Then she spoke:
—"I have been summoned to Thontheon. A great council of importance to The Order of Light will be held. I will be gone for about a month. Therefore, Melissa, Agatha… you will oversee and safeguard the temple in my absence."
Agatha, smiling at such an honor and glancing joyfully at Melissa, replied:
—"I am honored, High Priestess. Melissa and I will tend to the faithful with devotion and sincerity."
Melissa, still stunned by the news, her joy hidden beneath the veil that covered her face, said:
—"Thank you, High Priestess. This has been my dream… To serve the immaculate Goddess of Wisdom all these years has been an honor. I am grateful for your support, and for Agatha's as well, despite my condition. I solemnly vow to serve with even greater devotion during your absence."
Hearing her words, both Octavia and Agatha felt a mix of pride and warmth.Octavia gestured with her hand, signaling the attendants to leave, until only the three of them remained.
Noticing Melissa still lowering her head, as if hiding behind her veil, Octavia lifted it.The brilliant green of her eyes revealed a beauty almost divine.
Agatha, alarmed, warned:
—"Your Grace, perhaps this is not wise… If the acolytes see her face, there could be trouble, as before she joined the temple."
Octavia, confident in divine protection, replied firmly:
—"No one would dare lay a hand on Melissa. The goddess's curse would fall upon them. And now, as priestesses, no mortal can harm you."
Melissa's silence betrayed her unease. Her eyes sought Agatha's for reassurance. The fear that had long faded began to stir again within her.
Seeing her distress, Octavia gave Agatha a signal. Agatha embraced Melissa, whispering softly in her ear:
—"Don't worry, you're not alone… you have me, you have Nana. There's nothing to fear."
Melissa returned the embrace, and Octavia added gently:
—"You may now walk freely through the city without your veil. The goddess's protection will shield you from harm. Only, I advise you to always wear your priestly robes. That way, no man will dare harass you."
Happiness overwhelmed Melissa. Finally, she could walk the city streets without fear.Still, Agatha reminded her:
—"Even if you stay to care for Nana, you can come to the temple anytime. With our new rank, I'll be moving to the western wing."
—"Thank you, Agatha… Thank you so much, High Priestess Octavia. Without you, and Nana, I wouldn't even know how to keep living. Thank you for protecting me."
The young woman hurried off joyfully, eager to share the news with Nana. Octavia and Agatha watched her go, relieved. The reputation of the temple now rested in her hands.
They remembered when Nana had first brought her as a young girl, on the brink of womanhood. Even then, her beauty was undeniable. But only after a divine notification had they decided to take her in.
Both turned toward the great altar, the golden-adorned statue of the goddess before them.Octavia, however, lingered at the temple door, watching Melissa's figure running along the beach.
She smiled softly, listening to the waves, and whispered to herself:
—"My little Vanopilas… if only you knew how radiant you are when happy."
***
Kingdom of Lichstein – Capital City of Faus Weston Mansion, Marilyn's Chambers
A young maid carefully brushed her mistress's dark green hair in front of a mirror. The lady, wearing glasses, was lost in thought, holding a crystal orb from which a friend's voice echoed.
Lidia: —"I know it's been hard for you, Marilyn-san, but locking yourself away won't help. Please, come with us. Hans-kun wants you to see him win the Gladiatorial Tournament."
Marilyn smiled politely, replying with poised confidence:
—"I doubt the 'great knight Leivert' has any chance against a superhuman."
Lidia: —"At least come with us. You're not alone."
—"Alright, Lidia-san, you win…"
Lidia: —"I'll be waiting in Cartag! Don't forget, at the amphitheater, the day of the tournament!"
—"Yes, yes, goodbye."
The maid studied her mistress, who wore a somber look after the call ended. She remarked softly:
—"We still don't know who's behind it. You can't mistrust your friends."
The young woman's gaze hardened as she stared into the mirror.
—"It was my goodwill toward those I thought I knew that made me fall into a trap. Ironically, it was the goodwill of a stranger that saved me."
The maid lowered her head in reverence, unable to answer, and stopped brushing. With a simple hand gesture, Marilyn dismissed her. Alone now, she lifted her eyes to the ceiling, whispering almost without realizing:
—"Who are you… Abu-kun?"
Meanwhile, in the underground dungeon of the estate, three men hung in chains: Fabian, Allan, and Lucas. Their clothes were torn, soaked in blood, their ankles bound in iron stocks.
Their condition was pitiful.
And their torture would continue…Until they gave up names.