The group arrived at what appeared to be the city's entrance.
"Well, for an entrance, it's pretty ordinary. The big gate is just open, but I suppose they close it at night. I was expecting some impressive ramparts, and I'm disappointed," Aconé said.
"Shut up and move," Simone ordered, stepping into the city, followed by the others.
The city was rather plain. There were restaurants, weapon shops, florists, fortune-tellers' stalls, and homeless people sleeping on the ground.
"Honestly, it feels like the Middle Ages. No, seriously, it's so cliché! Look down the street—there's a castle. Who's even surprised?" Aconé added.
"Is that all that shocks you? The boy over there walking around in a dress doesn't bother anyone?" Lucien remarked.
"Well, Lucien, if you look closely, their dresses are actually suited for men. They reach down to their feet," Darlius replied.
"Think of it as a kimono covered with some kind of jacket," Hikiri added.
Aconé, considering the details the others shared, nodded. "True, with your explanations, it makes sense. But now, another question: if they come from another planet, how can I understand what they're saying?"
Hikiri clenched his fist. "That's because they've learned our languages."
"But who would teach them our languages when they're enslaving us?" Asti asked.
"Who said they did it willingly? Some were threatened, others tortured or killed to scare the rest," Hikiri answered.
"That's a grim truth, but I don't see how it helps us right now," Simone interjected, pointing to a bar next to a clothing shop. "That's where we're meeting tonight. So, try to find a job or at least something to keep you busy." With that, she went her own way.
The group split up, each in search of work and money.
At the heart of the city, in the castle
A petite girl with black hair and blue eyes sat on a chair on a high terrace.
"Pssst, so, Rieze, any news? Any suspicious people in the city?" Dola asked.
Rieze, her personal guard, replied, "No, still no reports, Princess Dola."
"But when are they going to show themselves? Verna is always right, one hundred percent… Or maybe they're already in the city. In that case, I'll go find them myself!" Dola declared.
Rieze blocked her path. "Sorry, Princess, but the clan leader ordered all of us to ensure no incidents happen to the three princesses. You'll have to stay here."
Losing her enthusiasm, Dola reacted poorly to the mention of her father. She returned to her chair and continued gazing over the city from above.
"Seriously, I've been serving this wretched family for too long. If only that damn clan leader would die—what a relief that would be! But let's be realistic, that'll never happen. Anyway, I've already found a way to get out," Rieze thought, hiding a smile.
He was interrupted by one of his subordinates. "Guard Rieze, there's a problem with Dono."
"Ugh, what's he done now?" Rieze sighed.
"Well… He killed a family spanning five generations and dismembered them one by one. Then he pieced together their arms, legs, and heads to make some kind of multi-headed wolf out of human parts."
Rubbing his chin, Rieze was neither disgusted nor surprised. Everyone knew Dono, the leader of the northern gate troop, had a penchant for murder. He even terrified his own soldiers.
"And so, what's the problem?" Rieze asked.
"Well, more and more people are fleeing to the southern side, but it's already packed, and Chief Chiva is complaining about the crowds."
"Seriously, Chiva's complaining? That's a first," Rieze said, surprised.
"Tell her to set up barricades; that should fix it. As for Dono, go see him and tell him to calm down," Rieze ordered.
"You… you want me to go see him in person?"
"Yes, is there a problem?" Rieze replied in a threatening tone.
"No, Guard Rieze, I'm on my way."
Closing the door, Rieze returned to his post when he noticed Dola standing right behind him.
"You heard everything?" he asked.
"Of course. Don't you think it's a bit cruel to send that poor boy to see Dono, when the last one ended up on a butcher's table and no one ever found his body?" Dola said.
"Why bring up such a dreadful character, Princess?" Rieze replied.
"And you, Rieze, what are you hiding behind that innocent smile?" Dola asked.
"Does she want me to kill her? This battle-crazed brat is trying to get inside my head. Don't make me laugh—you're just a traumatized little girl," Rieze thought, maintaining his smile.
"But I'm not hiding anything, Princess. If I were, the clan leader would've already killed me. Aren't you looking forward to seeing Chiva?" he said.
At the mention of Chiva, Dola's smile returned. "I hope she comes soon."
Near the northern gate
The boy had just arrived at Dono's door. The people behind him looked at him with pity in their eyes. Only the other troop leaders and the personal guards of the three princesses had ever come out of Dono's apartment alive.
Feeling tears well up and his body trembling, the boy opened the door and stepped into the lair of Dono, the lover of blood.