Chapter 1611: Gilded Halls, Rotten Heart ( 1611 )
Chapter 1611: Gilded Halls, Rotten Heart ( 1611 )
Night.
Divinity Nation.
A small town on the outskirts of the region.
The grand hall was packed with nobles, wealthy merchants, and the town’s elite, all dressed in their finest silks and velvets. Chandeliers of polished brass hung from the rafters, their light casting warm pools across the polished floors. Tapestries lined the walls, the proud crests of Divinity embroidered in gold thread. Long tables groaned under the weight of roasted meats, fresh bread, fruits, wine, and delicate pastries piled high on silver platters.
Maids and staff wove between the tables, carrying trays of drinks and platters of food, refilling glasses and clearing empty dishes with practiced efficiency. Musicians played softly from a corner, the melody gentle and pleasant under the murmur of conversation.
Julius stood near the center of the hall, smiling warmly as he shook hands with nobles who lined up to meet him. His golden armor gleamed under the light, the crimson robe draped over his shoulders adding to his imposing figure.
His eye drifted downward as each woman greeted him, tracing the curve of her cleavage, the swell of her breasts, the sway of her hips as she walked away.
One of the noblewomen, older and richly dressed, smiled and leaned closer to him.
"You should come to my house when you’re not busy, Supreme Leader. My doors are always open to you."
Julius smiled, his expression warm and gracious.
"Your hospitality warms my heart, my lady. I shall endeavor to find a moment in my duties, and when I do, I will think of your generosity. Until then, may your household be blessed and your days be bright."
The noblewoman beamed and drifted away.
Julius’s inner voice turned venomous the moment she turned her back.
Ugh!
Who the hell does this bitch think she is?
Has she even looked in a mirror?
Her face looks like a mashed potato left out in the sun. Her body looks like she swallowed a whole pig and then went back for seconds. Twenty layers of powder and she still looks like that? Her husband must be blind. Or stupid.
And she has the audacity to invite me to her estate? With that face? That body?
I wouldn’t touch her even if she were the last woman on the continent.
Does she actually think I’d come to her house? Does she think I’d sit in her parlor, drink her wine, and pretend to be interested while she preens?
Please.
If I wanted a pig, I’d go to a farm.
Another noble daughter stepped forward, rosy cheeks, long brown hair curled carefully over her shoulders, wearing a fitted pale green gown that hugged her waist and lifted her modest bust. She curtsied and lifted her eyes to him, her voice breathless.
"Great Supreme Leader... it is an honor beyond words. I never thought I would live to see the day I stood before the greatest hero of the world. I... I am Lady Feeca of House Verrane. My family has served Divinity for generations. To finally meet you in person... I am truly blessed."
Julius smiled warmly, his expression gentle and humble.
"The honor is mine, Lady Feeca. A hero is nothing without the people he serves. Without the loyalty of noble houses like your own, without the faith of good people like you, I would be nothing more than a man with a sword." He inclined his head. "And tonight, I am honored to serve the people of this town."
His eyes drifted downward as he spoke, tracing the curve of her breasts beneath the pale green silk, lingering at the shallow dip of her neckline.
Mm~ She looks delicious.
Among all of them, she’s the only one worth a second glance.
He smiled warmly as she lowered her head in gratitude. She kissed his hand, her lips soft against his gauntlet, her voice trembling with excitement.
"Supreme Leader..."
Julius’s expression softened with practiced kindness. He leaned in, his voice low and gentle.
"You may speak freely, Lady Feeca. Whatever troubles you, I will hear it. And I will do what I can to help."
She hesitated, her cheeks flushing, her hands clasped in front of her.
"I have a favor to ask. I know it is not my place. I know it is presumptuous. If I may be so bold... could you bless me? I know I have no right to ask, but... I would be forever grateful. Please."
Julius raised one hand, his gauntlet catching the chandelier light. Golden light bloomed from his palm, soft and radiant, spreading outward in gentle waves. The hall turned toward it. Nobles gasped softly. Maids paused mid-stride. The blessing filled the hall with warmth, and everyone who saw it believed.
"May the goddess bless you and your household, my lady. May your days be filled with light and your nights with peace. May every shadow that lingers over your family be driven away, and may your home be filled with joy and prosperity, now and always."
The golden light settled over her, and she closed her eyes, tears forming in her lashes. Her voice broke.
"Thank you, Supreme Leader. Thank you. Your blessing means everything to me. All my life, my family has carried this burden, and now... now I truly believe it will end. I believe you have the power to free us from it."
Julius smiled, hiding the spark of excitement that lit behind his eyes. He inclined his head, his voice turning kind and gentle.
"If you don’t mind, Lady Feeca, you can share this trouble with me once the celebration ends. I will hear you out. And I will do what I can." He paused, letting his voice drop into something softer. "I will gladly give you a full blessing. One that will settle your troubles once and for all."
Feeca’s eyes lit up. Her cheeks flushed with hope, her hands clasped together in front of her chest.
"I will be there. Thank you. Thank you, Supreme Leader. I would give anything for this. Anything at all, as long as my trouble is gone."
Julius watched her bow, his eyes lingering on the curve of her breasts as they pressed against the pale green silk. He hid his smirk behind a gentle, practiced smile.
Heh~
Too easy.
She didn’t even know I cast a spell on her. One that makes her think of me every hour of the day. One that fills her mind with my face, my voice, my name, until she can’t focus on anything else. One that makes her believe I’m the only answer to her troubles.
He glanced around the hall, taking in the stunned faces, the wide eyes, the parted lips. Nobles whispered among themselves, their voices hushed with awe. Maids stood frozen mid-step, trays balanced in their hands, unable to look away.
Look at all these dumbasses.
Just a beautiful light, and they’re already on their knees. A little glow, a few honeyed words, and they think they’ve witnessed a miracle.
A race of sheep.
( End Of Chapter )
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