At this moment, within the Duchy of Sora, the scene was one of prosperity and vitality.
A diverse nation, it was possible to see all manner of races roaming about, for the country had long since declared complete neutrality, posing no threat to any other nation.
At the same time, it had formed a temporary alliance with the Elves, given the close proximity of the two countries.
Among them appeared a silver-haired girl, wandering with purpose. She stood bathed in the dazzling morning light, her silvery-white long hair cascading like a waterfall. A crescent-moon-shaped hairpin adorned her locks, while her plain white dress fluttered gently in the breeze. Around her waist was tied a simple, inexpensive thin silver chain.
As the hem of her dress moved with each step, glimpses of her snow-white calves and slender legs wrapped in white silk appeared and vanished.
Around her pure white neck hung a magical gemstone used to summon Sieg.
Beneath the translucent gauzy shawl, several resurrection totems could be faintly seen wrapped around her slender wrists.
As she walked, the crisp sound of her ladies’ leather shoes echoed clearly.
Though there were no elaborate decorations, every detail was a testament to beauty itself—like a phantom formed from moonlight, ready to vanish along with the morning mist at any moment.
“Where should I go next?”
Upon arriving at her destination, she looked around and murmured to herself.
Time was tight and the task urgent. The reason she avoided the Empire or the Kingdom of Os was simple: both nations were mired in the quagmire of war, making unnecessary accidents far too likely. It was safer to come to the somewhat more distant Duchy of Sora.
Besides, the prices might be more reasonable here, and maybe she could even find a bargain.
Beside her was a young female slave, simply dressed with neatly arranged blue hair and black eyes—at least visually acceptable. As a former Saintess, Emilia could tell this girl was very likely a newly awakened Chosen One. Moreover, after awakening, she would greatly aid the development of the Demon King City.
Emilia held a firm grasp on the girl’s control, preventing any mischief with her delicate jade-like hands.
After all, it was better to be prepared. Even though she had spent time living, teaching, and building at least a basic friendly relationship with these people, she could sense their hostile or greedy gazes.
Among them, this girl was the one who looked unfriendly toward her. Why? Emilia had pondered deeply, or tried to have heart-to-heart talks… but ultimately, she cared only for Sieg. No one else could capture her interest.
Yet she knew that wasn’t enough. Without gaining the trust and goodwill of these Chosen Ones, simply sheltering and teaching them, such a superficial relationship would make it easy for them to be turned against her or bought off with enormous benefits after she painstakingly raised them.
They had to develop a feeling of indispensability, a connection so strong they would have no choice but to stay.
This was to avoid unnecessary losses for Sieg, something Emilia was unwilling to see happen.
It was also one of the reasons she kept the girl close—to see if she could accomplish the greatest results at the lowest cost, for every one of these people was a lifeline to Sieg.
It was also a guarantee for the future combat strength of Demon King City.
Emilia then put on a kind smile, revealing the grace of a Saintess, and softly asked the girl before her.
“Would you like something to eat? Miss, and what’s your name? Let’s get to know each other a little.”
As always, the girl remained silent. Emilia was not surprised and awkwardly smiled, speaking gently.
“If you don’t want to say, that’s okay. Let’s just go get something to eat.”
Still no response. After a long while, the slave woman finally nodded, but her gaze toward Emilia remained unfriendly. Emilia didn’t understand why but helplessly continued the one-sided conversation, becoming a solo performer.
It wasn’t that she had endless patience or perseverance; after all, she had trained Gerard for over ten years and dealt with far worse breakdowns than this. This was nothing compared to that, and even then, she didn’t know how she had managed to hold on.
Just thinking about it was unbelievable…
She lightly shook her head, deciding not to dwell on it.
They simply ate a meal, wandering the streets to purchase supplies needed for Demon King City—seeds, tools, and small items. The quantity wasn’t large.
After all, she didn’t have Sieg’s four-dimensional pockets and didn’t know how he managed to fit so much into them, still leaving room to spare. It was curious indeed, but unfortunately, she never got the chance to ask. She’d have to remember to inquire when she had time.
She covered her beautiful face, trying to appear mysterious, then went to the local church to sell some items that helped with Chosen One breakthroughs.
They were all quite expensive, but spending money didn’t really feel like much—likely because it was Sieg’s money after all.
Normally, such items would not be sold outside the country and would be strictly regulated, but rules were meant to be broken. If they weren’t, it was simply because the price wasn’t high enough. Emilia deeply understood that.
The reason she concealed her face was simple: each country worshipped different gods and had different Saintesses with different abilities. Emilia had met a few of those Saintesses before, and being recognized wouldn’t be ideal. It was to avoid unnecessary trouble or some cliché mocking drama…
The slave woman trailed silently behind her the entire time, expressionless and with a stiff face, leaving Emilia unsure what to say. She wanted to find a topic to chat about, but their words never connected. It felt like warmth pressed against coldness.
Emilia sighed; it seemed it would be difficult to build a relationship.
But that was no reason to give up. For Sieg’s sake, she had to keep trying.
Her crimson eyes reflected the stubborn, unyielding look on the girl’s face.
But today, she would let it go.
After shopping until well past midnight, it was finally over.
Her slender jade-like hand gently swung the necklace around her neck as she summoned Sieg to come pick them up, preparing to take the Sieg Express back home.
The next moment, a sudden kunai flew toward her from an unknown source.
Startled, the girl staggered backward a few steps and fell to the ground.
In a flash, a handsome and imposing man appeared under the moonlight.
His short golden hair was tousled by the wind, dust and clumps of earth clinging to it, the tips shining brightly under the moonlight.
He wore a black leather jacket stained with mud slung over his shoulders, and beneath it, a beige linen shirt with holes.
His fitted dark pants were tucked into expensive leather boots, still marked with wet mud.
He lacked the imposing aura of a Demon King, instead looking like a young man who had just finished plowing a field.
His calloused hands carried a hoe slung over one shoulder as he looked down at the silver-haired girl sprawled on the ground.
In a serious tone, he muttered to himself,
“Am I late? No, wait, are you really my master?”
“Yes, yes, I command you by Command Spell to commit suicide, Lancer. Just kidding. Sieg, I’ve got everything handled here. Let’s head back.”
Emilia, clearly accustomed to this, no longer bothered to comment. She even chuckled quietly at him, standing and brushing the dust off her dress.
Her delicate hand reached out and grabbed his arm with practiced ease.
He seemed indifferent, only letting her hold on firmly before saying, “Mouse, I’m about to drive now.”
Soon, the three of them returned to the ruins of Demon King City.