While Sol was busy using multiple projections and taking steps to ensure Theresa’s safety, things in Lustburg were also slowly calming down.

Ever since Milia made a contract with Sol, her powers had been exponentially increasing as she did Sol’s bidding. Not to mention that the stronger Sol became, the greater she grew in strength. She had a grasp on the reason behind this growth.

She was Sol’s shadow. As the moon was to the sun, she could only truly shine by reflecting an infinitesimal part of his incandescent light. But that part, as small as it was, was enough to illuminate the whole world.

More than anything… it allowed her to share that glorious light as well.

***

In the depths of infinite shadows, a few figures with no features hid inside the clock tower. They observed the passing pedestrians with a gleam in their eyes.

“So, I need to ask again… Why do we have to stand on the highest building in the residential area?”

Edgar, one of Milia’s friends, queried as he adjusted the tight-fitting black uniform around his body. It had been some time since he did any sort of field work and he was feeling the aching need of exercises to loosen his body.

Still, more than his progressively expanding belly, he was more curious about why they had to waste time climbing such a high building when they would inevitably have to go down.

“Atmosphere. His Highness always told me that no matter what you did, the atmosphere was very important. He also told me that standing in a building, hidden by the shadow, under the moonlight was one of the best ways to bring this atmosphere.”

The list of things Edgar wanted to say might have been miles long, but remembering the fanaticism with which Milia viewed Sol, he wisely chose to shut up. One did not need to fear someone insane. However, they did not need to meddle with them either, provoking them for no reason.

“I see.” He simply cleared his throat and observed the surroundings once more. His eyes fell on the members of the new division Milia was building.

“So… Those are the hounds, correct?” The Hound had once been the name of their division. During those times, they were considered little more than slaves. Edgar did not understand why Milia would desire to back this accursed name.

“I can practically hear your thoughts, and all I can tell you is that. A hound's honor depends on its master.” Milia grinned maniacally. In the past, the Hound was only a shameful designation to them. They were nothing more than trained mutts. To be used and discarded at a moment’s notice.

Now though, “The hound will follow me on the hunt. They will be our official face to the world, the one that will strike fear in the heart of our enemy.”

The Crown’s Shadow would follow its name and stay hidden from the world, working silently, faithfully for the empire. But the hounds were different. They would be in the light. They would be known and they would be feared.

“Everything is still in the experimental phase. So I don’t know how much you can do. So let’s make it a game, shall we? The more you capture, the more reward you receive and the number one will be allowed to have a direct meeting with his majesty.”

Milia smiled as she felt the atmosphere become colder. The members of the Hound she had selected all had one thing in common. Something that made Milia worry far less about the chances of them ever betraying them or rather betraying Sol.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

After all,

“May the blessing of the Moon be with you.”

They were all Elves.

***

Elves. One of the proudest races in the world. It was a race renowned for the beauty of its members and the naturally large lifespan they enjoyed by dint of their existence. Once the rulers of the world, the elves are both respected and hated by many.

What many people did not know was that the elven race was one of the most subservient ones in the entire continent. They would only bend their back for one master and one only.

Dragons. The focus of their worship.

Elves were fascinated by dragons. Their faith was so high that they started worshiping the four Dragon Kings and in many cases, one could say that they were more faithful to the dragons than the goddesses.

Lustburg, as the greatest melting pot in the world, had its fair share of elves. Be it elves born in the country itself or elves who came from the great forest. But, ever since the first time Sol showed his might to the world, the number of elf immigrants and wanderers who decided to settle in the capital skyrocketed.

It was estimated that at this rate, by next year, the elven population of Lustburg would more than triple.

They all had the same goal. Venture on a pilgrimage to Lustburg to offer their prayers to the Dragon Emperor.

How could Milia let go of such an occasion that was falling right in her laps? Fully trained, mature, and loyal soldiers wishing for nothing but to serve her lord.

Milia knew that she could not bring such a hastily made-up group close to the secrets of the Kingdom. However, it was possible to use them for less important things, and now it was time to test her new powers.

｢Famine -:- Hollow Pit｣

This was a very simple name. But Milia found it very poetic. What did it feel like to be hungry? Only those who once starved could understand. The gnawing feeling of nothing filling your body was not something that could be explained.

This power was not unlike a curse. But it also had many advantages. Using this power on her subordinates, she was able to greatly lower their inhibitions. Increase the strength of their senses to drastically lower the time needed for them to locate their targets and even increase their reaction time.

I should be able to hold this for five minutes before they really go crazy.

Milia mused as she observed the hounds jumping from the tower and rushing like starved dogs toward their target.

Truly, she found the sight amusing. This was a power she would have expected from Setsuna. Not herself. Still, Milia would not refuse a power that could make her more useful to Sol.

“Do you think just a few starved dogs will be enough? There are a few Dukes who also entered Lustburg this time.” Edgar asked as he prepared himself to jump as well.

“I will take care of the Dukes. They are not much of a threat and… do not underestimate them. They are not just mad beasts.” Milia smiled as her King’s name flashed in her mind.

『 Lunaria 』

This was a name personally bestowed on her by her lord.

Milia did much research about the King’s realm. She knew that a King would whisper destiny and power in the ears of the user. Those names represented legends and stories from the world beyond.

Lunaria was not such a name.

It was a name that concentrated on not just one legend but all legends that were related to the moon. A never-seen-before name and one that bestowed her with much power.

For example,

『Phantasm Domain -::- Moon’s Secret』

She was not yet a King. But her power was close enough. Under the moonlight, no deceit shall hide from her. Her powers spread, covering the entire capital in but one instant.

Crimson aura dotted the world below and only those connected to her could see those aura. This was a new power, a hint of the Concept of Night and Secrecy.

“Hunt down all the enemies of the crown. Permission to execute anyone who retaliates.”

She smiled and jumped from the tower, followed by Edgar. The hunt would be swift and merciless.