V2 Chapter 186

“Harley, is Cian going to be alright alone?”

Cornelia stood beside Harley and asked. Her daughter silently following behind her. However, her expression was unnatural, worried, and anxious.

“He has his own plans and we can’t help him with it. It will be enough if we don’t let him worry over here.”

Harley smiled wryly and shook her head.

“Harley?”

Harley swayed her ponytail, her bright eyes showed a serious expression. She was not trying to be a coward but felt that her current strength could only do so much. She had earnestly reflected on herself, and she had to have high expectations of herself as a leader of a tribe. However, she also knows her limitations.

She might be a good warrior but she cannot protect the entire tribe alone.

There were just too few warriors left in the tribe.

“If only Sailbrush can still fight,” suddenly Cornelia let out a helpless sigh.

“Was Sailbrush alright?”

Harley furrowed her brows.

“She’s at the center of the big tree; the Grakilis shouldn’t be able to find her yet. Though, with her wounds, fighting is impossible…” Cornelia shook her head.

“I think you don’t need to be worried. Since the Manticore was here and look indifferent, there should be no real concern regarding Sir Cian's life…let’s trust him,”

Harley exhaled slowly and brought her battered sword close to her chest.

We’re relying on you, please… Sir Cian…

… …

The papers piled up in Sibylla’s table were full of the ‘Winter Mountain’s Disturbance’ as the Garden termed it.

Each had a long account of the affair regarding the sudden chaos found within the Winter Mountain due to the outbreak of monsters, and the rising monster attacks. Even the Empire’s decision and movement have been piled up in her table, looking like a mountain of papers.

There was also some information about it which was new to her.

But this information made Sibylla’s brows furrowed in irritation, as well as endless worries.

“As expected, when an idiot works, it will surely be full of stupidity…”

Sibylla can’t help but sneer in annoyance.

She looks at the paper in her hand and her expression darkens even more. Her personal book has almost been filled with numerous clippings and extracts bearing upon the information gathered by the Garden’s spies. But almost all of them were unwanted bad news.

Here is a condensation of a few of them:

The Haaravar Empire remarked that in the history of the Empire, there had seldom been a tragedy presented by evil and wicked races. The present chaos in the Winter Mountain is not an exception from them. The Absence of proof or clues, the rising casualties of pitiful human victims and citizens, and the sinister outbreak of monsters, all pointed to its perpetration by the evil and wicked Demon Race.

This disturbance could only be done by the damned and accursed Demon races, whose blood had been frozen over millennium ice, wishing for the world’s damnation and the death of many people and races.

The Demon Races had many Tribes and Species, especially among the Demi-Humans, the spy’s reports concluded by admonishing the Non-human factions and tribes, and advocating a purge over Demi-humans as some sort of vengeance enact.

No mercy had given to the poor victims captured.

Many had been hanged in the gallows and beheaded in public.

Blood had been shed, and after the previous Emperor’s unexpected demise, the new Emperor’s command was to eliminate any Demi-Humans among his territories.

The Empire’s Citizen commented upon the fact that lawless outrages of the sort usually occurred because of the existence of many Demi-humans being absorbed by the Empire. Their very existence created an unsettling danger and menace for the Empire Citizens and requested for the exiles of these monsters and purge of those deemed unworthy of God’s Grace.

Furthermore, to make matters worst, the Royal Knights had been dispatched and the Alliance of Races had sent a group of heroes to aid the populace and clean the Mountain from evil influences.

The Alliance of Races observed that there was no doubt as to the disturbance of the Winter Mountain and the unexpected death of the previous Emperor of the Haaravar Empire being the machinations of the Demon race.

The despotism and hatred of humanity as well as the Righteous races which animated the Demon Empire had the effect of driving other non-human races into becoming evil and bloodthirsty and was deemed a lost cause. Hence, any Demi-Humans must be purged to avoid any spread of the disease known as madness and evil.

Along with this revolution by the new enthroned Emperor, the Churches of different Gods had also started to make their move, riding the momentum.

... ...

Sibylla read these reports at breakfast, and it appeared to afford her considerable cold amusement.

“Everything has been thrown over our bowls, without even us doing anything. How amusing. Even the disturbance that is obviously clear to all, that is not our fault been splattered over our names… If we have such power and authority over the Winter Mountain, would not this land be ours a long time ago?” said Sibylla with a cold smile.

However, her expression was fierce and full of murderous intention.

“... And the previous Emperor’s demise? Why is it our fault? The Haaravar Empire is over two Mountains far from this place, surrounded by many human tribes and Cities. How could the hand of the Demon Race be able to extend that far? Are all these people fools? Were their brains be as small as cockroaches?!”

Sibylla’s anger could be clearly seen in her beautiful expression.

She despised and hated the fact that humanity’s readiness to condemn an entire nation or the deeds that are not completely proven and only pure bullcrap, and speculation, and moreover without the slightest proof or verification.

What’s even worse is that they would involve the innocent just to make their point and rally supporters amidst the piles of bodies that were wrongly accused and slaughtered.

“It was never new, milady. The foolishness of humans, that is…”

A second voice rang out, along with slow but gentle footsteps.

Sibylla swings her gaze and saw a beautiful girl walking towards her, with a tray on hand.

On the top of the tray was glass and a wine bottle, but Sibylla knows that it was not just wine since she had recognized the label on it.

The beautiful girl had long golden hair spilling down her back and beautiful azure eyes. The tips of her hair are blue. Her skin was tanned brown, with long sharp ears. She is an Elf, or rather… a kind of Elf that lived in deep forests—Wood Elves.

However, even among Wood Elves, she was quite unique to the point that her Tribe had exiled her for just being different. With golden hair and blue eyes, she possesses powerful lightning magic while not having any affinity in Earth or Nature Magic, all were different from normal Wood Elves.

She was a poor soul that had been betrayed many times by her so-called friends and was even almost sold to slavery.

Now, she never trusts anyone—though, except to her and perhaps to Aanuel as well.

“A Brandy?”

Sibylla smiled wryly as she accepted the glass the woman brought.

“I never thought you brought one with you, Quinto,”

That’s right, this beautiful Wood Elf, was none other the 5th seat of the [Number], the prided Elites of the [Garden of Eden]: Quinto.

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“I make sure to bring some with me, wherever I go,” replied by Quinto with a faint smile.

“And my lady, you don’t need to call me Quinto when we are alone. My Lady can just call me Sinope like before. After all, no matter what happens, I will always be my lady’s servant,”

Looking at the square-shaped ice cubes making a clanging sound on the glass, Sibylla’s expression somewhat softened. Then, she slowly took a sip.

A snifter of brandy went some way to restore her equilibrium.

Although she’s not fond of liquors, at least that’s what he calls these wine-like drinks, as it was too strong for her throat. However, sometimes she found herself craving for it.

The strong flavor that burned her throat and the sweet aftertaste that comes after was quite a wonder and addictive. It was hard to imagine that this kind of thing was made from ordinary grapes.

“Is this the ‘early twelve’? I thought they have been sold off completely?”

‘Early Twelve’ was the name given to the original twelve barrels of liquor that Aanuel had made for the very first time two years ago, and was only sold by the Company after another year of aging.

Aanuel said that it will make the Liqour more flavorful.

Even the wooden barrel was specifically made from a specially picked orchard tree by him so that the scent of the liquor would be at the most peak. Six barrels were still in the storeroom, not yet taken out, while the other Six were poured into bottles and was sold.

In the first month, its selling rate was low due to the price that towers most existing beverages. However, as if a miracle was born, the next month, the selling rate skyrocketed. Some were even sold in the auction at a very high price. It was said that it was comparable to the Liquors of Dwarves.

This garnered even more fame for the [Adam’s Company] and its prestige spread wide-ly in just a blink of an eye.

The supply didn’t meet the demand…however. More like, Aanuel didn’t create more liquors than necessary. He said that the rarer a product is, the more precious it becomes.

Every month, there were only three bottles sold by the Company. Though the quality was reduced, the early twelve tasted much better due to production (with the utmost care by Aanuel). And since the Company had fixed its price, even if the Auction had risen its own, more people were desperately fighting for the three bottles every month.

“The Master had given me several bottles when I managed to succeed in the mission he gave me last time. Now, I still have at least three bottles of it. Drinking it is my favorite past time,”

Quinto bowed respectfully as she set another plate of pastries and cakes neatly on the table.

“Hm, indeed. Although I’m not a fan of alcohol, or that’s what he calls them if I’m not mistaken. However, I also find the burning sensation and the sweet aftertaste, quite appealing from time to time,” said Sibylla with a smile.

“Thank you for sharing this with me,”

“Those that I have are also my lady’s possession. If there is something you wanted, please do tell me, I shall give you everything I can,” Quinto replied.

“More than Aanuel…?” teased by Sibylla.

“… …”

“I don’t particularly mind. You can say whatever you want when talking to me directly, Sinope. You know I’m not that narrow-minded to care about other people’s opinions. Even if it’s you, it would be just like a friendly banter… though, it would be different if you have some other intention, which I might find unpleasant,” said Sibylla with a sharp thorn.

“I would never have such ill intentions against my lady. My Lady had given me a hope of life, saved me, and drags me out of the darkness I found myself in. I would have fallen with a miserable end if not for My Lady’s help. Hence, I would gladly give my life to you…”

“Very well, I trust you, Sinope, so you don’t need to make such a face. Even if your absolute loyalty had been changed towards him, I won’t care about it. After all, as long as you serve him, you are also doing what I wanted. Though I never expected for you to become attached to him as this…as expected, my idiot lover is something you cannot put your guard down,”

Sibylla grinned.

Among the [Numbers], Quinto was one of the four people she had planted in the Organization, and also her people originally.

At first, they were only there to keep an eye on anything unexpected, and also bring all the people she trusted in her side, so that, no matter what happens, the Garden would still be under Aanuel’s hands. After all, Sibylla fully understands her betrothed’s character and personality, and that although he would keep an eye on the organization, he would never strictly manage it.

It’s not that he was careless; rather, he was the type that would not bother about those that wouldn’t interest him.

Although he was a good leader, it doesn’t mean he was good at managing things, especially a large organization like theirs. He was not meticulous enough to care about such trivial things. Though, Sibylla had to admit that she had never expected that the [Garden of Eden] would become what it was now.

She thought that he would just make something small with some specific purposes—time-wise and man-power no one would have ever expected an organization that could rival the three Great Mysterious Organizations of the Demon Empire, such as the Demon Gate Auction House, Lilith’s Sin, and the always low-key but extremely powerful War of Beasts Organization.

With the [Adam’s Company] as its public face and financial support, the [Garden of Eden] rapidly grew beyond Sibylla’s expectation.

Now, even its military force was quite a force to be reckoned with, due to the existence of the [Number] which each of them considered as monsters among monsters. Even the entire man-power of the [Garden of Eden] had almost reached a thousand in number, spread throughout the entire continent like an enormous spider-web.

It’s really a wonder how such people able to slowly gather together as if being guided by magic.

In a blink of an eye, the ‘toy garden’ that her beloved had created seemingly for fun became one of the mysterious forces that could very well change the wind of the Continent in just two years.

If this wasn’t a miracle, then, Sibylla didn’t really know what she should call it.

“Riding on that topic, how was the other [Numbers]… they are behaving quite well, by the way?” she asked.

“Well, with Terzo acting like a Hound, even I am afraid to create even the slightest mistake. So I guess there’s nothing to worry about the Garden. The flowers are blooming quite well…though there are some withered grass and latching insects, with Quatro…it’s all due time until they are cleaned up altogether” answered Quinto with a wry smile.

“Hardworking, aren’t they?” mused Sibylla.

“Well, after all, the Master puts that amount of expectations on us. Though, I think I could also say the same about My Lady… wasn’t my lady too, a bit ‘obedient’ these past few days? If it were your usual self, I wouldn’t find it strange if this City’s ‘population’ reduced in an instant. All because of their drastic remarks about such sophistry with not an ounce of truth.”

Quinto remarked with a faint smile as she looks through the window and couldn’t help but find the falling snow like fairies flying around. Then, she returned her attention to Sibylla, her master.

My lady has truly changed… although she was quite innocent back then, and even slightly naïve for that matter. But she would never get close to anyone and was strangely reckless.

Quinto thought with nostalgia as she recalled the Sibylla she had met the last time before she went back to the Vandlehouse. That was a few years ago when Sibylla was yet to be introduced as the Second Prince’s fiancée.

Now that I think about it, even I started to feel worried after learning about her engagement with the infamous Prince.

But as expected, rumors cannot be trusted.

It was when she was worried about her mistress well-being when suddenly she was called by her and even asks her to join an organization she knows nothing about. At first, she was confused, however, when she did, for some unknown reason, her view of the world changed dramatically.

There are many things that had occurred.

However, she was able to relish the experience of having a purpose in life.

Sometimes, she almost died and there were also many sufferings she had undergone.

Yes. However, living such a life was much more meaningful than before.

She found the joy of being used, admired, praised, expected, and even more… being cared for by someone, especially her master.

Unlike the rumors and hearsays suggest, the infamous Second Prince had left a deep impression on her the first time they had met. She just couldn’t understand why such an outstanding prince would have received such a terrible assessment by the entire Empire.

Bad and evil character, dandyism, incompetence, ignorance, and without having any learning or skills…any of these evaluations didn’t fit the Prince she knew. Of course, he was not without any flavor of the said infamy.

Being a sexual deviant was one of them.

When she had completed her first mission, she was brought by him into the bed and made love with her. Well, not like she posted any complaints about it, since, for her, she had heard about such custom of nobles assaulting their servants.

Perhaps this lack of struggle had made the Prince more enthusiastic and he pushed that very night. It was normal, though she never dared tell it to Sibylla as she might start something she should not. And besides, judging from the rumors of him, she had already accepted such an event long before she had entered the said organization.

Sex for her was just a momentary pleasure that was not much important. A tool for exchange or a deal. Whether she had liked it or not, her innocence was robbed from her forcefully by detestable people she desired to slaughter. Now, she thought less of it and thought of her body as dirty and defiled.

To her, perhaps it was an honor to be desired by such a person of his status. Nevertheless, after the loved they had made, she thought to be discarded or be ignored as if it was a normal occurrence, she, as a venting tool or some sort.

But she was proven mistaken.

His lovemaking was totally different from what she had before. He worshipped her, he sought ways where not only a single person would be entertained, but both. Then, like a predatory animal, he climbed up her body, loving his way up her legs and belly, stopping to circle each of her breasts before again finding her mouth like no one had done for her before.

Those bastards only seek relief, thrust, and pound, and would never bother to give her pleasure, for at least give her for what she deserves after being used by them like livestock. Despite not wanting to, still, they owe that to her. But they did not—they only think for themselves.

But he was different.

The Second Prince; her beloved Master made her change what she thought true Sex was and made her love it. He kissed her, hard, wanting, desiring—as if telling her, that he didn’t mind her filth, her dirtiness, and that he desired her for who she was.

‘You’re driving me crazy,’ he will whisper on her ears, not abusive words or cruel insults that make one’s heart broken, and feel lower than an ant or dog. It gave her life, birth her desires to be taken. The desire to be acknowledged—it was addicting.

And so, before she knew it, she was left wanting. More.

Perhaps, the others shared the same feelings as her. Because those who had made love to him also started to seek him. Though, she had heard that there were also those who he would not touch, especially if you showed a sign of defiance or struggle, he would stop right there. Though he would never say it, but he was not what she thought of him.

If perhaps that night she struggled free, would she not know how wonderful being loved truly is?

Would she still have the notion that Sex is nothing but a flavorless act of seeking pleasure for the flesh, and that women would never find as much as pleasure as men?

Whatever the case, at this moment, she had fallen for him truly.

Not just the desire for flesh but her interest in him deepens.

Perhaps, this is also the reason why she was able to integrate herself easily to the Organization more than she had expected.

Although there were banters, arguments and fights, but in fact, you can leave your back to each of them without worries when it matters. It was like one big family, a place each of them who were thrown away by the world, gathered together to create a place where they truly belong.

Therefore, they can give their life without any hesitation if it means protecting that place, or the man who had given them that wonderful place.