Night following the Banquet of the Palace
Theresia Manor of Maadan, Daichetus Kingdom
'How could he possibly discern my identity? How? How indeed? How could he? How? My Identity? How could be? How? How? How indeed? How could he possibly discern my identity?' Charmaine murmured obsessively, her voice tinged with an unsettling madness.
'My sister's sacrifice… it must not be for naught. It simply cannot be in vain.' Her eyes, brimming with an unfathomable rage, were veiled in the shadows of her tormented soul.
"Charmaine, are you all right?" A stunning woman with flowing brown hair inquired, her mouth full as she noisily consumed her meal at the table.
Charmaine's gaze shifted slowly toward the brown-haired woman, a shiver running down her spine as an icy sensation enveloped her.
"Wh-what? If you want some food, j-just come and get it. Don't stare at me like that." The brown-haired woman's forehead glistened with perspiration as she spoke. After a few tense moments, she resumed devouring her meal.
Charmaine let out a quiet, internal sigh. "I apologize for that, Sandra," she said.
Sandra simply offered a reassuring thumbs-up, as if to say it was no issue. Her eyes, filled with genuine concern, conveyed her willingness to help. "Is there anything I can assist you with?"
Gently shaking her head, Charmaine replied, "Please don't worry about it, Sandra," and offered a faint smile.
Sandra studied her for a moment, then returned the smile. "Well, if you insist," she said, respecting Charmaine's wishes.
As Charmaine gradually regained her composure, she pondered, 'Why have I not been apprehended, even though he knows my true identity?' She meticulously analyzed numerous potential scenarios.
Eventually, she arrived at a chilling conclusion, 'I must eliminate him. He poses a significant threat, for he knows who I am. He knows who I am. I need to kill him. Kill him. I must grow stronger, relentlessly honing my abilities to vanquish the Archdemon Prince and avenge my sister's tragic fate.' With steely determination, she clenched her jaw in silent resolve.
***
Garden of Manor Maadan
Beneath the vigilant embrace of three enigmatic moons, an exquisite symphony of sensations comes to life. The air brims with the intoxicating aroma of blossoming roses and lavender, their vivid hues weaving an intricate tapestry of color against the ebony canvas of the night sky.
The ethereal, silvery luminescence of the celestial trio casts an enchanting glow upon the garden, accentuating the delicate petals and leaves that sway gracefully in the tender, murmuring breeze.
In the distance, the tranquil sound of a nearby fountain harmonizes with the haunting melody of a lute, strummed by a concealed fairy.
Charmaine's gaze fell upon a striking, breathtaking woman, whose presence stirred a profound sense of enchantment within her. Adorned in a pristine white nightgown, the captivating figure reclined in an ivory chair, her eyes transfixed on the myriad of glistening stars that melded seamlessly with the vermillion hues of the celestial expanse.
"Theresia…" Charmaine murmured softly under her breath.
Theresia continued to gaze at the sky for a few moments before turning her attention to Charmaine with a serene, flawless expression. "Charmaine, what brings you here?"
Charmaine met her eyes, "I must attend to something tomorrow, and I might not be here."
Theresia offered a subtle nod and replied with a tranquil tone, "Very well. Just know that in three days, we shall depart from this kingdom." She then slowly returned her gaze to the sky.
"Thank you." Charmaine offered a slight bow, lingering for a few seconds to observe Theresia before gracefully taking her leave.
***
Morning at the Golden Peacock Inn
As the first rays of sunlight pierced the horizon, nearby vendors began to set up their stalls, and a steady stream of people started to fill the bustling thoroughfare.
Charmaine, clad in a full-body cloak, caught sight of a man wearing a half-mask, with a towel draped over his head to obscure his features. Utilizing her unique ability to mark individual targets, she swiftly recognized him as Sucura, whom she had previously encountered at a lavish banquet.
'Why does his aura feel weaker? Sucura appeared lifeless before, but now he's transformed, as though he's an entirely different person,' she pondered, her eyes blazing with indignation.
Maintaining a discreet distance, she trailed him through the busy streets. She observed him tossing stones, and wondered, 'Why is he throwing rocks?' Despite her curiosity, she dismissed the thought and continued to shadow him.
Upon entering the Adventurers' Pub, Charmaine retreated to a secluded cabin at a safe distance. As she removed her mask, her vibrant green hair cascaded down. 'I need utmost caution around him; he may possess a peculiar ability,' she reminded herself.
Unexpectedly, two men stumbled into the cabin, their eyes immediately fixated on Charmaine. They appeared utterly captivated by her presence, licking their lips as their pants bulged, their minds indulging in lascivious fantasies.
"Damn, I'll go first. Hold her tight," declared the first man, a burly figure with a protruding belly. His lecherous grin left no doubt as to his intentions.
The two men flanked Charmaine slowly, preparing to make their move.
The second man, a bald-headed individual with a scarred face, grumbled, "Why do you always get to go first? Fine, but next time I -." His words were cut short as their legs were swiftly severed by the Sangre Sword, blood gushing from the deep slashes.
"Arrrrrrrggh!!" The two men writhe in pain, cursing loudly.
"Fuck! Damn it!" The man with the protruding belly sweated profusely, his face contorted in agony.
"It fucking hurts!" The scarred man's face turned red from the pain, his eyes bloodshot.
"Disgusting pig, a disgusting piece of shit, men fucking men. They are all the same fucking pigs thinking only in their dick." Charmaine spat, her hair disheveled as her anger surged. Her wrathful eyes were shrouded in an intense darkness.
"Ple-please forgive us." the man with the protruding belly begged for mercy.
"You fucking pig! How dare you ask for forgiveness?," Charmaine's voice was cold and merciless. In an instant, his head was severed from his body, blood flowing with a dark hue.
The scarred man, realizing his fate, began to pray. "You… You dare pray?" Charmaine scoffed. "How sacrilegious, you wretched piece of shit!" With a swift motion, she sliced him into pieces, blood splattering across the room. Chunks of flesh clung to the ceiling, a gruesome testament to her fury.
"Disgusting vile creatures," Charmaine murmured disdainfully, her voice dripping with contempt. With a single utterance of the word "[Cleanse]," the blood and viscera that had marred her cloak vanished without a trace. Carefully, she donned her enigmatic mask once more, disappearing into the shadows of the cabin.