There was a long line of different creatures who were entering the gate. She never thought that Elysium had a massive gate and walls surrounding its territory.
She remembered her father's kingdom. Back then, it was the only kingdom in Terraria where humans still lived in peace. Now, it was already in ruins and the Lycans ruled the planet that was originally inhabited by the mortals.
There were orcs, fairies, werewolves, mortals, and other mythical creatures who were trying to cross the Elysian territory. Not all of them were able to pass the screening process. Most were rejected and kicked out either voluntarily or by force.
"They call Elysium the kingdom for the blessed. They come here in the hope of a better life. Everyone thinks that the kingdom is like a paradise. Their final resting place." Jolene whispered.
She glanced at the old woman. "But what do you think? Is it the truth?"
Jolene's face changed. Her expression seemed so dark.
"I'm not in a position to give feedback about Elysium. I've never been there. But I heard a lot about a certain place in the kingdom where humans and half-breeds were being turned into slaves."
She frowned. "Half-breeds? You mean half-human?"
Jolene nodded. "Let's settle inside first then we'll talk."
In front of her was a mother and child who looked like a human. One of the soldiers called them for inspection.
"You're the kid's biological mother?" The inspector asked after checking their documents.
The woman nodded. "Yes, sir. He's ten years old."
The inspector and the soldier who called them looked at the woman from head to toe.
"Where's the father?" The inspector asked.
The mother held on to her son's hand and suddenly became uncomfortable.
The soldier smirked and then whispered something to the inspector's ear.
"You're a whore?" The inspector coldly asked.
"I—I was. But I stopped and started working as a seamstress because of my son. I received a letter from Countess Fleur of the Carlton House, hiring me as her personal seamstress." The woman explained while handing the inspector another document.
The men checked the documents to look for authenticity like the Carlton's mark or a signature from the hiring party.
"Miss, the document is authentic. However, it is clearly said in this letter that you are the only one who was hired. It didn't say anything about your son. Why would you bring him along?" The inspector said.
The woman suddenly kneeled on the ground to beg. "Sir, please allow me and my son to enter. It's just me and him. No one would take care of him if I go alone."
The inspector looked annoyed rather than sympathized with the woman.
"I don't have all day to waste my time on you, Miss. You have two options. Leave your kid and work with the Countess or do not enter at all. It's your choice."
Another soldier from the other side came and whispered something to the inspector again. Then they looked at the woman before the soldier left.
"The King granted your wish to enter the kingdom with your son. However, he will remain in the orphanage and not in the Carlton House. Once you cross the gate, someone will take your kid and take care of him."
She was surprised. What was that? A minute ago, the inspector rejected the kid's entry, then all of a sudden, it changed. There was something fishy about the offer. But the woman was delighted that both of them were permitted to enter Elysium. She thought to herself.
"Next!" The soldier shouted.
She walked closer while Jolene followed her handing the inspector their documents.
"Baroness Jolene of the Page House. You are granted entry until the end of your mourning period. You are not allowed to enter the Lagerfeld Castle, but you are free to explore the city."
Jolene nodded. "Yes. That's the agreement."
"I can read that." The inspector answered with sarcasm.
The soldier murmured something again in the inspector's ear. That was the third time already and it's a bit annoying.
"The girl is your leverage to the King. She should uncover her face. We have to see if she's fit to work in the palace."
Jolene glanced at her and nodded. She took a deep breath and slowly removed the scarf on her face. Then she tilted her head up and stared directly into the inspector's eyes.
Not only the two men were in awe, but the soldiers who could see her face couldn't take their eyes off her.
"Is there something wrong with my face, sir?" She asked.
The inspector shook his head. "N—Nothing, Miss." Without blinking an eye and not even looking at the document, he approved it by stamping the Elysian seal on it.
"Y—You're good to go." The inspector smiled.
She couldn't take the men's lustful eyes on her so she put the scarf back on and walked toward the border.
She turned her head up and gazed upon the massive entrance. One more step and she was officially in the Elysian territory and it only meant one thing. She was finally setting foot into the enemy's lair.
"Welcome to Elysium!" A woman dressed in a red robe with heavy makeup on her face greeted them.
She smiled. She didn't expect to see different creatures inside the Kingdom. It was noon and the sun was brightly shining so the weather was quite hot.
But a lot of creatures were roaming around the busy streets of the main city.
"This is Pria, the capital city of the Kingdom." Jolene said.
They strolled around in the main street for half an hour before Jolene found her an affordable inn she could settle. It was a small room but bigger than the room in Moongrove. When she opened the window, she was surprised to see the Elysian castle.
"It's nice, right? This is the nearest inn to the castle. If you will be allowed to get some fresh air, you can easily come here." The old woman said.
"But you said, you'll stay in your villa."
"I have to. But we can meet here once every two weeks." Jolene said.
She sat on the window still and stared at the castle.
'I'll be your Queen and all of you will kneel before me.' She smirked with that thought in mind.