The grand reception hall of Lysander's castle was a spectacle of extravagance, reflecting its master's tastes. The walls were draped in crimson silk, and crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft glow on the lavishly dressed guests. Around large tables laden with exquisite dishes, wealthy and flamboyant men engaged in animated conversations, at ease in this world of decadence and pleasure.
At the center of the room sat Lysander, clad in a pristine white robe, surrounded by a group of his closest friends. Each wore equally colorful and provocative outfits, their gazes drifting with curiosity and desire.
It was at this moment that Seun-mi Ho made his entrance, led by the man who had forced him into the black lingerie. His movements were slow and graceful, his mind still clouded by enchantment, his steps far removed from those of a warrior. The entire hall froze as he appeared, every gaze locking onto him—some envious, some predatory, all ravenous.
Lysander rose from his seat, a smile of pure satisfaction gracing his lips. "My dear friends," he began in a singsong voice, "it is my great pleasure to present our newest arrival—a warrior of incredible strength, who, as you can see, also possesses a… refined elegance."
The guests erupted in knowing laughter, their eyes devouring Seun-mi Ho. The magic of the lingerie still held sway, and though rage simmered within him, he found himself unable to react as he wanted. He was trapped in this charade, every fiber of his being struggling against the enslavement of his mind.
"Isn't he magnificent?" Lysander added, delighting in the attention his "new toy" received. "But of course, everything comes at a price."
With a flick of his hand, a servant stepped forward, presenting a small leather notebook and a quill. Lysander set an astronomical value on Seun-mi Ho, causing the guests to murmur in approval.
"Shall we begin the bidding?" Lysander declared, eyes gleaming with excitement.
Before anyone could respond, a thunderous boom shook the hall. The ground trembled, the walls shuddered, and a cloud of dust and debris filled the room. Screams erupted as the guests recoiled in shock. Something had breached the structure of Lysander's castle.
All eyes turned toward the source of the explosion. Through the smoke and rubble emerged a figure—a man clad in gleaming silver armor, wielding a long sword. He was tall, imposing, and wore a sarcastic grin despite the gravity of the situation.
"Well, well," the knight drawled with mockery. "I expected to find a den of debauchery, but I didn't anticipate such a… display." His eyes landed on Seun-mi Ho, and his grin widened as he gave him an amused once-over. "Nice outfit. Really. You've outdone yourself."
Seun-mi Ho, still under the enchantment, clenched his teeth, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks from the humiliation. He needed to escape—and fast.
Lysander, narrowing his eyes, addressed the knight. "Who are you? How dare you intrude upon my domain with such violence and vulgarity?"
The knight laughed, the sound dripping with sarcasm. He pointed his sword at Lysander. "I'm the one who ends your little play, Lysander. I'm here to dismantle what you call your 'kingdom of tolerance,' though I'd rather call it a dungeon of perversion." His gaze swept the room, taking in the terrified guests. "Frankly, what you've built here isn't just disgusting—it's an insult to human dignity."
Lysander, though furious, managed a sly smile. "You don't know who you're dealing with, knight. I control every mind here—every desire, every dream. You are nothing in my kingdom."
The knight shrugged, unimpressed. "Oh, I know exactly who I'm dealing with—a petty tyrant hiding behind cheap enchantments and illusions of grandeur."
He took a step forward, his sword gleaming with intense light. Without warning, he turned to Seun-mi Ho. "As for you… you really shouldn't be seen in that getup."
With a swift, precise slash, the knight severed the energy shackles binding Seun-mi Ho's wrists. Instantly, the magic imprisoning him evaporated. The lingerie's enchantment dissipated, and Seun-mi Ho felt as though a dark veil had been lifted from his mind. Clarity rushed back to him. He was free.
Seun-mi Ho straightened, a determined glint in his eyes. The first thing he felt was anger—a deep, burning rage rising within him like a tidal wave. This humiliation, this manipulation—it would end now.
An invisible, oppressive aura began to radiate from him. His "Passive Intimidation" skill activated instinctively, and its effect was immediate. Everyone in the room, including Lysander and his entourage, felt the crushing weight of fear. Shivers ran down the spines of the guests, many stepping back involuntarily, their faces pale with terror. Seun-mi Ho was no longer a toy. He was a predator.
"Lysander," Seun-mi Ho growled, his voice low and almost inhuman. "You will return my clothes. And my cape."
For the first time, Lysander's confidence faltered. His eyes widened slightly, and he stepped back instinctively. He tried to mask his fear with a forced smile, but his trembling body betrayed him.
"There's no need to be so dramatic," Lysander stammered, struggling to regain control. "Surely, we can come to some sort of—"
"My clothes. Now," Seun-mi Ho repeated, his voice sharp as a blade.
A trembling servant rushed to a nearby wooden cabinet and retrieved the clothes Seun-mi Ho had worn before his imprisonment: a dark tunic, reinforced leather pants, and, most importantly, his cape, which seemed to shimmer under the chandelier's light.
Lysander, panicking, made one last attempt to save face. "You don't understand what we've built here. This is a sanctuary—a place of freedom. You can't just—"
Before he could finish, Seun-mi Ho advanced, his aura of intimidation suffocating Lysander, who collapsed to his knees, overwhelmed by fear. Even with his magic, Lysander was powerless against the sheer presence of Seun-mi Ho.
"I gave you a chance," Seun-mi Ho murmured, taking his clothes from the servant's trembling hands. "You wasted it."
He swiftly donned his outfit, fastening the cape securely around his shoulders. The relief of reclaiming his true self was indescribable. Adjusting his attire one last time, he turned to face Lysander, still kneeling.
"If you want to live," Seun-mi Ho said, "disappear from my sight. And never cross my path again."
Lysander nodded frantically, unable to speak through his fear.
The silver knight, watching the scene with an amused grin, approached Seun-mi Ho. "Not bad," he said with a playful tone. "I knew you were more than just a pretty face."
Seun-mi Ho, still wary, gave the knight a sidelong glance. "Who are you, exactly?"
The knight smiled enigmatically. "Oh, that's a long story. But for now, let's just say I'm the one who got you out of that mess."
Though suspicious, Seun-mi Ho gave a curt nod. This wasn't over yet—but for now, he was in control again. And no one, not even Lysander, would take his freedom away from him.
End of Chapter 18.