Under the gentle moonlight, a stunning silver-haired girl gracefully approached. Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, her eyes like the rippling autumn waters, and her shoulders slender. Her graceful figure was light and elegant, and though she wore no makeup, she appeared even more radiant and charming.
At this moment, her clear eyes looked playfully at Mayor Eric in the distance, and she smiled lightly, "Mayor Eric, you've accomplished quite a feat."
Mayor Eric's expression changed, seemingly not expecting Kaguya to appear here.
"You've created such a grand setup here, is it to welcome me?" Kaguya slowly approached, smiling as she spoke.
"Princess Kaguya," Mayor Eric's expression changed as quickly as turning a page in a book, smiling obsequiously, "Some unruly people here are conspiring with the Revolutionary Army to harm you, but fortunately, I discovered it in time, so I personally led my troops to suppress them. I apologize for disturbing you."
"Is that so?" Kaguya laughed softly, "But what I heard doesn't quite match that story."
"Surely, those villagers are spreading slander, using flowery words to deceive Your Highness, making you believe them." Eric showed an indignant expression. "I hope Your Highness can see clearly."
"Oh, is that so?" Kaguya glanced at the tall and burly leader. "Then what about these Northern Tribesmen?"
"Oh, I forgot to introduce you. This is Ted, the leader of the Tribal Forces," Mayor Eric introduced with a smile, "He has specially come to help me deal with these remnants of the Revolutionary Army."
"I heard that the Northern Tribes are sharpening their weapons, preparing for action at the border, intending to do something untoward against the Empire," Kaguya strolled a few steps, speaking slowly.
"How is that possible?" Mayor Eric retorted indignantly, "Those are surely rumors, maliciously spread. The Northern Tribes are simple and hospitable and are loyal to the Empire. How could they do something so outrageous? Oh, I see. It's surely those troublemakers spreading rumors to sow discord between the Empire and the tribes. Their hearts are punishable by death, and they should be executed. I hope Your Highness will not show mercy and won't let these guys go."
Kaguya's lips curled up, and she suddenly laughed out loud, like clouds parting after the rain or flowers blooming, her clear eyes bending into crescent moons, shining brightly.
Everyone present was entranced by this, and even Mayor Eric showed a greedy expression, almost drooling.
Kaguya was not laughing at anything else but at Mayor Eric. He was indeed glib-tongued, not only turning black into white and accusing the villagers of being the Revolutionary Army but also whitewashing himself as a loyal and patriotic minister.
If it were anyone else, he might have tricked them, but unfortunately for him, he met Kaguya, and she was fully aware of his tricks. She had seen many like him before, but it was the first time she had met someone as shameless as Mayor Eric.
"Indeed, I won't show mercy," Kaguya nodded seriously.
"Then please give the order to execute these troublemakers," Mayor Eric said joyfully, unexpectedly finding the princess easy to fool, thinking to himself that beautiful women were just vases. "As for the loss of your guards, I will compensate you accordingly and give them sufficient compensation and funeral expenses."
"You seem to have misunderstood, Mayor Eric," Kaguya looked up, smiling faintly, "The funeral expenses will be for you."
Mayor Eric was stunned, taking a while to realize that Kaguya was mocking him, and his face darkened instantly.
"Princess Kaguya," Mayor Eric withdrew his smile, staring at Kaguya coldly, "I seem to have misheard, could you repeat that? I hope you will consider carefully." His words were laced with threats.
"Are you threatening me, Mayor Eric?" Kaguya toyed with a strand of her hair, watching the fat man before her with amusement.
"How could I dare threaten you, Princess Kaguya?" Mayor Eric said with a forced smile.
"Do you think that because you have more people now, you can kill me here without anyone knowing?" Kaguya pinched her chin, snapped her fingers, and smiled, "And then kill all the witnesses, blaming it on the Northern Tribes, a flawless plan."
As Kaguya's words unfolded, Mayor Eric's eyes grew brighter, greedily eyeing Kaguya's beauty and form. He chuckled wickedly, "Thank you for the reminder, Princess Kaguya. However, I think I've found a better way. Perhaps I could invite you to my villa, where I'll personally serve you, and I'll make sure you enjoy it."
Then, Mayor Eric turned to Ted, whispering, "Our deal is still on. As long as you can capture this bitch unharmed, I'll double your fee."
"Five times," Ted said expressionlessly.
"Fine, five times it is," Mayor Eric gritted his teeth, cursing the greed of the Northern Tribes.
But he couldn't care less now. Kaguya's words had stirred him deeply, and he felt as though a kitten was scratching his heart. Now, lust clouding his mind, he just wanted to capture this beauty quickly.
"Some people are too self-important and overestimate themselves," Kaguya's charming face showed a mocking expression as she flicked her hair, her silver locks cascading like a waterfall.
"Hurry up and capture her. If you do, I'll provide you with the weapons and equipment you desire," Mayor Eric could barely contain his excitement, staring at the distant silver-haired girl, his throat moving as he swallowed.
Ted remained unmoved, but his eyes lit up at the mention of weapons and equipment. He immediately perked up, waving his strong arm and shouting, "Go capture the princess alive. If you dare harm her, I'll skin you!"
Upon receiving the order, the Northern Tribes charged toward the distant silver-haired girl like a raging tide.