In the blink of an eye, two days had passed.

  During these two days, most of the less damaged buildings in the Kanter Kingdom had been largely restored. These were mainly residential houses that had been burned down by the demi-humans during their attempt to free their fellow kin.

  According to the agreement, the Casidra Chamber of Commerce would compensate for all damages to these buildings and the loss of demi-human slaves, as they were responsible for bringing the two tiger-men and other demi-humans into the royal city.

  However, the commercial district that had been razed to the ground couldn't be restored so quickly. Much of this prime real estate had been purchased by the Casidra Chamber of Commerce.

  Based on their treaty, since the kingdom failed to protect these valuable shops, they would also need to pay compensation. Overall, the kingdom suffered the greater loss.

  Of course, the Casidra Chamber of Commerce didn't profit either. The escape of that batch of demi-humans prevented them from properly transferring the goods to Viktor. As per convention, they had to compensate Viktor ten times the original price.

  After all the settlements, the winner was neither the kingdom nor the Casidra Chamber of Commerce - it was Viktor alone.

  However, after witnessing Viktor's terrifyingly powerful magic that shook people to their core, neither the kingdom nor the Casidra Chamber of Commerce dared to provoke this walking 'natural disaster'.

  Life had to go on. With the royal city severely damaged and still under reconstruction, the diplomatic banquet welcoming Princess Aurelianne had to be relocated.

  Although some suggested holding it in Grand Duke Balo's territory, most people couldn't accept the eerie atmosphere there. Finally, they chose Count Laurien's territory - Shulborn - as the venue.

  That night, Count Laurien's mansion blazed with light, bright as day. Magnificent carriages stopped one after another at the front gate, their exquisitely carved bodies adorned with gold embellishments.

  Various nobles descended from their carriages, their waist-mounted swords gleaming coldly in the light. Heavily armed guards stood like iron walls around the mansion.

  The nobles were guided by servants into the brilliantly lit mansion. Among them, the lords of Kanter Kingdom and twelve diplomatic ministers from the Empire exchanged greetings and pleasantries.

  Everyone understood clearly that today's banquet was meant to deepen the relationship and friendship between the Empire and the Kingdom.

  Aurelianne had arrived early in Shulborn. When she emerged from the mansion, many nobles bowed in respect to the noble princess.

  Today, Princess Aurelianne wore a silver ceremonial dress. Under the gentle embrace of the night sky and lamplight, she shone like a dazzling star. The slim dress accentuated her figure, while the large pleated skirt swayed gently below.

  Her silver hair was pinned up high, pierced through by a silver hairpin. Aurelianne smiled and responded to each noble's greeting in turn.

  Vanilla followed closely behind her, wearing a proper maid's uniform that made her look both cute and approachable.

  She eventually made her way to stand at the mansion's main gate with the flow of nobles.

  With the pleasant sound of hoofbeats and clear bell chimes, an elegant procession of carriages slowly approached Count Laurien's front door.

  The carriages made of golden nanmu wood emitted a faint woody fragrance, with the kingdom's coat of arms engraved in gold on both sides. Metal bells hung from the edges of the carriage roof, and a flickering candle was suspended at the rear.

  The golden patterns on the wheels were curved and exquisite, and the white horses wore finely crafted saddles that were clearly different from other noble processions.

  The guards slowly formed a circle around the carriage. Hilda emerged from among the soldiers, opened the carriage door, and bowed respectfully.

  As King Augustus stepped down from the carriage, many nobles bowed in greeting. Only those of higher status showed slight dissatisfaction in their eyes upon seeing him.

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  Augustus immediately spotted Aurelianne standing at the entrance. He approached with a smile, appearing somewhat modest at this moment.

  "It's my great honor to be personally welcomed by Princess Aurelianne."

  Aurelianne merely smiled in response.

  Augustus smiled and looked around, as if searching for someone. Finding no one, he asked Aurelianne curiously:

  "Where is Council Member Kravina? I don't see him."

  "Master Viktor is discussing matters with Count Laurien," Aurelianne explained, maintaining her polite smile.

  The king nodded with a smile. "I see. As it happens, I also need to speak with Count Laurien. Princess, would you care to accompany me?"

  Aurelianne was about to politely decline, but then remembered that Master Viktor was also upstairs. Her words of refusal transformed into: "Of course, I was thinking the same."

  She could only force a smile and walk alongside Augustus. At least with Vanilla and Hilda following behind, they weren't exactly alone.

  As they entered the mansion, they were greeted by a brilliantly lit hall. The spacious hall's golden walls gleamed in the candlelight. Green plants on either side gave off a fresh scent, while tables covered in white silk were laden with various delicacies.

  The candlelight made the white silk tablecloths appear luminous. In the corner, several musicians were focused on performing, their elegant violin music filling the golden hall and calming the hearts of all who entered.

  The nobles exchanged greetings, raising their glasses in respect when they saw the king and princess. Augustus nodded in acknowledgment to each, clearly satisfied with the atmosphere.

  It was evident how much effort Count Laurien had put into preparing this banquet.

  However, he noticed Grand Duke Balo's absence. Although the Grand Duke rarely attended such events, today was rather special. His absence struck Augustus as odd.

  As they walked, the king even noticed Joanna, the female student who had regrettably lost at the academy. She sat quietly at the side of the banquet hall, staring intently at him when she noticed his presence.

  Aurelianne also noticed the girl. She remembered her as Joanna, who had placed second in the academy's arena competition.

  The king noticed Aurelianne's expression and turned to Hilda: "That's your sister Joanna, isn't it?"

  Hilda nodded behind them. "Yes."

  "Why don't you go keep her company? This is Count Laurien's territory, and Princess Aurelianne is with me - you don't need to follow me constantly."

  Hearing this, Hilda's expression grew solemn as she respectfully replied: "Yes, Your Majesty."

  She then obediently turned and walked toward Joanna.

  Aurelianne's gaze remained fixed on Joanna, showing clear interest.

  Noticing this, Augustus began to explain: "She is Hilda's sister, and like her sister, she has remarkable talent. However..."

  His gaze turned distant as he looked their way, his voice tinged with nostalgia as he continued: "After her sister's birth, Hilda's parents died in an accident. It was Hilda who raised her sister to adulthood."

  By now, Hilda had reached Joanna's side. Upon seeing her sister arrive, Joanna maintained her somewhat cold expression. However, her gaze shifted from Augustus to her sister, filled with familial warmth.

  Hilda sat beside Joanna, showing concern as she checked on her sister.

  Watching this scene, Augustus couldn't help but add: "Due to Hilda's outstanding performance at the academy and her impressive talent, she earned two stars and became a genuine noble viscountess. I personally conferred the title upon her."

  Aurelianne stood quietly beside him, saying nothing.

  Augustus suddenly realized he had reminisced too much and came back to himself, smiling apologetically: "I'm sorry, I got carried away and said too much."

  Aurelianne smiled at him: "It's fine. I can see you have a good relationship with Viscountess Hilda."

  Augustus gave a light laugh, saying somewhat helplessly: "Is that so? Perhaps it's because we were classmates. Shall we continue?"

  ...

  Up the golden staircase, in the golden corridor of the second floor.

  Count Laurien and Viktor stood before a door. In the flickering candlelight of the corridor, the crimson "No Entry" sign on the door was particularly eye-catching.

  Count Laurien's gaze shifted to Viktor, noting the black one-eyed crow on his shoulder preening its glossy feathers.

  Laurien spoke with barely concealed hope and pleading in his voice: "Mr. Viktor, can you really cure my wife's madness?"

  Viktor was silent for a moment before responding quietly: "We can try."

  Hearing Viktor's answer, Laurien took a deep breath and said solemnly: "Then I leave it to you."

  He then removed the blue barrier and gently pushed open the door.

  Behind it lay complete darkness - the corridor's candlelight couldn't penetrate the deep blackness of the room.

  The air beyond the door was thick and stagnant, with the smell of blood wafting out and filling Viktor's nostrils. It was as if congealed flesh lay hidden in the depths of the room.

  Viktor stood at the doorway, frowning slightly.

  Count Laurien looked into the darkness and closed his eyes painfully, saying dejectedly: "Mr. Viktor, I won't accompany you inside from here. I don't want to see my wife in that state in front of others - I won't be able to control my emotions."

  The bright moonlight made Laurien's pale hair shine brilliantly. He slowly opened his eyes, his red irises - just like his daughter's - showing complete seriousness: "My wife is dangerous. Though this shouldn't be an issue given your strength, I still must warn you to be extremely careful."

  Viktor said nothing more and stepped into the deep darkness of the room. It was as if the blackness slowly churned in the depths, like a pool of dark ink enveloping Viktor's entire body.

  With each step forward into the darkness, he seemed to sink deeper into a deathly quiet mire.

  Creak—

  Bang!

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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