The Mythical Hero's Otherworld Chronicles: Volume 8 [Parts 1 to 2] by Tatematsuri

Author:Tatematsuri
Language: eng
Format: epub

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The twenty-first day of the fifth month of Imperial Year 1026

A flock of birds drifted across an otherwise cloudless sky. They soared high above the affairs of the people below, reveling in the freedom it offered. The enormous, high-walled city was of no concern to them, nor were the people milling around the stalls lining its streets before retreating to its maze of buildings once they had what they came for. They cared least of all for the palace that rose above it all, awe-inspiring in its magnificence.

The city’s name was Cladius—the capital of the Grantzian Empire, the greatest city in Soleil, and one of the most ancient municipalities in the world. Overlooking its historic sprawl was the imperial palace of Venezyne. Unlike the busy city streets below, a stately silence hung over the palace compound, so oppressive that no one dared to utter a word. The central keep towered over the grounds like a monarch surveying their domain.

Burly sentries stood on either side of the enormous entranceway. Nearby stood a guardpost within which a squad of soldiers bunked. This was a new addition, erected as a solution to the infiltrations that had humiliated the palace guard for the past two years.

Passing through the austere doors, one was greeted by more guards. Visitors were subjected to luggage inspections and thorough body checks. Waiting rooms lay nearby, packed with nobles. A long corridor stretched ahead, leading to the throne room and then, beyond various twists and turns, a portion of the palace that only the leaders of the nation were permitted to enter. This was where the servants of the royal family had resided before most of them were slaughtered in the First Prince’s rebellion two years prior. Now, many rooms stood empty. More than a few still reeked of blood.

Deeper still was a door protected by female soldiers. This was the entrance to the emperor’s baths, and the women guarded it diligently, determined not to let so much as a mouse squeak past unnoticed. That much was to be expected—the most important woman in the empire was in attendance.

Within the steam of the grand baths stood a great crowd of beautiful women clad in sheer silks. Several wore swords at their hips, adding a hint of threat to the air. All of their eyes were fixed upon the enormous bath in the middle of the room. In the center stood a great statue of a lion, with hot water pouring forth from its ferocious jaws. The spray glittered in the sunlight shining through the window in the ceiling.

A crimson-haired girl was in the water. Her shapely body was as toned as it was well-proportioned, its natural elegance lending beauty to the steam. Sweat glittered like pearls as it trickled down her skin, adding to her allure. So potent was her charm that her form seemed like a vision created by the gods, with nothing more that could be added or taken away. She was Celia Estrella Elizabeth von Grantz, sixth princess of the empire, Lævateinn’s chosen, and the heir apparent to the vacant throne.

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