Chapter 212: fighting amongst themselves(2)

The sounds of fierce battle lingered through the dimly lit night, refusing to fade. The residents of Wind Orchid City lived through an unforgettable night.

Adrian’s usually tyrannical gaze was now filled with tension and fear as he paced back and forth in the hall. The servants around him stood silent as death, heads lowered, not daring to breathe too loudly.

“Damn it, why are there always troublemakers trying to harm me?”

He slammed his fist onto the ornate table, roaring in rage.

“My lord, I’ve returned.”

Alice pushed open the doors. Her steps were slightly unsteady, yet she forced herself to stand straight, refusing to appear too disheveled. “All the knights have joined the battle. I need some time to recover my divine power. The enemy cannot break in, and they show no intention of charging inside.”

“I have an idea. Alice, escort me through the secret passage out of the city first. Once I return to the Ross territory and request reinforcements from my father, I’ll come back to reclaim this place.”

After a moment of thought, Adrian twisted his neck and forced a flattering smile onto his face. “That’s settled. Preserving our strength is the wise choice.”

“What about the citizens? The soldiers on the front line are still fighting bravely.”

Alice could hardly believe her ears. Countless people were risking their lives to defend their home, and the enemy hadn’t even truly breached the city—yet their lord was already planning to flee.

The hint of doubt in her voice immediately angered Adrian.

What did she mean by “the soldiers are still fighting bravely”? Was she implying he was a coward?

“They haven’t broken in yet only because it’s temporary. You should understand—the true goal of those cultists is to destroy the entire kingdom. And I, benevolent and wise as I am, stand as an obstacle in their path. They will attack again and again.”

Adrian spoke with dramatic intensity, stepping forward and raising his hand to pat Alice on the shoulder—

But she stepped back and avoided him.

“Can we hold on a little longer? At least let the soldiers withdraw first.”

Seeing her deliberately keep her distance, a surge of anger rose within Adrian.

Without him, would she even be where she is today? She’d probably be in the slums, working as some “software hardening engineer,” twisting her body in front of ugly old men!

“This is my order. As the lord, you cannot disobey me—do you understand? Don’t forget, without our family, your entire household would still be rotting in the slums. Every demand I make, you must fulfill—even if I told you to sleep with beggars.”

Adrian’s voice turned icy.

“…Understood.”

Under the burning, mocking gazes around her, Alice felt utterly uncomfortable.

Adrian was harsh with everyone, but being the target of his scolding still stung deeply.

Her father had been a merchant from the Purple Gold Empire. After settling in the Sacred Griffin Empire, Alice grew up there. But nothing in this world lasts forever—after her father was ruined by gambling debts, their business collapsed overnight.

If not for the Ross family stepping in, she would have been finished.

After becoming a Divine Chosen, she had loyally served the Ross family ever since—until the old count assigned her to Adrian.

“In that case, bring the guard and depart immediately.”

Before he could finish speaking, shouts of killing erupted from outside.

“What’s going on?” Adrian’s hand trembled, his face turning pale.

“My lord! Another Divine Chosen has appeared—she has crossed the northern wall!” A guard stumbled into the hall in panic. “Judging by her methods, it’s likely still the Shadow World Sect!”

A question mark slowly formed in Adrian’s mind.

What have I done to deserve this? Does it never end?

“Damn it—they’re really after my life.”

Adrian nearly ground his molars to dust, glaring viciously at Alice. “No matter what, stop her.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Alice swallowed her frustration and stepped out of the lord’s hall.

A woman carrying a greatsword stepped elegantly on the chest of a heavily armored guard and brought her blade down. The soldier’s head rolled away like a ball.

Corpses already littered the ground, while the remaining guards were locked in desperate combat with the greatsword wielder.

“Hello there, Alice.”

Rosalia’s gaze settled on the woman before her—one whose presence matched her own. Her eyes gleamed with curiosity. “I can tell—you’re different from ordinary second-tier Divine Chosen. You’re strong.”

Hidden in the shadows, Phield nodded silently.

So a properly backed lord’s Divine Chosen really is stronger than a wild one?

Though he had many questions, Phield remained cautious. The situation was still unclear—this was no time to take risks.

“Thank you for the compliment. Is that your last word? I’ll have it engraved on your tombstone.”

Alice’s hair swiftly turned wine-red, her aura surging once more as she reached the peak of the second tier.

Driving her greatsword into the stone floor, Rosalia lifted her skirt slightly and performed a flawless noble curtsy, smiling as she said,

“Don’t be so hasty. I like to give people a chance. Become my lord’s sex slave—ahem—I mean, his subordinate, and you can avoid this fight.”

Phield silently gave Rosalia a thumbs-up.

As expected—every time she fought, she tried to persuade the enemy to surrender. Even though it had never worked.

So sensible. I’ll make you my second wife. First wife… still undecided.

“Die. That is blasphemy against my faith, you filthy sewer rat.”

Alice raised her hand.

“Buzz—”

A beautiful crimson butterfly shot forward.

In the next instant, a violent explosion erupted, waves of fire surging forth and engulfing Rosalia.

“No sense of honor. I even treated you like a noble—turns out you’re just another scheming merchant at heart.”

Rosalia sneered, a flicker of displeasure flashing in her star-like eyes. With a flick of her foot, the greatsword shot forward.

Countless sword shadows spread across the sky, crashing violently against the waves of flame. Layers of stone flooring were torn apart, debris flying everywhere.

“With just second-tier strength, you dare attempt to harm my lord.”

Alice leapt lightly onto nearby structures, releasing even more fire butterflies. Each fluttering wing carried terrifying divine flames.

The flames of the Purple Gold Empire had once made heretics suffer greatly—an infamous power across the continent.

“What’s there to fear?”

Rosalia thought to herself: When my lord was still an ordinary man, he dared to chase down and beat your lord. Why would I fear you, you big-chested, brainless idiot?

Shrugging, she raised her greatsword. The grotesque demonic eye embedded within it glowed with surging divine power.

The civilians around the palace had already been disturbed by the nearby battle. Some fled in panic, while many more gathered at a distance to watch.

The space suddenly seemed to warp. The onlookers felt their vision blur for a moment.

A black figure and a crimson figure collided at incredible speed.

Resonating sword energy and blazing sparks erupted into the morning sky.

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