The divine wonders event in Lille City, where a six-winged angel bestowed holy water and blessings upon the Duke of Asteria's palace, quickly spread across the continent with unimaginable speed. Countless individuals began to take notice and promptly started taking action.
At midnight, the grand and magnificent Etherea City Palace remained brightly lit. King Louis IX, in an unusually good mood, spent New Year's Eve with his courtiers, enjoying the grand celebration of the city's populace. The splendor of this royal city differed from that of Lille. Seven large magical arrays shot seven-colored beams into the sky, converging above the palace to form the symbol of the House of Bourbon Royal Dynasty: a giant seven-colored, winged unicorn.
King Louis IX had reigned for sixteen years, a period marked by favorable weather, national prosperity, and peace. The alliance, led by the Duke of Asteria, boasted numerous renowned generals and brave warriors. In several foreign campaigns, they had emerged victorious, expanding their territories. Domestically, Prime Minister Grand Duke Russell, a man of deep wisdom and unwavering loyalty, managed state affairs. In military matters, they had Procius, one of the continent's three sword saints, and two of the ten great mages: Grand Mage Yero and the mysterious Grand Warlock Larsa. Though the kingdom was not yet as powerful as the three great nations, even they were reluctant to provoke the Etherea Alliance.
From the highest tower of the palace, Louis IX gazed upon the brightly lit city, truly a paradise on earth. Seeing the city's prosperity and hearing the constant flattery from his courtiers, Louis IX felt immensely proud. At over fifty years old, he began to consider his legacy in the annals of history.
After the celebration ended, Louis IX was still in high spirits. He had his servants bring the secret medicine gifted by the alchemist Danba, and after taking it, he felt full of energy again and returned to the palace. He then ordered all his beloved concubines to strip down and chase each other naked for entertainment. Old Louis sat on his throne, drinking and enjoying the show.
Years of indulgence had taken their toll on Louis IX, erasing the handsome charm of his youth. The once finely chiseled muscles were now replaced by layers of fat. The intense heat from the magical flames made the palace warm, and two small fountains added humidity to the air. Realistic nude paintings adorned the walls, many of them Louis IX's own creations.
On the scarlet carpet, a dozen naked bodies of various complexions wrestled together. The concubines, eager to please, performed with extra fervor. Even those who usually engaged in pretense were genuinely involved. In this palace of intrigue, everyone vied for favor, even during this licentious feast. Two favored and usually aloof concubines were pinned down by several others, subjected to wanton teasing. Louis IX, engrossed in the scene, failed to notice their tears, quickly wiped away as the torment intensified.
Caught up in the spectacle, Louis IX joined the concubines. Danba's potion indeed worked wonders, revitalizing the king. The concubines, chirping and cooing, lamented the king's lack of gentleness. The orgy continued until four in the morning, leaving Louis IX exhausted but content. Supported by two delicate young maidens, he prepared to retire to his chambers.
Suddenly, urgent footsteps echoed through the corridor. A female official, clutching an emergency dispatch with a blood-red seal, rushed in. Kneeling, she reported, "Your Majesty, Grand Warlock Larsa has urgent military news!"
Impatiently, Louis IX waved her off, "What's so urgent? Tell Larsa to wait until tomorrow. I'm exhausted."
The official persisted, "Grand Warlock insists you read it immediately. He said even if you're asleep, you must be awakened. If you don't, he'll come in himself!"
Startled, Louis IX remembered that the ninety-year-old Larsa had been his mentor, a man of vast magical prowess. At forty-five, Larsa had mastered the "Outer Space Locking Technique," establishing mysterious connections with various otherworldly realms and summoning demons, earning the title of Protector of the Kingdom. Known for his loyalty and fiery temper, Larsa commanded fear and respect from the king.
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Veil of Destiny
FantasyBorn in troubled times, God is dead, but has the true love in the heart also disappeared? In this turbulent era, a little man who is a little mean and just wants to live a simple life, because of the teasing of fate, becomes the heir of the great ne...
