"You'd better release me quickly if you don't want to get into trouble!" Maartje tried to pull both of her hands from the female bodyguard with force, but it didn't budge at all."Say whatever you want to say! I won't let you go, that's for sure!"The female bodyguard continued to hold Maartje's hands behind her back while pushing the girl slightly hard to keep stepping along the corridor on the third floor of the palace."You surely don't know who I am, do you? What if I tell you my identity so you can release me immediately?""Well, I must admit that the title of the goddess of Crystalbrook isn't just an empty title! With the beauty you possess, you can't hide your identity! Lady Maartje!"Maartje was astonished by the bodyguard's words. "So she knows my identity?" she thought."Then why don't you release me and let me go? You can just let me go! Please!""That's impossible! Who told you to sneak into this palace!" The female bodyguard then smirked on her lips. "You'll stay in this
The figure speaking to Jack was Wim. "Jack, you have to see it for yourself..." He wanted to say that Jack had to check the bodies himself. But when he saw the body of the man lying on the floor, in front of Jack, his eyes suddenly widened, and his mouth felt locked. "Damn! Is that Gerhard?" he muttered.Before Wim could say more, Jack turned his body and handed him the maroon-red gloves. "Look!""This..." Wim's body immediately froze. Like Jack, he knew who owned these gloves. "What... What happened to Lady Maartje?"Jack understood his concern. "Don't worry! I've searched this whole room and found nothing! It seems they've taken Lady Maartje!"Those words made the bodyguard breathe a little easier.Jack stared at the bodyguard. "Do you have any idea who might have done this?""I can't be sure! But, seeing how these people died with their heads severed, there's only one guess left in my mind!" Wim didn't continue his words, instead he took several deep breaths. "Most likely, the culp
A week later.In the capital of Crystalbrook province.This province may be one of the farthest from the royal capital of Eldoria, yet it doesn't diminish its value.Comprising of four main districts, namely Moonhaven, Emberfield, Mythridge, and Starfall, Crystalbrook is a true metropolitan city where different elements blend harmoniously in one landscape.Not only rich in modern skyscrapers or comprehensive business and shopping centers, the city is also rich in culture where classical and even exotic elements can easily be found in its corners.Compared to Wealthland, Crystalbrook stands shoulder to shoulder with the capital of that country, in many aspects, including history, societal culture, financial strength, and technological advancement.And like most major cities, there are parts far from the city center, namely remote areas where few houses or settlements can be found.Like what is happening at the border of the Starfall district this morning.Bang!Boom!Boom!The sounds o
The two cloaked men directed their swords towards Lucien's neck and face, respectively.Swing!"You dare point your swords at me, it's as if you're forcing me to use my technique! Feel this!" Lucien quickly pulled his hand back to grip his staff with both hands and then spun it rapidly.Woosh!The staff moved swiftly towards the chests of the two men in red cloaks.What was even more terrifying was the shadow of a dragon's head on the staff.Bang!Bang!The two men in red cloaks were immediately thrown backward.Meanwhile, the man in the middle froze slightly after witnessing Lucien's technique. He was the eldest leader of this sect, which meant he had faced many opponents. However, still, Lucien's power surprised him.Not only did it emit a very strong aura, but the staff also roared, like a real dragon.Lucien didn't waste the opportunity to aim the head of his staff at the chest of the remaining red-cloaked man.Bang!He was also thrown to the ground like the other two.Three elder
Jack focused his energy on the palm of his hand and directed his fist towards Lucien's back.The senior bodyguard could sense Jack's immense power just by feeling the breeze from the young man's hand. Nevertheless, the bodyguard didn't feel intimidated in the slightest."You want to play with me?" thought the cloaked man. "Don't ever regret your decision!"Lucien was a very firm individual when it came to two things. First, the Duke Dujardin family. Second, when it came to training to enhance inner strength or when it involved combat. Seeing that Jack wanted to attack him, he didn't hesitate to exert all his inner strength."You must feel this, young man!" Lucien shouted. "So you realize that your strength is nothing compared to mine!"The bodyguard clenched his other hand to meet Jack's fist.Boom!In less than a second, a collision between two great forces occurred, causing a shockwave and a very loud explosion.The three elders of the sect near the two Paragons fighting couldn't de
Lucien patted Jack's shoulder. "If you suspect anyone, whoever it is, never hesitate to tell me, okay!"The bodyguard then turned around, about to leave the place."Mr. Galway, shouldn't you apologize to them first?" Jack nodded towards the elders of the sect."Ah, you're right!" Lucien smiled awkwardly. "If you hadn't reminded me, I would have surely forgotten!"He then walked towards the three of them. "Please forgive me for this misunderstanding!"Without waiting for their response, Lucien immediately left the place.After the bodyguard left, Jack approached them. "Please forgive me, but may I ask?""Young man, you've saved our lives!" The first elder slightly bowed his head to show respect to Jack. "Forget asking, even if you want us to do something, we will do it as long as we can!""You don't have to be too polite to me!" Jack held the first elder's arms to make the old man lift his head. "As long as I can help, of course, I will gladly do it!"Jack then leaned towards the first
"As I've told you before!" said Tarquin. "Don't blame me if I do something you think is over the line!"Tarquin quickly unbuttoned his shirt and approached Maartje. However, before the young man could do anything to the lady, a loud banging sound was heard from behind the bedroom door.Bang! Bang! Bang!"Damn! Who dares to be so rude as to disturb me!" The disturbed young man had to abandon his intention. "Didn't I tell them not to disturb me even if the world was ending!"Tarquin walked towards the bedroom door lazily and angrily. Before he could open it, another loud banging sound was heard.Bang!This time it was such a strong push that the door flew off its hinges and hit Tarquin, sending him flying four meters before crashing into the wall.Thud!Immediately after that, dozens of men in all-red uniforms entered the room. However, they dared not approach Maartje. They waited for a girl in a similar red costume to approach the lady.The all-red uniforms were typical attire of the D
Maartje tightly clenched her mouth, holding back the increasing anger within her heart."Lady, forgive me if I interfere!" Ester looked at Maartje with a pleading gaze. "But, may I express my opinion?" The girl knew that Maartje was in a dilemma.Although Ester was Maartje's personal assistant, the eighteen-year-old girl was also a descendant of a baron, so she wasn't too shy to express her opinion to Maartje. Besides, Ester was also a very intelligent girl whose opinions Maartje often heard on many matters.Maartje took a deep breath and nodded her head. "Just say it, Ester!""Do you think by complying with Tarquin's wishes, this issue will be resolved?" Ester whispered in Maartje's ear. "Tarquin has gathered such a large army to intimidate you, don't you think he has other motives besides getting your approval to marry him?"Maartje furrowed her brows, as if trying to decipher Ester's true meaning."I mean, even if you marry him, there's no guarantee that he won't cause trouble in t