Chapter 305: To Gain A New Ally (1)

Author's Note: I can't believe we're almost at the 300th chapter. *Wheezing*

Hurrah! It was a long wait but Enjoy the chapter!

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The breeze was soft. It was an unusual thing within the red palace enclosed with layers and layers of rocks. The only opening came from above. A giant hole where no one could bring the courage to climb and free themselves from the wretched city. One could only lift their head and gaze, imagining the life from before, when the land wasn't rotten and withered as its people. However, every single soul knows there is no chance to survive even when they escape. There was nowhere to go.

The wooden doors of a balcony opened slowly. A pair of calloused hands, marred with scars yet gentle, reached out with open palms. They are cupped together as a small tiny robin perched on the thick skin. A man with golden hair, deep with a hue of orange, and eyes like fresh grass calmly gazed at the little bird in his hands. His expression was unreadable. What was most peculiar about him was the pair of flinching ochre ears on top of his head, as well as the flicks of his long lion tail. With one look, anyone could recognize his race, the beastly blood running in his veins.

With a chirp, the tiny bird only tilted its head at his master.

''They have gathered?'' The man suddenly spoke. His eyes slightly deepened, and he shut his mouth. An anxious crease appeared between his thick brows.

Suddenly, he straightened before a knock sounded at the door. He clenched his hands, and the bird vanished into red smoke.

''Come inside.''

Slowly, the door opened with a soft creak, revealing a frail young man dressed in white satin. A black metal collar seemed to clamp around his neck painfully. His thin figure could determine the days of starvation. Countless nights of tears behind the redness of the man's eyes. Despite this, there was a distinct beauty in his frailness. That must be why the masters kept his pain every single day.

''I greet the second Lord of Leon, Master Artus.'' The servant choked out. His shoulders as endlessly trembling, and his head is lowered. His despairing eyes strained on the cool floor beneath his bare feet. ''Forgive me, Master. The Chief has called for your presence.''

'Brother, again...'

Artus shut his eyes, and a heavy atmosphere swallowed him. ''I understand...''

The beastman turned. His eyes are searching to meet the hesitant gaze of the poor youth. However, like the trained pet he was, the servant's eyes remained glued to the ground.

Before the youth could depart, Artus finally gathered himself and spoke. ''Mellano, Join me...''

Thin fingers paused before the door's handle. There was a slight tremble in them before he grasped it and slightly opened the door. Dark eyes moistened. A whisper as soft as the wind spoke, ''We are trapped, Master.''

The door closed shut, and the lonely man left behind only stood as he stared at the door where the young servant had left. Artus clenched his jaw, and he turned around with anger and sorrow clouding his heart. He opened his palm and stared at the expansive view of the city. Its putrid smell clutched unto him forever like an unforgettable memory. His eyes narrowed, and coldness filled his chest.

'Then I will do it myself...'

...................

Breathe in...

Breathe out...

Breathe in-

Moulin swallowed with quivering pupils. His joints and arms were aching, and as much as he wanted to get up from the cold floor, he couldn't bear to do it. Finally, after a few seconds, Moulin spoke. ''Um...''

Bright golden brown eyes sparkled with delight. A wide cheeky grin filled the young aphrodite's sight. Two braids of chestnut hair fell on Moulin's lap in two swirls. The unknown girl before him was pushing her face closer to him, too close. Moulin leaned back awkwardly, trying to put some distance between them. Unfortunately, his back already met the smooth wall. With a perplexed expression, Moulin blinked.

Who is this person?!

"Selia, try to calm down, won't you?" Malyana said with a chuckle. She slightly tilted her head to the side as she crossed her arms, watching the adorable and intriguing scene before her.

The girl in front of Moulin only giggled as she tucked strands of her hair behind her ear. "You're cute..."

"Off."

Suddenly, a cold aura washed into the room, rolling in turbulent waves like an ocean under a terrifying storm. Everyone in the room stiffened. However, only Moulin was comforted by the familiar presence. His heart sighed in comfort as a tall figure strode inside the room.

Almost immediately, the girl named Selia stood up with a bounce and pursed her lips as she acknowledged the man entering the room. "No fun..." She mumbled with a pout.

Golden eyes gave her an insignificant glance before turning all its attention to the young man with confused silver eyes. Hadrian helped Moulin to stand on his feet, caressing the youth's back comforting. The Lord carefully kneaded the aching parts of Moulin's arms as gently as he could. The youth smiled faintly as he grasped Hadrian's hand.

Indeed, it was his first time to experience being knocked down by a stranger out of excitement. Honestly, the girl was as fast as lightning as she launched herself unto him as soon as the door opened. Who wouldn't be surprised?

When all men were gathered in the room just before the building's entrance, Malyana beckoned Selia to her. The girl skipped, her braids bouncing and the coin chain belt around her wide hips jingled at her movements. Twirling a small part of her pink veil, she smiled between Hadrian and Moulin. The strange look on her face made Moulin somewhat anxious. Truly, straightforward people like her scare him sometimes.

"This is Selia. The owner of our hiding spot, as well as your key to entering the palace." Malyana introduced while she tapped an index finger under Selia's chin.

Selia chuckled and waved her hand with enthusiasm. "Nice to meet you, comrades! I'm glad there are people who would volunteer to murder our enemies alongside me. Honestly, there are too many cowards in this damn city. I wish I could just collect their bones and sharpen our weapons with them. At least, they could contribute a bit." She grumbled with a crazed look in her bright eyes.

Nhero coughed, and the rest only shifted on their laces with strange looks. What is it with this girl?

"What can she do?" Emlen interrupted, looking annoyed.

Malyana only gave him a sweet smile. Her eyes curved alluringly. "Our little birdy here is a well-known dancer in Gaclan City. During the night of the feast, all sorts of performances are brought forth to entertain the masters. Selia here is, fortunately, one of the dancers."

Jagra's pulled a corner of his lip. "So she's-"

"I'm here to sneak you fools in." Selia twirled as she lifted one of her legs. Her arms swayed as she stood still. "You see, little mice, it is impossible to enter the palace walls without a proper invitation. However, the dancers don't need to bring any. It is usually the nobles who are the ones to be given invitations."

"On the other hand, we poor insufferable beings only need to bring their skin and bones for entry." Selia rolled her eyes with a huff. "Fortunately, most of you appear quite dashing to the eye. I reckon the chief and masters will love you all in the heart. Only, be sure to close your knees even if the situation becomes unfavorable." Selia giggles with a bit of a smile. However, there was a haunting glint in the glare of her gaze. Moulin could spot it from afar easily.

"Wait..." Jagra interrupted, puzzled. His hands rose as he questioned, unsure. "Do you mean..."

"If you're thinking about me recruiting you as members of my group, then you are correct, lad! I'll save you a pretty costume." She winked at Jagra while curling her finger at him. The latter shuddered as he embraced himself in shock.

Murmurs crowded the air within the room. Malyana took action to calm the group with a soft smile. Her ruby eyes swept all over the area, stopping at the eye-catching couple not far from her.

Moulin, with furrowed brows, rubbed his neck as he thought deeply. His mind reeled, questioning the method of entry of the palace on the day of the feast. Why did it feel as if it should be the other way around? Shouldn't esteemed guests be more deserving of entering the palace without invitations than lowly servants of the city? The security seemed quite off, in his opinion. Or perhaps, he was just overthinking, and it didn't matter at all. Moulin licked his dry lips and sighed.

He felt Hadrian whisper against his ear intimately, "Let us just see how this plan will bring us closer to our goal. Worry not."

"I feel your worry too." Moulin slightly angled his head with a faint smile. "But you seemed calm as well, I wonder..."

Hadrian straightened and snuck his hand around the youth's waist tighter, pulling Moulin even closer to his side. His golden eyes glanced at the window as if something had caught itself in his gaze. His look of curiosity was faint to others around him but not for Moulin.

Hadrian spoke, "Because I feel that we might not be struggling too much..."

Moulin raised his brows, deeply assessing his lover's look. And his gaze slowly drifted to the windows where rocks hid the palace.