Chapter 45

Chapter 45

[Translator Clara]

[Proofreader Demon God]

[Lara, You must survive at all costs.]

It had been several days of recurring nightmares. Judging by the sensation enveloping her body and the sore feeling, it seemed like she had once again curled up in bed, groaning before falling asleep under the covers. Her entire body was drenched in sweat.

Young Mistress.

At the voice of the maid calling her, Hastins Lord, Lara Cinevier Etark, reluctantly opened her heavy eyelids.

Did you have the nightmare again?

Im fine, she replied with a still cracked voice, getting up from her bed.

As if predicting the unsteady condition, as expected by the maid watching her anxiously by her side, Lara immediately swayed as soon as she stood up.

Unstable on her feet, as anticipated by the maid anxiously watching her nearby, Lara immediately swayed.

I can manage on my own.

Whether it was a severe headache or pressing on her temples, Lara spoke with a strained voice. After pushing away the maids helping hand somewhat harshly, Lara moved hesitantly.

The girls destination was the window. Perhaps she had overslept, as the sun was already at its zenith.

The elaborate patterns on the window obscured the outside view, so Lara struggled to open it with both hands. A chilly breeze entered as she managed to crack the window open.

Lara, soaked in sweat, shivered in the cold wind. The clothes she wore were so thin that it was almost as if she were naked.

The maid beside her asked with a worried expression, Shall I bring warm tea and some blankets?

Just the clothes will do.

After sending the maid away, Lara looked out at the village beyond the castle.

The view of Hastin outside the window was desolate. The deserted streets were plagued by a particularly harsh sandstorm.

The quietness settling in was not the peace of tranquility; it was the emptiness of the vacant streets.

Every time Lara looked at the village, complex emotions flooded her mind.

[Lara.]

[You must survive at all costs.]

The sentence that was written at the end of the will and the words Grandfather uttered in her dreams came to mind.

Lara slowly raised her head to look at the ceiling.

The ceiling was directly visible by turning her head slightly from the bed. There it was. Grandfather the ancestral Lord of Hastin had hung himself.

In this room, right there, Dead Grandfather visited her in her dreams every night.

Sometimes hanging from the ceiling, sometimes with a noose resembling human hands.

Most of the nightmares always started that way, ending with a conversation with the hanging Grandfather.

In the dream, Grandfather always had his tongue stretched out long. A long tongue that reached down to the collarbone. A sticky voice flowed along that long tongue.

You must survive at all costs.

Yes, Lara Cinevier Etark must live.

She couldnt die in a place like this.

My Lady.

What snapped Lara out of her thoughts were two maids bringing a new dress.

Upon the maids suggestion to wear the dress after cleaning up, Lara nodded.

Even after washing, there might be an unpleasant lingering sensation, but nothing could be as discomforting. At least for now, she didnt feel like cleansing her body thoroughly.

Well then, please excuse us.

As the two maids nodded and bowed, Lara spread her arms.

As the thin clothes she was wearing were removed, the girl slightly cringed. A flawlessly clean skin, devoid of any scars or specks of dust, was revealed, appearing almost unreal like a greenhouse flower. The girl, grown like a delicate plant, was undoubtedly a beauty with an impeccable physique, and sweat droplets adorned her smooth skin.

I wont break my promise. You dont need to worry; all the problems the people of Hastin are facing will be alleviated.

Despite the lack of a detailed plan from the man, Lara couldnt press him further. It was already too late to pursue other options.

If the man left, it would truly be the end.

The girl could do nothing but trust the man.

Laras voice, now raised even higher, filled the hall with frustration.

Now is the time to seek support from other domains Isnt it? It feels like corpses are littering the streets The stench of decay reaches up here, and I wonder how!

If her domain collapsed, the Imperial spear would undoubtedly turn towards Lara.

She would be held accountable for the downfall.

She clenched her lips. Although she tried to appear strong, the anxiety was evident on the girls face.

Observing Laras expression, the man called the maid beside him.

Prepare some incense for the Lords bedroom. She mentioned that the unpleasant smell has reached here.

Then, he spoke in a low voice.

Dont be too distressed. Everything is progressing smoothly. The Lord just needs to enjoy life comfortably.

Another similar response.

Lara eventually closed her mouth. She wanted to go outside and check the situation in the village, but the girl hadnt left the castle in weeks. She was afraid to imagine what might have happened to her neglected domain.

All worries will soon disappear.

Reading Laras expression, the man whispered softly.

Indeed, since the mysterious mans deal, no issues had arisen within the castle.

Even though there was no food in the village, the residents of Hastin didnt pick up their farming tools or petition for help. It was truly strange.

I guess I dont need to do anything today either?

Lara asked, turning her gaze towards the chair.

The man nodded silently.

Every day was a repetition of this routine. Even though the village was not functioning normally, oddly enough, there were no tasks for the Lord to handle.

Its no different from being livestock raised for slaughter.

The girl chuckled at herself.

Lord.

The steward approached with an unusually solemn tone.

I have a report regarding the security of the territory. There was a monster attack near the North Gate earlier.

Monster attack?

Laras response, expressing doubt, was filled with confusion.

Yes, about an hour ago, there was an attack by a harpy group near the village close to the North Gate.

This time, upon hearing the stewards words, Lara openly displayed discomfort. Despite her lack of knowledge about the situation in the territory, Hastin was known for rarely experiencing monster attacks.

A harpy group? Wasnt Hastin known for having almost no incursions by monsters?

Instead of answering, the steward nodded.

Do we have any scouts or have they identified the cause? No, more importantly, whats the current situation? How many forces do we have that can stop harpies? And do we have any mages who can intercept and repel them within the territory?

Well, my Lord Its about that.

As Lara rambled, the steward whispered in a lower voice.

According to the report from the North Gate guards, there is a knight who single-handedly repelled the harpy attack.

[Translator Clara]

[Proofreader Demon God]

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