Luxuria (Chapter 2)

The next day, a dramatic and horrifying piece of news shattered the tranquility of the Earl of Klistu's manor—the Northlanders had advanced south ahead of schedule.

They seemed to have been spurred by the news of the old king Carter Larysis's death, hurriedly organizing a raiding army for a retaliatory plunder. The defenses of the seven northern counties were now under immense pressure.

Hearing this news, Luxuria dropped the clothes she was mending and rushed to the manor's main hall, lifting her dress as she ran.

As expected, the Earl of Klistu was already in the hall with his knights, gathered around a map, discussing their strategy. Her arrival interrupted their discussion.

"Dear, has the war started again?"

The knights surrounding the map turned their heads and, upon recognizing the Earl's wife, stepped aside to clear a path.

"Luxuria, my love..."

At that moment, the Earl of Klistu, seated on his throne, closed his eyes and spoke in a hoarse voice: "This time, the Northlanders' actions are unlike before. They aim to gather all their forces to break through the strong defenses of the seven northern counties..."

"The Earl of Covindson, who borders us, has refused to aid us. Instead, he is asking for our assistance, claiming to have a plan that could turn the tide."

"Honestly, this plan is too risky. I almost wanted to reject it."

The Earl's voice trembled, as if he were making a difficult decision.

The knights in the hall remained silent, not out of fear of the vastly larger army, but because they knew they fought for the beauty and everything they cherished behind them in this era where honor still existed.

In the midst of these resolute warriors stood an incongruous figure—a woman with tears in her eyes. She walked to the Earl's side, gently touching his rough cheek with her soft, white fingers.

"Dear, do you remember when you proposed to me?"

"Of course I remember, Luxuria." The Earl slightly resisted her touch, turning his head aside.

"A month from today will be the tenth anniversary of your proposal. Do you remember what I was wearing then?"

"I remember, I will always remember." The Earl sighed, his eyes filled with memories: "You were standing in a sea of dandelions, wearing a white dress, mysterious and elegant."

Luxuria embraced the Earl, resting her head on his shoulder, her tear-streaked face close to his neck: "You were wearing shining armor, standing at the edge of the dandelion sea, holding a white rose."

The Earl's nose tingled, and his eyes welled up as he lifted his head to avoid letting the tears fall.

"It's time to go."

He whispered.

But Luxuria clung to him even tighter.

"Wait for me."

He stroked her soft, golden hair.

However, Luxuria gently bit his neck, quickly letting go as if afraid of hurting him, and softly licked the spot with her small tongue.

"I will return as a hero."

He slowly stood up, letting the woman in his arms slide down. The knights witnessing this poignant farewell lowered their heads, their eyes reddening, especially those with wives and children.

"I'll wait for you."

Luxuria murmured, sitting on the ground, her tears falling onto the marble floor, leaving small stains.

But the Earl remained expressionless, his gaze fixed straight ahead. Ignoring Luxuria's sobs behind him, he commanded:

"Everyone, move out!"

"Did the Earl take all the knights with him?"

In the flickering candlelight, an old man kneeling before an idol sensed movement behind him and spoke.

The newcomer nodded and, looking at the kneeling figure, said urgently, "Yes, the residents near the manor saw it clearly."

"Even the regular troops in the barracks?"

"Yes!"

"Then it’s possible..."

The newcomer made a throat-slitting gesture, but the figure shook his head in refusal: "No, we still lack a reason, a legitimate reason for the populace..."

He stood up slowly, the dim candlelight revealing his hand caressing a book on the altar.

"The Seven Deadly Sins."

He spoke softly, his presence causing the candle flames to waver.

"Haeld Risman."

"I'm here."

"Let it provide our followers with a reason."

He tapped the book written on parchment and looked up at the dimly lit, eerily benevolent statue of the Goddess Messiah: "The church must purge the world of sin alongside its followers..."

"For Messiah."