"Get out! Dirty beggar!" Someone shoved her hard, but she remained completely still, watching the other person stagger back two steps.
The arrogant God-like aura vanished from his face instantly. After giving her a fierce glare, she left in a huff.
Unmoved, she continued moving through the crowd. Most people frowned and stepped aside when they saw the woman in tattered clothes. She slowly approached the inner gate of Graycastle's capital.
The area was already packed with people. Though the inner city lacked traditional city walls and gates, locals had erected a symbolic wooden gate adorned with floral wreaths. On either side stood a line of fully armored warriors, their exquisite armor gleaming under the sunlight. The hollow eagle-shaped armor with wings-like shoulders and the iris-shaped ornaments hanging from their chests, combined with the warriors' handsome faces, drew cheers from a group of wealthy women.
The warriors' uniform red velvet cloaks trailed to the ground, forming a crimson barrier from afar. These valiant and imposing warriors effectively separated the crowd, clearing a path several zhang wide behind the main gate.
Along the roadside, flags fluttered in the breeze, their long golden ribbons cascading from the poles, evoking a solemn and dignified atmosphere. The banners were embroidered with intricate designs, the most prominent being the tall tower and spear. She knew this emblem represented the Graycastle royal family, the hosts of the ceremony.
Today is the coming-of-age ceremony of the fifth princess, Tilly Wimbledon.
A week earlier, the matter had already sparked widespread buzz and become a city-wide sensation. In addition to Noble from Graycastle, envoys from other kingdoms had also arrived in large numbers. They brought gifts and marriage proposals, hoping to win the favor of the Fifth Princess.
The Church will also send a Bishop to preside over the grand ceremony, which will be held at Dawn Square in the city center. During the event, the royal family will distribute meat porridge and rich soups, which is the main reason for the large crowd turnout.
But she didn't come for food.
Her target is the big Bishop.
Eliminating a high-ranking Bishop in the capital's public eye would undoubtedly tarnish the Church's reputation and undermine its authority. The sweet thrill of vengeance always filled her with excitement. She touched her chest, where she concealed a stolen dagger—though of poor quality, it was enough to kill a mortal.
Suddenly, a thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd, cutting off her train of thought. She turned to the inner city, where the Knight regiment of the Kingdom marched in orderly formation. The vanguard Knights, their gleaming armor gleaming in the sunlight, carried crimson cloaks with golden edges that fluttered like dancing flames.
Behind Knight stood a carriage drawn by four horses, its walls engraved with the royal emblem of Graycastle. The wheels and frame were gilded, while crimson triangular flags fluttered from the roof. Gold-threaded silk hung at the carriage's corners, creating a scene that resembled a golden sea in motion.
The procession advanced toward Dawn Square, and she mingled with the crowd, entering the outer perimeter of the square—the inner circle had been cordoned off by guards, allowing only Nobles to observe the ceremony up close. She estimated that it would take her mere moments to reach the front, and once the Grand Bishop ascended the square, there would be no escape from her grasp.
The royal heirs dismounted their carriages in succession. The five children of King Wimbledon III were the first to ascend the central ceremonial platform.
Among them, she saw the fifth princess, Tilly Wemberton.
Undoubtedly, the Fifth Princess is the central figure of the scene—her eyes gleam with a luminous radiance, as transparent as gemstones. Her simple parted bangs contrast with her crisp gray hair, unadorned and fresh. Her features stand out remarkably among her siblings. The intricate patterns on her dress complement her demeanor perfectly. Most astonishingly, she gazes directly at herself, piercing through the layers of the crowd. Then, with a slight nod, she smiles warmly, as if greeting someone.
This was no mere illusion. In that fleeting moment, she felt the same—this warmth, as if they had been friends for years, tender and sweet. It wasn't about blood, identity, or status, but the resonance of... Magic Power.
Without realizing it, she let go of the tightly gripped knife handle and quietly watched the woman on the stage.
After the ceremony, two guards approached her, intending to escort her to the royal palace.
Guard couldn't stop her if she refused. Without a word, she followed the two into the inner city and eventually entered the magnificent palace through a side alley.
In a secret chamber of the palace, she stood before the Fifth Princess.
"...So that's how it is." "What a tragic tale. That's how you ended up in Graycastle." "Don't worry, you won't have to wander anymore. Stay with me." "I'll give you a proper makeover—I promise they'll never recognize you." "I've heard the monastery was destroyed by fire, all the children are missing. The entire building now lies in ruins and ashes." "Did you have a name before?" "If so, then let's call you Ashes."...
Ash opened her eyes, and the first thing that caught her eye was Maxie's face.
The patient first blinked, then suddenly sat up, exclaiming, 'You're finally awake, huh!' She attempted to move her fingers, but no expected weakness or numbness was observed, nor did severe pain radiate from the lumbar region.
"How long have I been unconscious?" "All afternoon," Maxie replied. "Nanava said once you're fully recovered, we can wake you up anytime. But your body will be exhausted by then. Let it rest naturally—waking up later will help your energy recover better." Ash patted Maxie's head, slowly rose from the bed, and lifted her clothes to reveal an unscathed abdomen. The massive wound, like a nightmare, had vanished completely upon waking.
"She's... how does she heal me?" "I guess you wouldn't want to know," Maxi pouted, noticing Ash's determined gaze. "She collects your scattered... well, fragments, fills your belly, and then Nanaava uses Magic Power to restore them—according to Lightning, the more fragments she gathers, the faster she heals. If limbs are completely missing, she can't make them grow back." Ash felt goosebumps rise. "And the dirt and grass clumps that stick to them..." "After the wound heals, the debris gets expelled. Her ability seems to distinguish what's useful from what's not." She let out a sigh of relief, rolled out of bed, and tried to feel her body's strength. Just as Nanaava said, when she woke up, she wasn't weak at all—she felt stronger than ever.
Ashes put on the black robe, looked out the window at the sky, and walked toward the door.
"Where are you going?" asked Maxie.
"See Your Royal Highness," she said without looking back.