Chapter 62: The Statue’s Tears
From initial disgust and revulsion to finding him somewhat tolerable, even accepting the idea of giving her body to him…
Perhaps it was the whirlwind of emotions she had experienced in such a short time, coupled with Qin Chu’s unexpected defense of her, that had clouded her judgment. She hadn’t even registered the shift in her feelings towards him, nor had Jie Luo’s name even crossed her mind.
Stunning Love was working its magic.
Shaye’s modified potion was proving to be even more potent than she had anticipated, and Ekaterina had only consumed a single dose.
Augustus finally removed the magical restraint from Angelica’s neck.
As the black collar fell away, a surge of elemental energy flooded Angelica’s body. Loseweisse, witnessing Angelica’s power steadily increasing, felt a surge of jealousy.
Angelica was a talented mage. After all, she had once been Loseweisse’s most formidable rival. Their magical abilities had been comparable.
The collar had suppressed her magic for years, preventing her from training, but her foundation remained strong.
The influx of energy subsided after a few minutes. Angelica, unaccustomed to wielding magic after such a long time, struggled to control her power. Milky white light flickered around her erratically, like a faulty light bulb.
Her magical reserves and control had diminished.
Even so, she was now as strong as Candice or Qin Chu, assuming he didn’t use his Super-tier Abilities, Devourer and Rage Explosion.
And it wouldn’t be long before she regained her full power, likely reaching level seventy, becoming a valuable asset to Qin Chu.
Angelica, her face flushed with excitement, couldn’t believe she could use magic again. She flitted around Qin Chu like a joyful sparrow.
She knew who to thank for her newfound freedom.
“Alright, alright, you’re not a child anymore. Calm down,” Qin Chu chuckled, patting her head in a display of mock annoyance.
Angelica, taking his actions as a reward, closed her eyes, enjoying the moment.
Their public display of affection made Qin Chu blush. He turned to Augustus.
“Lord Augustus, thank you for your assistance.”
Augustus was pleased with his response.
He had realized that this Hero wasn’t as naive as the First Hero. He was more cunning, more calculating.
Gaining his trust would take time, but making a good first impression was a step in the right direction.
Augustus, abandoning his papal authority, his demeanor now gentle and grandfatherly, bowed slightly. “It was my pleasure.”
“Lady Ekaterina, Holy Maiden Loseweisse, I’m sure you have much to discuss. I won’t intrude any further. Farewell…”
Qin Chu bid them farewell, his manners impeccable, then turned and walked away, Nikles and the other guards following behind.
The guards were largely useless. Qin Chu could handle most assassination attempts himself. And against someone like Ekaterina, they were insignificant.
Now that Angelica was by his side, their presence was even less necessary.
But he didn’t dismiss them. After all, they were Wadsworth’s men. Their presence reassured the Emperor.
The noble district, unlike the slums, was clean and orderly. The air was fresh, devoid of the stench of poverty and decay. There were no ragged beggars, no corpses littering the streets, only bustling crowds and vibrant shops.
It lacked the chaotic energy of the slums. The people, mostly traveling in luxurious carriages, moved with a restrained elegance, their conversations hushed and polite, their every action reflecting their noble status.
Qin Chu, the Hero, followed by his entourage of guards, was the center of attention wherever he went. He maintained a pleasant smile, greeting everyone with warmth and courtesy. Angelica’s arms were soon overflowing with invitations.
In his previous life, he had been focused solely on eliminating the Demons, his days spent training, fighting, and honing his skills. His relationship with the nobles had been strained.
This was one of the reasons why none had defended him in the end.
They reached Anthea Street, a wide thoroughfare that connected the noble district to the slums.
At a busy intersection, a life-sized statue of Anthea stood tall.
The statue, approximately 1.7 meters tall, depicted a woman with an ideal physique. She held a spear, its shaft adorned with the Auville Empire’s flag, raised high in the air.
The statue was incredibly lifelike, its details so intricate that it seemed as if it might come to life.
Her lips were parted, as if she were shouting a battle cry.
She wore armor, but her long legs were exposed.
Her hair, sculpted as if caught in the wind, flowed behind her.
Even in stone, her presence exuded power and defiance, a warrior facing an army without fear.
There was a legend in the Auville Empire: touching Anthea’s statue would grant her blessing. The statue, polished smooth by countless hands, gleamed in the sunlight.
In his previous life, Qin Chu hadn’t paid much attention to Anthea or her statue. He had simply admired her bravery.
But this time, he stopped before the statue, his gaze lingering on its features.
Nikles positioned the guards around the intersection. They were nearing the slums, and this busy crossroads was a potential target for an ambush.
Angelica stayed by Qin Chu’s side. Sensing his interest in the statue, she spoke softly. “This is Lady Anthea…”
“A thousand years ago, she saved the Empire. She was known as the strongest Valkyrie in the Empire’s history. When the enemy was at our gates, she rallied the nobles and the royal guard, leading them to victory, reclaiming our lost territories, and preserving the Empire’s strength.”
Angelica recounted Anthea’s legend, her voice filled with admiration.
“She wanted to conquer the surrounding kingdoms, to expand the Empire’s borders, to unite the entire Heavenly Continent under Auville’s rule. But sadly, she had sustained too many injuries during the war. She fell ill shortly after reclaiming our lost lands and eventually passed away.”
“She was mourned by millions. This street is named after her. The Emperor even posthumously granted her the title of Princess.”
“Her family became Dukes, one of the most powerful families in the Empire. Though their influence has waned, they still command respect.”
“If she hadn’t died so young, her family would be even more powerful. They wouldn’t be facing… financial difficulties…” Angelica sighed, her voice tinged with sadness.
Qin Chu didn’t respond. He reached out, his hand gently tracing the statue’s cheek, his expression unreadable.
In his previous life, he had simply admired her courage.
But now, he saw a reflection of himself in her story. A strange thought crossed his mind.
“Angelica…”
“What if Lady Anthea was… assassinated? What if her death wasn’t an accident?”
Angelica gasped, her eyes widening.
Anthea’s legend was well-known, a beloved tale passed down through generations. Even children knew the story, reciting it with pride.
The idea that she had been assassinated… it was unthinkable.
Angelica felt a shiver run down her spine, her skin prickling with goosebumps.
It was like telling someone that the real Sun Wukong had been killed when he met the Buddha in Journey to the West, and the one who went on the pilgrimage was the Six-Eared Macaque.
She didn’t know how to respond.
“Sorry, I was just thinking out loud. Don’t mind me,” Qin Chu chuckled, withdrawing his hand. He looked up at the sky.
Dark clouds had gathered overhead, their presence ominous.
The nobles on the street quickened their pace, the ladies lifting their skirts, cursing the weather under their breath. But even in their haste, they maintained their decorum, refusing to break into a run.
“Looks like it’s going to rain. We should head back…”
A clap of thunder, loud and sudden, split the sky.
The world, momentarily illuminated by a flash of lightning, plunged back into darkness.
Rain, heavy and relentless, poured from the sky, drenching Anthea’s statue. Water streamed down her face, her cheeks, her eyes… like tears…
…
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