Moldway, Gunther's Private Villa.
Compared to other royal court nobles who spent vast energy and funds decorating their residences, Gunther's villa was much more low-key and simple. Although the decoration of the entire main prince's mansion could still be called luxurious, it carried an air of carelessness.
It wasn't neglected, but it seemed more like a symbolic building to signify status, difficult to truly call a "home."
Gunther poured more effort and energy into his various "private villas" throughout Moldway. All configurations here enjoyed extraordinary luxury and possessed the highest level of security and confidentiality.
At this moment, Gunther was reclining on a broad soft couch made of genuine leather, his gaze playfully examining the deep red wine swirling in a crystal wine glass.
"Lord Gunther, please have another glass."
A maid picked up his wine glass, gently and respectfully bringing it to his lips.
This maid, wearing thin undergarments, spoke in a submissive tone, her figure well-proportioned and lovely. Her body seemed custom-made, with not a trace of excess fat above her waist.
But... what rested atop her neck wasn't a human head. It was a bizarre serpent-like head.
"Oh... You are as considerate as ever, Rezira."
Gunther drank the wine from her hand. Under the candlelight, the reflective scales on the back of this maid named Rezira could be seen.
He built these private villas precisely to enjoy the service of non-human girls without any concerns.
And this guy's preferences and tolerance were extremely broad. Whether demihumans or beastfolk, all were within his collection.
It wasn't about beauty or ugliness, primarily determined by the other party's occult value.
Take Rezira, for example. Although her serpent-like head could shatter the aesthetics of the vast majority of ordinary people, her form was primarily due to the lingering favor of the Ant-Scale in her bloodline.
After that deity fell into corruption, the favor also became a curse.
Therefore, this maid was taken by Gunther from a fishing village where she suffered discrimination and received his almost meticulous "affection."
Of course... Gunther's methods for obtaining these special girls weren't limited to this. In fact, as long as he got what he wanted, he didn't care about the specific method. Whether through theft, deception, forceful seizure, or purchasing from some special personnel.
"Speaking of which, that merchant guild full of Loredon Northerners... their May 'tax' should be arriving soon, right?"
Gunther pondered for a moment, then said casually.
As he spoke, this prince even quite relaxedly stretched out his legs. Another attendant beside him quickly stepped forward, skillfully massaging his leg muscles.
This attendant's face was pale and delicate, seemingly no older than 15. He had eight eyes, distributed on both sides of his forehead like a spider, and spider-like fuzz could be seen on his palms... And, he wasn't female.
In fact, Gunther just didn't like "humans." As long as it wasn't human, this guy was almost entirely without restrictions.
Seeing the prince recall this matter, Rezira seemed prepared and responded. She also signaled to the heavily armored prince's guard beside her.
"Yes, Master. They are already waiting outside the villa."
"Good, bring them in. I do want to see what surprise those despicable kidnappers can offer..."
As Gunther gave the order, several guards opened the main hall door of the villa, leading in a line of black-robed figures.
"Prince, it is truly an honor to behold your esteemed presence. As usual, we have brought 'gifts' for you. We hope you are satisfied."
The leader took off the hood of his black cloak and bowed respectfully.
He wore a black faceplate of a rather familiar style, concealing his true appearance. It looked... like a Burial Court design.
"No need for pleasantries, Solos. Introduce what you've brought."
"You only brought one 'tax' this time? If it doesn't satisfy me... heh, you know what will happen."
Gunther had no mind for niceties; he only cared about the quality of the goods brought by these traitors of the Secrets-Hunters.
"Regarding that, I have absolute confidence... She will not disappoint you."
As he spoke, the slaver named Solos chuckled softly, reaching out to lift the black cloth covering a thin girl beside him.
This girl's physique could be described as slender and fragile, but her gaze was full of almost tangible ferocity and wildness. The moment she regained her vision, she hunched over, a grating low growl issuing from her throat.
If not for the metal shackles on her ankles and arms, she would likely have attacked those around her.
"Oh... Solos, I think I understand where your confidence comes from."
Gunther's gaze, almost lingering, fell upon this girl, his expression filled with admiration and appreciation.
Her limbs had retractable sharp claws, her torso was covered in fur patterns, and conical teeth could be seen extending from her mouth... These were obvious feline characteristics. Closer to a tiger than a leopard or lion.
"The fusion of human form and feline features is so harmonious, without the taint of crude bio-alchemy... Too beautiful. How did you acquire her?"
Seeing Prince Gunther's high interest, Solos explained unhurriedly.
"According to Secrets-Hunter documents, before the God-Hunting God became the sole sword-bearer, other deities in this domain existed during the Order of Dust era. And feline creatures imbued with mysterious power were His creations."
"And this child is a byproduct our mentor obtained while pursuing that deity's power. Rest assured, her features were inherited through 'gestation,' absolutely not a haphazard fusion through bio-alchemy."
"However, her temper isn't very good. That will depend on your superb skills, Prince. I believe you can make her quiet and obedient."
Gunther, satisfied with the answer, chuckled softly and slightly opened his mouth.
Rezira beside him, understanding, picked up a green grape still glistening with water droplets and carefully placed it into his mouth.
"Regarding that, no need for you to worry. You may leave. Coincidentally, tonight my mood is excellent..."
As he spoke, Gunther's words already carried a sense of barely restrained restlessness. What could be more exciting than taming a wild "kitten" filled with untamed nature?
"I shall take my leave first. I hope Your Highness enjoys yourself."
Having completed the "tribute" to the Royal Court, Solos left with his team.
"Hss—"
The restrained feline girl growled lowly from her throat, trying to intimidate these unsettling strangers. But her threat was like a stray cat's bluff, completely unable to inspire fear.
"Child, I am not your enemy. Though you may not understand now, soon you will realize... I will bring you unprecedented joy and pleasure."
Gunther spoke comfortingly in an even tone.
However, just as he wanted to further tame this newly acquired plaything, a royal court guard hurried in from outside.
"Prince, the Stellar Abyss Society's Tide-Listener High Priest 'Faviel' has come to visit... He brought an entire squad of armed Star-Tellers."
"Oh?"
Hearing this, Gunther frowned, his face suddenly darkening.
"A High Priest leading a team, bringing soldiers? Are those guys planning a coup?"
"Never mind. Rezira, take this child away first. I want to see what game the Stellar Abyss Society is playing. Have the villa guards prepare early."
"Yes."
Upon receiving the order, this maid with the serpent head took the feline girl away.
Moments later, a middle-aged Tide-Listener with neatly trimmed mustache entered. His eyes were deep-set, his face long and thin, giving an impression of rigid stubbornness at first glance.
Seemingly to express sincerity, Faviel didn't carry any weapons and entered the villa alone.
"Mr. Faviel, you should know... I dislike seeing you outside of the full moon, and I hate having my mood spoiled even more. I hope you didn't suddenly decide to pay me a casual visit."
Gunther swirled the wine in his crystal glass, speaking with implied threat.
"Prince Gunther, there is a matter I must inform you about."
Faviel paid no mind to the prince's displayed displeasure, his attitude and expression as usual, rigid and harsh.
"The Sands of Slumber Bell Tower in Moldway has been stolen."
"Hmph. Weren't you always so proud of the tower's protective measures? You actually got robbed? Tell me, what was lost..."
After saying this, Gunther suddenly seemed to think of something. His entire mental state became urgent, and his face quietly turned pale.
Without waiting for Faviel's answer, he pressed on with his questioning.
"Could it be... that Lady Sidonia has escaped?"
The thought that this pure-blooded Heyl Siren noble might have escaped the Sea Ridge Prison, making it difficult for him to contact her again, caused an uncontrollable sense of despondency in Gunther.
That was a mythical creature continuing from the Order of Dust era, the perfect being he most dreamed of...
"No." Faviel said coldly.
Hearing his denial, Gunther's mood improved slightly, his taut heartstrings relaxing a little.
Until the Tide-Listener spoke his next sentence.
"It's much worse than that. The entire secret realm containing the seafloor city has vanished. Now, the Sands of Slumber Bell Tower in Moldway is just a useless empty shell."
"Cough! Cough!"
A vein throbbed like a snake on Gunther's forehead. He coughed violently, unconsciously crushing the crystal glass holding wine in his hand.
As a shrewd, powerful prince with political savvy, he should have appeared more composed, unfazed even when facing a calamity. But what Faviel said was too shocking, making it impossible for him to calm down.
"You said the entire secret realm vanished? How is that possible? That was an entire seafloor city ruins..."
"The word 'vanished' isn't entirely accurate. It was stolen."
Faviel added.
"The other party not only left a notice but also announced the next theft target beforehand. According to the self-statement of the letter-leaver 'Vivian,' she will go to the Six-Eyed Crow Cult during this month's full moon to take one of their hidden treasures."
"Besides, they allegedly impersonated your envoys to infiltrate the bell tower, Prince."
"Me?"
Gunther, now almost immersed in the agitated feeling of Sidonia's escape, grew even more irritated upon hearing they had used his name.
After taking several deep breaths, he barely regained a bit of composure.
"Sigh... Since that arrogant fellow dares to leave an announcement, you contact the Six-Eyed Crow thieves and make preparations to capture them in advance. Also, I will transfer a few batches of elite troops from the prince's guards to you."
"And, there are a few special relics in my storage; take them as well."
Looking at this almost distraught prince, Faviel, following Tide-Listener etiquette, bowed and thanked him.
"Thank you for your generosity, Prince Gunther. Please don't worry, you are not alone in your anger..."
"His Excellency the Society Head also takes this matter very seriously. If not for the traces of mental interference indeed existing in the minds of the guards from the previous night's patrol, most of them would have been executed."
Gunther, however, seemed to not want to hear any of this at all, merely biting his teeth with anxiety.
"I don't care if you killed those scapegoats or not. I just want you to bring that Abyssal Sea favored one back. You have no idea what her bloodline means for the entire Gailethson Royal Court..."
Halfway through, he suddenly realized his slip of the tongue. His gaze turned sharp, and he said no more.
—
Foy Port.
To help "Hermit" investigate the anomalies of the Sands of Slumber Bell Tower, Inchworm had spent considerable thought and energy recently.
First, he used the traditional skills of a Night-Moth acolyte to forge a resume stating he had worked as a reporter for several years at a foreign newspaper. Using this as capital, he applied for and joined Foy's local newspaper, working as a reporter.
With this identity as cover, he began to conduct visits and investigations inconspicuously, gradually learning about the Sands of Slumber Bell Tower-related disappearance cases through indirect inquiries.
From the mouths of some fishing community people, Inchworm learned that cases of children disappearing indeed might occur every few years in their villages. But besides that, he obtained another important piece of information...
Sometimes, those missing children would return.
And the proportion of children who returned was quite high, almost seven or eight out of ten. Only a very few would completely vanish without a trace, disappearing from the face of the earth.
"If not for Hermit's hint, I might have lived in Foy for another ten years without paying attention to this kind of strange occurrence..."
Inchworm, currently compiling materials at the newspaper office, muttered a sigh to himself.
Being new here, he hadn't yet been able to access the newspaper's more in-depth research materials. But by examining past publications, he discovered an investigative reporter named Rosalia was responsible for the section on the fallen city 'Morien.'
That investigative reporter left behind many valuable contents, some of which made Inchworm associate the Sands of Slumber Bell Tower disappearance cases with the strange phenomena of the fallen city.
Amidst tangled thoughts, a chilling speculation emerged.
Could it be that the tragedy of the fallen city wasn't purely a natural disaster, but some kind of "man-made disaster"? The Stellar Abyss Society's behavior was too suspicious; who knows what they were actually doing inside the Sands of Slumber Bell Tower...
The information I have in hand is still too little, and this superficial material accessible through past publications probably wouldn't even catch Hermit's eye.
To demonstrate sufficient loyalty to her, I need to adopt the highest-risk plan.
Sigh... I'll prepare in the next couple of days to personally go to that fallen city for some on-the-ground research.
+++
T/N: Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this chapter and want to support my work, I have a Patreon!
[email protected]/PeakTL