[Activating Shadow Veil (Active Skill)]
It was nighttime in the capital city of Dissidia Kingdom. Broken and Princess Alora, dressed in her elegant blue royal gown, were strolling through the city streets-completely unnoticed by anyone around them.
Pawpaw, comfortably asleep on top of Broken’s head, was the reason for this invisibility, thanks to his Shadow Veil skill. The invisibility allowed them to move freely, blending into the night without drawing any attention.
The veil would drop if they were attacked, but here in the capital, surrounded by guards and with the city’s natural defenses, it felt safe enough to take this late-night walk without worrying about danger.
“This is so strange, but kind of fun at the same time,” Alora said.
The skill not only made them invisible, but also allowed them to communicate freely without anyone overhearing.
Broken couldn’t help but agree. Pawpaw’s skill was truly incredible, offering them the freedom to experience the city like never before. Even though the little kitten appeared to be sound asleep, he was still actively channeling his Mana, maintaining the invisibility that kept them hidden.
“By not being noticed by the people around you, Princess?” Broken asked, glancing at her.
Alora nodded with a smile. They strolled casually along the edge of the street, careful to avoid bumping into anyone by mistake. Every now and then, Alora would duck or sidestep to avoid a passerby, and Broken followed suit, their eyes meeting with shared amusement. They both chuckled quietly, finding the situation oddly fun.
Alora continued as they started walking normally again. “Everyone… They’re always saying nice things and bowing around me.”
“Well, they’d be punished if they dared to insult royalty to your face, Princess,” Broken replied. “So don’t hold it against them.”
Alora giggled. “I suppose you’re right.”
“But you mentioned before that some people still have the nerve to say things that undermine you, haven’t you? You once told me about that.”
Alora’s smile faded slightly. “Most of it comes from Demian’s faction-my father’s brother.”
Demian was the current king’s brother, rumored to be aligned with the Shadow Wolves and suspected of being involved with the Demon Cult. His faction had been deliberately working to undermine Princess Alora’s support, threatening her claim to the throne.
Unfortunately, in this kingdom, leadership wasn’t determined by voting or popular support, but through inheritance. The only real way to seize power was through a coup-to overthrow the current ruler.
His gaze shifted to Alora, understanding the heavy weight that must rest on her shoulders. The politics and dangers she faced were far more complex than what people saw on the surface.
As they continued walking, Broken and Alora reached a busier part of the city. The streets were lined with merchants selling their goods, and groups of people gathered to shop or simply enjoy the night. The atmosphere in the capital was lively and vibrant-completely different from the smaller towns like Slumdon or Deadbay.
Suddenly, a heated argument broke out at a nearby fruit stand. Alora paused and Broken stopped beside her to see what was going on.
“Hey, you scammer! You’re charging way too much for this stuff!” a male customer yelled angrily at the fruit vendor.
The merchant, clearly frustrated, shot back, “Do you think I don’t need to make a living? If you’re not interested, just leave!”
The man wasn’t backing down. “You dare talk back to me, you idiot!” He grabbed the collar of the merchant’s shirt, yanking him forward. A few pieces of fruit tumbled to the ground.
“You think it’s easy living in this city? These prices are fair! Don’t make things harder for small traders like me!” the merchant pleaded.
“Shut up, scammer!” the man snapped. “You think it’s easy for a worker like me either? I can barely find work, and all I’m asking is for you to lower the price so I can afford it!”
“I won’t,” the merchant responded firmly. “If I give in, more people like you will come and try to squeeze me dry!”
Enraged, the man shoved the vendor hard, causing him to stumble. “You’re useless!” he spat, storming off with a scowl on his face.
Broken clenched his fists as he watched, but Alora laid a gentle hand on his arm. “No need,” she whispered.
The merchant, still shaken and angry, stepped forward to gather the scattered fruit, his hands trembling.
“This all started when that half-elf came into the kingdom,” he muttered bitterly. “It’s only gotten worse because she’s going to be the ruler someday.”
He glanced around before adding, “Curse her! I hope someone takes over the kingdom before she ever sits on that throne!”
Alora froze at those words, her expression shifting from curiosity to stunned silence. Hearing the hatred so directly, so personally, was a different kind of wound.
Broken reached for her left hand and gently held it.
She turned to him, and he spoke quietly. “Let’s go, Princess.”
He led her away, guiding her through the crowd, and Alora followed silently.
A few minutes later, they sat together on the roof of a watchtower near the city wall, still cloaked by the Shadow Veil. The cool night air wrapped around them, and the distant noise of the city faded into the background. Broken quietly observed Alora, who seemed lost in thought, her usual lively demeanor replaced by a rare, quiet stillness.
It was probably the first time he had seen this side of her-silent, deep in her own thoughts. What she had heard earlier wasn’t new to her, no doubt, but hearing such raw, close-up hatred directed at her like that might’ve been the first time. Honesty, when it was harsh, was never easy to accept.
“If you tell anyone about this side of me, I’ll kill you,” she suddenly said.
Broken couldn’t help but chuckle at her words. “Pawpaw wouldn’t be too happy about that, Princess.”
Alora giggled too, her mood lifting a little in response to his comment.
“I’m not great with words, Princess, so I don’t know what to say to make you feel better.”
“Then learn how to speak sweetly from Elincia, Freya or someone else… you’ll need it.”
Broken laughed softly at her remark.
“Let’s just kill anyone who says stuff like that, Princess,” he said.
Alora raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I always knew there was a sadistic streak in you, Broken. But I didn’t expect that suggestion from you.”
Broken grinned, and the tension between them eased. He could see the faint smile on her face now, and that small sign of relief felt like a victory.
“I guess I did it?” Broken murmured quietly.
“Shut up, I can cheer myself up just fine. I’m smiling, but not because of your words,” Alora
shot back.
“That’s so polite, Princess.”
“You always push me to the limit and drain my patience.”
“Sorry, Princess, I’m just trying to be myself. So, you’d better get used to it,” he replied with a
chuckle.
Alora bumped her shoulder against his playfully, and they both fell back into the comfortable silence of the night, watching the twinkling lights of the city below.
“Pawpaw could be our way of communicating, Princess,” Broken suggested.
“Don’t contact me too often. I’m the Crowned Princess of Dissidia Kingdom, you know. I’m so
busy, unlike you, wandering around charming countless women.”
“You’re seriously harsh with your judgment, Princess.”
“But, that’s fine with me,” she said, turning to him with a soft giggle. She rested her cheek on
her knees, gazing at him with an amused smile.
“What?” Broken asked, raising an eyebrow at her sudden look.
“Nothing,” Alora replied. “Tell me, do you love Ivana? Or Freya?”
Broken blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in the conversation.
“What’s with this question, Princess?”
“If you become a ruler someday, you can have more than one wife,” she continued. “I heard
that in your world, it’s not common to have more than one wife. That’s a bit strange, don’t
you think? Here, you could do the opposite.”
Ivana? The name echoed in his mind.
“Fulfill your commitments,” Alora said with a soft giggle. “Marry me later, and Ivana too… and Freya, in your world. And more, but they’ll have to fight me for it, to prove they’re worthy
of being your next wife.”
Broken swallowed hard at her words. The idea of marriage, especially to her, wasn’t new to him. He had already committed himself to backing her claim to the throne, and marrying her was something he had come to accept.
But Ivana? The thought of her stirred emotions he had tried not to dwell on. He definitely didn’t want to lose her either. Yes, he cared about her deeply too.
Alora stood up, smoothing out her dress as she glanced over at him. “Bring me home. You need to get back to Slumdon tomorrow too, don’t you?”
Broken followed suit, standing beside her as they both looked out over the city.
With this commitment between them, he fully understood the immense challenges they would face in the future. And yes, it all connected to the Named Demons! Broken had already fought two of the lower-ranked ones, and even those battles had been intense. He could barely imagine how terrifying the higher-ranked Named Demons would be. If they appeared in the capital, chaos would surely follow.
“Thanks for the sword,” Alora said, breaking the silence. “I’ll fight harder to become even
stronger.”
He nodded. “You’re welcome, Princess. Whatever comes our way, we’ll face it together. I promise.”
“I told you before, I’m used to nice words. I’d rather hear the truth.”
“You’re really tempting me to say something rude, Princess.”
“Sorry, Baron Broken. I’m just trying to be myself. So, you’d better get used to it.” She
chuckled softly.
***
(Author’s Note:)
Well, everyone, Volume 3 – Rising from the Dust wraps up here! Tell me how you’re feeling
about it in the comments.
What’s next? Yes, as many of you have been eagerly waiting for, it’s time for Broken to embark on his quest to find the Fairies and obtain a Fairy Soul Stone.
But wait-does he really need to massacre them to get it? Of course, killing just one wouldn’t
be enough, right?
I know what you’re thinking: Broken’s not a maniac who goes around slaughtering others just
to get what he wants… or is he?! Don’t worry, he only does that to demons! So don’t judge our
boy too harshly, okay?
Anyway, I’d love to hear more from you in the upcoming chapters. Thanks so much for all the incredible support-you all are the best! Truly, thank you!