Slave Village…
Kent followed Beast Lady Dakini through the narrow, winding paths leading to the Slave Village. The further they walked, the clearer it became that this part of the capital was nothing like the grand ministerial towns they had passed earlier.
A pungent mix of sweat, damp soil, and burnt wood filled the air. The roads were uneven and dusty, with deep cracks in the ground as if even the land had given up on these people. Huts made of rotting wood and half-broken stones lined the streets, barely holding together. Small children with hollow cheeks ran barefoot, their eyes filled with hunger and curiosity.
Kent’s gaze swept over the scene—men toiled under the sun, their backs hunched as they hauled massive wooden logs and sacks of grain. Their clothes were nothing more than rags, hanging loosely on their skeletal frames.
Meanwhile, the beast women wore thin, revealing fabrics—if they could even be called that. Their garments looked more like torn veils draped over their bodies, barely covering them. Some were serving drinks at makeshift taverns, others stood in dark alleyways, whispering to passersby.
Kent’s eyes darkened. He had seen many tragic sights in his journey, but this… this was deliberate. The kingdom had forced these people into such conditions, stripping them of dignity, leaving them to rot.
Dakini glanced at Kent, reading his expression. “This is the fate of the slave caste,” she murmured. “The nobles do not care for us. The ministers only visit to collect taxes, and the royal family… they pretend we do not exist.”
Kent remained silent, his jaw tightening.
They walked further into the village until they reached the central structure—a palace, if it could even be called that. It was made entirely of uneven grey stones, lacking the golden roofs and enchanted walls of other noble residences in the capital. The banners hanging from the entrance were tattered and stained, but they bore a single crest—a silver lotus, the symbol of Princess Ai Ping.
Despite the poverty, a group of people gathered outside, their faces filled with trust and hope. They weren’t here for food or shelter, but simply to see their princess.
The doors creaked open, and a tall, elegant woman stepped out.
Princess Ai Ping was unlike anything Kent had expected. She wore a simple white robe, her raven-black hair cascading down her back, tied with a silver ribbon. Her beauty was undeniable—sharp yet delicate features, deep purple eyes that held wisdom beyond her years, and an aura of quiet strength.
She didn’t wear any extravagant jewels, nor did she have guards flanking her. Instead, she stood alone, a ruler of the abandoned.
“Dakini,” Ai Ping said, a gentle yet commanding voice. Her gaze then shifted to Kent. “And this…?”
Dakini bowed slightly. “This is Kent. He’s—”
“I know who he is,” Ai Ping interrupted. “The one causing waves in the capital.” She studied Kent carefully, as if measuring his worth. “Follow me.”
–
Inside the stone palace, Kent noticed how bare the interior was. No golden chandeliers, no silk curtains—just stone walls and a single wooden throne.
Ai Ping took her seat, and Kent remained standing. Dakini handed her a jade slip, given by Khoya.
The princess raised a brow. “Khoya sent this?”
She infused the jade slip with mana, and instantly, a soft glow filled the room as Khoya’s voice echoed.
“Princess Ai Ping, I hope this message reaches you safely. You are still a sister to me, and I will always wish for your safety.”
A flicker of emotion crossed Ai Ping’s face, but she remained silent.
“I do not ask for much, but I need your help. Support the young man named Kent. Give him a place in the Royal Academy. He is more than what he seems.”
The room fell silent.
The surrounding attendants exchanged glances, murmuring among themselves.
“The Royal Academy…?”
“A seat for an outsider?”
Ai Ping narrowed her eyes. She gestured sharply, and the room emptied within seconds. Only Kent and Dakini remained.
The moment the doors shut, Ai Ping leaned forward, resting her chin on her fingers.
“I do not take orders from Khoya… Nor do I hand out favors for free.” Ai Ping said with a serious face.
Kent smirked slightly. “I expected as much.”
She tilted her head. “Why should I support you? The Royal Academy is filled with royals and nobles. You will be nothing but a target.”
“I can handle myself,” Kent replied.
Ai Ping tapped the armrest of her chair. “You talk big. But how do I know you’re worth the risk? If I back you and you fail, I lose political influence. And influence is all I have left.”
Kent’s expression didn’t waver. “I’ll make it worth your while.”
“Oh?” Ai Ping arched a brow.
“I will pay you 3,000 mana pearls every month for your support.”
Silence.
Even Dakini widened her eyes in shock. That was an absurd amount of wealth, enough to sustain an entire district of the village.
Ai Ping let out a soft chuckle. “You must be rich.”
“I have my means.” Kent replied confidently. But what others don’t know is he didn’t have a single mana pearl in his possession.
The princess studied him for a long moment. “And what do you want from me, aside from the academy seat?”
Kent’s expression turned cold. “I don’t want any other thing. Instead I will give protection for the beast women from the Royal Academy.”
Ai Ping’s eyes flickered with curiosity. “Why?”
Kent crossed his arms. “Because they’re treated as nothing more than playthings for the noble disciples. And I despise that.”
A long pause stretched between them.
Then, Ai Ping did something unexpected.
She smiled.
It wasn’t the smile of a ruler, nor that of a noblewoman. It was the smile of someone who had finally found something interesting.
“I like you, Kent,” she admitted. “You’re bold, direct, and you understand power.”
Kent smirked. “Does that mean we have a deal?”
Ai Ping leaned back. “You have your spot in the academy. But remember—if you fail, you are on your own.”
Kent nodded. “Fair enough.”
As he turned to leave, Ai Ping’s voice stopped him.
“Kent.”
He glanced back.
She rested her chin on her hand, a calculating glint in her eyes. “You remind me of someone.”
Kent raised a brow. “Who?”
She only smiled. “Let’s see if you live up to your promises.”
And with that, the deal was sealed.