Rise of the Lustful Evil Monarch (Re)

Third Person's POV

Ethan wasn't worried about missing their month-end schedule for the Abyssal Sanctum, as Virelle mentioned it was roughly a week's journey from here so a few days of rest wouldn't cost them much.

The road they traveled was one of many routes that funneled toward the city gates. Carriages drawn by spectral horses were a common sight along the path.

What set them apart was the modest and unadorned look of Ethan's carriage.

The others flaunted elaborate designs and were accompanied by heavily armed escorts that displayed both wealth and power.

The guards included demons, slave orcs, and some occasional humans too.

Ethan took in the lively surroundings with quiet amazement while Virelle busied herself with fixing his unruly violet curls.

Frustration was written all over her face as the stubborn locks refused to stay in place and the scene caused Velcy to giggle softly from the side.

Virelle always insisted on strict standards for how Ethan should present himself in public and she always made sure that he was meeting her expectations no matter what.

Ethan didn't mind in the slightest. He deeply appreciated the love, care, and attention she lavished on him as he knew that something like this was rare and worth treasuring.

Watching the heartwarming scene, Ethan's smile softened, especially because he had noticed that Velcy was slowly emerging from her long-held trauma and sadness over the past two years.

Seeing her healing bit by bit filled him with warmth. Without a word, he gently pulled the cat girl into his lap and hugged her close with her back resting against his chest.

Virelle paused at the sight but said nothing and returned to her mission of taming his hair.

Soon, their plain, unassuming carriage rolled through the gates and into the bustling city as it bypassed the crowd unnoticed.

With thousands entering and leaving, nearly a dozen gates were set up to handle the enormous traffic flow.

Carriages lined up, mammoths rumbled forward, and armored demons barked orders at disheveled orcs pulling merchant carts.

Despite the chaos, their unassuming black carriage passed unnoticed as it weaved between noble caravans escorted by heavily armed guards.

Ethan noticed that while their spectral horses were impressive, the lack of ostentation on their carriage worked to their advantage.

He then sent a quiet sound transmission to the old Blood Slave, whose dusty black robes bore the marks of travel though the man seemed indifferent to them.

'Take us to the Adventurer Guild, Sir Blood Slave.'

At the same time, he glanced up at Virelle who was still frowning as she worked on his hair.

"Isn't it time you gave me a proper introduction to this city, Virelle?" Ethan asked.

"Ah, you are right. I almost forgot," she replied.

"This is the City of Vord, one of the major strongholds of the Empire of the Infernal Sovereignty."

She adjusted his collar as she continued,

"The city falls under the jurisdiction of Duke Vord, one of the most powerful dukes in the empire.

He is said to be a formidable demon mage and the commander of the empire's mage legions."

A small frown crept onto her face.

"However, he is also infamous for his depravity and lustful appetite.

He is rumored to have countless wives and concubines, and it is whispered that he often seizes women from lesser nobles and commoners alike."

"But no one can stop him, I presume?" Ethan asked as he rubbed his chin.

"Exactly," she confirmed.

"With his overwhelming strength and status, no one dares cross him.

Even the Emperor turns a blind eye, given that Duke Vord is one of the empire's top battle commanders who is especially vital in the wars against the Empire of Abyssal Dominion and the forces from Bloom Haven Continent."

Ethan's eyes glinted with something sharp, but he kept silent for a moment before asking a pointed question.

"Was he involved in the massacre of the LucentVoid family?"

Virelle hesitated.

"He may have been. It is highly probable, though nothing was ever confirmed. But someone of his influence would almost certainly have been involved in such a large-scale plot."

Ethan nodded slowly as a chilling thought surfaced in his mind.

Then, I should have no qualms when the time comes to deal with him.

The pebble-stone streets leading into the city were alive with vibrant activity.

Aromas of spiced meats and sweet fruits wafted from market stalls while cries of vendors filled the air.

Ethan marveled at the racial diversity. There were hulking demons clad in battle gear, sallow-skinned orcs burdened with crates, and even a few pale elves cloaked in secrecy.

Among them, humans toiled as servants or blended into the crowd.

They are most likely the slaves transported from the Southern Shadow Lands.

Ethan's eyes widened as he noticed smaller figures darting between the stalls and he could tell that they would barely reach his thigh in height.

They had leathery black skin with patches of coarse fur and beady black eyes that shifted restlessly and oozed malice.

Razor-sharp teeth flashed as they whispered vile remarks under their breath and leered openly at passing demon women.

"Imps?" Ethan asked as his gaze narrowed with curiosity mixed with disgust.

Virelle scoffed and nodded.

"Yes, those wretches. They are a sub-race of demons, but the rest of the demon society doesn't claim them though they claim to be a part of the demon race.

Despite their low status, they are natural-born spellcasters and are disturbingly adept at magic."

She crossed her arms as she frowned.

"They are notorious for their lechery and cruelty. Many scholars believe their bloodline is tainted with something inherently corrupt.

No one likes them, but they make useful cannon fodder and obedient soldiers when under the control of someone stronger."

Ethan observed how other demons subtly avoided them, though the imps still prowled the streets unchecked.

"Their women are no different," Virelle continued with disgust.

"Just as depraved and often bother men of other humanoid races."