There are times when someone’s gaze comes not with interest but as an act of aggression.
Currently, the Ricus Mercenary Group was experiencing just that. As always, they entered the capital with their faces hidden under hoods, but this only seemed to attract more attention.
As they approached the royal palace, the crowd’s glares felt palpable, more than mere curiosity, some overtly hostile.
“Mommy, who are those people?”
“Shh, pretend you don’t know. Don’t start trouble.”
“Are they the mercenary group the Emperor called in?”
“From the North? There are plenty of ex-military mercenaries, why contract with those from the North…”
“Are they so desperate that they have to contract with barbarians?”
The cruel words were clearly audible, and Lailo, sensing the hostility, moved closer to Rebel.
“Captain.”
“What is it?”
“Show your face.”
“…I’d rather not.”
“Now’s the perfect chance to change public opinion. Can’t you see our comrades getting hurt by their stares? Just showing your face will shut these people up. Have you forgotten the reaction at the tavern last time?”
Despite Lailo’s words, Rebel remained silent. Lailo sighed heavily and reached for the hood Rebel was wearing.
“Oops, my hand slipped.”
Rebel glared at Lailo, his eyes narrowing, but his straight nose and brows were more prominent. The crowd gasped.
“He’s quite handsome.”
“Why hide such a face?”
“I want to see too. Handsome men are rare.”
“Hey, aren’t they the ones from Clover Tavern? They flattened the Imperial Guards, right?”
The public opinion shifted rapidly. The mercenaries’ shoulders, which had been tense, relaxed a bit. Lailo, proud of his action, strutted around.
“See, this is our captain!”
Though some continued to bitterly talk about the northerners, it was like a drop in the bucket. However, the younger mercenaries, including Edi, were sensitive to such negativity.
“It’s so dirty and petty… How can we live in the North? They are always busy calling us barbarians. Just think about the development around the capital and nearby areas compared to the outskirts and the mountainous regions.”
Edi’s quiet grumbling was a reflection of reality. While the capital and its suburbs boasted rapid development, the outskirts lagged far behind.
“Every day, all they talk about is how we eat raw meat, or how we ruthlessly kill people. I’m sick of it.”
“Just bear it. We’ve endured worse.”
When would the day come when people no longer judged each other based on where they were born or raised? Lailo, accustomed to such discrimination, patted Edi’s back and moved ahead. It was the only consolation he could offer as an adult who had also grown up under similar circumstances.
Soon, they would arrive at the royal palace, a place of unfamiliar faces and intimidating high-ranking individuals. They headed forward, feeling a different kind of pressure than when they first entered the royal palace.
About a month ago, Illyde had met with Tyrger, the former leader of the Ricus Mercenary Group, in the outskirts of the capital.
In a winding alley surrounded by dense houses, the shadows made it dark even at noon. Those familiar with the area moved freely through these shortcuts, but in such secluded spots, crimes could easily occur unnoticed.
Inside a small alley, Tyrger, having received prior notice, leaned against a wall, casually nodding her head. Her dark red hair swayed with each nod. Next to her, a large axe lay slanted, matching her tall stature. The scars on her bare arms, both white and dark, were clearly visible.
Her formidable appearance deterred anyone in the alley from approaching or making eye contact.
After some time, Illyde, with her face hidden under a hat and mask, approached Tyrger and spoke the agreed-upon code.
“I’ve come to save a bird.”
“Which bird are you referring to?”
“The red hawk.”
Acknowledging the response, Tyrger gestured towards the woman. The woman, cloaked in a mantle and hood with a mask, was clearly someone whose identity must remain concealed.
Most of those seeking secret meetings like this had predictable requests. Tyrger feigned ignorance to test the woman.
“Do you seek an assassination?”
“There’s a person I can’t just let go easily.”
“If you request, I can make it extremely painful.”
“That’s insufficient.”
Despite her delicate build, a strong voice emerged. Tyrger could feel the woman’s eyes burning through her mask. She didn’t bother to ask about her story.
Some angers are too profound for words. Who could possibly guess the depth of such fury?
Illyde had to calm her rising breath. Closing her eyes, she remembered everyone she lived with at the Melpiram estate. None of them survived. From the butler to the chefs, gardeners, and even the children who did menial tasks.
Illyde’s older brother, Limres Lowen Melpiram, who commanded Melpiram’s soldiers, confessed under torture that their family had conspired against the crown. The Count, his wife, and Limres were all sentenced to death. Limres was executed quickly, and Illyde couldn’t even give them a proper funeral.
The Villainous Demon Lord Laid an Egg for Her (Female-Dominated)
Several months after transmigrating into a book, Yu Wu found herself facing the demon lord Li You, who could no longer conceal his dragon horns. With one hand on her aching waist and the other gripping a sharp sword, she stared at him.
The demon lord’s eyes were red with fury:
“This is all your doing! Today, I won’t rest until I kill you!”
Yu Wu rubbed her temples. Putting aside the taboo against bloodshed during pregnancy, wasn’t it this very man who willingly walked into her trap that day?!
Warnings:
- Male pregnancy.
- Height ratios are set to mirror typical male-female height proportions.
- Characters include a foot-loving demon lord and an eldest daughter from an immortal family’s concubine lineage.
