This necromancer is going to seduce the beautiful girls who are already dead.

"What is that? A mirage?" A soldier stared in disbelief at the sight in the sky, and asked his comrade in a low voice.

The soldier traveling with him was also confused. He was even more bewildered than the soldier who had just asked the question, his mouth agape, unable to utter a single word.

A vast stage seemed to have appeared in the sky, upon which many translucent figures materialized. On one side were a bustling crowd, and on the other, Princess Givia and several others. These figures were not merely images; they also possessed sound. Those on the ground could hear clearly the voices of many people discussing in the language of Ossi.

"What does Your Highness want to do?"

"Who is that woman who has her head covered with a scarf? Why is she standing with the princess?"

"What's going on? I was just about to go to sleep when I was suddenly called to the town square."

These sounds were clearly just people whispering to each other, but they were extremely loud, as if someone in the sky was broadcasting them to people on the ground through a huge loudspeaker.

Hearing such a loud noise, Kevin naturally leaned out of his bedroom window and stared coldly at the scene in the sky.

Not only the Ossi Royal Palace, but throughout the entire Kingdom of Ossi, wherever people lived, whether in towns or villages, this image could be seen in the sky. People who were sleeping were awakened by this enormous sound, and they all came out of their houses, looked up, and stared in astonishment at the spectacle in the sky.

The royal court mages were also witnessing this extraordinary sight, and they quickly discerned the celestial phenomenon—it was a projection created with magic, and a transmission of sound achieved through magic. These individuals, barely considered high-ranking mages, were so terrified by such powerful magic that they dared not even breathe. Any expert would recognize that such an effect could only be achieved by a mage of unbelievable power, one that would even make one doubt their own magical abilities; the required magic power would perhaps require draining the magic power of several Sorcerers Supreme.

They dared not report it to Kevin, because Kevin strictly forbade anyone to make noise or disturb them during nap time, and they wanted to live a little longer.

A court mage swallowed hard and said to his colleague, "King, let's escape from here. Let's take our families and go to Princess Givia..."

"Why? Aren't you afraid of being hunted down by Kevin?" His colleague didn't react for a moment.

"What do we have to fear? Didn't you see that this magic is used to broadcast Princess Jivia's movements in real time? This means that Her Highness has recruited a terrifyingly powerful super mage... His strength is beyond our comprehension. With such a powerful figure assisting us, the Restoration Army will surely win, and we will soon no longer have to live in fear every day following that damned tyrant!"

"But where did Jivia find such a powerful expert? Did she get in touch with Emperor Campbell of the Eastern Empire?"

"Who cares! I'm packing my things and running away right now! I've had enough of that bastard Kevin!"

……

In Xiaoduo Town, after the townspeople, who had been discussing amongst themselves, had all gathered, Jivia finally pressed her palm down to signal everyone to quiet down; she was about to speak.

People adored Gylvia, and after she gestured for everyone to be quiet, the chatter quickly subsided. Everyone tried to stay alert, eager to hear what important announcement Gylvia had made that had drawn them out of their homes in the middle of the day.

"My dear people, I am your princess, Jivia Rudia Aliya Ban Halseti!"

Gylvia's voice was very loud, and even without the Abyss's amplification magic, everyone could hear her very clearly.

"I've gathered you all here today to tell you something very, very important. I want you to know that I, too, have made serious mistakes!" Gylvia said loudly, making room for Cassandra standing behind her. "This lady is Cassandra, formerly the palace steward, responsible for my life and security. You may be wondering why this lady lost an arm. I want to tell you that the suffering she endured was all because of me!"

People were somewhat surprised at this point. Gylvia had gathered them together just to apologize? What mistake could she have made her so serious?

"Unlike what you usually see, I was very willful as a child. I often caused trouble, and Lady Cassandra was always the one to clean up my messes. Once, I took an unstable potion from the palace's alchemy laboratory, which caused a fire in the palace. To protect me, Cassandra locked me in a wardrobe, but she herself had nowhere to hide and was burned alive, losing half of her body, an arm, and an eye! I should have done my best to repay such a hero, but I didn't. I chose to forget this incident and everything Cassandra had done for me. In all these years, I haven't even said a single 'I'm sorry' to her."

Gylvia clapped her hands, and several soldiers hesitantly carried over a portable furnace, inside which burned a magical potion that could generate extremely high temperatures, from which blue smoke continuously billowed.

While people were amazed by what Gylvia had publicized, they were also puzzled by the fireplace.

What is the princess trying to do? Is she using this fireplace as payment to Cassandra?

Chapter 116 No More Escape

Cassandra had no idea what Gylvia was planning. Gylvia had only told Abyss and his group about her plans, and hadn't told anyone else. Before leaving the laboratory, Rebecca prepared a potion for Gylvia that could instantly generate high temperatures. Although the dosage was small, the heat it produced when ignited in the furnace was astonishing. Even the soldiers carrying the furnace had to use thick wooden sticks to prop it up, keeping themselves far away to avoid being burned.

Gylvia recounted in detail to the audience what had happened on that horrific day, leaving out every single detail she could still remember, and told everyone the complete story of the tragedy.

Gavial was an excellent orator, and the audience frowned at the tragedy that had occurred and were moved by Cassandra's sacrifice. Some even cast admiring glances at Cassandra. The people of Ossi were quite simple and honest, and didn't like to hide their opinions of others.

“Until yesterday, when Cassandra came here to deliver crucial intelligence to me, I saw her and realized I owed her a life and an apology.” Then, Gylvia’s tone shifted, her voice becoming low but still loud enough for everyone present to hear clearly, “Tell me, am I despicable? Am I selfish?”

No one dared to speak, but many nodded silently. After hearing Gylvia's account, everyone understood what had happened back then and how dishonorable her actions were. In the culture of the Osi people, ingratitude is a highly shameful act, extremely serious. If Gylvia were a warrior and her ingratitude were discovered, she might never be able to hold her head high again.

Within the Kingdom of Osi, those who gazed at the heavens were bewildered after hearing Givia's account. They were relieved to see that the princess hadn't died as rumored, but her actions left those who had always trusted Givia feeling betrayed. The princess hadn't upheld the ancient glory of Osi; she had committed the most despicable crime of ingratitude, and even her bold confession changed nothing.

“I admit, I’m a coward. I lost to fear. Because I was afraid, I tried to forget what happened back then, without considering how much Cassandra had sacrificed for me.” As she spoke, Gylvia took off her fur coat, revealing a sleeveless shirt underneath, showing her fair but not smooth arms.

Cassandra realized something was wrong and quickly said to Gylvia, "Your Highness, protecting you is my duty. Your Highness has never owed me anything... I have never hated you! Please understand the princess! She didn't intentionally try to forget that experience; she was young then and couldn't avoid fear..."

"Although I've already apologized privately, I still want to apologize to you again in front of everyone." Gylvia knelt down on one knee before Cassandra, bowing her head deeply. "Cassandra, I'm sorry!"

A commotion immediately rose in the crowd. A genuine princess was kneeling before a disabled, elderly commoner?

"She's putting on an act!" In the Kingdom of Osi, a nobleman pointed coldly at the image in the sky and said to those around him, "She must have been unable to hide it any longer, so she had to come forward and tell everyone, and then she hypocritically apologized to her maid. But who will pay for that old lady's life? Her life after becoming disabled must be very difficult. Who will take responsibility? The princess... no, the former princess's apology is worthless!"

Those around him nodded in agreement. Although this nobleman didn't care about the common people's lives at all, he was willing to play the role of a benevolent nobleman who cared about the people's plight if it could be used to attack the princess who was no longer of any use.

“What’s the use of an apology…” Some Ossi residents shook their heads after hearing these words. “If this is recorded in history, it will become a permanent disgrace to the royal family.”

Cassandra was terrified to be treated with such a kneeling posture by a princess in front of everyone. She reached out to help Gylvia up, but Gylvia, just like before in the laboratory, refused to get up.

Abyss and her group stood silently by, watching her do all this. Abyss was projecting the entire scene onto the screen with her magic, so that all the people of Ossi could see it. Flora and Leona stood silently in the crowd. Rebecca stood beside the furnace burning with potions, seemingly waiting for something.

“I know that an apology is useless. What Cassandra has lost over the years is something I can never get back.” After bowing her head to Cassandra for a long time, Gylvia finally stood up and continued to speak to the people, “Cassandra has forgiven me, but the people cannot forgive me. I am the princess of the Kingdom of Ossi and the leader of the Restoration Army. I should respect the honor of the Ossi people more than anyone else, but I have failed to do so. I know that my standing in the hearts of many of you has plummeted.”

Gylvia is right. Foreigners might not understand how serious this is; a princess makes a mistake, pays some money, apologizes, and is still a good princess. But in the eyes of the Ossi people, this is truly a sin that will make everyone despise them.

Whether commoners or nobles, the masses or soldiers, all wavered for a moment, unsure whether to continue their vow to fight to the death for Gylvia. Those nobles who opposed Gylvia seized the opportunity to mock and ridicule her, eager to see her humiliated and unable to lift her head.

"I don't expect you to respect me again, but I hope you can forgive me. I have violated the honor code of the Ossi people, so let me ask for your forgiveness in the way of an Ossi warrior!"

Suddenly, Gylvia made up her mind and walked with firm steps toward the furnace that was radiating high temperatures.

"Your Highness, what are you doing?" Cassandra was taken aback and tried to stop Jivia, but Jivia's steps were extremely firm. She herself was also a mid-level battle qi master, so how could Cassandra stop her?

Hena's eyes widened as she wondered how Gylvia planned to atone for her sins!

"This is your last chance. Are you really going to do this?" Rebecca asked, looking at Gavial, standing by the fireplace.

“I do. This is how we Ossi people ask for forgiveness. I will not run away from it anymore.” Gylvia nodded heavily.

Whether friend or foe, everyone in the Kingdom of Ossi was stunned, and they all realized what Givya was planning to do.

"Please, everyone in the Kingdom of Ossi, look at me and let me atone for my sins!"

Gylvia suddenly knelt on the ground and put her right arm directly into the furnace where the potion flames were still burning!

Squeak!

The sound of burning flesh could be clearly heard.

"Ugh!" Jivia's expression twisted instantly, the intense pain seeming to tear her soul apart!

Chapter 117 Blood Redemption

The culture of the Ossi people is not as advanced as that of the empire or the elves. The people of this country still retain some customs passed down from ancient times, some of which appear primitive and barbaric compared to those of other countries.

"Blood redemption" is one of these ancient customs. If an Osi warrior loses his honor because of cowardice or selfishness, he will be despised by everyone and can seek an opportunity to be forgiven by performing "blood redemption".

Blood atonement, in this context, means that the repentant warrior must endure the suffering inflicted upon those harmed by his dishonor. If the victim lost an eye, the warrior must gouge it out in public; if the victim lost a leg, the warrior must break his own leg, without screaming or weeping. Only in this way will the warrior be given a chance to start anew. If the majority of witnesses agree to restore his honor, he can once again hold his head high, and the past will be forgiven—of course, there is no second chance; blood atonement can only be performed once in a lifetime.

Now, what Givya is doing is "blood redemption".

No member of the royal family had ever done such a thing; the vast majority of blood redemptions occurred among the common people, carried out by ordinary citizens. As the most prestigious nobles in the Kingdom of Ossi, the royal family naturally could not possibly follow such a bloody method like the common people—moreover, the royal family could not admit that they were dishonorable; they had countless ways to justify their improper actions.

And in history, Gylvia is the first person to publicly admit to having done something ungrateful and to perform a blood oath on the spot.

The sound of burning flesh still echoed. Gylvia's face turned blue with intense pain, and sweat poured down her face. She trembled all over, swaying precariously, but her eyes remained fixed on the people below.

Cassandra, supported by Hena, wept, but did not approach Gylvia. This was a sacrifice Gylvia, as an Osiris, was making to redeem her honor, and no one had the right to stop her; otherwise, it would be an insult to Gylvia.

“You don’t need to worry, Ms. Cassandra.” At this moment, Rebecca walked to Cassandra’s side. “Her Highness will not be crippled because of this. I will try my best to save her arm and make it as functional as possible. But she voluntarily chose to go through the pain you went through, and none of us can change that. She is ready to face everything she once ran away from.”

“Thank you…” Cassandra sighed.

The fire in the furnace slowly died down. The amount of the burning potion that Rebecca had prepared for Gylvia was very limited, and it could no longer sustain the fire.

Gylvia's right arm had completely lost sensation. She was helped away from the furnace by Alva, who rushed up to her at that moment. Her arm was now charred and dried out, unrecognizable from the flames. In excruciating pain, Gylvia could no longer stand and relied entirely on Alva's support.

Flora, standing in the crowd, didn't use any pain-relieving magic on her. She had asked Gylvia earlier if she wanted pain-relieving magic applied afterward, but Gylvia firmly refused. Looking at the suffering Gylvia, she felt a pang of guilt but suppressed the urge to alleviate her pain.

Leona couldn't bear to watch any longer, and she dejectedly turned her gaze elsewhere. Gvia was already a friend to her, and she couldn't stand by and watch her friend suffer. The fact that she was refraining from smashing the furnace was already a tremendous effort on her part.

“Princess Gylvia has endured the suffering that Lady Cassandra endured, and all the people of Ossi are witnesses!” Rebecca stood beside Gylvia and spoke loudly to the people below in Ossi, “Are you willing to acknowledge the validity of Gylvia’s blood oath? Are you willing to restore Gylvia’s honor?”

The crowd remained silent for a long time before finally one person raised their hand and gave a thumbs-up.

Following this person's lead, others also extended their hands, giving a thumbs-up. This is a gesture of agreement.

At the same time, all the people of the Kingdom of Osi raised their hands in unison, and regardless of whether Givia could see them, they all pointed their thumbs up to the sky, silently indicating their agreement.

The nobles who had been mocking her just moments before were now stunned by the princess. No one had imagined that this princess, who had grown up pampered under the king's wing, would be willing to use such a method to regain the people's respect. It was the worst method, but… it seemed to be the only one. They looked around helplessly, loudly berating their lackeys who had involuntarily given them a thumbs-up, yet they felt utterly powerless.

Princess Gylvia, the first princess in the history of the Kingdom of Osi to use blood redemption, passed the test.

"She has completed her blood redemption. Now I will give her first aid to save her arm. Afterward, I will also create a new arm for Ms. Cassandra and repair her burn scars. Who agrees? Who objects?"

Rebecca asked loudly again.

"I agree!" someone immediately responded.

"I agree!" "Me too!" "Me too!"

People raised their hands. After the unexpected and shocking experience, everyone's reverence for the princess was rekindled.

A person who can bravely face their mistakes is far more trustworthy than someone who never makes mistakes! Because the latter must have used methods to cover up their mistakes, while the former is the true hero!

"I agree!"

Inside the Ossi Palace, soldiers were even shouting loudly, completely ignoring Kevin's order to be quiet.

Rebecca nodded immediately, took out several vials of potions from her small bag, and began to treat Gylvia's burns. The crowd below, watching Gylvia force a smile despite the pain, suddenly erupted in cheers.

"Your Highness! We will always follow you! Your Highness! We will always follow you!"

The entire Kingdom of Ossi erupted in jubilation, shouting Gylvia's name at the top of their lungs. At this moment, Kevin's strict laws were forgotten, and everyone's hope was rekindled.

We must follow the princess and reclaim the country! We must dethrone Kevin from the throne!

……

Kevin stood in his bedroom, listening to the soldiers outside shouting the names of his enemies. His face was grim, and he was about to order his men to kill the cheering men when he suddenly noticed that his skin had softened.

"This is……"