Chapter 1 Proto Empire, Early April

Northwestern Province, Milford Border Territory.

Accompanied by the tinkling of wind chimes, a light spring rain drifted down from the gray sky, covering every inch of Milford.

Two teams of knights in shining armor stood guard, their eyes firm and sharp, checking the identity of each person queuing to pass through the gates of Milford.

The path leading into the interior of Milford territory did not border the Kingdom of Aesthetylan, but was within the Proto Empire, a common trade route from other Proto city-states to the Milford border territory.

With the border control loopholes and routes pre-arranged by Earl Milford in communication with the Church of the Goddess of Fate, Hyperion had successfully infiltrated the territory of the Proto Empire, along with the Executioner, the Divine Official, and the Holy Knight.

After going around in a circle, they would now formally enter the inner city defense enchantment of the Milford border territory.

At this moment, Hyperion, waiting at the rear of the queue, looked like a young lady from a merchant family. Her smooth long hair gently cascaded over her shoulders, tied with a red ribbon, matched with a black fitted top and a red checkered skirt. Her lithe and classical elegance added a touch of mysterious charm, and her eyes contained an unspeakable shrewdness.

Every movement she made, whether raising her hand or instructing the attendants behind her, was full of authority and confidence, giving people a feeling of aloofness and inaccessibility, yet without losing the feminine softness and grace.

Born into a Duke's family, her noble temperament was natural, and coupled with her exquisite acting skills, there was not the slightest deviation between her and her current persona.

The three reliable sixth-order clerics had become her guards, escorting the goods in the rear. Through their performance, there was not a trace of clergy about them, and they even had a hint of social swagger.

The successful entry into the territory of the Proto Empire was inextricably linked to Earl Milford's internal disruption.

Earl Milford, the assistant of the Church of the Goddess of Fate, despite holding a high position in the empire, was also risking being caught by the Annihilation branch for his oversights.

"I really want to see that Mr. Wilford soon."

The thoughts of the three clerics were practically written on their faces.

After being separated for nearly half a year, they missed Mr. Wilford very much.

Just talking to him would make them feel the meaning of life, every second was real and fulfilling.

"..."

Hyperion glanced back at the three of them, saying nothing.

Seeing them being so infatuated with Lanche, she couldn't help but start worrying about Lanche as well.

She wondered how he was doing in the Proto Empire, two months after they got separated from Lanche, she hoped he was living a leisurely life in the south now.

After queuing for several tens of minutes, Hyperion and her guards finally arrived at the inspection checkpoint.

The knights in charge of the inspection were clearly wary of them, not only needing to check the legality of their goods, but also because they seemed too strong.

One of the knight guards, the captain wearing a red-feathered helmet, stepped forward: "Where do you come from? The Milford territory does not welcome outsiders."

In this period, the border city-states were all on high alert, preferring not to let them pass, they did not want to increase the hidden dangers in the city-state.

Hyperion prepared to explain, she had prepared rhetoric to deal with this situation.

But just as the atmosphere became tense, a figure walked out from the depths of the city gate.

He looked to be in his early forties, his expression stern, his jaw firm, his nose straight, his eyebrows neatly aligned, wearing a set of exquisite deep-red velvet robes, the Milford family's crest and gold decorations upon it.

"Captain, these are my guests."

Earl Milford's voice was steady, but not as harsh as his temperament.

The captain was clearly surprised, and then bowed: "As you command, Earl Milford."

Then, at the signal of Earl Nelson Milford, Hyperion and the three clerics, who had been released, came before Earl Milford.

Hyperion had not expected to see Earl Milford so soon, nor should the Earl have personally come to meet them into the city at this moment.

The Annihilation branch's priests had filled the Northwestern Province with their eyes and ears. The more Earl Milford moved, the easier it was to leave loopholes and attract the Annihilation branch's investigation.

Earl Milford said nothing.

He only motioned for them to follow the Earl's Mansion's carriages to the mansion before talking.

Hyperion and the clerics looked at each other, the Executioner, the Divine Official, and the Holy Knight all nodded, in their view, Earl Milford was trustworthy.

Immediately, they followed Earl Milford.

Entering Milford territory, onto the road paved with light-gray stone slabs, the huge city gate slowly closed behind them. Hyperion did not look back, but was still filled with nervousness about her journey into the empire.

Today, they had finally formally entered the territory of the Proto Empire.

And the road ahead, whether it was avoiding the Annihilation branch's investigation in the Northwestern Province, or the ascent to the Proto Royal Magic Academy in the Imperial Capital, or the final jailbreak plan, every step was extremely dangerous!

One wrong step and they would be doomed.

But this was also the test she needed to face, and the mission that must be completed.

As the Milford Earl family's carriages led the way through the city, the city-state showed its grandeur and splendor, the towering towers, the indestructible city walls, and the winding river, forming a majestic border city-state.

Through the car window, Hyperion could also clearly feel the tension and alertness of the citizens of Milford territory towards their current lives.

Before long, they arrived at the Milford Earl's Mansion located on the east side of the city-state.

The gates of the mansion were made of sturdy black oak, inlaid with copper rings and carvings. After entering, there was a path paved with cobblestones, with carefully trimmed low shrubs and cold-resistant plants on both sides.

Although it was not as cold here as the northern border of the empire, there were still occasional strong temperature drops in the early spring season.

A team of attendants wearing red livery came forward to take the luggage from Hyperion and the others. The four followed Earl Milford into this magnificent Milford Earl's family.

After entering the mansion, passing through the entrance garden and several corridors, they arrived at the parlor lounge. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high vaulted ceiling, emitting a warm glow that illuminated the entire room. Deep red velvet sofas and chairs were placed by a huge fireplace, the firewood crackling in the hearth, giving a long-lost feeling of peace of mind.

Until all the attendants were out of the hall, and a close confidant was guarding outside the door, Milford finally looked again at the visitors from the Kingdom of Aesthetylan.

"Please, sit down."

In contrast to these luxuries, the Earl seemed to have the same serious and cold face as always, but his reception seemed very simple and approachable.

"Thank you, Earl Milford, for your support of our church."

In the lounge, after taking her seat, Hyperion said to the Earl.

While other families in the Northwestern Province had a strong xenophobic attitude, Earl Milford and his family held a positive attitude towards foreign forces, willing to extend a helping hand to righteous people, creating such an opportunity was rare.

Although Earl Milford's performance today was a bit strange, as if he had lowered his vigilance against the biggest threat in the Northwestern Province—the Annihilation branch's claws, she was still willing to trust this Earl.

(End of this chapter)