Chapitre 276: Go On A Killing Spree
Facing the Imperial Army, which was as disorderly as a pack of wolves, the elite Guards swiftly overwhelmed them. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Guards managed to completely defeat the Imperial Army, leaving corpses strewn across the battlefield and capturing hundreds of soldiers, even surpassing the total number of Kaguya's entire Guard.
"Your Highness, the Imperial Army prisoners have been captured. How should we deal with them?" A guard hurried to Kaguya's side, kneeling as he asked.
"Execute them on the spot," Kaguya replied absentmindedly, her clear eyes gazing into the distance.
"But…" the guard hesitated, "they are soldiers of the Imperial Army. If we kill them rashly…"
"Just do it," Kaguya waved dismissively. "Those who commit mistakes must be punished."
"Yes," the guard responded, no longer hesitating, and quickly turned to leave.
Shortly after, the prisoners led outside the village began to wail and cry out in despair. Realizing their fate, their screams echoed like the howls of ghosts, interspersed with pleas for mercy. However, the cries soon fell silent, and under the cold moonlight, the village exterior returned to silence.
"Your Highness," the guard returned swiftly, respectfully reporting, "six hundred seventy-eight prisoners have been executed."
"Very well," Kaguya nodded, "you did well."
"Additionally, we found many women in a room in the village, but they…" the guard hesitated.
"What about them?" Kaguya turned and asked softly.
"They were unclothed, showing signs of abuse, and…" the guard continued in a low voice, "they were likely drugged, their minds unclear."
"Drugged?" Kaguya frowned slightly, turning to face the guard, "Where are they? Lead the way."
"Yes."
They arrived at a dilapidated house, and as the guard opened the door, a foul stench assaulted their senses, making one nauseous. The room was crowded with naked women, their bodies covered in bruises, and the floor was in disarray, indicating the violations they had suffered.
The women lay in a stupor, eyes unfocused, drooling, as if they had lost all awareness, oblivious to the guards' calls.
Kaguya frowned, a cold glint flashing in her eyes. Without further inspection, she turned away and said softly, "Burn the house down."
The guard was taken aback, then quickly protested, "But these…"
"Do as I say."
"Yes."
Though puzzled, the guard, trusting the Princess completely, followed her orders. Firewood was stacked around the house, soaked in oil. A lit torch was thrown on, igniting a fierce blaze, sending smoke billowing into the sky.
No screams emerged from the house; only the crackling of burning wood could be heard, chillingly eerie.
Only Kaguya understood why this was necessary. The women had been drugged, their minds controlled, and there was no antidote. Even if they were rescued, they would remain alive but mindless, akin to death. In Kaguya's view, death was their release.
The house burned for over two hours, the fire gradually subsiding. The air was thick with an indescribable burnt smell, reminiscent of charred meat, inducing nausea.
In this calamity, most villagers had been slaughtered, leaving the village in ruins. Only those who had hidden well survived, but their village was devastated.
"Your Highness," a guard approached quickly, speaking softly, "the task is complete."
"Good." Kaguya nodded gently.
The Guard had buried the bodies of the Imperial soldiers and villagers to prevent disease. They also distributed food and money to the survivors to help them rebuild and endure the harsh winter.
This was all Kaguya could do.
The villagers, grateful to their savior, repeatedly expressed their thanks, many with tears in their eyes. The scene moved even the seasoned Guards, who felt a deep unease.
Kaguya, however, remained expressionless, her eyes lowered, lost in thought.
As the long night passed, dawn arrived. Under the morning star's light, the sky began to lighten in the east, the clouds tinged with pink.
Suddenly, a gentle beam of light spread from the horizon as the sun rose, its warmth gradually dispelling the night's chill.
"Gaode," Kaguya called, her clear eyes fixed on the rising sun.
"Yes, Your Highness." A tall, well-armed guard hurried over. This was Gaode.
Kaguya often found calling his name amusing, as it reminded her of Gaode maps. But Gaode was capable, smart, and loyal, which is why Kaguya had promoted him to second-in-command of the Guard, recognizing his talents.
"If you're ready, return to the Princess' palace," Kaguya instructed softly.
"What about you, Your Highness?" Gaode asked in surprise.
"I have some matters to attend to," Kaguya said, gazing at the distant clouds, "It might take one or two months."
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone