Published at 15th of January 2026 7:51 am

Chapter 1415: Ruled by Lust

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

Palace District.

This was Amberfall’s most controlled and heavily secured district. High stone walls separated it from the surrounding wards, with guarded gates that regulated all entry and exit.

Streets inside were wide, clean, and properly spaced, allowing clear lines of sight and rapid troop movement if needed.

The royal palace stood at the center of this district, surrounded by administrative buildings, noble estates, and diplomatic residences.

Only high-ranking officials, trusted nobles, foreign dignitaries, and sanctioned Magi were permitted to reside there. Patrols were frequent and disciplined, consisting of elite guards supported by Magi.

Yet, despite all the security measures, the enemy had still managed to infiltrate this district...

In an opulent manor nestled at the edge of this district, a secret meeting was being held by three Magi.

"I did not expect you to personally visit, my lord." A blond, middle-aged man dressed in lavish silk robes respectfully murmured.

This was Burne Ward, Count of Ignisra Kingdom, and also the owner of the manor. He was the head of a wealthy merchant house and someone considered to be a close associate of Prince Fireborne.

"I have my ways," A figure dressed in a black cloak replied in a hoarse voice. His appearance was hidden by the shadows of his hood.

As he replied, he stroked the amulet around his neck. This item was highly important to him as it was the only thing preventing his powerful presence from being known within the city.

After all, he was a Mana Core Magus from the Cult of Bones!

Count Ward’s gaze shifted to the emerald amulet barely visible underneath layers of clothes. He simply smiled in return. Then, he turned to the third figure sitting at the table.

"And who might this be?" He asked, his gaze subconsciously lingering on the figure’s ample bosom and voluptuous figure.

This woman had a head full of wavy chestnut hair, and her blue eyes sparkled with seduction. She smiled coquetishly and introduced herself:

"It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Count Ward. You may call me Leila."

The moment Burne Ward heard her melodious words and saw the smile on her beautiful face, his heart stirred. He couldn’t help but shift uncomfortably in his chair as he felt heated emotions raging in his heart.

Noticing this, Osbert the Mana Core-cultist cackled. "Leila is an Enchantress from Haynam. You should be able to figure out the rest."

Count Ward’s eyes flashed for a brief moment. It took all his willpower to divert his attention from Leila to the cultist.

"You mean the Prince..." he began.

"Precisely." Osbert nodded.

Marlow Fireborne was widely regarded as a shrewd trader and a capable diplomat. From a young age, he had been carefully groomed by his father, Maximillian Fireborne, to one day rule Ignisra.

He learned the language of coin and compromise early, mastering negotiation, court etiquette, and the subtle art of balancing rival interests. To the public eye, he was the ideal successor.

Yet, few knew the truth beneath that polished exterior...

Despite having a loving and beautiful wife, Marlow harbored a darker indulgence. Beneath layers of duty and discipline, he was ultimately a man ruled by lust.

In secret, far from the scrutiny of court and crown, he indulged in debauchery, pursuing excess with the same intensity he applied to politics.

Only a handful of people in the city were aware of Marlow’s hidden vice. Among them was Count Burne Ward. He was a merchant whose trade dealt not in spices or silk, but flesh.

He controlled the largest network of brothels in Amberfall, establishments that catered discreetly to nobles, officials, and those who could afford secrecy.

Count Ward, an agent of the Empire, knew Harlow well. In fact, he had spent decades trying to establish a close relationship with the Prince. To him, the heir’s weakness was neither scandalous nor unusual.

It was leverage.

And now, he planned to use the Prince’s flaw against himself. He understood the strategic importance Amberfall held in the eyes of the Sovereign Union.

By targeting the Fireborne royal family, the Haynam Empire and the Cult of Bones aimed to destabilize the city’s leadership. If the city’s trade collapsed, the economic shock would ripple through the Union, weakening it at a critical time.

In the past, the Empire and the Cult had attempted, on two separate occasions, to abduct Anna Fireborne, intending to use her as leverage against the Fireborne royal family. However, both attempts had failed.

And now, they had set their eyes on her brother, Marlow.

"So, an Enchantress, eh?" Count Ward turned to Leila, his eyes involuntarily scanning her tantalizing figure once again.

He then looked her in the eye and asked, "My Lady, do you have what it takes to sow seeds of discord in his mind? I must warn you, despite the Prince’s... lustful inclinations, he’s a man with a deep sense of loyalty to his family and the kingdom."

"Looks like being in a candid relationship with Marlow Fireborne has given you the audacity to question our methods," Osbert said with a cold chuckle.

"Of course, not, my lord!" Count Ward forced a smile. "I exist to serve the Empire."

A melodious giggle broke through the tense atmosphere. Leila looked at Burne Ward and said in an ethereal voice, "Rest assured, my dear Count, by the time I’m done with Marlow Fireborne, the undercurrents of Amberfall will have shifted in our favor."

Count Ward’s heart fluttered when he heard her speak his name. He wiped the sweat off his forehead and said:

"...I understand. What do you need me to do?"

"Find an appropriate time to introduce me to Marlow," said Leila with a charming smile. "You may introduce me as one of your whores. Or better yet... a new acquisition. A foreign courtesan meant to amuse a bored prince."

Count Ward gulped subconsciously. "I’ll see what I can do."

He then turned to Osbert and asked in a grave voice, "What about potential interference from the Union’s Magus stationed in the city. I’m not entirely certain, but I’m convinced they’ve secretly deployed a powerhouse to safeguard Amberfall."

Osbert waved his hand dismissively. "Let me worry about that."

***

At the same time that the plot was being hatched against the Fireborne royal family, a letter mysteriously appeared in Adam’s private quarters in a certain tavern.

Of course, he already knew who the sender was. In fact, he also knew who had dropped the letter. But he just pretended to be oblivious about it all.

Picking up the letter, he recognized the wax seal of House Quinn on the envelope. His lips curled into a knowing smile as he murmured:

"So they’ve made their move."

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