Chapter 19: The Holy Maiden

“You did a great job.”

While eating dinner, the woman sitting opposite Mi Li suddenly spoke.

Mi Li, who was still nibbling on the bread, slowly stopped chewing, raised his eyes tremblingly, and looked at the other person in confusion.

Seraphina slowly cut off a small piece of perfectly grilled steak and put it into her mouth to savor it carefully. Then she gracefully put down her knife and fork and took a napkin to lightly wipe the oil stains on her lips.

“But you don’t seem to be hiding anything?”

“?” Mi Li blinked blankly, her face full of confusion.

What?

She didn’t hide anything…

“Hmph.” The woman intertwined her fingers, her lips curled up in an ambiguous arc, with a hint of amusement in her eyes, “But it doesn’t matter.”

It seems that this little thing really doesn’t understand anything.

Sometimes being silly is kind of cute.

Whatever.

Some things don’t need to be explained too clearly.

“Okay, let’s continue eating.” Seraphina picked up her fork again and fiddled with the remaining food on the plate. “I have something to tell you.”

Mi Li nodded obediently and continued to nibble on the bread in her hand.

“You have to know that freedom is of no use to you.” She tapped the edge of the porcelain plate lightly, her voice as flat as water:

“That is a luxury for the weak and self-consolation for the foolish. It will only lead people astray and ultimately to destruction…”

“True power comes from control, from making others work for you.”

“Instead of being frightened outside, it’s better to stay with me.”

“Only I can absolutely guarantee your safety.”

Seraphina paused for a moment, raised her eyes from the plate, and stared deeply at the rice grains: “Freedom is worthless.”

“But your value is enough to change the world. Do you understand?”

The girl froze while biting the bread and didn’t dare to respond.

“But I am a forgiving person,” Seraphina continued, her tone patronizing.

“In the future, if you want, you can also go to the private garden next to the palace. I will have someone clean it up. It’s up to you.”

When Mi Li heard this, her small nostrils twitched slightly, but she didn’t say anything.

She held her fork between her fingers and pointed out the bulletproof glass window:

“Of course, it will take some time to complete the construction of protective measures, otherwise the gray fog will corrode everything.”

“Until then, you can start some vegetable patches outside and grow something you’re good at.”

As she spoke, the woman held her chin with her hands, a hint of anticipation flashing in her eyes: “Maybe I can even cook for you with the vegetables you grow.”

Cook by yourself?

She couldn’t believe her ears.

This moody woman…

Can you cook?

Mi Li couldn’t help but think of the funny scene of Seraphina wearing an apron and frantically messing around in the kitchen.

But it was soon replaced by a deeper fear.

She had seen this kind of false tenderness too many times.

“Also, I have some other arrangements for you.” Seraphina stood up and walked to a nearby cupboard, from which she took out an exquisitely packaged box. “Construction of the Holy Maiden Temple has begun, and you may have to work there frequently in the future.”

Holy Maiden Palace…

Work……

Isn’t this just like a corporate s*ave punching in at work?

Still no salary…

Mi Li complained silently in her heart, with a slightly bitter look on her face.

“In a couple of days, I will personally take you to the towns under Aisenburg’s jurisdiction to show you around and let the people see their Saint.”

“You need to establish your image among the people. It’s not difficult. Evelyn will help you prepare the plan and manuscript. Just read it directly after you have done your homework. Don’t be afraid.”

“You need to let them know you, get to know you, believe in you, and support you…”

“This is crucial to the future stability and expansion of Eisenberg – and to me.”

Seraphina opened the box, revealing a snow-white robe of exquisite quality and extreme gorgeousness.

The silk fabric has a pearly sheen, and the body and seams are embroidered with intricate gold patterns.

The skirt is wide and layered, enough to drag on the ground, looking solemn and gorgeous.

Several strings of glittering gemstones were inlaid on the chest, emitting a soft glow under the light, like a divine robe from mythology…

“This is prepared for you – when you put it on, you will be the symbol of [Eisenburg] and the hope in the hearts of the people.” The woman stroked the fabric with her fingertips, her eyes full of satisfaction.

“…”

Mi Li looked at the gorgeous robe that almost swallowed her whole, and a wave of resistance surged in her heart.

She mustered up her courage and explained in a low voice:

“Um… I really didn’t create the oasis… That river valley was originally a good place…”

“Oh?” Seraphina smiled disdainfully.

“Then why have others been farming there for so many years, but are still only able to barely make ends meet?”

“And once you were there, the output increased several times?”

“I…” She opened her mouth, but didn’t know how to explain.

Seraphina threw her saint’s robe on the back of the chair and walked behind Mi Li:

“You are too modest, my little saint.”

The woman’s hand gently stroked Mi Li’s slender shoulders, her fingertips feeling the delicate skin underneath through the thin fabric, her movements filled with a heart-pounding intimacy.

“Do you know?” Seraphina leaned closer, pressed heavily on her back, and her warm breath sprayed on Mi Li’s ears.

“Only the strong have the right to speak.”

“Weak…” She gently stroked Mi Li’s cheek with her calloused fingertips.

“Can only be dominated…”

“Protected…” The woman lowered her voice, her fingers sliding down her cheek to her chin, pinching it gently to force Mi Li to look up at her.

“Being used.”

The girl trembled with shock and tried to break free, but was firmly held in the other person’s arms.

“You just need to remember this—” Seraphina’s gaze was as solid as substance, tightly grasping Mi Li’s trembling pupils. “From the moment you set foot in Eisenburg, your past and your wishes no longer have any meaning.”

“What matters is that you are mine now.”

“From now on, it can only be mine…”

She used her thumb to gently stroke the girl’s trembling lips: “The world outside is too dangerous. You will only be safe with me.”

“You know what? I never have this kind of… desire for anyone.”

“But you’re different. I don’t want you out of my sight…”

“Don’t… don’t do this…” Mi Li’s voice was filled with tears, and tears were welling up in her eyes.

“You haven’t finished eating yet.” Seraphina’s tone suddenly became stern. She grabbed her little hand and stuffed the breadstick back and forth into her little mouth. “Look at you, you’re as thin as a bamboo pole. This feels terrible…”

Before she finished speaking, her hands began to wander over the girl’s body again.

“Those ignorant people will go crazy for you and give you everything…”

“And you just need to stand there, accept their worship, and occasionally perform a miracle. That’s enough.”

“—Look, the world is so simple.” Her fingers restlessly circled Mi Li’s collarbone, feeling the tiny trembling of the little person beneath her, and a greedy light flashed in her heterochromatic eyes:

“The strong prey on the weak, and the winner is king.”

“When you possess the power they dream of, they will naturally prostrate themselves at your feet…”

Seraphina’s movements became more and more outrageous, leaving bright red marks on her neck.

The girl’s skin had recently become too fair and tender, leaving a mark even with a light puff. It was like a blooming red plum, so beautiful it was captivating…

“You are so adorable, and only you are so delicious…” The woman murmured softly, and took another bite on Mi Li’s collarbone, leaving a shallow tooth mark.

“Uuuu…?!”

Mi Li whimpered in pain, but her mouth was blocked and her body trembled uncontrollably.

“Be good, keep eating.”