THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

Chapter 107: Chapter 107: AWAKENINGS AND CONSEQUENCES

The female workers' quarter was dimly lit by the pale glow of moonlight filtering through tall, arched windows. Shadows flickered along the stone walls, cast by the soft glimmer of a few dying magic crystals scattered throughout the room. The vibrant colours of the once elaborate tapestries adorning the walls appeared muted in the moon's gentle light, their intricate patterns fading into the quiet gloom of the night.

The chamber, though spacious, carried an unmistakable air of loneliness. Narrow beds lined one side of the room, each one neatly made with deep crimson blankets folded at the foot. The dark wooden frames, though elegantly carved, showed the wear and tear of years of service. Above, the ceiling arched high into the shadows, creating a sense of vast, empty space that only deepened the room's silence.

In one distant corner stood a desk, cluttered with papers, quills, and a half-burnt candle—an echo of the workers' nightly routines. The heavy, intricately carved wooden door remained shut, offering a sense of privacy and seclusion from the rest of the estate. Nearby, shelves stocked with worn books, simple trinkets, and various tools gave a quiet testament to the workers' lives beyond their daily duties.

Normally, this room would be buzzing with the lively gossip of the female workers, their laughter filling the air with warmth. But tonight, a somber quiet had taken hold, the usual chaos replaced with palpable tension. The women stood gathered around two beds, worry etched into their faces. Shay and Vivian, two of their own, lay motionless, their bodies radiating a strange, otherworldly glow. Their breaths were shallow, their faces pale.

David entered, his presence immediately noticed by the workers. Two maids who had earlier rushed to fetch the headmaid now flanked him as he moved through the cluster of scantly dressed women. His sharp eyes ignored the shocked stares and startled gasps that followed him. He had no time to spare for formalities; his heart pounded with worry, the weight of the situation heavy on his chest.

Pushing his way through the gathered maids, David's eyes landed on the glowing forms of Shay and Vivian, lying side by side on the narrow beds. The eerie glow from their bodies pulsed softly, casting a strange, ethereal light around the room. His throat tightened at the sight of them.

Without hesitation, David knelt by the beds. His mind raced as he tried to piece together what was happening. The system had warned him of the sudden awakening, but the reality of seeing the two women in this state was overwhelming. He glanced over at the others, his expression firm and determined. He knew he couldn't afford to let fear or doubt cloud his mind.

"Everyone, step back," he commanded, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him.

The maids obediently moved away, their eyes filled with fear and confusion. David reached out, his fingers brushing the faint glow surrounding Shay and Vivian. The warmth of the light was unexpected, and he felt a pulse of energy surge through his fingertips. Whatever was happening to them was far beyond anything he had ever encountered before.

After a moment of careful thought, David made up his mind. The best course of action was to take both Vivian and Shay to the castle's infirmary, where the rogue saintess could examine them and hopefully explain what was happening. He also felt confident that Seraphina, being sharp and quick-witted, would come to the same conclusion and bring Katrina along. They would likely all meet at the infirmary.

As David approached the unconscious forms of Vivian and Shay, he paused. While he could carry them himself, he wanted to do it carefully and respectfully. The thought of dragging their bodies like sacks of grain didn't sit well with him. There had to be a better way.

Suddenly, an idea came to him. He recalled browsing through the system's store earlier and coming across a peculiar item that might be perfect for the task. Without wasting another second, David opened his status interface and navigated to the familiar "[Weapons & Armor]" section. Rows of high-grade, incredibly expensive items appeared before his eyes, as they always did—powerful relics and equipment that were beyond his reach.

He quickly

The Earl was the first to notice David's presence. He turned, his sharp eyes studying the young man with an air of amusement. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he approached. "Let me guess," the Earl said, his voice rich with a mix of curiosity and suspicion, "this incident involves you, doesn't it?"