Alessa Ewings stood on the terrace of the living room, looking at the cobblestone street outside the wall.

Ever since those murderous vines blocked the city walls and gates, the entire Fire Seal City had become lifeless. Pedestrians and carriages on the streets became increasingly rare, and panic and despair spread in the silence.

She still hasn't gotten used to life in the College District. There are no canals, no noisy black markets, and no most comfortable watchtower in the city.

Every morning when she wakes up, she fantasizes that she still lives in the river fortress, that Varga Juvens is still alive, and that she has not become a miserable cripple. Those few seconds are so wonderful that she even forgets about her body.

pain.

Then she opened her eyes, forced herself to climb out of bed, and returned to the cold and cruel reality.

Dominate the Academy District…

This was never what she wanted.

After her father's death, everyone believed that she was the most suitable heir, even Will. Everyone expected her to inherit the title of "Duke of the Night" and take over the important task of reviving the family.

However, she kept failing.

You can do it, she told herself, you are his daughter.

There was a knock on the door behind me.

Alessa closed her eyes, rubbed her sore thighs, and then walked back to the living room. She sat firmly in the seat belonging to the Duchess of the Night, and then called the people outside the door to come in.

The younger brother opened the door and walked into the living room first. He was followed by Shireen Marron and her weird friends. I really don’t know how she did it. She was able to communicate with the tuner and the witch hunter.

become friends.

And the famous "source of trouble" Costa... his father has tried to recruit him many times, and even intended to marry him to Alessa. Now he appears in Shireen Marr as a protector

Lun's side, and his father was taken to the place of judgment by the goddess of the soul.

"Welcome everyone." She was silent for a moment, and then said, "In a period like this, the strength of each of you is crucial. Maybe some of you are worried that you can't make any decent contribution. I want you to promise

, everyone can get their own responsibilities. Next, I will meet with you one by one and explain the detailed arrangements. The remaining people please wait outside the door."

————

The first person to stay was Moira Leonardi. Facing the Duchess of the Night sitting in a high position, this young red-haired girl looked very nervous.

"You seem a little afraid of me." Alessa said calmly.

Moira nodded hesitantly, as if unsure whether this reaction was considered offensive.

"That is completely unnecessary, Miss Leonardi. You must have some misunderstanding about decent people, and I am willing to clarify it to you. We are not criminals who kill without blinking an eye, but just businessmen who respect the rules."

"Businessman?" Moira blinked in confusion.

"We provide services and ask for something in return, just like doing business. Merchants, bankers and city guards are doing the same thing. Are you afraid of them?"

"But they will not harm those who disobey them." Moira pointed out carefully, "nor will they force others to accept their services."

"I assure you, we decent people will not do that - at least the decent people who are loyal to the Juvents family will not do that. Harming ordinary civilians like you will not do us any good. Of course, we will occasionally use threats

Or intimidation, but most of the time it doesn’t need to be fulfilled.”

Moira looked at her doubtfully, but didn't speak.

"Well, it seems I can't change your opinion immediately." Alessa shrugged, "But you'd better put aside your fears and prejudices for the time being, because I have a task for you."

The red-haired girl straightened her posture and bravely raised her head, "What mission?"

Not bad, Alessa thought, this girl can understand priorities.

"I need you to convince the dean of the Institute of Truth to allow the students to leave the school building. Gang wars may break out at any time, and we must be prepared in advance, so we need to supplement talents in various fields-especially doctors and alchemists. I plan to

Set up a temporary field hospital near the central square."

"...The dean will never agree."

"Indeed, I failed to convince him." Alessa nodded, "I don't intend to force anyone on this matter. They must come voluntarily to complete the task better. So I need you - a

Students of Najin Academy - go and explain the stakes to Mr. Dean and let him understand the necessity of this matter. The Ewings family cannot protect the academy area alone."

"Okay, I'll give it a try." Moira said, "But I'm sorry, I can't make any guarantees..."

Alessa stared at her for a while, and the red-haired girl lowered her head.

"Go ahead and do your best," she said softly, "but remember, you are fighting to protect your home."

Will knew the way she spoke, the tone of voice that signaled the end of a conversation.

He stood up and said, "Come on, Miss Leonardi, I will accompany you out."

Moira accepted his invitation, and the two of them walked out the door together. After taking a few steps, the red-haired girl suddenly turned around. "Excuse me, do I need to keep this matter secret from others?" she asked nervously.

"Of course you can tell your friends, but please keep it secret from outsiders."

————

The second person she met was Costa de Messer, the famous "Trouble Son" and the man who almost became her fiancé. Fortunately, her father only mentioned this matter to her, otherwise this meeting would have been particularly awkward.

.

"Welcome, Mr. Messer." She tried to stay calm, "Please don't be so formal. I am not Mr. Varga Juvens."

"But you are his daughter."
Chapter completed!