Chapter 8: Underhanded Schemes

Lin Yilan put on her military cap and was about to leave when Dana pulled aside the prostitute, calling her to raise her glass. "I’m sorry, I apologize, I was excessive, I won’t provoke you again in the future"

Lin Yilan did not continue reading and ordered another drink. She did not want to go home, but had no other place to go besides the camp. After having another drink to calm her emotions, she would still have to set off on her way back.

The prostitute beside her laughed gaily, exchanging a triumphant glance with Dana

Every city has beggars, and in Xiuwa, most of them are disabled miners. To extract the crystal mines essential for the empire, they risk their lives by entering the deep shafts of the earth to mine, often encountering unstable crystal explosions. After losing their limbs, they have no choice but to survive by begging

"Sir, I want the second one," shouted a soldier, rubbing his bruised arm.

Burning at the stake, the most severe punishment for death row inmates in the Kingdom of Sear, is also a scene frequently witnessed in the central square of Xiuwa.

"Then let's have a drink, and let bygones be bygones." Dana smiled and snapped her fingers, signaling the bartender for another drink.

The sudden display of goodwill is cautionary, and Lin Yilan remained silent

The base is not far from the city, and many soldiers linger in the city after completing their tasks, reluctant to return to the monotonous barracks. It is a rare opportunity to indulge for half a day, and as long as they make it back in time for the evening roll call, the commanding officer usually turns a blind eye.

"What would you like to drink? It's on me." A silver coin was tossed into the bartender's hand, and Dana fixed her gaze firmly on her face

"Or find a place to rest for a while, and return to the base later," Anji kindly suggested

She is a member of the military, but it's a case of dog-eat-dog; there is no need to save her. Have you changed your nature?" asked the companion who followed, puzzled. "Is it because this woman is beautiful?"

The green-eyed individual cast a cold glance and placed the money for the drinks on the table

It is inappropriate for a woman to visit a bar alone, but the military uniform provides an invisible barrier

What a coincidence, you are here as well

Adjusting her military cap, Lin Yilan glanced at the sky. Groups of people gradually gathered around the platform in the square. On the platform stood a solitary iron pillar, beneath which was piled high with firewood. An unusual silence enveloped the surroundings, creating an atmosphere that was oppressive and somber

In order to alleviate the burdensome collection orders, they incited a miners' strike, which in turn sparked unrest involving half the city, ultimately quelled only by the forcible suppression of an infantry battalion

As the hand was about to reach out, Lin Yilan took a step back. "Hello, officer"

The advice had no effect; as the man moved, the woman on Dana's shoulder was snatched away, causing her to feel a surge of anger

The tradition of using fire to purge sins is primitive and barbaric, characterized by violent cruelty; however, it continues to be employed repeatedly due to its powerful deterrent effect and its ability to inflict endless suffering on the condemned

The various acts of the military, known for their brutality and lack of morality, are widely recognized. Their special status further garners favoritism from the security forces, causing civilians to keep their distance. Despite the allure of beauty and the lingering, covetous gazes, no one dares to approach and initiate a conversation.

What is going on? A companion followed the man, and upon hearing the shout, he glanced over and understood part of the situation. He patted his friend's shoulder and said, "Don't get involved"

The stacked firewood formed a wall half the height of a person, isolating the stake from the crowd

The streets were crowded with onlookers, whispering to each other about the disheveled death row inmate; a woman with red-rimmed eyes fixated on a particular inmate, stifling her sobs; behind every street-facing window, there were people watching, and a sense of despair enveloped the entire city

The battered death row inmate is one of several miners and also the leader of the Shewa underground rebellion organization

She detests this extremely cruel punishment, yet it is unavoidable

The scent of powder suddenly intensified, as a courtesan threw herself into Dana's embrace, which he welcomed with an outstretched arm. The woman, in her lascivious allure, used her voluptuous figure as a shield. As Dana's hand moved, half a cup of wine on the table fell into a handful of powder, swiftly dissolving into nothingness

The resounding chimes of the bell echoed from the clock tower, as a group of barefoot prisoners were marched onto the street, heavy ropes bound tightly around their necks, their securely tied hands filled with bright red candle wax, symbolizing unforgivable crimes, while armed guards accompanied them, parading along the long street

The chaotic bar was almost entirely filled with men, with the occasional presence of barmaids and prostitutes weaving through the crowd, exchanging vulgar jokes and laughing loudly in a provocative manner. Noticing her gaze, a brazen prostitute looked over and made an indecent gesture, provoking a burst of raucous laughter from those around.

The bar was large, and after taking no more than ten steps through the crowded throng, Lin Yilan felt her footing slip, and the scene before her suddenly became blurred. Sensing that something was amiss, a chill ran through her heart. No longer wasting time looking back, she pushed through the crowd and rushed toward the exit

The man threw the unconscious woman to his partner, who caught her and began to fight with Dana. In just a few moves, he subdued Dana's offensive, forcing him to retreat repeatedly. As Dana, unable to withstand the pressure, was about to draw his gun, a sharp dagger pressed against his throat, drawing a line of blood.

Lin Yilan silently walked away after placing a few coins in the bowl of the blind beggar who had lost both arms, as the hoarse singing voice drifted in the wind. The pedestrians on the street hurried by, already accustomed to this numbing scene.

The military captured the leader of the rebel organization based on the informant's report. Torture yielded not a single clue from the prisoner, yet it provoked repeated attempts by accomplices to rescue him, with the arson at the city hall being one such incident. After the secret detention and interrogation, the judge publicly sentenced him to be burned at the stake, and no one could guarantee whether the insurgents would create further disturbances.

The bar door swung open, and a group of people entered, becoming increasingly noisy.

The prisoner is heavily shackled to an iron pillar, awaiting a ritualistic judgment. The judge, adorned with a silver wig, reads the verdict, loudly proclaiming each charge against the condemned.

The lively noise gradually subsided. Her slender fingertips traced the rim of the transparent glass, as the fiery liquid flowed down her throat, warming her cold body. It was inappropriate to drink too heavily, but this allowed her to feel a bit better. The taste of the alcohol suppressed the discomfort at the back of her tongue

The man cast a faint glance. "I owe her a favor."

No need, I am just about to leave. Wishing you a pleasant day, Officer." Lin Yilan firmly declined.

Lin Yilan pondered for a moment, raised the unfinished wine glass, and drank it all in one go. She set down the cup and turned to leave.

Despite the remote location and the inability to see the scene of the punishment, she could not help but tremble, quietly retreating to avoid her subordinates and slipping into a dark alley. The acrid smell made her uncontrollably vomit, until only clear liquid remained in her stomach.

I have other matters to attend to, please forgive me, sir

I was kicked hard by her; the second one should be me. Another soldier spoke up to contest.

Daina caressed the unconscious woman's face, the tender touch making his heart bloom with joy. "I am not lying to you; after this night, it will be you who comes to find me."

The door of the noisy bar swung open, and a young woman in military uniform entered

Uncertain how much time had passed, the pervasive scent gradually faded. Lin Yilan wiped her face and forced herself to return to her original spot. Everyone's attention was captivated by the execution, and no one noticed her unusual behavior. After a long wait, she finally saw the mayor and the nobles leave, the crowd dispersed, and only a few charred remains were left on the empty iron pillar

"Last time I let you have it, this time it's your turn..."

In the past, the verdict was the climax of the ceremony, with each sentence eliciting waves of cheers; however, the response at this moment was one of silence. The unprecedented stillness brought about pressure, causing the judge to involuntarily quicken his pace, hastily concluding the announcement of the verdict

As Dana walked in after catching the thrown keys, a man suddenly appeared in front of her. The man, who had originally been at the bar entrance, had somehow blocked the passage. Dana scolded him displeasedly, "Get out of the way!"

The bar was silent for a moment in the afternoon, as a woman approached the counter and whispered something to the bartender. In an instant, a glass of liquor was pushed in front of her. She picked it up and took a sip, her fragrant lips pursing slightly, causing the hearts of the men gathered around the bar to skip a beat

Lin Yilan stood at the edge of the square, watching the parade as it circled the city and returned to the starting point. The municipal hall, directly facing the stake, was heavily guarded, with nobles and the upper echelons of Xiuwa City observing from the third-floor balcony. The identity of the prisoner was quite special; even a simple execution by fire had mobilized the infantry battalion for crowd control.

The man who was bumped into by her had just entered the bar, but no one paid him any attention. The noisy environment fell silent, and everyone turned to look at the woman who had collapsed.

The sound of Dana's cheers seemed to reach the ears, while soldiers surrounded the path, laughing and joking with the courtesans. One soldier fell down, another soldier groaned in pain and stepped back, followed by a third, a fourth...

Lin Yilan's face was pale to the point of being translucent, her heart racing uncontrollably, and her back felt icy cold

Is it not possible for you to have a drink with me

The uniform of a single color drew attention, and Dana, surrounded by subordinates, cast a glance that unexpectedly sparked a smile. He embraced a prostitute approaching him, kissed her, patted her on the ample hips, then pushed her away and squeezed over to the bar.

Sadness and anger permeate the crowd. In a city where half of the populace are miners, many feel sympathy for this failed uprising, yet are unwilling to accept it. The crowd harbors hatred for informers and hostility towards the nobility, yet under the oppressive atmosphere, they find themselves unable to resist, enduring a painful wait for the arrival of the pyre as if in a ritual of mourning

Lin Yilan held onto her damp, cold hand. "I have a bit of a headache"

"You owe her?" The unexpected answer piqued the curiosity of the companions, and their tone became more intense. "Do you know her? What on earth did you do to get involved with the military..."

The boat-shaped military cap rests on her hairline, her beautiful face somewhat pale, and her graceful figure is wrapped in the uniform, exuding a unique charm that blends allure with heroism.

"Sir, you look unwell," Anji whispered after leaving the central square

The firewood soaked in oil ignites easily, and the flames rise rapidly under the swirling wind, producing choking thick smoke. The temperature continues to rise, and the convict's clothes begin to catch fire. With their mouth stuffed with rags, they find it difficult to cry out, and only their contorted face reveals the excruciating pain. The fierce flames lick at the body, and the smell of charred flesh permeates the entire square

"So cold, did you get demoted to Xiuwa for refusing to sleep with your boss in Del?" Dana's flippant inquiry, devoid of any pretense, only intensified the desire. "What are you pretending to be serious for? Are you still a virgin?"

"I don't recognize it." "Men leave no room for imagination." "You can be quiet now."

Indeed, the joy of being trusted made Anji's face flush slightly, and as her military boots touched the ground, she rendered a standard military salute

Lin Yilan truly did not want to return to the base and let her emotions run free for a moment. "You take them back. The lieutenant has approved my leave, and I will leave everything to you for the next few days. Report any matters to the lieutenant."

Caught off guard, she broke through a path, and upon reaching the door, everything became indistinct. The bright light seemed like a vortex, lifting her soul. She stumbled into someone and fell, the door closed again, and hope faded away. Her fingertips tried to grasp something but were powerless, and in an instant, she lost consciousness

Other soldiers who knew the machine did not come over, instead, they were joking at the other end of the bar. The gathered soldiers attracted more prostitutes, and the mingling of alcohol, sweat, and cheap perfume made the air stifling.

The long procession should also include the nobles of the city and informants, who typically wear white robes and are at the forefront receiving the adoration and cheers of the crowd. However, this time they are collectively absent. Unlike the festive execution scenes of the past, if they dared to appear at this moment, they would likely be torn to pieces by the rioting crowd

The heated debate and clamor continued unabated, as Dana hoisted her supple body onto her shoulder and called out to the bartender amidst the soldiers' commotion. "One room, as usual."

The military cap has fallen, short hair disheveled against the cheek, the body lying sideways presents an alluring curve, the pale face appears delicate and fragile, completely unrecognizable as the one who defeated six soldiers.

The soldiers surrounding them froze in place. Before they could react, the man swiftly turned the blade, striking the hilt to knock Dana unconscious. With a few more swift moves, he dealt with the remaining soldiers, took the woman from his friend's hands, and walked out of the dimly lit bar