Novels by SEKIRO DIO

Besides crystal mines, Xiuwa also possessed dense natural forests.Every spring, the melting snow turned into rushing mountain waterfalls, creating a misty atmosphere. Flowers bloomed across the forests, and flocks of birds and beasts roamed freely. It was famous throughout the Empire for its beautiful scenery. In earlier years, many nobles had built villas in Xiuwa, bringing a period of prosperity. However, as public security steadily worsened, these were gradually forgotten and abandoned. Exquisite villas stood empty, velvet curtains gathered dust, and gorgeous sculptures kept company with birds.One spring day in the year 1885 of the Sier calendar, His Imperial Majesty had a sudden whim and designated Xiuwa as the location for the Royal Spring Hunting Gathering. The entire city became unprecedentedly busy.Butlers arriving from the Imperial Capital recruited a large number of hired hands. They decorated gardens, washed carpets, aired out duvets, polished silverware, and tried to re

The Imperial army placed great emphasis on lineage and powerful families. It was extremely difficult for commoners to be promoted, and most non-commissioned officers, seeing no hope for their future, focused their minds on gathering wealth and gambling. Very few, like Jones, remained dutiful despite their dissatisfaction. Officers of noble birth like Qin Luo, however, utilized their background, connections, and flexible minds to climb the ranks by any means necessary.　　Lin Yilan never firmly rejected Qin Luo's pursuit, but she didn't respond enthusiastically either. She would occasionally accept one out of several invitations, discussing casual topics. Qin Luo didn't show any eagerness for quick success, nor did he display the tactics of a playboy in front of her. He maintained a measured, patient, and polite demeanor, which actually made him harder to deal with. Perhaps due to being busy with work, Qin Luo hadn't appeared for a while recently, which actually made her breathe

Reason repeatedly issued warnings, yet her body succumbed uncontrollably.Lin Yilan never returned to the Imperial Capital again. She spent all her military leave in Xiuwa. The fleeting warmth made one linger, even if it was just the entanglement of desire.Feige opened up her body, teaching her everything bit by bit, indulging in joy with various positions, igniting every thrilling passion. He was extremely perceptive, always able to detect her subtlest needs, understanding her better than she understood herself. From such a man, she learned far more than just lovemaking.He was usually there when she knocked, and if occasionally absent, he would appear very quickly. Once, when she waited outside a bit longer, Feige began to teach her lock-picking techniques, getting various locks for demonstration and practice. Although she might not necessarily use it, she still learned very carefully, feeling it added a new point of interest.The long winter passed faster than expected. The invest

It felt as if they had returned to those days of convalescence.They each read their books, occasionally talking. The fire in the fireplace had not gone out, and the dancing heavy snow covered everything; the entire city was hibernating.Except for stewing soup and slicing bread, Feige wouldn't let her do anything, much less touch cold water. He had found some kind of dried plant leaves from somewhere and applied them to her frostbitten fingers, which soon returned to normal. Occasionally, with a soft click of the door, he would leave for a while, returning not long after covered in snowflakes, setting down a few sausages or a piece of mutton chop.Feige didn't talk much and rarely smiled, but he was very gentle with her.Gradually, their conversations increased. Feige described in detail how to avoid frostbite, how to maintain body temperature in severe weather, and told her various common sense things she never needed to know in the warm Imperial Capital. Lin Yilan knew she was very

It seemed a bit noisy outside the window, but Lin Yilan paid no attention and pushed the coin purse towards the steward.Fortunately, she had won a large sum when she challenged Dana in the army; otherwise, it would have been difficult to cover the cost of the Red Dragon Tooth.A loud crash reached her ears, sounding like something heavy being dismantled. Recognizing the direction, Lin Yilan's heart sank, and she followed the noise, rushing into the room at the end of the third floor.This was the sunniest room in the entire Duke's mansion. It hadn't been used for over a decade, maintained exactly as it was, locking away her most beautiful memories from before she was seven years old. Green curtains veiled the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the walls were inlaid with exquisite famous paintings. The bright space was filled with various plaster statues, and stacks of oil paintings were neatly piled by the wall. On the easel sat a half-finished landscape, the last work of the late Duchess

The Imperial Royal Military Academy of the Sear Empire presented an environment entirely devoid of military atmosphere.The academy had a very long history. Massive buildings made of red sandstone sat on green lawns, classically elegant and solemn, towering and upright. A giant bell hung in the Gothic-style tower, and exquisite rose windows reflected the sunlight, hiding history precipitated by time.Only the shouts carried by the wind faintly revealed the truth: this beautiful, enclosed academy was the cradle of the Empire's military and political talent. Only by graduating from here could one have the chance to rise to the upper echelons of the military; the graduation assessment would directly affect the starting point of one's career."Do you miss it?" The redhead held a bone china cup, blowing gently to cool it. A few loose curls framed her gorgeous face, her every glance filled with infinite charm.Lin Yilan smiled. "Staying at the school to torment these little guys is indeed q