Global Gods : Skill-Resonance Awakened Chapter 373 373: Ch 373 : Valuable Than The Empire

As the grand, elaborate doors to the empress's fresh domain parted wide, the Jade Empress steeled herself for the icy grip of a fortified chamber.

She anticipated rough stone barriers, soggy ground, and the wavering glow from mana lamps. Yet, when her magical bed floated across the entrance, her breath caught sharply, emerald eyes bulging in pure astonishment.

The chamber proved deceptive. The Veridian Palace's outer corridor hinted at a space maybe ten meters across, a humble yet majestic sleeping area. However, inside defied all reason of space.

Crossing the threshold wasn't stepping into a chamber; it was plunging into a pocket realm, a tiny universe all its own, vast enough to hold thousands without feeling cramped.

Beneath a crafted sky echoing endless dusk, a vista of stunning splendor stretched out.

Distant peaks topped with gleaming snow fed sparkling streams twisting through glowing forests alive with light.

The atmosphere brimmed with floral perfumes and far-off, harmonious cries from strange creatures.

At the core of this secluded paradise stood a palace of pristine marble and gold, dwarfing even the grandeur of the Empress's stronghold in the Jade Empire.

As the bed ventured deeper into the verdant expanse, a dizzying peace enveloped her. Not the sting of binding magic or the burden of a hex, but an eerie serenity.

It was like countless gentle palms massaging her temples, erasing the sharp edges of her terror.

Her pounding pulse eased, tense limbs loosened, and the choking dread from her seizure melted into foggy, euphoric void.

"What a truly blissful feeling," one younger maid breathed out, her stance softening amid the magical air.

The Jade Empress parted her lips to concur, compliments ready to spill, but her pride—the unyielding vanity of a ruler over a hundred thousand realms—sealed them tight.

She pressed her lips together, averting her eyes to conceal her surrender to the foe's haven comforts.

The chief maid spotted the Empress's rigid posture and gave a gentle, insightful snort.

"Do not fight it, Empress. This realm's legacy stretches back ages. Crafted millennia past by Demigod Anaske in his era, it served as haven for his harem, granting his spouses and lovers total tranquility. Every grass blade, breeze's feel, air's hum—all tuned for ultimate feminine ease."

The maid halted, bending closer as the bed neared the mansion's marble stairs.

"But after Demigod Anaske's rise to the City of Gods, his harem departed this mortal coil. The realm fell to King Anohara. Formally, this whole domain awaits his future harem. Perhaps..." Her tone dropped to a secretive murmur ringing clear in the Empress's ears. "Perhaps the King's evening call will prove... far more promising than you think."

A flush unrelated to warmth surged across the Empress's features. Her face scorched crimson with rage.

The hint struck like a whip's crack. Urge to escape surged wildly—to hide in shadows and fade—rather than serve as mere ornament for some lord.

"Does that mean..." she croaked, voice quivering, "that his present wives and concubines lurk within that dwelling? Will they jeer at me as latest trophy?"

"No," the head maid responded honestly, face growing grave. "King Anohara remains unwed. No concubines, no darlings, no hidden paramours. This realm has lain dormant since its sealing. I reckon we eleven mark the first lives treading this ground in ages."

Every syllable landed like a hammer strike. The mansion's hush turned menacing in her thoughts.

A monarch with barren harem hunted for origins, and she stood as prime captive ever confined here.

"Why is he not married?" the Empress queried, curiosity briefly eclipsing dread. "A sovereign of his rank... bloodline's extension is holy obligation. Why endanger trillions of realms by staying alone?"

"He ought to have married ages back," the head maid shared, like casual court chatter. "Yet His Majesty chases one vital aim. He shuns a queen till achieved. Some claim it's divine ascent to Godhood; others murmur it's ploy against parental match-making. Only the King truly knows."

The Empress scowled. "Why share this with me? Fear his fury not? In my realm, loose-lipped maids lost tongues to dogs."

The head maid emitted a breezy laugh. "Fear? None, Empress. These aren't crown mysteries. Were they, words wouldn't form. Royal Palace threads with old spells. Unauthorized ears hearing true empire lore? Recollection fades... gone like dawn's dew. If I speak it, it's trivial."

The remark crushed her resolve utterly. Jade Empire boasted spy webs and defenses, yet here reality policed whispers.

Chasm 'twixt her might and Cosmic Empire spanned candle flicker to zenith blaze.

With faux sun sinking past skyline and realm's moons igniting soft silver sheen, the Jade Empress lingered solitary in vast marble halls.

The ten attendants tucked her into lavish quarters then withdrew, abandoning her to oppressive quiet.

She reclined amid the enormous bed, emerald gaze pinned on entry. Each house groan, each gust through branches, jolted her.

Anohara's Static Suspension held firm; her mind caged in immobile flesh.

"Oh, God Emperor... what have I gotten myself into?" she murmured to void, voice faint specter.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The rap rang crisp, steady, chillingly courteous.

"Who is there?" she cried, knowing full well. None breached sans King's nod.

She awaited reply, maybe entry plea, yet portal eased open without sound.

"Old habits die hard," Anohara's voice arrived first, tired yet firm. "My mother instilled knocking for ladies' chambers. Permission? Unmentioned. As war captive, courtesies tilt uneven. Still, sorry for barging in."

Anohara entered. Heavy crown and robes shed, clad in plain white silk tunic.

Moonlight softened his youth, less dread lord, more night-owl academic. Eyes met hers, mirroring realm's silver gleam.

"You really do have remarkable eyes," Anohara noted with soft laugh, approaching. "I bet channeling mana through them now would spell my doom."

"How..." the Empress faltered, heart thundering. "Did you scan with Talent Appraisal Ball unconscious? That's how you spied my gift?"

"I need no such blunt devices," Anohara countered, drawing tall chair bedside and seating. "My vision pierces True Forms of my catches."

This near... pores visible, eyes' serene depths—her skin heated anew.

She hunted ruler's captive reflexes: plot his demise, beg swift end, brim with loathing. Yet none stirred.

'It's the spells,' she insisted inwardly, desperate. 'Room crafts false safety. Deception. Mind snare.'

"I told you I would answer your questions," Anohara stated, reclining, legs crossed. Tone assured, stripped of anticipated venom. "Your thoughts whirl in turmoil. Let's clear the fog step by step. Ask."

The Jade Empress hushed briefly, brain wrestling for first query. But bodily shame trumped intrigue.

"What is the point of this?" she spat, motioning feebly from frozen pose. "Why keep me in this... lifeless limbo? Claim my realm if craved. End me if desired. Why this farce?"

Anohara's grin unfolded languid, cryptic. "A fair question," he started. "But you see, Empress, a dead woman tells no secrets, and a free woman only tells lies. I keep you like this because I am waiting for something far more valuable than your territory."