October of the Sainted Year (First Civil Month)

It was difficult for Sylia not to get upset as she thought about Kirsten and Kullen. Those two self-righteous, judgmental men were thoroughly rotten. She had to admit, Kullen held the crown when it came to decay. A tiny sliver of Kirsten might still be redeemable but not enough to justify wasting her time.

She had left the nuisance in the care of her independent Division, Syl Celia, who had a taste for impossible tasks.

Sylia's concerns lay elsewhere. Namely with Kuschiel and Julend. The former had been far too forgiving of Kullen and Kirsten. As for the latter, he was still wrapped up in those ridiculous Pacts he had made with Tasha, both in his current life and the one before.

Trust a Turtle's child to fall for such a devious trap!

The boy was far too naïve. Sylia suspected Mathias had sent him to the Slums as a form of punishment, redemption, and lesson all in one. Mathias was always good at multitasking. And he was likely still furious, considering that his own Red Turtle had played a role in Julend's creation.

Sylia could already picture the little Turtle hiding away somewhere, sobbing in silence. Poor thing was probably terrified that Mathias's father would mock her or worse, change her color. Red Turtles tricked others. It was not supposed to happen the other way around.

The little Green Turtles, on the other hand, were made to be victims. They were the do-gooders, sometimes even a voice of conscience. At least, when they managed to get it right. They existed, primarily, to give Mathias's father and uncle a contrasting viewpoint… and occasionally a justification to torture someone truly wicked.

You see, those adorable little Turtles practically had "victim" written all over them. Very few evildoers and corrupted beings could resist hurting or even killing one. And in doing so, they handed the Great Masters and their children a perfect excuse to pass the time, first by tormenting, then eliminating the offender.

Sometimes, they even nudged the little Green Turtles to wander near a known villain's lair, guiding fate along when it helped cure their eternal boredom.

Just like the Great Masters, Sylia couldn't help but watch over the children of the Green Turtles.

So many dangers came for them.

Julend Klenzar was no exception.

Sylia had just spent time removing the latest threats to his life. And, it was becoming increasingly tedious. The boy was the son of none other than Tasha Bimal, who was vile, unrepentant, and evil. The woman treated him like an infant, even though he was grown man. She also constantly tried turning him against Sylia. All in vain.

Julend was actually much older than his official age. Decades older!

Sylia always laughed when she remembered he was supposed to be fifteen in religious years. Just barely of age.

Still, she pitied him. The young man had been forced to remain in the Slums, surrounded by the likes of Grenar Krevoski and Tasha Bimal, both of whom were likely plotting his demise.

And now Sylia found herself reduced to playing babysitter.

She hated that role, but there was no alternative.

If she didn't intervene, their children might. And their intervention would be cataclysmic. The best of the Green Turtles' descendants were infamous for that. Ending entire dimensions when they were hurt.

Now that Lord Schester had risen to power, the Green Turtles were about to receive a terrifying level of protection. Due to certain circumstances surrounding his birth, Schester was deeply committed to their safety.

We weren't talking here about Lord Chester. The same one who, not so long ago, had turned a Green Turtle Master into soup and various dishes. That particular Turtle had foolishly defended a wicked Lord who had not only gone after Chester's Chipmucks but had even eaten a few of Chester's precious children.

Sylia laughed, remembering her own Source's delight with Chester's solution. Yes, they belonged to the Dark Lord's lineage. If you were useless and, worse, hindering them, you became food. Nothing was wasted. Everything was recycled, one way or another.

Sylia recalled how, not long ago, she had to personally intervene to keep Julend safe from both Kullen and Kirsten. The two men had begun entertaining foolish ideas, no doubt aided by a few of their equally rotten relatives.

***

Kirsten Draviota could hardly breathe.

The woman standing before him was stunning beyond anything he had ever seen. Sylia and Syl Celia looked like garbage next to her. Truly. Like cheap leftovers someone forgot to throw out. He had rarely encountered anyone so beautiful.

(Damynshka)

Sylia frowned at him, and he schooled his expression at once—locking it down before she read too much.

He'd just been told the woman was related to Sylia. A Saint. She had come along with that strange, almost comically charming Saint everyone called "cute." If he remembered right, that one's name was Syhana. She had only visited the Slums a few times.

He hadn't expected to find the Saints standing outside the school when he came over to walk his stepbrother Jacoby and adoptive sister Piona home from their classes. Both of his siblings were attending the so-called Premium School—a name coined by the Slums residents, since the institution only accepted a handful of students it deemed worthy of its selective programs. Piona wasn't a regular student there but had been attending special sessions, like a few others from the other school—the bad one. The Slums couldn't exactly complain not after going so long without any school for the poor. They'd had no education system at all before the Saints and Master Mathias Herves decided to fund one. A few desperate families had tried pushing their children into the Premium School by force only to have them barred entirely from both schools. No one dared attempt that anymore. It was a take-it-or-leave-it deal.

Kirsten had always hated that about the Saints. Weren't they supposed to be benevolent? But he couldn't say anything. Neither could most people around here. Maybe one day benevolent Saints would show up—ones who acted the part. For now, they were stuck with pretenders, wearing their titles like masks, Saints with questionable behavior and plenty to hide.The beautiful Saint stood by a table near the Wall that had recently appeared beside the Premium school of the Slum.

His cousin Kullen was just as entranced by her as he was. This one, at last, was worthy of being Kirsten's woman, unlike the trash he'd been surrounded by until now. Women like Sylia and Syl Celia, who never missed a chance to lift their skirts and who were no better than common whores.

Sylia smiled at him, and his stomach dropped. He avoided her gaze, not wishing to feel any guilt at the moment.

The beautiful Saint hadn't addressed any of them yet. She was too busy interacting with the children—Pullina, Jimmy, and Piona in particular. Many stood close, watching in awe. A few, though, Piona included, looked hesitant.

The Saint's name, he'd learned from nearby murmurs, was Damynshka. A gorgeous name. A bit extravagant, but undeniably Noble.

Damynshka was demonstrating a new recipe for Pot-au-Feu. Her tone was calm and cultured, but warm.

"For this one, let's use carrots, shaved onions, cabbage, Potatoba, small potatoes, turnips, leeks, button mushrooms, a mixed herbs bouquet, a removable bay leaves and cloves pouch, Balzavel Rice & Plants wine, mutton meat, smoked pork belly cubes, just a bit of marinated sliced chicken meat, some instant Magic Beef & Poultry bone broth with vegetable bouillon, and of course some semi-vegetarian pork and poultry sausages.

Add some Blessed Soft Magical Salt, regular white salt, then a bit of black and white pepper.

Then finish with some melting pink and green berries.

Use some semi-vegetarian butter in the beginning, and finalize the preparation with a bit of Oil Elixir.

Cook with some slow and soft Mana fire.

Make sure to purify and filtrate the water, then add some Magic Minerals from the Mana rocks of the Heavenly Bears Flock.

Did you write everything down, Miladine?"

The blonde girl with soft ponytails nodded shyly as she scribbled.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

Damynshka turned to Pullina.

"How about you, Pullina?"

Pullina pursed her lips.

"I struggled with the last part. I don't think many could do that around here."

Kirsten silently agreed. That sort of thing was exactly what Mages and Alchemists were hired for.

"We can provide Magic Sygils." Damynshka offered.

Syhana placed her hands on her hips and shot her a look.

"I told you to keep it simple. Do you think everyone around here can get Blessed Soft Magical Salt? They can't even get their hands on regular Soft Magical Salt! And there's too much meat in that recipe. Remove the broths. The smoked pork belly's enough to flavor everything. Ditch the Balzavel wine and use Syrasgo wine. Everyone here knows how to make that. It's not hard with the right ingredients. Maybe I can even come up with something that fits this recipe better.

We'll also remove some of the vegetables. Those berries and the cooking pouch are banned. This isn't a Noble kitchen.

And what was that about Oil Elixir? Most people don't even know what that is. Mana fire? Purifying and mineral-filtering water? That's not happening either."

Jimmy jumped in the conversation, eyes bright.

"I kind of prefer the Lady's version. It's for the kids anyway, right? You're the one providing the ingredients, so it's fine. The adults can just have less. It doesn't bother us."

Pullina nodded, and a few others joined in. Sylia chuckled quietly.

Syhana sighed.

"I'd be the one providing it since I'm assigned to this area. I need to keep some of the meat and ingredients for my own family.

Mashynka, Miladine probably wrote only half the recipe down anyway. That's why I paired her with you. I knew she'd forget anything she didn't understand.

At least Pullina tried."

Miladine blushed and set down her pen with a pout. Syhana, noticing the sulky expression, stepped over and glanced at her notes then gasped.

"This is impossible. It's too well written. Too neat. Nothing was left out. Some things were even added. Who are you?" She narrowed her eyes. "You're way too cute, clean, and smart to be Jimmy's cousin. Even your dress is too polished. I thought that Bunny had just groomed you, but this is something else."

Jimmy looked over at his cousin, visibly worried.

Sylia chuckled. "That's one of my puppies. I had him take Miladine's place. He knows plenty about cooking. Jimmy's cousin wouldn't have sat still long enough. She's playing with the little ones in the back."

Syhana sighed. "I see… I'm sorry, puppy. This one's perfect for the Nobles."

The puppy, still in girl form, nodded politely.

Syhana frowned, still flipping through the pages. "But for the recipe variants… isn't White Phoenix Fire a bit much? And the hundred seventy meat types—really? Even with incorporation, that's excessive. I don't recognize many of the names. Some of these ingredients don't even exist in this world, I believe."

Damynshka leaned in and blinked at the writing. "I don't understand a thing this one wrote in some of the recipe's variants."

The puppy smiled.

Sylia laughed. "Then you finally understand how these kids feel. Those recipe's variants are for Mathias and a few select friends. You couldn't eat them—you're far too Mortal. Keep things simple. I like this recipe, but not for the Slums or lower Gentry quarters. We need something even the local cooks can replicate."

Just then, Kirsten approached with a smile. "I see you're all busy."

Sylia glanced at him like he was something stuck to her boot. Syl Celia had always been the gentler one. Kirsten held his ground and added, "I didn't know you had a relative like Lady Damynshka. Could you introduce us?"

Kullen was already staring at Damynshka with intense interest but his gaze drifted when another Saint stepped through a passage in the Wall. She carried a tray and was flanked by Bunnies and attendants holding various items. In a nearby corner, Julend crossed his arms and looked thoroughly disgusted.

Sylia gestured to Damynshka. "Oh right. This is my daughter Damynshka who was born over a decade ago. Her father's an untitled Noble in the City. She was raised in a Time-Dimension. She is full grown now, though still sheltered."

Both Kullen and Kirsten gaped, looking back and forth between the two women like they'd misheard.

Sylia then pointed at the other girl. "And this is Giledea, Julend's twelve-year-old daughter. She's not fully matured yet, but she grew fast since she was also raised in a Time-Dimension."

(Giledea)

Kullen swallowed hard and glanced at Julend, who still hadn't moved but now looked like he might stab someone for sport. He didn't need to utter any words. Kullen knew from experience that Julend preferred daggers to lectures.

The children suddenly erupted in cheers as Giledea pulled a full cooking pot from a Transport Device. Her Bunnies followed, unloading more items from their crystals and portable fields. The other Saint was quickly forgotten as the kids swarmed around Giledea, the daughter of the Slums.

Sylia raised her voice, smiling. "Gather up, children, but don't bother Giledea too much. She has to work. She made a meal for all of you. You can call the others too. We only gave you a light portion earlier to save room for this. Giledea brought provisions straight from the Galavyr Enclave—venison, rabbit, goat, some vegetarian and semi-vegetarian cheeses you've probably never tasted, and even rare fruits like Grapeyan."

Kullen stepped back, looking alarmed. Sylia puffed her chest proudly.

"I even asked her to bring some Galistrom and Beef steaks for everyone. We extracted most of the Mana from the first, so it's safe to eat. Still, a few of you probably won't be able to handle more than a small piece."

Her eyes narrowed on the men.

"Kullen, Kirsten, you're not needed here. Giledea will walk each child home. She's a Space Walker and I already gave her all their addresses. You two can go back to your little girlfriends. I don't want men like you anywhere near my daughters."

Julend nodded once, arms still tightly crossed.

Giledea smiled warmly at the gathered children, her presence immediately captivating them.

"Children, let's have with soft bread sandwiches and onion soup first." She said quietly.

"Then you can enjoy some dips and appetizers. I need you to form three lines so my attendants and Summons can serve you properly. We're setting tables and chairs both here and in the new courtyard. Pick whichever spot you like best. The courtyard near the Galim Wall has a buffet set up for the Gentry guests, but I think you'll be more comfortable staying here with us where we can guide you. If you wish samples from the buffet, ask my Bunnies and they will bring you some."

Kullen stared at her, then at Sylia. "You're inviting Gentry guests to the Slums? Is that even allowed?"

Giledea blinked. "Some are friends of my father."

Sylia cut in sharply. "That doesn't concern you, Kullen. Leave."

Kirsten frowned. "Since when do you have Gentry friends, Julend?"

Julend looked uncomfortable, glancing away. "I attended the Saints' Noble and Gentry School."

Kirsten gaped. He knew his sister had taken a few courses there but hadn't realized Julend had done the same.

"My sister would've told me. She didn't see you there."

"She did." Julend admitted. "But I asked her to keep it to herself. We weren't in the same classes or buildings anyway."

Sylia nodded. "Julend attends the higher-level Noble classes."

Kullen and Kirsten both shouted, "What?!"

Sylia sighed. "I suppose I should tell you, so you don't get any foolish ideas like Guler and end up like him. Julend isn't like you. His limitations come from a contract he has with Mathias Herves. He was granted a Blessed Device by the Celestym Bird, the Quiet White, Black and Green Turtle, and the Buirzmish Bunny. It allows him to divide once. The one you see here is a Division under the protection of some Spiritus who shield him while he moves around the Slums.

Julend is a Pre-Sainted Knight Candidate, with high level Sainted combat skills. His unrestricted power is at Duke-class Level."

Piona and Pullina gasped. Kullen and Kirsten stared at Julend who stood there calmly.

"His reasons for staying here are different from yours." Sylia went on. "He wants to protect the worthy in the Slums and his own family. Julend has another life elsewhere. Occasionally, his Divisions merge and live here, but that doesn't happen often. His official role is Guard to the Avatar Saint Mathias. He can't leave until his Master permits it."

Julend nodded silently.

Sylia shrugged, looking suddenly tired.

"You seem to be under certain delusions, Kirsten. I am no Saint. I am a True Avatar Saint. No one is more of a Saint than Mathias and me. No one can be considered more benevolent than I am. My Benevolence meets the standards of the Lords and Higher Spirits, so of course you wouldn't recognize it. If you think I'm fake, a pretender, someone lacking in benevolence, if you think we are not doing enough for the Slums and expect better from someone else, then you are likely already contaminated by Malevolence. And that will need to be cut from you and from Kullen, who we know has already developed many Malevolent parts."

Kullen trembled and glanced around, but was immediately seized by two Summoned Knights. He turned and saw a smiling armored man in the corner.

Sylia smiled.

"Meet my son. We brought his sister Damynshka as well. She has certain abilities. She reveals the inner rotten thoughts people normally hide."

Damynshka gave a grim smile. Julend uncrossed his arms, stunned. He clearly hadn't known. Then he spotted his son Deheshyr standing beside the armored man. Deheshyr was also wearing armor and stood next to his sister Defrina, who wore her Exorcist Monk-Priestess garb.

Julend stared.

"What are you both doing here?"

Defrina frowned.

"Relax. We didn't come to visit you. Your pacts have clearly clouded your mind again. Either they want that Goddess badly, or you're paying for past mistakes. We're here to exorcise some Malevolent Spiritus that have been wandering about. Several of Mother's Divisions are helping us. They wish to remain hidden. Probably from you."

Julend pressed his lips together. Sylia reached out and patted his hip to comfort him, but he pulled away.

"Please. This body must be fourteen. Even in religious years, it feels wrong. You still look like a teenager."

Sylia frowned and smacked his back.

"It's just more compressed. This is my fifty-year-old body."

Julend gasped. Deheshyr chuckled. "I guess you didn't know. She ages a hundred years into those willowy bodies. She's lucky with this form. Some of her higher aspects have much stricter codes. She'd have to wait a thousand years before appearing that grown. I heard it's because of her father. He likes seeing his children small again. Reminds him of his youth. Some Spirits told me his baby and toddler forms strike fear into even the worst monsters."

Sylia waved it off. "Never mind that. Kirsten, you serve as a Judge for humanity, alongside Kullen. Or at least, for part of humanity. You both criticize me, Mathias, and the other Saints for creating this school, or for not doing enough for the Slums. But you never find fault with the Province and Region Lords. Why is that?"

Kirsten shivered.

Sylia smiled. "I'm genuinely curious. They enslave you, drain you, suppress you—and that's fine by you. But Mathias and I are the ones who get blamed for not being benevolent enough. Just a few days ago, I learned that people have started saying we're making money off the Slums' Residents because the meat is more expensive. Do you know who said that first? Now many housewives are repeating it openly."

Kirsten glanced at Kullen and swallowed hard.

"I… we were just talking at a stall. I don't know where you heard that."

Sylia gave him a long look.

"One of Mathias's Spirits caught it. And since then, you haven't said a word about him. I'll let you guess why. Mathias has his own definition of Judge of humanity. We all do."

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