“That Lesha…” Lan Gwen. When Nine recalled how Amon had shown interest in that Lesha, a heat flared in his chest as if he had swallowed something hot. If he went to the Pavilion of Lotus Blossoms, he would surely see that Lesha again. Just remembering that arrogant gaze — daring to receive Amon’s attention…

After traveling for thirty minutes, they arrived at the lake of the Grand Temple, located outside the First Tower Gate. It was so vast that it looked more like a sea than a lake. The lake was an important place for purification rituals, and according to the priests, like the river that crossed Trastasa, this…

However, when Nine firmly kept his lips shut and endured, Amon smiled. Soon, as he spread Nine’s trembling legs, Nine stared at Amon with wide eyes. It felt—though it couldn’t really be—that something the size of a fist was pressing there. Before he could even say, Wait a moment, the thick glans forced its way…

Saying that, Amon, unusually, fell into thought and looked back at the banquet hall. Muttering, “It’s a bit concerning,” Nine’s chest made a thumping sound. Amon’s golden eyes slowly narrowed, and after a blink, he turned his head again. His action seemed to show he had completely lost interest, so Nine could not ask further.…

Amon casually reached out and popped a small bird-shaped piece of gold into his mouth. Every time Nine heard the sound of gold being crushed between his teeth, he marveled anew. Nine had tried biting gold before, but it was far too hard for a human’s teeth. He had swallowed a pearl once—but it wasn’t…

Before Nine could respond, Popo had already gestured to summon the robe attendants. Banquets were a regular event in the Great Temple—there were monster hunt celebrations, seasonal festivals, feasts for the river’s blessing, and countless ceremonies to honor Amon and Nine… It was tedious, but Nine couldn’t exactly skip a banquet that Amon would attend.…

‘That was a strange thought.’ After all, Nine was the only one Amon seemed to find valuable—or at least, that’s how it appeared. Even while trying to comfort himself with this, Nine sometimes felt unbearably lonely and empty. He admired and loved Amon, but at times, terrifying and sinful emotions surged within him. The grand…

“Great and Almighty Sha Amon.” The moment Amon’s foot touched the ground, all humans—except for Nine—fell to their knees in reverence. Wherever his feet stepped, wherever his gaze swept, the air itself grew heavier. Beyond his near-perfect appearance, Amon exuded an overwhelming sense of power. Most humans feared him, and even Nine, who was closest…

“Sha, then how about this pomegranate ornament? It would look perfect with the waterbird-shaped collar.” “No.” “Shall we go with the poppy flower design, then?” “No, I don’t like it.” In the vast Trastasa, there were only two beings who could be addressed by the sacred and highest title—Sha. And when one such noble Sha…

“Lord Nine, are you not hot? Shall I ask the Holy of Holies to prepare some cool and sweet hwachae? If you leave now, it will be ready for you as soon as you arrive.” “No.” Nine gave an immediate refusal the moment Popo suggested it in her gentle voice, and he quickened his pace…