Mysterious Visitor

Due to the impact of the meteor, a huge circular crater appeared in what was once a vast and lush forest, resembling a giant volcanic crater. The soil inside the crater had crystallized due to the intense heat.

Around the crater, the dense forest was leveled to the ground, revealing a scarred landscape stretching for kilometers. The raging fires had been extinguished, but sparks and wisps of smoke still rose faintly into the air.

In this catastrophic event, over five thousand northern tribesmen were obliterated in an instant, leaving not even ashes, as they were vaporized by the extreme heat. The few remnants who escaped were less than one-tenth of their original number.

Such is the power of Tengai Shinsei.

"Your Highness, most of the remnants of the northern tribes have been eradicated. The few who remain are fleeing north. Should we order a pursuit?" the guard captain, Ieyasu, asked as he knelt before her.

"No need," Kaguya waved her hand dismissively. "They're just ants. Letting them go won't change the outcome."

"Understood," Ieyasu replied. "Additionally, many commoners wish to see Your Highness to express their gratitude personally."

"That won't be necessary," Kaguya said, taking a sip of tea and sighing softly. "Tell them to go back. There's no need to thank me. In fact, it's because of me that they suffered such a calamity."

"That's not true," Ieyasu lifted his head and said earnestly. "It was you who rescued them, freeing them from Erik's tyrannical rule. You gave them a new life."

"Ieyasu, since when did you start flattering people? That's not like you," Kaguya chuckled.

"N-no, that's not it," the young captain blushed slightly, coughing. "I genuinely believe that."

"Alright, enough with the compliments," Kaguya said, suddenly recalling something. "Inform the Chief of Internal Affairs to allocate some funds for the villagers here. Also, go to Eric's house immediately and seize everything there to prevent it from being moved."

"Yes," Ieyasu replied, quickly departing to carry out the orders.

Watching Ieyasu's retreating figure, Kaguya fell into deep thought. The issues within her territory seemed more severe than she had imagined.

Not only were the officials corrupt and oppressive, but they also had their own armed forces and even colluded with the northern tribes, secretly supplying them with weapons and equipment.

If war were to break out, and these people collaborated with the northern tribes during intense battles, Kaguya's army would face enemies on both sides, creating significant problems for her.

After all, Kaguya couldn't use Tengai Shinsei every time. Though its attack power was formidable, its consumption was equally tremendous, and she would only resort to it in extreme circumstances. She needed to conserve some chakra to handle unexpected situations.

Using Tengai Shinsei this time was a calculated decision by Kaguya to showcase her immense power as a deterrent, warning those on the fence and those watching in secret to think twice before acting. As long as they didn't provoke her, Kaguya would not concern herself with them, but if they dared to challenge her, they should be prepared for a beating.

"Your Highness."

A sweet and melodious voice pulled Kaguya out of her contemplation. She turned her head to see Fal and another girl about her age standing nearby.

The girl was delicate and pretty, with features like a painting. She wore a light green dress, looking charming and cute. Kaguya was taken aback, recognizing her as the girl who had sought help earlier. Now clean and in new clothes, she appeared to be a budding beauty, surprising Kaguya.

She was shyly looking at Kaguya, and upon meeting her gaze, quickly lowered her head.

"What's the matter? Do you need something from me?" Kaguya asked, setting her teacup down and looking curious.

"Your Highness, could you take her in?" Fal ran over, looking at Kaguya with hopeful eyes.

"Why should I take her in?" Kaguya asked in surprise.

"Can't you?" Fal's face showed disappointment.

The little girl beside her trembled, biting her lip, her face pale.

"No, that's not what I meant," Kaguya quickly clarified, feeling a bit helpless. "I meant, how did she end up here? What about her parents?"

"Her parents were killed last night," Fal said softly.

The girl's large, beautiful eyes welled up with tears, as if she wanted to cry but held back.

"Oh, I see," Kaguya realized.

The conflict last night resulted in many casualties, with over a hundred villagers killed, leaving many families shattered. Among them were many children whose parents had been killed, leaving them homeless and destitute.

Kaguya pondered that expecting these children to survive independently was unrealistic. Those with relatives might be okay, but those without any support would struggle to survive the winter. Being in the north, winters were extremely harsh, with freezing temperatures.

The two little girls watched Kaguya nervously, looking pitiful as if awaiting a judge's verdict.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Kaguya smiled at their pitiful gazes. "Don't worry, I didn't say I'd kick her out. How about this, she can stay here and return to the palace with us."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Fal said happily, holding the girl's hand tightly as if they were sisters.

Suddenly, Kaguya's gaze sharpened, and she told Fal, "You two go on. I have some official business to attend to. Inform everyone else that no one is to approach my room without my command."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Watching the two girls walk away, Kaguya smiled slightly, turning her attention to the window. "Since you're here, why not come in?"

"I didn't expect Her Highness to hide such formidable power. Truly impressive."