Three years later, in the Spirit Hall Empire, the old Star Luo capital.
In three years, the Star Luo Empire had become a thing of the past. Though the Star Luo City of today was still called Star Luo City, it was no longer truly a city.
A ferry carried the former nobles of the Star Luo Empire away from Star Luo City, heading north with the current toward the present center of the continent, Spirit City.
A young girl leaned against the railing and gazed out at Star Luo City as it grew farther and farther away. A surge of sorrow welled up uncontrollably in her heart, and her eyes gradually became dazed.
"His Grace has gone too far. Even though the empire has fallen, Miss, you were still once a duke's daughter. You don't even know what that bishop looks like, yet His Grace has betrothed you to him—and as a concubine, no less."
Beside the girl, a woman dressed as a maid said indignantly:
"Isn't he just a cardinal? Who knows how old he is? When the empire still existed, how would these people have dared act like this?!"
Hearing this, the girl sighed softly and gave a bitter smile.
"Qing'er, you don't understand. When the nest is overturned, how can any egg remain intact?"
"Once the empire was defeated, those of us who depended on it could only be slaughtered at others' mercy. Father betrothed me to that cardinal to preserve the family. As the daughter of the family head, I once enjoyed fine clothes and lavish food, so I ought to shoulder the responsibility of carrying on the family."
"Even if that cardinal is so old he can't move, I still have to serve him well and hope he shows great mercy by helping Father