My Girlfriends Are Hardcore Yanderes - Chapter 163

Chapter 163: Passage
As the boat floated smoothly across the still waters, the gentle rocking of the vessel matched their conversation.

He leaned back slightly, his eyes fixed on the distance as he spoke. “So, tell me more about Eryx. The place, the people… what should I expect?”

She didn’t hesitate. There was no need to hide her thoughts. After all, she wasn’t exactly attached to that place anymore.

The more he listened, the clearer it became just how complex and treacherous Eryx really was for outsiders. They soon shifted to discussing its secrecy.

“What makes it even harder,” her tone grew more serious. “is that Eryx isn’t easy to find. It’s hidden away in a place where it’s always night. The city itself has a way of hiding from those who aren’t meant to find it. It’s why it’s known as the City of Shadows.”

The name itself sounded heavy. His thoughts wandered for a moment, imagining a place perpetually cloaked in darkness, with its streets lit only by the faint glow of distant lights—just like the glowing motes that lit their way now.

“So how do people get in?” he asked, trying to grasp how something so hidden could function as a city at all.

“There is actually a portal that leads directly to it, but you’ll need permission and a special item to use it. Lucky for you, since I’m from there, I still hold the necessary rights, so it won’t be a problem.”

Asher nodded, recognizing the advantage of having her.

They continued their conversation to pass the time, the steady motion of the boat carrying them forward.

From time to time, they would pass other boats, their faint lanterns casting a soft glow that illuminated the silhouettes of the vessels as they silently cut through the water.

The sight of these boats—some small, some larger, all floating in the same silent procession—served as a reminder that they were drawing closer to their destination.

“Almost there,” she murmured.

True to her words, they soon reached a large dock.

Behind it, a town stretched out, its low buildings clustered together in a tight, orderly arrangement. The tallest structures barely reached the third floor, their wooden frames weathered by time, yet still standing strong against the elements.

The roofs of the houses were covered in a thin layer of moss, and the walls were adorned with glowing motes, small, pulsating lights that grew directly from the wood.

Lucia stepped off the boat first. He followed, his boots hitting the wood with a thud.

From their position, they could already see the hustle and bustle of the town. Beastkin of all kinds moved through the town—foxes, wolves, bears, and even more exotic creatures, their fur and markings as diverse as the goods they carried.

Some hurried through the streets, carrying baskets of fruits, vegetables. Others stayed at stalls, talking and haggling over the price of handmade jewelry, woven fabrics, or crates of fresh herbs.

“This place is more simple than I expected,” he muttered aloud. Compared to the grand, towering structures he had seen since arriving in this city, this one felt almost… ordinary.

Lucia glanced at him, her eyes flickering with a knowing look. “This is because it’s located within this ancient tree,” she explained, gesturing around them.

“To respect it, everyone mostly uses organic materials. There are some exceptions to this, but they’re rare.”

He absorbed her words, the puzzle pieces slowly falling into place.

“So, where are we headed from here?”

“First we have to go there,” she pointed toward a massive root that extended from the town upward.

“Alright, let’s not waste time,” he said, giving her a quick nod, his eyes already focused on the towering root ahead.

He expected to climb it manually, but instead, they walked toward what looked like a fortress.

Wooden walls stood tall, guarding whatever was inside. Towers rose at each corner, where guards were stationed, their eyes sharp and watchful.

Each guard wore leather armor, standing tall and alert, their postures rigid as they scanned the area, ready for any threat that might approach.

As soon as the guards caught sight of them, they immediately moved to open the door for her.

The heavy wooden doors creaked as they swung wide, allowing them to pass through.

“Principal Lucia, what brings you here?” a bearkin, clad in more impressive armor, questioned.

“I’m here on official business,” she declared with authority. “I need to speak with the Queen and gain access to the upper levels.”

The bearkin nodded, his eyes turning over to Asher for a moment before returning to her.

“Of course, Principal.” His gaze softened slightly as he addressed her. “If it’s you, we can make the arrangements. But… may I ask, who is this with you for safety purposes?”

“This is the new vice principal,” she introduced him.

The bearkin’s eyes widened at the mention of Asher’s title. He had received a letter from the queen herself, instructing him to treat Asher with more respect than even Lucia.

It was clear from the message just how much Nala favored him, and the realization made the bearkin straighten up, his posture and tone now even more respectful.

“I’m sorry for not recognizing someone of your status, Principal Asher Aurelius,” he murmured, his voice filled with reverence and respect.

Asher stood still for a moment, unsure of how to react. This wasn’t the first time he had been thrust into a position of authority without his full consent, but he could not just get used to it. He would have preferred to stay lowkey, avoiding any unnecessary attention.

Lucia, noticing his slight discomfort, gave him a brief, reassuring glance before turning back to the guard.

“We are in a hurry, so let us use the exclusive passage that directly leads to the Castle,” she ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument.

The bearkin was taken aback. The exclusive passage was reserved for royalty, and even Lucia couldn’t request it without special permission.

He opened his mouth to explain, but then his eyes landed on Asher, and this triggered the Queen’s instructions: to treat him as if he were royalty.

“Please come this way,” the bearkin said, gesturing with a friendly smile.

He led them closer to the thick, ancient root that towered above them.

Then, he reached out and placed his large, paw-like hand on the surface of the bark. He muttered a quiet incantation, low enough that anyone could barely make out the word.

For a moment, nothing happened. Then, with a low, almost imperceptible sound, the root vibrated a bit.

A section began to split open, revealing a small, circular chamber hidden within. It was so well-concealed by the surrounding wood that it looked like part of the natural structure of the root itself.

The chamber wasn’t large—barely enough space for the three of them to fit comfortably—but it was neatly furnished, a small, round table at the center surrounded by four chairs.

“Please take your seat,” the bearkin offered while standing beside the opening. He waited for them to settle before him. Such gestures were expected, a mark of respect.

After they settled down, Asher glanced around before asking, “Did the sorcerers before you build this?”

Lucia shook her head. “No, this was built by the dryads.”