Chapter 352: Way of Suffering 2
As the campfire crackled and the embers scattered, Atalia’s servant slipped a hand into her worn burlap pack. With fluid motion, she produced a small parcel wrapped tightly in cloth and peeled it open to reveal a collection of candies, glistening faintly against the firelight like polished gems.
Moving with bowed head, she began to distribute them—first to the children, then to the women, her demeanor humble, eyes lowered. The sweets, innocent in appearance, sparked joy in the little ones, momentarily lifting the heavy mood that hung over the camp like a storm cloud.
But those watching closely would notice something peculiar: she carried not one pouch of candy, but two. Her hands moved quickly and deftly, drawing confections from their respective wraps. Some received three pieces. Those who had their meals had only one. At first glance, it seemed random. But it wasn’t.
Luki, ever suspicious, narrowed his eyes.
"You there," he called, gesturing with a flick of his wrist. "What are you handing out?"
The servant approached calmly, stopping an arm’s length away from him. She offered a small handful of sweets with both hands, head bowed in deference.
"Just candies, sir," she said in a soft, respectful tone. "They won’t last more than a few days, so it’s better to give them away."
Luki eyed her, studying her figure, lingering with lewd intent. Her body was graceful, but her face—obscured by grime and acne scars—made him grimace. Still, he plucked a candy from her hand and popped it into his mouth.
Surprisingly, it was sweet... and delicious.
Satisfied, he reached for another. "Give the rest to the men," he ordered with a lazy wave of his hand.
The servant obeyed silently, moving among the soldiers with a lowered gaze. One by one, she handed out candies to the forty-seven guards still on duty. Not a single word. Not a single mistake.