Crimson Overlord-Chapter 332: Nemesis’s Faction

Nestled amidst the sprawling cityscape, far from the opulent villa of Orpheus, stood another architectural marvel bathed in the cool glow of a starlit night. This was the residence of Themis, mother of the vengeful goddess Nemesis, and its very design spoke volumes about its enigmatic inhabitant.

Unlike the ostentatious grandeur of Orpheus’s abode, Themis’s villa exuded a quiet elegance. Its facade, constructed from pale, moonstone bricks, shimmered with an ethereal luminescence under the watchful gaze of the stars. The clean lines and geometric shapes hinted at a preoccupation with order and balance, a stark contrast to the chaotic energy that pulsed within the demon realm.

Instead of a grand, imposing entrance, a single, intricately carved doorway offered access to the villa’s interior. Above it, a frieze depicted not scenes of battle or conquest, as one might expect in a demon’s dwelling, but a celestial dance - the constellations swirling in a harmonious ballet.

The expansive gardens surrounding the villa weren’t a riot of colorful blooms, but a carefully curated haven of symmetry. Silver sand, reminiscent of a moonlit beach, crunched softly underfoot as one navigated the meticulously maintained paths. Instead of vibrant flowers, silvery-white shrubs and trees with leaves that resembled polished steel cast long, skeletal shadows under the starlight.

The air itself, unlike the oppressive atmosphere of the demon realm, held a strange stillness. It wasn’t the silence of emptiness, but a quiet hum of energy – a balanced stillness that mirrored the meticulous order of the villa and its surroundings.

The soft glow of moonlight filtered through the expansive windows of Themis’s villa, bathing the dining room in an ethereal silver light. Three figures, each as captivating as the moonlit landscape outside, sat around a sleek, obsidian table.

In the center sat Nemesis, the very essence of vengeance personified. Her golden hair, usually a fiery cascade, was pulled back tonight in a loose braid, a hint of vulnerability softening her usually fierce features. Her heterochromia eyes, usually blazing with righteous fury, held a thoughtful glint as she surveyed the table laden with an impressive feast.

Across from her sat Kaguya, the embodiment of moonlit serenity. Her long, raven hair flowed down her back like a waterfall, framing a face that held the calmness of a moonlit night. Her pale skin seemed to shimmer in the silver light, and her eyes, pools of deepest blue, held a wisdom that belied her youthful appearance.

To Nemesis’s right sat Luna, the playful spirit of dreams. Her short hair was a mess of playful curls, mirroring the whimsical nature she embodied. Her eyes, the color of amber, sparkled with mischief, and a mischievous grin tugged at the corners of her lips.

The air crackled with a comfortable energy, a stark contrast to the tension that often simmered between these powerful women. Tonight, however, a sense of camaraderie filled the room. The aroma of exotic spices and herbs, a testament to their combined culinary efforts, filled the air, whetting their appetites.

In the center of the table, a steaming pot of fragrant Thai curry sat nestled amongst an array of colorful dishes. There were glistening dumplings, delicate sushi rolls, and a platter of succulent grilled vegetables drizzled with a vibrant green sauce. Each dish, a reflection of their diverse backgrounds and culinary expertise, promised a symphony of flavors.

Nemesis reached for her chopsticks, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

"Well ladies," she declared, her voice softer than usual, "shall we break bread... or noodles, as the case may be?"

Kaguya, ever the picture of grace, picked up her chopsticks.

"Indeed," she replied, a serene smile gracing her features.

"Let us enjoy the fruits of our labor."

Luna, unable to contain her excitement, clapped her hands together.

"Finally! I’m starving!" she declared, already reaching for a glistening dumpling.

As they dug into the meal, conversation flowed like the moonlight streaming through the window. They discussed their lives, their frustrations, and their hopes for the future. Despite their differences, they found a sense of connection in their shared experiences as women of immense power navigating a complex world.

For a stolen moment, the weight of their destinies seemed to fade away. They were simply three friends, enjoying a delicious meal under the watchful gaze of the moon.

After finishing their meal and tidying up, they found themselves gathered in the cozy living room, indulging in the exquisite taste of matured wines. The unlikely bond between these three individuals was forged by the presence of a single man, Orpheus. Unable to resist his magnetic charm, they found themselves drawn to him, ultimately forming a unique alliance under the guidance of Nemesis. As Orpheus’s harem continued to expand, Nemesis took the initiative to establish her faction, solidifying their connection even further.

Persuading Luna to join her cause was a relatively simple task, as her lineage traced back to the prestigious Morningstar family. Being a descendant, Luna naturally gravitated towards Nemesis and willingly joined her faction. Convincing Kaguya, on the other hand, proved to be more challenging. As the crown princess and future empress, Kaguya possessed a strong-willed nature and was reluctant to yield to anyone’s influence. To win her over, Nemesis shared certain details, a mix of truth and fiction, highlighting Orpheus’s true intentions: targeting the Luxuria twins, Ella and Lily. Realizing the magnitude of the threat, Kaguya understood that she couldn’t face them alone and reluctantly accepted Nemesis’s proposal. Acknowledging their shared vulnerability, Kaguya reluctantly recognized Nemesis as the leader, understanding that her relationship with Orpheus was far more established than her recent involvement. Together, they formed a formidable alliance, united in their mission.

While Kaguya outwardly accepted Nemesis as the leader of their faction, she secretly harbored ambitions to control it herself in the future. She saw an opportunity to manipulate Luna, who appeared to be easily influenced and seeking approval from others. Kaguya intended to turn Luna into one of her own, someone who would be under her control within the Harem.

’’Fufu! That’d be cool indeed. I shall become the empress of this Harem and have everyone under me.’’