Chapter 314

Chapter 314 Good Things and the Darkness Within The young lady responded nonchalantly. “Everyone is dressing like this today, and I’m not the only one.”

With that, she turned around and walked away, expressing her frustration to her friend. “It’s truly absurd,” she complained. “There’s such a variety of people here. I should have the freedom to dress as I please and wear what I like without anyone else minding. It’s a shame that people can be so judgmental about others‘ clothing choices.”

Her friend agreed, ‘Absolutely. I’ve encountered many narrow–minded individuals like that before who fail to grasp our hobbies. But to think that even a child would be like this… it’s truly saddening. It’s unfortunate that she’s been influenced by adults in such a way. Oh well…”

Their complaints gradually dissipated as they moved on.

Lilly, refusing to accept the situation, exclaimed with determination, “But this is the Olivine Temple, the place where Olivine the Great and the soldiers fought bravely in the past!”

The passer–by paused, surprised by Lilly’s outburst, and exchanged puzzled glances with the two girls.

The two girls blushed and expressed their frustration, saying, “Please don’t let morality control us, alright? Today is the Summer Doll Exhibition, and we’re all here based on our hobbies. It’s just a matter of personal preference within our small circle. Why should it be elevated to such a moral level?!”

Another person chimed in, saying, “Wearing what you like doesn’t violate any laws. Today, everyone is dressed in the clothes they enjoy. It’s fine if you don’t like it, but can you respect different cultures and choices?”

The crowd around them began to speak up, with many voices supporting the individuals in their community.

“Liking something is not a sin! Everyone should have the freedom to pursue their own preferences!”

“Please refrain from imposing your rigid beliefs on us. Don’t try to control us with your narrow–minded!

thinking!”

The young people in various costumes were taken aback by Anthony’s words.

Anthony continued in a firm tone, “Respecting different cultures and expressing oneself through fashion is important, but we should also be mindful of the significance and history of certain places. This is Olivine Temple Square, a place where heroes sacrificed their lives for the city’s protection. It is a matter of respect and sensitivity to dress appropriately in such a location.”

His words resonated with some of the young people, who started to reconsider their choice of attire in this particular setting.

Josh interjected, saying, “Wearing the clothes of our enemies is like dancing on their graves. It doesn’t feel right.”

A sense of unease spread among the group as they exchanged glances.

Realizing that the argument was leading nowhere, someone suggested, “Let’s not argue with them. It’s better to avoid conflict and not let it ruin our mood.”

Another person chimed in, frustrated, “I woke up at four this morning to get ready… It’s really disheartening to hear such comments.”

“It doesn’t mean that I’m not patriotic if I wear this dress,”

They parted while talking.

Lilly looked at these people, and asked in a muffled voice. “Uncle Anthony, don’t they think it’s wrong to do so?”

Anthony picked her up and said lightly. “If they feel that it’s wrong, they wouldn’t come here dressed like this.”

The enemy was cunning and their invasion had never stopped. There were a few individuals in Dudroinia who have been successfully infiltrated.

While there was nothing inherently wrong with appreciating different cultures, subcultures, personal preferences, and the like, it was important not to forget the reasons why one could enjoy such things from the safety of their home.

Lilly lay on Anthony’s body sullenly.

Pablo crossed his arms, originally intending to forbid her from coming, but to his surprise, she arrived with Anthony on her own.

With no other choice, he could only follow silently.

Seeing that Lilly was unhappy, he continued, “Sometimes, things are not necessarily all bad. The progress of civilization is always filled with diversity, but it also attracts the attention of malicious individuals who use it for their ill intentions.”

Pablo let out a sigh, realizing that this might be a part of her growth.

In the world, there were all sorts of things, including people forgetting about their roots.

The square of the Olivine Temple continued to fill with people dressed in various colors. While there were a few individuals wearing traditional robes, they were outnumbered by those in different costumes.)

As Anthony observed the scene, he began to suspect that the purported doll exhibition might be a deceptive façade.

Amidst the crowd, he noticed a few inconspicuous individuals dressed in regular attire, moving through the bustling crowd. Among them was Grace, dressed in black with her hair elegantly tied up in a high ponytail.

She frowned and looked at the square, then at the sky.

As the day progressed, the weather shifted from cloudy to overcast, and the sky became obscured by dark clouds. A gentle gust of wind rustled the trees along the roadside.

Amidst the liveliness of the square, these subtle changes went unnoticed by the crowd. However, Grace immediately recognized the long table adorned with dolls at the front of the square and the ceremonial table placed before it!

So it’s here!

Grace discreetly grasped her backpack and stealthily made her way toward the center of the square.

Meanwhile, Anthony had already arrived at the square, carrying Lilly in his arms.

In the center of the square, there stood a long table. Upon estimation, it appeared to be approximately ten feet wide and over fifty feet long.

In front of the long table, an imposing altar took its place. The altar was adorned with a white cloth, and upon it rested three small shrines. Flanking the altar were wooden shelves, their surfaces carefully enveloped in strips of vibrant red cloth.

Scattered across the long table were an array of dolls. Some knelt, some reclined, and others stood with their heads bowed.

Lilly furrowed her brow intensely and remarked, “This isn’t a doll exhibition, it’s a sacrificial ceremony!”

She pointed towards the altar draped in white cloth and continued, “That’s Grace!”

From the nearby conversations, they gathered that the altar was referred to as the ceremony platform and it served as a focal point for the dolls of the honorary spokespersons. These dolls were presented as offerings, and everyone was invited to partake in this festive celebration.

Pablo’s nonchalant demeanor turned grave, realizing that this was no ordinary ritual.

This was just the initial stage, indicating that there would be numerous similar sacrifices in the future.

He had discovered this information the previous night, as the Summer Doll Exhibition world tour various locations.

The first stop happened to be a bustling city center, which conveniently catered to the requirements of a doll exhibition, and most people would not suspect anything unusual.

However, in the future, doll exhibitions would be held in remote and less frequented locations.

This isn’t normal!

Pablo leaned in close to Lilly and whispered, “Lilly, if we destroy that altar, we can disrupt the sacrificial ritual. Will you listen to my instructions, Lilly?”

To his surprise, Pablo was left speechless.

What are you doing, Lilly?