Building A Carnal Empire In The Fantasy World-Chapter 20: Unexpected Twist I

The night air bit at Jace’s skin as he made his way through the narrow streets of the inner city.

His breath came out in small puffs of white steam. The coins in his pocket clinked with each step, and the knife at his belt felt heavier than usual.

He’d been walking for over an hour now, taking the long way through back alleys and side roads. Part of him hoped he’d get lost, or change his mind, or find some excuse to turn back.

But every time he thought about stopping, he saw Kael’s face. The way Madam Vex looked at the newcomer. The way everyone treated him like he didn’t matter.

Jace spat on the cobblestones. He’d show them who really mattered.

The buildings around him grew taller and cleaner as he moved deeper into the inner city. Gas lamps lined the streets here instead of flickering torches. The smell of garbage and unwashed bodies faded, replaced by the scent of expensive soap and polished leather.

This was where the Church held power. Where the faithful came to pray and the sinful came to confess. Where justice was swift and final.

Ahead, the Church of Sacredflame’s acquisition outpost rose like a mountain of white stone. Tall windows glowed with warm light. Iron gates stood open, guarded by men in red and gold uniforms.

The sacred flame symbol was carved into the stone above the entrance - a burning sword crossed with a scale.

Jace stopped at the corner of the street and stared at the building. His hands were shaking now, though he told himself it was just the cold.

Once he walked through those gates, there would be no going back. He heard that the Church never forgive traitors, even ones who brought them information. But they also didn’t forgive sinners.

And if what he knew was half-true, the Blackwood Estate was full of sinners tonight.

He pulled his coat tighter and walked forward.

The guards at the gate wore leather armor under red cloaks. Both carried swords at their hips and crossbows across their backs. They watched Jace approach with narrow eyes.

"State your business," the taller guard said. His voice was flat as stone.

"I have information," Jace said. His voice cracked on the words. "About sinners. Crimes against the sacred flame."

The guards looked at each other. The shorter one stepped forward. "What kind of crimes?"

"The worst kind." Jace took a deep breath. "There’s a secret gala tonight at the Blackwood Estate. They’re not just celebrating—they’re holding auctions. Selling people like animals. And there are... pleasure workers there. Doing things that go against the church’s teachings."

The tall guard’s hand moved to his sword hilt. "You’re talking about Count Varnell’s celebration? The one for his breakthrough to Soul Vein realm?"

"That’s just the cover story," Jace said quickly, almost panicky. "I know people who went there tonight. The Leisure Wand sent performers to satisfy the guests with sinful acts. They’re probably doing it right now."

The guards exchanged another look. This time, the shorter one nodded toward the building.

"Wait here," he said, then disappeared through the entrance.

Jace stood in the courtyard, shifting his weight from foot to foot. The remaining guard watched him like a hawk studying a mouse. Minutes crawled by like hours.

Finally, the shorter guard returned with two other men. These wore fancier uniforms—silver thread on their red cloaks, better weapons, faces that had seen real combat.

"You’re the informant?" the older of the two asked. He had gray hair and scars on his hands.

"Yes, sir."

"Tell us again. Everything you know."

Jace repeated his story, adding more details he hoped would make it sound more convincing. He mentioned the masks, the secluded location, the way Madam Vex had acted secretive all day.

The knights listened without interrupting. When he finished, they huddled together and spoke in voices too low to hear.

After a few minutes, the older knight turned back to Jace. "Your information conflicts with what we know. Count Varnell is celebrating a legitimate breakthrough. He’s a respected member of the nobility."

"But-" Jace started.

"However," the knight continued, raising a hand for silence, "the Church takes all reports of sin seriously. Especially ones involving the corruption of souls through flesh trade."

He looked Jace up and down like he was measuring him for a coffin. "If you’re lying to us, boy, you’ll wish you’d never been born."

"I’m not lying," Jace said. The words came out stronger than he felt.

"We’ll see." The knight turned to his companion. "Fetch Commander Aldric. He needs to hear this."