Chapter 8 “Night Outing”
“So…this friend of yours.” I started the conversation after unable to endure the silence between us as we walked onto the shady part of the town. “Who is she?”
“Uhm, at the moment, I couldn’t tell you of her identity as she is related to my job.” This job of his again, eh? Figures. “But if I have to describe her, it would be like a wild animal.”
“Huh? Wild animal?” What a strange way to describe a woman. “What do you mean?”
“I mean that she is a woman that hates to be restricted by rules and common sense. Choosing to live her life as free as possible.”
“Sounds like a rather strange and dangerous combination.” I let out a ‘tsk’ sound as he described that friend of his.
“Yeah, I agree. She is a rather…violent one too. I doubt that you will find her pleasing.” He let out a wry smile after giving his opinion. “But I have to say that she has one aspect that resembles you.”
“Huh? What’s that?” I felt a bit irritated that I was compared with such a wild and disagreeable fellow. That made my tone cold.
“Ah, don’t be angry, my dear Eryell.” He noticed, eh? “It is that she hates injustice and always tries to protect the weak, regardless of the rule or law.”
“…Really? That’s such a strange combination.”
“If you think about it, it might not be such a strange combination.” He snickered at my comment. “It is because her mindset has been formed and built because she saw more than enough injustice around her.”
“Huh?”
“…Promise that you will not say anything about this to her. But…her past is not something anyone would like to hear.” His tone carried a tone of sadness. It was such a misplaced tone one with our surrounding that ooze out happiness and merriness. He then shook his head several times. “Let’s stop this depressing talk for now. Ah, yes, there is another description that will surely make it easier to look for her. She is very beautiful.”
“Oh? Really?”
“Well, I don’t quite know since I can’t see.” A small chuckle escaped his mouth. “But I remembered that she has a long amber colored hair with a few strands of white. She also has a nice body. If she hasn’t change, she has a tall and slender body. Maybe as tall as you, my dear Eryell.”
“Really now?”
“Hmm? Are you perhaps didn’t found my explanation pleasant?” He snickered at me. Damn, he knew.
“No…it’s just that hearing you describe someone like her with such a positive light…irked me.”
“Are you perhaps…jealous?”
“NO!!” Ugh, why did I shout again? Didn’t that made it obvious that I am je–No! I’m not jealous! “Just forget about it!”
“My dear Eryell.” He walked closer to me. “Will you not believe me that you are also beautiful?”
“W-W-What!?” I could feel my face flushed at his direct compliment. You!! “I don’t think–“
“Oh, isn’t that Nerva?” A sudden voice entered my ears as I was talking with him. I quickly turned my head around to the source of the voice and found a group of girls looking at the two of us. They approached the two of us with a rather relaxed pace.
I noticed that the group consisted of three girls. The girl that called Nerva has a very long blonde hair fashioned into a ponytail. Her tanned skin matches her whole outfit that had the color of purple as its main color. Her wide purple eyes seemed to ooze cheerfulness and childishness. I could discern from her way of acting and height she was probably the youngest of the group. But that might not be the case for all I know. In this kind of place, the statement ‘looks are deceiving’ couldn’t have any more truth that it already have.
“Oh, Missa.” Nerva called the girl’s name. “How are you doing now?”
“Very fine and healthy~!” She let out a cute chuckle as she did a spin in front of us, making her dress flutter in the air. “Thank you for your last visit.”
Huh? Last visit? What were you doing here, Nerva? I will have to ask him later. Putting my curiosity aside, I glanced around and noticed that the moment the girls approached us, the crowd started to looked at us with curious eyes. I also felt a certain emotion filled those gazes they threw at us. It was envy and…did I sense some kind of respect from some of them? No, no, no. The respectful gazes were coming from the girls that walked around us. I also noticed that a few of them bowed to the direction of the three girls and then disappeared from our side. Who are these girls?
“Don’t mention it.” Nerva waved his hand at her. “It is a pleasure of mine.”
“Missa promise Missa will treat you someday, m’kay?” She let out a small smile at him. At that, Nerva also gave him a smile. “Oh, who is this?” Her attention then turned toward me.
“Ah, she’s a friend of mine.” Nerva introduced me, startling me a bit. I guess expecting him to say that we are in a relationship is not that easy, eh? Even though I understood that, I couldn’t help but feel slightly dejected at that.
“Oh~? A friend, eh?” Why did she sound suspicious of me? “Are you really~?” W-What are you implying by that? And stop getting closer to me. “Ow!” All of a sudden she yelped in pain. The cause of that is because of a hand that hit her softly on her head courtesy of her friend.
“Missa, stop being impolite.” The girl in question has a similar built to her, although looked slightly athletic. With her fine, curly brunet hair and white skin, she is in no way going to lose to the girl called Missa in the beauty aspect. But in contrast, she emanates a serious aura, unlike her childish friend. Also unlike her friend, she wore clothes that lacked any frilly part and certainly left a little to the imagination. “You’re making her uncomfortable.”
“Uuu, Alina, you meanie~! But look at her!” She pointed at me. “She looks like a beauty, you know? I mean, how did someone like her befriend someone like Nerva?” Hey! What is that supposed to mean!? “No offense, Nerva.”
“None taken, Missa.” Nerva just brushed that aside. And why didn’t you get angry at that!? I swear I really need to have a long talk with him about his tendency to humble himself more than he should.
“Hmm, although I hate your way of comparing him like that, I have to say that you have a point there, Missa.” Why are you agreeing with her!? Aren’t you supposed to be the normal one here!? “Shoulder-length brunet hair, nicely chiseled face, strong looking body, brown colored eyes that shouted seriousness and discipline…wow…”
“E-Eh?” Okay, that description of hers made me blush. I really appreciate the detailed description and all, really. But…w-why are you licking your lips like that? All of a sudden, her eyes turned into that of a predator.
“My, my, young miss, can I offer you my service for tonight? Free of charge as for the first hour.” W-W-W-What!?!? Am I being seduced!? And by prostitutes at that!? “Oh, don’t back up now. I’m sure I can be very gentle…or very harsh…depending on the misses’ preference.”
“Ah~! No fair! Missa want to service the pretty sister too~!” She immediately grabbed my arm in a flash, which startled me very much. I could feel her modest breast touched my arm. Behave yourself! “Hey, sister, let Missa be your partner tonight! Missa promises that Missa will be reeeeal nice~! How’s that, sister?”
W-Why am I being seduced by two girls that looked to be younger than me? What kind of situation is this? I looked at Nerva who just stood there without making any move. He was just grinning at me. Y-You jerk!!! You’re enjoying the situation!
“Uhm, sorry, but…I think I’ll pass for now.” I regretted how my voice came out lacked of any persuasive intention in it. I guess the sudden action of those two combined with their words had managed to confuse me and also flustered me too much. That had probably prevented me from making a proper refusal for their…questionable offer.
“Oh, don’t be like that. It will be an honor to service such a beautiful miss like you.”
“Yeah~! Missa also thinks the same too. Or maybe sister want to do it with the two of us at the same time?” W-W-What!? S-Such indecency!! S-Such boldness coming from such a young girl! “ Ah, look, Alina! She’s considering my offer, hehehe~” W-Where did you see me considering your offer!? Don’t make me into some kind of a pervert that enjoy being toyed with by two younger girls! Or anyone at that matter!
“Oh, you’re right, Missa. Maybe we can do it together. I promise we will make you enjoy your time, miss.” Now the other girl took my other arm. Unlike her friend, this girl has a slightly more bountiful chest and that made me experience a different firm yet soft sensation on my other arm. “Hey, what do you say?”
“N-No, I d-d-don’t think–“
“Ah, don’t be like that~!”
“Come on, beautiful miss. Just say the word and you have two angels on your hand.” Someone help me! I can’t handle these two!
“Missa, Alina.” A sweet and firm voice entered my ear. I looked to the speaker immediately and found that it was the third girl of the group.
The moment I laid my eyes on her, I could feel my breath was taken away in an instant. The owner of that sweet voice was a girl that had a tall body that possessed an adequate amount of curve. She let her black hair flow behind her while she walked toward us. Her eyes that shone like a green jewel looked straight onto my eyes, captivating my mind. I doubt any men will be able to stay calm in front of this beauty that seemed to have jumped out of a masterpiece art a maestro has made. “Have you forgotten our way of work, my dear little ones?” W-Why did I felt a sudden chill in the back of my neck as I heard her words?
“N-No, sister Tisena. W-We wouldn’t!”
“Y-Yes, at least Missa wouldn’t, dear sister!”
After saying that in a trembling voice, they let me go immediately. I felt a sudden relived that my call for help was answered. But they still stayed near me. To be exact, they stayed on my sides while leaving the area in front of me free for the third girl to see right onto my direction. The girl called Tisena then leaned toward me, which made me instinctively took a step back.
“My, my, why are you so afraid, milady?” She smiled seductively at me. Combined with her sweet and melodious voice, it was a dangerous weapon against a sane man. Even I, a woman, felt slightly taken aback by her manner and way of action. I could feel an intense heat filled my whole face. “Don’t you worry, milady. If it is your first time, the three of us will be more than happy to guide you, a beautiful woman, into a pleasant place and sensation few has ever reached.” Unknown to me, the woman has placed her slender finger onto my chin. “Certainly, a beauty like you deserves a very beautiful experience too.”
“W-W-What!?” I shivered after realizing the peril I’m going to be if I don’t snap out of it. “N-No, thank you f-f-for the offer.” Why the stutter? Why the stutter!? Why the damn stutter!?
“Ahh, don’t be like that, milady.” She reduced the distance between us in a mere second and this time placed not only her finger, but her whole soft and smooth palm on my left cheek. “Please rest assured that we can be very gentle. But if milady wants it to be rough, we will gladly be a little rough.”
“If you want to be the one in control, we are in your palm, beautiful miss.”
“Yes~! But becoming the receiving one for all of our affection is also recommended, pretty sister~”
W-W-Why are the two of you joining too!? And why are the two of you so non-nonchalantly holding my hand in the confusion!? I backed off again but felt my back touched the wall behind me. No! I’m cornered!? I glanced at each of their eyes and I felt shiver running on my back. Their eyes gave the same feeling a wild beast stared at their prey. W-W-Wait!? I’m the prey! Cornered and trapped, I felt a sense of danger invaded my mind. I’ve never been in this situation before! I don’t know what to do! I h-have to get away at least! But I shouldn’t hurt any of them. It will be rude of me to do that since they weren’t hurting me or doing anything bad to me in that matter.
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In my moment of confusion, I let my instinct take the control. With a swift jerk of my hand, I managed to get my arms free from the two younger ones’ grasp. Next I jerk my head backward slightly to let the older one’s hand away from my face. Thankfully, my legs had been trained more than enough to get away from any kind of grapple. But the difficult part of this move is to not hurting any of them in process. Without wasting any second, I grabbed her waist and then execute a single swift motion. As if in a dance, I moved as gracefully as I could while still holding the girl named Tisena in my arm. After performing a circular motion, Tisena and I switched place.
I managed to glance at the three of them who wore dumbfounded expression, clearly not expecting my action. Really now? They thought that I will just accept their offer?
After releasing my grab on her waist, I moved quickly toward Nerva and positioned myself behind him. I don’t know why I did that. It just that my instinct told me that the next best move would be to stand behind my blind lover. I hope my instinct is right.
“…Hahaha…” A soft laugh came from Nerva, breaking the three night ladies from their trance. “My dear Eryell, you never failed to surprise me even once.”
His comment made my face flustered. It was not just because of embarrassment, but also a slight fury at the fact that he didn’t even lift a finger when I was being cornered by the three of them. I looked at the tall girl and noticed that she was looking at me with a gentle and warm gaze, complete with a smile on her face. She then put her hands on the other girls’ shoulder and then let out a soft sigh.
“It seems this one is out of our reach, girls.”
“Eeeh? But Missa wants to service her~!” She pouted her mouth, which complemented her cuteness even more. The brunet friend of hers, on the other hand, just let out a smile after giving a shrug.
“No, Missa.” The hand then moved onto the blonde’s hair, ruffling it a bit. “We should respect the lady’s wish. And also Nerva’s.” She then threw a smile at our direction. I don’t know why, but I felt a shiver just from her simple action. This woman is dangerous in many ways.
“…Uuuu…Okay then.” A reply dripping with disappointment came from her mouth.
“That’s a good girl.” She then received another serving of gentle patting on her head. “Well then, let’s get back to work, Missa, Alina.” The two nodded at her words. “Nerva, milady, we’ll be seeing you later.”
“See you, Tisena, Alina, Missa.” Nerva waved at them. “I’ll see you later as usual.” I still felt a little scared by them, so I forgot to wave at them or do anything for that matter.
The three then bowed at us slightly and then turned away to melt into the crowd. I still stayed in my positions with my guard still raised on full alert.
“You can relax now, my dear Eryell.” Nerva’s voice entered my ear. Together with that, I relaxed my mind. But in a split second, I felt something boiling inside my mind. With that, I grabbed his shoulders and then forcefully turned him toward me.
“Why didn’t you help me!?” I shouted at him while somehow managed to control my voice to avoid attracting attention to us. The last thing I need is to gain unwanted attention from the inhabitant of the area that is filled with questionable establishment. I have only managed to avoid a dangerous situation by a hair’s breadth. I’m not exactly ready to test my luck against any of them any time soon.
“Oh, that?” He kept his calm even after being shouted like that. “I trust that you can get out of that kind of situation eventually.”
“E-Eventually!? So you didn’t even have a single thought of helping me back then!?”
“Oh, no, of course I have. Only if the situation has definitely turned out of hand, though. But, I have to confess, I was enjoying it.” He let out an awkward laugh. What’s there to laugh! You jerk!
“What do you mean by that, you jerk!?” I tightened my grip, burying my fingers on his shoulder. He let out several yelp of pain but I ignored it. You deserve it!
“M-My dear E-Eryell, i-it was because of h-hearing them complimenting you like that.” Huh? He said that with a slightly awkward tone. “I-I mean, I can’t see your face and f-figure, right?”
“…What do you mean?” I let out the same question again. But this time, with a slightly more confused tone than before.
“I m-mean, I n-never know your appearance. Even if I a-ask you, you always say s-something like–“
“I’m normal.”
“Y-Yeah, that.” A slight chuckle came out from his mouth. I unconsciously loosened up my grip. Noticing that, he let out a soft sigh. “They praised you so highly. I’m very proud and happy to hear that.”
“…They were just giving me empty flattery to trick me into their service.” Another chuckle came out from his mouth. It came slightly louder than the previous one. “What?”
“Ah, those three, I think Eryell wouldn’t know, I suppose. Do you know their nickname?”
“Nickname?” He nodded. “How should I know?”
“They are called The Three Diamonds.”
“Huh? So what? Does that mean they are beautiful?” He shook his head at my question. So it’s not that simple?
“No, the term Diamond here doesn’t only mean beautiful. It is meant for they who are far too precious and far too expensive for a simple man to purchase and enjoy. A prize impossible to be attained by a normal being. That is the meaning of their nickname.” Really now? “To be able to receive their service, they have two conditions. The first is that they must be either a handsome man or a beautiful woman. The second one is that the other party has to be a ‘Bright Eyes ’.” Hearing his explanation, I could only look at him with a blank expression.
“Okay…I get the first condition.” Okay, so they think I’m a pretty one, but what about the other one? “The second condition? What does it mean?”
“The term ‘Bright Eyes’ is a term used by them, the ‘Dim Eyes’, for one who have noble upbringing that tried their best to walk the right and pure path of life.” Oh, quite a simple meaning. “On the other hand, ‘Dim Eyes’ is a term used for they who have been, how do I say it, witness and live the dark side of life, voluntarily or not. Mostly not in most cases.”
“So if, let’s just say, I agree to their offer, I will be a ‘Dim Dweller, too?” After hearing that, he let out a small smile. H-Huh?! “No! I wasn’t thinking of accepting their offer at all!”
“N-No, of course not. I didn’t mean that.” He immediately waved his hand in panic. “I smiled because you were showing a pure interest in the explanation. Really, just that.” He then let out a small cough and he started another one of his explanations. “For that question, no, you don’t. Only they who continued to being drawn by the dim light of the questionable path will only be considered a ‘Dim Eyes’.”
“This is…much more confusing than I thought.”
“Don’t worry about it. It is just a loose term. It has varied meaning. But for those three, the meaning I just explained is the one they used and believed. So being a noble that has good looks and high standing will not guarantee to have their service.”
“You must be one that is not accustomed to the stuff in here and don’t plan to being accustomed to it. Is that what you mean?” He nodded. “That’s quite…a very specific way of choosing their customer. And, I know I might regret asking this, but how do they earn their money if they have such a specific condition for a client?”
“Those three has several …how do I call them? Hmm…” He tapped his chin as he tilted his head slightly. “Ah, that’s it. Underlings. Juniors. They organize them to be able to have a steady supply of customer and also to protect them from being deceived or even killed.”
“What? Those three? Even the one called Missa?” I couldn’t believe it. She looked to be so young and playful. The image of her being in control of many other girls really baffled me. But then again, in this line of work and area, looks are deceiving. In this particular case, very, very deceiving indeed.
“Yes, also Missa.” Nerva gave me a nod. “Now do you understand how happy that made me when they considered you a beautiful ‘Bright Eyes’, my dear Eryell?” An honest and wide smile appeared on his face. At that, I felt my face heated up a bit. “But I have to admit I quite regret the fact that I can’t see your beautiful appearance, hehehe…”
“…You…” I can’t say it. I can’t say ‘why do you always have to say something that sounded self-loathing like that’ although it was on the tip of my tongue. Something stopped me from saying that. I don’t know what to be exact. “…Nothing…” I let my hand away from his shoulder. “But I have to say that I felt slightly insulted at what they say in the beginning.”
“Huh? Something in the beginning?” He tilted his head to the side as he asked that question. “What is that?”
“They said that they can’t believe someone like me befriended you.” It is as if we are incompatible with each other. I honestly felt insulted at it. “And why aren’t you angry at them?” I looked at him after saying that with a rather irritated tone.
“Oh, that.” His voice was calm, unlike mine. “That’s a given since you are a ‘Bright Eyes’ for them. While I’m a ‘Dim Eyes’.”
“What? You a ‘Dim Eyes’?”
“Yes, of course. Is that really so strange? After all…,” suddenly his voice turned a bit grim,” I have lived the majority of my life around this kind of place. For a people of their kind…my kind, having a relation with people of your status is quite…an achievement. Usually the most of those relations are master and servant. For a ‘Dim Eyes’ to call a ‘Bright Eyes’ is almost…unheard of.”
“…I…uhm…” I couldn’t say anything to reply to his answer. I realized that I really don’t know anything about him. Part of it was that he never talked about himself to me, even when we’re alone. But maybe the bigger part of it was that I never thought about asking him. I feared that it might force him to remember painful memory of his past.
“Ah, never mind that. Forget about it.” He waved his hand at me. It seemed that he noticed my moment of silence was caused by his answer. “I don’t really care about that. It was…I’m just happy that I’m with you.” What were you going to say, Nerva? And why are you showing me a fake smile like that?
“Nerva, is that–“
“WHAT DID YOU SAY YOU SCUMBAGS!??!?!”
A sudden shout stopped my words. The two of use immediately snapped our head toward the direction of the shout. It seemed that the voice came from a nearby building. A few girls could be seen running away from the place with fear visible in their eyes.
“…Oh, good grief.” I heard Nerva’s irritated voice came from near me. Then a question surfaced in my mind.
“Nerva, don’t tell me. You…recognized that voice?”
“…Unfortunately I do, my dear Eryell.” He let out a heavy sigh. “It seems my fear has come true.”
“…That friend of yours, eh?” He nodded while showing me a wry smile. “Well, we don’t have any other choice.”
“Sadly it is right.” He then started to walk toward that particular direction. “Let’s go.”
“Got it.”
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Author Note:
The shady district, ladies and gentlemen. Next there will be a slight action.
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