With Bob as the driver, Drac and Marina sit in the rocky carriage. Uneven roads cause it to shake side to side. Drac looks over to the window, watching dilapidated buildings pass them by. He watches the people walking by, faces less sombre.

“Banner… he didn't seem like a local.”

“What do you mean, Drac?”

“His fashion, demeanour, his accent, the way he fought. Hints to a person born into a better life.”

“Oh yes, Banner did mention something else during Maki’s torture sessions. He was the fourth child out of five of a Count. Seems he disgraced himself. Excessive drug use, drunken fights, escapades with wives of influential aristocrats. Kicked out of Noble society and into the slum, he built his empire out of dung.

A ‘self-made businessman’.

“Aside from the killing and kidnapping, he sounds like quite the industrious man, ”

“Not quite. Maki, unwilling to believe his grand stories, persuades him to tell the truth. The ‘slum’ he was dropped into was a business district for incoming merchants. Living in a townhouse by the river with one servant except five. Can you believe that?”

“Oh my gosh, sounds horrifying!”

“I know right? Fortunately, by using his guile he managed to make friends amongst the criminally rich. After slowly building his name, he grew unsatisfied. He wanted back. Back to the society that left him to rot. Months of toiling with commoners grated on his soul. But as if heaven wanted to give him another chance, he got a card.”

“From the auction.” Said Drac as Marina nods

He had heard of them from his family contacts. Banner was invited a few times. However, he said it was not to his tastes. But he was willing to work with them. In exchange for what he wanted so badly. Back to His life, at the top.

“Create a gang, lead them for their interest and he gets back to his family. Is it worth it? Those years amongst those you despise, murdering, ripping people's lives apart. To just drink the same tea with different people.”

“To Banner? Yes.”

The carriage reaches the river, the shaking ceases as they cross the bridge. Bob turns the coach to the left of the bridge to arrive at the Garden. A famous hotel inn, it primarily catered to the wealthy and connected, however, its exterior left a lot to be desired. Business Sign weathered, paint chipped off by years of exposure to the elements. Windows bordered up. White wall paint reveals a previous coat. A door knock leaves a mark on the Front door. However floors were swept, windows were cleaned and polished shiny.

Drac comes out of the Carriage wearing a standard white shirt, buttoned up. A black waistcoat, trousers and shoes that shine in the light. Waiting by an open door, Drac offers his hand to Lady Marina, guiding her down the coach step. People stare at the two performers.

Some look over them with curiosity. A foreigner across the river, a rare sight. Many watch them with trepidation, fear and unknown variants in their midst. With a proud face, Marina ignored the attention as if accustomed to such treatment. Marina walks into the Hotel Inn, and Drac and Bob follow closely behind. After saying their quick greetings to the receptionist, they head back to the rooms.

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“Bob, how’s the food in this place,” Drac asks

Bob looks down at Drac and says. “Serviceable.” He continues walking. Drac stops him with a hand on the giant's bicep.

“I want to treat you to something as a thank you for what you did for those ladies. What you did for me.”

Bob stood still. His large face is granite. “Sweets.”

Drac was startled. Amazed that such a word would come out of Bob’s rugged face. “What?”

“Sweets. What I want.” Bob turns around to walk to his room.

Drac smiles, turning around to Marina’s room for his gear and hoodie.

One last stop before that.

Drac knocks at the twelfth door. A minute goes by, before a young man, with curly hair and a face soft like a painter's muse opens the door.

“My lady has accepted the lord's invitation for tea.”

The Servant looks Drac up and down, a brief nod and then the door closes in Drac's face.

I feel so welcomed.

The door opens again, and the servant's attitude turns around.

“My Master and Madam are very pleased and eagerly await her visit.” He gives a curt smile and slams the door.

What's up with him?

He thinks we will replace him.

The Couple sit close together. Mannerism matches as if born in the same womb. Leg over leg, pinky stretched long while drinking tea, their smugness. All of it repulses Drac.

The things we must endure. The servant stands to the side, holding a tray.

Drac Stood behind Marina with hands behind his back wearing a standard white shirt - buttoned-up, black waistcoat, trousers and shoes that shone in the light. His lady wears a blue dress, adorned with frills around a neckline that goes low. A tactic Marina suggested since it ‘works on the dumb and horny’. Evidenced by how the husband's eye tracks her chest.

“So Mr Montgomery, travelling from Salginem - quite the trek.” Marina sips her tea. Her expression shows what she thinks of the taste. The couple are unaware of any slight “What could have brought you from leagues away to this humble city?” Marina asks.

"Ah, you know the sights, the sounds."

“The merchandise.” The Madam speaks. She stares at Drac, her eyes scrolling through every feature. Goosebumps grow on Drac's skin.

Endure. Endure….

"Merchandise, you say? I have been looking for a replacement. But I am so new to this city,” Marina leans forward to expose her cleavage. Mr Montgonary is on the verge of salivating, his wife oblivious. She has her sights on something else.

“Since you are new to this town,” The husband takes an object out of his jacket pocket. The famed coin Banner mentioned. “Maybe, you could accompany me. I hear girls love shopping. It is a great place to replace the wares.” He smirks smugly, showing off his coin to the girl of his fancy.

Marina feigns excited. “Oh my! Me? But why?”

“A chance to accompany a young beautiful girl like yourself is a reward in itself. Oh, and my wife and I would love to show a young country noble what this city has to offer. So Vanessa… It is yes?”

"Of course!"

“I want to fucking vomit,” says Marina while she and Drac walk down the red carpet to the rooms.

“You did well. Too well.”

“Don’t insult me.”

“But you pulled through. Because of you, we have our first success.” Marina smiles timidly.

Now we wait till night. Finally, we visit the abyss.