Short ch :( final week is coming -:me no cry:-

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The nearest town over was Eiffel. While the women took a nap before setting off, Ares went over the Bumbling Bee and woke up Ryner. He asked to borrow his wagon and explained the situation to him. He also told him that after returning the wagon, he wouldn’t come back. He would continue his journey looking for Gillius and Azazil.

Ryner was saddened by this and asked if he would like to say goodbye to Rachel and Effari. Ares declined and said it would better not to, but inside he just didn’t like saying it. In that moment, he wondered if this was how Astercoth and Vi felt.

Ryner understood, and gave him a small fortune. It left Ares baffled. He knew how much Ryner cherished money more than most people. He told him to divide it amongst the women. “In case they can’t find jobs.” Ryner said with a smile.

“You’re a great man, Ryner.” Ares said complimenting his good will.

“I know. Now get out my damn inn.” Ryner said jokingly. Perhaps he wasn’t that happy giving such a huge sum of money afterall.

Ares chuckled and left with those few words. He made his way back to the Humming Bird with Ryner’s large wagon. Since it was used to transport large cargo, it had enough space for all the women, though it would be a little cramped.

By the time he arrived at the Humming Bird, the streets were empty. ‘This is perfect.’ Ares thought, leaving the wagon outside and entering through the front door. To his pleasure, the women were ready to go. They looked anxious and Jill ran out Silver’s arms, tightly hugging Ares’s leg.

“We thought you left us.” Sapphire said. She lay against the wall with her elbow against it and flashed a glance towards Silver. “Except one.”

“Shut it.” Silver said, shooting a cold glare towards Sapphire.

Confronted by Jill’s sudden hug and almost tearful eyes, Ares didn’t say anything and lightly ruffled Jill’s hair. Grabbing all the women’s attention, Ares spoke out. “Let’s get going.”

****

A day passed and they arrived at the center of Kandor Forest between Helgathor and Eiffel. According to Annabelle, it was an E Rank forest filled with weak magical beasts. Ares was sure he could subjugate them, but with Silver’s fireball, they shouldn’t pose any threat.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, they found a small shallow lake deep enough to reach their knees. Ares tried to pass by it, so they could get to Eiffel faster, but Jill announced its existence the moment it came into sight.

“Look! it’s a lake everyone!” Jill shouted , unaware of Ares reprimanding glare.

“A lake!?” The women in the back exclaimed in unison. They popped their heads out and one even jumped off the moving wagon, forcing Ares to stop.

“Get back on the wagon!” Ares shouted towards the childish women. Some even undressed as they neared the lake.

“Don’t be a pissy old man.” Silver chided. But, Ares quickly turned his head as the women became nearly naked. “Protecting our modesty?” She purred trying to lean against his body. Ares brushed his hand against her cheek before lightly grasping it in his hand. Silver leaned her head into his hand and she cursed herself for it. But she couldn’t resist the temptation. She ignored the concerned and compassionate look in Ares eyes. She knew she was messed up. She never knew what was considered acceptable behavior among women. But she didn’t care.

All she wanted to do was satisfy the curious feeling bubbling in her chest every time she was around him. Before Ares could retract his hand, she grabbed it, unwilling to let go of whatever was happening to her, slowly closing her eyes to immerse herself within it.

‘… so warm’ She thought. A nice sensation flew from her stomach to her chest as the gentle wind tipped the leaves off the trees and flew through her hair. When she opened her eyes, she found Ares frozen in shock, his cheeks a light red. “Are you… a virgin?” She asked in disbelief. For a man, especially at his age, to be a virgin was unthinkable, especially with all the brothels in Helgathor.

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Ares wrestled his hand away from her and grabbed the reins on the horses. “What of it?”

“… I wish I…no, forget I even asked.” She said looking far into the distance. This was the first she showed a vulnerable side to someone else. She didn’t do it on purpose, but the feeling Ares gave off caused this to happen to her and she left her guard down as a result.

Ares forgot she was raped since she was a child. Her virginity was something stolen from her by some scumbag and must have been a devastating experience to her. ‘Maybe that’s why she’s attached to Jill…’ Ares thought. But gave his earnest thoughts on the matter.

“It doesn’t matter.” Ares said plainly.

“That’s easy for you to say!” Silver’s amber eyes seemed like a fed fire as she looked intently into Ares deep blue. “Who would want a whore who’s fucked half a town!?” She shouted, even catching the attention of the women playing in the lake. Her words rung true to many of them. Would anybody even want them? Would anybody accept them? Their past? Silver wanted to kill herself at that moment. Her words implied that she wanted to be loved like any other person, even a man. As much as a hypocrite she was for saying so, Ares statement ignited a fire within her. What he said next left her speechless.

“I would!” Ares shouted back at her in anger, quieting the forest itself. His words echoed with so much force, Silver flinched. ‘How could she have such a low opinion of herself?’ Ares thought in fury, grinding his teeth and recalling how Gulliver’s actions towards Jill. “I admit. You’re not perfect.” Silver’s heart dropped, until Ares continued. “But you’re beautiful, hard-headed sometimes, prideful, charismatic, caring, and stern.” Silver tried to retort his statement, attempting to make his words meaningless, that they didn’t apply to her and wouldn’t outweigh her lack of worth in the eyes of many, but before she could even try, he grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him. With resolute eyes that could pierce the heavens, he said his peace. “And I’ll kill anyone that says otherwise.”

“…” Everyone was speechless, their mouths gaping open.

Ares, realizing what he said, became a bright red and left before seeing Silver’s expression. He coughed before excusing himself “I’ll give you guys some privacy and hunt some food in the meantime.” He said, abruptly walking out of the clearing. As soon as he was out of hearing distance, a shriek sounded, alarming all the deers and small animals drinking in the lake.

*****

“Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!” All the girls yelled in unison. Even Sapphire couldn’t help but blush at his statement. The lake became a whirlwind of gossip that became the topic of conversation for the rest of the trip.

"I think Ruby fainted!"

“Did you hear what he said!?” A girl exclaimed.

“Such a romantic. Silver’s so lucky.” Another said dejectedly, watching others mime Ares.

“Fuck Silver. He’s mi—“ Another claimed before receiving a glare from Sapphire. She swallowed her words.

Silver walked out to a desolate part of the clearing and began to drench herself with the cold water, seemingly unaffected by the turn of events. Her majestic body seemed to bless the lake as it shone brighter with every step in the clear water. Her silver hair glimmered like moonlight and her eyes brought upon a sense of dusk as it reflected strongly in the water.

The other girls knew her personality, but this was too much in their minds. How could she be so unmoved?

“You guys don’t understand her.” Sapphire scolded, knowing their thoughts. “Watch.”

She walked up to Silver confidently and looked at her face before giving her a mocking grin.

“You’re blu—“ Silver kicked the side of her hip, letting Sapphire’s body meet the water with a huge splash that made the girls quiver in fear.

“Shut it.”