After informing the housekeeper about the request for drinks, Mila headed for Hanna’s workroom. She had told the two old guys that she would inform the woman after all.

But upon arrival, Mila found Hanna missing. She shrugged and decided to search for Isabel.

However, after a bit of a search, Mila now stood in front of Andrew, Kefo and Nordly. They were currently in one corner of the courtyard discussing something.

Only when Mr Crow cawed did they notice her arrival.

Nordly immediately smiled while the other two frowned.

“Why are you here?” Andrew raised the question.

“What do you mean? Where else should I be?” Mila tilted her head, trying to ignore Nordly, who was sliding closer to her. She didn’t want to appear scared of the runt.

“Either with those two old coots or with the girls.” Andrew looked at her as if it was a stupid thing to ask.

“I am done talking with Silinth and Morn for now. They decided to drink, even though it’s early.”

“Oh, yeah, we know!” Andrew happily nodded. “Galtron told us. Our training got cancelled for the day. So we decided to have a boys-only day.”

“Bazil is not here.” Mila pointed out. “And what even is a boys-only day?”

“Brother has to work,” Nordly explained. “But I don’t mind if you join us.”

“Nuh-uh,” Andrew wagged his finger. “No girls allowed.”

“But wasn’t the goal of this day exactly getting along with girls better?”

Andrew and Kefo looked at Nordly in horror.

“No, it wasn’t.” Kefo hurried to deny it.

“We were going to talk about guns.” Andrew gave a nonsensical explanation.

“What are guns?” Nordly asked.

“You know what? I don’t care.” Mila decided to let Andrew play his games. “Just don’t involve me in it.” She still glared at the guy, even if she wasn’t sure what his goal was.

From how Andrew guiltily averted his eyes, Mila knew she had made the correct choice.

Still, Andrew straightened right after realising he acted guilty. “I don’t know what you are talking about. I most certainly wouldn’t do that.”

“You won’t?” Nordly was surprised. “I am lost. Didn’t you say you were going to tell me about-”

Andrew hurried towards Nordly and pressed his mouth shut. “Shh, no one needs to know what I said. Especially Mila.” He hissed.

“Where is Isabel?” Mila decided to escape the trio. They weren’t good for her mental health.

“Isabel left with Mom and Tiff.” Nordly helpfully informed.

“What?” Mila was baffled. “Why?”

“You ask us?” Kefo scoffed. “How should we know?” He grunted.

“Well, I do know.” Nordly gave another charming smile.

Mila wanted to punch Nordly, but he did have the information she needed. “Oh, then please do tell me.” She tried to keep her face neutral.

“Oh, she is pissed,” Andrew whispered loudly in Kefo’s ear, who nodded.

“Mom took Isabel and Tiff to the bathhouse.” Nordly happily told her.

“Why?” Mila felt a headache coming.

“Because Isabel asked.” Nordly didn’t seem to notice.

Andrew once again whispered loudly in Kefo’s ear about a certain girl getting dumped.

“Why?” Mila repeated.

Nordly didn’t get the question and tilted his head.

“What did Isabel say when she asked?” She tried again.

“Something about cutting hair, getting some kind of cream and other stuff. You know, the stupid girly stu-” Nordly paused. “I didn’t mean that. Wait! No! Please wait! Where are you going?”

Mila had heard enough. She left the blockheads to their own devices. It stung a bit that she was left behind. Then again-

She came to an abrupt stop, took a lock of her hair between her fingers and studied it. When had been the last time she had tried to look pretty?

It didn’t seem all that important before, but what about now? Could she take Isabel on a date looking like this?

Did she even have proper clothes for the date? All she had was what Silinth had given her and some hygiene products.

That didn’t seem fair. It hadn’t escaped Mila that Isabel tried her best to look presentable. She even thought it cute how hard she tried.

Suddenly, Mila was glad she hadn't pulled the trigger sooner and asked Isabel for an outing. She had the spots down as well as a plan for the day, but her own looks had slipped her mind.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

Isabel had taken the opportunity when Mila was supposed to be busy and went out to freshen her appearance.

This couldn’t stand.

Mila turned and took a step towards her room when she realised she didn’t know where to get such a service.

Also! Money. Mila did have some funds Silinth had given all of them, but she hardly thought it would be enough to get a new outfit.

There had to be a way. Mila turned towards the clamouring trio. Andrew and Kefo were currently whispering something in Nordly’s ears while glancing her way and smiling sinisterly.

Harry and Bazil, it was.

Mila first visited her room, dressed up as much as she could with the limited selection, grabbed the money and marched towards Silinth’s room.

Without hesitation, Mila opened the doors, just to be welcomed by a stench of strong booze that had somehow ended up splashed on the floor.

Silinth was currently hugging the sobbing Morn in his bed while Galtron was uncorking another bottle.

“Sorry for intruding upon such a personal moment,” Mila stepped over an empty bottle. She hadn’t left that long ago. How did they get so drunk? “But I need money.” There was no shame in her voice.

SIlinth glanced at her, then pointed at a bag. “There. Don’t take it all.” He kept patting Morn’s back while the man slurred a bunch of incomprehensible words.

Without further ado, Mila opened the bag and found it to be full of silvery coins. “How much do I need for new clothes?” She hadn’t checked the prices for those.

“Dunno. Two? Four? Depends on what are you buying.” Silinth retched and reached for the newly uncorked bottle.

“Twenty it is.” Mila grabbed the coins and stuffed them in her pocket. “I am heading out.” She didn’t stay any longer and escaped towards the hallway.

Only then did she once again take a breath. Mila could not believe they were downing that poison. Then again, both of them were on borrowed time.

With the next target being clear, Mila headed for the Obron family’s shop.

Upon slamming the back door open, Mila found herself between boxes of products, shelves and a broom.

Harry, Brazil and a couple of customers looked at her in surprise. The shop had an open plan, with only a counter dividing the room.

“I need to borrow Bazil for a few hours.” Mila declared.

“What? Why?” Bazil blurted out.

Harry studied her for a moment before nodding. “Bazil, be a gentleman and help the lady.”

“Can’t Nordly do that?” Bazil didn’t appear enthusiastic.

“No.” Mila didn’t allow this suggestion. “No, he can’t.” Her words were final. “I need to buy new clothes.”

Bazil released a suffering sigh before trudging towards the back doors. “Fine, give me five minutes to get ready.”

Once Bazil left, Mila waited patiently, watching Harry work. He dutifully filled out his ledger after every purchase. Every customer seemed to be his friend.

Mila didn’t have to wait long. Soon enough, Bazil was back. “Okay, let’s go.” He led her towards the doors. “What do you want to buy anyway?”

“A dress.” Mila decided. “A cute one. I have twenty silver coins. Also, I need to buy cosmetics and other products to freshen myself up.” She studied her nails. They were fine. There was no need to go overboard.

“That’s a lot of money.” Bazil looked at her. He opened the doors, and they stepped onto a busy street.

People pushed past them, hurrying to and fro, sometimes bumping into each other, other times exchanging words.

“Where to?” Mila looked to both sides. There were more shops lining the street. Most had people flowing in and out.

“Here.” Bazil headed left. “Why me?” He asked.

“You are well versed in customer service and likely know much about haggling and shops in general.” Mila tried.

“Yeah, but it’s not that hard. I am sure Nordly could have helped as well. We can still get him.” Bazil tried to shift the responsibility.

“I would rather it be you.” Mila kept up with his wide step.

Bazil looked at her with suspicion. “I am taken.” He finally told her.

It was Mila’s turn to release a suffering sigh. “Why is this the first thing that came to your mind?”

“Was I wrong?” Bazil asked in surprise. “I mean, despite Nordly talking to you, you never showed any interest. Neither do you spend time with Andrew or Kefo. This is the first time I see you asking someone out.”

“Well, you are wrong about this.” Mila pushed past a few men carrying large boxes. “I have no interest in any of you.”

“So they all say.” Bazil shrugged.

“No, I mean, I have no interest in men.”

“That’s what I said.”

“What I mean is I like women.” Mila clarified.

“Oh,” Bazil finally got it. “Oooh! Damn, bro won’t be happy about this. No wonder my advice didn’t help.”

“You were the one goading him to flirt with me?” Mila was surprised. Bazil seemed so prim and proper. She just didn’t see him as…

“Well, yeah. I am not like my bro. I can land myself a date or two when I feel like it.” He paused. “Oh, but I am faithful. I don’t cheat. And you are kind of scrawny, no offence.”

Apparently, Bazil was a womaniser.

“Right, how far is the shop?” Mila didn’t feel like discussing her appearance with Bazil.

“Just a bit ahead.” Bazil winked at a passing girl, who waved at him. “How are you, Inky?” He greeted another black-haired, busty girl.

This wasn’t what Mila had expected. At least the shop actually was just a minute of walking ahead, so she didn’t need to suffer much.

“Here.” Bazil pointed at a shop with large window displays showing dresses and suits. “A girl I was with a few months ago told me this one is the best.”

“And you didn’t check?” Mila eyed the fluffy, blue cocktail dress. It certainly was better than the usual tunic and pants she wore.

“Too expensive. Well, see ya-” Bazil tried to leave.

“Wait,” Mila stopped him. “I’ll still need your help to find a cosmetic store.”

“There.” Bazil pointed at another shop a few buildings ahead. “Can I go now?”

“Why do you act so differently now?” Mila tried to find out.

“Because Mom is not here.” Bazil pointed out the obvious. “And neither is Pops.”

“Right,” Mila nodded along. “It was a pleasure.” She decided to not ask Bazil for anything going forward. “I’ll manage.”

“Later.” Bazil waved and left.

Mila watched the boy walk towards a pair of girls his age and start talking to them. It was true that he was not expected to return for a couple of hours, but this was kind of scummy.

In the end, Mila decided that she didn’t care. She still might slip some information about Bazil’s personal life to Hanna. It was only fair.

But for now, she gathered courage and took resolute steps towards the shop.

It was time to find something nice to tempt Isabel with.