Chapter 3 - Polish And Prey

Mary, Lukas, and Yumiko began their fourth day of travel from the Evergreen region by finally reaching the sprawling city of Braint. As they approached the weathered gates, the city's nature became unmistakably clear. They had hardly taken ten steps before encountering drunk beggars slumped against the walls, muttering incoherently to themselves.

Yumiko wrinkled her nose and waved a hand in front of her face. "I haven’t bathed properly in a week, and somehow, this place smells worse than me."

Mary smirked, giving Yumiko a teasing glance. "Oh, this is nothing. Wait until you get deeper into the city."

Yumiko groaned, running a hand through her greasy hair. "Please tell me there’s somewhere we can clean up," she said, her voice dripping with desperation.

Lukas nodded, his expression neutral but reassuring. "Believe it or not, there are plenty of places for that here. Braint’s a big city. Sure, there’s a lot of bad, but there’s good if you know where to look."

Mary raised a skeptical brow. "Good? In this place?"

Lukas’s nod was steady. "One of my old friends lives here. He’s the owner of the Chariot."

Mary’s eyes widened slightly. "The Chariot? You mean that fancy casino downtown?"

Yumiko’s curiosity sparked as she turned to Mary. "What’s it like?"

Mary gestured down the crowded, grimy street. "Well, first, you’ll have to wade through this cesspool. But eventually, you’ll hit the rich district—where all the nobles and merchants pretend they’re better than everyone else and shove the beggars and ‘undesirables’ out of sight. The Chariot is the crown jewel of that district. It’s a massive casino that caters exclusively to high rollers. Some people blow hundreds of gold in a single night. The buy-in at most tables is ten gold minimum."

Yumiko’s jaw dropped at the description. "Ten gold? Just to sit down?!"

Mary chuckled at her reaction. Then, with a sly glance at Lukas, she added, "Which raises the real question: how does a bum like you know someone running a place like that?"

Lukas shrugged, his expression guarded but thoughtful. "It’s a long story. Right after I lost my first squad… I came to Braint looking for a bounty. I was desperate for quick money. That’s when I ran into Luchs, someone from my home country, Hoffen. He wasn’t much older than me at the time. We got to talking, and… well, let’s just say he’s not your average guy… He has a lot of information on his side. As for the casino, he later won it in a bet."

Mary let out a disbelieving sigh, folding her arms. "Figures. People in this city would gamble away the shirt on their back. What could someone possibly wager that’s big enough to win a whole casino? Have you ever asked him?"

Lukas pushed past a stumbling drunk, shoving the man aside without a second glance. “Nope. Don’t know, don’t care,” he muttered, his tone clipped as he moved down the crowded street.

Mary watched him for a moment, her brow furrowing before calling out, “Where are you going?”

Lukas glanced back over his shoulder, his expression as cold as ever. “We made it to Braint. Now we split ways.”

Mary’s jaw tightened. She quickly closed the distance, grabbing his arm and pulling him to a stop. “Seriously? After everything we’ve been through, after what Sofia said, you’re still trying to ditch us?”

Lukas shrugged, barely fazed. “I don’t remember making any deals with her.”

Mary rolled her eyes, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “Lukas, come on. Stop being such a stick in the mud.”

“I told you already,” Lukas said, shaking his head. “I don’t do groups.”

Mary crossed her arms, standing her ground. “We’re not a group—we’re a team. And last I checked, we saved your sorry hide back there, so you owe us.”

Before Lukas could respond, Yumiko stepped forward, her voice soft and hesitant. “I… I’m not used to places like this,” she said, rubbing her arm awkwardly. “It’s making me really uncomfortable.”

Mary seized the moment, pointing at Yumiko. “You see? You’re seriously going to leave us here—here of all places—without so much as a second thought? At the very least, the least you could do is invite us to that fancy casino of yours and treat us to a victory meal.”

“Victory?” Lukas echoed, turning to her with a scowl. He gestured to his battered body. “What victory? My arm’s useless, I’ve got a broken rib, I’m soaked, and I can’t even use magic properly anymore.”

Mary stepped closer, knocking lightly on Lukas’s forehead before he could pull away. “Hello, dummy? We got your flowers, figured out what that damned voice was, killed some freak, destroyed a giant snake, and—oh yeah—walked away with this.” She smirked and tapped the serpent staff strapped to her back for emphasis.

Yumiko glanced down at the ground, her voice barely above a whisper. “It… it would be nice to have a meal. With friends.”

Lukas closed his eyes, exhaling a long, weary sigh. “Alright. Fine,” he muttered, sounding thoroughly defeated. “But I don’t want to spend much more time together.” He turned, his steps heavy as he started walking away again.

Mary wasn’t done yet. She reached out, grabbing his shoulder and forcing him to pause. “And where do you think you’re going now?”

“To get healed,” he said plainly, “and then to the Chariot. Isn’t that what you wanted?”

Mary arched a brow, her arms still crossed. “Even if you do get healed, you’re not seriously planning to walk in there looking like that, are you?”

Lukas frowned, looking at her with similar confusion. “I don’t mingle with the fancy folk. I just ask for my Luchs at the front and do business in the back. What’s the big deal?”

Mary crossed her arms, eyeing him critically. “The big deal is that we are going there for dinner, not for business. And you can’t just waltz in like you normally do. Not looking like that you don’t. You look like hell warmed over—and smell worse.”

Lukas huffed. “What difference does it make?”

Mary let out an exasperated sigh, her patience clearly wearing thin. “We’re going there for dinner, remember? As a group. You know, the whole ‘victory meal’ thing we talked about? Honestly, it’s like you only half listen.”

Lukas glanced down at himself, brushing dirt off his leather chestplate. “Fine, I’ll clean up… after I go to a healer.”

Mary stepped closer, inspecting his face with a pointed look. “Your hair’s a mess—long and filthy. And those bags under your eyes? You look like you haven’t slept in a decade. Honestly, you’re scary to look at. A simple shower is not going to cut it.”

“This is just how I look,” Lukas replied with a nonchalant shrug.

“Not anymore,” Mary said firmly. She grabbed his arm and started pushing him down the street. “Let’s go.”

Lukas attempted to resist, but Mary’s determination was unshakable. “You’re impossible,” he muttered, trying in vain to free himself.

Mary glanced over her shoulder, calling out to Yumiko. “Come on, cutie! We’re all getting cleaned up and presentable.”

Yumiko hesitated, her eyes sweeping over the filth-strewn streets. Piles of trash, broken glass, and questionable puddles were scattered everywhere. “And where, exactly, is this magical place?” she asked, skepticism thick in her voice.

Mary chuckled knowingly. “I get it. I felt the same way when I first came here. But trust me, there’s one place in this city where you can actually feel clean and safe. Just follow me.”

The group followed Mary as she led them down a bustling main road. The atmosphere shifted noticeably. Vibrant signs advertising taverns, shops, and services glowed against the evening light. The area teemed with activity—street vendors shouting their wares, gamblers huddled around makeshift tables, and scantily clad men and women posing enticingly along the sidewalks. But the grime and chaos weren’t far behind. Drunks slumped against buildings, their clothes stained and tattered, while others lay sprawled in the street, muttering incoherently or fast asleep.

As they continued further into the city, the streets began to clean up. The air grew less oppressive, the trash piles fewer and farther between. Yumiko hesitantly removed the hand she’d been holding over her nose. “At least it smells better here…” she murmured.

Mary nodded, gesturing at the orderly streets. “That’s because this is where the guards actually crack down on people. You won’t find anyone relieving themselves in the open here.”

Yumiko’s eyes widened in horror. “Wait… I was smelling… people’s…?”

Mary gave her a wry smile. “Yup. Poo, pee, vomit—you name it.”

Yumiko visibly recoiled, her hand instinctively returning to her nose. “That’s disgusting!”

“Welcome to Braint,” Mary said with a shrug. “Stick with me, and I’ll show you the cleaner side.”

Lukas pulled Mary aside, frustration etched across his face. “Alright, enough. If we don’t hurry, Luchs is going to head home for the day, and—”

Mary cut him off with a sharp glare and a firm shove, forcing him forward. “Do you honestly think you’re in any condition to meet with your fancy friend after everything we’ve been through? Absolutely not.” Her tone was stern, almost maternal. “First, you’re going to clean up. Then, you’ll heal, and then you’ll go to bed. Only after all of that will you be fit to see anyone.”

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Yumiko stifled a giggle behind her hand, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “You sound like a mother scolding her child,” she teased softly.

Mary smirked but kept her focus on Lukas, who begrudgingly continued walking, muttering under his breath. The group turned a corner, and suddenly, a massive structure loomed ahead of them. Its towering walls of stone jutted into the sky, casting long shadows over the surrounding streets.

Yumiko stopped in her tracks, her eyes wide with awe. “What is that?” she asked, pointing toward the colossal building.

Mary glanced at it, her expression souring. “That? It’s the colosseum. A lovely little place where brutes beat each other senseless or fight off massive beasts for the crowd’s entertainment.” She crossed her arms. “Sometimes, the guild even forces people who owe them debts—or worse, prisoners sentenced to death—to fight there.”

Yumiko’s face fell in shock. “The guild allows this?”

Mary let out a bitter laugh. “Oh, they don’t just allow it—they profit from it. They’ll tell you it’s all part of the land’s ‘cultural heritage,’ harkening back to the days when the old kings hosted these bloodbaths. But the truth is, it’s all about money and control.”

Yumiko frowned, her gaze shifting back to the colosseum. “It’s disgraceful. And yet, so many people must be drawn to these events…”

“They are,” Mary said grimly. “That colosseum is the dividing line of the city. It’s the one place where the rich and poor mingle—though not on equal footing, of course. Fifty thousand people can pack in there, betting on anything from who wins the fight to how many swings it’ll take before a prisoner gets torn apart.” She shook her head, her voice heavy with disdain. “It’s disgusting, but it’s one of Braint’s so-called ‘charming qualities.’”

Yumiko stared at the massive structure as they passed, her expression clouded with a mix of shame and sadness. “What a waste of humanity, especially when so many seem captivated by it.”

Mary sighed. “That’s Braint for you. Always finding new lows.”

The group trudged onward, the atmosphere growing slightly less oppressive as they moved deeper into the city. After what felt like another mile, Mary abruptly shoved Lukas, sending him stumbling forward.

“Hey! What’s your problem?” Lukas barked, glaring back at her.

Mary pointed to a nearby building with a triumphant grin. “We’re here!” she announced gleefully. “This place will fix us right up.”

The building was an elegant oasis amid the gritty streets of Braint, constructed from sturdy brick with flower-filled planters hanging from the awnings above the sidewalk. Vibrant petals swayed gently in the breeze, adding a touch of charm to the otherwise bleak surroundings. With determined persistence, Mary gave Lukas a firm push, urging him inside. Yumiko followed close behind, casting a curious glance at the building’s inviting exterior.

Inside, the atmosphere changed dramatically. The floors were pristine, made of polished white limestone that reflected the soft, warm light from overhead. The walls were bright and impeccably clean, adorned with subtle floral patterns that gave the space a welcoming, luxurious feel. At the front of the room stood a sleek counter made of polished black granite, its surface gleaming like obsidian. Behind it, a cheerful woman with neatly tied hair looked up and greeted them with a warm smile.

“Hey! I don’t remember your name, but I definitely remember that pretty face!” she said, her tone light and friendly as her eyes landed on Mary.

Mary returned the smile. “I try to avoid visiting Braint whenever I can, but whenever I do, this is the one place I have to stop by.”

The woman chuckled knowingly, casting her gaze toward the ceiling as if searching for patience. “Oh, I get it. This city is the worst. But here at Restful Grove, we’ll make you forget about all that. When you leave, you’ll think we’re better than anything you’d find in the capital.” She leaned forward slightly, giving the group a quick once-over. “And by the looks of it, you all could use some serious TLC.”

Mary nodded in agreement. “We need healing, baths, and fresh clothes. We’re planning to visit the Chariot tomorrow.”

The woman raised her eyebrows in surprise. “The Chariot? Well, aren’t you aiming high! That place is fancy. Ever since the new head took over, it’s become the place to be.” She smiled approvingly, then gave each of them a more detailed inspection.

Mary smiled, “So I’ve heard! We need to look our best. What will it take to get us looking presentable for a place like that?”

“Alright,” she began, ticking off her observations with a practiced eye, “we’ll start with a soothing salt and herb bath. It’ll help heal you up and relax those sore muscles. If there’s anything left to patch up after that, our healer can take care of it. For tidying up... let’s see.” She gestured toward Yumiko. “Our Eastern beauty here needs her bangs trimmed and maybe styled a bit to frame that lovely face.” Then she turned to Lukas. “Blondie over here desperately needs a shave and a haircut… And probably something to destress that tired face. And as for you, darling,” she said, addressing Mary, “you’ll love our hair treatment. It’ll make your fiery red locks soft, bouncy, and as vibrant as a blazing flame.”

Lukas groaned and rolled his eyes, but Mary clapped her hands together in excitement. “Oh, that sounds perfect!”

Even Yumiko couldn’t hide her growing enthusiasm, brushing her greasy bangs aside with a look of relief. “I need this…”

Lukas, ever practical, turned to Mary with a frown. “How much is this going to cost?”

Before Mary could respond, the woman behind the counter chimed in smoothly. “Our overnight treatment is seventy-five silver everyone. That includes full healing, proper rest, fresh clothes tailored to fit, and all the services I mentioned. I’ll even throw in a nail treatment for the ladies and a massage for Blondie here.” She flashed an encouraging smile.

Lukas opened his mouth to protest, but Mary cut him off with a bright smile. “That sounds amazing. We’ll take it!”

“Oh, I can’t wait! You will all look and feel wonderful!!” the woman said cheerfully, clapping her hands together.

Lukas shot Mary an annoyed glare. “We could’ve gotten healed and found beds at another place for less than eight silvers. For all of us!”

Mary rolled her eyes and slapped his chest lightly. “Sure, but those places wouldn’t let you wander around looking like... well, like this,” she said, gesturing to his disheveled state. With a smirk, she reached into her coin pouch and pulled out a gold coin, letting it glint in the light. “I’ll cover it this time, since you’ll be introducing us to your fancy friend at the casino tomorrow and treating us to a nice dinner.” She punctuated her remark with a playful wink.

Lukas grumbled under his breath, crossing his arms. Yumiko, meanwhile, stifled a giggle, her excitement bubbling over. She could hardly remember the last time she had felt truly clean, let alone pampered.

Once Mary received her change, the receptionist led them deeper into the facility, guiding them down polished hallways that seemed worlds apart from the grime of the city streets. Eventually, the group was split up, with Mary and Yumiko sharing a room.

The moment they stepped inside, Yumiko was struck by the fresh, invigorating scent of lavender and mint wafting through the air. The room was clean and minimalist, with soft robes neatly folded on a rack along one wall. The receptionist gestured to the robes with a friendly smile.

“Fresh robes are over there. The baths are almost ready for you. While you wait, head over to the stylist. She’ll wash and style your hair. If either of you need anything at all, come and grab me or anyone floating around,” she said, before departing with a courteous nod.

Yumiko wasted no time grabbing one of the robes and burying her face in it, inhaling deeply. “Oh… This is exactly what I needed,” she murmured one again, her shoulders visibly relaxing.

Mary chuckled, leaning casually against the wall. “We haven’t even started, and you’re already in heaven.”

Yumiko looked up, her eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Mary. I’ll pay you back, I promise.”

Mary waved her off with a grin. “No need. You saved our skins back there with that giant snake. Consider this me repaying you.”

A soft smile spread across Yumiko’s face. “Very well. But I hope to return the favor one day.”

“One day,” Mary said with a nod, grabbing a robe for herself. “But for now, let’s enjoy this while it lasts. Time to get pampered!”

The two women walked to the stylist’s station, where they were treated to thorough hair washes and trims. Yumiko couldn’t help but marvel at how soft and light her hair felt afterward, as if a weight she hadn’t noticed had been lifted. Mary, meanwhile, ran her fingers through her now-bouncy locks, pleased with how vibrant the fiery red looked.

Yumiko gazed at her reflection in the mirror, a hint of wonder in her voice. “Wow… Just a simple cute and change in parting makes such a difference.”

Mary, still admiring her own hair, smirked. “Didn’t I tell you? They’re the best!”

Afterward, they sank into the healing salt and herb bath. The warm water soothed their aching muscles, and the fragrant herbs worked their magic, leaving them feeling not only relaxed but rejuvenated. By the time they emerged, they felt like entirely new people, their wounds healed and spirits lifted.

The final stop of the evening was the nail salon. Yumiko stared uncertainly at the rows of polished bottles in every color imaginable.

“What color would you like?” the salon tech asked, her voice friendly and patient.

Yumiko hesitated, her brow furrowing. “I’m… not sure. I’ve never had my nails painted before.”

Mary, lounging back in her chair, grinned. “When in doubt, stick with the classics: red, pink, or black. I’m going with red to match my hair, but black would look great on you.”

Yumiko glanced at Mary, then smiled at the tech. “Alright. Black, please.”

As the nail tech began working, Mary let out a contented sigh, sinking further into her seat. “This is heaven,” she murmured, watching the shiny red polish being applied to her nails.

Yumiko giggled softly, relaxing as the tech carefully painted her nails. After a moment, Mary glanced toward the door.

“I wonder what Lukas is doing right now,” she mused aloud, smirking to herself. “Probably sulking about how much this is costing.”

Yumiko laughed. “Or glaring at someone. That seems to be his default expression.”

Mary chuckled. “Well, either way, he’ll thank me later when he doesn’t look like he just crawled out of a dungeon.”

The two shared a laugh, fully enjoying their rare moment of peace and luxury.

The nail tech continued working with a practiced hand, glancing up at the girls. “That tall blonde guy? Yeah, I heard something from one of the other girls. Our gifted healer worked on him. He grumbled the entire time, though. Afterward, he got his hair treatment and immediately asked to go to bed. Didn’t seem like he wanted to stick around for much else.”

Mary rolled her eyes but smiled knowingly. “Sounds exactly like Lukas. But trust me, by tomorrow morning, he’ll be thanking me for dragging him here.”

Yumiko tilted her head, raising a brow. “You really think so?”

Mary’s grin widened. “Oh, I know so. Just wait. The beds they have here do more than just simple sleep. They heal and soothe you.”

Yumiko leaned back in her chair, a small smile tugging at her lips as she gazed up at the pristine white ceiling. “Well, I hope we all look and feel better after this… It’s been so long since we’ve had a moment to breathe, let alone relax.”

Mary nodded, her eyes fluttering shut as she sank deeper into her chair. “Agreed. We’ve earned this.”

While the trio indulged in their well-deserved spa treatments, the world outside was far from peaceful.

Beneath the shadowy canopy of the forest just outside Braint, a group of men lingered in the darkness, their presence unnervingly deliberate.

At the center of the gathering stood a man clad in bright, polished armor that gleamed faintly under the moonlight. His sharp eyes scanned the dense forest, searching for any signs of their prey. His tone was cold and commanding as he spoke. “You’d better not be lying, or Kenwick will have you burned alive.”

Behind him, an overweight man with oily skin and a nervous demeanor rubbed his hands together like a greedy fly. His laugh was wheezy and strained as he stammered, “I wouldn’t dream of it! Mr. Kenwick and I have been doing business for years. I’d never sully a relationship with a man of such… high reputation!”

The armored mercenary turned to glare at the fat man, his expression sharp and unforgiving. “We’ll see.”

Before either could speak again, another mercenary emerged from the trees, his voice urgent. “Boss! He’s right—there’s a den just up ahead! The wolf’s inside!”

A slow, predatory grin spread across the mercenary leader’s face as he turned back to the trembling informant. “Well, color me impressed. Seems you were telling the truth, Mr. Callaway.”

The fat man flashed a toothy grin, yellowed and crooked. “But of course, sir. I aim to please.”

The mercenary boss raised his arm in a commanding gesture. “Alright, men! Surround the den and get your nets ready! We need this beast alive for Kenwick’s prize at the colosseum! Capture it, and we’ll all walk away with heavy pouches!”

A cheer erupted from the group, about ten men strong, their voices echoing through the forest like a pack of jackals.

Inside the den, a pair of glowing eyes flickered open. The wolf lay still, her ears twitching as she listened intently to the approaching threat. The air was thick with the metallic tang of bloodlust, and she could feel it crawling toward her like a shadow.

Quietly, she rose to her feet, her muscles coiled and ready. The hunters were drawing closer, but she watched, waiting with ice cold eyes.