Disastrous Romance - Chapter 9
Chapter 9
“Yes, yes.” The innkeeper replied casually, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. His dismissive tone deflated Elijah instantly. What was the point in arguing? It was simply the way of the world, the ingrained hierarchy of their society.
The abolition of slavery, something she’d only ever considered an interesting historical footnote, suddenly felt like a monumental event. People like Kai, forced into servitude, were blameless. And yet, this man, born into a world where such a system was the norm… he wasn’t to blame either.
Elijah pushed the thought aside, vowing to return to it later. There were more pressing matters at hand. “Actually, I’ll be leaving now.” She decided to set out on her journey right away. It wasn’t like she had anything to pack.
“Ah, of course. A wise decision. Safe travels to you.”
What was so wise about it? Elijah grumbled internally as she stepped out, Kai trailing silently behind her. She couldn’t help but feel uneasy. Discomfort at the whole institution of slavery aside, Kai himself made her uncomfortable, his motives as unreadable as ever.
It’s not like they were strangers who just happened to share a bed last night, she thought. But that was precisely why she felt so uneasy. Was this what it was like to have casual s*x with someone you barely knew? It was made even worse by the fact she couldn’t decipher his intentions at all.
Glancing at him, she caught an unexpected expression on his face. She still couldn’t tell what he was thinking, but he wasn’t emotionless… there was something unreadable, almost guarded, in his eyes.
He probably doesn’t even know what expression to wear, Elijah mused. For the first time, she saw him not as a game character, but as a real person. An ordinary person carrying his own unseen burdens.
Perhaps that was why she felt a pang of sympathy for him. He was strikingly beautiful, yet his gaze was wary, almost predatory, as if the world itself was a threat.
A dozen questions bubbled to the surface: What did the innkeeper say to you? How long have you been at the slave market? Do you remember anything from your childhood? But all that came out was, “You must be hungry.”
“I’m… alright,” he declined after a moment’s hesitation. Of course, having seen the state of him at the slave market just yesterday, Elijah didn’t believe him for a second.
“It’s fine. Come on.” She led him to a nearby eatery and they ordered a simple breakfast.
Elijah dunked a piece of baguette into her soup and took a bite. It was hard, but edible once it had softened a little in the broth. Hunger is the best sauce, she thought, realizing just how famished she was.
She looked up at Kai, who was staring at his bowl as if he’d never seen soup before. “Go ahead, Kai. Eat up. It’s a rare treat.” She felt a twinge of guilt for saying such a thing about such a meager meal, but pushed the feeling aside. Food was food, and someone had to pay for it.
“Yes… Thank you,” he said politely, dipping his own bread into his soup. His expression remained carefully neutral, making it impossible to guess his thoughts.
They ate in silence, the loaf of bread, as thick as her arm, slowly disappearing bite by bite. As she watched Kai devour his food with an almost desperate hunger, Elijah felt another surge of sympathy.
Those b*stards probably barely fed him, she thought. It was highly likely this was the first decent meal he’d had in a long time. She finished her own food and watched him, her gaze unwavering. He finally spoke, still chewing. “Mistress is…”
“Hmm?” He seemed strangely hesitant, a far cry from the man he’d been the night before. It was almost as if he were a different person entirely. The memory of his rough hands and demanding words in the darkness of their room, the searing heat of his touch… Elijah shook her head, dispelling the unwelcome images.
“…kind,” he finally murmured, the words barely audible.
Elijah didn’t think much of it. After all, hadn’t someone once said that a single meal could earn a lifetime of gratitude? She chose to interpret his statement as a comment on the food.
They stepped out into the bustling Noami Square, where a large crowd had gathered, buzzing with excitement. They seemed to be congregating around the public notice board, drawn in by some important news.
What’s going on? Elijah wondered.
As they got closer, snippets of conversation reached her ears.
“I should start learning swordsmanship…”
“Is His Highness the Crown Prince really that handsome?”
“I heard he’s like a prince from a fairytale.”
The Crown Prince? Elijah pictured the second capture target, a vision of clean-cut handsomeness. Pushing her way through the throng of people, she finally reached the notice board. A grand proclamation was pasted there for all to see:
[Seeking Brave Souls to Uphold the Empire’s Glory
Darkness threatens our empire, and we are in dire need of valiant heroes.
Those who possess strength, step forward and serve the empire with unwavering dedication.
Those who possess courage, take up your swords and stand against evil.
Those who are worthy, I, the Crown Prince, shall personally recognize your valor.
Crown Prince Frederick de Rivier]
The proclamation ended with a flourish, signed with the Crown Prince’s name and sealed with an elaborate insignia. It was short and to the point, almost poetic in its delivery. And as if on cue, a series of notifications popped up, as if the game itself had read her mind:
Ding!
[Quest ‘An Audience with the Crown Prince’
Meet Frederick, the strongest swordsman in the empire, and heir to the throne.
Location: Capital City of Rangrang]
[Quest ‘Kai the Slave (2)’
You have entered into an intimate relationship with the first capture target, Kai.
Deepen your bond with him as you journey together.
Completion Requirements: Level 30 (Sword Expert), Kai’s Affection Level 40%
Deadline: 15 Days
Failure:…?]
