Cranmer left them shortly after that. The duo went along the main path leading into the city, where buildings were crammed together. The sellers were hollering at everyone who went past, trying to get their attention.

“Magic salve! Get your magic salve here! Cures everything from patches to scabies! You won’t get it elsewhere!”

“Look here. I got some talismans and pills. Get one today and regain your youth. And look at this. Hallucinative potion. One gulp and you’ll know what ecstasy is like. Some swear this even gives the dead a boner.”

“Got a mice infestation? You came to the right place, folks. Look at this cat. It’s cute, cuddly, and catches mice faster than you can say ‘meow!’ And it’s a great companion too! Perfect for the family!”

“Hey, you look like you need a tooth extraction. I bet that toothache is driving you nuts. Then step right up. I offer painless tooth extraction, and at a low, low cost too.”

“How low can you do?” Roy asked the dentist. He wondered how a dentist could work with a chair, a bottle of wine, and some rope.

“Ten copper an hour.” The lean dentist grinned toothily at him, but his teeth were black.

***

The duo rendezvoused with the troupe after leaving the shady street, and they hired a guide to show them the way around town. Finally, the group settled in a remote inn called ‘Pot Belly.’ The inn’s lobby was mostly taken up by the troupe, much to the innkeeper’s delight. On the other hand, Eveline was twirling her hair, looking troubled.

“Living in the city costs a lot. The accommodation fees ate up most of the money Alan left us. We can’t go on like this. Kantilla, take some guys with you to survey the plaza and the crowded spots in the city. See if you can get us a spot to perform.”

Kantilla put her legs on the table languidly. “Sure, boss.”

“Everyone else can take the day off. It’s been a tiring journey.”

The troupe members went to do their own stuff. Some played Gwent, some kept drinking, and some went upstairs to have some fun. “So what next, Roy? Are you leaving with Letho?” Eveline gave Roy a gentle look, as if saying she wanted him to stay.

Roy nodded stiffly.

“I’ve been traveling for years. Just when I finally got a friend, you’re already leaving.” She pulled him closer, almost kissing him. “Witchers live a dangerous life. Why don’t you stay with me in the troupe? You won’t mind, will you, Letho? After all, you have a lot of disciples, right?” She grinned cheekily at Letho.

“Um…” Roy almost lost himself when she hugged him, but only for a moment. His will was getting stronger by the day, after all. Even so, he had to put on a show. “I don’t want to say goodbye either, Eveline — ” And then he felt her pushing his head against her chest. Oh, so this is how a woman’s chest feels like. Feels like a dream.

He was almost suffocating from the soft, bouncy breasts that enveloped his face. All he could smell was the intoxicating fragrance from Eveline.

Letho crossed his arms, watching the shenanigan unfold. Then he smiled sarcastically. “I’ll respect your choice, Roy.” He’d given his permission, though Roy knew that wasn’t the case. “You can pursue a career as a circus performer. I won’t force you.” He emphasized the last sentence.

Roy could imagine Letho hunting him down if he took Eveline’s offer, and he shivered. I’d like a girlfriend, but not now. Not yet. He shot up and cleared his mind. “Thank you, Eveline.” He held her hand. “But Letho’s probably gonna get himself eaten by wild beasts without my help, so…”

“I see. Take care, then.” Eveline sighed and stared down in silence.

“Are the kids still asleep?” Roy shifted the topic awkwardly. The troupe members had been trying to work with Arri and Art over the last couple of days, but that messed up their biological clock, so they could fall asleep at any given moment.

Eveline composed herself, but it was obvious she still wanted Roy to stay. “We have to find them a home. The troupe can’t take care of them forever, since we wander the world. Alan said the Temple of Melitele was a good place. But I’d like to see if there’s anything better. I want real professionals. Oh, and I might run into you there.”

***

“Hey, Letho. Is it me, or has Eveline been acting weird around me?”

Letho rubbed his chin and realized something incredible. “Whoa, you’re saying you don’t get it? You’re usually the smart aleck, so what happened? Taken up by your lust for a woman’s body?”

“Alright, stop joking.” Roy clenched his fist, as if threatening to crush Letho’s hand. “I just refused a woman all for you, you know?”

“Yes, yes, you weren’t imagining it. Eveline was trying to mate with you.” Letho nodded. “Elves aren’t exactly a fertile race, unlike humans, who breed like rabbits. To make things worse, they’re only fertile at certain ages. You’re a young part-elf, and she’s already of marrying age.”

Elves were elegant and enjoyed a long lifespan, but they were also open about sex. Roy had heard stories about how elves would fuck their comrades as much as possible before they died to keep the fear of death at bay.

“But I’m a minor.”

“Not exactly. You’re a part-elf, so you grow almost at the same rate as humans do. You’re gonna be mature in a few years. Not to mention you can live a long life, and your looks are acceptable for them.” Letho gave Roy a look that sent a chill down the boy’s spine. “Eveline’s a beautiful, gentle, and sexy woman. You sure you don’t want to stay with her?”

Roy was reminded of the feeling of Eveline’s gigantic breasts, but he quickly stopped himself from thinking about it. His body had changed ever since he ingested the Child of the Sun, as if he were giving in to his primal urges. “Forget it. I prefer monster killing.”

“Wipe your drool away.” Letho stood up with the help of his crutch. “Time to sell off the stuff in your pocket and restock some alchemy supplies. Then, we’re going to the temple.”