Once the door was closed, the woman takes a long look at Siyu and Frey on the couch, observing every detail.

Several minutes had passed.

“Your office; it is quite a unique decoration style,” Frey says in an awkward voice.

The woman takes a longer look at Frey. “Black and red. You don’t like it?” She asks, gesturing to the room.

“No, no; I think it’s great,” Frey says as he waves his hands.

“I think the candle gives it a nice touch,” Siyu comments, drawing a look from the blonde woman, causing him to lower his gaze.

“Tell me a little about yourself.” The woman says as she looks at them.

“I grew up in the city of Sevan–” Siyu begins to say before being cut off.

“Not you. I’m talking to the pretty boy with red hair.” The blonde woman says coldly.

Frey looks at the woman’s deep blue eyes and couldn’t help but think they were beautiful. “I was born an orphan–” Frey begins to say, but she cuts Frey off too.

“Not that. Tell me about yourself. Your hobbies, what you like to do when you’re alone, or if there are any women in your life.” The woman asks with a blank expression.

“I was trained to be a soldier, and I quite enjoy swordsmanship, so it could be considered a hobby, I guess. I smoke when I can, and there are times where I’m a heavy drinker. As for women… there is someone in my life. Someone I don’t deserve.” Frey says with a thoughtful gaze.

“So, you like to smoke? I have some superb tobacco in my desk. Imported from Helena in the south. Would you like to try some?” The woman asks, moving to get the tobacco.

“No, no, no. How could I? It would be impolite.” Frey says, looking to Siyu for some help.

“Ah, just a question,” Siyu says, meekly raising a hand. “We were told we could find some work here; were we mistaken?” He asks, afraid he was going too far.

“For this strapping young man, certainly. As for you… I’m sure I have a few clients who would be interested in your particular flavor.” The woman says, taking a short glance at Siyu.

“Two women had come by earlier; hoping for something new. You will go to them and do anything they ask. If I’m told you disobeyed them in any way, any further work will not be necessary.” The woman says before closing her eyes and gesturing to the door. “Find my secretary, and tell her what I told you. You may go, but the girl stays until you come back.” She says with a wave.

…

…

…

“And this was imported from the East. Their taste over there is quite unique.” The mature lady says, gesturing to the long cylindrical object tied to a strap.

Siyu couldn’t help but cough a few times. “And, ugh, what, may I ask, is this for?” He asks with some dread.

The lady laughs. “This is for later,” The woman says, putting a hand on Siyu’s shoulder. “For when we’re a little more comfortable.” She says with a smile.

Siyu looks to the woman’s smile and a bitter smile forms on his lips.

The woman’s hand moves to rest on Siyu’s face, her thumb moving to his lips. “You’re quite appealing; in your own way.” She says, before picking up the cylindrical object. “Come, let’s go to the bedroom.”

Siyu stands still, hoping for the moment to pass.

“Well,” the woman says with a turn of her head. “What are you waiting for?” She asks.

Hesitation flashes across Siyu's face before becoming resolved. Just gotta walk this shit off I guess, he thinks to himself, before calling out, “Coming!”

…

…

“Nope, not happening,” Frey says, opening the door to leave the bedroom.

A hand reaches out to grab him and a voice calls out, “Come on; relax. Let’s just enjoy ourselves.”

“I am taken, good woman! To a beautiful princess and the mother of my future children! I won’t take offense, but unhand me! I will have no part of this!” Frey says, shaking off the woman’s hand, and quickly departing the room.

…

…

“Now wasn’t that fun?” The woman says, laying a hand across Siyu's naked chest.

Siyu gives a bitter laugh. He currently felt an unmistakable soreness and he wasn't sure how he really felt about it. “It was certainly different.” He says.

The woman leans on Siyu's chest and says with a pout, “I’m quite hungry; do you mind cooking us an evening meal, dear?”

Siyu laughs bitterly once more. “Of course,” He says before getting up and hurriedly leaving the room with an awkward posture.

…

…

“What’s taking them so long?” Elizabeth asks as she sits on the red armchair.

The blue-eyed blonde woman laughs. “Don’t worry about them. They’ll be treated as they should.” She says, resting her chin on her hand. “Let’s not talk about them; let’s talk about– what was your name?” The woman asks with gentle eyes.

“Elizabeth, ma’am,” Elizabeth says, shifting to get more comfortable.

“And you said you were a Hell Path by Love cultivator?” The woman asks, intrigued at a new prospect.

“Ah, yes,” Elizabeth says meekly.

“And what kind? Surely not the puppy love, I want a soulmate kind? You do know that the world doesn’t work that way don’t you?” The blue-eyed woman questions.

Elizabeth’s face turns a deeper shade of red. “Of course, of course, I know that! It’s just that– it’s not impossible… right?” Elizabeth asks with a hint of doubt.

“Oh, good, sweet girl. It is impossible, and anyone telling you it’s not simply wants something from you. But I’ll not tell you what to do. If you wish, there is always a place for you at the Blooming Flower Cult.” The woman states with a tinge of pity.