|Friend's Request|

The atmosphere under the moonlight reigned by quietness and calmness as they return back. An owl screeches on the tree as the two passes by in the East forest.

[Lucas: Too loud..]

[Ethan: Guess it's mating season for them!...]

They continue walking while Ethan expressed his lecture about owls... The cool, breezing wind flits toward them, giving chills as they wrap themselves with cloak.

[Lucas: do we really need to get farther when there's a gate in the North?]

Lucas gives a sigh, pondering his idea in silence. Meanwhile, Ethan replies to him, making another reason to blurt out.

[Ethan: The destination is... Unknown for now, hehe... Beautiful girls... I guess?..]

Closing his right eye while smirking, He didn't tell Lucas where will they go. However, there's a slight hint that Ethan told him... But despite giving a clue after confusing him. Lucas was out of ideas to say something..

[Lucas: Goodness..]

After going through the forest, they immediately entered past the South Gate. Lights are sparkling as usual. As they constantly promenade. You can see lively people enjoying the place.. The Southwest district plays a huge part every night, which holds in adult events...

[Lucas: Ethan... This place... The hell you thinking?!]

Lucas finds himself going to the red-light district. A place where prostitution are legalized by a certain member of aristocrat. This place is obviously not for children. Nonetheless, Lucas isn't a kid. He's a full pledge adult!

[Ethan: What? Urghh... This kinda suck though, some higher up summoned me at the same time as the princess invited me.. Talk about luck.]

Kicking some stones on the way to their objective place. Ethan sure is annoyed for the reason he has been asked to come there for some time..

[Lucas: Ohh... Hard to be a part of a knight..]

[Ethan: I'm not just an ordinary knight ya know.... Well my hope can never be taken away that easily. I'll come to the princess's side as soon as possible.]

[Lucas: Uh huh..]

With a shining eyes that glitters. Ethan clenched his right fist forward, showing a sign of tenacity.

[Ethan: Will you follow me, Lucas?]

[Lucas: I don't have a choice, do I?]

Ethan puts his left arm around Lucas's shoulder. For him, not to go astray as there are many women who wander around, looking for their prey-... Customer rather.

As they continue to walk straight, Ethan sees a familiar person going to them. He impulsively hid his body behind Lucas's. He told him not to ask any question. As long as Lucas doesn't know what's happening, he gets a bit clumsy. He is at the front while Ethan is at the back. He stiffly advances forward, that noticeable behavior will probably lead them to their downfall...

.

.

.

.

.

Lucas heedlessly bumps into that person's side accidentally.

[Ethan: I- Idiot!]

Without prior notice, he immediately attempts to run towards the opposite direction. With that being said, the person in question grab his hair. Preventing him to run away.

[Ethan: KYAHH!! HELP!! HELP!! SOMEONE IS TRYING TO ABDUCT MEEE!!]

[???: Keep your mouth shut, leader. You're embarrassing us!]

A woman in a knight uniform made a disgusted face as she was having a hard time keeping Ethan under control. At the same time, Lucas saw that woman wearing a black ring on her finger. There's a crest image that represents a certain group of knights on it, and it's very well known in the kingdom...

[Lucas: That crest... Meaning?.. Ethan's....]

[I apologize for the late introduction. I am Christine Vandenberg, a member of Silhouette Crimson.]

Christine is a member of Silhouette Crimson. A group of magic knights who maintain peace in the kingdom.

[Ethan: uhm... Can you please... You know.. My hair.. It hurts!]

[Christine: No way! You'll just try to escape again.]

Gripping his hair firmly, Ethan was begging her to stop. Eventually, she ceases for doing it. Letting Ethan go for a little scratch on his head.

[Christine: Jeez! For heaven's sake! You are the leader of our group yet at the same time, you're irresponsible for your duties!]

[Ethan: Sorry.. Something came up alright?]

[Lucas: Hey Ethan.. What are we supposed to do here?]

Ethan told them to come with him. Still fixing his hair, he asks Christine that, why would a woman like her be in a place like this.... It appears that she was looking out for him all this time, while not knowing Ethan's whereabouts.

[Lucas: ... Ethan.. You're such a jerk! Letting a beautiful woman search for you for a day.]

[Christine: Be- beautiful?! But... My heart already belongs to someone else..]

Christine takes a glance at Ethan, whose hair is a bit messy. When he looked back at them, she directly averts her eyes while whistling. The thought never comes to Ethan's mind. Nevertheless, Lucas's piercing gaze says it all. It seems that he caught on the relationship of these two.

[Lucas: That's.. Kinda.. Sad.. What an unrequited love she has on him...]

He mumbles as he tries to stay in their walking pace. Not too long ago, they finally arrived to their rendezvous.. The brothel that is...

[Lucas: You freaking sure bout this?]

[Ethan: Course not, look Lucas.. Please just this time, kay?]

Lucas agreed for the reason Ethan told him. He pitied Christine for searching around aimlessly to the point that she got there, that's why he would like to take her to somewhere fun.

[Lucas: (Sigh) Yeah, got it. Treat me something in return later.]

[Ethan: I'll remember it. You have my gratitude.]

As they opened the door of heave-.... As they opened the door, Lucas gulps down in order for him to be in a state of calmness. Taking a deep breath to minimize the uneasy feeling now that it will be his first time adventuring the dungeon together with Ethan~~ or so he thinks..

[Ethan: Lucas, Good bye! Hope you survive till dawn!]

Simultaneously going inside the brothel, Ethan uses his shadow after closing the door to go outside the building.

[Lucas: You idiotic moron!!! Don't leave me aloneee!! They'd devour me hereee!!!]

Lucas tried to open the door forcibly, yet it was unbelievably sturdy. Using half of his strength, he attempted to open the door for the second time but the door didn't even budge to move.

The fact that the door wasn't budging is due to Ethan's deed. After using his shadow to get out, he locked the door from outside... Using his magic, he inserted his shadow to the keyhole. Attempting to create a replica of a key and fortunately, he succeeded.

[Lucas: Heyy!! That's abuse of poweerr!!!]

Unfortunately for Lucas, he's not allowed to use his magic without the approval ring that legalize the user to use their own power, and obviously clearer than a crystal clear that he's not allowed to destroy the surroundings.

[Ethan: I'm sorry Lucas.... Anyways, have fun hah hah hah hah.]

[Lucas: Tch! I can't get the heck out of here!]

Lucas looks around in despair, finding a way to for him to escape. There's a window just beside the door, but it's much too small enough to fit his head. Looking for another one, there's a rectangular hole on the ceiling. Without wasting for a single moment, he instantaneously jumps with the right amount of leg force, for him not to destroy a thing. The reason why his method was roundabout is... Because he can't afford to taint his master's name for his wrongdoings. If he tried to even make a scene, he'll severely be punish by those higher ups that despise him.

[???: Whoah! What are you doing up there?]

There was a person who saw Lucas's lower body. His upper body was already up ahead and can't be seen by that person. His choice is to escape without him being seen by that person. The other one is to go down and surrender... Of course there's no doubt, he continues to go up until his lower body disappears from trace.

[Lucas: I ain't an idiot to go down there and surrender after going this far.]

Another person came into his view, Curiosity appears before Lucas, making him look down below to observe the place.

[Hey you!! What are you doing here?! Get the hell up, you useless bitch!!]

[???:KYAH!!]

A middle age man appeared and grab the woman's hair by force. The woman is seemingly in pain after being coercively dragged by that man.

THUDD THUDD

Lucas can't stand it anymore, thus going down from above. Making a scene in an instant, he grasps the man's left forearm as he faces the ground. Making him to be immobilized for a moment of time.

[Lucas: Hey.. Can you please let her go?]

[???: Wh- who are you?!]

A smile that gives off a frightening aura around his body at once. The man steps back, his face is covered with sweat as he fell backwards.

[Lucas: Never hurt a woman ever again. Clear?]

[U.. UNDERSTOOD!]

After speaking to that man, he turns his gaze upon her. Inspecting if there are some bruises she obtained.

[Lucas: So far, so good... What's your name?]

[I.. I'm Evelyn..]

Evelyn has a color of arctic blue hair, her eyes were like a resplendent light that gleams in the dark. Her pale skin is as pretty as white rose. The combination of her puff sleeve dress and slim body is flawless. Any young man would fall in love with her beauty.... However, Lucas is an idiot so let's put him aside.

Soon after, Another man appeared before them. All the attention went to his spot as the man who fell down called him, eventually gets up on his feet. Based on his behavior, his someone important. Apparently, he's the owner of the brothel. His big chunk stomach took Lucas's attention though...

[Ohhh.. And who might you be? Are you a new customer?]

Lucas told him his circumstances, the reason he ended up there was because of Ethan. The owner accepted him as his new customer after hearing that he's a friend of him.

[Lucas: Wa- Wait!! I'm not here for those naughty things!]

[Now now, don't be embarrass.. You'll definitely enjoy all the good stuff here. We have toys and costumes(cosplay suits) that can boost the mood.....]

The owner told him some new things nonstop, making his head go numb due to the pressure.

[Lucas: Please stop..]

Begging for him to stop, a bit of blood drips down his nose. He carefully wipes it out to avoid unnecessary disturbance. Thankfully, the owner's loquacious mouth began to conclude. As they were walking down the hallway, the owner questioned one of his staff's doing. The man who abuse Evelyn.

[Lucas: Are your employees barbaric? That man there hurts Evelyn.]

[!!?? Is that true?..]

Lucas pointed out his finger towards him. The atmosphere gives off a chilling vibe. It wasn't Lucas, but the owner's. He instantly apologized to Evelyn with a fear of losing his only job. That aside... Lucas, together with the owner enters a room with a luxurious ambience. They see a round table exclusively for nobles. Due to some reasons, the owner let Lucas take a sit from a chair beside that table.

[Lucas: (It would be rude to refuse anything.. Guess I shall accept any of them.)]

[So Where's Ethan?]

[Lucas: He's...]

Lucas didn't lie, he told everything Ethan did to him. Although, he only talks rude things about Ethan. The owner typically concurs with him. Thus, enjoying their moment of conversation.

After 20 minutes of talking with the owner, someone knocks the door. One of his men asks the owner to go with him for business purpose.

[I guess I need to go back for my customers. I had some fun talking with you, Lucas! You can stay the night here.]

He told Lucas the guest room he's appointed to sleep. After going out the luxury room, he turns his eyes looking around the place. He saw and pick up a small piece of flat rectangular wrapper, he can feel a circle that surrounds that wrapper. He thought that it was important and so he brings it with him.. The room he entered was dark. He can't see anything until someone opens the light.

[Lucas: E.. Evelyn?! What are you doing here??]

[Evelyn: A good service for a good customer..]

Evelyn begins to push Lucas on the bed. Opening each of her button up to down, she clumsily fell forward. Lucas rushes to catch her up. After successfully saving her, Evelyn felt embarrassed. Her crimson face starts to get redder as Lucas holds him firmly. She eventually give up and ended up pushing Lucas out of the bed.

[Evelyn: I.. I'm sorry!]

[Lucas: (Sigh) How many times do I have to tell you guys that I'm not a customer?]

Getting up, Lucas drops the thing that he picks up earlier on the hallway.

[Evelyn: That's a... Uhm... Protec... tion..]

[Lucas: Eh, do you know this?]

Evelyn made an astonishing face when she founds out that Lucas doesn't know a thing about it. She explained to him what is the use of it. After knowing, Lucas turned his back and discarded the protection.

[Lucas: Hey.. This isn't what you think!... I just happened to pick this up on the way..]

[Evelyn: Eh... So, you prefer to do it raw?... We have rules that should be followed, but if it's you... I'll keep it a secret..]

Evelyn started to crawl on the bed. Ineptly detaching the button of her dress..

[Lucas: I didn't come here for that reason. Please don't take your body for granted.]

Before she becomes completely naked, Lucas grabbed a towel on a table right beside him. Covering Evelyn's entire upper body to avoid his nosebleed.

[Evelyn: I.. I'm sorry! I don't have any experience with this...]

[Lucas: You mean.... You're new here!?]

Evelyn nodded as she puts on her dress back. Lucas twisted his head sideways and looked towards the door.. Bloods on his nose begun to drip instantly after knowing that fact.

[Evelyn: You're bleeding! Wait... Are you.. Imagining something dirty?... Pervert Lucas... ]

[Lucas: N- no!]

Evelyn returns the towel back to pervert Lucas, whose nose continues to bleed. He clasps the towel with his left hand while his right holds the nose of his, wiping it carefully afterwards. Silence filled the room as they sit beside each other.

[Lucas: ... Let's talk about ourselves... I guess you wouldn't like it, ha ha ha ha....]

Lucas tried to break the silence between them, but based on Evelyn's frown look. She's a bit hesitant to let Lucas know her more. Instead, Lucas begins to talk about himself. His lifestyle, favorites, dislikes, and his past.

After listening to Lucas, Evelyn could no longer resist herself from telling her story. Thus, she told him some of her past, and what's the reason behind this job of her..

(Ethan's point)

After leaving the red-light district, Christine asked Ethan something...

[Christine: Are you sure with that? Leaving him your goal..]

[Ethan: No worries, if ever he didn't take an action.. Then that's all there is to it.]

Walking towards their residence, Ethan entered the door together with Christine. There they have some companions with them, waiting for him to arrive.

[???1: Guys! Captain is here!]

[???2: Hey! Why are you with my Christine again?!]

[Christine: I'm not your woman, imbecile!]

[???3: Leader, play with meee!]

[???4: You guys are way too rowdy. Could you please shut up?]

[???5: Wh.. What's going on?...]

[???6: I've waited enough, it's time for your highlight.]

(1) was at the front door, waiting for him to arrive. (2) spouted nonsense in front of Christine, due to that, he received some harsh words, but he creepily enjoyed it... (3) rushed forward to Ethan while (4) was having a peaceful nap on the sofa. Apparently, (5) doesn't know what's going on while (6) was making some weird movements on a chair.

[Ethan: Settle down, now.]

They have begun to line up horizontally... Facing their leader, Ethan.

[Ethan: Go to sleep.]

[....Eh?]

They tilted their heads as they wonder what he's supposed to mean. After confirming that it was literally of what he means. They shouted in annoyance before going to their respective rooms.

[Ethan: Hufff, I guess I shall sleep too.]

He yawns as he walks towards his room. The house has become quiet after a few minutes....

To be continued...