*WARNING. This chapter contains graphic content. Proceed with caution.
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I gave up on throwing a fit when I realized the situation was out of hand. It was beyond my wishes and not something I should be wasting energy on because in contrast I need to be saving it for an even bigger threat that is to take place. An even dire situation is fast approaching.
After they've captured me, I was locked up in the madame's room in the second floor above her office for the rest of the day with no means of escape. But even if I could, I wouldn't, because that is what he expects me to do, testing me.
I've been curiously suspecting it since awhile back, a few misfortunes ago that he must be thinking that simply because we had a deal that I have some complacency with my free will that I would abuse such bargain. He thinks I'm not aware that I am bounded by him and therefore, this freedom which I call my own is only the freedom that he allows me to have.
With this, it is not because my god is benevolent rather he is deliberate. He'll let me be audacious and when opportunity strikes, he'll rip away all that I have tried to accomplish. It had taken me until now to realize such carelessness.
But how is he aware that I'm rebelling against my character?
By the choices.
I know that they can watch us and influence us through their 'blessings' however, they can only directly strongly interfere when it comes to plots of their character that is a part of the story's progression. Which in my case, is mostly about my character's social and physical abuse. And personality is the defining factor because that's where the options that they will get is referred from.
Three options and one outlier, the latter completely aligns with the character while the outlier does not, both for reactions and actions of their character and the environment. In other words, he can only play me when the event is involved with a plot and the choices he'll get depends on Lupa's personality which is completely opposite of mine. That's how he noticed.
Did he think I was simply mindlessly spending all those years as their slave promenading behind their asses? Though I was merely a lingering soul but mindless I was not. I made sure to take note of everything they did and how they played. If I had a different god, they would've been a lot more predictable than this one.
Now, back to my present concern. I haven't done anything that directly opposed with my character, I made sure to keep it subtle but even with my minor changes it still heavily impacted everything around me like my parents, they have become more hostile than they had ever been in the story.
I know that whatever is happening to me right is becoming a part of a plot which wasn't a part of the original but is now slowly being incorporated to it, thanks to his choices and my behavior. Although I know the whole story, the events will never play out as the original. It's even more evident now as I've been reviewing my outline since the moment I was left alone in this room. It seems I would need to make a list of the changes as well.
It is my fault to have believed that the change wouldn't be apparent because after all, nothing can go against the oracles disposition, the story will progress as it should but it will never be the same as the given. Anything can actually happen because of the outlying option. Once they chose that although it still aligns, the way it concludes will be different.
Did he think Lupa's part was too simple? Is this why he is adding all of these belligerent nuisance to rid of the cliche? He is just making things more complicated for me. But I do know what his goal is, he's been trying to kill me without meeting the protagonist to end our agreement. Nevertheless, not a single being in these realms knows that I am the reincarnate. The oracles are the only exception.
I breathed a sigh of relief. I adore it when I am being underestimated.
….….
Being locked up in the office, I got the whole afternoon to think. Later at noon while the other ladies were getting me ready, only then had I learned of everything. The event had already been planned since before I was unconscious two weeks ago and because of it, it was delayed and mother had gone through with a group service in my stead to compensate. That must be why she was so irritable. My difference in uniform had a purpose after all, it was so I can gain attraction by being displayed.
While the ladies were busy doing my hair, I got to look out the open window overlooking my mother in the distance.
And this window is so tempting I would've jumped already.
Most better part of sundown was spent on giving me a full bath, the fitting , then at night, my appearance and perfume. They've also forced me to drink medicine for contraception. It tasted like dung and I took it. I acted scared the whole time and I made sure to use my tears to the point where they had to do my make up over and over. I even tried reasoning that I am not at the age they think I am but when they asked about my birthday, I could not answer. I do not know what year I was born in, nor the month just that it was winter. The only way I could verify my age is by keeping track of the months the moment I learned how to read.
All those tears for nothing, there's whores have no sympathy.
Now everything was done and there was nothing I can do…yet. I have a feeling that this will not go through as what is intended because 'it' will not be in the options. It's still too early for him to have influenced a complete change in my play. But I need to get through with this in order to confirm my insights.
The night was young and the entertainment house remained as festive as it was these past few days with their endless drinking, endless sex, and bustling performances. Not only the harlots are making a lot of money but everyone with artistic talents as well, that's the reason why this place is considered an entertainment house rather than just a brothel. Those who are too drunk to function in beds are entertainment by the band in the drinking hall, the loud music covering up the ridiculous moaning behind these walls.
"There, you're ready!", a lady announced after they were done with my finishing touches. I looked at my reflection and did an imaginary scoff. It'll be ruined anyway.
"Oh you look like doll!", another one praised.
"The gentlemen are going to adore you". I am not sure what they mean by 'adore'.
"The madame will be proud"
And so my time has come, I am being escorted out of the room to fulfill my due diligence. I strike up a glare at my mother who was looking down on me. She reached her hand so I grabbed, the moment I did she squished it.
"Don't even think about running away now", she hissed. I thought she would be busy tonight as well. I doubt father knows I'm being sold off for the first time.
I am to perform for the richest gentlemen in the private hall, the only ones who could afford to. Unlike my last fiasco, I know what to expect now so I am much more composed. I continued observing my surroundings and just as I figured, this really is going to be incorporated in my story since I can I feel his influence strongly similar to the times of abuse.
And I didn't even do anything to cause this. It wasn't because I was working in the entertainment house, Lupa also worked here but she was never sold off. There was a scene for that but it is getting replaced by this.
As I am being guided towards the back stage again, I'm getting a deja vu of what happened before. The music is annoyingly closer and loud. The performers and their bold outfits, old men laughing in the background like they don't have wives waiting on them at home.
His energy is strong so he must be actively watching this.
"Where is she? Let me see her", I heard the old hag behind me as I am still holding my mother's hand. I felt her clench my hand on reflex. I looked up and she still looks tired.
When the madame spotted me, she paused in her track and gawked at me with admiration but I know it wasn't for my beauty, it was for the fat load of money I am about to make her.
"My dear you are gorgeous! I knew my gut is never wrong--I indeed have an eye for beauty!", she pointed in the air with excitement like some genius feeling proud of herself.
"Look at you, you look more mature", she suddenly knelt down and carefully caressed my face. Her breath stenches of tobacco.
"Here's a little reward for you", she gave me candy which I knew better than to take but she waited on me.
"Go on dear, don't be shy, it's free", she nudged. I only placed the candy in my mouth and forced a smile. "Thank you"
"Well done. Ahahaha!", the old hag laughed when she got up and proceeded a conversation with my mother, the moment their back was turned, I spit it out on the floor.
I realized I wasn't the only one in this position as I saw the lineup of a few girls directly behind the curtains, all dressed well but not as extravagantly as me. I've even found a few familiar faces from the children whom I did errands with. Nine girls in total, including me. I'm the shortest of the bunch probably because I'm the youngest. That scheming old hag, of course she'll try to make as much money as she could out of this opportunity.
After the adults talked, the time came for our performance which we didn't even rehearsed. All my mother said was, 'Put on a good show', before pushing me to the stage along with the others. Each of us had our faces covered with a thin white cloth to keep suspense then we just twirled and moved around with the rhythm of the music. Some were nervous and didn't move at all but I hate to get hit because of it. I only bit my lower lip and frowned to make it seem like I was upset and about to cry as I moved just so he'll think that he is getting a reaction out of me.
The audience were of course pleased and excited to bid. Claiming prices for the girls who displayed their liking. It's been so long since I was directly involved with mortal civilization that it feels odd for me to experience the nature of them.
Our dance continued until the music ended then we hid backstage again. The poor girls are clueless about what was going to happen to them as they each came up on stage individually with their faces revealed while the madame read their bidding.
"12 silver for a night?"
"13!"
"I hear 13, going up to 14, 14 silvers?"
"16 silvers!"
The prices are ridiculously high up because all of us are virgins. Those who still weren't fully affected by the drug they had taken, realized the situation and tried to argue but security was tough, the madame had personally hired guards and the girls were only growing weaker by the second. I am the last of the bunch to show on stage and my mother is no longer nowhere to be found except on the lap of some gentleman at the back of the room, drinking.
Then, it was finally my turn. I was guided out the stage by the madame's assistants. She had something announced but I couldn't hear much of it as they took off the veil from my face and the crowd erupted in cheer. The men had a perky expression when they saw me and I caught a glimpse of my mother in the distance when a smug grin.
"As you can see, she is a fine delicate and rare beauty. I'll start her price at…1 gold", the madame could barely contain herself when she announced that.
"She is a very rare combination. I doubt you'll find another young bloom like her. I'm sure you can afford more than that", she giggled and gave me a glance.
"2 gold!"
"2 gold, 1 silver!"
"2 gold, 3 silver!"
I don't know how much the others have sold for a night but this is the first time I have heard of gold. The crowd argued more about the price, eager to be the one to seal the bid. But when one man raised his hand from the middle of the room, everyone went silent. He was an older gentleman probably around his 50s, distinguished with a mustache and one of the young dancers sitting on his lap.
"5 gold for this gentleman beside me", the men erupted in cheer and the old man laughed. Patting the shoulder of his companion who merely chuckled with him.
"F-five gold…",the old hag whispered in shock in between breaths as she held my hand trying to contain her excitement.
50 pennies is 1 silver,
100 silver is 1 gold, how rich have I made her.
If I was in charge of my own money, I'd probably get a few pennies out of it but it will just end up with my mother anyway. The madame takes 3 gold and her 2. After all of us were sold for the night, it is customary to accompany our customers to their tables, serving them drinks and food. And considering how most of these men are drunk, the disrespect some of the girls got were disturbing.
"Thank you, master. This gift is truly one of a kind, I do not how I may express my gratitude", said the man who I had been gifted to as he raised his mug for a toast.
"Nonsense, compared to how much you've helped me. This is nothing, you deserve such reward", the old man laughed and clinked their mugs before drinking.
"I'm merely your accountant, I am honored", the man nodded for a slight bow. I had just noticed his accent.
"And I've gotten richer because of you! You and your wife are still newlyweds, there are some services a wife can never perform so have a bit of fun while you're here. Hahaha!"
"Of course, hahaha!",the two laughed their asses off.
As the night progressed, they continued with their party. Later on I saw a girl getting slapped for refusing to mingle with her customer. And I learned that the old man who bought me is the richest of the group and thus everyone abides by him. They didn't stop drinking until he did and only went to their rooms after him. Everything after that got even more louder, I pity the musicians who had been playing nonstop to lighten the erotic noise.
The party had ended and now I'm in the hall walking to my customer's room.
"Hahaha! It appears that everyone is savoring the last night of our trip before our tiresome venture tomorrow", the old man held his head high as the ladies he's with opened the door to his suite.
"As they should, Sir. You've been very generous, they'd be a fool to waste it", my customer chuckled. This man is taller and stronger than the old guy yet he is so obedient towards him.
"Enjoy your night, Solumon",said the old man before disappearing into his suite.
My customer had a kind smile while waving at him but the moment he was out of sight, his expression became cold and then we entered his suite.
Now is the time that determines the safety of my future, I'm anxious because although the highest probability is that nothing will end up happening, my hunch isn't always perfect. But I sense no lust so that is a bit of a relief. I say in my head as I took off the sharp hairpin in my hair. If I can't beat him, I'll at least blind him.
"Leave your clothes on. I have no such desire". He sighed heavily as he took of his robe and flopped on his bed.
Even with his reassurance, I still would not let my guard down. I gripped the hairpin tighter. I feel his energy but with no influence on him. I continued to observe.
"Can you play any of these instruments? That is the most you could do for me", he pointed at a few instruments that was hung on the wall.
I shook my head and turned to him. "I can't"
"Hm. Then how could I be rid of this noise", he pointed at the room beside ours.
I'm too young and weak to play these instruments. My arms will easily tire with the drums and chimes, and I would be quickly out of breath with the flute. Instead, I look at condiments on the tray table.
"Tea", he spared me a glance.
"I can only offer tea that helps with sleep", I suggested and bowed slightly. Since the ingredients are available so I promptly made it. He looks like he hasn't slept for days anyway, this should save him.
While I was making the tea, he picked up the flute himself and started playing it.
"This is bitter?", he raised a brow at me after taking one sip. "Sugar keeps you awake"
"Is that so?". I merely nodded. He gestures that I should have some of the tea as well since I brewed a whole pot. How could I refuse, so I had my share because I hadn't been allowed to eat anything for the whole day.
"I had four sisters, one of them my twin. We grew up together since childhood and I have an excellent memory. Aren't you a little too young to be doing this?"
My eyebrows raised in suspicion. "Wow. You're smart mister, do you prefer someone older instead?", I played.
He sighed and massaged his head after my response.
"My wife is heavily pregnant with daughters, this place is simply hell. But to make a living for them I must endure."
A smart man indeed.
"This is a terrible place for children", he relaxed on his bed. "You must escape"
I'm working on it. I rolled my eyes where he could not see as I served him another.
"You are very much free to go", he sighed again.
While his reassurance relieved me heavily, I could only view this gentleman as a vessel. The presence that I feel around me him is still strong. I am left to his observation until I have fully ended this scene.
I looked around and spilled my tea as I took out my hairpin and went up to him.
"Please excuse me, this may come unsightly",I kneel beside his bed and slit the palm of my hand to which he immediately took notice and got up. But after I smeared my blooded hand on his blanket, he understood.
"While you have allowed me such freedom, my lord. This is still a workplace for the both of us, I cannot put your position in jeopardy because of your sympathy. Now my debt to you has been paid". I sighed as I wrapped my palm with a piece of cloth I had ripped from my dress. But I only found him chuckling after.
"As young as you may be, you are wise, little girl. I pray you may never step foot into this place again.", he gestured a prayer while I gave him a respectful nod before walking to the door.
"I bid you a good slumber, mister", I bowed politely and exchanged an understanding look with him before closing the door.
Now, my night of terror has ended and so did the scene. I know that another scene awaits me but at the very least this is a weight off my shoulder. I glared at the night sky as it roared a loud thunder, expressing my anger before I quietly took advantage of the empty hallways and escaped.