Chapter 257 - The Ark Of In Your Heart

"Learn to accept the harsh reality on a surface level. But in your heart, you may refute it however you want. Just because I said you won't find your sister anymore, doesn't mean you should stop looking for her."

"But then, won't it be contradicting your own words? Accepting the harsh reality would mean believing in that truth?"'

"When you lose something, let's say, that hairpin of yours. You look at the table, it's not there. Doesn't mean that it is gone forever?"

Mavislin shook her head.

"Then? Same thing. Just because one person said something, doesn't mean it's true. Don't listen to just one side, find others who can give you answers. Accepting truths are like finding items, you don't just search for it in one place."

"Don't believe in one person's words. Learn to find it out yourself. That way, you'll learn to be more independent and your heart would be at ease," continued Clement, cracking his back.

"Why would my heart be at ease?"

"Because if you have a clear head, you won't be cluttered with thoughts. You will end up filtering the lies out, making you free of it."

Mavislin still felt slightly confused but nodded her head.

"Don't worry. You will get it soon. When the time comes, you will know it by heart," replied Clement.

"Meet me tomorrow. In the morning, I'll cook you breakfast while I give you a proper interview," said Clement, walking away.

"Wait! I've got something else to ask from you..." asked Mavislin, tugging on the man's sleeve.

"If it isn't too big of a favor, I might honor it. Since you are kinda cute," said Clement, smiling at Mavislin.

"I need you to accept him as well."

"I can't accept males into brothels. They won't make for good business," reasoned Clement, scratching his temple.

"Not as a worker. I'm pretty sure he would be excellent at capturing girls to join the Velvet Pearl. Or, help with the paperwork. He is excellent at that. Or escorts for the high-ranking girls," suggested Mavislin.

"Hm... I don't see any harm with that. But bring me a strong individual, I don't want a dandelion. You can grab him with you for tomorrow's interview."

"Thank you, see you tomorrow!"

The first one has been done, how will Ysabeau and Gab make their way to the next one? Moreover, how will Mavislin manage to drag Bryan to her side in the Velvet Pearl?

"You've got quite the find this time, Baron Tuazon. Don't know how are you so lucky to get these two precious maidens," commented one of the guests.

"No clue," said Gab, drinking a bit of martini.

"May I have some whiskey? And a cup of green tea," asked Bryan, looking at Gab's drink.

The martini Gab drank didn't look like the usual one, it was brown. A few coffee beans swam around the drink. But the moment Bryan asked for a drink, Gab had to urge to spit out his.

"Whiskey with what now?" asked Gab, blinking a few times.

"Green tea. I like the mix," said Bryan.

"Now that's an odd mix. You sure you won't get a stomachache?" asked Ysabeau, finally joining the two.

A few men were lingering around but all of them were wasted beyond relief.

"Yea. Weird, but it fits me. Besides, I only get a stomachache if the food or drink goes bad," explained Bryan as Gab slides him the weird concoction.

"Heh. That was once Yan's words," chuckled Gab, with his tone being somber.

"Yea, before destroying our toilet," said Ysabeau, annoyedly.

"Hey, it's not my fault that I didn't know he was allergic to coffee!" protested Gab.

"Speaking of him, I should visit him again. Need to know more about explosives and other ways to use them effectively," said Bryan, taking a sip.

Mavislin was tired and had finished saying goodbye to Clement. She then slowly but steadily made her way towards the rest of the group. She then flopped onto Bryan's l.a.p, much to Ysabeau's annoyance.

"Comfy man..." mumbled Mavislin.

"Minwoo was 'Yummy Man'. Ashley was 'Stickman'. Now, Bryan, welcome to the nickname club. You are now 'Comfy Man'," said Ysabeau, clapping with sarcasm.

"Somehow, those people she gave nicknames to are all related... A coincidence?"

"I just like giving my family nicknames. I can't call you 'brother', can I?" asked Mavislin, slightly drooling.

"I guess I would mind. 'Comfy Man' sounds the most normal. And I shouldn't ask why Minwoo was called 'Yummy Man'?" asked Bryan, rather perplexed.

"The first time Mav and Minwoo met, Mav kept biting Minwoo."

"Ah, so does Gab and Yan have nicknames too?" whispered Bryan into Mavislin's ears.