Chapter 8 - Seri's Daring Escape

I'm not sure what the carriage is made out of, but whatever it is, it's certainly not flammable. After class, I managed to sneak outside and attempt to set my ride home on fire.

It didn't burn one bit. Instead the only thing that happened was it had a bad smell. Which is also how I got caught. The smell was so potent and stomach churning, it alerted the driver right away. He scolded me for so long I almost fell asleep.

Carriage - 1. Seri - 0.

After returning home, I was scolded by my mother again and sent to my room.

Hehehehehe. They didn't search my baaag~ Which means I shall enact plan E now.

I pulled the rope out of my bag and tied it to the bed. I'm pretty sure this bed will support my weight.

I opened the window and shouted, "Seri! Oh Seri! Let down your sturdy rope!" I tossed the rope out the window. I looked down and noticed that it was close enough to the ground. Success!

Hmm. I will also need something to sell since I have no money. I searched my jewelry box and wanted to cry. Even though they were definitely out of style, these jewels must have to cost a fortune!

Okay, I will just take one with me to pawn. Next time I can bring more. Hehe.

I flawlessly climbed down the rope and landed. I held my hands up. You may now applaud my valiant efforts. Clap clap clap!

Okay, I need to stop cheering for myself. I looked up at the sky. Looks like I only have a little bit of time before it gets dark. I started to walk in the direction of the town. I hid from the groundskeepers and the guards and came to the gate. I frowned as I stared at it.

Why do we have a giant wall surrounding our house? Who are we trying to keep out so badly?

I have made it to my first obstacle. Only with great strength can I overcome it. And by great strength, I mean climbing a tree near the wall. Good thing I've been working out. I was able to successfully climb the tree and drop down on the other side.

I made it to the town and stared at the bustling sights. There were so many people and buildings. Even though there was a bit of a sewer stench, it was actually quite relaxing to hear all of the excited chatter. It almost reminds me of home. Almost.

Now, in every town there's always some version of a red light district. I'm sure that if I follow seedy looking men, I will come across it eventually. I put my hood up to remain inconspicuous and followed the most disgusting looking man.

I know I've said not to judge a book by it's cover, but in some cases it's acceptable. Like in this scenario.

Hah! Behold! The red light district!

I looked around trying to blend in, but I stood out quite a bit. Why? Well. I'm not a seedy looking man. Instead, I'm a 5 year old kid. But, what's the worse that can happen? This is a novel. I'm sure it'll be fine.

I came across a pawn shop and walked inside. I came up to the counter and waited for the man to notice me. Since I couldn't see over the counter, I realized he had no idea I was there. I slapped the top.

"What? Who's there?"

I stood on my tiptoes and peered over. "Tell me good sir, is this where I can sell things?"

"Hmpf. What is a little girl like you doing here? Don't you know this is a bad place for people like you?"

I feared this would happen. Which is why I came up with an amazing plan. "Yes sir. I know where I am. My master sent me here to do his business."

"Your master?"

"Yes sir. He purchased me when I was a young girl and has made me do his dirty work so that he can stay in hiding."

"Oh? And just what is his name?"

I looked around as if making sure no one was listening to our conversation. I beckoned him closer and whispered into his ear.

"Have you heard of the Black Death?"

He pulled away. No, he hadn't. And he was right. I made it up. Hehe.

He wanted to call her out on it, but her face was too genuine, he began to wonder if she was lying or telling the truth.

I realized he was trying to decide on whether or not to believe me. I will have to use my trump card. "Have your heard of the couple that went missing on Ridge Pass?"

"I have."

"Well, my master wouldn't want me to say this but... He was actually the one that made them disappear."

"He did? Why?"

I shook my head in pity, "They tried to trick my master, so they went missing. You should never cross my master." I shivered pretending as if I was afraid of the so called master. I could see the man look at me with fear and pity.

Now, This couple did in fact go missing. However, I investigated it and discovered that they chose to take the dangerous mountain road on a day of a bad storm. They were most likely caught up in a landslide and died. Therefore, there was no one to argue with my claim.

He finally nodded acknowledging what I said to be the truth. After all, how could a small girl lie about something like this? "I will make sure not to tell anyone. Now, what did your master want you to do?"

I pulled out the necklace, "I am here to sell this."

I watched him take it and scowl. Of course, it wasn't actually a genuine scowl. He was trying to refrain from being overjoyed. I guess it really is worth a lot of money.

"Hmm. And where did you get this?"

"Good sir! I thought this was a reputable business. How dare you ask me how I got this!"

He sighed, "I just need to know if this comes with trouble or not."

I winked at him, "Fear not. The people who owned this before will not notice it missing. If you understand what I mean."

"Ah. I get it. Well, this necklace isn't worth much. All I can give you is 500 silver."

Oh good sir. Your poker face is quite bad. "500 gold."

He appeared to look angry, but I could tell there was excitement behind his eyes. Guess I went too low.

"700 silver."

"800 gold."

"Tch. 900 silver."

"1,000 gold."

"1,000 gold?! No way. 900 silver and I won't accept anything else."

I shrugged and pulled the necklace away, "I guess I will just go to another pawn shop."

"They won't bother paying more than what I'm offering."

I smiled politely trying to refrain from showing how excited I was. "I guess I will just have to see."

I began to walk away. "Wait! Wait. 1,000 gold it is."

"Deal."

I exchanged him the necklace for the money and walked out giggling. Don't try to manipulate the manipulator. Next stop, to find me some erotic novels.

I walked into the bookstore and realized I hit the gold mine. I grabbed as many novels I could and took them to the counter.

The man looked at me. He appeared to be less seedy and more normal than the previous store clerk.

"Hey little girl. Are you lost?"

"No sir. I'm here to purchase these books." I tapped them lovingly.

"Those books aren't for girls your age."

How old do you think I am? Oh. wait. "I'm aware of that. They are for my master."

"Your master?"

Here we go again. After sharing the same story I continued, "I'm a slave sir. If I don't bring these back to my master then he told me he will disembowel me and make me watch." I started sobbing, "Please sir! I don't want to die!"

"Alright alright! I will sell them to you. Just be careful. This place is very dangerous for little girls."

I sniffled, "I know sir. I have no choice though."

As the man sold the books he couldn't help but feel pity for the girl. Sold to slavery at such a young age. What is this world coming to?

I shoved the books into my satchel and left. I skipped along the street laughing maniacally. I can't believe it was that easy. Some people are idiots.

The men on the streets cleared out of the way of the crazy little girl who was laughing like a villain.

Seri- 1. Red light district- 0.