Chapter 171: Sub Act [2]

Brandon and Amelia arrived at the market. After the calamity, malls were still under reconstruction.

They reverted back to their old ways.

Public markets.

"We should split up."

"Why?"

Amelia asked.

Brandon looked around. They seemed to have gathered quite the attention as all eyes fell on them.

However, it wasn't because of him. Most probably, because of Amelia.

"Ah~ So pretty~"

"Anyone know who she is?"

"I know the blondie. But who's the white haired beauty?"

Should be the case.

"I'll get unwanted attention if I stick with you."

"Huh? Why?"

"Look."

He nudged his chin. Amelia followed his direction, and found several men sneaking glances at her.

She was used to this by now.

Everywhere she went, she would always attract attention because of her looks.

"It's because you're beautiful."

"Eh!?"

Her eyes widened and she flicked her head towards him, speechless.

She was used to these kinds of compliments.

But she didn't expect that kind of comment from someone like Brandon.

Especially Brandon.

However, she didn't disagree with him. Being with him would only attract unwanted attention.

And at the moment, Brandon was trying to stay low.

With such thoughts, she nodded.

"Alright."

But she was a professional.

Probably.

He was a guy much younger than her, a two year gap.

Plus, he was the younger brother of her best–friend.

She shouldn't be swayed by his words.

And so, with such thoughts, she silently composed herself, and the two parted ways.

***

"Whew."

Brandon breathed out a sigh.

Amelia seemed reluctant to leave. But he couldn't have that.

Most people in the human domain knew who Amelia Constantine was.

Just being with her would probably expose his identity sooner or later.

And so, he had to make that flirtatious comment just so she would leave.

Of course, he could've done something else.

But teasing Amelia was fun.

Brandon looked around. There were several officers on patrol.

The one person he didn't want to run into was none other than Raven.

Since Raven was now part of the Special Force, he was tasked to patrol around town.

Hopefully, he wouldn't run into him here.

But for precautionary measures, Brandon donned a black hood.

And with that, he began shopping.

There were items he needed to buy for the journey to be smooth.

First was...

"How much for this fur coat?"

"Three gold coins, Maam."

Before the calamity, Carl, his sister, and the adults that were with them rented this place.

But when tragedy befell, the adults had died during the calamity.

Danger lurked from all over outside the domain, due to this, Carl and his sister were unable to return to their village.

That is... if there was still a village to return to.

Stuck in the human domain for the past few months, the landlord was kind enough to allow them to stay, just as long as Carl and his sister put in the work.

In exchange for their labor, they were allowed to stay.

However, there were some inconsistencies with their deal.

One, Carl put in the work, but the landlord still charged them half of the agreed transaction.

And since Carl had no money...

...He was met with beatings every day.

Every. Single. Day.

His little sister was too young, so every work was up to Carl.

There, he could see his little sister, standing by the door. It seemed like the man was about to go near her.

Frightened, Carl yelled.

"Don't touch Emi!"

The man turned around and glared at him.

"Fuck are you talking about...? Looking for another beating?"

However, Carl glared back and that was when the man became furious.

Thud! Thud! Thud—!

And after a few minutes, the man finally got sick of him and left the room.

"Huuu..."

Carl rested on the cold hard floor and stared at the ceiling. Blood dripped from his nose, but that was it.

The man was smart enough to not leave any scars, or any visible injuries on his body.

This was life in the slums.

".....Emi."

He spoke under his breath.

He turned his head to look at his little sister, who was walking close to him.

Just like Carl, the two shared the same features. Black hair, and black eyes.

Emi was a little over five years–old, while Carl was fourteen.

"Emi. I'm sorry you had to see that."

"Big bwother, okay?"

"I'm fine, Emi."

Carl got up.

"Big bwother is strong, see?"

"Un! Big bwother is the stwong!"

Emi was young, and so, the entire ordeal should be incomprehensible to her.

Hopefully.

And so, the two siblings hugged each other. Caressing her soft hair, Carl spoke in a sorrowful tone.

"Don't worry, Emi."

He looked around.

"This life will be over soon. Kind people are willing to help us return to the village."

"Weally?"

"Yes."

"Yay!"

Again, hopefully.

Carl had only wanted to confirm whether the village was still there.

Thoughts of returning to the village plagued his mind everyday, after the harsh life he had to live with Emi for nine months.

If the village was there, then he could at least stop these thoughts.

For the sake of his peace of mind.

Closure.

But for now, all he really wanted was to leave this kind of lifestyle with his little sister.

Anything was better than living like this.

The two continued to embrace each other, basked under the moonlight.