23 Veneer of Bright Grin
Bored as always without her elite females to grope and more than bothered by what her recent imaginations are cooking for her that gets increasingly worse with each passing day, Loki finds herself dawdling toward a familiar shop located in the street where she has invested in almost half the properties.
It has been an impulsive expenditure... which she regretted now.
Her regret, however, deepens when she enters the shop to insult the man, steal his bento, crush his gemlings, and leave with the hope of a final laugh.
But even her first laugh, much less the last laugh, is stuck in her throat as she sees the developing hunk in an actually tasteful outfit. He had his back to her as he set several blue butterfly pendants.
'Oh no!' Loki falls to her knees in defeat, 'Ye got a juicy ass... damn it! It looks juicier than mine!'
*Narrator Voice*
Today's Battle Result—
It was over before it even began.
Turning around, Jackal looks at Loki for a moment. Not at all bothered by her weird ass and sits down while Lili sucks on a gemling quietly while reading another book he procured for her.
After the initial morning rush, the two like to spend their time in moderate peace. Jackal would restock the items and Lili would read until she has a customer to attend to.
"You gonna spend the entire day moping on the floor?" Jackal smiles pleasantly, clearly in a good mood. He got a lot of compliments.
Now, he knows it's no competition but unlike the previous night when Lili won, the victory belonged to him today. He kept the scores, after all.
"Let me mop... only a flat existence can empathize with me now..." Loki mutters with a blank stare. Too dry to even tear up. After a few minutes of regathering her courage, Loki finds a seat for herself and slumps back in exhaustion.
"You two look the worst, might I add. What happened to your usual clothes? You looked better in them!"
Jackal grins, "Is that so? Well, get used to the uniform. Oh, and I actually have a competitive item this time around that will stick even after the initial phase of curiosity passes." He points at the pendants which instantly diverts Loki's attention.
"From Blue Papilio?" She drawls in a bored manner while sitting on the chair like a brat by having its back face ahead as she rests her arms on the chair's edge, "You know almost all recovery potions use the powder of that monster right? What's so different about the item you created?"
"Lili?" Jackal smiles and looks at her personal executive.
Fulfilling the role rather admirably, Lili looks up from her book, "Yes, Jackal-sama. Butterfree Era is a magical item that uses the mind to continuously mimic a latent growth of recovery after an adventurer drinks a potion. So, this item can be used almost all the time as long as one has enough mind for it. And like the Lizard Shielf, the Butterfree Era can run magic without any limitations aside from breaking the item.
The magic creates a small immovable pocket of blue light roughly 2 meters in diameter that is filled with healing magic. Anyone who enters the area can heal and the duration of this magic is based on how much it has healed so it is hard to give an estimate—"
"You're kidding me!" Loki bounces out of her chair before pressing herself on the counter with a manic glint in her eyes, "Let me guess, healing prowess about middle-ranked potions worth which is useful for Level 1 and 2. The cost of the potions varies from 5000-8000 innit? How much is this pendant worth?"
Without waiting for Jackal, she looks at the price tag before her eyes almost bulge out of her sockets and she begins to laugh without holding back!
"You really have a death wish, don't you?!" She barks.
13000 Valis.
That's all.
"Let me buy them all! Forget about your policy! I'll have them for a premium price, no less!"
"Oh, you didn't hear?" Jackal smirks sadistically, "Only one Butterfree Era per customer per week. Lili?"
Once again, the Pallum takes out a thick binder as Jackal chuckles, "We're keeping a record, Dear Landlord. You didn't think I'd let others get the credit as I eventually eradicate mid-tier recovery potions altogether, did you?"
"Y-You cruel beast!" Loki hisses with an earnest flush, "Let me get on some of that! This can be our brand! We can export this!"
"Our brand?" Jackal sneers but is more than happy. Again, this is really good stuff, and even if the implications of his actions will truly impact the dynamics of the market for the low-leveled adventurers, he rarely lets fear direct his actions.
Adopting a more serious expression and dropping her rural accent, Loki supplants, "You're gonna make enemies with a lot of businesses, you know. As they say, an adventurer as an enemy only means a beating or two. But if you threaten someone's bread and butter, they're gonna be equally cruel."
"Ho? Is that concern in your voice, Loki? Do I look that much of a treat in my uniform... hmm, but nah. If they can't understand I'm not here to make enemies by one Butterfree Era per customer then they can bitch about it and find me. I'll tear 'em a new one... or get torn trying."
Lili's expression turns gloomy while Loki looks at the items reluctantly. Her mind simply continues to process every new door that will open for them using this pendant as a key.
"I've got an export line with various enterprises outside Orario. You can line your goods at once and—"
"Oh, I want to travel and stretch out my legs eventually. I'll find the partners I want to work with myself," Jackal leans forward with a shit-eating grin, "So? Pretty good for a simple bastard, huh? When Shakti heard of the item, she wanted a contract but unfortunately, this is a premium item of Humble Jackal's. It's gonna remain free from contracts~!"
Loki groans and shoots him a stinky glare, "You're loving this! Aren't you?!"
"It would be a disservice to my store to not love every moment of being here," Jackal smiles sincerely which annoys the Goddess even more. She would TRY to seduce him under normal circumstances...
But he isn't normal by any means. And she feared another kick to her tumbling confidence. Gosh, Ais' breasts right about now would have solved her problems in so many manners!
"My mood is ruined!" She declares loudly, "My bento!"
"There you go," Jackal grins as she snatches the box but instead of staying here, she clicks her tongue and walks out of the store.
Eventually, her guards trickle in and buy the Butterfree Era before having their name, level, familia, and address noted. As for those who cannot provide this information?
Well, no Butterfree Era for them.
The thought is simple.
With such an item, the need for low and middle-tier potions exists only for those who aren't disciplined enough to save their fortune, and other stores can keep on pandering to these adventurers or step their game up. Jackal wanted this item to be the first step toward establishing a brand.
That's why the name has 'Era' in it.
But he cannot just keep on selling this product willy-nilly.
Why?
Because Orario isn't the only location in this world. In the city of the dungeon that has the highest concentration of high-leveled adventurers, the use of Butterfree Era will fall short but there are many schemers, like Loki, who can think beyond that.
The desire for this product in the outside market will be astonishing! And if he sells in Orario without restriction, someone else might make use of it and establish his own foreign trade for double or triple the price!
This is just the plain truth. Jackal cannot act like a bitch then. After all, someone would see an opportunity and meet the market demand that's why, Jackal wanted to establish his own network instead of piggybacking off Loki.
The other reason would be... he really wants to see the outside world. Stuck in his previous life's mansion as some sort of abused treasure and in here, stuck in Orario for as long as his life, Jackal hides a deep desire to travel. To see the world for himself!
And as expected, those who saw similar opportunities like Loki flew at the moment they heard of something similar.
---
"Heh, see? Now I would never think Guild doesn't act in our best interest. They sent you as the honey trap," Jackal grins while Lili constantly keeps on observing Rose's wolfish ears and tails carefully.
Meanwhile, holding her clipboard, Rose smiles, "You look good, too... Eina and others would be visiting you during lunchtime. They are handling the paperwork..."
Jackal nods with a wide smile and gestures to Rose to take a seat.
"I won't skirt around the topic," Rose speaks up after taking a seat, "The Guild sent me to fill out the remaining details that you have been avoiding about your Guild as your familia's captain and also ask about the Butterfree Era."
"Oh, sure," he nods. Rose looks at the clipboard.
"What is the name of your familia?"
"A familia secret."
"How many members are there?"
"Just me."
"Name of your patron deity?"
"Another familia secret."
"Your level?"
"1."
"Does your store fall under the familia operations?"
Knowing full well the different benefits and demerits of owning a store under the personal name of the familia's name, Jackal chooses the simpler one.
"Personal Business."
At least, this way, the Guild cannot exercise their authority over familias and hand him a 'mission' that is basically an exclusive contract to provide them with the Butterfree Era.
Rose nods calmly.
"Origin of your products?"
"Familia secret."
"But they aren't illegal, yes? You know such means don't fall under familia's secrecy and if found, your Familia won't get the same treatments anymore."
"Of course, none of it is illegal," Jackal snickers.
"And you intend to file for the taxes by the end of the year. Do you have a guild correspondent?"
"Eina Tulle."
"Hmm, all done with the information," Rose nods and smiles slightly. Her superiors won't like the outcome but that's their skill issue. She did her job admirably and calmly inquires, "Would you like to contact the Guild for the distribution of Butterfree Era?"
"No."
"Very well, we're done with the official business."
"Just like that?!" Lili gasps as Rose inclines her head and looks at the pallum with a look of agreement.
"Thanks for being lenient," Jackal smiles and questions, "If your schedule isn't busy, would you mind chilling here? You're here already, may as well kick back and relax, no?"
Rose shakes her head, "I can't today. Another inspection in Babel. Oh, and be ready for yours after three months."
Jackal nods.
"And..." Rose hesitates, "I asked Eina if I could join your meeting. She didn't mind... but if you do, I will extract myself from the situation. I just wanted to talk outside the official ranks..."
'Is this a double date? No, that's two couples. A threesome date? Who cares?!'
Jackal accepts immediately, feeling that his date this time may go better than the domestic chore trip he had to experience with Syr.
"Sure! Do come along. With four days' break this time, we'll have enough time to prowl the dungeon and have our date~!"
"Khuk! Jackal-sama!" Lili looks up with teary eyes, experiencing her first heartbreak which mends soon after to be hurt again as he smiles gently at her, "Don't worry. We're going to the dungeon after all."
'Yes! I'll be alone with him!' She looks down quickly. In the heat of battle, emotions stir. Passion grows. And sometimes... release is necessary~
"Alright, it is a date." Rose nods and smiles at the duo before taking her to leave.
"Huh?"
'I... succeeded? That easily? Boy do I have a bad feeling now...'
---
The day should have ended like usual. Closing the store, wearing overly large fake backpacks while the real hoods are stored in several Frollets, that, in turn, are further stuffed into other Frollets until only the chosen one remains in his pockets, and jogging to Maria's pick up the bento boxes.
"H-Hey, come on in," She glances at the duo and smiles tiredly, "The children were extra excited today saying they will have a uniform for all in the orphanage once they have enough money... and then they went ahead and destroyed a lot of colors... some at it..." As if a warrior going through a depressive episode, she murmurs with a blank look.
This got a chuckle out of Jackal as he pats her shoulder gingerly and snaps her out, "At least, they're happy, right?"
"Easy for you to say," She scoffs, "You don't have any kids. Happiness soon turns into a pit of exhaustion..." her lips quirk up, "Until they wake up again, that is."
Lili quickly takes off her tailcoat and rolls her sleeves, "Lili will help, too," as she watches Maria do the dishes.
The woman would have stopped Lili given that she is wearing a rather adorable outfit but she accepts it with a smile, "Sorry to have you do this... I'm really tired..."
Meanwhile, Jackal settles in his chair and smiles while quietly watching them without any expressive thoughts in his mind.
Well, there is one thought. In fact, a focus.
Even now, Jackal continues to mobilize his mind but it feels too stiff and heavy. Like an immovable mountain!
*Thud* *Thud* *Thud*
Loud knocks echo at this hour, surprising the trio. Maria tilts her head with a frown while, Lili, too, looks curious until she hears a familiar tone.
"The Shopkeeper Jackal is here, isn't he?"
Lili's hand freezes and she drops the wooden plate onto the sink. Color threatens to drain from her face, something which Maria notices and she frowns even harder.
"Hmm... they don't sound kind..." Jackal clicks his tongue and takes out a Frollet before filling it with many items including Lust Potion and Purple Poison.
*Thud* *Thud* *Thud*
The loud knocks echo as Lili shivers and looks back at Jackal, "Jackal-sama, please don't open the door. I... I'm sorry. Maria-sama, I apologize... I do... I'll leave—"
"And leave Maria alone with the dishes?" Jackal scoffs a chuckle before setting a Frollet on the table that has every product. Meanwhile, he pushes another frollet into his pocket that has everything he needs.
As he stands up, Lili dashes toward him. Wet hands and all, while hugging him at his waist tightly. A low cry escapes her throat, "Please! Jackal-sama! I'll tell you everything! I... You always knew I shouldn't have been here!"
*Thud* *Thud* *Thud*
"Come out now, Humble Jackal," the voice chuckles coldly, "You have something that belongs to us."
Jackal stiffens ever so slightly.
'So... something, huh?' He sighs softly but that doesn't translate well to his expression as he looks at Maria with a wry smile, "Sorry about the trouble. I know the last thing you need right now is more reasons to stay awake... and this isn't even a good one."
Prying Lili away since trying to calm her right now when she is high on guilt and self-righteous fear is the least of his priorities, Jackal calls out, "Hey, Jackass! Kids are sleeping. And give me a minute, I'm taking off my shoes."
The voice on the other side grows silent as Jackal takes his boots off...
And then his vest off...
Then his tie.
Damn, all of it is expensive. He can't let anything get ruined!
Soon, Lili loses control of her already turbulent emotional state as Maria gawks, too. Jackal soon stands in his underwear as he vows to pack his adventurer clothes from now on.
Looking at Maria who is too stunned to speak, Jackal covers his chest and scrunches his shoulders defensively while biting his lower lip.
"M- Maria..." He whispers, "Next time take responsibility for such an intense stare..." He wiggles his legs a bit as if embarrassed while Maria snaps out of it and hisses, "Wear some clothes!"
"I can't! My outfit is too precious!" Jackal gives a dopey grin before adopting a serious expression, "Lock the doors after me..."
"Jackal-sama... please," Lili calls out, "I... at least, let me come! I... could help but what they say... will make you hate me..."
"Let's put it to practice then," Jackal chuckles before musing, "You won't be stripping, would you?"
"Of course, not!" Lili snaps before deflating again, "I..."
Maria sighs and pats the girl's head, "Stay here. With me... won't I need some protection, too? If you're really serious about helping, don't just walk into dangerous situations headfirst..." she then glares at Jackal disapprovingly, "Or naked."
"As they say, never let them know your next move," He smiles and starts walking toward the door, "Oh, and Lili..." Jackals call out softly for her to perk up.
"Believe me when I say this but I won't be letting them talk. I want to hear everything from you. The ugly and the good," He remarks without looking back, and he opens the door, surprising the party of the three adventurers, "Gentlemen, I am Jackal. In the flesh."
And he closes the door behind him for a few locking sounds to echo soon after as his smile turns prominent, "This is an orphanage. But I think our business can be conducted in darker alleys of the street, right?"
He walks past them calmly. As calm as he can be.
The facade of casualness threatens to slip up and let his ugly emotions tumble out.
They expressively waited until he was in the orphanage.
They threatened the kids knowingly by their presence.
They gave Maria another reason to worry when the gentle soul should live a remarkably happier life, something he tries to provide in his own way without expecting anything in return.
And worst of all.
'They called my pallum theirs. A thing no less.' Veins begin to bulge around his temples. A part of him is extremely glad that Lili did not tag along.
Hate her?
Far from it. He fears that he might give her a reason to fear him unknowingly.
The group of three adventurers follows in speechlessness as they still reel from the shock of seeing him half-naked.
Not knowing what awaits them in the darker alleyway.
Not knowing the kind of face Jackal has with his back to them.
Not knowing of the smile that would always creep up when he feels especially rowdy... even in time of death.
Not knowing... that they sealed their fates with the first loud knock that threatened to wake the children, increase Maria's work, and make Lili cry.
'No, physical abuse won't do,' his tongue flicks across his lips, 'So... mental, physical, AND emotional trauma it is.'
As they walk quietly, a lone black-haired Catman quietly perches himself on top of a distant roof. His gaze follows Jackal's back and for a moment, killing intent, hatred, envy, and all sorts of negative impulses seep out which are suppressed knowing full well SHE does not like this side of him or her other children, especially toward those she is interested in, or this time, is intent on claiming— Her Odr.
"So... that man is Jackal..." the Catman narrows his eyes and clenches his spear tighter as he feels malevolence roiling out of that being's body.
The interesting thing about stuff like killing intent or aura of malevolence is that weak men and women are rarely affected by it. Their minds and spirits are too incapable of registering such feats of intent.
But strong men and women in body and mind are keenly aware of its presence.
And not only in the eyes of the Catman but another pair of deliriously ecstatic eyes, that half-naked man feels like trouble given flesh and blood the moment he entered the alley and fished out a familiar goblin-headed potion that he smashes into the face of the unsuspecting, or rather, overly confident adventurers— glass and all— as they scream in surprise.
Yet, the Catman eyes the Jackal driving his fists into the other two adventurers as breath is knocked out of them. Instead of furthering their pain, he begins to laugh loudly and coldly. He dumps a copious dosage of lazy potion into their mouth as their body relaxes abruptly.
Then...
Jackal drags all three of them to the exit of Daedalus street and much to Catman's illicit joy at the plight of others, he sees Jackal dumps copious dosages of berserker potions, adrenaline potions... and lust potions before tying all three of them to each other loosely with a tough cord and then he jogs away...
Leaving a disaster in his wake to the poor eyes of the citizens of Orario.
If his night isn't peaceful, others won't be afforded the same courtesy. Before leaving the stripped men in their underwear who are slowly rising in all the different places... Jackal glances at their backs.
A totem of two goblets clinking together can be seen as his expression loses its 'light-hearted' quality and devolves into the same mess of pure wrath.
But... the night has only just begun.
---
{The scene ahead might be graphic but it is by no intention of smut itself but pure homo punishment}
Shakti doesn't ask much from life. Really. She survived a lot. She suffered plenty. But none of that ever broke her in any manner because she has been cared for and she took care of others. It's magical— to help. It builds oneself and others. It promotes spiritual growth. That's what her father taught her and her siblings... and that's what Shakti taught to her late sister.
But, despite all this.
It's not too much to ask for 5 hours of sleep a day, right?
Orario can function if she sleeps, right?
5 hours is not a lot. In fact, it is too little for all the work she has to do.
"Oh! My word!" From within the crowd surrounding the demeaning scene that had the entire southwest main shaken, a proud boom of voice echoes, "I AM GANESHA!"
"Of course... he is here, too..." the blue-haired woman sighs and looks at the few familia members unwilling to step forward and she, too, soon realizes where this unwillingness of the guards stems from.
The Amazoness takes the nearest line of view. Each of the dark-skinned beauties whistles loudly without any shame. Even the demure few from this race that likes to be more sensible with their relationships stood alongside their illicit halves and covered their eyes with their hands... yet, blushing as they would, they kept a wide gap between their fingers causing them to see what is going on with almost a fervent look.
Behind the amazoness are a variety of other demi-humans but Chienthrope, werewolves, and cat men avoid the location with heavy flushes. However, the greatest number of viewers are none other than gods and goddesses.
"When was the last time we saw an exhibitionist?" One of them chuckles.
"These three look drugged... humping as fervently as goblins no less. Ah~ The memories," one unique god moans under his breath.
"Haha! Man! That's one way to utterly ruin the reputation of their familia. Their backs are completely exposed! Oh, or maybe this will be a new exciting trend for our children to attract a special few others~!"
Between the chatter, loud, needy groans continued to echo. The sound of flesh slapping each other, the squelch of wet squirt, and the moans of three men fill the small section of the main street.
Sandwiched by two guys is a middle-aged chubby Raccoon person having his way with the subjectively most beautiful guy of the trio. The third one slapped his meat into the middle-aged man and the first one held by the Raccoon person fervently beat his own meat while moaning in wild abandon.
Around these three is a noticeable pool of viscous liquid as they continue to fuck each other with red eyes. A chord ties them together, unable to let them get away from each other and assault someone else.
Shakti's disgust rises at an admirable pace. Her exhaustion saturates and her anger peaks. Peaceful methods are an option when her mind is at peace.
When there is no peace within, no peace shall be found externally, too, as her expression violently cramps.
There is a reason why her epithet is Ankusha. The name is taken from a tool that trains animals, elephants, especially. Hidden beneath the thick layer of calmness built upon years of battle is a madness that helped her survive one of the darkest periods of Orario and as much as she hates to admit it... truly, during that period... naivety was a sin. A sin... she indirectly suffered from.
"APPREHEND THEM THIS INSTANT! BRING OUT YOUR WHIPS!" She orders in a roar resembling a mad beast that makes many gods and other spectators squeak in surprise but the Amazoness sigh as they know that the good show is over.
The team of Ganesha Familia now moves when allowed to use their whips. They had no will to touch that pool of liquid and would have rather rebelled against their captain had she forced them to!
"I AM—"
"ENOUGH!" Shakti snaps her head in Ganesha's direction with a dark expression and no glimmer of humanity in her dead-blue eyes as Ganesha chuckles to himself and gives a short bow.
'I swear, whoever caused this madness... I'll apprehend him with extreme prejudice!' She snarls to herself but then falters as she instantly recognizes the chord around the three Rank 1 Adventurers once they are caught.
A chord she has seen certain someone tying a stack of bento boxes to deliver to others... she might be wrong... but... the 'victims' sure are drugged. That's two clues in a similar direction.
'Lord... please give me strength to not keep my calm and be patient enough to listen to the other side's story...' She takes a deep breath before snapping at her subordinates.
"What are you waiting for? Drag them! MOVE! MOVE! MOVE!"
---
"I should... give you two some space," Maria sighs in relief seeing Jackal return with not a single scratch on himself. This, however, did attract her gaze to the toned body that he hid under his uniform which made her confused as to where should she look— she eventually settled to keep her head low, not meet his gaze... and glance at his chest as he began to wear clothes once again.
"N-No... they came here... to your orphanage. Lili owes Maria-sama an explanation, too... although, I don't think my story is worth something listening to..."
She musters in a quiet tone while looking at Jackal with a guilty expression.
"Jackal-sama... did you... kill them?"
"Did you want me to kill them?" Jackal inquires with a smile. These words instantly put Maria in a sour mood, making her answer to such a question clear without any words.
"No, I did not," Lili shakes her head, "Jackal-sama must not dirty his hands for Lili..."
"Oh, lucky," Jackal adopts a 'cutesy' giggle as he supplants, "I think I did worse than killing them... tehe?"
Lili and Maria look at him as he takes a seat, too. If Lili wants to talk, he will hear her wholeheartedly. Better across a table than some dramatic shit in the middle of the road or something like that where she is too confused and cannot handle herself emotionally.
Taking a shuddering breath, Lili whispers, "I'm from... Soma Familia. I was born into it. My parents... may they burn in hell, used me by making me beg or take odd jobs since I was little, and once they died in the dungeon... I was forced to take on the role of a supporter... I think you two can fill in the blanks, can't you?"
"A weak, malnourished pallum... is just a free labor to adventurers. I survived on bread... I tried to. Sometimes I had to look... in places a little more unappealing," she gives a sad, bitter smile that tugs on Maria's heartstrings and Jackal's deeply suppressed rage.
"Long story short—"
"Don't do that," Jackal frowns, stopping Lili, "Don't shorten your story... don't think we love you any less after what happened earlier. Don't just assume we're not here for you."
He leans forward and speaks with a stern tone, "Don't waste your efforts of the past few days, Lili."
His golden-red orb steels itself into her chestnut eyes as her eyes go reflective ever so slightly and tears threaten to leak from the corner of her eyes.
---
"Adventurer-sama, Lili's share?"
She has always been small. Always asking for their help. Always begging. Her clothes were no better than rags and the boisterous environment of the tavern felt no better than jeers aimed at her.
Her words make all those tall and mighty adventurers look down upon her. Ridicule infects their gaze as one of them kicks her away and then tosses her piece of bread, "Don't act cocky!" He smacked the table, making her body flinch as the blunt force on her head opens one of her previous shallow wounds that dye her hair red.
---
"Huff! Huff!" She continues to run until that man... she doesn't know who. She was tired of remembering their faces. She was lucky to find a lone hidden spot to hide from those men who would...
Prey on children. She saw it with her own eyes but had no thought to spare them any help. It was either them... or her.
It was raining that day. Maybe she cried as she curled up, maybe she didn't. It was too blurry. Water dripped down her cheeks anyway. But... she seemed to be more fortunate that day as she found a relatively dry piece of half-eaten flatbread which she latches onto and devours hungrily.
---
Eventually, she grew. She grew callous. She could differentiate between kindness and malice but... her world seemed to be filled with malicious people alone. Those who have a shred of kindness would never step down into her world.
So she let malice bleed into her.
Theft.
Lies.
Running.
Stabbing.
She did what brought her safety for one more day.
She lived!
But...
---
But...
Droplets of tears began to spill down her cheeks as she sniffs loudly. Maria grits her teeth slightly seeing such an expression. Her own eyes are wet by now as Lili continued to speak her tale. Filth and all.
But...
She clenches her fist, her face rising slightly as she looks at Jackal, "I hated it *hic* so much! Soma used to take care of orphans what little he could! *Sob* But then he stopped! The familia turned into shit! I turned into shit! I ran away but they thrashed the lodgings of anyone who would have me! *Hic* I warned you, Jackal-sama, I'm bad luck! A piece of filth that will only drag you down! I- But I am so happy!"
She bawls while continuously wiping away her tears, "I shouldn't be crying! I shouldn't be crying at all! Jackal-sama keeps me happy and fed. And he tries to train me with everything he has. He never hits me or scolds me without reason. I love it when I'm around you! So... so why can't I stop crying—!"
Maria breaks down quietly and doesn't wait for another second to pull Lili into her embrace this time as the girl breaks down into choked sobs and continues to cry.
"That's right..." Jackal heaves a deep breath and stands up, "I treat you well. I vow to keep you happy." He brushes his hand against the frollet he has in his pocket as he whispers, "Soma... was it?"
Lili jerks up and looks at Jackal in a dazed manner before she pulls herself away from Maria and hugs Jackal's legs, "Please! Jackal-sama! The familia has a level 2 captain! I'm happy! I won't cry! See?" She looks with a bright, tear-stained smile as Jackal's grin brightens, too.
He crouches and hugs Lili back in a gentle manner, "It's good," he whispers, "You've got a pretty smile, Lili." He then pulls away from her and pets her head while looking at Maria, "Take care of her, will you? I just want to have a calm and reasonable discussion with... Soma..."
He doesn't wait for a moment as Lili shouts and begs him to stay. The noise finally wakes up the other children but Maria quickly locks the door and put Rye in charge to catch up to Lili as she fails to catch up to Jackal and breaks down into tears in the middle of the streets once again.
"I'm sorry... It's all my fault... it's all my fault," Lili continues to whisper as Maria pulls Lili into her arms and picks her up, "Don't cry."
Maria reveals a stern look, "You said that familia has a Level 2 captain... while selling to others, did you two make some kind of connection with any other level 2 adventurers? If Jackal is in danger, you need to help him, Lili. Don't cry."
Lili snaps out slightly as the image of a certain chienthrope flickers in her mind.
"I... I will get help!" She gulps against her dry throat.
Maria nods and lets Lili down, "Then go. Don't let anything happen to him..." she smiles with a conflicted look, "I'm sorry... I cannot leave my children more than I already have."
Lili nods but she is already in a distance, her feet unwilling to stop as Maria is left alone in the wide street.
Helplessness.
Again... she is filled with lonesome worry and helplessness.
She looks up at the clouds a single drop of water impacts her skin.
'Rain, too... Just like that day...' Her eyes redden ever so slightly as the matron makes a solemn wish in a quiet tone, "Please stay safe... both of you."
***
Alternate Title: Butterfree Era Starts Here; Loki Lost to That Ass; Declined Trade Talks; Jackal's Vibes Accepts no Survivor; Lili Being the Perfect P.A.; Threesome Date?; Rose, Take Your Job Seriously!; The Slap of Aphrodisia; Jackal's Potions Being a Menace to the Society; The World's Hottest Threesome; Shakti Snaps; Shakti's Mortal Enemy; The Meat Benders; Fading Smile; Dark Truths; Reason of Happiness and Sadness; Jackal's Vow; Maria's Reminder; Maria's Wish; The Helpless and the Brute; The Heaven Weeps For What's To Come Next
***
A/N: So... yeah. Character development? Homies being homos is a day of celebration, no?
***
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