Chapter 12: Man Predicts, Heavens Depicts
Our first order of business was to visit 'The Club' once again with our new set of disguises. As expected, we were blocked at the door due to 'renovations'. We made a bit of noise and conveniently let it slip that the street Cinder's hideout was located at was what we were looking for. The reason we were searching for information about that street wasn't for Cinder, of course, but for some fake dude whose name we made up. We never got to speak with Junior, but the message was sent to the goons. At the very least, we made enough noise to know the stooges would remind Junior about our existence, and thus potentially Cinder if she ever asks.
Afterwards, we walked throughout the city in order to lose any potential followers Junior may or may not have sent seeking information about us. With a combination of Neo's semblance and bag of horse manure that I brought from home, I was confident we successfully chased away potential spies, including those skilled in tracking scent.
With that done, it was time for us to meet up with the twins to do some shopping before heading out to do some training. We were now dressed up in our actual combat outfits. We had changed in a random bathroom nearby.
I comb my hand through my hair, straightening out the knots from wearing a wig.
"Did we really have to use that?" Neo asks me while scrunching her nose.
I roll my eyes at her.
"I didn't like it anymore than you do."
"I know, Weiss. It's just... so putrid."
That, I could agree with. One might think we were being overly cautious, but really you couldn't be too cautious given our identities.
Neo and I make our way towards the entrance of a lavishly decorated building. Its height eclipses the nearby buildings, and the reflective material that it was composed of spoke volumes of its grandeur. Inscribed above the entrance was the company's brand, a golden gate with a pile of gold coins in the middle.
"Every time we come here, I'm always impressed by its appearance." I comment.
Neo looks to the side.
"It's not that the neighboring buildings are boring, but that compared to everything else, they simply cannot help being lackluster in comparison." she comments.
"True. But then again, not many places can be said to be built out of such high quality materials. Just the gate is made out of mythril. Such a budget would make most families cry tears of Lien."
Neo gives me a bland look.
"You sleep on a bed made of mythril, Weiss."
"Thus, the 'most'." I glance to the side. "Ah. I see the Melachite twins have arrived before us."
Said twins walk up to me and Neo before bowing in greeting. Melanie gives me a quick once-over, her eyes full of disbelief.
"If you didn't tell us beforehand, I would've never guessed that the person back then was you."
Her twin nods in agreement.
"It's kind of creepy, honestly."
Neo smiled in pride, almost as if she was the one being complimented.
"Well as much as I love your praises," I quickly interrupt their compliments lest they let something slip to any listeners nearby, "we should begin getting a move on. There is still much to do."
They nod in understanding.
"We've already resigned." Miltia confesses. "We're now yours to command. Completely."
Miltia stares at me hungrily. I roll my eyes at her. Now was not the time nor place for flirtation. Noticing my rejection, her flirtatious attitude is quickly replaced by a more serious facial expression.
"What are we doing now?" Miltia asks as the twins fall in step with me in the lead, Neo to my side, and the pair trailing just behind me. The three of them silently forming a triangle to guard me from all angles.
"First order of business will be to upgrade our equipment and scout any potential materials or tools. Mainly, we will be focusing on trying to lessen the gap between you two and the rest of Beacon applicants as quickly as we can. That, among other reasons, makes this place the ideal first stop for today."
Previously, the twins had warned me about their little security details. I had already expected some form of tracking, with or without usage of special scents, thus I had come prepared with a scent removal perfume even before the twins contacted me. That, combined with the bag of horse manure from our mansion that I had dumped into the bathroom we had changed in, was meant to confuse and delay any potential trackers as long as possible. Abusing Neo's semblance allowed us to leave minimal traces in nearby security tapes should they somehow decide to use that to find us.
While I cannot fathom anyone finding us still even after that, I decided that coming to this establishment, where I would interact in close proximity with other objects and areas where many people frequent, would prevent even the most dedicated of stalkers. Most importantly, even if they were to come to this building, they would never have imagined that the true identity of the violent, vengeance seeking, supposedly middle-aged Huntress that was my disguised self was in actually Weiss Schnee.
At this point, linking me to my alter-ego was a near impossible task – at least for the time being. There was only one other possible way for me to be exposed, but I wasn't particularly worried. Junior's people didn't associate with fortune tellers.
Our two newest members seem to catch onto my vague reasoning rather quickly and silently followed along while listening to me intently. I inwardly nod my head in appreciation. Talking with people who understood subtlety was always appreciated.
We make our way into the building and find ourselves in a large reception area with various long queues for what I can only assume were for sign-ins. Thankfully, we are spared from a tedious wait as a young woman soon approaches us with a smile on her face. The brown uniform hugged her body nicely, creating a certain appeal that would no doubt attract the stares of many lascivious men and women, yet the dull brown color scheme was unimpressive enough that unless you were specifically admiring her, she would be just another one of many in the crowd of individuals inside.
"Welcome to Yer Alti, where even the most lavish treasures can be found. Is this your first time here, Miss Schnee?"
I recognize the uniform, thus I don't doubt the validity of her occupation for even a moment. I take off my sunglasses and nod in reply. I am not surprised at her recognition of who I am. It is normal for popular, well off establishments to have accommodations in place in order to please higher class citizens and special guests.
"It can be considered so. While I have been to the one in Atlas, it is my first time in this particular branch."
"Would you still like a tour of the place?"
"Please. And do skip the civilian sections."
"As you wish. Please follow me."
She guides us past the front desk towards the numerous elevators. Once inside, she slides a key-card. A beeping noise is heard before the metal panel on the door slides open, revealing a larger selection of floors.
"As you may already know," she begins, "the ground floor is our reception area where potential customers and business partners check in with their desired items. After the items are processed, they are displayed on different floors depending on their value, specs, and origin. The rest of the floors above ground, floors 2-5, contain items that are designated to be suitable for sale to Tier 1 members which are composed primarily of NPC's or minors."
We listen to her silently as the elevator makes its way downward rather than upwards according to conventional common sense. None of us are surprised at the turn of events as this layout was one that was similar to all their other branches.
I assume the twins are similarly familiar as this would not be their first time visiting this place as well. She immediately begins explaining anyway as we were all on a tour.
"Tiers of items, as you probably already are aware, correlate to the tiers most governments use to separate Huntsmen. Each tier corresponds to 20 levels in the Oum system. And while dungeons increase in sets of 10, Huntsmen tiers go in sets of 20 due to skill progression and item stat growth.
"For Tier 2 and above items, they are sold underground. The main reasoning for this is that with our security details in place, it would be harder to steal things underground rather than those above ground. Plus, it fits our moniker rather well, don't you think?"
"I suppose it does." I reply for the four of us.
Underground, like their name described themselves. The gate their emblem depicted was also similar to the appearances of some dungeons entrances if I'm not mistaken. As many dungeons tend to go beneath the surface, the location of the treasures would naturally be found there as well. Our guide continues her explanation despite my inner monologue.
"The lower you go, the higher the tier and the more valuable the items are. Normally, as an incoming Huntress academy student, you are only initially applicable for Tier 2 membership. However, we went ahead and upgraded you and your entourage to Honorary Tier 4 membership. With this, you will be able to view items up to floor B4, but you'll only be able to purchase items up to B3 and a small subset of B4 items."
She hands over to each of us some platinum key-cards with the golden symbol 'IV' inscribed on it. In the corner of each card is a faded 'H', symbolizing our status as honorable members rather than actual.
The twins raise their eyebrows and exchange looks as this was most likely their first time experiencing such a thing happening to themselves. Neo and I take our gifts without batting an eyelid.
"How generous of you." I thank her.
Normally higher tier memberships can only be applied by people with sufficient levels or reliable purchase history so as to avoid items being scammed by customers who say they can afford items but in actuality can't. Their process for purchasing and withdrawing items generally prevents this from happening, but this rule helps them avoid the situation altogether, ultimately reducing paperwork. Not to mention, the existence of 'honorary members' probably opened up more avenues for income, especially among upper class citizens.
The young brunette smiles at my words. The elevator comes to a stop at B1. A 'ding' sound is heard as the doors swiftly open. The floor was just as expansive as the ground floor, and its ceiling was even higher. Only this time, there were stalls showcasing various items in deceptively thin, clear cases.
"We expect great things from you, Miss Schnee. It's only natural we pull some strings for your sake."
I raise an eyebrow.
"Really? Are you sure you aren't expecting great things from my wallet? I'm hardly that impressive."
A giggle escapes her lips as she leads us with a straightened back.
"Surely you jest. If the previous Mistral Regional Tournament Champion, said to go toe to toe with its current champion, Pyrrha Nikos, was to be deemed unimpressive, what would that make someone like me, a mere tour guide?"
My eyes glance at her figure before resuming taking in the details of the items in my surroundings. There were many weapons, equipment, materials, and even skill books.
"You're right. Perhaps I am simply too nervous. I'm not exactly the best in front of a crowd."
She giggles, believing me to be joking with her.
"Oh now you're just teasing me. I wasn't aware you were pursuing a secondary career in comedy."
How strange. Even for a tour guide, wasn't she being a little too at ease talking with me? Wasn't she worried if other upper class citizens found her attitude to be insulting to their standing? Could she be one of those naturally confident individuals? Perhaps that was why the management decided she was to be our tour guide? I can't tell.
Though, I am a little suspicious at how she talked. Like how an airhead would never call herself one, I find it out of place for someone to refer to oneself as unimpressive. I will withhold further judgment till later.
One of the twins taps my arm from behind. I turn my head to see Miltia looking at me.
"Miss..."
"I know."
We have been followed by a group ever since entering this floor. The question is, were they enemies or allies?
"As expected of the person described as the Untouchable Queen, your eyes are sharp like the rumors described you. Please do not worry, they are merely bodyguards hired by our company for the sake of protecting the order of our venues. After all, anything can happen if someone was crazy enough. If you look closely, you'll find they are wearing a badge on their chest. With them here, important people such as yourselves need not worry about your safety. Please enjoy yourselves while being unburdened by any distractions."
She smiles at us with an honest looking expression. My gaze roams the surroundings before smiling back gratefully.
"Ho? Well, since you say so, I can be reassured. I'll be sure to do exactly that then."
I turn over a knife on display. It was decently made for level 6 knife. Unfortunately, its blade had a small fracture and it was slightly chipped, meaning it had been used before. I wouldn't be able to convert it into a replacement for the knife I threw at Taiyang either so it had no use for me. I set it back down and we continue our tour. Our group stops every now and again, making sure to spread our scent under the disguise of interest dutifully. Just in case. You never know who was watching.
We wander a bit more before I find a more interesting weapon on display.
"May I see that one?" I ask another employee. They nod while retrieving it from the glass display.
I pick up the weapon. This one was Epic grade despite being a level 5 dagger. Honestly, such a thing was even rarer than Upgrade Crystals. I glance at the price tag.
However, it's usefulness wasn't that great for the price. Nobody in their right mind would waste their fortune on such a weak item. Why would you when you would soon outgrow it? As for Huntsmen just starting out, most probably couldn't afford it.
In fact, that's probably the reason why this thing was being displayed down here rather than in the floors above ground. The only ones who would buy this were the rich, upper class - which includes me, I suppose.
It would make an excellent novelty item, yet it could also act as a self-defense weapon for civilians. A perfect present for Mr. Nebula's birthday.
"What do you think?" I ask, turning towards Neo.
"I think it's perfect." She replies, understanding my reference.
At the same time, she grabs my hand and turns it as if she wanted to see another angle of the dagger. Two of her fingers taps the back of my own.
I see. There are two people tailing us.
"Perhaps we should get something else as well? What looks interesting to you, Neo?"
We turn together. As our eyes pass by certain areas around us, Neo applies pressure on my hand to notify me their locations. I soon spot the figures from the crowd, but I act as if I don't.
"Nothing looks particularly eye-catching." She responds.
So they weren't a threat, then.
I chuckle at the savageness of my lover while noting our followers' locations. Their appearances indicate that they belonged to the group of guards our lovely tour guide said were just for protection. It seems Neo also doesn't seem to buy her excuse.
"That's only natural." Our tour guide rushes to explain, misunderstanding our conversation.
"This floor only has up to level 10 items and equipment. You're most likely holding the most valuable item on this floor."
"Then we should hurry along to the next floor."
We swiftly make our way to the elevators. As we turn to face the front, my gaze falls on the two guards who were a distance away. One of them spoke into their wrist as the elevator door closed, blocking my vision of them.
"Tell me," I ask our guide, "when did you guys decide to hire more guards to patrol the floors? I never saw this back in the Yer Alti in Atlas. While there had guards for security detail, there was never any groups specifically for guarding VIP."
"Actually, there wasn't a change. The Yer Alti in Vale always had this system since it's inception."
Really now?
I look to the twins for confirmation. They shrug their shoulders, as they never got VIP treatment before when buying stuff nor have they gone pass B1 when purchasing.
"Fascinating." I comment.
I would have to meet someone else who was receiving VIP treatment before I could decide if she was telling the truth. If that were true, that begs the question of why spend the extra Lien for redundant protection? It seemed rather excessive to me. The only justification I can think of is if they commonly dealt with figures that were VIP even among VIP.
The thought stewed within my mind as we continued our tour downward. Floor after floor our group of five explored and window shopped, and each time we entered another floor, a new set of guards would trail behind us. They did so without hiding their intentions as our guide had already informed us about their presence. Interestingly enough, they didn't seem to have bad intentions despite my instincts convincing me that what they were doing wasn't what our guide was telling us.
Nevertheless, I judged that they wouldn't make a move anytime soon, so we continued our shopping unhindered.
On the second basement level, we bought the majority of our items. Neo and I bought consumables and modifiable ammunition and weaponry as well as spare blades and parts. The twins bought some rare metals and tools to alter their existing weapons. Miltia found that there was a better version of her gauntlets, only this one had retractable blades. It also had compatibility with mecha-shift technology. This meant that if she sent it to get worked on by a reliable weapon-smith, she could install shooting functions, allowing her to have ranged options in battle.
Unfortunately, they didn't come preinstalled, so the twins bought simple handguns along with matching holsters to serve that purpose until they got around to fixing that flaw.
As we went lower, the only one that bought anything was me as I was the only one who could afford the luxury of buying items far above our current level.
Most of my purchases had unique qualities that set them apart from their normal counterparts. For example, there was a one-time use rapier that seemed to have the function of detaching and reattaching different blades similar to how Raven's sword functioned. The main difference was that it came by itself and had no such sheath.
Furthermore, it had rune enchantments that allowed one to 'supercharge' the blade, empowering the quality of the blade with different effects depending on the Dust crystal infused. After the use of the crystal, the blade would break, rendering the blade useless.
Regularly using this weapon would be expensive, but it's main attraction was its purpose as a finishing move. I figured it would be perfect for me, especially considering I was a rapier user.
When we when lower past B4 and into B5, none of us had the clearance to buy anything. Despite that, Yer Alti maintained their reputation in finding many mouth-watering treasures. I especially wanted the artifact named the Cloak of Absolute Stealth, which was capable of even erasing one's scent. It was the wet dream of any rogue-like class. What a shame it had a requirement of level 50. My first thought was what would happen if Cinder's crew got their hands on that item, and I immediately wanted to buy it even if just to prevent it falling into the wrong hands.
Unfortunately, I was rejected as the item was already bought was being kept here for safekeeping until the owner arrived. I entertained the thought of whether or not Cinder would attempt to steal the artifact. I immediately rejected that notion as the artifact was locked deep underground and was behind 5 meters of enchantments and a thick safe. The only way Cinder was getting this from this establishment was by buying it. Thankfully, I had confirmed the buyer wasn't by the name of Cinder or any of Salem's band of misfits – or at least those that I knew of.
Apparently, the owner was someone who went by the name of Red. The name didn't ring a bell in my head, so I assumed this person wasn't someone I knew.
As we made our way back up the elevator, our tour guide brought up an interesting proposition.
"Miss Weiss, we would like to extend an invitation to an auction that will be starting two months from now."
I glance at her in surprise.
"An auction, you say?"
She nods.
"Yes, every so often we hold auctions open to Huntsmen and Huntresses as well as those who are still in training. It's a popular way for Huntsmen to sell off rare loot they were able to produce or obtain. Not only does it tend to give a generous profit for the items, but those involved also are able to use this as a chance to promote new creations that they have come up with.
"We usually plan two big auctions that coincide with the beginning of each semester at Huntsmen academies and the date of their exams. In addition to the two usual auctions we have, we also intend to have another big one in preparation for the Vytal Festival. Have you been to one before, Miss Weiss?"
I shake my head in denial.
"No, I'm afraid not. While I know these auctions often occur in Atlas, I have not been to one myself."
She nods in understanding before holding a golden emblem with both of her hands out to me.
"Well Miss Weiss, here is a VIP token for you and whoever you wish to bring along with you. With this token, all purchases you make during the auction will have a 20% discount. As a special service, the number of people you wish to bring with you will be unlimited for this first auction."
20%? While it might seem big at first, I have no doubt that such a loss will not dent Yer Alti's income in the slightest. Auctions tend to drive prices through the roof from my understanding. Given that VIP's tend to have a lot of money to spend, more people that come will mean more purses to lighten. Even if the people I bring don't have money to spend, the staff are well aware I can cover for my teammates and friends if I really wanted to. Still, 20% is 20%. This will save me the trouble of applying for tickets later anyway.
"Why thank you. I won't reject your offer then."
"In addition, you only require membership to participate in the auction. Tier restrictions won't apply there as the one with the biggest wallet speaks loudest there."
Gee, I wonder who that might be.
"I'll keep it in mind, Thank you."
I take the emblem. However, the moment I do so, something outside my expectations occurred.
A window appears before my eyes with a peculiar message. It was unlike any other I've ever seen. Before, system messages were simplistic. There were no borders. Messages were short and to the point.
This time however, it was lavishly decorated with silver threads on the border. Like the string on a loom, they wrapped around the message window. Even the text had a font. It was so out of place that my eyes inadvertently drew themselves to the message.
And so I read.
You feel a connection with fate grow stronger.
The event holds ak duff hxubedkdjfjf-
Before I could read the message in its entirety, the words turn to nonsense and I blink, questioning if I was having a stroke in the middle of the day. The moment I do so, the message is replaced. with a neon blood-red window with a new message replacing it.
How DARE you!
And then it was gone.
I stood there, dumbfounded with no thoughts in my head. How could I when something so nonsensical, so completely foreign just occur. Then, like a spark on an oil spill, my thoughts race a mile a minute.
Who was that? That was obviously a person - no, TWO people - speaking just now. Communicating through the system. To me. What did they want? Why me? What is the event? Why now? What-
"Weiss!"
A voice and hand jerks me out of my contemplation. I suddenly see the heterochromatic eyes of my lover stare back at me. Worry and fear was evident.
I look around, the twins stood with weapons out. Miltia had her claws drawn and poised at the guide's neck, ready to dye her clothes red like her own color scheme. Melanie stood outward from all of us guarding Miltia from others.
I focus my vision further out to see the elevator door had opened, revealing Yer Alti's lobby Frozen and silent with tension. The security guards had their weapons and tasers aimed at all of us. The air was thick with tension. The room void of noise except for breathing. Loud breathing. Who was-
"Weiss! Are you okay?" Neo questions me again.
I hold my chest. I was hyperventilating. I paused. Deep breathes, Weiss. In. Out... In. Out...
A few tense seconds later, I calm myself. It was clear what had happened. My frozen disposition from shock into panic attack had alarmed my group into defensive action.
"I'm okay." I get out, still trying to calm my racing heartbeat.
"No, you're obviously not!" Neo rejects.
"What did you do?! What was in that emblem?!" Miltia yells, her face livid with genuine anger.
"N-nothing. I swear. It was supposed to be a normal emblem. I swear!" the girl pleaded, nervously eyeing the blade so close to her tender neck.
"Do you think we are fools?!" Miltia glared. "How could a normal emblem possibly do that to her? Explain now or..."
She pokes gently at her neck, the sharp blade Nick's the soft epidermis as a small trail of blood begins to fall. The surrounding guards tense further.
No doubt this will turn into a bloodbath if this continues. The only reason it hasn't yet is because Neo is occupied with my well-being. I must intervene. Now.
"Everyone, stand down! Now!" I roar.
The girls look at me, unwillingly and hesitant still.
"I said now! This, while unexpected, is most likely a misunderstanding."
"What? A misunderstanding? But-" Neo begins to argue.
"I will NOT repeat myself a third time."
A moment of tense silence pass before Miltia withdraws her blades into her inventory and retreat to our side. The guards hesitate before our guide waves her hand and they silently stow away their weapons.
I narrow my eyes in suspicion. No ordinary guide could possibly hold such weight in this establishment. As if she notices my attention, she bows.
"My sincerest apologies, I am the current manager of this branch and I am so very sorry to whatever accident just befell you. Please, if you need medical attention. We'll call an ambulance right away-"
"That won't be necessary." I quickly interject.
While I'm not entirely sure what just happened. I'm fairly certain the chances this lady had anything to do with it is nearly zero. In fact, observing this emblem reveals nothing to me. There is no skill or anything. Nothing in the Skill history denotes anything either. It was as if those messages never occurred.
Whether it was a hallucination or not and its significance can be mulled on at a later time and not in public. As of now, my Health, Aura, body and mental facilities are all functioning normally.
"I'm fine. Just a slight panic attack."
"Weiss, you don't get panic attacks. You've never even once-"
"Due to certain amount of circumstantial evidence that I will not discuss here, I don't believe whatever just happened here has anything to do with Yer Alti or this lady in front of me." I succinctly declared.
"That being said..." I trail off, glaring at the woman with white aura flaring around my body.
"If I find out you or your employees had anything to do with this. I will hunt. you. down. Do I make myself clear?"
The guide gulps nervously as her hand twitches toward her still untreated neck.
"Crystal. As a token of our apology, please take everything you've bought today free of charge."
"Ma'am-"
A man behind a counter attempts to speak up but the woman simply raises a finger. He quickly shuts up and dials a number. A few minutes later, a delivery boy runs up with our items in tow.
He pauses for a moment, surprised at the tense atmosphere before he notices the guide (who is actually the manager) give a look that promised a slow, painful death if he didn't arrive in two seconds.
The four of us retrieve our items in silence. After going over everything and making sure there was no foul play, we leave the establishment. The lady manager stands at the entrance with her head bowed as we walk away.
Minutes past and as our figures vanishes into the distance, the manager straightens her back and quickly murmurs out to the still silent crowd.
"Bring me the one who made that emblem." her voices echoes softly, but everyone heard her loud and clear.
A figures bolts for the doors, but he makes no distance as multiple tasers immediately cripples him. He falls like brick. When he finally recovers enough to speak, she asks softly.
"Who do you work for?"
"You, Ma'am! My loyalty is to Yer Alti! I swear!"
"Then why did you try to flee?"
"A VIP noblewoman had a near heart attack. Whether I had anything to do with it or not, I didn't want to be the outlet for a noble's anger! Please!"
"You understand then, the inevitability."
"Please! Spare me! I cannot possibly provide for myself if you cripple me. I can't. I must. Please, I'm begging you!"
"Providing for yourself should be the least of your worries."
The man pales at her words.
"We cannot simply trust the words of someone's claim so easily? Men, take him away. I want him tortured for everything he knows."
"NO! Please, I'm begging you. I don't know anything! Wh-what if she's just playing you? What if she's trying to scam you out of items?"
Ridden with panic and knowledge of his upcoming fate, the man hurriedly tries to divert the attention elsewhere. Unfortunately, the woman scoffs in reply and swivels on her heel, no longer interested in the conversation.
"How could a Schnee lack money? What a joke."
The man pleas continued a bit more before he is knocked out and silently carried away. The manager smiles brightly at everyone still in the area.
"As compensation for any worries you may have, we will be giving everyone here a 10% discount for all purchases within the hour!"
And just like that people excitedly rushed to the counter or elevators, eager to find and purchase as much as they could.
The manager watched them buzz like flies for a few moments before she stalked off to a corridor where only employees were allowed. As she did so, the man by the counter slinked beside her.
"Well done, Lady Diqiu. Too long of a duration for discount and bad rumors would spread. You added just enough time for them to be too busy to mention anything."
"Don't be silly, Slate. Rumors will happen regardless. I'm worried about why that happened in the first place."
The man contemplated her words as they walked.
"You don't mean... Do you think he might actually have something to do with it?"
"As if. You think the Schnee would have left so amicably if that was the case?"
"But then what about the employee?"
"Who cares?" She shrugged. "He's a nobody, but he's a nobody who will serve as a warning to the sharks who think they can swim in our pool."
Slate quietly ponders as he rubs his gray beard.
"You mean the true culprits?"
"Regardless of what actually occurred, it bothers me that it happened the moment I gave her the invitation to the auction. I don't believe in omens but a coincidence like that isn't something I can ignore, especially not with lineup of items we'll be expecting.
Hire more guards for the auction. Professional Huntsmen. Experts, not those 1 year or 2 year graduates like all the other times. And triple check their background. I don't want anyone unclean anywhere near the premises."
"As you command, Lady Diqiu."
With that, they part ways. The female manager raises a hand to stroke the place Miltia stabbed. The wound already healed from her aura.
She remembers the intense killing intent that radiated off of the ice cream colored bodyguard despite never seeing her face.
She remembers the Schnee fledgling's piercing glare and how her hand rested on her rapier. Her back is cold with sweat as she shakes her mind free of the memory.
"The Schnee Saint?" she mutters self-mockingly. "More like a Schnee Dragon in sheep's clothing."
She opens the door, annoyed at what should've been a glorious payday ended up being a huge loss in profit. Now, she wasn't one to squander, but it never felt good losing money. Thankfully, she knew just the outlet she needed.
In front of her, the 'suspicious' employee sat tied to a chair with fear evident in his eyes as water dripped off his face and onto his chest. No doubt a result of the guards forcefully waking him up if the empty nearby bucket was anything to go by.
She picks up a candle that she ceremoniously lights as she licks her lips. Her black eyes resembled the depths of hell to the trembling man before her.
"Please scream as loudly as you can." she whispers. "The walls are soundproofed."
Author's note: Bam! Out of nowhere, you get an update. No promises on future ones and how often. But tonight, I was feeling it. My brain was cooking and the document was my kitchen. Hope you all enjoy!
