Bradley was sitting on his chair in his study. He was on his laptop watching videos of Esmeralda dancing and singing. The older man was amazed at her talent. Bradley had to admit, like his nephew, he was a womanizer when he was younger. Bradley went to clubs and boring formal events. Bradley knew many women who danced and sang, but Metztli was on another level. Even so young, Metztli danced and sang like a professional. Deep down, he hoped that she wasn't good as Sosuke suggested, but he was proven wrong. Not only that, but the young woman was a true beauty. He saw why Yhwach would hold an interest in her.
Most of his brothers were curious about Esmeralda and were annoyed at Yhwach's actions. Out of all of Yhwach's children, he seemed to have more hatred for Sosuke than anyone else. Bradley and his brothers were curious about why there was so much tension. Bradley sent copies of the videos to his brothers, so they understood who Esmeralda was. Thirty minutes went by, and Bradley got on zoom. This was going to be interesting indeed.
...
Esmeralda was nervous. It surprised her when Sosuke told her that his uncle wanted to see some videos of her skills. Sosuke's uncle, Bradley, was the one who was going to decide whether she would get the job or not. Sosuke picked her up from the meeting spot they both decided on, and he took her to his hotel room. Her heart was beating rapidly, and her hands were sweaty. She wondered if what she did was the right thing,
Meanwhile, Sosuke was turning as he was driving to his hotel, and he glanced at Meztli once in a while. He noticed the hint of nervousness in her eyes. He let out a chuckle. "I understand that you're nervous, but don't be. When you meet my uncle, he may look like a stern and tough man, but he is reasonable."
This made Esmeralda snap back to reality. "Huh, oh yes. I, well, never mind."
Sosuke wore his dark sunglasses and raised an eyebrow. That was when it hit him. "If you're worried that I might do something to you in my hotel room, rest assured, nothing will happen. It's nothing but business."
"I-I didn't think of anything of that sort!"
"Your expression tells me otherwise. Anyway, we're here. Esmeralda noticed a luxurious hotel.
She was amazed by its beauty and architecture. Also, Esmeralda couldn't help but feel out of place. There were also many expensive cars, and people in and out of the hotel looked high-class. Sosuke went to the hotel's parking lot. He parked his car, and the two got out. Sosuke then led her inside and to the elevators. She found out that he had the penthouse. The two were silent as they made it to his room. Sosuke motioned her to enter first, and she did so. Esmeralda was entranced by how big his room was. There was a king-sized bed with many windows, two sofas, a large-screen television, chandeliers, a kitchen, a large bathroom, and so forth. It looked like a condo.
Sosuke went to the side of his bed and got out of a laptop. "Sit there while I set this up." The young woman did as she was told. Sosuke sat next to her and felt her body turning warm. She could smell his cologne and how good-looking Sosuke was. The laptop was put in front of her, and the zoom link was loading. She was beginning to get nervous. "It's okay! It's okay! You can do this! It's like a job interview!" It loaded, and before her, she saw Sosuke's uncle. Her eyes wanted to pop out. "Holy hell, he's handsome too!" Esmeralda fought so hard from blushing. Bradley was very handsome and looked a bit youthful, even his age.
"So, you must be the famous Esmeralda," said Bradley.
Esmeralda flinched. "Uh, well." She cleared her throat. "I wouldn't say famous. I'm just me, sir." She wanted to facepalm herself.
On the other end, Bradley let out a chuckle. She was shy but also fearless. "I don't know if my nephew told you, but I am King Bradley Hellsing. You can call me Bradley. Now, let's get down to business. I must thank you for the videos, as I saw your skills. I admit that you are quite talented. However, my family's annual ball is an important event, and we have a reputation to uphold. Why should I hire you?"
"Well, I am determined to get my job done. I have danced and sung ever since I was a child. Although I have no degree or certification to prove I'm a professional, I can only say that experience can triumph over a piece of paper."
Bradley raised an eyebrow. He wasn't expecting that kind of answer. Sosuke was a bit surprised but kept watching.
"You say that, and there is a certain degree where I agree with you. However, how can you convince me that your experience makes you a good fit for this position?"
Esmeralda felt that it was a trick question. She didn't want to sound rude, but at the same time, Bradley was testing her to see if she was qualified for the position. She wanted to work for the money to help her father. The young woman also knew that Sosuke and his family worked in the business world and could tell who was being honest. "With all due respect , if my experience weren't enough, Sosuke wouldn't have brought me here. His father brought up this position, but Sosuke could have stopped me. He could have done everything he could to prevent me from getting this position. Sosuke seems to be the man who cares for his family's reputation; he wouldn't just bring any street performer."
It was silent.
Bradley eyed her, and Esmeralda sat there and smiled softly. However, he knew that she was nervous. At the same time, Bradley knew that what she said was very bold. He did many interviews, and many would say anything to get a position, even if it meant lying. On the other hand, Esmeralda knew the consequences of her words but still said them in the end. "True, very well you have the job. Sosuke, I will send you the details, and you will explain them to her."
Before they all left the meeting, he saw her beaming happily as she looked excited. The young woman looked at Sosuke. "I did it, billy goat!" With that, all went black.
Bradley looked at his screen and let out a small laugh. "Billy goat? This young lady has guts. This will be interesting."
...
Esmeralda was feeling various emotions; excitement, happiness, and nervousness. She got the job, the most important job that she would ever have in her lifetime. So many thoughts went through her head. Most importantly, what was she going to tell her father? Her father is a prideful man who never asks anyone for anything, no matter how needed. Esmeralda knew her father would be upset with her and give her 'the talk.' Her father is going to try to talk her out of it.
She was now waiting for Sosuke, who was in the lounge getting the printed copies of the paperwork. Moments went by, and he arrived with papers at hand. He sat beside her and explained the contract, the pay, and more. Esmeralda was surprised to learn that the location was far, primarily close to middle and Northern California, and she would have her hotel room. During her stay, everything will be paid for. Deep down, she knew that her father would not let her go, but she remembered that Sosuke recommended she take some friends. Many were male, besides one female, and they were part of a band trying to get some attention.
This job opportunity would be all of their chance. Esmeralda signed every single page. Her father wouldn't be able to do anything about it now, but the thought of his stare made her shiver. Sosuke noticed. "Are you having second thoughts?"
"N-No. I thought about my papa. That's all."
"I see. Did you inform him about this position?"
Esmeralda laughed nervously as she scratched the back of her neck. "Well, no. You see, my father is an extremely prideful man. He's not going to be happy about me taking this job and that I will be traveling across the state."
Sosuke crossed his arms. "What you're trying to say is that your father might get the wrong idea about us?"
The young woman sighed as she nodded. "I still want to do this job! Besides, you did recommend that I bring friends. I have four, and they all are part of a band. They are skilled, and they can help me with the performance."
"Esmeralda, that-"
She put her hand on his shoulder. "Sosuke, I wouldn't recommend just anyone. I know you are responsible, and it's hard to trust others. I understand. However, please trust me, just this once."
Sosuke was surprised. She looked him straight in the eyes. It was something that he was not used to. He admits that he is very confident, especially with women, and whenever he looks women straight in the eyes, all would look away in shyness or excitement. Even women who have experience with many men would tremble at his stare.
Esmeralda, on the other hand, was different. She has confidence, and iron will be almost impossible to break. He almost felt his heart skipping a beat.
"Sosuke?"
This made him snap out of his thoughts. "Right. I should take you home. Talk to your friends, and I also want to speak with them."
She nodded. "Yes! Thank you, Billy goat! By the way, could you do me one small favor?"
"I already gave you the favor of this job."
"No, you didn't. Your father is the one who informed me of this position, and your uncle hired me."
Sosuke sighed. He did like her fiery spirit, though. "I will do you a favor if you do me the favor of stop calling me 'Billy Goat.'"
Esmeralda giggled as she stuck her tongue out playfully. "When you take me home, can you help me talk with my dad? Besides, you are an employer, and he needs convincing."
He almost felt his stomach fall. "Excuse me? I'm not good with talking with fathers."
"I bet since you probably broke the hearts of many women. Anyway, you work in the world of business. This should be a jiffy!" Before Sosuke could answer, Esmeralda grabbed his hand and pulled him up. "Thank you! You're the best! Let's go, Billy Goat."
Sosuke's eyes were almost wide open as the young woman pulled him out of his room. She almost had the strength of a man.
...
Yhwach just finished doing some paperwork for the company. Tomorrow was the day that he was going to one of his homes in California. However, Yhwach was tired of the United States and wanted to return to Europe. He massaged his eyes and then thought about Esmeralda.
He remembered how she danced and sang. To him, she was like a siren; her dancing and singing skills were beautiful. Her beauty alone would enrapture any man. Yhwach has years of experience with women and can read them and their intentions. Many women bored him since all they could offer were their bodies that would one day sag. It didn't entice him much since other men used many women's bodies.
Esmeralda, however, the older man sensed innocence within her, something that is very rare nowadays. Yhwach also had a feeling that she was still a virgin, and that made him feel excited. The thought of being a woman's first was always enticing, and to him, it showed that women had self-respect for themselves and did not let every man enter them.
Yes, Esmeralda is young, but she is an adult by law, so he was free to pursue her. He knew that she would accept the job, and the older man couldn't wait to see her again in her beauty. That was when Yhwach also remembered Sosuke. It made him wonder how those two met and got close.
Are they even close to one another? He knew Sosuke was also a playboy, but it made him wonder if he saw something different in Esmeralda. In the end, it didn't matter to Yhwach. He had more power over him and had more to offer. All he had to do was wait to see her again.
