Village Head's Debauchery



A look of surprise crossed Orion's face before he nodded in understanding.

"Let's get going then," Orion said, rising into the sky.

To her surprise, Evaline felt a gentle wind wrap around her body, lifting her off the ground as she soared high into the sky, following behind Orion.

Orion and Evaline arrived swiftly at the Midnight Butcher Bar within twenty-five minutes. As they landed, they observed the stunned individuals within their homes, who soon began to cheer one by one.

Orion smiled brightly under his mask as the cheers grew louder, with others outside joining in. He raised his hand as though signalling them to calm down, and it worked. The crowd quieted, and the inhabitants returned to their day one by one, though a few remained, continuing to observe.

Soon, as if responding to the loud voices, the door of the Midnight Butcher Bar swung open, and a centauress raced out. Upon seeing the two of them, she halted suddenly, her eyes widening in shock and disbelief. This individual was none other than Kerensa!

Kerensa stared at Orion, scrutinizing him before shifting her attention to Evaline. Her eyes welled with emotion. "Evaline, is that you?" she muttered.

Evaline nodded. "What? Are you going to tell me I might scare away your customers by visiting your bar?" she responded, her lips curving into a light smile.

Without responding, Kerensa raced forward, swiftly arriving before Evaline and embracing her. Evaline returned the embrace, soothing her emotions by gently rubbing her hand against Kerensa's back.

"I thought I had lost you forever. It's such a relief to see you safe," Kerensa muttered, her voice trembling with emotion as she gazed at Evaline.

After the horrifying events, she had heard rumours that Paradise spared the lives of two leaders for their role in uncovering the rebellion plot. Though she had doubts, she clung to the hope that Evaline would be one of them. However, as the hours passed without any word from her, Kerensa's hope began to fade. But now, just before the end of the day, she was- standing in front of her bar, safe and sound.

Orion quietly observed the reunion from the sidelines. On their journey here, he had taken the opportunity to sift through Evaline's memories, learning important details about her relationship with Kerensa. Understanding the depth of their bond, he saw no need to interrupt and allowed them their moment.

"Yes, I'm fine, and it's all thanks to you that I'm here," Evaline responded, her hand gently running through Kerensa's hair as she smiled warmly. She subtly glanced at Orion, inwardly relieved that he wasn't interrupting their reunion.

Upon hearing Evaline's words, Kerensa's eyes widened in shock. "Then, I was truly the one..." she began, but before she could finish, Evaline gently placed a finger on her lips and nodded.

"Yes, you were the one who provided the crucial information to Mr. Rion, which is why he spared my life," Evaline replied with a reassuring smile, gesturing toward Orion. She made sure to acknowledge his role in what had transpired.

"Mr. Rion?" Kerensa repeated, turning to stare at Orion, stunned to finally learn the identity of the warrior before her-and from her aunt, no less.

A wave of worry washed over her as she looked at Orion with growing apprehension. Quickly, she turned around, using her right hand to shield Evaline from him, gently pushing her a few steps backwards.

"Aunt, did they do something strange to you? Are they forcing you to do something against your will?" Kerensa asked, her voice laced with concern. After witnessing the horrific scene in the marketplace, she found it hard to believe that Paradise would spare her aunt-one of the former leaders-on such grounds alone, without any ulterior motives.

Evaline frowned and shook her head. "No, they didn't. But that might change if you keep treating our benefactor as though he were an enemy."

Kerensa bit her lip in frustration before lowering her arm.

"Now, why don't you apologize?" Evaline's voice was firm, her expression strict.

Kerensa nodded, taking a deep breath before walking toward Orion. When she reached him, she lowered her head slightly. "I apologize for my rude behaviour, Mr Rion. Thank you for sparing my aunt's life," she said, her emotions turbulent as she awaited his response.

"You don't need to thank me," Orion replied calmly. "I acted out of Paradise's benevolence. As for your behaviour, it's perfectly understandable for you to be suspicious. But let me assure you, Miss Evaline is now an ally of Paradise, helping us prevent future rebellions. To avoid unnecessary complications, you should keep this information to yourself, Miss Kerensa."

"Yes... I will keep this a secret," Kerensa swiftly responded, nodding enthusiastically. Though initially taken aback by his words, she quickly grasped the solemnity of the situation.

"Okay. I'll be taking my leave now. See you later," Orion said with a nod to Kerensa and Evaline before soaring into the air, vanishing into the clouds.

Evaline watched the direction of his flight, her eyes reflecting a swirl of emotions. The conversation and their agreement replayed in her mind, making her heart race. But she quickly composed herself before Kerensa could notice.

Kerensa returned to Evaline. "You're here because you need to lay low for a while, right?" she asked with a knowing smirk.

"What do you think?" Evaline replied with a snort.

"Well, after losing your title and position as Mistress of Espionage and Intelligence, you're stuck here with me for the foreseeable future. But don't worry," Kerensa said, her smirk widening as she gave a thumbs up. "As the owner of Midnight Butcher Bar, I promise you'll get top-notch room service and a five-star dining experience."

"Humph! Haven't these places been destroyed a few times over the past weeks? It's a miracle it's still standing," Evaline remarked, eyeing the tall, rusty metallic building and the surrounding area. Though she couldn't anticipate what might transpire later, she had already decided to make this place her new home.

"Hey! The Midnight Butcher Bar saved your life, so show some respect. And don't blame me if you annoy her too much and she decides to collapse on your head while you're asleep," Kerensa retorted, rolling her eyes before leading the way to the door.

My thoughts are below.