Chapter 345
Chapter 345
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 345
Chapter Title: Pride and Prejudice (4)
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Business hours over.
"Thanks for all your hard work! Siu hyung!"
"We owe you big time!"
"Yeah, you guys worked hard too."
With that, Siu's long stint as the host bar promoter finally came to an end.
He threw a modest party with the Rose Glass crew, knocking back drinks together, before slipping away for a private chat with Takasho.
"Siu, my brother in spirit and flesh! You really pulled through!"
"So, did you snag some regulars?"
"Of course! At this rate, we'll turn a profit soon, maybe even open a second spot. Not that I'm planning to go that far. You know what they say—bite off more than you can chew, and you'll choke."
Word of mouth among witches was a scary thing indeed.
With Periwinkle's help improving the service and Siu drawing all the aggro up front, their bookings were already filled solid for the next three months.
And that was even without the male witch around anymore.
Takasho stood up, grinning at Siu as he extended a hand for a shake.
The moment their hands clasped, he pulled him into a bear hug, clapping him on the back.
"I can't say it enough—it's all thanks to you. So..."
Takasho unclasped the watch from his wrist with a click and handed it over to Siu.
No need to name-drop the brand; it screamed luxury and success at a glance.
"Nah, keep it. What're you giving me something like this for?"
"It's nothing compared to what you did for me, but take it."
"I said no."
"Take it! Buddy!"
Takasho practically forced the watch onto Siu's wrist like he was shoving it there.
He grabbed his shoulders again, flashing a bright smile with perfect teeth.
"If anything tough comes up down the line, just say the word. I'll help however I can—even if it costs me my life."
"Thanks, I appreciate it. Let's have another round."
It felt like they were filming a scene from a coming-of-age flick, leaving Siu's insides oddly ticklish.
Anyway, that was one weight off his shoulders.
"Oh, Witch Periwinkle tipped me off to a new liquor supplier. Might head to the mortal world soon to check it out."
"What? Mortal world? They'll let that through?"
Gehenna was a city for witches.
To preserve its unique vibe and the conservative witches' sense of stability, exchanges with the mortal world were strictly limited.
That was why smugglers ferrying goods between Gehenna and the mortal realm could never stray beyond Border Town.
Yet here was talk of a mortal world trip.
"Got a temporary pass from Count Adonai. It's a direct supply deal with the Adonai Trading Company's smugglers, so I figured it'd be easier if I went myself. Heading to Europe, so no hometown visit. This is the life of a successful businessman, huh."
"Take care out there. And don't run off for good."
"What about the shop if I did?"
*knock knock*
As they chuckled aimlessly over drinks, a knock sounded, and the door swung open.
It was Paul, now pretty familiar to Siu.
"Takasho hyung, a witch is here to see you."
"At this hour? Where is she?"
"Right here."
Before Paul could say more, green hair rustled softly.
Petite yet perfectly proportioned, she had the presence of a tall beauty.
A cool, aloof impression like a stray cat, amplified by her icy mint eyes.
It was Sharon Evergreen, carrying a mid-sized bottle that strained even both hands.
Sharon, dressed prettily, pressed a hand to her chest and bowed to Takasho.
"Hello. I've heard a lot about you from Siu. I'm Sharon Evergreen."
"Sharon, what brings you here?"
"He said you're his closest friend, so I got curious. Last time I came, I didn't even get to see your face."
Takasho, who had frozen in surprise, quickly warmed up and welcomed her warmly.
He stood, bowing politely in greeting.
"Hello. I've heard plenty about you too. Siu wouldn't shut up about how pretty his girlfriend is—got me a bit jealous. Wow, seeing you in person... I could just die happy."
"Girlfriend?"
Sharon's ears perked at the word.
She smiled happily and slid naturally into a seat.
"Mind if I join? Unless you were talking something weird."
"Oh dear, that's awkward. We were right in the middle of some weird talk."
"Heh, what about?"
"Siu was asking for advice on wedding venues and how many kids to have."
"What? Really?"
Just like that, Takasho's lead turned it into a smooth three-way drinking session.
2.
"So that's how Siu bagged that buck."
"Siu, for real?"
"Yeah, it happened. Do we have to keep going on this?"
"Dude, can't you see Miss Evergreen's having a blast?"
Siu's past was being dragged out against his will.
Sharon was hooked on Takasho's lively storytelling, sticking close to Siu's side with a delighted grin.
"That's when I knew. 'Ah, this guy's the real deal.' Normal folks bend if something rubs them wrong but the situation calls for it, right?"
"Not this one. If he thinks no, he charges straight in, no brakes. He's got guts. A man's man."
Siu appreciated Takasho's attempt to hype him up, but this flow was getting embarrassing.
"Can you ease up? You said thanks for the help..."
"Why~? I'm enjoying it. I wanted to hear stories from Takasho anyway."
"Miss Evergreen, no need for the formalities. Drop the honorifics—Takasho's fine."
"Should I? Then you can be casual with me too. Friend of Siu's is a friend of mine."
"How could I? Here, let me pour you another."
The chat flowed warmly, and before they knew it, two or three hours had flown by.
The office table, once just drinks, now held scattered snacks and ramen bowls.
"Anyway, hearing stories and sharing drinks—it's an honor, Sharon."
"I only knew you from Siu's tales, but meeting you makes you even better. And all those old stories."
"Plenty of exaggerations in there, so take it with a grain of salt."
If Takasho's gilding turned real, he'd be a gold-plated Buddha by now.
Sweet of him to build Siu up in front of his girlfriend, but overkill.
"Anyway, I had a great time. Sorry for hogging your evening—shall we call it?"
"Yeah! Let's hang out as three next time."
"Sure thing! See you!"
After bidding Takasho farewell, Siu and Sharon headed out to Malkuth Gallery side by side.
The night air, heavy with moisture from an all-night rain, felt crisp.
The flipped calendar page confirmed winter's chill.
Sharon linked arms with Siu, matching his pace.
The soft cushion of her body brought a wave of happiness.
"It's been a while. Walking with you like this."
"Yeah, feels like we did it every day back then."
"You're busy. Can't be helped."
"Sorry. I'll make more time from now on."
Come to think of it, alone time like this was rare lately.
Host bar shifts ate his schedule, and back in Gehenna, the twins were usually tagging along.
Siu glanced at Sharon's profile.
Her straight nose and thin lips.
Like a fairy from a dream, staring ahead lost in thought.
He slipped an arm around her waist; she giggled ticklishly and looked up, eyes meeting his.
"Siu."
"Yeah?"
"You... did it with Odil and Odet, right?"
His legs nearly buckled.
He'd planned to confess soon anyway.
Just like he'd promised the twins he wouldn't draw lines or push them away, he'd intended to come clean to Sharon about their relationships.
But this sudden grilling felt off.
There was a nuance difference between volunteering it and being interrogated.
Their steps had halted.
Sharon's eyes, staring up at him, clearly wavered.
"Yeah, sorry. Wasn't hiding it. Meant to tell you soon..."
"No, no! Not scolding you. Just wanted to confirm."
Sharon looked away.
He could imagine how trashy he seemed.
Sleeping with apprentices was taboo of taboos.
Both twin sisters? Taboo.
Keeping it secret while sleeping with another woman? Taboo.
He'd nailed a triple axel of taboos, which made broaching it tough.
But...
"Sharon, hear me out?"
"Can I go first?"
What was this weird vibe?
A chill tension hung in the air, yet Sharon seemed calm.
But was that calm from disillusionment, doubt, contempt... or something else? Hard to read.
"You're really important to me, Siu. The most important in my life. More than magic or anything. I can say that for sure."
Sharon met his eyes squarely again.
"It hurts seeing you share a bed with someone else. Showing them the face you only showed me. Makes me jealous."
"...Sharon."
Her lips drew near.
She tugged his collar, pressing her lips to his.
When she pulled back, Sharon wore a floral smile.
"But I want you happy. Hate seeing you hold back because of me."
"I was gonna sort it out properly. But..."
"Eh~ No need to explain. I said I don't like you watching my reactions. Ah, this serious mood sucks. Tried drama-style, but can't handle it."
Sharon waved it off like a joke, unlinked arms, and strode ahead.
"Huh?"
For some reason, Siu grabbed her slender wrist.
Sharon whipped around, startled.
"Me too."
"W-what?"
"Sorry for not saying sooner. You're really important to me too."
Sharon's blank stare bloomed into a radiant smile.
Like she had the whole world.
"Yeah! I knew."
Late night.
No passersby.
Gallery shops shuttered; just the two of them in the once-bustling daytime spot.
Siu held her thin wrist as their lips met again.
Deeper, stickier this time.
Sharon's tongue tip carried a bitter Scadhi aftertaste, long missed.
She didn't resist, clutching his waist tight.
Kiss over, she glanced down at the insistent press against her lower belly, eyes gleaming with excitement as she looked up.
They'd shared experiences plenty of times.
A look said it all.
"Really? Here? What if someone sees?"
"Can't wait till the dorm... How about that alley? No one's coming, right?"
Siu had coordinate jumps.
Sharon knew it.
Yet she suggested this...
"Heard thrill spices up relationships... Won't push if you hate it..."
So, could he refuse...?
That night, they say a plaintive cat's wail echoed from Malkuth Gallery's alley.