Escape (3)
I don't remember much after that. In fact, it was almost as if I didn't want to remember anything.
I should have held back more. Who could have guessed that I would actually lose my temper for real?
Her screaming curses still echoed in my ears.
Naturally led to the reception room, I lowered my head deeply.
Even though I had tried in every way I could, I would cause such a huge incident again?
Jane glared at me with a cold look.
Her voice trembled, suggesting she was trying not to laugh while looking stunned.
...Did you really lose your temper?
Sorry.
I shrank my body as much as possible.
Honestly, it wouldn't hurt if she hit me, and I didn't want her to hit me either, but I wanted to provoke at least a bit of sympathy. I wonder if that would work on her.
Jane let out a small sigh with her arms crossed.
It seemed like she was holding back her laughter, or perhaps she was simply dumbfounded.
Hng. But I wasn't really planning to scold you.
A. Yes.
But Master, if you're going to behave like that, how do you plan to repay the debt?
S-S-Sir.
That damned debt. I absolutely hate debt. I wouldn't even borrow from anyone in the first place, and even if I did, I would repay it tenfold.
Every time I hear the word 'debt,' it feels like someone is stabbing my chest. It's like dealing with some vicious debt collector.
Jane's eyebrows twitched. Her slightly stiff expression showed that she was displeased. She took out a cigar and put it in her mouth.
Jane.
Yes?
After a short, blunt word, she stopped thinking for a moment. I didn't know her name, but why was she suddenly calling me by it?
Don't call me 'Sir.' Call me Jane.
...Yes, Jane.
What now? I tensed up. No matter who held my leash, this was too much.
Jane stopped moving as she tried to light the cigar in her mouth. She put the one she was holding back into her pouch.
In the silence that created a strange atmosphere, the flow of air began to change rapidly. I could even feel that subtle sensation on my skin.
I quietly watched Jane's actions. Somehow, I couldn't take my eyes off her.
I stared at her face as if I couldn't look away. Her face was flushed as if by the orange light. Maybe it was just my imagination.
After a moment of silence, Jane let out a little laugh.
She said to me as if she understood.
Hmm. Well, sleeping with that kind of woman is difficult, isn't it? But look at your situation, young master. You're no longer a haughty imperial client. Now you're just someone who has to sell your body, right?
It sounded like she was telling me to give up. Was she taking revenge for the words I had muttered in disgust earlier? Honestly, it hurt, but I felt depressed that she was right.
Now realize it. The only thing the young master can do now is prostitution.
Jane's lips curved softly. Because she was wearing a revealing dress, it stimulated my eyes even more.
Then, let's start the lesson today.
My throat swallowed dryly. At the word 'lesson,' I hurriedly stopped her actions.
Wait a minute.
Hmm?
What exactly are you trying to do?
Jane tilted her head as if she didn't understand. If anything, it was me who was confused.
Young master, you still don't get it? Or are you pretending to be clueless?
I gripped the backrest of the chair I was sitting on with both hands. My eyes squeezed shut as her white palm came close to my face.
Hmm.
...Eh?
Her fingers slowly stroked my bangs. Unexpected action made me open my eyes. Then I heard.
Young master, your eyebrows are handsome.
All of a sudden?
I hadn't really thought about it that way.
A little flustered. But it didn't feel bad.
I will teach you.
...So, what?
Her face was getting closer and closer. It was the same as before. The scent of perfume mixed with cigarette smoke pricked my heart.
About being a woman.
It was hard to regain my senses at the sudden acceleration. Her white fingers stroked the back of my hand. The touch of her soft fingers was as gentle as her voice.
They say that once you get a taste of a kiss, you want to do it again and again. What about you?
......
I didn't know what she was saying. I was.
Jane whispered softly in my ear. Even though it was a very small voice, I could hear it clearly.
This is what it means to be a woman.
****
What are you doing?
My mind was blank. In short, there was nothing with Jane. That is, nothing more than a kiss.
Hmm. Did you expect it? Cute. Too bad, but I never touch my product.
...Then what about the kiss?
That is an exception. This is sanitized.
What? What do you mean sanitized? Am I a germ?
Really. Not even teasing anyone!
My heart was about to burst.
Hey. Are you listening to what I'm saying? What are you doing?!
...Yes?!
With a flick, I saw a gentle man looking at me with a disappointed look. His appearance made me feel guilty for no reason.
Why? Why?
What?
A. That time. That woman. She put it in because she didn't want to do it herself?!
...Eh. Right? Mi-Mi sorry.
The gentle man with an awkward expression tried to make an excuse in a flustered way. His appearance of not giving a proper reason made me angry.
A. This time, I heard that someone was looking for you.
Me? Who? Are you sure?
Looking at me with eyes as if asking where he was selling medicine, he dodged the question like a snake. He didn't realize that such behavior only fueled my suspicion.
Yeah. Only someone with black hair and black eyes like me is here.
That is true, but.
How long has it been since you started working here? There was no reason for a name to exist in the first place.
It would be nice~.
Listening to the teasing laughter, I waited in front of the room guided by the staff. After tousling my hair, I opened the door.
But the person I saw was an unexpected figure. Seeing his face, I blurted out his name first.
Yus?
I didn't expect the one who called my name to be Yus.
S-Seonghyun-nim!!
It seemed like it had been a while since I last saw him. He still stuttered, but that appearance comforted me quite a bit.
How did you end up in a place like this?!
Honestly, I was happy. But at the same time, I couldn't help but worry.
Yus, who was mumbling, and I unknowingly triggered my playful side.
Could it be that you have such a taste?
It is not that the people who come to this store are only women. Of course, I don't mean to doubt it, but I felt like teasing because there was a fun element.
There is no way! !!
Yus shook his head back and forth. Then he looked at my shirt with his eyes slightly lowered. The more revealing my shirt compared to his tightly wrapped robe must have been shocking. At least for the men here.
Oh my. Are you okay?
Yeah.
What is this. After nodding my head, I added quietly with a hollow laugh.
For now, I'm alive.
First, I was curious how he got here. The riffraff were out of the question from the start.
But how did you get here? The prices here must be outrageous.
I spent all the money I earned so far!
Yus answered proudly. But he would have felt bitter too. How much would he have earned if he worked? He tried to make me laugh mockingly and relieve my burden. I was really moved.
Yus, who had been smiling faintly, soon had red eyes.
Don't worry, Seonghyun-nim. I will help you in any way I can.
How?
It wasn't mocking. In reality, what help could he do?
T-This.
What he handed over was a piece of paper. It looked like a grandparent giving pocket money to his grandchild secretly from his parents.
What is this?
A map and tools with escape methods written on it.
It was impossible not to be surprised by his words.
Now I am proven. That I did not deceive Seonghyun-nim.
I knew from the beginning. You wouldn't do that.
I had some doubts. But seeing Yus's moved eyes, I couldn't say it honestly. Actually, he didn't have to sacrifice like this for me.
By the way, how did you get these?
...That is.
Could it be? No?
Then Yus lowered his head. His appearance made my wrong guess grow stronger. Could it be that he used his body because of me?
W-What misunderstanding are you having?! A. No. I bought it with money!
A. You should have said it sooner. Then it's okay.
And. I am a nobleman, you know.
A minor baron family, but anyway, it's a noble lineage. But maybe there is something special.
Yus suddenly looked reliable. Really, what a good guy.
If I had my way, I would pay more money to protect you, but I already spent all the money.
It is more than enough. Thank you. Yus.
Honestly, I was too grateful. It seemed like Yus realized my feelings, his lips twitched.
It felt like meeting a friend who could stabilize my heart. The resentment that had been psychologically suppressed was a little loosened.
By any chance, did you get any contact from the Hero Party?
I had promised to write a letter.
Are you asking about the hero?
Yeah. I said I would send a letter that time. Do you know?
A small hope bloomed. If I could just deliver the news, the situation would completely change.
A. I haven't heard any news about that.
By the way, how are you doing your job?
Now I was concerned about his situation. I felt a little sorry that I had thought about it alone in the suddenly changed reality.
Don't worry about me. Take care of yourself.
Eh. Now you are all grown up?
There are people who help me too.
People who help? Who?
Just as I was about to ask, Yus, who was sitting, hurriedly stood up.
I have to go now. I don't have any extra money for additional fees. Actually, the situation is really tight.
After Yus packed his luggage, he tidied up his robe. Holding the doorknob, he added a final warning.
A. Anyway, you absolutely must not be late.