ARC: Curse of the Royal Tribulation
Chapter 88: The Green-Eyed Monster
Thales stepped out of the carriage and into a secluded alleyway, where few dared to venture. His cloak was draped over him, and Kommodore and Glover, who were both wearing similar clothing, stood on either side of him.[1]
The two men seemed on edge, their eyes darting around with a sense of suspicion and caution. They looked like anxious cheaters who were hiding from their partners while secretly pursuing their carnal desires.
Glover took the lead, skilfully guiding the small group through two doorways and a series of winding alleys and windows, deftly avoiding obstacles like laundry poles and even a splash of sewage, until they reached the back entrance of a sizable, mysterious building.
The path they took was rough and dirty, full of bumps and holes, and along the way, they encountered a few wary beggars, which gave Thales a fleeting sense of nostalgia, evoking memories of his childhood.
“I’m feeling a bit queasy... I know we’re just here to lay low,” Kommodore let out a low groan as he gingerly touched the spot on his forehead where it had collided with a window. He raised a suspicious brow at the wooden door in front of them.
“But where exactly are we? I really hope this isn’t some shady, illegal place.”
It was evident that the former police officer, used to serving the city’s elite, was uncomfortable in such a setting.
‘The terms “legality” and “illegality” don’t really apply here.’ Thales chuckled softly, ‘In fact, almost every long-standing legitimate business on Red Street Market has some kind of shady activity, while every illegal business has some sort of legal cover.’
Glover tightened his hood and shook his head at them, then opened the old, shabby, miserly back door with practised ease, “This is an established business with a storefront—we simply entering through the back door.” He then pulled back the dark red curtain and ushered them inside.
The moment Thales and Kommodore entered, they realised how different the interior was from the narrow alley outside: everything was decorated in warm hues that complemented the dim lighting. The air was filled with a revitalising scent that relaxed and renewed you. The walls were decorated with high-quality tapestries and paintings, and the aisles had translucent silk curtains hanging from them. Everything was done tastefully and with careful thought.
However, a strange atmosphere pervaded the place. Thales could hear a man and a woman chuckling faintly in one of the rooms thanks to his hellish senses.
Glover hid his face under his cloak and paid no attention to a comely maiden in revealing attire who passed them with a tray of drinks. He escorted them into a corridor on the first floor where a number of rooms were crammed close together after leading them up a creaky wooden staircase.[2]
“Oh, this place seems familiar to me...” Head-scratching, Kommodore pondered.
A clear, melodious chime sounded above them, prompting all three to glance upward.
There stood a stunningly beautiful and slender young woman draped in gauzy fabrics, with flowing hair, strikingly beautiful eyes, and perfectly arched eyebrows.
She sat with ease on the stairway to the second floor, beaming at them as she swayed her pale, naked feet in a playful fashion.
With a sprightly bounce, the maiden descended the steps, her ankle bells emitting a pleasing jingle.
“Welcome to the Laya Club!”[3]
But as soon as ‘she’ spoke, all three of them visibly flinched in surprise.
Thales quickly deduced from the androgynous voice that the speaker was not a young woman but a rather attractive young man with fair skin and delicate features that made it difficult to determine their gender.
They were dressed in a light cape and had a translucent, gauzy fabric wrapped around their neck and hips. They moved gracefully and had gentle manners that inspired affection.
“Ah, it’s quite obvious that you are all esteemed guests,” the friendly youth said, smiling shyly and bashfully. “Given that you were able to enter from there. My name is Sissy, and I am deeply honoured to serve you with the utmost sincerity!”[4]
With a certain charm that was both unusual and captivating, they casually tossed their hair.
Glover looked around before raising an eyebrow and asking, “Where’s Auntie Ellie?”
Sissy, the charming and playful youth, circled the group and said, with a cheeky wink and a sensual sway of their hips, “Unfortunately, she passed away a few weeks ago, but don’t worry, it wasn’t from any venereal disease. We are a legitimate business with strict and frequent medical examinations!”
Glover’s face became solemn.
After giving the prince and his colleague a quick glance, Kommodore realised it was up to him to handle the talking. Clearing his throat, he approached and said,
“Um, we’d like to keep a low profile.”
With a recurring motion, he fished out a handful of copper coins, which he then placed in Sissy’s hand.
The coins disappeared into thin air as Sissy beamingly said, “I’ve got you covered! There should be no issue with that since the three fine gentlemen came in through the back door.”
Thales noticed that the other person’s voice had a distinctive and elegant quality to it, devoid of any staged or affected tones. Instead, it came across as effortless and natural. There was a fleeting moment when their gender seemed somewhat ambiguous, especially with the youthful gracefulness of their gestures and movements.
“So, what kind of service do you want? And for how many people?”
Thales, who seemed the most unassuming of the group, caught Sissy’s attention as their stopped pacing and fiddled with the corner of a sheer fabric.
“Ah, we are a renowned and esteemed establishment! We cater to all kinds of fantasies, from role-playing to bondage, domination, orgies, and whatever else your heart may desire. And, speaking of the Northerners who have recently gained popularity in the Capital... we have just received a fresh batch of girls as well as boys.”
Kommodore swallowed nervously and turned to Thales, his expression troubled. “Actually, we just need a place to rest...”
But before he could say another word, Glover shoved him aside and stepped forward. His tone was cold, his face expressionless. “There are three of us,” he said curtly. “We’re interested in Lilian’s services.”
Zombie stepped forward and positioned himself protectively in front of Thales.
“Miss Lilian’s services for three?” pondered the lovely youth, who stood on tiptoe and poked their finger against their cheek. Their innocent gesture only served to make them more endearing. Glancing over at the short and stocky Kommodore and the bowed Thales (while Glover once again blocked the prince), they tugged thoughtfully at their scarf.
“Well... Perhaps you need a few more young ladies or young men?”
Sissy blushed slightly, and with a shy flutter of their lashes, they suggested, “You know, I could also...”
“No,” Glover interrupted brusquely, cutting off Sissy’s intentional or unintentional display of their fair neck. “Just Lilian.”
Upon Sissy’s realisation that the other party was not interested in their suggestive offer, a sense of disappointment crept over them. “Well, you see, Miss Lilian is our top performer,” they said, quickly turning their gaze and manoeuvring their body to edge in front of Thales. “She’s currently occupied, but I could introduce you to Olivia and Cosette instead...”
However, Glover held Sissy firmly in place, preventing them from approaching Thales. Sissy let out a slight groan as they pushed against his solid wrist, their eyes reflecting a hint of resentment.
Zombie’s expression stiffened, and he reflexively released Sissy. Speaking in a cold, measured tone, he said, “It may have been a while since I’ve visited, but I’m well-versed in the rules.”
“Lead us to Lilian,” demanded Glover, “or we’ll have to consult Laya’s Mommy to see what she thinks.”
Sissy looked crestfallen as they spoke. “Fine, fine. If you’re set on Lilian, then Lilian it is. No need to be so rude and bring up Laya’s Mommy at the first opportunity...”
“By the way,” Sissy continued, “how should I address you?”
“It’s none of your business,” Glover began to refuse, but Thales lightly nudged him in the waist.
Clearing his throat under his cloak, Thales stepped forward to stand beside Glover, “Raphael,”
“He’s Raphael Lindbergh.”
Kommodore and Glover exchanged a look.
Sissy arched their eyebrows and gazed at Thales, who only revealed the lower half of his face. Suddenly, they leaned in and playfully smiled, their scent enveloping Thales. “And what about you, young gentleman?”
Thales took a step back, slightly startled by Sissy’s proximity, before answering, “Um...Wya, my name is Wya.”
Sissy’s gaze drifted off into the distance, their lips parting slightly as they repeated the name under their breath.
“You, talk to me instead,” Glover inserted himself between them, his tone stiff. “My... little brother is still young; stay away from him.”[5]
He kept a wary eye on the pretty youth.
Sissy, meanwhile, pouted and cast a frustrated glance at the towering figure blocking Thales.
“It’s okay, Raphael,” Thales smiled and calmly motioned for the introverted guard to step back. “Just relax and be friendly.”
The prince flashed Sissy a gentle smile. “Don’t mind him; that’s just how my brother is.”
Sissy’s grin widened at Thales’ cordial overture. “Very well, Wya,” they said, a happy glint in their eye. “I’ll let it slide for your sake...”
The androgynous teen pulled a playful “mwah” face at Thales while Glover was distracted, then spun on their heel with a crisp jingle, and said, “So, you want to see Miss Lilian? Very well, follow me.”
Thales gestured discreetly to his uneasy companions, and they fell into step behind Sissy, who was leading the way. Together, they wove through the clusters of curtains and entered a rather gloomy corridor.
As he watched the graceful silhouette of Sissy in front of him, Thales couldn’t help but overhear the Kommodore’s whispered remark from behind him. “Damn,” the man muttered. “This guy’s prettier than a girl.”
“They aren’t a ‘guy’,” Glover whispered back, his vigilance never faltering. “They are an eunuch.”
Kommodore was startled,
“What?”
Glover pulled the Kommodore closer, his voice hushed as he imparted his knowledge.
“They undergo strict selection and training,” he said barely above a whisper. “At a young age, they are castrated to eliminate male characteristics such as Adam’s apples, excessive body hair, developed muscles, broad bones, and so on. All in order to enter the court and serve the nobility.”
Thales was equally taken aback, his brow furrowing as he watched Sissy’s slender figure lead them through the corridor.
Kommodore, for his part, was still reeling from the revelation. “I...I knew castration was practised in ancient times,” his voice tinged with disbelief. “But I always thought... I always thought it was a thing of the past.
“We really don’t do it here anymore,” Glover replied dryly, “It went out of practise back in the days of the Empire. Nowadays, people like them are mostly brought by sea from the Eastern Peninsula or the outlying Western Islands.”
The Kommodore’s curiosity showed no signs of abating, and he continued to ask in a hushed voice.
Eunuch
Thales lowered his head, lost in deep thought, when a pleasant scent wafted into his nostrils.
“How old are you?”
He was startled when he felt a light pressure against his arm and looked up to see that Sissy had snuck up beside him.
“What?”
Sissy chuckled, their hand playfully nudging Thales’ shoulder. “I’ve seen your type before,” they said, “irresponsible older brothers dragging their younger siblings out to ‘have some fun’...”
Thales felt a pang of embarrassment, his eyebrow twitching in response to those words.
“But at your age, the ladies won’t take you seriously. They’ll either tease and flirt with you, or they’ll milk you dry—both your wallet and your body.”
Sissy hugged him by the hand and laid their head on his shoulder. “Why don’t I take you for a drink and a stroll?” they offered. “And when your brothers are done, you can re-join them.”
Thales felt the softness of Sissy’s body against his own and caught a whiff of their fresh scent. His body stiffened as he fought the urge to push them away.
“I-I can’t...” he stammered.
“Let me tell you a secret,” Sissy whispered, gently flipping the hood back from Thales’ ear. The heat of their breath tickled his earlobe.
“The truth is, that thing between men and women... it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.”
‘What?’
Thales turned his head stiffly.
Sissy winked and gave him a sunny smile.
“I’m serious,” they said in a soft, sugary voice.
Sissy tossed a disdainful look over their shoulder.
“Men flock to this place,” they remarked, the grip on Thales’ arm tightening. “But don’t be fooled; they don’t come to Red Street Market out of enjoyment or desire. The only reason they venture to this place is because they cannot find anyone to fulfil their needs elsewhere,”
Sissy scoffed, curling their lips in contempt.
“Or, they come here to prove a point, to indulge in their base desires and relish in their conquests, basking in the glory of their achievements—just like your brother brought you here.”
Thales blinked.
“So,” Sissy continued, their gaze intense as they locked eyes with Thales.[6]
“That thing,” they said, “is not fun. Especially when you have to do it with two other men, even if they happen to be your brothers.”
Thales’ expression grew increasingly awkward.
The pretty teen couldn’t help but laugh at his embarrassed look.
“How do you know what it’s like for a man to be with a woman?” Thales tried to think of a way to break free, and thoughtless remarked, “You’re not...”
Sissy’s face turned pale, and they lowered their head to bite their lip.
Thales felt the hand that was holding him tremble.
Realising his words might have struck a nerve, “I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “I didn’t mean to offend you...”
But Sissy suddenly raised their head, a small smile playing on their lips. “I know you didn’t mean it,” they said softly, a glint of cunning in their eyes. “You’re not like them.”
Sissy paused for a moment, then leaned in closer to Thales and whispered confidently in his ear, “After all, you’re still wet behind the ears.”
Thales stood frozen, his arm still tugging in Sissy’s grip.
“But let me tell you, the first time with a woman doesn’t mean a thing,” Sissy leaned in closer, and Thales couldn’t help but inhale their scent. “The real fun is in trying it with a man or someone other than a man or a woman!”
Thales once more was struck silent and Sissy’s mischievous laughter filled the air at his reaction.
The youth, whose beauty outshone any girl, still holding Thales’ hand, traced their finger along the back of it.
“You know,” they said, their voice low and suggestive, “if it were me, I could show you so many interesting and exciting ways to have fun. Things that my big sisters couldn’t even dream of doing. My body is capable of things beyond your wildest imagination... Trust me, you’ll be so thrilled you won’t know which way is up.”[7]
Sissy’s voice dripped with seduction as they winked at Thales, trying to lure him in. Thales was left staring, his cheeks flushing a rosy hue.
A voice shattered the charged atmosphere. Glover had finally noticed Sissy sidling up to Thales.
“Hey!” he bellowed. “I already told you! Get away from my brother!”
Zombie’s massive hand shot out and yanked Thales back to his side. With a warning finger pointed at Sissy, he growled, “Or you’ll get to know my fist a lot better.”
Sissy shot Zombie an aggravated glare before turning their attention to Thales. Their face twisted into a woeful expression before they snorted and turned their head away.[8]
But this time, added to the flourishing wiggling of their hips, the teen opened their mouth, calling out in a high-pitched voice, “Master Raphael’s orders: three people seeking the services of Miss Lilian!”
Glover and Kommodore’s faces blanched with alarm.
“I told you we don’t want to draw attention to ourselves!” Kommodore hurried to catch up, but upon considering the other person’s identity, his hand trembled, and he let it fall back down.
Sissy huffed, strutting down the corridor, and nonchalantly exclaimed, “Oh, my apologies! Master Raphael doesn’t want to attract attention!”
Glover was seething with anger and was about to say something, but Thales pulled him back to prevent him from confronting Sissy again. “It’s okay,” Thales said with a stiff smile. “Sissy, just lead the way.”
Kommodore let out a cough and wisely refrained from further provoking the petulant eunuch. Turning back, he leaned in to Glover and spoke in a low voice,
“You know, perhaps you, sir, should try to be a little kinder to them...”
Glover shot him an angry look.
The sudden sound of a door swinging open jolted them all. Before anyone could react, a hand shot out, snatching Sissy’s shoulder in a tight grip. Sissy let out a startled, if not dramatic, gasp and a shudder; their face drained of colour.
In the murky lighting, a strapping man with an intimidating aura drew back the curtains and materialised in front of them.
The man’s face was shrouded in darkness beneath a plain, unassuming cloak. He looked like any other patron seeking illicit pleasures, blending in with the trio before him. His gravelly voice rumbled with menace as he spoke, “Do they... seek Lilian?”
Spotting an obstacle in their path, both Glover and Kommodore scowled and stepped forward, positioning themselves in front of Thales.
“Whoa there, Master! You nearly gave me a heart attack,” Sissy gasped, taking deep breaths to steady themselves. They seized the opportunity to rub the well-built biceps of the man standing in front of them.
“That’s right, you see, it’s this gentleman, Raphael, and his brothers. They’ve made it clear that they want Miss Lilian. What is it?”
The patron beneath the cloak released his grip and sauntered slowly towards their group, sizing up Glover, their leader, in the dim light. Zombie instinctively lowered his head, concealing his face from view.
“So, it’s you three hiding behind your hoods. You want Lilian to keep you company, Raphael... right?”
The brawny patron scrutinised their figures and then, with a sneer, turned his gaze towards Thales, who stood behind them. “Let me guess, you’re guards, out with some young master for a night of fun?”
Glover let out a cold snort. “It’s none of your damn business.”
Hearing the confrontational tone, the patron’s voice took on a new edge, “How experienced of you... Does that mean you’ve come to see Lilian before?”
Glover hesitated briefly, glancing at Thales before answering, “Yes, and what if I have?”
The patron sneered, his lower lip curving into a derisive arc that was not concealed by his cloak. “Very well then,” he said.
“I’ll pay double.” The patron produced a heavy pouch of coins and carelessly placed it in Sissy’s hand. “Until evening, Lilian is all mine.”
Glover’s features were twisted with anger.
Thales and Kommodore exchanged a heavy look as they beheld the weighty pouch, their silence fraught with resignation.
Sissy hefted the pouch, peered inside, and their face lit up with delight.
“Thank you kindly, boss! You’re a true gentleman!”
The youth flashed a thumbs up, taunting Glover with a challenging gaze before swiftly approaching the new patron.
“Excellent, dear double-paying boss, please follow me. We welcome customers like yourself, bold and bountiful...”
To the surprise of all, Glover suddenly looked up and grabbed Sissy by the arm, preventing them from leaving.
“Are you interested in Lilian, too?” Zombie inquired in a cold, monotonous voice.
“Yes,” the burly man sneered. “From now until nightfall, I’m afraid she won’t have the time to spare for you.”
Glover was silent for a moment.
Kommodore cleared his throat, “Uh, maybe we should try some—”
“Triple!” Zombie didn’t give Kommodore a second glance... With a seething rage bubbling inside, he reached for his own pouch of coins and hurled it at Sissy. “We’ll pay three times more! And you get out of here.”
At that, both Thales and Kommodore were baffled.
“Uh, Raphael?” Kommodore hesitated and gave Glover’s shoulder a pat. “I think it’s best if we don’t...”
“Oh my, how generous! Boss, you’re even more generous!”
Sissy lifted the two pouches of coins and blinked their eyes in happy disbelief. They hurried to the side of the three men and glanced back at the patron in the cloak, shoulders slumping in resignation.
“Well, dear customer, since Master Raphael said so, I guess I have no choice...”
“Triple?”
The patron under the cloak let out a cold laugh and stepped forward, saying, “What, do you think you’re hot stuff just because you have money?
Glover clenched his fist and let out an angry snort. The burly man approached him, standing just as tall.[9]
“Do you know who I am?” The man growled, low and menacing. “Do you know that with a snap of my fingers, I could have you thrown in the slammer and left there until next week?”
Undeterred, Glover stood his ground, his expression icy. “Lilian is mine—end of story.”
In the half-light of the corridor, Glover and his opponent exchanged implacable glares, each man locked in a silent battle of wills.[10]
“Very well,” the patron said, clicking his tongue and lowering his voice to a rough whisper as he pulled out a banknote. “I’ll offer you four times the price—and if that’s not enough, I’ll add more. From now on, Lilian belongs to me alone.”
Sissy’s eyebrows shot up, but before they could even calculate the potential cut from the deal, Glover interrupted once more.
“Any amount won’t do,” Zombie took another step forward, almost pressing his forehead against the patron’s, his words dripping with a bone-chilling threat.
“You. Get. Lost.”
“Lilian is mine, and mine alone.”
The burly man’s voice was thick with rage. “Do you have the balls to say it again?”
Glover didn’t flinch. “I said,” he repeated, his tone firm and unyielding. “You get the fuck out of here.”
Thales had never seen this side of Glover, and he exchanged an anxious look with Kommodore before taking a tentative step forward.
“Glo– Raphael! We can’t do this...” he began, but Glover was too caught up in his fury to hear him.
Sissy, having seen their fair share of jealousy-fuelled disputes between guests, raised their voice, hoping to attract more help. “Hey, hey, this...um, Mr. Lindbergh? You can’t speak like that. Laya club has rules, and all guests are welcome...”[11]
But before Sissy could say anything more, the burly man interrupted them. “Wait.”
The patron lifted his head, revealing a sharp, chiselled jaw, and spoke in a cold tone, “What did they say your name was? Lindbergh?”
Glover’s lips twisted into a contemptuous chuckle. “Raphael,” he said, his voice laced with a dangerous edge. “Raphael Lindbergh.”
“What, you got a problem with that?”
The patron turned his head with a slow, deliberate motion. His mood shifting along with it.
“Not at all,” he said softly, but his tone was unpleasant.
“Just that, someone with that name happens to work for the cops...” The cloaked man continued, idly unfastening the clasp of his cloak as he spoke, his fingers making a series of crisp snaps. “And also happens to hold a grudge against me.”
Glover’s gaze grew even sharper, and the typically inscrutable expression on his face contorted into a fierce and vicious scowl.
“Good,” he hissed through gritted teeth, his fists clenching and unclenching in a rapid, nervous rhythm. “I’ll help them settle it.”
As both men began to move, Sissy smartly took a step back, putting some distance between themselves and the brewing altercation.
Their screams had pierced through the stillness of the corridor, prompting doors to creak open one by one, revealing curious heads peering out from the cracks. Most of the faces belonged to young, attractive women dressed in revealing clothing, their eyes alight with an eagerness to witness the unfolding conflict.
“Whoa, is it because of Lilian again?”
“Yeah, being the top pick sure has its perks...”
“Who told them to be the one taking over Mommy’s duty...”
“It’s probably Sissy causing trouble again...”
“Are they nobles? One of those rich and powerful types who can keep me?”
“Ah, both of them are just my type; can I have them both...?”
“Tsk tsk, look at that pouch; it must be carrying at least thirty gold coins...”
“Ah, now that’s some extra entertainment!”
“I’m betting on the one on the left to win...”
In the middle of hushed whispers, Thales and Kommodore looked around them, sensing danger looming.
Kommodore grasped Glover’s shoulder, only to be shrugged off by him.
Glover’s voice cut through the stillness like a knife, cold and sharp as ice. “Step back, both of you. Give me thirty seconds.”
“It won’t take that long,” the cloaked man said with a casual wave of his head. “Ten seconds will suffice.”
Thales opened his mouth to speak, but before he could utter a word, the tense atmosphere was shattered by the sudden, explosive movements of the burly man and Glover. With a resounding thud, their collision sent a powerful gust of wind blowing in all directions as their hands clashed together in a brutal display of force.
The cloaked man deftly intercepted Glover’s fist with his palm, his movements swift and fluid, and both parties scowled as they sized up each other’s skills.
Kommodore simmered with anger as he barely managed to yank Thales out of harm’s way, muttering a curse under his breath. “Damn it...”
“It seems like you’ve got some skill,” the burly man remarked. He felt the strength of Glover’s grip, his arm quivering slightly from the exertion of their clash. “Have you had some training?”
Glover’s expression twisted into a snarl as he gritted his teeth. “Plenty,” he spat back, “in your mother’s bed.”
The burly man’s eyes shifted, and both of their fists retreated momentarily before colliding once again with a bone-crunching impact.
That was the first time Thales had witnessed Glover in combat. As a Vanguard, Glover’s fighting technique placed great emphasis on offence—brutal, direct, and infused with incredible force. His punches, filled with his Power of Eradication, stirred up a fierce wind, enough to make anyone’s blood run cold.
However, it was evident that his adversary was no pushover either. The cloaked patron confronted an unrelenting and brutal assault, yet he did not falter or evade. Instead, he stood his ground and traded blows, proving himself to be an equal match for his opponent’s fierce onslaught.
Both fighters unleashed their full strength, raining punches upon each other with abandon, heedless of the ones that connected with their own bodies. It appeared as though they had resolved to battle it out until the bitter end, no matter the cost.
Kommodore shielded Thales, his face etched with concern. “This is bad. He’s also supra-class with a heavy offense-oriented Eradication Power,” he fretted. “How this will play out...”
Thales could feel a splitting headache coming. They had only come to hide from the Brotherhood, but he never imagined that Glover, who was usually reserved and unsociable, would lose his temper over jealousy and start a fight.
The scuffle between the two brawny men was anything but subtle, and onlookers behind the doors lining the corridor eagerly watched the spectacle, frequently chiming in with their own remarks and critiques.[12]
“Goodness gracious! They’ve started fighting again! Come quick and take a look!”
“What about the Blood Bottle Gang? Do they just collect their ‘rent’ and turn a blind eye to this?”
“Tink! Tink, where are you? You need to keep order around here!”
“Mommy is going to have another headache from all this...”
“Oh no, that’s my favourite curtain... Please don’t ruin it!”
Glover’s fist met the other person’s body with a dull thud, and the two figures collided in a tangle of limbs. With a fierce grip on his opponent’s arm, Glover shoved him against the wall, his teeth clenched in anger.[13]
“Lilian is mine,” he growled, his words punctuated by the sound of their bodies hitting the wall, “You, stay away from her.”
The cloaked man pushed back, using his weight to force Glover across the corridor.
“Ha! So you’re one of those noble brats who come to see Lilian? You’re not fit to lick her boots,” the patron sneered.
Glover landed a powerful hook, sending the other man reeling backward with a sharp gasp.
He snarled, “You. Are. Not. Allowed. To. Come. Near. Her. Again!”
The patron spewed a few threads of blood and lunged towards Glover, toppling him over with a crash.
“That’s for me to decide,” The two men grappled on the ground, the patron desperately clawing at Glover’s neck while the latter fought back, refusing to be choked.
“Lilian is free to make her own choices and be with whomever she wants...”
Glover countered with a swift flip, pinning his opponent beneath him.
“Don’t talk rubbish; just get the hell out of here—”
For a brief but intense moment, the two men traded blows with unbridled fervour, fully immersed in the heat of the battle. They went from throwing punches and kicks to grappling on the ground, from holds and locks to raw displays of physical prowess. Thales regarded the scene with a raised brow.
Watching from the side-lines, Kommodore slapped his thigh in frustration.
“Damn it, it won’t end!” he muttered.
He turned to Thales, noticing his troubled expression, and said, “Your Highness, please stay where you are. I’ll go handle this.”
Thales’ eyes went to the men, who were fiercely exchanging blows and locked in an intense battle, and voiced his doubts,[14]
“Are you certain?”
Kommodore nonchalantly shrugged off his cloak and flashed a self-assured grin,
“No sweat. You see, sir, when I used to work at the Inner City Police Station, I’ve seen my fair share of jealous quarrels while protecting spoiled brats on their outings,” he remarked.
Thales still had doubts, “But...”
Kommodore cracked his knuckles with a confident glint in his eye,
“As long as we can keep them apart,” he declared, “there’s a chance they can put an end to this charade...”
Thales was about to say more, but Kommodore had already charged into the fray, shouting, “Had enough yet?!”
The Protector put his close-combat skills on display, showcasing the same moves he had demonstrated while sparring with Thales. With a well-timed punch here and a nudge there, he effectively separated Glover and his opponent and sent them both crashing into the wall.
Gasping for breath, the two brawlers climbed to their feet.
Kommodore flashed Thales an “I’ve got this covered” smile and moved to intervene before the two men could continue their reckless fight. With the same gravity and authority he had wielded during his days at the Police Station, he spoke in a solemn voice.
“Listen up,” he commanded. “There’s no need to fight over a wo—"
But in the blink of an eye, Thales’ expression came to a change.
The scene unfolded before him as if in slow motion: Glover rising to his feet, bellowing a furious roar as he lunged towards his target with a powerful punch,
“You piece of crap!”
The cloaked man, still leaning against the wall for support, whirled around with a fierce expression, his elbow raised high,
“Bring it on!”
The impact was so heavy and violent that it felt as if the very ground beneath their feet was shaking.
And then there was Kommodore, who had been mediating between them with a smile still on his face; he was caught off guard and suffered the full force of their blows, shuddering like a ragdoll.
Thales empathised with the pain and covered his face, feeling every ounce of the blow.[15]
The next moment, Kommodore rolled his eyes and collapsed backward, stiff as a board.
[1] ‘secluded alley where few ventured’; 人迹罕至, lit. men’s footprints are rare (idiom), fig. off the beaten track.
[2] First floor (UK); second floor (US)
[3] This is the club Kohen crashed on, Chapter 11.
[4] 茜茜, it can be translated as ‘Sissi’ too, [spoiler] it is implied later in chapter that they can be from Eastern Peninsula, so ‘Qian Qian’ could be a valid translation of their name.
[5] I could have left just as ‘Talk to me instead’, the pronoun “你” (nǐ), which means “you,” can be used to address a person in a direct and confrontational way, similar to using an imperative sentence in English. I notice that Glover tend to talk that way sometimes.
[6] ‘intense’; 煞有介事, to make a show of being very much in earnest (idiom).
[7] ‘which way is up’; don’t really an idiom, but 找不着北 means: unable to tell which way is north—lose one’s direction; get confused; knocked out.
[8] ‘woeful’; 幽怨, hidden bitterness (esp. of a young woman thwarted in love),
[9] ‘just as tall as…’; 丝毫不差, not err by a hair’s breadth; tally in every detail; be just right, precise to the finest detail.
[10] ‘exchanged…’ 针锋相对, to oppose each other with equal harshness (idiom); tit for tat, measure for measure.
[11] 'jealousy-fuelled disputes’; 争风吃醋, (idiom) contend for the affections of another, to be jealous of a rival in a love affair. It is also this chapter’s title 'The Green-Eyed Monster’.
[12] ‘remarks and critique’; 评头论足, lit. to assess the head and discuss the feet (idiom). On last chapter was used as ‘make frivolous remarks about a woman’s appearance’; here is more like ‘to find fault in minor details’.
[13] ‘teeth clenched in anger’; 咬牙切齿, gnashing one’s teeth (idiom); displaying extreme anger; fuming with rage between gritted teeth.
[14] ‘locked in an intense battle’; 难分难解, to become caught up in an irresolvable situation (idiom), be inextricably involved (in a dispute); be locked together (in a struggle.
[15] 感同身受: to feel as if it had happened to oneself, to sympathize.
ARC: Curse of the Royal Tribulation
Chapter 88: The Green-Eyed Monster
Thales stepped out of the carriage and into a secluded alleyway, where few dared to venture. His cloak was draped over him, and Kommodore and Glover, who were both wearing similar clothing, stood on either side of him.[1]
The two men seemed on edge, their eyes darting around with a sense of suspicion and caution. They looked like anxious cheaters who were hiding from their partners while secretly pursuing their carnal desires.
Glover took the lead, skilfully guiding the small group through two doorways and a series of winding alleys and windows, deftly avoiding obstacles like laundry poles and even a splash of sewage, until they reached the back entrance of a sizable, mysterious building.
The path they took was rough and dirty, full of bumps and holes, and along the way, they encountered a few wary beggars, which gave Thales a fleeting sense of nostalgia, evoking memories of his childhood.
“I’m feeling a bit queasy... I know we’re just here to lay low,” Kommodore let out a low groan as he gingerly touched the spot on his forehead where it had collided with a window. He raised a suspicious brow at the wooden door in front of them.
“But where exactly are we? I really hope this isn’t some shady, illegal place.”
It was evident that the former police officer, used to serving the city’s elite, was uncomfortable in such a setting.
‘The terms “legality” and “illegality” don’t really apply here.’ Thales chuckled softly, ‘In fact, almost every long-standing legitimate business on Red Street Market has some kind of shady activity, while every illegal business has some sort of legal cover.’
Glover tightened his hood and shook his head at them, then opened the old, shabby, miserly back door with practised ease, “This is an established business with a storefront—we simply entering through the back door.” He then pulled back the dark red curtain and ushered them inside.
The moment Thales and Kommodore entered, they realised how different the interior was from the narrow alley outside: everything was decorated in warm hues that complemented the dim lighting. The air was filled with a revitalising scent that relaxed and renewed you. The walls were decorated with high-quality tapestries and paintings, and the aisles had translucent silk curtains hanging from them. Everything was done tastefully and with careful thought.
However, a strange atmosphere pervaded the place. Thales could hear a man and a woman chuckling faintly in one of the rooms thanks to his hellish senses.
Glover hid his face under his cloak and paid no attention to a comely maiden in revealing attire who passed them with a tray of drinks. He escorted them into a corridor on the first floor where a number of rooms were crammed close together after leading them up a creaky wooden staircase.[2]
“Oh, this place seems familiar to me...” Head-scratching, Kommodore pondered.
A clear, melodious chime sounded above them, prompting all three to glance upward.
There stood a stunningly beautiful and slender young woman draped in gauzy fabrics, with flowing hair, strikingly beautiful eyes, and perfectly arched eyebrows.
She sat with ease on the stairway to the second floor, beaming at them as she swayed her pale, naked feet in a playful fashion.
With a sprightly bounce, the maiden descended the steps, her ankle bells emitting a pleasing jingle.
“Welcome to the Laya Club!”[3]
But as soon as ‘she’ spoke, all three of them visibly flinched in surprise.
Thales quickly deduced from the androgynous voice that the speaker was not a young woman but a rather attractive young man with fair skin and delicate features that made it difficult to determine their gender.
They were dressed in a light cape and had a translucent, gauzy fabric wrapped around their neck and hips. They moved gracefully and had gentle manners that inspired affection.
“Ah, it’s quite obvious that you are all esteemed guests,” the friendly youth said, smiling shyly and bashfully. “Given that you were able to enter from there. My name is Sissy, and I am deeply honoured to serve you with the utmost sincerity!”[4]
With a certain charm that was both unusual and captivating, they casually tossed their hair.
Glover looked around before raising an eyebrow and asking, “Where’s Auntie Ellie?”
Sissy, the charming and playful youth, circled the group and said, with a cheeky wink and a sensual sway of their hips, “Unfortunately, she passed away a few weeks ago, but don’t worry, it wasn’t from any venereal disease. We are a legitimate business with strict and frequent medical examinations!”
Glover’s face became solemn.
After giving the prince and his colleague a quick glance, Kommodore realised it was up to him to handle the talking. Clearing his throat, he approached and said,
“Um, we’d like to keep a low profile.”
With a recurring motion, he fished out a handful of copper coins, which he then placed in Sissy’s hand.
The coins disappeared into thin air as Sissy beamingly said, “I’ve got you covered! There should be no issue with that since the three fine gentlemen came in through the back door.”
Thales noticed that the other person’s voice had a distinctive and elegant quality to it, devoid of any staged or affected tones. Instead, it came across as effortless and natural. There was a fleeting moment when their gender seemed somewhat ambiguous, especially with the youthful gracefulness of their gestures and movements.
“So, what kind of service do you want? And for how many people?”
Thales, who seemed the most unassuming of the group, caught Sissy’s attention as their stopped pacing and fiddled with the corner of a sheer fabric.
“Ah, we are a renowned and esteemed establishment! We cater to all kinds of fantasies, from role-playing to bondage, domination, orgies, and whatever else your heart may desire. And, speaking of the Northerners who have recently gained popularity in the Capital... we have just received a fresh batch of girls as well as boys.”
Kommodore swallowed nervously and turned to Thales, his expression troubled. “Actually, we just need a place to rest...”
But before he could say another word, Glover shoved him aside and stepped forward. His tone was cold, his face expressionless. “There are three of us,” he said curtly. “We’re interested in Lilian’s services.”
Zombie stepped forward and positioned himself protectively in front of Thales.
“Miss Lilian’s services for three?” pondered the lovely youth, who stood on tiptoe and poked their finger against their cheek. Their innocent gesture only served to make them more endearing. Glancing over at the short and stocky Kommodore and the bowed Thales (while Glover once again blocked the prince), they tugged thoughtfully at their scarf.
“Well... Perhaps you need a few more young ladies or young men?”
Sissy blushed slightly, and with a shy flutter of their lashes, they suggested, “You know, I could also...”
“No,” Glover interrupted brusquely, cutting off Sissy’s intentional or unintentional display of their fair neck. “Just Lilian.”
Upon Sissy’s realisation that the other party was not interested in their suggestive offer, a sense of disappointment crept over them. “Well, you see, Miss Lilian is our top performer,” they said, quickly turning their gaze and manoeuvring their body to edge in front of Thales. “She’s currently occupied, but I could introduce you to Olivia and Cosette instead...”
However, Glover held Sissy firmly in place, preventing them from approaching Thales. Sissy let out a slight groan as they pushed against his solid wrist, their eyes reflecting a hint of resentment.
Zombie’s expression stiffened, and he reflexively released Sissy. Speaking in a cold, measured tone, he said, “It may have been a while since I’ve visited, but I’m well-versed in the rules.”
“Lead us to Lilian,” demanded Glover, “or we’ll have to consult Laya’s Mommy to see what she thinks.”
Sissy looked crestfallen as they spoke. “Fine, fine. If you’re set on Lilian, then Lilian it is. No need to be so rude and bring up Laya’s Mommy at the first opportunity...”
“By the way,” Sissy continued, “how should I address you?”
“It’s none of your business,” Glover began to refuse, but Thales lightly nudged him in the waist.
Clearing his throat under his cloak, Thales stepped forward to stand beside Glover, “Raphael,”
“He’s Raphael Lindbergh.”
Kommodore and Glover exchanged a look.
Sissy arched their eyebrows and gazed at Thales, who only revealed the lower half of his face. Suddenly, they leaned in and playfully smiled, their scent enveloping Thales. “And what about you, young gentleman?”
Thales took a step back, slightly startled by Sissy’s proximity, before answering, “Um...Wya, my name is Wya.”
Sissy’s gaze drifted off into the distance, their lips parting slightly as they repeated the name under their breath.
“You, talk to me instead,” Glover inserted himself between them, his tone stiff. “My... little brother is still young; stay away from him.”[5]
He kept a wary eye on the pretty youth.
Sissy, meanwhile, pouted and cast a frustrated glance at the towering figure blocking Thales.
“It’s okay, Raphael,” Thales smiled and calmly motioned for the introverted guard to step back. “Just relax and be friendly.”
The prince flashed Sissy a gentle smile. “Don’t mind him; that’s just how my brother is.”
Sissy’s grin widened at Thales’ cordial overture. “Very well, Wya,” they said, a happy glint in their eye. “I’ll let it slide for your sake...”
The androgynous teen pulled a playful “mwah” face at Thales while Glover was distracted, then spun on their heel with a crisp jingle, and said, “So, you want to see Miss Lilian? Very well, follow me.”
Thales gestured discreetly to his uneasy companions, and they fell into step behind Sissy, who was leading the way. Together, they wove through the clusters of curtains and entered a rather gloomy corridor.
As he watched the graceful silhouette of Sissy in front of him, Thales couldn’t help but overhear the Kommodore’s whispered remark from behind him. “Damn,” the man muttered. “This guy’s prettier than a girl.”
“They aren’t a ‘guy’,” Glover whispered back, his vigilance never faltering. “They are an eunuch.”
Kommodore was startled,
“What?”
Glover pulled the Kommodore closer, his voice hushed as he imparted his knowledge.
“They undergo strict selection and training,” he said barely above a whisper. “At a young age, they are castrated to eliminate male characteristics such as Adam’s apples, excessive body hair, developed muscles, broad bones, and so on. All in order to enter the court and serve the nobility.”
Thales was equally taken aback, his brow furrowing as he watched Sissy’s slender figure lead them through the corridor.
Kommodore, for his part, was still reeling from the revelation. “I...I knew castration was practised in ancient times,” his voice tinged with disbelief. “But I always thought... I always thought it was a thing of the past.
“We really don’t do it here anymore,” Glover replied dryly, “It went out of practise back in the days of the Empire. Nowadays, people like them are mostly brought by sea from the Eastern Peninsula or the outlying Western Islands.”
The Kommodore’s curiosity showed no signs of abating, and he continued to ask in a hushed voice.
Eunuch
Thales lowered his head, lost in deep thought, when a pleasant scent wafted into his nostrils.
“How old are you?”
He was startled when he felt a light pressure against his arm and looked up to see that Sissy had snuck up beside him.
“What?”
Sissy chuckled, their hand playfully nudging Thales’ shoulder. “I’ve seen your type before,” they said, “irresponsible older brothers dragging their younger siblings out to ‘have some fun’...”
Thales felt a pang of embarrassment, his eyebrow twitching in response to those words.
“But at your age, the ladies won’t take you seriously. They’ll either tease and flirt with you, or they’ll milk you dry—both your wallet and your body.”
Sissy hugged him by the hand and laid their head on his shoulder. “Why don’t I take you for a drink and a stroll?” they offered. “And when your brothers are done, you can re-join them.”
Thales felt the softness of Sissy’s body against his own and caught a whiff of their fresh scent. His body stiffened as he fought the urge to push them away.
“I-I can’t...” he stammered.
“Let me tell you a secret,” Sissy whispered, gently flipping the hood back from Thales’ ear. The heat of their breath tickled his earlobe.
“The truth is, that thing between men and women... it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.”
‘What?’
Thales turned his head stiffly.
Sissy winked and gave him a sunny smile.
“I’m serious,” they said in a soft, sugary voice.
Sissy tossed a disdainful look over their shoulder.
“Men flock to this place,” they remarked, the grip on Thales’ arm tightening. “But don’t be fooled; they don’t come to Red Street Market out of enjoyment or desire. The only reason they venture to this place is because they cannot find anyone to fulfil their needs elsewhere,”
Sissy scoffed, curling their lips in contempt.
“Or, they come here to prove a point, to indulge in their base desires and relish in their conquests, basking in the glory of their achievements—just like your brother brought you here.”
Thales blinked.
“So,” Sissy continued, their gaze intense as they locked eyes with Thales.[6]
“That thing,” they said, “is not fun. Especially when you have to do it with two other men, even if they happen to be your brothers.”
Thales’ expression grew increasingly awkward.
The pretty teen couldn’t help but laugh at his embarrassed look.
“How do you know what it’s like for a man to be with a woman?” Thales tried to think of a way to break free, and thoughtless remarked, “You’re not...”
Sissy’s face turned pale, and they lowered their head to bite their lip.
Thales felt the hand that was holding him tremble.
Realising his words might have struck a nerve, “I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “I didn’t mean to offend you...”
But Sissy suddenly raised their head, a small smile playing on their lips. “I know you didn’t mean it,” they said softly, a glint of cunning in their eyes. “You’re not like them.”
Sissy paused for a moment, then leaned in closer to Thales and whispered confidently in his ear, “After all, you’re still wet behind the ears.”
Thales stood frozen, his arm still tugging in Sissy’s grip.
“But let me tell you, the first time with a woman doesn’t mean a thing,” Sissy leaned in closer, and Thales couldn’t help but inhale their scent. “The real fun is in trying it with a man or someone other than a man or a woman!”
Thales once more was struck silent and Sissy’s mischievous laughter filled the air at his reaction.
The youth, whose beauty outshone any girl, still holding Thales’ hand, traced their finger along the back of it.
“You know,” they said, their voice low and suggestive, “if it were me, I could show you so many interesting and exciting ways to have fun. Things that my big sisters couldn’t even dream of doing. My body is capable of things beyond your wildest imagination... Trust me, you’ll be so thrilled you won’t know which way is up.”[7]
Sissy’s voice dripped with seduction as they winked at Thales, trying to lure him in. Thales was left staring, his cheeks flushing a rosy hue.
A voice shattered the charged atmosphere. Glover had finally noticed Sissy sidling up to Thales.
“Hey!” he bellowed. “I already told you! Get away from my brother!”
Zombie’s massive hand shot out and yanked Thales back to his side. With a warning finger pointed at Sissy, he growled, “Or you’ll get to know my fist a lot better.”
Sissy shot Zombie an aggravated glare before turning their attention to Thales. Their face twisted into a woeful expression before they snorted and turned their head away.[8]
But this time, added to the flourishing wiggling of their hips, the teen opened their mouth, calling out in a high-pitched voice, “Master Raphael’s orders: three people seeking the services of Miss Lilian!”
Glover and Kommodore’s faces blanched with alarm.
“I told you we don’t want to draw attention to ourselves!” Kommodore hurried to catch up, but upon considering the other person’s identity, his hand trembled, and he let it fall back down.
Sissy huffed, strutting down the corridor, and nonchalantly exclaimed, “Oh, my apologies! Master Raphael doesn’t want to attract attention!”
Glover was seething with anger and was about to say something, but Thales pulled him back to prevent him from confronting Sissy again. “It’s okay,” Thales said with a stiff smile. “Sissy, just lead the way.”
Kommodore let out a cough and wisely refrained from further provoking the petulant eunuch. Turning back, he leaned in to Glover and spoke in a low voice,
“You know, perhaps you, sir, should try to be a little kinder to them...”
Glover shot him an angry look.
The sudden sound of a door swinging open jolted them all. Before anyone could react, a hand shot out, snatching Sissy’s shoulder in a tight grip. Sissy let out a startled, if not dramatic, gasp and a shudder; their face drained of colour.
In the murky lighting, a strapping man with an intimidating aura drew back the curtains and materialised in front of them.
The man’s face was shrouded in darkness beneath a plain, unassuming cloak. He looked like any other patron seeking illicit pleasures, blending in with the trio before him. His gravelly voice rumbled with menace as he spoke, “Do they... seek Lilian?”
Spotting an obstacle in their path, both Glover and Kommodore scowled and stepped forward, positioning themselves in front of Thales.
“Whoa there, Master! You nearly gave me a heart attack,” Sissy gasped, taking deep breaths to steady themselves. They seized the opportunity to rub the well-built biceps of the man standing in front of them.
“That’s right, you see, it’s this gentleman, Raphael, and his brothers. They’ve made it clear that they want Miss Lilian. What is it?”
The patron beneath the cloak released his grip and sauntered slowly towards their group, sizing up Glover, their leader, in the dim light. Zombie instinctively lowered his head, concealing his face from view.
“So, it’s you three hiding behind your hoods. You want Lilian to keep you company, Raphael... right?”
The brawny patron scrutinised their figures and then, with a sneer, turned his gaze towards Thales, who stood behind them. “Let me guess, you’re guards, out with some young master for a night of fun?”
Glover let out a cold snort. “It’s none of your damn business.”
Hearing the confrontational tone, the patron’s voice took on a new edge, “How experienced of you... Does that mean you’ve come to see Lilian before?”
Glover hesitated briefly, glancing at Thales before answering, “Yes, and what if I have?”
The patron sneered, his lower lip curving into a derisive arc that was not concealed by his cloak. “Very well then,” he said.
“I’ll pay double.” The patron produced a heavy pouch of coins and carelessly placed it in Sissy’s hand. “Until evening, Lilian is all mine.”
Glover’s features were twisted with anger.
Thales and Kommodore exchanged a heavy look as they beheld the weighty pouch, their silence fraught with resignation.
Sissy hefted the pouch, peered inside, and their face lit up with delight.
“Thank you kindly, boss! You’re a true gentleman!”
The youth flashed a thumbs up, taunting Glover with a challenging gaze before swiftly approaching the new patron.
“Excellent, dear double-paying boss, please follow me. We welcome customers like yourself, bold and bountiful...”
To the surprise of all, Glover suddenly looked up and grabbed Sissy by the arm, preventing them from leaving.
“Are you interested in Lilian, too?” Zombie inquired in a cold, monotonous voice.
“Yes,” the burly man sneered. “From now until nightfall, I’m afraid she won’t have the time to spare for you.”
Glover was silent for a moment.
Kommodore cleared his throat, “Uh, maybe we should try some—”
“Triple!” Zombie didn’t give Kommodore a second glance... With a seething rage bubbling inside, he reached for his own pouch of coins and hurled it at Sissy. “We’ll pay three times more! And you get out of here.”
At that, both Thales and Kommodore were baffled.
“Uh, Raphael?” Kommodore hesitated and gave Glover’s shoulder a pat. “I think it’s best if we don’t...”
“Oh my, how generous! Boss, you’re even more generous!”
Sissy lifted the two pouches of coins and blinked their eyes in happy disbelief. They hurried to the side of the three men and glanced back at the patron in the cloak, shoulders slumping in resignation.
“Well, dear customer, since Master Raphael said so, I guess I have no choice...”
“Triple?”
The patron under the cloak let out a cold laugh and stepped forward, saying, “What, do you think you’re hot stuff just because you have money?
Glover clenched his fist and let out an angry snort. The burly man approached him, standing just as tall.[9]
“Do you know who I am?” The man growled, low and menacing. “Do you know that with a snap of my fingers, I could have you thrown in the slammer and left there until next week?”
Undeterred, Glover stood his ground, his expression icy. “Lilian is mine—end of story.”
In the half-light of the corridor, Glover and his opponent exchanged implacable glares, each man locked in a silent battle of wills.[10]
“Very well,” the patron said, clicking his tongue and lowering his voice to a rough whisper as he pulled out a banknote. “I’ll offer you four times the price—and if that’s not enough, I’ll add more. From now on, Lilian belongs to me alone.”
Sissy’s eyebrows shot up, but before they could even calculate the potential cut from the deal, Glover interrupted once more.
“Any amount won’t do,” Zombie took another step forward, almost pressing his forehead against the patron’s, his words dripping with a bone-chilling threat.
“You. Get. Lost.”
“Lilian is mine, and mine alone.”
The burly man’s voice was thick with rage. “Do you have the balls to say it again?”
Glover didn’t flinch. “I said,” he repeated, his tone firm and unyielding. “You get the fuck out of here.”
Thales had never seen this side of Glover, and he exchanged an anxious look with Kommodore before taking a tentative step forward.
“Glo– Raphael! We can’t do this...” he began, but Glover was too caught up in his fury to hear him.
Sissy, having seen their fair share of jealousy-fuelled disputes between guests, raised their voice, hoping to attract more help. “Hey, hey, this...um, Mr. Lindbergh? You can’t speak like that. Laya club has rules, and all guests are welcome...”[11]
But before Sissy could say anything more, the burly man interrupted them. “Wait.”
The patron lifted his head, revealing a sharp, chiselled jaw, and spoke in a cold tone, “What did they say your name was? Lindbergh?”
Glover’s lips twisted into a contemptuous chuckle. “Raphael,” he said, his voice laced with a dangerous edge. “Raphael Lindbergh.”
“What, you got a problem with that?”
The patron turned his head with a slow, deliberate motion. His mood shifting along with it.
“Not at all,” he said softly, but his tone was unpleasant.
“Just that, someone with that name happens to work for the cops...” The cloaked man continued, idly unfastening the clasp of his cloak as he spoke, his fingers making a series of crisp snaps. “And also happens to hold a grudge against me.”
Glover’s gaze grew even sharper, and the typically inscrutable expression on his face contorted into a fierce and vicious scowl.
“Good,” he hissed through gritted teeth, his fists clenching and unclenching in a rapid, nervous rhythm. “I’ll help them settle it.”
As both men began to move, Sissy smartly took a step back, putting some distance between themselves and the brewing altercation.
Their screams had pierced through the stillness of the corridor, prompting doors to creak open one by one, revealing curious heads peering out from the cracks. Most of the faces belonged to young, attractive women dressed in revealing clothing, their eyes alight with an eagerness to witness the unfolding conflict.
“Whoa, is it because of Lilian again?”
“Yeah, being the top pick sure has its perks...”
“Who told them to be the one taking over Mommy’s duty...”
“It’s probably Sissy causing trouble again...”
“Are they nobles? One of those rich and powerful types who can keep me?”
“Ah, both of them are just my type; can I have them both...?”
“Tsk tsk, look at that pouch; it must be carrying at least thirty gold coins...”
“Ah, now that’s some extra entertainment!”
“I’m betting on the one on the left to win...”
In the middle of hushed whispers, Thales and Kommodore looked around them, sensing danger looming.
Kommodore grasped Glover’s shoulder, only to be shrugged off by him.
Glover’s voice cut through the stillness like a knife, cold and sharp as ice. “Step back, both of you. Give me thirty seconds.”
“It won’t take that long,” the cloaked man said with a casual wave of his head. “Ten seconds will suffice.”
Thales opened his mouth to speak, but before he could utter a word, the tense atmosphere was shattered by the sudden, explosive movements of the burly man and Glover. With a resounding thud, their collision sent a powerful gust of wind blowing in all directions as their hands clashed together in a brutal display of force.
The cloaked man deftly intercepted Glover’s fist with his palm, his movements swift and fluid, and both parties scowled as they sized up each other’s skills.
Kommodore simmered with anger as he barely managed to yank Thales out of harm’s way, muttering a curse under his breath. “Damn it...”
“It seems like you’ve got some skill,” the burly man remarked. He felt the strength of Glover’s grip, his arm quivering slightly from the exertion of their clash. “Have you had some training?”
Glover’s expression twisted into a snarl as he gritted his teeth. “Plenty,” he spat back, “in your mother’s bed.”
The burly man’s eyes shifted, and both of their fists retreated momentarily before colliding once again with a bone-crunching impact.
That was the first time Thales had witnessed Glover in combat. As a Vanguard, Glover’s fighting technique placed great emphasis on offence—brutal, direct, and infused with incredible force. His punches, filled with his Power of Eradication, stirred up a fierce wind, enough to make anyone’s blood run cold.
However, it was evident that his adversary was no pushover either. The cloaked patron confronted an unrelenting and brutal assault, yet he did not falter or evade. Instead, he stood his ground and traded blows, proving himself to be an equal match for his opponent’s fierce onslaught.
Both fighters unleashed their full strength, raining punches upon each other with abandon, heedless of the ones that connected with their own bodies. It appeared as though they had resolved to battle it out until the bitter end, no matter the cost.
Kommodore shielded Thales, his face etched with concern. “This is bad. He’s also supra-class with a heavy offense-oriented Eradication Power,” he fretted. “How this will play out...”
Thales could feel a splitting headache coming. They had only come to hide from the Brotherhood, but he never imagined that Glover, who was usually reserved and unsociable, would lose his temper over jealousy and start a fight.
The scuffle between the two brawny men was anything but subtle, and onlookers behind the doors lining the corridor eagerly watched the spectacle, frequently chiming in with their own remarks and critiques.[12]
“Goodness gracious! They’ve started fighting again! Come quick and take a look!”
“What about the Blood Bottle Gang? Do they just collect their ‘rent’ and turn a blind eye to this?”
“Tink! Tink, where are you? You need to keep order around here!”
“Mommy is going to have another headache from all this...”
“Oh no, that’s my favourite curtain... Please don’t ruin it!”
Glover’s fist met the other person’s body with a dull thud, and the two figures collided in a tangle of limbs. With a fierce grip on his opponent’s arm, Glover shoved him against the wall, his teeth clenched in anger.[13]
“Lilian is mine,” he growled, his words punctuated by the sound of their bodies hitting the wall, “You, stay away from her.”
The cloaked man pushed back, using his weight to force Glover across the corridor.
“Ha! So you’re one of those noble brats who come to see Lilian? You’re not fit to lick her boots,” the patron sneered.
Glover landed a powerful hook, sending the other man reeling backward with a sharp gasp.
He snarled, “You. Are. Not. Allowed. To. Come. Near. Her. Again!”
The patron spewed a few threads of blood and lunged towards Glover, toppling him over with a crash.
“That’s for me to decide,” The two men grappled on the ground, the patron desperately clawing at Glover’s neck while the latter fought back, refusing to be choked.
“Lilian is free to make her own choices and be with whomever she wants...”
Glover countered with a swift flip, pinning his opponent beneath him.
“Don’t talk rubbish; just get the hell out of here—”
For a brief but intense moment, the two men traded blows with unbridled fervour, fully immersed in the heat of the battle. They went from throwing punches and kicks to grappling on the ground, from holds and locks to raw displays of physical prowess. Thales regarded the scene with a raised brow.
Watching from the side-lines, Kommodore slapped his thigh in frustration.
“Damn it, it won’t end!” he muttered.
He turned to Thales, noticing his troubled expression, and said, “Your Highness, please stay where you are. I’ll go handle this.”
Thales’ eyes went to the men, who were fiercely exchanging blows and locked in an intense battle, and voiced his doubts,[14]
“Are you certain?”
Kommodore nonchalantly shrugged off his cloak and flashed a self-assured grin,
“No sweat. You see, sir, when I used to work at the Inner City Police Station, I’ve seen my fair share of jealous quarrels while protecting spoiled brats on their outings,” he remarked.
Thales still had doubts, “But...”
Kommodore cracked his knuckles with a confident glint in his eye,
“As long as we can keep them apart,” he declared, “there’s a chance they can put an end to this charade...”
Thales was about to say more, but Kommodore had already charged into the fray, shouting, “Had enough yet?!”
The Protector put his close-combat skills on display, showcasing the same moves he had demonstrated while sparring with Thales. With a well-timed punch here and a nudge there, he effectively separated Glover and his opponent and sent them both crashing into the wall.
Gasping for breath, the two brawlers climbed to their feet.
Kommodore flashed Thales an “I’ve got this covered” smile and moved to intervene before the two men could continue their reckless fight. With the same gravity and authority he had wielded during his days at the Police Station, he spoke in a solemn voice.
“Listen up,” he commanded. “There’s no need to fight over a wo—"
But in the blink of an eye, Thales’ expression came to a change.
The scene unfolded before him as if in slow motion: Glover rising to his feet, bellowing a furious roar as he lunged towards his target with a powerful punch,
“You piece of crap!”
The cloaked man, still leaning against the wall for support, whirled around with a fierce expression, his elbow raised high,
“Bring it on!”
The impact was so heavy and violent that it felt as if the very ground beneath their feet was shaking.
And then there was Kommodore, who had been mediating between them with a smile still on his face; he was caught off guard and suffered the full force of their blows, shuddering like a ragdoll.
Thales empathised with the pain and covered his face, feeling every ounce of the blow.[15]
The next moment, Kommodore rolled his eyes and collapsed backward, stiff as a board.
[1] ‘secluded alley where few ventured’; 人迹罕至, lit. men’s footprints are rare (idiom), fig. off the beaten track.
[2] First floor (UK); second floor (US)
[3] This is the club Kohen crashed on, Chapter 11.
[4] 茜茜, it can be translated as ‘Sissi’ too, [spoiler] it is implied later in chapter that they can be from Eastern Peninsula, so ‘Qian Qian’ could be a valid translation of their name.
[5] I could have left just as ‘Talk to me instead’, the pronoun “你” (nǐ), which means “you,” can be used to address a person in a direct and confrontational way, similar to using an imperative sentence in English. I notice that Glover tend to talk that way sometimes.
[6] ‘intense’; 煞有介事, to make a show of being very much in earnest (idiom).
[7] ‘which way is up’; don’t really an idiom, but 找不着北 means: unable to tell which way is north—lose one’s direction; get confused; knocked out.
[8] ‘woeful’; 幽怨, hidden bitterness (esp. of a young woman thwarted in love),
[9] ‘just as tall as…’; 丝毫不差, not err by a hair’s breadth; tally in every detail; be just right, precise to the finest detail.
[10] ‘exchanged…’ 针锋相对, to oppose each other with equal harshness (idiom); tit for tat, measure for measure.
[11] 'jealousy-fuelled disputes’; 争风吃醋, (idiom) contend for the affections of another, to be jealous of a rival in a love affair. It is also this chapter’s title 'The Green-Eyed Monster’.
[12] ‘remarks and critique’; 评头论足, lit. to assess the head and discuss the feet (idiom). On last chapter was used as ‘make frivolous remarks about a woman’s appearance’; here is more like ‘to find fault in minor details’.
[13] ‘teeth clenched in anger’; 咬牙切齿, gnashing one’s teeth (idiom); displaying extreme anger; fuming with rage between gritted teeth.
[14] ‘locked in an intense battle’; 难分难解, to become caught up in an irresolvable situation (idiom), be inextricably involved (in a dispute); be locked together (in a struggle.
[15] 感同身受: to feel as if it had happened to oneself, to sympathize.
