The Seductress [Chapter 7]

I walk out of the store, Rugle following with the child on his back. As we take a few steps from the store, I hear commotion coming from the direction the people had just ran. I quickly dart in that direction, and arrive to see several guards holding them and making sure they're ok.

Upon seeing the guards taking care of them, I smile faintly and start walking away. Without thinking, or noticing, I light a cigarette out of habit. Rugle and I walk down the thin, long, and crowded road. People on both sides begging and trying to sell products.

After a while of walking, we arrive in front of a large sign hanging above the road.

The Hanged Man Inn.

I stare at the sign, feeling suspicious of the name. I soon shrug and walk inside anyway. When my foot enters the door, a glass hits the wall next to me. It shatters and splashes alcohol on me, causing me to glare to the man who threw it.

I observe two men fighting in the middle of the floor, flinging cups and tables around them. I raise up and clear my throat.

"Prostrate yourselves before the king you dare to insult!"

I shout, the fight immediately stopping. They both turn to me and plant their faces against the hard wood floor. They shake as I step closer to them, slowly reaching down towards one of the men. I grab him by the collar of his shirt and lift him from the ground, using his dry shirt to wipe off my face.

I toss him back to the ground and glare at him.

"Now, which one of you would like to explain why you were fighting?"

I ask, hearing a giggle in the corner behind me.

"They were fighting over me. I said who ever was stronger would become my adventuring partner."

A woman with a delicate voice says. I look over my shoulder to see a slender woman with long, dark red hair. She is also wearing a sleek dress and has, what looks like, sharpened thimbles on her fingers as her weapons.

She slowly approaches me and touches my back softly.

"I do love a man who can take charge so, easily."

She leans closer, whispering the final word into my ear. She takes a step back and bites her bottom lip slightly. I stare at her blankly, confused by her words and actions.

As I start to speak up, she places one finger on my lip.

"Let the record show, from here on out, I will be joining your party."

I attempt to speak once more, but she pokes my chin. I'm stunned by confusion, and stare in absolute loss at the situation unfolding before my eyes. Rugle chuckles behind me.

"His power also seems to attract women quite easily. Gearmin truly is amazing."

I quickly spin around, staring at Rugle.

"Do you not know how to keep your thoughts inside your head?"

I ask, Rugle shaking his head quickly. I sigh and turn back to the woman.

"Listen, I really appreciate the offer, but the quest we're on is really dangerous. Also, I just want to go sleep for a while; It's been a weird day."

The woman grits her teeth and glares at me.

"Are you saying I'm not good enough for you? Most men would kill to have a woman like me going after them, yet you turn me down. Are you gay or something?"

She asks coldly while I stare at her in further confusion.

What is even happening? Why does this world seem to make no sense?

I think while watching the girl placing her index finger against her soft lips, and tapping them while staring at the floor. She clearly is lost in though and finally busts out with a heavy sigh.

"Damn, who knew that being reincarnated would be so strange."

She whispers under her breath. I feel my face light up as I quickly grab her.

"Hey! Whoever owns this building! I need a key to one of the open rooms."

My request doesn't go unanswered, for less than five seconds after stating my request, a man behind the counter tosses me a key. I nod and grab the woman, quickly pulling her towards that room.

"Oh? Finally taking the initiative?"

She asks seductively while I close the door. She walks passed me as my mind races.

I'm not alone? Others are being brought back to life here as well?

I turn around to see her, and her near naked frame, staring at me. She turned sideways, hiding her main features. I feel my face become instantly flustered.

"W-w-wait! P-put your clothes back on. That's not what I want!"

I quickly look away and feel my heart racing.

Why am I more nervous now that I was when I almost died earlier!?

I hear clothes fall against the floor and I widen my eyes.

Oh no.

"Come on, let us for a party. I'll do whatever you want."

She whispers into my ears as I quickly pull out another cigarette.

"Wait, are those?"

I hear her mumble under her breath. As I take a hit, I quickly calm my nerves as stand upright. I sigh and look over my shoulder, making sure to look only at her face and eyes.

"What I want, is for you to put your clothes on and talk about your reincarnation."

My words seemingly knock her back and she quickly gets dressed.

So, maybe my orders and commands only work if I'm not flustered or not serious.

I see her sit on the bed and stare at me. I quickly pull out a cig and hand it too her, but she shakes her head. I put it in my pocket and stand in front of her. She looks up to me for a moment and starts to speak up, but I interrupt her.

"My name is Gearmin, and I too was resurrected here."