Chapter 12 Invocation

In the market of Dehumi, where the predominant trade usually revolves around slaves, today marked an exception. As the celebration of Lady Vauquelin, themed around "magic," unfolded, the market brimmed with magical artifacts, circus performances, and minstrels. Throughout the surrounding villages of Dehumi, the Sel people who worshipped Vauquelin arrived with their children, joining in the mystical revelry.

The sacred image of the Lady was carried to the center of the market, where the praying priests conducted their rituals. Meanwhile, the temple was left for the merchants to organize grand feasts. Even the slave traders, usually austere, appeared genteel, as if everything had transformed for this day.

Despite the somber atmosphere often prevailing under the Scarlet Robes' rule, it was difficult to suppress people's innate penchant for merriment. The air was filled with songs, laughter, and the pursuit of joy. Occasionally, girls bearing flowers shouted "For the Lady!" as they handed bouquets to passersby.

"I don't fancy this place," Hikol's complexion soured, evidently feeling uneasy amidst the crowd.

"You've yet to immerse yourself in the ambiance here," Panny smiled, accepting a sprig of lilac from a passing maiden. "It smells delightful. Would you care to have a whiff?"

"No, thank you," Hikol turned her head away, then let out a shriek as Panny deftly tucked a bunch of flowers into her hair, scattering lilac petals and fragrance throughout her locks.

"You're truly exasperating!" Hikol exclaimed in anger, attempting to brush off the lilacs, but Panny restrained her. The girl glared angrily, only to see Panny beckoning a little girl, barely reaching their waist, and asking, "Do you think this lady is beautiful?"

"She's very pretty," the little girl said, her eyes sparkling, her adorable demeanor evident as she nodded vigorously. "Big sister is really beautiful."

The words uttered by Panny filled Hikol's heart with an awkward and bashful emotion. She lowered her head, hearing Panny whisper in her ear, "I've said it before, I hope you can find happiness. Look, aren't you happy now?"

As the little girl bounced away, Hikol looked at Panny with a complex expression. "Why do you want me to be happy?"

"Because you are the principal proprietor of the tavern. If you remain gloomy and despondent all day, it would be difficult for the tavern to thrive," Panny remarked. "I simply wish for my duties to proceed smoothly."

"Deception," Hikol bit her lip, clenching her fist. "That person appointed you as the manager. You have the authority to decide everything. There's no need to consult me."

"Changing the old signboard at the entrance?"

"You!"

"You see, no matter what I say, you always assume I have ulterior motives towards you, refusing to believe that I am a good person?" Panny chuckled at his own words. Was he truly a good person? Seeing Hikol still looking skeptical, Panny could only helplessly pat the girl's head. "Just don't assume that everyone is out to harm you."

"Hmph." Hikol pouted, feeling annoyed internally. Despite harboring resentment towards the person before her, she felt unable to express it, left only with a sense of sullenness. After a brief moment, the resentment dissipated, and Panny didn't give her much time to dwell on it. "Come, let's pray to the Lady and wish for our business to flourish."

"Why must you interject in my prayers?"

"Don't you desire more exquisite trinkets and finer garments?" Panny countered.

"I..." Hikol attempted to respond, but her expression suddenly darkened as a priest, adorned in splendid attire, approached with a smiling demeanor. "Faithful one, are you prepared to partake in the festivities of Lady Fortune?"

"Allow us to commence our prayers and praises," Panny tossed a few Belens into the donation box, and the priest, with a beaming smile, arranged the seating. These priests were all quite wealthy, as devout followers of Lady Fortune were predominantly merchants. The entire church exuded an unmistakable aura of avarice. Panny bowed respectfully to the statue of the goddess, making his customary wish - that he wouldn't be bricked into a wall after death. It was the same wish he made every time he prayed. He hoped for prosperity in the tavern's business, with the surplus wealth being incidental. Meanwhile, Hikol, upon opening her eyes, fell silent, her mood seemingly somber.

"Ah, little brother, are you also here to pay homage to the goddess?" A warm and welcoming laughter echoed from behind. Panny turned his head, unabashedly embracing the mature woman's figure. A fragrance enveloped him. "Those involved in business always seek the Lady's blessing."

"Heh, welcoming me so warmly, aren't you afraid your little girlfriend will get jealous?" Vicka, seeing such an overly enthusiastic greeting, hesitated for a moment but then smiled. Clearly, she wasn't displeased. She gently patted the young boy's head and cast a smiling glance at the slightly sulky Hikol.

"This is our tavern's grand proprietor, Hikol Janwasher, and this is Vicka from Black Horse and Blue Moon," Panny said emphatically, sniffing at Vicka's chest until both Vicka and Hikol rolled their eyes in unison, before casually introducing each other.

Hikol felt a bit puzzled. Why did she feel slightly unsettled when Vicka appeared? After pondering for a while, she realized she had no reason to be angry. However, seeing Panny shamelessly taking advantage, her expression inexplicably soured. Yet, confronted with Vicka's warm and radiant smile, etiquette demanded she offer a greeting. "Hello, Miss Vicka."

"Call me Sister Vicka," Vicka said with a smile as she embraced the young girl, whose face turned even redder upon hearing the woman say to Panny, "You must be kind to girls, for thus Lady Fortune will bless you. She will not allow your beloved to be driven away by wealth. In this day and age, this blessing is far more efficacious than that of Lady Ignitia." Her face flushed even redder at these words. "Nonsense."

"Miss Vicka, you've really misunderstood," Panny said, touching his nose in resignation. Though Hikol was beautiful, she was still naive, and he truly had no interest. What was more important was that such rumors might create a negative impression in Hikol's mind.

"Hehe, you needn't concern yourself with whether I misunderstand or not," Vicka chuckled. "And why be so formal? Just try calling me 'Sister.'"

"Hello, Sister," Panny rolled his eyes, feeling a bit teased.

"Are you satisfied with Sister's gift?" Vicka asked.

"Thank you, Sister," Panny recalled the generous gift from the morning and, not being foolish, had a rough idea of what was going on. "Actually, Sister, you don't have to do this."

"How can Sister compete with her little brother in business?" Vicka chuckled, ruffling Panny's hair. "Now I must beseech Lady Fortune to grant us more business opportunities."

Although there was no overt tone of reproach in her voice, Panny still felt a twinge of guilt. He was well aware that without the backing of the Celine Tavern, Black Horse and Blue Moon would struggle to survive as they were.

If business competition were to escalate, even without Panny seeking out Old Jan Hawes, a direct appeal to the municipal government would suffice to put competitors in a difficult position. It must be said that this alluring woman is quite adept at handling affairs. By selling herself so well to Panny, she managed to genuinely evoke a sense of shame in him.

Moreover, Panny has yet to discern whether all of this was orchestrated by Vicka or merely fortuitous happenstance. He hardly dwells on the matter, finding it simply delightful to be in close proximity to such a beautiful woman at all times. The memory of the opening day of the tavern, when he and Vicka spent half the day hoisting the sign, still amuses him.

"All right, little brother, if you ever come across any opportunities for prosperity, don't forget to inform your sister!" Vicka smiled, then, noticing Ogden's wave in the distance, planted another kiss on Panny's cheek before turning and walking away.

"Are you always this kind to everyone?" a mature woman asked as Vicka departed, her voice devoid of warmth.

"...I suppose so," Panny responded. Why should he treat others poorly if they harbored no ill intentions toward him?

Hikol's two eyes watched Panny, devoid for the first time of the frosty distance, replaced instead by a calm observation, as if she sought to see through this young man of similar stature to herself. After a while, she turned her head and said, "You promised to make me happy today, didn't you..."

"Yes," Panny nonchalantly nodded.

"Can you promise me something..."