Arc 0 - Chapter 6

It's been a while since Nathan left the apartment.

He didn't return at nighttime, and Maria decided to avoid her upset and cranky sister.

Only at early noon did Nathan return with a suit that reeked from alcohol and cigars, a briefcase full of messy papers and documents, and two panda eyes.

He tried and give his girlfriend a kiss, but she avoided him angrily and stormed upstairs. The tired not-yet-18-year-old slumped down on the couch and rubbed his aching temples.

Maria messed around in the kitchen, making a special tea recipe she learned from an Eastern medicine book in her system.

"Who would have thought that a gangster would look like any other white-collar at the end of the day?" She spoke in her inner voice.

Satan sat on the white kitchen tile, his short legs dangling back and forth. "A street gang and a Mafia are not the same. Gangs are usually made of street thugs who indulge in petty crimes, a mafia in an organized crime group that often has a heavy hand in the business and political world."

Maria finished the tea and walked to Nathan, putting the teacup in front of him.

Nathan opened his eyes due to the refreshing smell. "Did you make it for me?"

Maria nodded. "You looked tired, and I didn't want to just make you a coffee bad for an empty stomach." Her innocent gaze held sincerity.

Nathan nodded gratefully and took a sip from the tea. He widened his eyes in surprise. He tasted delicacies from all over the world and even drank the tea made by famous Eastern masters, although this tea couldn't compare; it was very similar in taste.

And it gave his body a rich refreshed feeling, as if he slept a goodnight's sleep.

'+ 50 Charm points' Maria smirked lightly, still maintaining her innocent look. The "refresh drops" she bought from the rose shop should do the trick.

Nathan sighed contently and thanked Maria who nodded at him, he went upstairs to take a shower.

Theresa and Nathan went down together after half an hour, the atmosphere between the two was less tense than before.

"You two had fun yesterday I hope," Nathan asked the two girls on the couch.

Maria nodded happily and Theresa shrugged her shoulders.

Nathan's jaw clenched yet he tried to relax it. "A business partner yesterday told me about his new project that just launched, it is a family-friendly outing that should entertain the three of us."

Maria clapped her hand excitedly. "What is it?!"

"He opened a new exotic zoo,"

Maria's smiling face nearly collapsed. Bile rose in her stomach- she didn't know why.

Theresa sighed, looking tired. "This childish thing..."

Nathan's jaw clenched again. "I'm trying my best here, can't you at least appreciate it...?"

Theresa bit her lips, looking ashamed yet refusing to apologize due to her pride.

Maria's lips trembled a bit before becoming a fake smile, it didn't suit her acting skills how so obvious it was. "This is great, I can't wait."

The three of them drove in a special car through the lion's territory, looking at the lazy lions in the sun. The ride was quiet.

They went to look at the exotic birds that had all kinds of colorful feathers. No one said a word.

They even went to the water section and watched dolphins and seals doing tricks. The splashing water didn't make them laugh.

It was a depressing trip. Nathan and Theresa were still in a bad phase in the relationship, which Maria should have easily taken advantage of.

But she couldn't.

Why couldn't she?

What was wrong with her today?! She had the most perfect opportunity at the tip of her hand!

Maria's stomach didn't calm down once on this trip, she covered her mouth and said to her companions that she will be back in a minute.

Nathan tried to convince Theresa she needed to follow her, but Theresa got an important phone call she had to answer.

Maria ran to the woman's bathroom and vomit once she got in one of the stalls.

She sighed in relief until she heard a voice in one of the stalls beside her.

"Ew! Someone is puking!" A little girl's voice made a disgusted noise.

"Stop it, it's not nice!" A grown male's voice sounded hushing her.

Maria's world seemed to turn upside down. Her vision was blurry and her mouth watered with overflowing saliva. She felt as if she was on nightmarish drugs.

A little girl... and a grown man... alone inside a women's bathroom at the zoo.

That little girl. That poor little girl. That poor little girl didn't deserve this. That little girl must be protected. That little girl must be loved. That little girl must be cherished.

She must save that poor little girl.

Maria breathe quickly, she leaned her hands on the toilet seat, forcing them to lift her shaking body up, not caring if they were stained with vomit.

Must save her. Must save her from him. That poor little-

"I wish mommy could've come with us today," The sound of running water was sound.

The male sighed. "Well, your mommy had an important meeting, but next time Daddy will take both of you to see the dolphins show."

The little girl giggled. "Next time Daddy shouldn't go into the women's bathroom~"

The male laughed back. "Well, the zoo should put children's toilets in the men's bathroom as well then!"

The two laughed and left the bathroom.

Maria exited her stall, she looked at the large mirror. Her dark hair clung to her face and mouth, saliva dripped down from her chin and her eyes were wide as if she saw a ghost.

The mirror then changed and showed another woman, this woman smiled gently at her.

"Lillith..." Maria talked in a horse voice. "I remember that little girl..."

That little girl went with her parents and big sister to the zoo for the first time.

That little girl was only 5 years old so she drew more attention from their parents.

That little girl who made her big sister jealous.

That little girl who saw he sister faint and her parents panic, rushing to the zoo's infirmary and leaving her alone in the distraction of panic and fear.

That little girl that wanted to wait for her parents to come back, but had to pee.

That little girl ran quickly to the bathroom, not noticing the big man who went after her.

That little girl was under the man's big body, holding her down while she screamed for her parents and sister.

That little boy... saved the little girl before anything happened, yet he stained the bathroom with blood.

That little girl ran outside, finding a worker that brought her to her parents.

That little girl's sister... looked at her darkly, as if she stole everything once again.

So the little girl never opened her mouth.

Maria covered her mouth, her whole body shaking. "That little girl was-"

The door to the bathroom opened harshly. "How long do you take?! I have to meet an important friend this evening!"

Theresa looked at her shaking sister surprisingly and smelled the awful smell of bile. She frowned darkly. "What happened to you?"

At that moment, all Maria could see was a little girl that had a dark look on her face, sitting on a white infirmary bed.

Maria stretched her lips to a smile, her eyes a bit crazed and desperate. "Sister, do you remember the time we went to the zoo? When we were..." Maria chuckled. "Little girls?"

Theresa raised an eyebrow, she gulped and looked to the side. "Weren't you 5 at the time? How can you remember?"

"I remember you fainted," Maria's dark hair covered her eyes. "Even though you felt great in the morning and it was a cool weather that day."

Theresa gritted her teeth. "What are you implying?!" '+ 50 Poison points'

"Mom and Dad left me alone to take you to the infirmary."

"And so what of it?! You said you remembered I fainted! Must you be so selfish as to blame me until this day?! They had to take care of me in a panic! Stop trying to make everything about you all the time!!!" '+ 700 Poison Points'

"But I had to pee back then," Maria whispered.

Theresa laughed at those ridiculous words and shook her head. "Oh, my poor sister had to pee! Then I guess they should have left me who was sick to take care of your measly needs first!" '+ 1,300 Poison Points'

"I managed to go to the bathroom in the end," Maria whimpered. "But a man followed me."

Theresa stopped in her tracks, her honey eyes widening. She pointed her hand at Maria, the same hand that had that lucky beauty mark. "Stop lying! You didn't have any signs of being raped! When we went to shower together later that day, your clothing and panties were clean!! Your body was clean from bruises! Mom and I would have reacted otherwise!"

Maria's eyes leaked tears that burned them, she felt that she was crying fire out of her eyes. "He couldn't r-r... someone saved me."

Theresa clenched her teeth, her eyes furious and her hand clenching her stomach. "Then if he didn't rape you, stop whining!"

Maria dropped to the floor as Theresa stormed out.

That little girl reached her hands to the air, wanting to be comforted by her family.

A gentle embrace surrounded her, singing a lullaby while cleaning her face like a loving mother.

The ride home was the same as the rest of the day- silent.

Once they arrived at the apartment Theresa didn't waste any time running upstairs to take a shower.

Nathan looked at his retreating lover and sighed, sitting with a thud on the grey sofa.

Maria gave him a glance and went to shower as well without a word.

Late at night, Maria couldn't fall asleep and go to her system space. She went downstairs to make herself a calming tea yet was surprised by the boy who sat on the sofa still and drank an expensive whisky.

Maria stayed still for a minute, watching him drown himself in alcohol as if he was familiar with it a million times. She wanted to go back upstairs and sleep.

But a frown with dark eyes flooded her mind.

Maria stepped down in her short white nightgown that didn't show a lot of skin except for her legs, letting people's imaginations run when they looked at her. She took the heavy whisky glass from the hand of the young man and put it back on the table.

"You are not 18 yet," She spoke in a soft voice. "You shouldn't be drinking."

Nathan chuckled, trying to reach back for his cup yet falling on Maria in his drunkness.

The girl's back landed on the soft sofa while his face was on her covered stomach. He could feel the soft and smooth skin of her white legs, smell the clean yet sweet smell that came from her body, and hear her heartbeat.

Nathan wrapped his arms around the small waist in front of him.

Maria pushed his head. "Stop it, Nathan, you're drunk!" She tried to push harder, but her weak hands had no effect on him. "I'm not Theresa!"

He knew. He knew she was not Theresa. But that was also why he embraced her. He wanted the sweet and beautiful Maria right now, not his bitter and ungrateful lover.

"Five more minutes, Mom..." It was such a stupid tactic from him.

But the stupid tactic worked on the stupid girl. "Only five minutes," She sighed and petted his hair, believing he had mistaken her for his mother who he missed.

'+350 Charm Points'

Nathan sighed contently, grateful he was in the arms of Maria.

But was it truly Maria? Was it that same poor little girl?

The next morning, Nathan informed Maria that her sister went to her friend's house.

Maria had a feeling she wouldn't see her sister for quite a while.

To make amends for yesterday and for her missing sister, Nathan took Maria to the amusement park.

Maria began her plan there.

In every ride and place they went, Maria showed childlike innocence and fun. Youthfulness is an attractive quality that many are drawn to, not only in appearance but also in behavior.

So many people are busy taking care of their health, working a job, running a business, taking care of a family; doing what adults are supposed to do. They forgot the fun and willfulness they had when they were children, and once they meet someone who remained them of that time- they become addicted to that feeling.

When they went on the roller-coaster, Maria screamed to the skies, making the unafraid Nathan burst out laughing.

When they played mini-games, Maria purposely failed- making a sad face as she didn't win the stuffed animal. That gave Nathan the room to "be the man" and win, chuckling when her face lit up as he gave her the prize.

When they went to eat snacks, ice cream "accidentally" stained Maria's pants. When Nathan laughed at her, she smeared ice cream on his face, starting a battle between them.

At the end of the day, she got 5,900 Charm points from him.

The day after, they went shopping. This time Maria dressed very femininely, with a long flowing flowery dress that covered her but emphasized her curves, sandals heels, delicate jewelry, ad a bit of makeup that only enchased her features yet didn't make her seem cakey.

At the shopping district, a bigger one than the one she went to with Theresa, Nathan felt for the first time intense jealousy and possessiveness.

Men and women alike stared at her in awe, murmuring to their companions and even following them a bit.

Nathan was a man, and men are natural hunters and protectors, this gene stayed from primitive times. Even if he didn't yet develop intense feelings toward Maria; this experience gave him a sense of competition.

Since his competitiveness was awakened in him, Nathan went into the most expensive stores and bought Maria whatever her heart desired.

He saw Maria's lost face as she stood before the jewelry maker, not knowing what she is supposed to ask for.

Nathan explained to her briefly.

Maria's face lit up again, confusing Nathan. Usually, Theresa hates when he explains things to her, saying it makes her feel like a little girl even if he had good intentions. Not only that but she was already knowledgeable on the high-end industry before they became together.

But Maria knew nothing, and her grey eyes were shining like diamonds as he explained to her.

Maria smiled happily as Nathan explained many things to her and showed off his knowledge.

A man will always want to impress his woman with his knowledge and achievements. Of course, some women that don't understand men's nature will feel as if he is patronizing them- thus getting mad at them and emasculating them.

Like her sister.

Her sister was also always ungrateful and took for granted Nathan's gifts, which Maria made sure to be grateful for and showed a big smile.

She played the role of the feminine woman perfectly, which earned her 7,840 Charm points.

Even the day after that day, Nathan took Maria out once again- getting addicted to that wonderful feeling.

This time he wanted to take her to a small friend gathering\ business meeting. It was later in the evening and the high-end bar had a formal code.

This time Maria needed to show off a bit. She put on that satin dress she ended up buying, which showed a bit of cleavage but not too much, she always kept in mind the philosophy of "show less and they will want more", white high heels, pearl earrings and necklace, her dark hair in a classic yet a bit loose updo, and eye makeup that made her eyes a bit more seductive.

At the end of it, she was: classy, charming, and seductive. People will not believe she is 16 like this.

When Nathan saw her, he had to hold his gaze and control his blush.

Once they arrived all gazes were on them, Nathan felt proud and even held Maria's waist.

He was worried that Maria might see the signs of him treating her like a partner, but she just showed him an innocent smile, reminding him she is a young girl that is ignorant of the world.

The gazes didn't stop even when they sat down, making Nathan smirk.

After all, this is different from the shopping district that aroused his jealousy. Everyone here was his coworker and friend, possibly even his subordinate from the "west saint" Mafia. In these types of circles when a man comes with a woman; seeing how well she is taken care of, how she elegantly behaves, and how beautiful she is- only furthers his status.

In this dinner meeting, Maria kept herself classy and elegant, she didn't need to open her mouth to talk - only eat.

She joked a bit with the other women there, some taking a liking to her and some jealous- but she never gave in to petty conversation some tried to entice.

If these women knew she was only 16, they would faint from shock.

After the dinner was over and the business was discussed enough, everyone went to sit outside in the garden to finally drink.

Many offered Maria drinks, yet she let Nathan take control of it and drink on her behalf. She didn't scold him or embarrassed him in front of his friends even if he did something inappropriate, she just smiled and tanked him in a small whisper in his ear.

Nathan's whole body trembled.

Someone requested music from the staff, and a slow dance was formed with many couples.

Nathan drank from his wine and didn't know if he should ask Maria, it was obviously meant for couples. He glanced at her and saw her looking at the dancing couples with pure admiration.

Nathan chuckled. "Care for a dance?" he extended his hand for her.

Maria bit her lips which had a bit of color. "I don't know how..."

Nathan grabbed her hand and took her for a dance. "I'll lead."

The two danced, extremely close. Even if this was a slow dance, there was something extremely seductive when Maria swayed her hips.

Nathan gulped, his mind always wondering if she knows what he is doing, but as he looks at her innocent eyes that reflect the moonlight- he is convinced she has no idea, just a naive little girl he is taking advantage of.

That night Maria scored 9,000 Charm points with her classy seduction.

Yet Nathan was left with intense guilt.

The morning after, the housekeeper told Maria that Nathan wouldn't come for the time being and that he sent Issac to come tomorrow for her protection if she wanted to go out.

Maria predicted this, for her to give Nathan the feeling she is not coveting her sister's man and is only a naive girl- will come with the price of him withdrawing from the guilt of thinking that he is the only one crossing boundaries with a clueless girl.

But that's okay because it will come with its advantages too.

Not to mention- she wants to complete Issac's mission and get those 50 S points already.

Maria laid down on her bed, Lilith on her right side while Satan on her left. The three of them ate popcorn while watching Issac's favorite movie; "Princess's Poor Lover".

This was a classic film made more than 50 years ago, the movie was not in black and white but it definitely had an old camera work and lightning, giving the film a nostalgic feel to it.

The story was set in medieval times - a young princess had to marry an old and fat aristocrat that had 7 wives, 16 children, and 7 grandchildren.

The princess stumbled upon her fiance's soldier, which was a slave with no rights, land, or name, and they both fell in love.

The slave boy went on his knees and did the unthinkable, he begged his master to give him his future wife.

The old aristocrat laughed at his face, finding amusement in this situation and striking a deal- he will hold 7 banquets for 7 days, and in each banquet, a life-and-death battle will be held with the finest of warriors and the slave boy. If the slave boy will win them all and won't die, not only will he give him the hand of the princess, but will also make him a knight of his house with a land and name to him.

The slave boy agrees and the banquets began.

To these banquets, many nobels arrived, including the princess. To show her lover her support, she wore the same dress she wore in their first meeting to every banquet; a white silk dress with graceful linings.

The slave boy was not weak and managed to defeat many great warriors. But while the warrior from the previous day died and came a new one with a healthy body, the slave boy sustained many injuries he had no time to recover from.

On the final day, his body barely had any fight to it and he died to the sword of his enemy.

All the nobels clapped and cheered as if it was a theatre show.

The warrior took his blade from the fallen body and presented it to the princess as customed, the act her lover did 6 times yet couldn't do it 7. The princess smiled gently and took the blade, her beauty and smile to the warrior making all the people clap once again.

After the claps ended, came the horrified screams as the princess stabbed her own heart.

The film ended.

"So sad!" Lilith whined and wiped non exist tears.

Satan put more popcorn into his mouth. "Who knows, maybe it will be one of our game worlds." He spoke with a full mouth.

Maria thought hard about the film she saw. Why was this Issac's favorite? Although the film was popular and considered a classic, it was mostly liked by women.

"Such a tragedy," Lilith cried loudly and covered her mouth. "The poor boy who wanted to change his fate yet could only fight to achieve it, knowing he could die any day."

Maria's eyes showed her realization, she opened the Rose store and searched for something she needed to buy.

Under Lilith's hand which covered her mouth, lay a mischievous smirk.

Issac arrived at his young master's apartment early in the morning.

He heard a sound in the kitchen, thinking it was the housekeeper, he took off his sunglasses and came in. What he saw stunned him.

Maria was in the kitchen- making breakfast. She wore a simple white dress with a graceful lining, her long hair was in an updo with a white rose clip, and her makeup emphasized the pureness in her eyes.

She looked like a gentle and modest princess.

Although it was not identical, the outfit and energy were very similar to the character from his favorite film, from the dress to the tiniest hand movement- all resembled the princess.

The cliche film was his favorite because he felt it represented his life; a young guy who was born into nothing and willing to die fighting to earn his place in the world. Just like him when he joined the "West Saint" group that promised him riches and a name if he fought for them.

All that was missing was a princess.

Maria smiled at Issac and greeted him good morning, happy to see the rose symbol next to his head.

She completed his Sub-mission of capturing his heart which gave her 50 S points and got from him a bonus of 200 Charm points.

Maria sipped her tea. What a great way of starting the morning. 

~~~~

Small Theatre:

Impatient Readers: "When will the male lead finally appear?!"

Author: "Perhaps the male lead was Nathan all along~"

Impatient Readers: "..."

Author: "Haha, please don't kill me."