Chapter 9. Is there a problem?

"Forgive me! Please forgive me, Miss Lilith! I-I'll do anything!!"

Before he could speak again, Lilith seized the young man's tongue, her grin widening. "Your tongue is truly repulsive... but it's mine now. You think you're worthy to be my partner? Ha, in your wildest dreams. I'd end you in an instant."

The sickening sound of flesh being torn echoed as Lilith swiftly severed the young man's tongue and flung it to one of her guards, who inspected the bloody, spit-covered tongue with a furrowed brow. With a kick, Lilith sent the young man sprawling, dragged away by another guard to the side of the bar.

"See if you can sell that tongue," Lilith ordered her guard, who nodded and left her standing alone before the bar, accompanied only by Prince Lysander. Wiping her hand, damp with saliva and blood, casually on Prince Lysander's cloak, Lilith grinned widely, her fangs on display. "Apologies for the delay. You had to witness those vile things, but it's not my fault if your appearance invites ridicule from those around you, kid."

"Let's put that aside. I heard you've just tried the new recipe I provided. How did it turn out?" Prince Lysander replied with a nonchalant shrug.

"Let's discuss this over drinks indoors!" Lilith suggested, forcefully guiding Prince Lysander into the bar. Inside the bustling bar, filled with the clinking of glasses, adventurers' laughter, and scattered conversations, Lilith greeted the bartender, who waved at her before acknowledging Prince Lysander, allowing them to navigate through the lively bar area moving towards a door that led to a descending staircase, Lilith proceeded down with Prince Lysander close behind. Every step reverberated the creaking of wood until they came to another door, this one crafted from iron. As she opened it, Lilith motioned for Prince Lysander to enter ahead of her.

"After you, kid!" she remarked, giving Prince Lysander a gentle pat on the back that propelled him forward, before she followed suit and closed the iron door behind them.

"Ouch, that was completely unnecessary... you know?" grimaced Prince Lysander, massaging his throbbing back. He could feel the immense strength Lilith possessed, capable of shattering hundreds of pieces of wood with a single strike. Lilith chuckled contentedly as she settled into a cushioned chair, lifting a bottle of liquor from the table in front of her.

"Don't act so feeble like a little girl."

Lilith took another swig from the second bottle as she spoke. Prince Lysander simply sighed and settled into the chair directly across from her. The room was dimly lit, filled with the lingering scent of fermented wine and alcohol. It was sparsely furnished with a few chairs, small wooden tables, and wooden crates, likely storing alcoholic beverages. This space doubled as the bar owner's storage area and a meeting place for the Night Flare gang.

"So, how did that recipe do?" Prince Lysander inquired, echoing his earlier question. Lilith slammed her drink bottle onto the table and chuckled loudly, "It flew off the shelves! I never expected those wealthy folks to shell out that much for it. Hey, kid. Who are you to know what the rich enjoy, huh??" Lilith teased, prompting Prince Lysander to cross his arms.

"Let's suppose I have an exceptionally useful imagination for survival. Putting that aside, what about the assistance for all the starving people in District Zero?" Prince Lysander's impulsive response strayed from the topic, eliciting a disapproving blink and sniff from Lilith. "Very well. The gang kids have handled it. Hey, kid... are you truly just a child? Why do you carry yourself with such maturity? Is it because you're too proud to seek help from others?"

Prince Lysander avoided meeting Lilith's eyes, nonchalantly shrugging. "I am indeed still a child. However, having spent too long living on the streets—"

"Hey, kid."

Prince Lysander fell silent as Lilith interjected with a cold, sharp tone, as if her warmth had disappeared in an instant. Unconsciously, Prince Lysander swallowed hard to ease the sudden dryness in his throat. The room felt cold and tense, though distant sounds of merriment could be heard from the bar above.

"What do you make of the Night Flare gang? They practically control every corner of the Clover Kingdom and beyond. I stand at the pinnacle of leadership. Do you believe I can be deceived so easily?"

Lilith continued her speech, standing up with a bottle in hand and approaching Prince Lysander, who struggled to maintain his composure, his gaze tracking Lilith's every move.

Placing the bottle on Prince Lysander's head, Lilith chuckled softly. "Do you think I have no interest in unraveling how you ended up here, huh? Your attire may be worn and tattered, yet there is a peculiar familiarity in your voice, the way you regard me, and everyone else, even my guards, as though you know us. Aware of our vulnerabilities and concealing something..."

"Those are merely your perceptions, Lilith."

Prince Lysander promptly interrupted Lilith, who now smirked back at him with bright, shining eyes.

"Are you certain, Lilith? I have assured you that I do not view you as an adversary, and even though you are challenging me here, it will only be detrimental to yourself. You are not fond of troublesome situations, are you?" Prince Lysander maintained his gaze on her, exuding confidence.

Lightly tapping the bottle on Prince Lysander's forehead, Lilith grumbled, her eyes now darkening, "Why so serious? I was just joking... It actually irritated me that my entire crew could not uncover where you used to reside or what city you hailed from... not a single street kid knows you. Are you truly a street kid?" Lilith slumped back in her chair, taking another swig from the bottle she had just brought.

"No, I am not a street kid."

"See! I knew it!ㅡHuuhh?!"

"Like you suspected, I lied, but at least I am of use to you. Stop trying to unveil my past. You understand that your own crew is the same. Regardless of their origins or backgrounds, as long as they oppose the nobles, they are welcome to join the Night Flare gang," Prince Lysander continued, reaching for a glass of orange juice provided by the bartender beside the empty bottles. Lilith's thin eyebrows furrowed as she gazed at Prince Lysander, who leisurely sipped his orange juice.

"...Don't tell me... you're from a noble background?"

The corner of Prince Lysander's lips gradually lifted as he set his orange juice glass on the table, ignoring Lilith, who now watched him with a slightly tense expression.

Appearing unaffected by Lilith's demeanor, Prince Lysander responded with amusement, "What if I am? Is there a problem?"

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To Be Continue ?