Unexpected Heroism (2)

Ramon was deeply regretting his actions. What had he done to himself? Why couldn't he control his lust? Now, he had somehow fallen into a deep pit, rather, a black hole that he couldn't get out anymore.

"Uh, you are not talking?"

"No, Lady Metis, this lady and I are just kidding around. Yes, we are." He gave a nervous laugh. Even a blind man would know that he wasn't saying the truth.

"Is that true?" Metis gave a soft gasp and she suddenly clutched her heart, her eyes turning moist and she looks so pitiful at this moment that she could awaken a man's unconscious desire to protect her. "So my ears aren't working well? Is that what you are telling me? How can that be? How–how can that be?" Her shoulder trembled as she said this.

"No, no, no," Ramon frantically shook his head and waved his hand. "I didn't say that!"

"Oh, you don't? Are you purposely trying to emphasis that I have some ear problems or...have I thought too much? Or were my words earlier right? You wanted to take advantage of the little brother's woman. You really have the audacity, don't you?" The way Metis expression changed was simply too frightening.

"My Lady..." Ramon wanted to say defend himself.

"Please, continue." Metis replied expressionlessly.

Ramon gulped as he hurriedly weaved a lie. "I didn't mean any harm at all. I just thought she looked pale and wanted to check her pulse, but she didn't let me take her hand. Then I decided to take it from her neck. I don't mean any harm at all. Really, I just don't want her to be infected by the zombie and maybe hiding it. But as you can see, she is so unreasonable."

Reckless was speechless, while Metis simply laughed again. Her laugh was crisp and beautiful, like the chime of Chinese silver bells, and she slowly said, "Tell me, Ramon. What is the punishment for theft?"

"What?" Ramon didn't understand. He clearly didn't steal anything. But under the gaze of Metis, he could only say, "A hand should be cut off."

"True, but quite too lenient to my liking. Anyway, go to the Punishment Hall and apply for a hand cut off."

"Lady Metis!" Ramon's eyes went wide in horror as he knelt with a loud thud. "I didn't steal!"

"I know," she nonchalantly brushed her hair to the side. "But you lied, and it is said that a person who lies would steal. How can I be sure that you aren't a thief?"

"My Lady, I am not a thief."

"But you are a liar."

"I – I didn't lie."

"You do."

"My Lady..."

"Apply for the cutting off of both hands."

"My..."

"Maybe I should help with that. You seem reluctant to go. Are you telling me that I can't order a mere servant like you anymore?" Metis gave a charming smile, a red light flashing in her eyes. "Seems like I have been too gentle these days that my words can't even be obeyed by a mere servant. Then cut off another of your ears."

Ramon trembled and then stood up before hurriedly going to the Punishment Hall. He was sure that if he said a word more, she would give him many types of punishment, until what would remain would be his head, and he didn't want to die.

Before he left, he glanced at both Reckless and Rhea with bone chilling hatred. He would see how these two would live after they reached the Clan Academy.

After he was gone, the area turned silent, and Metis turned to Reckless, a sweet smile on her face.

"Hello, little brother. I hadn't introduced myself. I am Metis, a sister of Ethereal, an awakened of Windfall Clan."

Reckless bowed politely. "Hello, Lady Metis. I am Reckless."

"Reckless?" Her smile widened, her faint dimples showing as she swept her hair behind her, showing off the ivory skin of her neck and she licked her lips. "I love the name."

*****

After the farce ended, Reckless and Rhea grew closer. It was the third day already, and the weather was as cool as it could be.

Reckless used this day to relax, sleep, and eat. He marveled at the abundance in the Windfall Clan. The fourth floor of this ship had just over 100 people, while the floors below had hundreds of thousands and were occupied by commoners, and the fourth was occupied by the Awakened, with the last floor for the Windfall Clan themselves.

The Awakened received extra meals, and a mall on the third floor allowed them to buy anything they desired, with hard work as the currency. Depending on the item's cost, the work required varied. The Awakened that wanted something had other responsibilities, such as hunting and slaughtering animals.

Currently, Reckless was sitting on the couch in front of his apartment, enjoying the warm sunlight on his face.

"You are here," he heard a familiar cool voice and turned around to see Rhea walking toward him. She was dressed in a pink dress, and her pink hair had reached her shoulders, let down casually.

She sat beside him, legs crossed elegantly, gazing at the vast island in front of them. 

Reckless averted his gaze and asked, "Where is Ray?"

It was very rare to not see the siblings together. They were in fact the closest siblings Reckless had ever meet.

"He made some friends on the floor below and is now playing with them."

"Oh, that's good."

Something fluffy touched his leg, and he realized it was the dog, Tiger. Its fur had changed color and was now silver, and its eyes seemed different. Reckless commented as he ran his hand through its fur, "Tiger seems different. Its fur has changed color. Have you noticed that too?"

"Indeed," Rhea softly agreed. "Its fur wasn't this white, and its eyes weren't this clear. Sometimes, it seemed as if it could even hear what my brother and I were discussing."