"Hm? While I'd love to continue talking... Is it okay if Haruhime sees us together?"
Turning his head, Yuki looked towards the beautiful Renard, who was about to wake up.
"..."
Aisha, on the other hand, hesitated. She didn't want to leave this man alone with Haruhime, but conversely, she didn't want Haruhime to know that she was being watched over.
"I'll be watching."
"I don't mind."
Issuing a warning, Aisha returned to her hiding spot, while Yuki continued sipping his tea.
---
"Huh?.. What happened? Is it over already?"
Rising in complete confusion, Haruhime looked around for her customer.
"Well, we never really started, so it couldn't be over."
Smiling in response, Yuki poured another cup of tea since Aisha had taken the previous one with her.
"Here, it's delicious."
"Huh? Thanks, Master."
Sipping the tea without asking where it came from, Haruhime exclaimed, "Delicious."
"I'm glad you like it."
But as if something in her mind lit up, she stopped drinking, immediately adopting a seiza position.
"I'm sorry, Master! I've shown something embarrassing. Please let me make it up to you."
"I don't mind."
Watching Haruhime bow to the floor, Yuki sighed. His little earlier act had killed any sexual appetite he might have had.
"But if you really want to make it up to me... What do you say we talk a bit? I'm very curious about you."
"Is that okay? Why would the Master be curious about someone like me?"
Lifting her head, Haruhime was confused. After all, she had failed in her service. It was a relief that her client hadn't complained, but instead of asking for sex, he wanted a simple conversation. It was a first for Haruhime, not to mention that he was curious about someone like her.
"Is there a reason for wanting to have a conversation with a beautiful lady? Haruhime, would you believe me if I told you that I'm very attracted to you?"
"Master, please don't mock me."
Watching Yuki tease her, Haruhime puffed her cheeks. After all, it was unheard of for someone like her to attract a man like Yuki.
"Hehe, it hurts that you don't believe me... But well, where are you from, Haruhime?"
Bringing a hand to his mouth, Yuki studied Haruhime up and down. He had seen her information on Rasiel, so he knew she was crucial to this family.
"If it's okay to talk to me... Then allow me. I, Haruhime, come from the far East, on a mountain surrounded by the beautiful blue ocean."
---
"..."
Listening to their laughter and wholesome conversation, Aisha crossed her arms. She didn't really believe in Yuki, but the fact that he hadn't done anything and even had the audacity to seduce her sex-worker left her speechless.
After all, it was always the same. Every time Haruhime fainted, most adventurers would panic, complain, blame the brothel, and demand a refund. Some would take advantage of the situation to attack Haruhime, and although they had the right due to payment, there was a difference between consensual acts and rape. Aisha didn't want Haruhime to be violated, so she would appear from the shadows, knocking out the client.
This time, she thought it would be the same, but Yuki didn't run, and he didn't try to violate her. Instead, he was having a conversation.
"What a weird guy..."
Glancing at the couple with a single eye, Aisha searched her thoughts for an adventurer who resembled that man but ultimately failed. She didn't doubt that there were many adventurers stronger than her, but none made her feel as powerless as this man did.
Her instincts told her that, no matter how she attacked, she wouldn't win. Knowing all the high-level adventurers in Orario, Aisha was convinced he wasn't one of them. He must be an outsider.
(Could it be? No, that's impossible...)
Thinking of a possibility, Aisha dismissed her thoughts. After all, there was one person whose title was well-known in Orario.
The Champion. Aisha knew about him, as her goddess had ordered them to look for clues about his whereabouts. She knew this person was the strongest in all of Orario, surpassing Ottar. Even the gods agreed.
But Aisha also knew that this person had immense pride. She couldn't fathom him visiting a brothel. Besides, the Champion was a 12-year-old boy, completely different from the adventurer who seemed to be 17 or 18.
(But... What if it's him?)
Still hesitating, Aisha wiped her sweaty hands. If her speculations were correct, things would get complicated.
With the Champion making a move, she couldn't see how her family could stand against such a monster.
(Ugh! What have we gotten into?)
Clutching her head with both hands, Aisha thought of the worst.
(No, this could be a good opportunity... Maybe he and Haruhime...)
But as if remembering something, Aisha lifted her gaze. After all, if things continued as they were, Haruhime's fate would be tragic.
---
"Hehe, I see... You really like hero stories."
"Yes, I love them! It was the only way I could learn about the outside world when I was still in my parents' mansion."
"Is that so? You know, although I'm sorry for what you've been through, a wise person once said, 'Things happen for a reason,' 'When you feel things can't get better, it's because fate has a surprise for you.' So tell me, Haruhime... Do you like your life here in Orario?"
Looking at the young girl in front of him, Yuki was thoroughly enjoying their conversation. She had faced a lamentable fate, but Yuki didn't see it that way. The fact that she remained pure was evidence that the world had something special in store for her.
"I don't know. My circumstances aren't that great, but my sisters take care of me... So, it could be a good life."
Lowering her ears sadly, Haruhime thought about her old life and the one she had now. But remembering Aisha and the many companions who took care of her, Haruhime managed to smile.
"Besides, coming to this city fulfilled one of my wishes."
"Hehehe, you really like stories..."
Bringing a hand to his mouth, Yuki appreciated her personality—a girl who enjoyed conversing.
"Yes! Oh, but now I have a new wish, although it might never come true."
With her tail swaying from side to side, Haruhime patted her cheek, remembering something incredible. But knowing her situation, she also knew that fulfilling her wish would be impossible, so her ears drooped again.
"Don't say 'never'; people don't know when a miracle might happen... So, what is this wish of yours?"
Placing a hand on his chin, Yuki was genuinely interested in her desire. What wish could a young prostitute have?
"My wish is simple but impossible... I want to meet the greatest of Heroes, the Champion."
---
TN: I take my words back aisha ain't a birdbrain at all 😶🌫️