28

The district is still the same chaotic, noisy mess. It hasn't changed much, well, District V hasn't changed much. She hasn't visited the place for the last couple of years. Conducting trade with the district is just a small side business she makes. Some occasional leather and fur. Those business deals were always with all the districts except the fifth.

Concrete houses mixed with clay were erected on each side of the widened path. Busy men were minding their own business, walking from one stall to the next. She spotted some of the pleasure workers lining the street. They were all dressed up in colorful, vibrant colors. They sure do look like women in this distance. She was currently inside the head of the district's studio. Right on the third floor.

Wherever she looks, she cannot spot one woman loitering in the distance.

Today's generation still retains the knowledge of the old times. However, they made sure to choose what knowledge was helpful in their daily lives and what's not. The civilization is still grasping at straws. Also, the main problem that the districts invested with so many resources is the breeding techniques. Everyone was doing their best to contribute to the rise in the population but so far the results were not promising.

"It has been a long time since I last saw you, Talon." she whipped back just to meet the eyes of the man. The chestnut hair, and familiar blue eyes jump started her memories again. She always thought this man was hiding something dark within those smiling eyes.

"I would leave the matters of handling your brother to you, Sir. It might be a loss to your brother's business, but I would like to keep the prostitute. After all, I paid ten coins for him, and as I'm getting older, I found out the pleasure of having a companion." she explained right away and made sure to display a subtle sleazy look on her face. A tight smirk.

Dickens nodded in amusement though she could see the suspicions in his eyes. He had a lot of questions for her, it was evident in his eyes. It would be up to Tahlia if she would answer them.

"You've grown well, that's for certain. Don't mind my insolent younger brother. I was never able to tame that child." he sat on the davenport facing in her direction. Even if she didn't feel comfortable with him, she masked all her emotions. There is no use showing her weakness to these people. They tried invading the main island after all. These people wanted something from the main island, some treasure that they are not willing to disclose. With all of that secrecy, she already has an idea what it is.

She was just hoping that they would delay the exploration for more years.

"In fact, you can keep the whore. A young robust man would certainly need someone." he eyed her with an understanding look in his eyes. It seems like he really did not care about losing one prostitute. That is good news.

"'I'm nearly thirty, Sir. Indeed, time would pass by without us noticing." She made sure to provide her age. Being treated like a young lamb, a sapling won't do her good. Credibility is a must and being seen as a novice is quite dangerous in this time. So much more for someone like her who hides a lot of secrets.

Dicken chuckled in mirth. He finds her amusing it seems. She would take that over violence. These people could take her captive and that is why she never let her guard down around them. He might be laughing now but who knows what he'll do next? He is unpredictable which makes him dangerous.

"I understand. Rest assured, that foolish child won't go around the main island anymore. Also, you can take anything you fancy around town, it's on me. I'll have the men informed, and don't refuse my offer. It is the only way I could show you, my apology." he gestured towards the window facing the town.

"I would gladly take that offer, Sir." she answered without hesitation. The list of things she wanted to purchase were running in her mind when she heard the offer. With the unexpected visit to the district from escorting the men out of the island, she was not able to bring money this time.

"Stop addressing me as Sir. Dickens will do. It is making me feel old, and no one wants to be reminded of their age at this time." he jests. The man took something out of his drawer. Tahlia liked the smoothness, and the shiny exterior of his desk. It is a luxury that she can't afford to want. Such luxury is lost in the wild.

"Take this. It is a payment for returning the rest of my men alive." He pushed the pouch in her direction, but she made no move to take it. It is money and she knows it. She successfully delivered the riders back in their district with the blonde man gagged and tied up. She was also able to fetch the man who was poisoned with mushroom home. Six people in all.

"It is unnecessary, Sir–"

"Dickens."

"Dickens. It is unnecessary since you already offered me the option of taking anything I fancy around town. That is more than enough. It looks like I ran out of mason jars, and for someone like me who lives in the middle of nowhere, those things are my savior. I will surely bring you some pickles next time." she cordially smiles, stretching her mouth wide. Such pretense is exhausting but there's not much she can do at the moment.

The man chuckled one more time, taking the pouch back to its original place. If someone would happen upon them, they would think that they were having a good time, but Tahlia knows better. The whole time they were conversing, she remained standing.

"Can I take that as you, allowing me to leave and explore the town?" she asked, hinting a small excitement in her voice. Though it was the total opposite of what she's feeling. Leaving this place after acquiring the things she needed was her first priority.

"I prepared a room for you in the pleasure pub. Stay the night and freshen up." he suggested. The offer did sound tempting. She was tired from the whole ride. The riders she delivered home recovered three of the fleeing horses. The trip was shortened in just a week. It was also her first time riding a horse and it gave her exhilaration more than she can admit. She had to ride with the right-hand man whom she finally knew as Sammy. The rest were Mick, Nicholas, Arden and Lucio. It might be a short trip, but she felt like she was bruised all over.

"Thank you, Dickens. I'd also take that offer of hospitality." she smiled, and the man nodded in her direction. It was her cue to leave the studio and she left without a hitch. Maybe spending the night would lessen the man's suspicions.

Outside the room, Sammy and Mick were waiting. They were the ones assigned to see to her needs in the whole period of her stay. As far as she was informed, the blonde man, younger brother of Dickens, Arthur, was imprisoned somewhere. He violated the agreement so what he did wasn't taken lightly.

"Let me lead you, Sir Hermit." It was Mick. He was the man whom she was supporting when the baboons attacked them.

"Talon is fine." she responded with a formal expression.

"Where would you like to go first, Talon?" Sammy chimed in, eagerness and admiration were still in their eyes.

"We all should rest first. Let's roam the place in the afternoon." It was only 11 in the morning. They arrived early in the district.

"Then to the pleasure pub first." Sammy said.

"Don't worry Talon. The pleasure pub has rooms above the buildings that cater to the travelers. You won't be disturbed." Mick added.

"You can also check out the whores." Sammy suggested with good intentions.

She just nodded in return. Her plans were already cemented, and she doesn't want any whores besides Langdon.