Chapter 6

  Sarah and Nami had just exited their hotel and started walking toward their destination, their vestments drawing many curious glances. Sarah, in a flowing white dress that contrasted with the darkness of the night, had an almost ethereal aura of grace. Beside her, Nami was wearing a black dress. Their presence in the city was enough to leave an impression, and they both knew it.

  “A second-class noble,” Nami mused as they walked, her tone full of disdain. “Not wealthy, not powerful. What’s the point of meeting someone like this? Humans in power are always greedy. This one must be no different, probably has some ulterior motive.”

  Sarah chuckled softly. “You’re probably right, Nami. But every connection, no matter how small, can lead to something greater. Besides, not every noble is entirely useless.”

  Nami scoffed. “I doubt that. The only thing they’re good at is scheming for their gain.”

  “Then let’s see what Lord Renard is scheming for,” Sarah replied with a faint smirk.

  As they continued, the city’s streets gave way to quieter, more refined lanes. Finally, they arrived at their destination, a modest but well-maintained house befitting a second-class noble. The architecture lacked the greatness of higher-ranking estates but still spoke of wealth and status.

  A manservant, who introduced himself as Martin, greeted them at the entrance. He bowed politely and gestured for them to follow. “My lord is expecting you. Please, this way.”

  Inside, the house was decently decorated, though far from lavish. The interior balanced practicality with the aspirations of someone wanting to appear more influential and wealthier than they were. Martin led them to a comfortable sitting room and gestured toward a pair of cushioned chairs near a small table.

  “Please, have a seat. My lord will join you shortly. Would you care for some tea?”

  “Thank you,” Sarah replied warmly as she and Nami took their seats.

  Martin soon returned with a tray, setting two cups of tea before them. Nami shot the cup a dubious glance before turning to Sarah. “You’re not seriously going to drink that, are you?”

  Sarah chuckled as she picked up her cup, examining the tea’s pale green color. “It’s just tea, Nami. Nothing to worry about.”

  “You don’t know that,” Nami muttered, her tone dripping with suspicion. “Humans and their petty poisons.”

  Sarah chuckled. “It’s not like poison would do anything to us.” Taking a sip, Sarah smiled. “It’s not bad, actually.”

  Nami crossed her arms, unimpressed. “I’d rather die than drink that crap.”

  Sarah leaned back slightly, her amusement evident. “You could at least pretend to have patience and restraint, Nami. We’re here for diplomacy, not dramatics.”

  Nami huffed but said nothing, her irritation apparent. Her gaze swept over the room, noting every exit, every detail, and every potential threat.

  Moments later, footsteps were heard down the hall, and Martin reappeared, announcing the arrival of Lord Renard.

  The man who entered was of average height, his attire suggesting an effort to appear wealthier than he truly was. His face bore the practiced smile of someone accustomed to polite facades, but there was a glint of calculation in his eyes that Nami immediately disliked.

  “Lady Sarah, Lady Nami,” he greeted, bowing slightly. “It is an honor to have you both here. Please forgive the wait.”

  “Not at all,” Sarah replied graciously, her demeanor calm and composed. “Thank you for inviting us, Lord Renard.”

  Renard took a seat across from them, his hands folding neatly on the table. “I must say, your presence in Mosas has caused quite a stir. Such elegance and... distinction are rare in these parts.”

  Nami rolled her eyes, but Sarah maintained her smile. “You flatter us, Lord Renard. Mosas is a fascinating city, we are merely enjoying its charms.”

  “Of course,” Renard replied smoothly. “And yet, I imagine your interests extend beyond mere sightseeing. You strike me as women of ambition.”

  Sarah tilted her head slightly, her smile not faltering. “Ambition is a trait to be admired, don’t you think? It drives progress.”

  Renard nodded, his smile widening. “Indeed. And progress often requires... alliances. I couldn’t help but wonder if your visit to Mosas might present an opportunity for collaboration.”

  Nami’s patience wore thinner with each passing word, but Sarah remained calm. “Collaboration is always a possibility, provided it benefits both parties.”

  Renard leaned forward slightly, his tone growing more earnest. “I represent certain interests in Mosas, Lady Sarah. Interests that could prove mutually beneficial. Perhaps we could discuss this further over dinner?”

  Before Sarah could respond, Nami’s sharp voice cut through. “And what, exactly, do these ‘interests’ entail, Lord Renard?”

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  Renard hesitated, clearly unprepared for Nami’s directness. “Ah, well, matters of money, influence, and... ensuring stability within the city.”

  Sarah placed a hand on Nami’s arm, a subtle gesture to rein her in. “We would be delighted to hear more, Lord Renard,” she said smoothly. “Your invitation is most kind.”

  Renard’s smile returned, though it was clear he was wary of Nami. “Wonderful. I shall arrange for it, then.”

  The conversation turned to lighter topics as Renard worked to move the meeting back to safer ground. Throughout, Sarah remained engaged, while Nami’s demeanor alternated between icy and indifferent.

  Renard proceeded to turn around and came to a halt before starting to walk. “It’s already late, it would be unmannered of me to allow ladies to walk through the streets at this hour. If you two wish, there's a room ready upstairs.”

  After judging that this must be a practice of the people in this city, Sarah decided to accept as to not invoke suspicion. As they went upstairs, Nami exhaled sharply. “Humans… what do you think his objective is?”

  Sarah smiled faintly. “He’s looking for leverage. He sees us as potential allies or threats. Either way, he wants to keep us close.”

  Nami crossed her arms. “I say we let Arya deal with him. She’d enjoy it.”

  Sarah laughed softly. “Let’s not be hasty. For now, we’ll play along. If nothing else, we might learn something useful.”

  ***

  The room was simple yet adequate, it was elegant enough to befit a noble of Renard's rank. Martin, ever the diligent butler, opened the door and gestured inside. “This will be your room for the night, ladies. Should you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call upon me.”

  Sarah nodded politely. “Thank you, Martin. That will be all.”

  As the door shut behind them, the two turned to look around the room: two neat beds, one on either side, divided by a small wooden nightstand with a lamp and a pitcher of water on it; heavy curtains framed a window that let in a view of the quiet street below.

  “Well, it’s acceptable. Not exactly luxurious, but I suppose it’ll do.”

  Sarah smiled faintly and set down on the bed nearer to the window. “We’re not here for luxury, Nami. Just a place to rest before the day ahead.”

  Nami sat on her bed, leaning back slightly. “Rest? Why would you need rest? We’re demons. You don’t need sleep, Sarah.”

  Sarah turned to face Nami, her smile not fading. “Just because we don’t need it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy it. Sleep can be relaxing, you know. Don’t you ever just... let yourself unwind?”

  Nami shrugged, lying back with her arms behind her head. “Sometimes… although most of the time I’ll close my eyes, but I’m not really sleeping. Just passing time.”

  “Well, I enjoy it,” Sarah replied, settling herself onto the bed. She turned to her side, facing the wall. “It’s a way to let my mind rest. Maybe you should try it more often.”

  Nami rolled her eyes, though there was no real annoyance in her tone. “Whatever you say, Sarah.”

  The room fell quiet as Sarah closed her eyes, her breathing evening out as if she truly intended to sleep. Nami remained awake, her gaze fixed on the ceiling, her thoughts drifting as the hours passed.

  ***

  The first rays of light passed through the curtains, casting a yellow glow across the room. Sarah got up, stretching before sitting. She glanced over to see Nami still lying in the same position she had been the night before.

  “Good morning,” Sarah said lightly, running a hand through her white hair.

  “Morning,” Nami replied, her tone neutral. She sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed. “Let’s get this over, so I can leave this place fast.”

  After getting dressed, the two descended the stairs, where Martin awaited them at the bottom. “Good morning, ladies. Breakfast is prepared. Please, follow me.”

  He led them into a dining room in which a table was laid out with an array of breads, cheeses, fruits, and jams, even a pot of tea and a platter of smoked meats.

  Sarah took her seat and began serving herself a modest plate. “This is quite the banquet,” she remarked, her tone polite.

  Nami, however, remained standing, her arms crossed as she glared at the table. “I’m not eating anything made by these humans. Especially not something provided by that Renard guy. The man is more trash than usual.”

  Sarah sighed as she spread a bit of jam on a slice of bread. “Nami, could you at least try to behave? It’s just food.”

  “Not happening,” Nami said flatly, her disgust evident.

  Sarah shook her head but didn’t press further. She ate in silence, finishing her small meal quickly.

  Soon, Renard arrived, his ever-present smile of trying to be polite or likeable spread across his face. “Good morning, ladies. I trust you slept well?”

  “Well enough,” Sarah replied with a cordial nod.

  “Excellent,” Renard said, gesturing for them to follow. “Shall we proceed to discuss the matters I mentioned last night?”

  He led them to a meeting room with four single chairs arranged around a small table. The room was modestly decorated, its functional design befitting the house. Sarah and Nami sat side by side, while Renard took a seat across from them.

  “Let us get straight to business,” Renard began, leaning forward slightly. “I have a proposal that I believe would be beneficial to both of us.”

  Sarah maintained a neutral expression, though she could already sense where this was heading.

  Renard smiled, his tone growing more confident. “I noticed that you two are traveling alone. A rare thing for women of such... distinction. It leads me to believe that neither of you is married.”

  Nami’s gaze darkened slightly, but she said nothing.

  Renard continued, his voice laced with a practiced charm. “I propose a marriage alliance. Lady Sarah, your beauty, elegance, and resources would bring great honor to my house. In return, my position and influence here in Mosas could provide you with many advantages. Together, we could achieve much.”

  Sarah chuckled softly, ‘It’s not like he is any more than a lower-class noble’, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Your offer is... intriguing, Lord Renard. But I must decline. I prefer to keep my options open for collaborations in matters of mutual interest.”

  Renard’s smile faltered, but he quickly recovered. Turning to Nami, he tried another angle. “Lady Nami, perhaps you would consider it, then? Such a union—”

  The air in the room grew heavy, the atmosphere shifting in an instant.

  Sarah glanced to her side, her eyes narrowing as she tried to gauge Nami’s reaction. Nami’s head was lowered, her expression obscured. A cold, oppressive aura began to emerge from her, making even Sarah uneasy.

  “Nami,” Sarah whispered, her voice low and firm. “Control yo—”

  Before she could get the words out, a sickening sound filled the room, a sharp, wet gurgle. Renard's eyes widened in shock as a deep, crimson line appeared across his throat, blood pouring from the wound as his body collapsed forward onto the table, lifeless. Sarah froze as her breath caught in her throat. She had not even seen Nami make any move, yet the strike was so well-placed and quick that it was over before anyone could react.

  Nami sat back in her chair, her expression unreadable as she watched Renard’s body slump to the floor.

  “Nami,” Sarah said, her tone cold and controlled. “What have you done?”

  Nami shrugged, her voice calm. “He was trash. He insulted us with that ridiculous proposal. I simply took out the garbage.”

  Sarah stood, her eyes blazing with a mix of anger and disbelief. “Do you realize what you’ve just done? We’re in his house, in his city! This will complicate things.”

  Nami met Sarah’s gaze, unflinching. “He was beneath us, Sarah. A waste of breath. You know it as well as I do.”

  Sarah exhaled sharply, running a hand through her hair before she was forcefully calmed down by her demon nature, which regulated her emotions. “We’ll deal with this later. For now, we need to leave. Immediately.”