A Young Princess's Guide To Usurping The Throne | Interlude Chapter 16 (Patreon)

Steel sliced mercilessly into the piglike man's throat, a fountain of crimson erupting as jewels of every hue cascaded to the floor, glimmering amidst the growing pool of blood. His hired thugs, faces twisted in rage, seethed and swung their weapons with reckless abandon, but their efforts were futile. Deep gashes appeared on their bodies, the sharp blades of an unseen assailant finding their marks with deadly precision. One by one, their throats were slit, the life draining from their eyes as they crumpled to the ground, lifeless and defeated.

As the last thug fell, a short figure burst through the doors, fury barely contained in their stance. They surveyed the carnage with a cold, calculating gaze, eyes narrowing at the sight of the desk littered with the remnants of a once-thriving operation. The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood, and the figure's heart raced with adrenaline, ready to claim what was rightfully theirs.

Taking all the parchments, scrolls, and papers, they vanished into the night, pausing only for a moment to catch their breath. The streets were alive with the flickering glow of lanterns, casting shadows that danced along the cobblestones. They moved with a practiced grace, their bodies fluid as they climbed to great heights, preparing for a daring leap.

As they approached their chosen window, they launched themselves into the air, curling into a tight ball before landing softly on a lavish crimson and gold carpet, the fabric plush beneath them.

"Hmm, back so soon? I would have thought it would take longer. I suppose hired thugs can only take someone so far," Tanya mused, a smirk playing on her lips.

Mai pulled the mask from her face, exhaling a weary sigh as she handed over the collection she had pilfered. "You question my abilities?" she asked, her tone laced with defiance, only to receive a dismissive snort from Tanya.

"No, we've trained long enough for me to have a solid grasp of your skills," Tanya replied, her gaze sweeping over the scattered documents. A deep frown creased her brow as she rubbed her temples in frustration. "If I have to read about how these men waste resources on their pointless endeavors one more time, I might just join you on these little missions I've assigned, if only to blow off some steam."

Mai raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Something bad, I take it?"

"Only the tip of the iceberg," Tanya said, her voice heavy with concern. "It seems that lust can blind men more than anything else."

"I'm going to need you to handle another issue," she continued, her tone turning serious. "I absolutely cannot have funds being funneled to a brothel so poorly, especially one run by a loan shark. Twenty percent interest is outrageous, regardless of how you look at it, especially considering how little most low-income families earn in a year."

Tanya took a deep breath, her expression resolute. "I have no issue with sex workers; in fact, I believe their existence is necessary. Some men seek the wonders and pleasures of flesh to escape the daily struggles of life. However, what I cannot condone is the deliberate funding of a system that traps individuals in unpayable debt, forcing them into a position where they have no choice but to sell themselves or their families. That is where I draw the line."

She left it with a disappointed breath, laced with barely hidden sadness, "If only my grandfather had been more vigilant, had sought to have eyes and ears on the streets; perhaps this situation could have been avoided. But alas, death, which I loathe, sometimes becomes a necessary evil."

Mai nodded thoughtfully, her brow furrowing in contemplation. "So, how do you want to handle this? Normally, eliminating a person is straightforward, but these girls still need a source of income. I genuinely want to understand how you'll go about this." She knew it sounded heartless, but her upbringing in wealth had fostered a certain detachment from the struggles of those less fortunate, and she found herself unable to understand the full scope of what Azula was offering.

"As I mentioned, I have no issue with sex work itself," Tanya clarified, her voice steady. "But those involved should have a choice. They should be able to decide whether to present themselves in a sexual manner or engage in carnal acts. It’s crucial that their autonomy be respected. We can offer them healthcare and retirement packages for those who grow weary or feel their bodies have aged beyond their capacity. Mental health is equally important; while the body can heal, the mind requires a different kind of care."

Mai attentively absorbed every crucial detail, mentally cataloging them for later reflection. It was undeniably clever; Azula was far too astute to act without careful consideration. "Is there anything else?" she inquired.

"Keep me updated on any future endeavors," Tanya continued, her tone shifting to one of urgency. "My father's interest in my actions is increasing, and I cannot afford to provoke him with my actions. My uncle and cousin are already preparing for war, and I need to tread carefully."

Mai nodded; Ozai was smart enough to understand that keeping Azula close to him held nothing but benefits, and knowing of her other business ventures could make that hold even more restrictive. Slipping her mask back on and stretching to release the tension in her muscles. She still had some energy in her tank; she would mostly not brute force her way and would rely more heavily on stealth, judging by how Azula wanted it done. "Alright, if that's everything, I’ll take care of it."

She leaped, hanging on the open window before looking back. "And Azula?"

Tanya paused, regarding Mai with a hint of curiosity.

"See you later," Mai quipped, her voice light as she leaped through the window with acrobatic grace.

Tanya offered a small smile, her heart lightening momentarily. "See you later." With that, she turned back to the work before her.

\o/

A.N: A behind-the-scenes look at what Mai and Tanya (Azula) have been up to while the Siege of Ba Sing Se was going on. Truly, Tanya is going to have her talons tightly in everything; imagine if a civil war started...>:)