Chapter 24 - Home (Patreon)

I crouched in front of a sizable pot simmering over a small fire in my office. Well, it was really my living room. I’d transformed it into a kind of lab to assist me with my studies and inventions.

A few years ago, I built a house near the woods for, well, many reasons and lived there by myself ever since. My parents ended up moving into town at the same time after opening a spice store. It would have been a ludicrous thing for them to do years ago, but Sandy Branch now had a small port, new industries, more tourists, and more opportunities.

A lot changed in five years.

“Looks like we’re getting thirty-three out of this,” I realized as I sealed the last phial of a potion I’d made earlier that day. “Dr. Bink’s going to love this.” I glimpsed at a small table nearby where a smear of blood was stained into the wood. “Hopefully.”

A box filled with thin, shredded material sat nearby. I carefully placed the final phial inside and then put a wooden lid on top, sealing it with a hammer and nails. To wrap up my little project, I scratched the words “Reattaching Limbs” into the lid with a particularly sharp knife before deciding I was finally done with my experiments for the day. I then sent it into my codex for safekeeping.

“I should take a break for a while,” I commented while leaning back on the floor. The entire area was warm due to the enclosed small space being heated by the fire under my cauldron. Sweat seeped through my underwear and robe, causing them to stick to my skin. “Finally finished after months of trial and error, got a new round of herbs planted, drying out some monster parts, and I made Christopher’s weapon, so—” I bonked my forehead. “I totally forgot to give it to him when he came over. Shit!”

I scrambled through my house in search of the gift. Piles of books, glass bottles, and weapons littered every nook and cranny of my home. I knew it looked terrible, but my bedroom was immaculately clean. In my mind, the house was a place of work, while my room served as a place to sleep. If I wanted to eat, I could roast meat on the fire outside or beg Gabby to bring me something.

Besides, it wasn’t like anyone visited me. I was an archdevil. A monster. Aside from my parents, Christopher, Gabby, Tannin, Bruno, and occasionally Dr. Bink, it wasn’t a place people went out of their way to visit.

Then again, given how many times I’ve been scolded about the state of my place, I knew I needed to tackle it someday when I had some downtime.

“Tomorrow,” I told myself as I suddenly became exhausted looking at the mess from months of accumulated work. “I’ll do it tomorrow, for sure.”

Immediately ignoring my earlier resolve, I threw off my robe, allowing it to fall quietly to the floor and slide beneath some furniture. Likewise, I took off my bra and tossed it somewhere along with my underwear as I headed toward my room.

“Christopher told me we had a meeting tonight. Some baron or something,” I muttered as I entered my room.

My sheets were neatly tucked into my bed, and the pillows on top were arranged perfectly. There were no creases anywhere. Likewise, my dresser was spotless, as was the reading chair in the corner by my window. My closet was perfectly organized, and the massive mirror nestled into another corner was spotless. The sunshine streaming in through the open blinds renewed my spirit.

The entire place stood in stark contrast to the rest of my house.

“Can’t wear what I normally wear,” I reminded myself as I opened my closet and peeked through its contents. “Something dressy, right?” I glanced down at the bottom of the closet, which was completely empty. “Gonna need shoes, too. Don’t have any.” I paused and sighed. “I need to go shopping, don’t I?” I glanced at my mirror. “Be easier if I actually looked good.”

As I did multiple times each day, I examined my body in every conceivable way until I was overwhelmed with the desire to pinch and rectify every little flaw I saw and hated.

“Make them go away,” I muttered as I stared at my horns. Pointless words, as useless as the last time I said them.

My eyes looked like weird, glowing spider webs mashed into a ball in my face. If it weren’t for the outline of my eyes and the black dot in the middle, I would always look like my eyes were rolling into the back of my head. The blindfold I wore was essentially useless. It sat in a drawer somewhere. Given my notoriety, being an archdevil turned out to be more impactful on people than the fact that I had white eyes. It was almost like having that level of power was a given for what I was.

“Creepy as always.”

My hair was much shorter than before. I kept it at the back of my neck, and my bangs were much lighter. There was no need to maintain long hair now that my horns were known to the public. It made fighting and running easier, and it was simpler to care for short hair than long. That was a plus.

I was skinny, so there was that. My flat stomach had four distinct muscles, with a fifth and sixth barely poking through below them. My entire body looked solid yet slightly squishy.

“The least you can be is in shape,” I chided myself mockingly.

I had boobs, but everyone stared at my horns first, so they clearly weren’t that great. My butt was kind of nice, though. I even got some compliments on it once. A few drunk guys said they wanted to “watch it move” before they inevitably saw my horns and ran away…which meant it wasn’t any better than my chest at distracting people. Not with antlers mutating out of my skull.

I could count the amount of compliments I’d received from strangers on one hand. Then there was Gabby. I’d only known her for a few years, but she was probably my closest friend after Christopher. Whenever I saw her walking and talking with people from a distance, I felt jealous. She was like a ray of sunshine everyone wanted to talk with and be in the presence of. Meanwhile, I was a violent, scary storm cloud everyone wanted to get away from.

Oh, it felt great.

I grimaced and turned away from the mirror. I pulled a pair of shorts from my closet, threw them on, and then grabbed an oversized sweatshirt that draped down to my knees and threw that on as well. It was my go-to outfit that I wore nearly every day.

Less-than-satisfied with my creepiness, hideousness, and attire, I walked out of my house, once again completely ashamed to have people see me.

“Yaaaaay,” I muttered as I slowly—very slowly—walked into Sandy Branch.

The walk felt longer than usual. I kept my eyes down and my shoulders hunched, hoping to be ignored.

But then a familiar sound filled my ears: laughter.

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•••

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Sandy Branch was divided into zones due to recent economic investments in the area. Large parts of the town now extended south toward the water, where a small port welcomed mostly domestic ships. Outside the port was the main town, bustling with shops. Just beyond this area were small buildings, more niche establishments like Dr. Bink’s clinic and Beginner’s Rest. Farther from this area, where there were fewer people and more land, were the residential homes. Beyond that were farms. Then there was Yen.

In the residential area where families lived, children played outdoors. Some kicked balls, while others swung around practice swords, pretending to be adventurers.

“I’ll get you, devil!” a kid yelled at another kid with fake horns tied on his head with string.

“No! I’ll get you!” the kid with the horns screamed back.

One of the children in the background had a cheap bow armed with blunted, thin arrows that wouldn’t even bruise a bird at full draw. She was looking for a good opportunity to snipe the kid wearing horns when she spotted a tall woman with horns of her own—real horns—sneaking her way into town.

“IT’S YEN!” the girl playing archer screamed, alerting the rest of the children.

Yen visibly flinched as she slowly turned to the crowd of nearly a dozen children who spotted her and started charging her way.

“Play with us!” one kid ordered. “We’re bored!”

“Be one of the bad guys!” another tacked on.

“Can you give us new swords?” another threw in for fun.

“N-Nice to see you,” muttered Yen as she stared at the crowd of younglings before her. She was clearly uncomfortable. “Maybe another time. I’ve got somewhere to be.”

“Awwww!” the crowd collectively complained.

Yen looked torn. She glanced around for other people, but seeing none, she crouched down. “Your parents wouldn’t be happy if they saw you—”

“Misha!” a woman’s voice called in the air. “What are you doing?!”

Yen stood up with a hurt expression, gazing at the source of the sound. The woman who shouted rushed in their direction. Her eyes were on Yen the whole time. Without looking at her kid, she grabbed him by the arm and started pulling him away.

“S-Sorry, de-devil,” mentioned the lady with as much kindness as she could muster. “The Prince’s devil. Uh, we, sorry to take up your time. So sorry to bother you!” She hurriedly dragged her kid away. “Run along, children!” She directed at the others. “Your parents are probably worried sick about you.”

Yen watched with a knowing smile as she saw the mother leave with her kid. The others slowly started walking away until Yen was once again alone.

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*•*•*

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“That only hurt a little bit,” I joked as I was left out in a patch of grass all by my lonesome. “Oh well. It’s happened before. It’ll happen again.”

I’d obtained something I’d call “fearful respect” over the past five years.

The first year after my presence was revealed, multiple people tried to kill me in public—because I was an archdevil with white eyes. It reached a point where I had to stay with Christopher every moment of the day to remind people I was safe because of him. Despite his speech and the mark on my stomach, many still viewed me as a threat.

Thankfully, I was busy enough not to dwell on my situation too much. Christopher and I began to leverage our positions to garner support within the country. I utilized my powers to assist the Guild, thereby earning notoriety within the adventuring community, which caused my name to spread widely across Zalevet. Similarly, Christopher used his name and Crest of Kings to spread the word about his location, attracting the interest of numerous local merchants and politicians eager to ascertain the validity of his existence.

Gradually, one confirmation after another, more influential people made their way through Sandy Branch until the two of us became a well-kept national secret.

At that point, we combined our reputations. He was power. I was proof. He commanded, and I existed to show he could. That’s how we presented our relationship to the world.

Our mere presence generated interest in the region that would not have occurred otherwise. We facilitated trade and opportunities for those who invested in Christopher’s visions, which, in turn, caused the town to thrive and expand over the last five years.

Now, instead of people trying to kill me and scream at me like they did when I was first announced to the public, the anger and disgust sent my way was more muted. Most people just nodded in my direction, ignored me, or politely ran away. It was still worse than when everyone thought I was just a forest devil, but it was better than being threatened with death constantly. Maybe in another two years, people might even say “hi” to me semi-consistently.

“If I weren’t an ugly monster with bullshit horns, my life would be so much better,” I muttered with that same shitty smile on my face I gave the mother as she dragged her kid away from me.

The worst was yet to come. I wasn’t even in town yet.

I passed through the residential part of Sandy Branch without any further excitement. A few people noticed me slinking along the streets, but thankfully, they didn’t say anything.

As soon as I reached the main part of town and people were crowding the streets, I heard them—the voices, the muttering. I could feel the eyes on me as people spoke.

I ignored everything and everyone as I made my way toward Dr. Bink’s clinic. After so much practice, I was basically a professional at ignoring people. It made life easier.

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•••

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“Hey—shit, that’s her, right?” an adventurer asked as Yen passed him and his buddy on the street. “The archdevil? What do they call her? The guardian-something.”

 “Who else would have horns growing out of their head?” His friend had his eyes trained on Yen, too, as he adjusted his armor. “Dumb question.”

“You’re right.” The first guy stared. His gaze lingered on the horns for a single second before landing on her face. He stared for a while, making him feel awkward. His eyes dropped down as he glanced at her body. It made his heart thump loudly in his chest. “Wow.”

“Right?” the second guy said.

“Why isn’t she wearing any shoes?” realized the first guy as his eyes naturally made their way down to Yen’s bare feet.

The second guy grimaced. “There are better places to look.”

“It’s what I like,” said the first man in jest.

“Oh.” That comment stunned the second guy, not realizing it was a joke. “Well…okay.” He cleared his throat and pushed his gaze back to Yen. “I like her face. Never seen someone that beautiful before. Didn’t think it was possible.” He paused. “I wonder if anyone’s made a painting of her yet. I’d buy it.”

They weren’t the only people talking about Yen. Everyone she passed gossiped about her the second she was out of earshot, their eyes still following her as she moved quickly through town.

“You think I should talk to her?”

“She’s gorgeous.”

“Oh wow…”

“Dammit. Wonder if the prince lends her out? Probably keeps that all to himself.”

“Is it the horns? Would I look better with horns?”

“Fucking monster…”

“Is she wearing pants?”

“Shirt isn’t hiding shit.”

“I love her eyes.”

“Fucking freak.”

“She makes me feel safe.”

“I can’t believe people are afraid of her.”

“I wish she’d die already.”

“Would she talk to me if I talked to her? Can I just go up to her if I wanted to? Can I?”

“She saved my life a year ago.”

On and on the comments went. Yen didn’t hear a single one.

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*•*•*

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I was only a few minutes away from Dr. Bink’s clinic when I spotted the one person in Sandy Branch I didn’t want to see under any circumstances.

In the distance, a short, busty girl about five years older than me, with intricately braided blonde hair and attractive proportions, walked among a group of men and women, all of whom I recognized as colleagues of Christopher. This woman wore a very short skirt and top, along with light makeup that made her already vibrant green eyes shine even brighter.

Her name was Melinda. She moved to Sandy Branch around three years ago to open up a business not yet known to Sandy Branch: a brothel. Needless to say, it was very successful. As it expanded, more women joined Melinda, and it soon became an integral part of the town’s economy, unfortunately.

I tried to find another way to the clinic, but Melinda spotted me instantly. It was like she had a sixth sense. She always knew where I was, had been to my home multiple times to try to talk with me, and cornered me whenever she got the chance.

Why?

She wanted me to “join her business,” as she put it.

I politely rejected her and moved on each time she did, but she never relented. It’d been years, and she brought it up at least once a week.

Every single conversation we had, joking or not, always made me feel like I was being stripped and assessed with a price tag. I hated the feeling. I already did that to myself. I didn’t need a stranger doing that to me, too.

Melinda looked for a way to slip past the advisors. I felt her gaze—a sharp, knowing glint, like a predator spotting prey. She tilted her head slightly like she was already deciding how to trap me.

Quickly, I ducked my gaze downward and backtracked into town. It would take longer, but I’d make it to Dr. Bink’s clinic through the back roads.

I was already tired of dealing with humans.

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When I eventually arrived at the clinic, I closed the door behind me quickly, slammed my back against it, and slid down until my butt hit the floor. “Dammit,” I huffed as perspiration dripped from my forehead. “Why won’t she leave me alone?”

“Yen?” Dr. Bink poked his head from out of his office. “You okay?”

“Perfectly fine,” I lied as I pulled myself up from the floor and forced a grin on my face. “Tired.”

“Oh. I’m sorry,” acknowledged the doctor. “So, what goodies have you brought me today?”

At that, my eyes sparkled. “You know I’ve been working on a solution for reattaching limbs, right?”

The doctor nodded enthusiastically.

I opened my codex, tore out a sheet, moved into the clinic to the nearest table, and set it down. My intent soon manifested as the box I’d prepared earlier that morning glowed and popped right where I’d put the paper.

“Reattaching limbs?” Dr. Bink read the label I etched on the box.

“Yup!” I pried the sealed lid off with only my fingertips and placed it beside the box. Inside were the bottles. I grabbed one and presented it to Dr. Bink. “Tested and certified by yours truly.”

“How’s it work?”

“There are two steps, assuming someone needs a body part reattached. First, the user must consume a mouthful of the potion preemptively. Then, the remainder is poured onto the point of severance. The removed limb and the attachment area must be close for the tissue to reconnect,” I explained enthusiastically.

“And it works?”

“Tried it myself this morning.” I held up my hand and wiggled my ring finger. “Chopped it off. Reattached in seconds.”

Dr. Bink’s eyes widened. “You what?!”

“It works!”

“Why would you do something like that?!”

“But it works.”

Dr. Bink sighed. “What tests do you need from me? What are the gaps?”

“Time is probably the biggest factor. I’m unsure how long a limb can remain severed for the potion to still be effective,” I admitted. “That takes trial and error, and I was unwilling to cut off my finger and leave it for a few weeks just to see.”

“At least you have some sense.”

“If I had to guess,” I said, ignoring the snark, “it would depend on the quality of the detached portion. If there’s too much deterioration or deformity, it may not work.”

“Okay.” Dr. Bink stared at the contents of my box like I’d given him a pile of gold. “I’ll try them with permission and get you more data.”

“Perfect!”

That was essentially our relationship. I ensured my alchemy products worked, and Dr. Bink gradually integrated its use into his practice. We then worked out the kinks, and when we were confident in a product, I provided him with the recipe and took a share of the profits from his end. Since the town expanded, he had more assistants helping at his clinic, which allowed him to produce potions more effectively than I could alone.

It was a steady revenue stream I greatly appreciated, and it gradually made Sandy Branch a destination for alchemical innovations. People began to flock to the town just to study under Dr. Bink. He received all the credit, much to my delight. I didn’t want it. I also doubted that people would trust the potions if they knew I’d created them. It was better to help people than to receive credit, in my mind.

“This will do a lot of good, Yen,” said Dr. Bink. “Thank you. More lives’ll be saved because of you.”

I blushed. “Th-Thank you.” I was an absolute sucker for compliments. They always melted my guard to an embarrassing level. “I’ll keep working on more stuff!”

“Please do!”

We parted on good terms as I left the clinic with a smile.

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Melinda leaned against the outside of Dr. Bink’s clinic. Her body was slightly hidden in the shade as she watched people pass by in droves.

She was waiting for the only person in the town who could net her more money than her own abilities could grant her.

On cue, the clinic door opened. Yen stepped out with a smile, her hands buried deep in her sweatshirt pockets as she walked forward with cheerful little wiggles. She hummed a soft tune, barely audible to Melinda.

“There you are!” Melinda called with a vibrant smile. She stepped out of the shadows and made her way toward Yen. “I was waiting for you!”

Instantly, Yen’s expression turned weak and depressed. She averted her gaze and fidgeted. “Ah. He-Hello, Melinda…”

Where the hell does that lack of confidence come from? thought Melinda. And why doesn’t it help me get what I want?

“You sick?” asked Melinda. She cocked her head to the side and forced her face to morph with sympathy. “Do you need something?”

“N-No, I’m okay. J-Just chatting.” Yen didn’t look in Melinda’s eyes. She held her arms across her chest and rubbed her elbows. Her entire body seemed to shrink as she squeezed herself tighter.

“You look exhausted,” said Melinda. “Are you sure you’re okay? Are people giving you trouble?”

“Something like that…”

“You know…I could fix that.” Melinda leaned in, a teasing glint in her eyes.

“N-No, that’s okay.”

“Oh, come on! Just hear me out this time! You know—”

“I don’t want to,” interrupted Yen immediately.

“Hey, at least let me get it out first! The pitch is different this time,” said Melinda. “I’ve been trying to build a genuine entertainment district in this town for a while now, and His Highness finally approved it thanks to pressure from some of the families here. Bet they’d be pissed if they knew they helped me.” She chuckled to herself. “Anyway, my business is going to move, and I’ll get a cut of every coin that flows through the future district. You could be the crown jewel!”

Yen didn’t say anything. She only fidgeted with herself more, which annoyed Melinda.

“I’ll make you my number one girl,” said Melinda. “You’ll live a life of absolute luxury being pampered by the finest goods.”

 “N-No, thank you.”

“I’m serious, Yen.” Melinda stepped forward until she was right in front of Yen. She grabbed her hands. “You wouldn’t have to do anything. Just sit there, look pretty, let people see you. You don’t even have to talk to them.”

“I just…sorry…no…” Yen only grew more uncomfortable. She squeezed her body more and rubbed her elbows a little faster.

“The most you’d have to do is have tea or maybe dance a little,” Melinda said. “Do you know how much people would pay just to be in the same room as you?”

“I-I don’t care.”

Melinda growled in frustration. “You know what? Fine! I’ll cut you in on ten percent of everything. Just exist near me, and you’ll be richer than you ever dreamed!”

“But I’ve—”

“And hey, if you’re willing to use your body as intended, I’ll let you keep half of what you make. How’s that?” Melinda was watching Yen expectantly. “All you’d have to do is lie there. The men’ll do all the work. I’ll have some good baths put in. Clean your right up immediately after. It’ll be like it never happened.”

“I…refuse. Please, don’t ask me again.”

Melinda couldn’t take it anymore. She grabbed Yen’s wrists, her voice turning sharp. “I don’t get you. Any other girl would kill for an opportunity like this, but you,” She gestured at Yen’s oversized clothing, bare feet, and fidgeting hands, “walk around town looking like a kicked dog instead of owning your shit. What are you even waiting for?!”

“I told you. I don’t want to,” she whispered.

“Why not?!”

“I just don’t.” Yen’s voiced was low and trembling.

“But why not?!”

Yen froze, fists clenched, chest tight with something hot and suffocating. “I—” Her voice wavered. She swallowed it down. “I don’t want to be someone’s fucking fetish!” screamed Yen, snapping. She stormed off, leaving Melinda behind, stunned.

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I raced off quickly and leaped to the top of the nearest building. Once I was hidden from sight, I crouched down and hugged my legs. My face burned with embarrassment and anger.

I’d seen Melinda’s brothel a bunch of times when out walking. The women there were gorgeous. I was nowhere near their level. That alone made me uncomfortable about Melinda wanting me. She was literally lowering the standards to have me there.

Why?

Just to have an archdevil.

Regardless of looks, even I knew that was enough of a draw to get some freaky fucking weirdos through the door. All they’d want to do was dominate an archdevil and tell their friends, no matter the cost. Just imagining it made me sick, and I’m sure they’d say horrible things to me the entire time. I had no desire to be a part of that.

It wasn’t a line of work I was interested in anyway.

Besides, the idea of selling my body when I’d never once been intimate with anyone, not even close, seemed pathetic. All I’ve done was kiss Nigel on the cheek goodbye, and a year ago, I did something similar to Christopher while I was drunk.

The idea of going beyond even that felt completely out of reach. Unless maybe another one of my kind found me someday, and he was handsome, compassionate, powerful, had long hair, a very strong body, was perhaps a little controlling, a little dominant but liked to praise me…that’d be nice.

Or maybe if Nigel came back someday.

Or if I got the guts up to try something with Christopher, or at least say something to see if he felt anything.

Ever since he saved me, a part of me felt the same way for him that I felt for Nigel so many years ago. I wasn’t sure if that was just a natural reaction, or there was something in the make-up of archdevils that made us susceptible to that kind of thing.

Regardless, every second around him made me super conscious of myself. When he came over earlier, I acted confident, but inside, I was screaming at myself for under-dressing and looking gross in front of him.

But cutting off my finger made that feeling go away, thank the Gods!

I frowned as I thought about my nonexistent love life. “Odds of dying alone are very, very high.”

I just lingered on the roof, staring into the sky until my mind felt numb.

“Time to make Gabby cheer me up,” I decided as I stood up and brushed off my bare legs. “And give me free drinks til I can smile without thinking about how to.”

I slapped my face then started hopping across the rooftops. About two years ago, I achieved Warring Mastery. I could walk up buildings, trees, and other objects, or run smoothly across water, snow, or sand without hindrance. Basically, I could reach anywhere I wanted—up, down, left, or right—without restriction.

I was still a Heavenly Master. I still only had singular rings on all my fingers. Most of my improvements have revolved around my actual fighting techniques, consistency, and creating new stuff.

As I leaped across the rooftops, I finally spotted Beginner’s Rest. I landed on its roof and slipped inside through the nearest window on the top floor. A man was sleeping soundly in the room I chose to enter. I tiptoed past him to the door, quietly exited, and made my way downstairs.

Gabby was working the bar. Her back was to me while she was helping some newbies navigate the Guild board. Tannin and Bruno were nowhere in sight.

I patiently waited for her to finish up.

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“Then we’ll take these contracts,” said a young Tier One adventurer on behalf of his friends. “Hey, can we grab a round of beers before we set out?”

Gabby smiled. “Of course!” She set about filling some mugs and pushed them in his direction. “Enjoy! I hope you succeed.”

The guy smiled back brightly. “We will.”

Gabby watched them walk away. Cute, she thought. Hope they don’t die. She whipped around to the other part of the bar and came face-to-face with Yen.

“Hi!”

“Guh!” Gabby recoiled. She didn’t hear or see Yen come in at all. “I told you to stop doing that!”

“Sorry, sorry,” said Yen. She brushed the whole thing off. Both of them knew she’d do it again regardless of her apology. “Drinks, please!”

“You got coins?”

“Always! But they’re on the house, right?”

Gabby chuckled. “Yes, like always.”

“And that’s why this is the best place in town.” Yen clapped her hands together as Gabby slid a mug of beer in her direction.

Cute. Gabby repeated in her head. I just want to pinch her little cheeks, pet her head, and sing her to sleep. She’s like an adorable little puppy.

Yen knocked back her drink, finishing it in one shot. Her baggy shirt cinched around her chest momentarily, causing her to jiggle.

A few men drinking and eating in the inn were already starting to sneak glances at Yen, whispering behind their mugs. Yen didn’t notice. She never did. Or she assumed they were all saying bad things about her. In a sense, they kind of were, just not in the way she thought.

Gabby shot the patrons dirty looks. They settled down, embarrassed. My friend’s got his eyes on her, and I’m not letting anyone near her until he works up the courage to say something. She then looked down at her own figure, frowned, and looked back up with half-closed eyes. Never mind. You’re not cute at all, Yen. You’re a beast. An unfair, overly erotic beast.

“Ahhh!” Yen slammed down the mug. “More.”

“How many more?”

“Til I can’t feel my face.”

“What’s wrong today?” asked Gabby as she slid Yen a second mug.

Yen pouted. She laid her head on the bar and looked at her refilled mug. “Christopher says I have to look presentable for this stupid Baron coming in tonight. All I’ve got is long shirts and shorts. And my ‘scary Yen’ outfit. But none of that’s gonna work for this thing.”

Gabby clenched her jaw, staring at her friend. She always says shit like this. Always muttering under her breath about being a hideous monster while looking like that. Nothing I say helps. It drove Gabby insane. If I had half her looks, I’d flaunt it every chance I got. But Yen? Such a waste on her. Just give it to me, Gods! I’d use it for good! I promise!

The Gods, as always, remained silent.

“You don’t have anything nicer at home?” questioned Gabby. She then thought about how Yen usually kept her place, and the outrageousness of her claim lessened significantly.

“Nope!” said Yen as she popped the ‘p.’ “My body’s hideous, and everyone’s afraid of me. Don’t have the courage to go shopping for more than five seconds.”

“Stop saying you’re hideous!” Gabby slammed her hand on the table, causing Yen to jerk upright and fix her posture. “You are the prettiest person I’ve ever seen!”

Yen smiled shyly as she looked away. “Thanks for trying to cheer me up, but I know what I look like.”

“Clearly not!”

“I-If you say so.” Yen was unconvinced.

Gabby stared at Yen, frustrated, until an idea came to mind. “I’ll go shopping with you. I’ll pick out what looks best on you. All you have to do is buy it. Deal?”

“Really?”

“Really. I won’t do you wrong. Trust me when I say that once I’m done with you, people will fall to their knees just to be near you.”

Yen, again, looked unconvinced but hopeful. “You have better style than me anyway, so I trust you. Let’s do it.”

Gabby basked in the praise as she mentally started picking out multiple outfits and styles for Yen to try. Christopher’s going to lose it when I’m through with you.

She glanced at Yen—big sweatshirt, messy hair, curled in on herself like she was trying to disappear. If Gabby could just get her to see what everyone else did…

Maybe he’ll actually do something this time.