Chapter 375: Chapter 375

“Where are we?” Erin mused as she stood before a large hole with a circular steel-grate door.

“It’s the sewers,” Aedan answered. “It’s the entrance.”

“Kyu~” Ruri chirped happily with her head held high. She returned to her place on Erin’s shoulder after leading the two to the entrance of the sewers.

Erin lightly flicked the Kirin’s head.

“Mrr!” Ruri hissed in response.

“Don’t just run off like that ever again,” Erin scolded.

“Myu…” Ruri pouted and curled herself up with her tail.

Erin sighed. “Anyway, where does this sewer lead to?”

“Into the noble district, apparently,” Aedan answered after a cursory glance around him.

“Into the noble quarters… That’s some serious implications.”

“It will have more than just implications. It will be a precedent. If this gets out, it will be chaos. The fact that there’s a secret teleportation array that travels to and from, in and out of the noble district, is an insult to all the nobles. It challenges and undermines their authority. Even culling would not be out of the question.”

Erin frowned. “Culling?”

“Yes, culling. An example has to be made to deter the common folk from rebelling. It is also to indirectly warn the faith should they try anything similar.”

“I’m well aware this is a serious offence, but don’t you think you’re making all of this a little too exaggerated?”

“How do you make the people stop believing in a god?”

“By making the god bleed. This is the bleeding.”

“...Well, what do we do now?”

“About this? It’s best that we do nothing. This is out of our hands. We stick to investigating Marsh and hope this has nothing to do with Marsh, as unlikely as that is. If Marsh has something to do with this, let us hope he had the decency to keep this whole thing a secret.”

“What about the Aerysians? This is their spell. Wouldn’t they notice that something has happened to it?”

Aedan smiled wryly. “They definitely would notice.”

“And they definitely would want to know who’s the one behind the destroyed array, I gather?”

“They definitely would want to know, and they definitely would not just sit around and wait.” Aedan sighed. “This is getting very grim and troublesome, isn’t it?”

“It most definitely is. So, what can we do right now?”

“Back to our first idea. Look for an enchanter. To do that, we will need Iris’ help.”

Erin looked up to the sky. “It’s only midday. We have plenty of time. We may as well go find her now. Do you know where she is?”

Aedan smirked. “If I say no, will you believe me?”

Erin rolled her eyes. “Just lead the way.”

Tittering, Aedan began to lead the way.

“I am thrilled, my dear, for you to be visiting me on your own accord.” Iris was purring like a cat as she latched herself onto Aedan on a long and luxurious couch, all the while letting her hands crawl all over his body.

“It is not on my own accord,” Aedan refuted. “Not precisely, at least.” Though his face showed his displeasure from having his body groped and caressed, he did nothing to shove Iris away.

“I know,” Iris said. “Still, I’m just glad that I get to spend more time with you.”

“Enjoying yourself?” asked Erin, sitting across from Aedan.

“You certainly are,” Aedan retorted.

Erin giggled. By her side was a woman well into her prime years. She was dressed in a reserved fashion but her garments did little to hide her full and voluptuous figure. Erin didn’t know the woman, other than that she was a courtesan.

They were in a private room of a fine establishment, owned by Iris. From what she could tell, this establishment was a social club of sorts. It was a place where people of money loitered with their equally wealthy friends. In the upper floors, there were courtesans, male and female alike, reserved for only the wealthiest. And of course, being a close acquaintance of the owner herself, Aedan and Erin were exceptions to the rule.

Bella was the name of the courtesan assigned to Erin. Iris had chosen her as she caught Erin’s eyes. The latter was reluctant but Iris was insistent. Losing to her desire, Erin accepted the offer. But of course, she also did it to spite Aedan after seeing Iris clinging onto him as soon as they met. Moreover, she didn’t dislike being served by a beautiful and buxom woman. At present, Erin was having her tails brushed by the said courtesan.

“Myu~” Ruri purred in delight. She had her own seat, a small cushion on the table in front of Erin. She even had her own snacks and drinks. Erin looked at Ruri with envy, devoid of any worries or concerns, knowing only when to sleep and eat. She wished she had that luxury but that was a dream far into the distance.

“So, what do I owe the pleasure for your company?” Iris asked.

Aedan frowned and glanced at Bella, who was diligently brushing Erin’s tails with a fine brush.

“Oh, don’t worry about her. She won’t tell a soul. She has heard plenty of things but she’s as silent as a grave.”

Bella showed no reaction to Iris’ compliment.

Erin nodded when Aedan looked towards her.

“Do you know where we can find a trustworthy enchanter?” Aedan revealed his question.

“Hmm… Interesting. You are not bad of an enchanter yourself, but you are still seeking an enchanter.”

“My knowledge of enchantments is limited to only my own Arcane Arts.”

“I see. Is it a Combat Art or a Magic Art you need enchant?”

“A Magic Art. As for its type… even I’m not certain but I will lean more towards null.”

“An unknown type of Magic Art… most interesting. Well, I do know of a person who will take your job.”

“But?” Erin questioned. She knew the kind of tone too well, one that was laced with underlying conditions.

“But the person in question is a noble.”

“Who is it?” Aedan asked.

“The youngest son of House Rackham, Lord Thomas.”

“Sounds… unfamiliar. I never have any acquaintance with that house, have I?”

“You have not. However, there is some indirect acquaintance.” Slowly, Iris’ gaze turned to Erin.

Erin narrowed her gaze. “Why are you looking at me?”

“The eldest daughter of House Rackham is— well, was wedded to Rylan Grid. Of course, their marriage has been annulled ever since Rylan Grid was exposed for his crimes.”

“Wow…” Aedan sighed in awe. “What are the odds?”

“Truly, what are the odds?” Erin turned the question to Iris.

“A coincidence, I can assure you, albeit a terrible one.”

“How is his integrity?” Aedan asked.

“Unless we are asking him to indirectly assist in a scheme against the royal family or the law, he would not be against your request. He does not discriminate as long as it remains within the confines of the laws. And he certainly wouldn’t babble about his transactions. His capability and impeccable silence is what earned him his reputation and my endorsement.”

“How soon can you arrange a meeting with him?”

Iris grinned. “As soon as I received my payment.”

“Of course, not. But worry not, the price is not exorbitant. I just need a kiss.” Iris tapped her own lips.

“Are you that starved for my affection?” Aedan questioned with a dubious gaze.

“Sweetheart, you have no idea. Ever since I surrendered myself to you, I thought of no one but you. So, what will it be?”

Erin grunted and rose from her seat. She crossed the table with a single huge step. She then raised Iris by her arm and pulled her into a kiss.

Shocked, Iris recoiled away from Erin. Though she saw Erin coming, she wasn’t fast enough to react in time. “W-what was that?!” she exclaimed.

“Your payment. What? Do you not like it?”

Although Iris was startled, she was quick to regain her composure. “Well, it is… not entirely bad.”

Iris frowned. “I did not lie.”

Erin smirked and pushed Iris down onto the couch. She climbed onto the Umbrum’s lap, straddling her. “Do you want more?”

“What are you playing at?”

“Playing? I’m not playing. I’m giving you what you want.” Saying so, Erin gave Iris another kiss. Only their lips met but their lips pressed against one another, biting each other. Erin licked Iris’ lips, prompting the latter to open her mouth, but Erin to not oblige. She retracted her tongue before it could be caught by the Umbrum’s tongue. “Nope~ If you want more, you have to give us the goods first.”

Iris stared blankly at Erin for a while before shaking herself out of the daze. “Lady Erin. Please get off of me.”

“Oh? It’s Lady Erin now?”

“You have your fun, Erin. Let the lady do her work now,” said Aedan who was looking entirely amused.

Grinning, Erin returned to her seat and had Bella resume brushing her tails. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵•𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮•𝓷𝓮𝓽

Iris let out a huge breath once Erin was off of her. “You truly have changed, Lady Erin.” She pulled on her dress and tidied them.

Erin simply stared triumphantly in response as she enjoyed her fragrant tea.

“What’s the meaning of this?” a man demanded as soon as he entered the room. He was dressed just like any other noble, a three-piece tailored suit along with gloves and a cane. Sweat laced his head and face, as if he had come running to this place in a hurry.

“Thomas, how nice of you to make it here on such short notice,” Iris greeted the man.

“Drop the pretence,” he grumbled. “I’m only here because of the large sum you promised if I made haste. I even left the estate without my usual guards. This had better be worth it.”

“I always keep my word, Thomas. You know that.”

“You'd better. Well, I’m here now. Who’s the special client that you mentioned in your letter?”

Iris smiled and gestured at Erin and Aedan.

Erin raised an eyebrow upon laying her eyes on Thomas Rackham. He was unlike what she had assumed, appearance-wise. Thomas was quite a short man, shorter than Erin and as tall as Bella, but he was quite a stout person. He had plenty of fat but that only made up half of his physique. Erin could tell Thomas was no stranger to strength and violence. His face and hands had no scars but his gait told plenty of his history as a fighter.

“Seven tails…” Thomas muttered upon seeing Erin. He was lukewarm with Aedan but for Erin, his eyes sprang wide open. “You must be the famous Erynthea that I have been hearing plenty of stories about.”

“Your heroic tales have become a common subject at women’s and children’s gatherings. However, as thrilling as your tales may be, I am not swayed by your exploits. And of course, I held no grudges with you regarding the annulment of my daughter’s marriage with Rylan Grid. You can rest easy on that subject. So, be honest with your request now. I will not be enchanting any forbidden spells.”

Erin and Aedan exchanged glances for a brief moment. They both nodded with that single short exchange. From the table, Erin scooped Ruri into her hands and presented the Kirin to Thomas.

“What in god’s name is this thing?” Thomas exclaimed upon seeing Ruri. “Is it a cat?” His hand went into his pocket. After fumbling around for a while, he took out a monocle. His expression grew with interest and surprise as he looked through the monocle at Ruri. “A Kirin? This thing is a Kirin?”

“We need her abilities. Can you enchant a creature’s ability into an object?”

As Thomas tucked away his monocle, he had a lamentable look. “I’m afraid it would be impossible.”

“Enchantment does not work with abilities or spells from monsters or creatures.”

“For enchantment to work, the subject in question must first understand the concept of enchanting and enchantment. To put it simply, one has to understand that they are infusing their ability into an object. Animals and beasts are incapable of understanding such complex concepts.”

“If that’s the case, then it will not be a problem. Ruri here is quite special, you see.”