"Oh, so she's just a maid after all."
The remark from earlier had been overheard by someone approaching from behind.
An ill-timed voice cut in—flippant and unfriendly.
The two girls, leaning close together, frowned toward the source.
Four men in military police uniforms swaggered over.
A rat-faced weasel. A bloated fatty. A scowling bald brute. And a double-chinned guy with thick eyebrows.
Rabble.
That’s how Verlith silently labeled them.
"Hey, missy sitting there," Finks rasped, stroking his pointed chin while his eyes lingered on Alyssa and Verlith’s chests. "How much for your maid? I’m buying her for fun. Name your price—no haggling."
"Who *are* you to spew such filth?!" Alyssa snapped, shuddering under his gaze.
"Oh-ho! Didn’t notice you before," Finks leered, sizing up Alyssa. "Turns out you’re quite the beauty too. What’s your name, sweetheart? Got a lover yet?"
"I—I’ve never met anyone so shameless!" Alyssa’s face flushed with anger.
"Since you asked," she declared, chin lifted, "I am Alyssa Ann. My father is a hereditary earl. We’re dining and wish not to be disturbed. Leave now."
She invoked her father’s title as a warning.
Ordinary folk would’ve backed off—after all, the Ann family ranked among the Eastern Pearl Empire’s "Hundred Noble Houses," an ancient lineage any sensible person respected.
But Finks, the long-faced weasel leading the group, just spat.
"Know who *I* am? Finks. Baron of the Eastern Pearl Empire. Low rank? Fine. I’m also squad leader here at this Rest Station. Know what that means? Let’s make a deal—name your price. I’ll make it worth your while."
His tone reeked of ignorance.
Alyssa shot him a withering glare.
Verlith beside her barely suppressed a laugh.
*Squad leader?*
A lowly military post commanding twenty soldiers. Back in the Northern Coalition, even a general wouldn’t dare approach her without permission—let alone a nobody like this.
Verlith’s gaze flicked to the two men behind Finks. Their collar insignia had one fewer stripe than his—corporals, likely his subordinates. The bald man beside him wore identical stripes: another squad leader.
Combined strength?
—Not worth drawing her sword for.
But Alyssa didn’t know that. She heard only naked threat.
If these thugs understood the weight of the Hundred Noble Houses, she’d be safe. Yet brutes like them respected only force. Scholars couldn’t reason with soldiers—and noble ladies fared worse.
Still, Alyssa knew one thing:
They wouldn’t dare attack openly inside the Rest Station.
"Miss Ann," Finks grinned, yellow teeth flashing, "just name a price. I’ll buy her—or rent her! I’ll return her tomorrow, well-satisfied. Might not even *want* to come back after tasting my—"
"Miss Ann," the bald man, Aris, interrupted smoothly as Alyssa’s expression darkened. "My apologies. My friend... lacks manners. His father spoiled him. He meant no disrespect—only wishes to make proper introductions. Share a pleasant evening, perhaps?"
A classic good cop/bad cop routine.
Alyssa stood abruptly. "Remember your duties as nobles and soldiers! Your conduct shames the Empire. Persist, and I’ll summon your superiors!"
Aris’s eyes narrowed. *Trouble.* He yanked Finks back. "Our deepest apologies for disturbing your meal. Come, Finks."
He turned, then tossed over his shoulder: "Should you change your mind, find us in Room 505."
"Seriously? That’s it?" Finks hissed as they retreated.
Aris leaned close, whispering urgently. Finks ground his teeth but finally stomped away—shooting one last venomous glare at the girls.
"Tch. Vier, stop eating. Let’s go back to our room," Alyssa murmured once they vanished. Her voice stayed firm, but her fingers trembled slightly.
"Why let them ruin dinner?" Verlith pressed a hand to Alyssa’s shoulder, gently guiding her back to her seat. "I brought all this food. Think of the starving children!"
"...Fine. I’ll eat." Alyssa sighed, forcing a smile.
"Good girl. Oops—those odd-tasting mushrooms are acting up. Restroom break!" Verlith clutched her stomach, grimacing.
"Wait! They just left. I’ll go with you." Alyssa’s warm brown eyes clouded with worry.
"Nah. Your job is to finish this feast!" Verlith patted her shoulder. "Just yell if trouble comes. Patrol guards will help—they won’t risk their jobs for a few thugs."
*Too naive,* Verlith thought. *Finks has backing. Better handle this quietly.*
"Relax. I’ll be back in minutes."
With that, Verlith slipped around the corner.
She’d memorized the Rest Station’s layout upon arrival.
Following the men’s path, she confirmed they hadn’t returned to their rooms—but headed straight for the restrooms.
As expected.
Outside the men’s restroom, muffled voices drifted through the door.
Verlith leaned against the wall, focusing her hearing.
Eavesdropping began.
