A/N: Hello everyone ! It's been a long time again !

I'm very very very sorry to not have published a lot the last months: I might have promised that I would write more often during my vacations, but I can admit I had a writing break. However, I've still haven't forgotten my fanfic and I've finally written the scenario for the end of this book, including the last 2 travelers Travis has to meet.

And the 7th is our beloved PRIMROSE ! I'm pretty sure everyone was waiting for that one, and me too I enjoyed her story in the game, which was pretty different from any other protag's stories !

So, let's get started 3000 !!!

~

"Even when the blade is held at your heart, faith shall be your shield."

These words belonged to the proud House Azelhart...

~Primrose POV~

"That's her !"

"I think I'm in love !"

When we dance, each step is essential for impressing the audience.

Either if we move by the right, by the left, a front of us, or behind us, our path is always cleared when we do an action, and the world can be able to see our path progressing little by little, but surely. Indeed, even if we step back, it's still a step forward to our future, because when we make a choice or another in our life, it will be too late to regret our last action and to go back. This is why it's important to know how to be a better dancer.

I wasdancing to blow the audience's mind, highlighting them my beauty through my show. Indeed, it's not enough to dance very well, it's also important to dance with grace and robustness while keeping a good rhythm with the music: not too fast, not too slow, as it's important to find the great balance. To appeal more to the audience, I give them a beautiful smile. A smile as bright as my passion of dancing.

I love to dance a lot: it's such a wonderful hobby to practice such an amazing form of art, like my body was the brush which will create a beautiful painting, details by details, as I always put my heart and my passion to give the best dance ever. I would always feel light as air, calm like a river, and silent like a rattlesnake.

In other terms, dancing is for me the equivalent of fighting, as I fight against the public's boredom by using each of my step dances like weapons. Sometimes, I always feel to have danced during my whole life, as each of my dance steps represent each stage of my life.

The audience, mainly masculine, enjoyed my show, as they reclaimed more. Between all the guards whistling, the drunk travelers fantasying over me, and sometimes, a few waitresses staring me, I could say I was drawing the most attention. Even if it was quite boring to hear them cat-calling me, I was so focused on my dance that I would forget their presence.

Anyway, it was an early evening like any other: Sunshade's tavern was filled with customers all around the tables, as the light of the dusk would illuminate the interior and the stage. I was dancing in the middle of the other dancing girls, who looked as attractive and lovely as me. They also know how to dance in the rhythm of the music, and even Yusufa was doing okay.

We were practicing our usual steps that we learned by heart, and it was now the final act before we are finally done for the day, despite most of the customers who wanted more believed it would last longer.

Even if I dance, I was still able to listen to any conversation while being focused on my dance. I've trained myself so hard to do such things at the same time, but I'm glad to have gained much experience.

Among the audience sat on a table who admired our show, there was one man in particular who was distancing himself from the other customers.

"He he he !... Dance my strays... just dance..."

In reality, he wasn't a customer: his name is Helgenish, and he was the owner of the tavern. He was also our boss, the one who taught us how to dance in that city of pleasures, and the one who offered us room and board as we work for him as dancers in exchange.

Sitting on his own luxury chair at a table down the tavern, he was an overweight man, mostly bald with hair growing on the sides, with a mustache finely sharp and a big nose as red as his glass of wine. His big silhouette was hidden by a black military jacket, a red shirt, and he wore a white collar slightly stained by red wine.

He still observed us with a sadistic glare, snickering while spining steadily his drink, as one of the men sitting at the same table, probably a foreign bourgeois, discussed with him.

"You know, sir Helgenish, I'm happy you haven't lied about the beauty of your dancers. Especially that girl, right there... Err... What's her name again ?..."

Helgenish smirked.

"The brunette ? We call that kitten "Primrose", my friend. Watch out... she's such real treat for the eyes, he he ! From all my strays, that young woman is the pride of that tavern."

"You say so ! I agree to tell she is really lovely, that beauty, and that dance !... It's wonderful ! Never expected I would be attracted by such a spectacle."

"Eh... After all, it's the job of a dancer to attract people.", he concluded while drinking.

While dancing, I could spot a man who entered inside the tavern, who was one of Helgenish's workers. For some reason, he looked disillusioned and annoyed, as Helgenish spotted him with a grin.

"Hey... Look who's here..."

The man went towards his table, as he was catching his breath.

"F-forgive me, sir Helgenish, I need to speak with..."

"So ! How's business is going ?! Had the merchandise you were delivering arrived safely ?"

"Huh... To be honest, sir... I lost everything in the middle of the desert."

"WHAT ?!"

BAM !

Helgenish became suddenly angry towards his employee.

"HOW COULD YOU LOSE SUCH AN IMPORTANT DELIVERY ?!"

"I apologize, sir Helgenish !... Though, I made sure to follow the right road... But a bunch of monsters surrounded my caravan by surprise... I absolutely couldn't compete with too many of them, so I escaped my vehicle and left all the merchandise alone... For now, the monsters must have destroyed or stolen the totality of the merchandise."

"YOU FOOLISH IDIOT ! HAVEN'T YOU THOUGHT TO TAKE ONE OF THE PACKAGES WITH YOU ?!"

"I... I... I could have... but it would have slowed me down... and the monsters would have caught me and killed me..."

CRASH !

Under the pressure of his anger, he voluntarily broke his glass of wine into a thousand piece, frightening the poor deliverer.

"I PREFERRED YOU'D DIE ! I GIVE YOU A MISSION OF GREAT IMPORTANCE, AND YOU'RE NOT EVEN ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH IT !"

The deliverer, with the sweat on his face, was so ashamed by his failure, when he kneeled and begged.

"Please sir ! Give me another chance !... I won't fail my mission this t..."

"I ALREADY GAVE YOU A SECOND CHANCE ! I NEVER SAID I'LL GIVE YOU A THIRD ONE !", yelled harshly Helgenish by interrupting him.

Being very resentful as usual, Helgenish then calmed himself, and answered at the man.

"I already told you that money need to be earned. You're fired."

The delivery man's eyes widened.

"What ?!... But, sir ! My family is poor !... How am I gonna do to feed it ?"

"You should have thought about that before having children.", retorted the abusive man, as a pair of guard seized the ex-worker, when he ordered. "Take him away from my sight !"

"What ?!... No ! Please !... I swear I won't fail, this time ! I swear..."

The poor man was being taken away by the guards out of the tavern. No matter how many times he begged mercy, Helgenish didn't seem annoyed by his poor situation.

He sighed.

"Tss... What a waste of space ! It would have been better if he died right there. Another wine, please.", he ordered at a nearby waitress.

"Yes, my lord."

This is the kind of man Helgenish was: arrogant, pervert, and abusive. His love of money was too much for her could show any mercy to his employees. And sadly, that brute was doing the same at us: as he treated us like animals, he took the habitude to be brutal and to demean at one of us if ever we dared to disappoint him.

We were forced to remain quiet each time he was with us, and to call him "Master" to make sure he would act to us the less intimidating possible. No matter if we failed one of our dance steps, or when we arrive just for one minute late at the tavern, he would never tolerate this easily.

Despite his grotesque elegance, he was a powerful man: he leads the city of Sunshade in the shadow, and was often accompanied by his guards, oppressing the entire townfolk, including some people who had no choice to work for that bastard or to die in the poorness. I've heard some rumors about his rise to power between the bribes and all the crimes he had covered up for keeping his status.

But even if I didn't appreciate this man, I owed him a debt to have given me a home in the middle of that dangerous town.

I continued to dance, still as gracefully as usual, despite feeling pretty bad towards the poor man. I noticed Yusufa just failed some dance steps, as she has also watched at the scene during her show, her worrying for the man was deconcentrating her. I managed to gave her a quick nod to make sure she could focus back on her dance, as I didn't want her to be sermonized by Helgenish for her lack of style.

Here's the final !

The music was still about to finish, as me and the other girls prepared ourselves for the final serie of steps, while the customers looked wilder than before.

"Yeaaaah !"

"Please marry me !"

"Nice show, sweetie !"

One of the customer at the left of the stage threw in our direction a coin that hard that it went through the entire stage, missing all of us, before it passed through the hole of a barrel present at the right side of the stage.

BUNK !

Suddenly, the barrel fall on the stage, surprising me as the other dancers cried with horror.

We all stopped to dance when we saw someone appearing out of the barrel.

"KOF ! KOF ! KOF !"

A... boy ?!

He was just a child, and he wasn't even 7... What was he doing inside the barrel without no one was able to notice him ? Was he spying on us ?

He was caughing so hard that he spat out the coin, which rolled over at my feet.

The music immediately stopped at the intruder's sudden appearance, as I still kept the pose, watching over the kid with great curiosity. The entire place was caught off guard: Yusufa was shocked, the other dancers were offended, and everyone in the tavern were pretty confused at the sight of the boy.

Everyone was staring weirdly at the boy, who looked pretty ashamed by all these glares, when he watched around him, and stared at me.

"Uhhh... Meow ?"

~Later~

SBUNK !

"AAAAHH !! Ouch !"

The boy has just been kicked out by a guard from the tavern, who yelled to him.

"GO AWAY, LITTLE RASCAL ! THIS IS NOT A DAYCARE !"

A hubbub resounded inside the tavern, as the audience were offended by what the kid has just done.

"Oh... What a shame !"

"Doing such a thing at his age... Unbelievable how today's youth is quite attracted by these shows ! In my old time, I assisted to my first dancing show when I wasn't even 15 !", mumbled Helgenish while eating a roasted chicken.

"He he ! Nonetheless that brat has found a good spot to hide for admiring these beauty chicks ! I wish to do the same like this lucky boy !", laughed someone in the room.

Anyway, the night was falling, so the show was over.

The customers were quite disappointed when the curtain was closing as we girls left the stage by waving at them.

"Is it already over ?!"

"I want more !"

I joined the rest of my comrades at the dressing room, still hearing the complain of the claiming audience. I've danced on stage for long enough to remember any single customers present at the tavern, and I was able to count them.

"And 3 new more customers... Plus one new regular.", I mumbled.

It was our job to make sure the tavern was well crowded, else Helgenish would take us responsable and blame us.

As I redone my long brown hair, for a reason or another, I couldn't stop thinking about that boy. I've never seen him wandering in the town before... What was he doing inside this barrel ? Honestly, I thought that kind of hiding spot was quite awkward for a kid who might have lost himself in the town...

Whatever... I was just feeling concerned by him and I hoped he would be fine outside...

"Ah... It's finally over... Let's go home, girls.", said one of my comrades.

After everyone left in the tavern, all five of us left the place, and walked outside in group, as it was pretty reckless to hang out alone. The ambiance of Sunshade was much calmer at the evening: almost all the bazaar was less crowded than before, leaving the city in the shadow.

The other girls were all sightly at the same age than me, and looked as pretty and attractive as our admirers would call us. We were heading at our shared apartment, when Violet, one of the dancing girl recognizable with her black long hair, broke the silence.

"Phew... I think it's served the brat right. That'll teach him to not disturb people when they're working."

"Well say ! How the security couldn't be able to notice that intruder sooner ?! It's their job to make sure no one would disturb the show !", replied Ellie, the dancer with curly red hair.

"Raaah !... I don't like children at all: just seeing them running in every sense without realizing they're annoying people make me disgusted ! Seriously, they should stop being the way.", complained at her turn Melissa, the girl with her small light brown ponytail, less longer than mine.

"Yeah ! That's right !", answered Violet.

"Maybe he was just lost...", said a small voice.

It was Yusufa who talked: she was a soft girl, unlike the three others, who looked pretty cute, whose her brown hair were cut until it reached her chin. She was wearing a blue dancing outfit, while I wore a red one, and the three others preferred the green. She was different of the other dancers, and the one I cared about the most.

I could notice she wanted to take the kid's defense, when Ellie added.

"Whatever if he was lost or not. Thankfully the barrels weren't large enough for adults men would hide here, else there'd be perverts in abundance !"

"I know we're reputed to be so appealing, but still.", said Violet, as a man who walked at the opposite direction, couldn't prevent himself to admire us, when he tripped on a stair.

Melissa was still offended.

"Thanks to that little troublemaker, I completely failed my last pose !"

"Not to mention that master Helgenish was watching us: we're gonna again get reprimanded thanks to that brat ! Just like it was already easy to hold the pose !", complained Ellie, with fear visible on her face. She then told me. "Only you, Primrose, was the single one to finish your steps well, I see."

"By the way, what do you think about that rascal, Primrose ? You haven't said a single word since the show is over...", asked me Melissa.

I must admit she had a point, so I answered her calmly.

"...I don't know what to say. You know... But I'm gonna be honest with you: I've been surprised to see such a "special guest" on stage."

"A special guest, you said ?", asked Yuzufa curiously.

"You might be the most serious of us, Prim, but you always have such an incredible imagination.", said Ellie.

"Hmm... maybe. After all, I often use my imagination for improvising my shows. This dancing strategy is pretty useful in case when customers are tired to contemplate the same poses, the same dancing steps, or the same movings on stage. It's our role to adapt ourselves on their expectations."

"Oh, those demanding customers... They're really all just as bad as each other !", complained again Melissa.

We finally arrived to where we lived: a simple and modest building down the street which might not look like a great place to live. At the right, a low wall separated the street from the endless desert. There was a tall cliff which surrounded the west part of the lost village, from the catacombs to the north part of Sunshade. Guards would often do the watch to prevent any monster attack, even if it was extremely rare. It wasn't recommended to adventure ourselves in the dunes, and the only way to cross the desert was to take the carriage.

We opened the door: there was a wide room with a table to eat, a wardrobe containing some spare dancing clothes, and a wooden bench. There was an entrance at the right, hidden by a curtain, which led to the bedroom with 6 beds disposed for us. The window's curtains were closed, but a few lanterns prevented the dorm to be plunged in darkness.

After a long day a work, we were all quite exhausted, as Ellie lied on her bed.

"Aaah... Dancing for those idiots is so tiring... I want so bad to take a warm bath..."

"Hmm... If master Helgenish heard you, Ellie, we're more than sure he wouldn't appreciate your attitude.", said Yusufa while opening the curtain of one of the window.

"Oh come on, cutie. Don't tell me the attitude to take. I already know it's better to be exemplary towards our Master..."

"Pfff... Sometimes, I just want to slap that swine. He does nothing but watching us and laughing and drinking...", replied Melissa, while looking up for a fruit in the basket, in vain.

She looked quite disgusted.

"Is the basket of fruits already empty ?", asked Violet.

"Bweh ! It's smell like worms... I guess it's your turn, Primrose."

"Leave it to me."

I carried the empty basket of fruit and went at the door, when I could hear Yusufa mumbling.

"Oh no... Where... where is my bracelet ?"

"I don't know. It's not my fault if you don't take care of your stuff.", declared Melissa, indifferent.

"But I swear I had it with me during the collect..."

Generally, it would be one of Helgenish's employees who is charged to do some chores, like cleaning the room, replacing the streets, or filling back the basket of fruit, when we are absent. However, when we're home, we were used to share some minor tasks ourselves, so it was my turn to take out the trash.

As I put the basket at the corner of the street, two persons were just passing across.

"Papa, Papa ! I'm going to be in a play ! I will be the princess and everyone will look at me ! You'll come and watch too, won't you ?"

"Of course, my dear."

It was a little girl, of around 8 years old, walking along with her father by holding his hand. He looked to be not far in his 40s.

The girl, quite enthusiastic, cheered.

"Many thanks, m'lord. Tee hee... How was that ? And guess what, Papa ? When I grow up, I'm going to be a beautiful dancing girl... The star of the stage !", she felt excited.

I was a little surprised by what the girl just wished to be. I managed to observe the scene, while thinking back in my thoughts.

I remembered, when I had the girl's age, to be practicing a dance, while being watched over by my father.

I went back to reality when the girl's father spoke.

"A dancing girl ? That is a dream better forgotten."

"But why, Papa ?"

He looked around me, showing a certain worrying, when he kneeled a front of his innocent daughter.

"Helena, my dear. You want to grow up to be a fine lady, yes ? Like the princess you will play ? Then it would be better not to say such things. Not in this town, at least..."

"But what's wrong with dancing ? It's so much fun !", she insisted, when she noticed me."Look at her ! She's... she's beautiful..."

She slowly approached me, when I waved at her with a smile.

"Hello, child."

I then made a little dance for my little fan, who was blessed to see such a beautiful demonstration.

Her father, sighed, and took her by the hand.

"Come now, Helena. This way. I'll tuck you into bed back at the inn. Papa has business to attend to this night."

They both left the place, after the girl stared at me innocently, a little disappointed.

I could say this man was quite thoughtful towards his daughter, as he must be aware about the terrible rumors of that city. He didn't want something terrible to happen at his child, that she end up in a terrible situation... like I was.

For a reason or another, seeing them together warmed up my heart a little.

"Oh yeah, the trash !", I reminded.

I carried the barrel in a dark street, and put it alongside with other barrels, when I noticed a silhouette hidden in the shadow.

"Hello dearie... He he ! What keeps brin' you here ?", said a rough masculine voice.

A badly dressed man was walking throughout the alley, staggering with a funny approach, as he looked drunk.

The interested then approached me, when I answered him calmy.

"Are you blind ? I'm taking out the trash."

He smirked when he observed me too closely.

"HEYYY !... You look too good for a dancin' girl living in such a pad... How about you gave me a private little dance ? You know: you move your thighs and..."

"If you wanted me to do a show, you've chosen the wrong moment after the tavern is closed... and by the way, I'm not interested to hang around with such a moron like you."

I stayed suspicious towards the intruder, who started to get mad.

"Oh... Come on ! Don't be harsh ! I know you want to dance for me."

"I advice you to leave.", I adviced him with a furious glare.

Suddenly, he grabbed tightly my arm.

"But what's wrong with you..."

I quickly grabbed his arm with my other hand, and tightened it.

"Don't. Ever. Touch. Me."

CRACK !

I then kicked him in the leg so hard that he collapsed on his knees, hurting him.

"AH ! ARGH !"

I then took something and placed it under his throat.

"What the..."

"If ever you move... it will be your last movement."

"Gulp..."

I was now menacing him with my dagger, as he flinched at the sight of the weapon while he was still suffering from the blows he received. I watched at him with a deadly glare, as he was now stinking more the fear than wine.

"Raaahh !..."

I pushed harder my foot on his knee, preventing me to escape, as I checked his left arm: there was a bunch of expensive bracelet, including one which I recognized as I took it back.

"So, it was you the thief who stole one of my comrades's bracelet ?", I asked him, but he was too scared to answer.

I carefully watched at our surroundings: not a single witness.

I tightened my dagger harder when I spoke to the bully.

"I know how much that's easy in that morbid town to live in that way for you... Do you see that basket of fruits, right there ?", he weakly watched at the barrel, when I continued. "We're used to eat a few ones in our break or our meal, cause they're always such a true pleasure after such a long working day... However, the time didn't even show as much mercy at fruits as it did at us. Because one day or another, fruits finish to rot. No one want a rotten fruit and would prefer to throw the rests inside that trash without hesitation. It's like people with a corrupt mind on you kind... Others won't hesitate to get rid of you like we do get rid of the trash."

"Gnnh !..."

He wanted to go, but I wasn't done yet as I stared menacingly at him with a smile.

"I'm gonna be honest with you: I would have preferred this world to be a little nicer, but we can't neglect his dark side. All we can do is to... accept it, and there will be those who survive, and those who perish. If I were you and that I didn't want to finish in the group of those who perish, I would have think about it before rotting people lives, like stealing them, or even killing one or several members of their families. This is the wisest advice I can give to you."

I finally released him, as he collapsed in agony, with teary eyes, when I heard some steps running at us.

After hiding my dagger, I acted like a lady in distress, when some of Helgenish's guards arrived.

"Are you alright, Primrose ?"

"It's ok... I'm just shocked but not injured...", I told them, my hand against my chest, while mimicking a frightened expression.

Without waiting, both of the guards seized the thief.

"Hey you ! Come with us !"

"Wait ! This woman is dangerous ! She tried to..."

SBAM !

"Shut up, you thief ! We're gonna take care of you."

The guards disappeared with their prisoner, dragging him behind them.

I've been used to meet that kind of men, because the town's criminality seemed to canalize the number of aggressions per week. I've trained myself to deal with men like him, but I must admit I've been too hard with this man.

I sighed.

"One more victim of the dark side of our society..."

I'm pretty sure there must be more people like him in the land, all as perverted and sank in the crime as the evil side always's been. However, without the evil, the good wouldn't exist, and vice-verca.

By the way, I've seen anything else on his left arm, not even a mark... But there was no way he would be one of the men I was looking for...

~That night~

~10 years ago~

"Agh..."

The room was at as dark as the rainy night outside. Under the disturbing light of the chandelier were standing 3 men in circle around my injured father: one at the left, one at the right, and the last one a front of him. All three of them worn a long black cloak, with a hood where it was impossible to see their face.

My father was in such a bad state: he was hardly breathing on his knees, and he had trouble trying to stop the bleeding. He has been shockingly beaten up and his clothes were now slightly bloodstained.

Me, I was hidden. Right behind the bar. Fear was enchanting me at watching the scene with horror, and I was too frozen in place to do any single move, any single move. No one had noticed me yet, neither the strange intruders or Father.

The man at the right spoke.

"Funny how it works, isn't it ? Everything that happens in this world falls into one of two neat little categories. Things one's better off knowing, and things one's better off... not. Geoffrey Azelhart, I'm afraid you've been poking your nose into the latter."

"I have only done as my convictions bade me do. I have no regrets.", answered my father weakly, but without showing any trace of fear.

The one of the left added calmly.

"I thought you might say something like that. You're making this delightfully easy."

Father !

SLAASH !

"...!"

I observed with terror my father receiving a fatal blow on his throat.

FATHER !!!!

The blow was from the man in the middle, who didn't hesitate to slaughter him coldly with the cold blade of his dagger.

I couldn't support watching this: Father... My father !...

Not a single word escaped his mouth, neither a scream of agony. I didn't dare to watch him collapsing on the carpet...

Trying to retain my tears, I stayed curled up in my hiding place, when I heard one of the men.

"Make sure he's dead... and let's leave this place before we're seen."

I slowly stared at the three men: it's like they had no emotions at all, that the death of a person didn't frighten them, not even if they've done the dirty work themselves.

One of them bent down and checked my father's corpse.

"... It's done."

"...."

The third one didn't dare saying nothing, and only his smile wasn't hidden by the hood.

Then, they all left the room silently, walking in a oppressing rhythm, like they were bringing the darkness wherever they go.

...Father !

I quickly went towards my father's corpse.

He wasn't moving anymore.

He wasn't breathing anymore.

It was over... He was gone.

"Father... No..."

I squeezed him in my arms, my heart being deeply broken, as I started to cry my eyes out.

I couldn't anything to help him, to prevent him to perish this way... because of me.

I was too weak to protect him... I was too overwhelmed by the fear... I couldn't do anything against these men.

I will never forget... Three men, each marked with the sign of the crow. One on his left arm... One on his right... And the last, on his neck.

Three men. Foul scavengers, just like the bird whose mark they bear. They took my father away from me. And I will never forget.

~Back in the present, at the night~

I slowly opened my eyes annoyingly and I got up of my bed, while the rest of the girls were still sleeping peacefully. It sometimes frequent that I couldn't sleep after making that dream.

I went towards the other room and sat on the table, while eating calmly a pear, quite pensive.

The night was beautiful outside, and the air was quite relaxingly fresh. It feel so peaceful and calm, despite how dangerous was the city of thousand pleasures at this hour. Such an positive ambiance was pretty rare.

I was thinking about the man who tried to attack me earlier and that I menaced in retaliation. Although I was more than sure he wasn't one of them, I thought he was for a moment, which could explain why I checked his arm.

It's been now 10 years... and still any traces of them...

I watched at my dagger: the weapon, which was about the size of my foot, was one of the most beautiful blade ever made. The blade, so sharp that a single touch could bleed us, was forged from one of the best quality of steel we could ever find, and the handle gold has been made by a talented craftsman, where beautiful ornaments were represented. The most eye-catching detail of the dagger is that the devise of my house was written on the handle:

"Even when the blade is held at your heart, faith shall be your shield.", I read.

The meaning of these words concerned the other houses of our entourage, and me too, in my childhood, didn't clearly understand the importance of them... until that day... when my father was slaughtered.

I couldn't stop to remind the men who murdered my father, the ones with the mark of the crow tattooed either on the arm or behind the neck. They took my father from me... They took the man whom I respected the most.

His name was Geoffrey Azelhart. During his lifetime, he was the lord of the House, and he raised me with the expectations of the House one day resting upon my shoulders by teaching me its words: Faith will be our shield.

But now, he has been killed, by these bastards crows... And since that day, there was one thing I swore: to reestablish my family honor, and to avenge my father's death by murdering each of the men who did that to him... After that day, I only lived with the desire to kill the ones who took my father away from me...

A great amount of my house's domestics were killed as well, and I had no idea if some of them were able to escape the slaughter. That day had marked the fall of the once proud House Azelhart.

I managed to flee my home with the only goal to find my father's executioners, and I began travelling alone, from places to places, in the faith to get my revenge. I only took the treasure of House: the dagger which where the words of my family were part, and hasn't been used before.

I used it once, one day where I was lost. A couple of vagabonds wanted to abuse me... I haven't resisted, and it was the first time I had blood on my hands...

During 2 long years I managed to gather information and rumors about that famous trio of crows, which led me to Sunshade. There has been a rumor when one of the crow was used to pass in the town of Sunshade. This was when Helgenish has found me: he took me in and fashioned me as a dancer.

Since that day, I danced for him: he taught me how to improve my dancing style and my grace, and he's got such an eye to see if any dancing step was wrong or not. In my debuts, I've made a few wrong steps, and I sometimes tripped, so my boss, who was very demanding about the quality of my work, didn't hesitate to punish me for my mistakes, such as no dinner at night, or being constantly humiliated...

Each day and since the first day, he abused and dishonored me... He also did the same to the other dancing girls, and unfortunately, those who tried to stand up to him atrociously ended their life... He was such an horrible man filled with sadism and power... but I never revolted against him. It was for me the only way to approach one of the men with the mark of the Crow.

I watched at my hand where I created an aura of darkness, which slowly emaned a purplish light of shadow.

I was able to practice an uncommon magic in our realm: a dark magic. It was Helgenish himself who had taught me, but only for using it during my dance at some occasional days when wealthy people are present. The aim was to blow the audience away thanks to that spell which created an aesthetic side at my dance, and I strongly agree that it became more fluid and graceful.

However, without my master was aware, I was able to train myself for fighting. Indeed, I needed to train hardly in the hope to stand up the crows, in melee battle like in magic. I've secretly trained myself with my dagger, by adopting such a quick and ferocious approach, but the most important step of my training were all those years of dancing again and again. The art of dancing helped me a lot to enhance my balance and strengthen my agility, and furthermore, it was the best way to summon my dark elemental magic, which required a lot of training even for a scholar. I could even admit that fight can be considered like a dance !

I've endured all that misfortune and trained so hard to get to this point, but I still haven't found any clue about that team of killers in that morbid city. However, the more I waited, the more my thirst of revenge raised up every day. There was no way I would deny my destiny and loose my faith, and I couldn't give up as long as my father cannot rest in peace.

I felt always very prepared: my father told me once that my House's words will become true on day, that one day or another, Faith will be my shield when I'll risk a certain death in the future. However, I've managed to understand.

It was thanks to all my motivation to avenge my father permitted me to endure my master's abusement, and to have survived for so long, by dancing day by day... So, it was true: my faith on me guided me through the darkness of the world.

"I can't believe these words weren't lying..."

In my thought, I felt my right eye was hurting me.

"Ah !... Not again..."

I hid it with my hand.

For an unknown reason, my right eye hurt me again... I felt such an headache in the iris my eye... It was so painful that I couldn't close it, as I needed to shut the other with all my strength to endure it...

It started again, that disease which my eye turned blue...

FLASH !

In a frightening ambiance, I had a vision that brought me back to my past through pieces of visions, and I found myself in the shoes of myself when I was a child.

I witnessed it again, that famous night...

"I'm afraid you've been poking your nose into the latter."

"I have only done as my convictions bade me do. I have no regrets."

SLASH !

"Father !"

The scream echoed through my head, before a bright light appeared.

FLASH !

"Ah !"

My vision was over, and my eye became normal, as I slowly breathed.

How can I get such a vision ? Of my past ?!

"...!!!"

I quickly grabbed my dagger and threw it on the wall, next to the window.

TCHAC !

"Who's there ?", I asked, trying to calm my anger.

No one answered, but someone was spying me at the window.

"There's no need to hide from me. Show yourself."

The invader finally showed himself, as I immediately regretted my gest after seeing him..

"G-good evening, miss..."

It was the boy from earlier, who stared at me shyly by looking over from the window. He was standing there outside, in the cold of the night, his eyes full of innocence, as I can see him trembling.

I sighed.

"Oh, it's you...", I went towards the window and asked him. "What are you doing here alone in the night ? Shouldn't you be home ?"

"Hum... I just saw you were living here, but I didn't want to disturb..."

"Tell me what brings you here."

"I... I just wanted to apologize to you and the girls to have spied on you earlier. I swear I never wanted to do that on purpose."

He looked down at himself, feeling guilty and full of shame.

Honestly, I was quite surprised this special guest would behave like this...

"Ah, is that what you just wanted to tell me ?"

"Huh huh.", he nodded calmly.

Honestly, I had any grudge towards him.

"It's fine. You were lucky we haven't almost stepped on you while dancing."

"Yeah. But if I left earlier before the guy throw me the coin right inside my mouth, all of this would have never happened.", he explained me, as his small height forced him to hang on the edge of the window.

"At least, you know how to admit your mistakes, even if it's not easy thing for little fellow like you to enter in the tavern.", I declared him, when I asked him curiously. "But precisely, kiddo: if you didn't want to observe us, why haven't you tried to leave discreetly the stage earlier when you had the opportunity ?"

"I wanted to... but... but..."

"Come on, go straight."

"...I think you were dancing so well that I couldn't stop to admire you."

I felt quite affected by his compliment which warmed up my heart. It's been a long time since no one gave me a nice compliment...

The boy became nervous.

"S-sorry !! I'm not trying to..."

"No, I thank you, at the contrary ! I'm glad you enjoyed my show. Wanna see a little demonstration ?", I proposed him, smiling a little.

He nodded.

So, I made proudly a little dance on place, and the kid looked amazed by my style.

"Wow... You're incredible ! You're such a true star !"

"Thanks for your compliment ! You seems to enjoy dancers.", I told him with joy, approaching myself of the window as he stepped back.

"...Yes, I do ! I've heard that dancing girls around the world were beautiful and graceful, so I think it's cool that I met one ! You and the other dancers made absolutely an amazing show, but among all of us, I found you were the best one !", his eyes were full of amazement as he was speaking, when he frowned. "Seriously, I truly regret to have ruined up the show."

"Honestly, I admit you have surprised everyone, both the customers and everyone on stage. And believe me, I'm pretty sure it was you the one who has been more in the spotlight than us.", I touched his forehead by the tip of my finger.

"What ? But I'm not a dancer !"

I chuckled.

"It's just a manner of speaking, boy. I'm trying to say you've drawn the most attention in the tavern than any of us. Also, I thought it was really a cat who went out the barrel !"

"Well, he he ! I would have never expected that I turned famous ! And I guess my attempt to pretend to be an animal have failed !", he giggled.

He looks pretty sweet...

I nicely patted his hair as I pursued the conversation.

"I like cats, you know. They might be independent and hiding their claws until the danger of the night awaits them, but they always look so graceful and quite... We can even find them in lost streets like in this city. Me too, if ever I wanted to be an animal, I would be a cat, cause that fits me so well."

He smiled at me, watching over me with his beautiful ocean eyes, as he asked.

"By the way, shouldn't you be angry after me ?"

The boy was still feeling guilty.

"Not really. You were polite enough to come apologizing, and you know... you're not the only one to have tried to spy on me. I'm used to see men trying to approach me and the rest of the dancing girls."

"Ah ?"

"The tavern I work is used to be quite frequented, but most of the customers aren't there for a drink or a meal, they are especially paying to watch our shows. We, dancing girls, are the main attraction of the tavern of Sunshade: the priority in our job is to make sure the tavern is full of customers, ready to pay for seeing a show."

What I explained calmly to him made him quite concerned, like he was taking pity for me.

"I thought you were dancing for the fun..."

"I love to dance ! It's my hobby since I was a little girl... However, I have to do this job for having food and shelter. This is how it works in that place.", I added coldly.

I watched at him sitting on the ground, when he spoke.

"Honestly, I ain't liked how those customers were acting. It's like they were just looking at you because you were sex... I mean attractive !", he said nervously, before continuing. "To tell you the truth,I can't understand how they could be so annoying with their whistling and their coin toss contest ! Do you know what do I think about it ? That we should forbid the entrance at these guys instead of kids..."

Damn... This boy has such a different point of view from any other children, and even from any adults in that city... Was he seriously watching my show not because I was attractive, but because he just liked my dance ? If yes, this boy was such a little gentleman...

"Believe me, it shouldn't be a good idea to admit the entrance to juvenile, else that would be too disturbing.", I joked, while imagining such a crazy idea, when I explained. "And if you talk about these abusive customers, I must teach you something about men in general: at their age, adults took enough time at observing women that they're admiring by their beauty and their elegant body. It's like a pleasure for men to admire what they call "sexy babes". Also, one day you will understand, as there will be a day when you will be attracted by women."

"A-are you sure ?!...", he blushed nervously.

"Oh, yes !", I insisted with a great voice.

The poor lad ! He looked so tormented by this advice.

"Oh ! And one more thing...", I took a serious look."You have seen it, right ?"

The boy flinched in place, surprised by my question, as I observed him seriously. I might be disturbing him, but I have know if he has seen it or not.

He slowly stood up, without any sudden move, and stared at me where all the innocence in his eyes was gone for now. He didn't say anything, and he didn't even try to leave despite he had the occasion so he could tell someone... He just looked down at him, aware that I wanted to speak seriously.

If he didn't deny it, there was no way he wouldn't have seen my eye.

"...Yes, I do.", he broke the silence.

"You must have obviously about that kind of disability, no ? So, why haven't you said anything about this ?", I questioned.

He took his time.

"I didn't mean to bother you with that. I know how it's like to have blue eyes, cause I've already see one who just caught that disease."

Oh...

In his statement, I couldn't see any sign of lying on his face, that he was aware about how shocking was Aisenma.

He continued.

"But you miss... you look different. You didn't seem to be crazy or sick like the insane man I've witnessed. Indeed, all what I've seen through the window was just a girl with a simple headache."

Just a girl... with a simple headache ?...

Was this young child serious ?

I know I didn't truly have the same symptoms like those sapphire eyed persons who became crazy and be beside themselves, but even if he knew about the plague, shouldn't he let at least any suspicion towards me ?

To tell the truth, his answer has touched me emotionally. I never expected him to have such a calm reaction, a normal boy would freak out and run away. It looks like... he wasn't worried because he was seeing someone who had caught Aisenma, he was worried for me.

As I calmed myself, the boy, who looked upset, yawned.

"Well, I'm not gonna annoy you more: you should need some sleep to work tomorrow, right ? It was nice to meet you. Goodnight !"

He started to calmly walk away, while carrying his leather bag, as he looked upset and guilty.

There was something I have to do.

"Wait !", I called him. "You don't have any home, right ?"

He turned back at me.

"How did you know ?"

"If you had one, you shouldn't be wandering there on your own, and nothing tell me where you were going could be called "home". If ever you are interested, you can take one night here, I might find you a place to sleep... Unless you prefer to sleep outside."

I was concerned for him. I doubted it was a good idea to spend the night outside, no matter if he was a child or an adult. I didn't know why I was taking pity for him, but the only thing I know, is that I couldn't let him alone.

The boy, who looked hesitant, watched around him, as he was still trembling from the cold. He finally sighed and went back towards me.

"Miss, can I spend the night here, pretty please ?"

I smiled lightly.

"Of course. Come here, little fella."

I grabbed him and helped him to pass through the window.

"Oop !" 

I was now carrying the boy in my arms, his arms and legs wrapped around my shoulders and my hip, and his chin resting on my bare shoulder, like he was cuddling me.

I nicely patted his hair.

"I'm pretty sure you too need to take some sleep."

"You're warm...", he murmured, enjoying the softness of my skin.

I smiled lightly.

He must be so exhausted after such a hard day, and it also seems he enjoyed to be in my arms. I bet the customers of the tavern could be jealous if they saw this young child so close to a beautiful woman like me.

"Don't be noisy: you're not supposed to be here.", I whispered.

If ever Helgenish would learn I would hide a child in our dorm, I don't think it would tolerate this, especially after what this boy has done on stage. Indeed, I don't think Yusufa would denounce me, but I can be sure that Melissa, Ellie or Violet wouldn't hesitate to tell Helgenish after being humiliated.

I needed to make sure no one know I was keeping a child here. However, I don't think my work wouldn't permit me to take care of him forever, and the only thing I wanted is that he was safe until he finds a proper home.

I carried the sleepy boy and went towards the wardrobe, opening it, as I slowly put him inside, in the middle of some unused laundry.

"There. You can sleep inside that wardrobe. Is that ok for you ?"

"I'll try too. Thank you, miss."

"You're welcome. Have a good night."

"You too."

As he moved the sheet and a few pieces of clothes to build his "bed", I silently started to close the wardrobe, when he told me.

"By the way, my name is Travis. What's your name ?"

"I'm Primrose. Primrose Azel... !!! Just Primrose..."

I closed the wardrobe.

Gee... I almost told him my family name... Although I have to keep it secret from anyone..

What did it take me ?

~At the following morning~

~Travis's POV~

"Hey... Wake up. It's time.", said a voice.

It was Primrose who just opened the wardrobe, and she was still in that funny outfit.

I annoyingly rubbed my eyes, as I was still pretty tired after yesterday.

"Mhh... Already ?..."

"Yes. You should take your breakfast now, before the others discover you."

"Can I just sleep a little longer, please ?..."

"Please, don't be grumpy. I don't know what fruit to choose for you between a pear and an apple."

"Did you just said "apple" ?"

~Just one minute later~

CRUNCH !

My bite was so big that my teeth almost reached the core ! It feels so good to eat a good juicy apple after not having eating one for so long ! One day without eating one was already too long for me !

Sitting in a chair, I ate the fruit with great pleasure and at such a speed that it impressed Primrose.

"What a good appetite you have !"

She looked amused, while she was also eating another fruit.

It was already the morning outside, but Primrose and me were the only ones to be awaken, the other dancers were still sleeping in the bedroom.

I watched curiously at the outfit of my new friend, which I found magnificent with all these jewels covering her arms, her neck, and e

"Bwy the way, Pwimwose..."

"Try to swallow your piece before speaking, that's not very polite."

Gulp !

"Sorry... I just wanted to ask: why are you and the others girls are dressed like that ? Is that because it's very hot outside ?"

She smiled at my question.

"Of course. With that stretchable and soft issue, it's also very useful to dance freely, and make sure our movements are flexible and skilful. This was also custom-made for seducing more customers...", she finished in a neutral tone.

"Oh... I hope they're not bothering you a lot when they admire you."

"That's nice to take my defense, but for now, I'm used to use my charm and to seduce men, but the most important is that I mostly dance by pleasure. I mainly use my dancing skills to expose all my grace and my beauty, alongside with my feminine silhouette to attract the maximum of customers."

CRUNCH !

"Like a fish attracting hungry cats ?"

"If you want. And the better we dance, the more the tavern will be flooded of customers."

I get it now why they were so many people in that tavern...

Despite her condition, I stayed positive.

"I'm glad you like to dance, that's good to have an hobby we like. And also, Prim... Can I call you "Prim" ?"

"If you want to."

"Would you like to dance around the world ? Like how would do a famous star ?"

"Mmh..."

As Primrose just finished eating her pear, she was thinking about it for a while, when she answered.

"Unfortunately, it's not in my projects to accomplish such a goal, I have still to work in that city..."

"Oh..."

"But if I have to be honest, I wouldn't say no when I'll have the opportunity one day.", she declared me.

CRUNCH !

I rubbed slowly my stomach after finishing my apple.

"Ahh... I haven't ate something since last night. All the merchants have closed their stalls right after I've been expelled from the tavern."

She stood up and collected the fruit's cores.

"The night isn't an ideal moment for working, you know. People always fear of criminals and bandits wandering in the hidden streets of that city. That city is not safe for uninformed people.", she explained while throwing the cores inside the basket.

"Where are we, again ?"

"You find yourself actually at Sunshade, the city of a thousand pleasures."

"A thousand... pleasures ?!"

Primrose nodded.

"It's supposed to be difficult to access as it is located in the heart of the southern desert, between the sandstorm and the monsters ready to attack anything which moves."

"Like these giant worms ?"

"You mean the sandworm ? These creatures are pretty tough and dangerous as well: they're used to hide under an oasis and waiting for their next prey to drink in the puddle before they attack by surprise. Heard their skin was hard enough to defend themselves against the thunder." 

Hearing about these creature creeped me out, especially after being chased by one of them. That's why the worm who attacked me yesterday was hidden below the oasis, and that's explained why my lighting superpowers were useless against him.

Now, I understand why Tressa didn't want we pass through the desert...

Primrose stared at me curiously.

"How do you know about these creatures ?"

"Err... Well... Ouch !"

I felt suddenly painful after moving my arm.

"What's wrong ?"

"My arm... is burning !"

As it hurt me a lot, Primrose examined my arm: there was redness on my left forearm.

"Mmh... It seems you got sunburned.", she watched at me, looking pretty serious. "Be honest: haven't you arrived in that town after crossing the desert all alone ?"

"...Yeah.", I answered, quite shameful.

She sighed annoyingly.

"Let me take care of your arm."

She brought me a kind of salve, and was about to spread an hazelnut sized amount on my arm, like how Alfyn was dealing with my back.

"Okay, now. This might stings a little."

"Ah !..."

The cream stung my skin while Primrose rubbed slowly her finger on my wound.

It's been a time since someone haven't cured me.

"Poor little guy... It wasn't very cautious from you to have walked during hours in that desert."

"It was very hot outside, with that sun. I had to remove my clothes to not get too hot."

"Don't you do that again ! It's strongly recommended to remove a shirt in that heat. You could have burned your skin for good and, even worse, you could have caught a skin disease by being constantly sunburned.", she adviced me with a calm but serious tone, making me concerned, when she told me."Anyway, you were lucky enough to have reached the village, else you would have finished as scorpion's barbecue."

Her last comment gave me such a bad feeling... Like a giant hungry worm wasn't enough !

She was done healing my arm.

"Thanks ! I feel better !"

"No problem. By the way, where did you think you were going by crossing the desert ? Haven't you thought twice before starting a trip with limited resources ?", she asked me curiously, like she was already concerned about my situation.

She was now sitting on the long bench, as she wanted to listen to me.

"I-I had a few fruits, but I never expected to run out of food in only a few hours. And to answer at your question, I was heading to Atlasdam."

"Atlasdam ?!", she exclaimed. "You know it's too far away from here, right ?"

"Yeps ! But thankfully, I'm glad to have at least reached a village for having extra supplies.", I answered proudly, without being worried.

"You say so ! Normally, it can take 3 weeks to go on foot."

"3 weeks ?!", I shouted, but not too loud to not wake up the girls.

"Shhh... Yeah, but if you really want to go there, I would advice you to take a carriage."

"A carriage ?"

"It's a public and practical mean of transport pulled by horses which travel through the realms. There's even a transport network which can bring you safely at another location if you have enough leaves in your pockets, and it's really useful to cross the desert safely. There's even one which stop at Sunshade and can bring you at Atlasdam in two weeks."

"Really ?! Where is it ?!"

I quickly got up and headed at the door.

"Hey, calm down !", she grabbed my arm."It's not possible yet, however."

"Huh ? But why ?!"

"Because it might be a safe mean of transport, but it's still risky for the carrier to go through the Sunlands carefully. That's why there's a carriage who stop at Sunshade only once per week, and I've heard the next one will arrive in no less than 4 days."

"Not less than 4 days ?! Oh, I couldn't wait all this time !..."

"Sorry, but I think you must be a little patient.", she apologized with a light smile.

4 days before I could go to Atlasdam ? But what am I gonna do during all this time ?

Primrose, who seemed intrigued, bent down at me.

"It seems that Atlasdam is intriguing you, Travis. Why do you want to go there so much ?"

"I... I'm sorry but I can't tell you why."

"And for what reason ?... !!!" 

We heard some yawns from the bedroom, making us alerted.

"They're up ! Just go outside !"

She helped me to pass through the window, so I could leave the apartment without making noise.

~Primrose's POV~

Yusufa was the first to leave the bedroom, followed by the others.

"Aaah... Morning, Primrose.", she yawned.

"Morning, girls. I've already prepared the breakfast."

The 3 others girls were still as tired as Yusufa. I admitted it wasn't easy for them to wake up at this hour, while I was used to wake up earlier sometimes.

While they started to eat some fresh fruits, I sat down on the bench, stretching myself.

"You seems to have waken up earlier than all of us as usually... Just what's wrong with you ?", asked me Ellie.

"Oh, nothing special. I just needed time to prepare myself for the show. So, I just stayed patient."

"Mmh... You're still daydreaming, right ?", asked Violet.

As I was already prepared, the rest of the girls were brushing their hair and putting on their sandals, when Melissa told me.

"I wish I had your confidence, Primrose. I couldn't imagine nodding off minutes before my cue."

"How nice it must be to be the master's favorite !", added Ellie.

"..."

I stayed calm at her comment while I stood up for strengthening the bracelet which maintained my ponytail.

While Yusufa had trouble to put her new sandals on her chair, the three green colored dancers were ready for the show.

"Fine, go on and keep your airs. Act as though you're better than the rest of us.", said Ellie.

Melissa looked amused as well.

"It doesn't change the fact that you're just another dancer in the sands, Primrose. Nothing but a kept woman, here to flatter the dignity of men who pay for the privilege."

"... I suppose you're right.", I answered her.

Even if me and the rest of the girls were all typical dancers, the fact I was a better dancer wasn't the only thing which differentiated myself from the others. With them, I've always shown myself to be reserved, to be the kind of woman hiding my feelings and desires from anyone else.

Yusufa also seemed concerned by my daily behavior, as she was staring me like she was carrying for me.

"Shh ! Enough chatter ! Master Helgenish is coming !", warned Violet.

We calmly assembled ourselves in the middle of the room, when we heard some loud steps.

BLAM !

"DO I KEEP YOU WOMEN TO TITTER HERE IN THE SHADOWS ? MY CUSTOMERS ARE WAITING FOR THEIR ENTERTAINMENT !"

The door was brutally open, revealing a furious Helgenish, which made the girls flinching.

We all stayed calm and wise as he walked across the room, his hands behind his back. He looked to be totally on edge.

He spoke.

"You know, I was deeply disappointed by your performance last night: it's not very common that MY kitties fail miserably at the last pose ! I thought, for a moment, that you would, like any cautious people who care for earning their living, what we call "catching up a mistake"... But now, I understood I was wrong to imagine you were practicing your style, and instead... YOU FIND NOTHING ELSE THAN GABBING ALL YOUR CLAIMS AND WHIMS ?!!" 

"But master, I swear if the other brat hadn't messed up everything, we might have not..."

"WE'RE NOT IN A DAMN PLAYGROUND, FOR GOD'S SAKE !"

His yell quickly interrupted Melissa, who better knew to shut her mouth.

He grumbled loudly.

"The opening act should be on that stage already. Now, get out there and earn your keep !", he ordered us.

We were about to left the place, when Helgenish stopped me, while the rest of the girls went through the door.

Yusufa stopped at the entrance and we exchanged a look, as she looked worried and concerned about me.

After she quickly joined the others, Helgenish muttered by looking meanly at the others..

"What a bunch of useless strays...", he then turned at me, but with a less intimidating glare. "But not you, Primrose... You are the only one I can rely on."

His large hand slowly caressed my cheek.

"You flatter me... Master.", I responded, by taking a flattered look.

"Oh, hardly. Why, this tavern's custom has increased tenfold since you stepped on our stage ! But do not go forgetting yourself. It was I who groomed you for this role."

"And I will be forever grateful for that, Master.", I thanked him by acting like an innocent woman.

He slowly walked towards me, making me stepping back a little, as he fell back in his memories and spoke low.

"You were an ignorant girl when I picked you up. Completely useless, I've taught you everything you know."

"..."

SLAP !

He slapped me, making me turning around. The pain was such that my cheek went red.

"What happened to your sweet little smile ? Who puts a roof over your head, and food on your plate ? Who bought the jewels that adorn your pretty neck ? Who made you the most sought-after dancer in this dusty old town ? It was me.. all me. You owe me, kitten. And I'll see that debt repaid.", he warned me menacingly, retaining his contening anger.

"....."

Helgenish wasn't wrong at all. Since a few months, I was behaving slightly differently when I wasn't dancing: I smiled less than usually and felt more reserved and dreamy. In reality, maybe it was linked to my ambition to kill the crows which sometimes pushed me to be absent-minded. My own feeling of grudge against them was betraying my personality.

"Yes, Master...", I answered in a low tone.

He smirked, when he temptingly caressed my chin.

"Good then. Purr sweetly, and I may give you a treat. Don't dally when you're done with your show. I will be waiting in my chamber. I'll have you purr for me some more."

To be honest, he was disgusting me, and it was hard to not feel humiliated by his awful manners...

The door opened.

"Primrose ! It's your cue."

It was the stagehand man which waited at the entrance.

"...I'm coming.", I answered.

After he left the place, I heard Helgenish's voice ordering me.

"Put your face back on now, kitten."

"Yes, Master."

He finally left the dorms.

What an oppressing man. The more he was menacing, the more I have to be careful to my words and my talents of actress towards this man.

I went outside and looked for Travis, but he wasn't anywhere.

He must have hidden himself from Helgenish...

Unfortunately, I don't have much time with him: the customers was waiting for me as the others must have almost finished their show.

I hoped he'd be fine to wander alone in the city, as he's kind of cautious. Maybe he will profit to visit the city during the day, after all it might not be the prettiest city but neither the ugliest. I'm sure he's got money to buy a treat at the bazaar, and maybe he would also find his job, even if he looked so young...

Anyway, I have to go dancing.

~Travis's POV~

I was hiding in the narrow streets to make sure this big man would notice me. There was another window at this side of the building, where I could have witnessed such an awful scene.

Poor Primrose... I couldn't believe this evil man was hurting me and humiliating her like this. He was such a bully towards these poor dancers who didn't do anything wrong, as it was my fault if they messed up their show yesterday. Even Prim was abused by this big bad sir, just because he found she wasn't dancing very well, although she was doing her best she could do.

This lady Primrose was pretty nice with me, I didn't expect she would permit me to sleep at her home without I ask her, and even if I disturbed her show yesterday, she wasn't seeing me like a coward. And by the way, I wanted to help her.

I couldn't support to imagine what this man was doing to her without she even tried to complain, so I would like to help her getting out of her mess. However, I still have to go in Atlasdam, and to find out from that professor Albright about what the yellow helmet man was preparing.

For whatever reason, that girl was quite strange: even if she was quite sympathetic, it looks like she had such a specific way of thinking for a dancing girl. Indeed, she looked more reserved and serious than the other dancers, and I didn't get why she was working for that abusive man. What was obliging her to do so ?

What kind of secret was Primrose hiding from me ?

She didn't even want to tell me the name of her family.

Azel... I think I've heard something like that somewhere...

I also never expected she had caught Aisenma, but she looked different to the big man I've seen at S'warkii. She was more having a headache than acting crazy... was that because it was only a single eye which became blue ?

I understood why she wanted to keep it secret, but I was still curious about how she could have caught that damn disease...

Anyway, it was always the same thing: I move from a place to another, and I make a friend.

"Here we go again...", I said to myself positively, while leaving the narrow street.

One more time, it was now the 7th person who helped me in that vast world. But this girl wasn't anyone ! She was clearly the pixelized girl I've seen on the Nintendo Switch ! And her name "Primrose" started by "P" like one of the letters in "OCTOPATH" ! Just the letter "C" to find, and I will manage to gather the pieces of the puzzle together !

I'm such a true detective !

Even if I was worried for her, I needed to stay calm for the moment. I guess Primrose must be busy, so I don't have to annoy her, as I've been already expelled from the tavern. So what am I gonna do during for day in that city of pleasures ?...

"Mmh..."

I could visit the village and buy some things, but I have to make sure I save enough money to purchase. Maybe I will find something interesting !

Blip ! Blip ! Blip !

A buzzing sound could be heard.

I was pretty confused as there weren't any phones which has been created yet in that medieval world...

I looked around me, when I noticed the sound came from inside my bag.

I watched inside the bag, when I found the source of the noise.

"Huh ? What's wrong with my compass ?"

The silver compass which Captain Leon gave me was acting weirdly: a red light point was flickering in a single direction, even if I turned the tool.

Although I didn't understand what's happening to my compass, what if it had a meaning ? What if this read point was showing me a place to go... Like the emplacement of a treasure ?

"Leon never told me about that !"

~3rd POV~

Meanwhile, a mysterious person was standing in the desert, contemplating the entire city of thousand pleasures.

He seemed to hide a muscular buddy with his large black coat, and his face was hidden by a hoodie. He also made sure to hide properly his left arm, when he spoke.

"It's been a time I haven't been hanging around in that godforsaken place."

~

A/N: Okay, who's the hell is this guy at the end ?! Who knows ! The only thing I can tell you, is that it's not the yellow helmet man, because even if he can teleport himself, he can't be at 2 place at the same time !

Well, now many chapters are left before this book ends ? Mmh... I might have written 75 percent of the story (with 6 travelers prologues), but there are still so many chapters I need to write. During my break, I managed to write the scenario details of the end of the book, and it wasn't the first time I needed to do that. In my progression, I modified some parts of the scenario 2 or 3 times, but it was especially centred with the last 2 travelers arcs.

With my second year of study where the working schedule has been arranged in two years for some personal reason, if ever I'm able to publish one chapter per week, this book would end at the beginning of 2020. I could say I went a long way !

By the way, I also invented the name of the 3 other dancers who lived with Primrose and Yusufa, to make sure they don't have a silent role.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed that chapter, and see you next time !