CHAPTER 116: INFORMATION?

Morning sunlight slipped through the red curtains of Rin’s chamber, casting streaks of gold across the polished wooden floor. He sat before the mirror, lips pursed, eyes narrowed, running a comb through his hair again and again until each strand fell perfectly into place.

His movements were precise, almost ritualistic, as if perfecting his appearance could shield him from the chaos of the world outside.

He exhaled and leaned back, setting the comb down with a soft click. Reaching for a small bottle of dark dye, he poured the shimmering liquid over his pale silver-white hair, watching as it darkened into a rich, glossy black.

The transformation was subtle but effective, hiding the trait that made him too recognisable in a world where his face was a target.

"Good," Rin murmured, tugging at his reflection’s cheek in the mirror. "Even if someone stares at me too long, they won’t know who I am."

He wasn’t done. With a fine brush dipped in ink, he carefully painted several tiny moles across his cheekbones and near the corner of his lips, each mark deliberate and precise.

When he leaned back again, he smirked at his reflection. The face staring back was handsome... too handsome, even under the disguise. He looked like he belonged on a theatre stage, not hiding from the Vortellions or the crown prince.

Rin brushed his chin proudly, then adjusted the crisp white shirt he’d chosen—simple but perfectly fitted, paired with dark trousers that hugged his frame just right. He stood, smoothing the fabric, and gave his reflection one last nod of approval.

The door creaked, and two of the brothel boys poked their heads in, their eyes widening in unison before they burst into giggles. "Oooh! Rin’s getting ready for a date!" Kiro sang, clapping his hands together, his voice high with excitement.

"Our Golden Goose finally found someone to preen for," Lia teased, leaning against the doorframe with a grin.

Rin rolled his eyes, snatching the brush from the table and tossing it at them. "Get out before I pluck your feathers and roast you both."

They ducked out, laughing harder, their voices echoing down the hall as they scampered away. "Don’t forget to kiss him under the lanterns!"

Rin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, his lips twitching despite himself.

’Why do I even bother hiding? They can smell gossip before it even forms.’

A knock came, gentler this time, pulling him from his thoughts. He opened the door, and there stood Sasha, the leader of the Crow Team. He looked... different. Gone was the usual leather gear and shadowy cloak that marked him as a spy.

Today, he wore a clean navy tunic, dark trousers, and boots polished enough to catch the morning sun. He’d even tied his messy dark hair back, though a few strands escaped, falling into his warm brown eyes.

Rin raised an eyebrow, his tone teasing. "You look like you’re trying to seduce a princess."

Sasha grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck, his cheeks faintly pink. "Well, I’m trying to impress someone better."

"Ah... I see," Rin said, his lips twitching into a small smile. "Let’s go."

Before leaving, Rin turned back to the common hall, where the other brothel residents lounged, some sipping tea, others playing cards. "Do not leave the house," he called, his voice firm but not harsh. "If I have a guest, tell them to leave. Don’t disturb the new omegas either. Understood?"

They saluted him dramatically, some waving, others grinning as he and Sasha stepped into the bright street. "Have fun, Golden Goose!" one called, earning a chorus of laughter.

For once, Rin felt free. Without his veil, without the weight of eyes clawing at his every move, he walked through the city with a lightness he hadn’t felt in years. The black hair and fake moles worked... people glanced, admired his beauty, then looked away. No swarming, no whispers of the Golden Goose or his rare silver hair. Just a man walking through the bustling capital.

Sasha stayed close, one hand lightly touching Rin’s lower back, a protective gesture that warned others not to approach. Rin didn’t shake him off. For some reason, the warmth was comforting, grounding him in a way he hadn’t expected.

"What do we do first?" Rin asked after a block, his crimson eyes soft under the sunlight, scanning the busy street.

Sasha hesitated, his hand still resting lightly on Rin’s back. "...I don’t know. I’ve never been on a date before."

Rin snorted, stopping to face him. "Neither have I."

They stood in the middle of the road, staring at one another as if expecting the other to suddenly have the answer. The city swirled around them... vendors calling out their wares, horses clattering over cobblestones, laughter ringing from a nearby tavern. The normalcy of it all felt strange, almost foreign to Rin after years of hiding.

Finally, Rin broke the silence, his voice light. "Let’s just eat sweets. Lots of sweets and everything that looks good."

Sasha’s eyes lit up, his grin wide and boyish. "That... sounds perfect."

.

.

They began their adventure at a street vendor’s stall, where the air was thick with the scent of roasted candied chestnuts. Rin handed over a few coins, and they shared a paper bag, popping the warm, sugary nuts into their mouths as they walked. Next came honey cakes, dripping with syrup that stuck to Rin’s fingers, forcing him to lick them clean with a laugh.

Then brightly colored jelly cubes wobbling on skewers, their vibrant hues catching the sunlight. By the time they sat down on a bench outside a small canteen, each holding a bowl of ice cream, Rin’s lips were sticky with sugar, his mood lighter than it had been in days.

He scooped a spoonful of the creamy dessert and let it melt slowly on his tongue, closing his eyes as the cold sweetness spread. For a moment, he was lost in it, the simple joy of the treat pulling him away from the weight of the Vortellions, the crown prince, and the Game. But his mind betrayed him, dragging him back to a memory he’d tried to bury.

The first time he’d eaten ice cream in this world, Ezra had been with him. Ezra’s laugh, warm and bright, had filled the air, his golden hair catching the sunlight as they chatted like they had been long-time friends that day. The memory stung, sharp and unwelcome, and Rin shook his head sharply, forcing it away.

’Don’t think of him. Don’t ruin this.’

Sasha noticed, his spoon pausing halfway to his lips, his brown eyes softening with concern. "...Rin? Are you okay?"

"I’m fine," Rin said quickly, forcing a smile as he slid the spoon into his mouth, letting it hang there carelessly. He tilted his head, crimson eyes narrowing in mock irritation. "Stop staring at me like I’m about to cry."

Sasha chuckled softly, his shoulders relaxing, but he didn’t push. Instead, he glanced around, checking the passersby before leaning closer, his voice low and serious. "I didn’t want to bring this up during our date. But... I think you’ll want to hear it."

Rin’s eyes widened slightly, his spoon slipping from his mouth as he set his bowl down, suddenly alert. "...Information?"

Sasha nodded, his expression growing grave. "Yes, and it’s about your father."