CHAPTER 149: MADAME’S STORY!

Rin didn’t even think twice.

The moment he saw her face, the tears at the corner of her eyes, he rushed forward. His arms wrapped around her tightly... so tight she gasped.

He didn’t know why he did it. She wasn’t his mother. She wasn’t family. But after hearing about the sudden attack at the academy, after fearing she might have been among the dead, Rin couldn’t stop himself.

"You’re alive," he whispered into her shoulder, his voice shaking a little.

The woman let out a weak laugh, though her hands trembled when she patted his back.

"Of course, I am, child. Don’t cry. I’m here and alive."

Only when Rin pulled back did he notice the walking stick in her hand. She shifted her weight onto it, wincing. Rin’s chest tightened.

"You’re hurt?" he asked quickly, eyes scanning her. "What happened? How did you get hurt?"

"It’s not hurting anymore," She shook her head gently. "Sit, Rin. Calm yourself first. I’ll explain."

"Sure, I apologise," he stepped back and tried to calm himself.

.

The boutique was new, still bare. No staff hovered around, no servants bustling. She led them to a small sitting area at the back where a couch and table were set. To Rin’s surprise, she made tea herself... her movements were a little clumsy, but careful. It was all because of her injury.

He watched her closely as she poured the steaming liquid into cups. The flicker of the weak mana light made her face look older, lined with exhaustion. Still, her smile stayed kind.

"Here," she said, handing him a cup before settling beside him. "Drink slowly, it’s hot,"

Rin took it, but his eyes didn’t leave her. "Tell me what happened. Please. I was worried about you when I heard about what happened at the academy,"

The Madame exhaled deeply, clutching the teacup in both hands as if for strength.

"It’s a long story, but I’ll try to make it as short as possible,"

"I don’t mind," Rin replied, with a short nod.

"That night... it started with an argument," she began softly. "My husband came to the boutique drunk again. He wanted more money... for gambling. I refused. He had been spending his money on gambling, and I was worried. He was slowly becoming an addict and that’s why I didn’t give him. He called me names, shouted, and threw things around the boutique at me before storming out. I cried... and I sent the staff away. I didn’t want them to see me like that."

Rin clenched his jaw, his grip tightening on the cup. He hated men like that.

She went on, voice trembling,

"After he stormed off, I tried to fix the mess. Clothes were scattered everywhere. The mana light went out, so I used candles. The boutique felt so quiet. But just as I finished, I heard screams. They were so loud and terrifying. At first, I thought it was a fire. I rushed to the door..."

Her eyes clouded, her fingers tightening.

"...but there was blood. On the glass. Then I saw them. Demons with horns. They were cutting people down like they were nothing."

Rin’s breath hitched. The image of what she was talking about flashed in his mind. He could tell how horrible the sight would be.

She swallowed hard.

"I froze. I gathered my bag, running to the back door, but then I heard my husband banging on the front door. I opened it... I thought he would protect me. Instead..."

Her lips trembled.

"...he shoved me outside. He locked the door behind me."

Rin’s eyes widened.

*He what? How could he...?"

"He looked at me through the crack," she whispered, voice breaking. "He said it was payback... for not giving him money for gambling."

Rin slammed his cup on the table, tea spilling. "That bastard!"

She flinched, but Rin’s anger wasn’t for her. His fists clenched, his whole body trembling. Inside, his thoughts were harsher:

’He deserved to die. Fucking scumbag. You don’t shove your wife out to demons... Ugh! Men in this world are so pathetic,’

The Madame’s eyes watered.

"While he was there, laughing at me, I saw a demon behind him. I tried to warn him but he didn’t listen. I screamed at him to look behind. Because the back door... it was wood and it’s so thin. The demon broke through it easily. And I... I saw..." Her voice cracked. "I saw my husband torn apart."

She paused, holding her chest as if it hurt to breathe.

"I fainted. When I woke, I was lying among corpses. They must have thought I was dead too, because of all the blood. That’s how I survived."

Silence fell. Only the faint dim of the mana light remained in the quiet room.

Rin sat frozen, throat dry. He didn’t want to apologise for what happened to her husband because he deserved it. Maybe he deserved even more. Finally, he muttered,

"I’m glad... you’re alive."

Her lips trembled into a weak smile.

"So am I."

He then remembered the walking stick she was holding and lowered his gaze.

"But..." He asked softly, "What about your leg?"

"Oh! It happened when he shoved me out," she said quietly, tapping her stick, "I fell off the stone step. Twisted my leg badly. It’s healing slowly."

Rin bit back the urge to heal her right there. He couldn’t reveal his powers. Instead, he forced a smile.

She reached out suddenly, touching his cheek.

"I heard what happened after you left. The whole town knew about it. Your identity was revealed and everyone could stop talking about it. I was so worried, Rin."

Rin tilted his head, looking away.

"It’s been more than two years already. I’m fine. Thank you."

They drank their tea quietly for a moment before Rin cleared his throat.

"Actually, I came here for a reason. I need an outfit for the Prince’s birthday ball."

"Ah," she nodded slowly. "I can help. I don’t have many ready-made clothes, so you’ll have to come back. Let me measure you first."

She fetched her tools. Rin stood, arms out, while she measured him quickly.

When she finished, Rin suddenly asked.

"Do you need help?"

Her eyes blinked in confusion. "Help?"

"I can send you Omegas to work here," he said simply.

She froze. "You... you would do that?"

Rin nodded.

"You’re new to the capital. It’ll be hard to manage alone." He turned to Kiro, who was munching on sweets like he hadn’t eaten in days. "How many Young Omegas at the brothel?"

Kiro perked up, counting his fingers as he munched faster.

"Twenty-three!"

Rin narrowed his eyes.

"What about from age thirteen to seventeen?"

Kiro counted again, tongue sticking out.

"Ten."

Rin looked back at the Madame.

"Will that be enough?"

She was too stunned to answer at first. Tears glistened in her eyes.

"...You... you know them?"

"They’re my people," Rin said simply, shrugging. "They’ll be happy to help you,"

Her lips curved into a trembling smile.

"You’ve grown into such a good man. Thank you, Rin."

He gave a small nod.

When he stood to leave, she promised...

"I’ll let you know when the dress is ready."

"Good. I’ll be expecting it,"

Outside, night had already fallen. Rin blinked at the dark sky.

"Huh. I didn’t even notice it was dark yet."

He smiled. He remembered that whenever he was with Madame Boutique, he would chat with her till it got late.

"Come now, Kiro. Let’s head back before Aunt starts searching the whole city for me,"

Back at the brothel, Rin turned to Kiro.

"Go tell Lirien she’s back. Report everything to her including the ten Omegas for work. Tell her if she has more questions, she should come to me,"

"On it!" Kiro dashed off.

Rin walked toward his room, yawning. But before he reached the door, he saw Theron leaning against the wall, arms folded.

Rin frowned. "What are you doing here?"

"Lirien asked me to do a little check-up on you. Just to make sure you’re safe after what happened yesterday."

He wanted to send him back but he didn’t do it. Rin just sighed as he clicked his tongue.

"...Fine. Come in then."

He unlocked the door, pushing it open. Both he and Theron froze.

Someone was lying on Rin’s bed.

Theron’s hand instantly went to the door.

"Should I call the guards...?"

"No." Rin raised his hand quickly. His eyes narrowed. "I know who it is. Do the check-up first."

Theron looked uneasy but obeyed, checking Rin’s pulse, eyes, and body carefully. Finally, he pulled back.

"You’re healthy," Theron said. His next words made Rin grunt. "And not pregnant."

"I guess that’s good," Rin muttered, rolling his eyes. "That’s also..."

Warm arms suddenly wrapped around him from behind. Rin stiffened. A familiar scent, a familiar heat.

"Not pregnant?" A low voice whispered in his ear. "Should I get you pregnant? My Rin."

Theron’s eyes widened. His grip tightened on his lap as his gaze snapped to the man behind Rin.

Lucien.