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On the edge of the Empire, in a quiet border town, Saeko Busujima and Venom walked the streets with Mine, looking for a place to eat.
As they wandered along, they passed by a clothing shop.
Venom glanced at Mine and suddenly realized something. Aside from the ragged cloak draped over her, the girl had nothing else to wear.
"I don't think I've got any clothes in storage that would fit her… How about we buy her a few things?"
He looked toward Saeko, waiting for her opinion.
"I think that's a good idea. That outfit really isn't suitable."
Saeko smiled at Mine, nodding. She clearly thought the same.
So, the three of them stepped into the shop together.
For a small border-town store, the selection wasn't bad at all. Saeko led Mine through the racks, carefully picking out outfits that might work for her.
Venom, on the other hand, had no intention of meddling in clothing choices. He simply stood off to the side, waiting quietly.
"How about this one?"
Saeko's voice reached him after a while.
When Venom turned, he saw Saeko and Mine walking over.
Mine now wore a simple white dress. Her little face was still smudged with dirt, and her pink hair messy and tangled, but she looked surprisingly good in it.
"Not bad. Let's go with that one."
Venom nodded, glad he didn't have to pick. He went to the counter and paid.
When he returned, Mine seemed to be whispering something to Saeko.
"What's wrong?" Venom asked.
Saeko smiled softly. "Nothing big. She just feels like she doesn't deserve to wear something so nice."
Mine had confessed she thought her lowly status meant she wasn't worthy of such clothes.
Venom crouched down in front of her, smiling gently.
"You don't need to overthink it. I bought it for you—so just wear it."
With that, he stood and headed out of the shop.
Saeko quickly took Mine's hand and followed after him.
A little further down the street, they found an inn.
"Do you want to bathe first, or eat first?" Saeko asked Mine kindly, waiting for her choice.
Mine looked around nervously, then down at her dirty clothes, and answered softly, "Bath."
"Alright, bath it is."
Saeko gave her a reassuring smile and led her upstairs to a private room.
Venom stayed below, ordered a couple of side dishes, and ate alone while waiting.
By the time Saeko and Mine came back down, the difference was startling.
Mine's little face, scrubbed clean, was pale but cute. Her pink hair was neatly brushed, her white dress spotless. She looked like a tiny porcelain doll.
Venom ordered a few hot dishes to the table.
The moment Mine saw all the food, her eyes welled up and she started crying.
Saeko hurried to comfort her, then encouraged her to eat.
They stayed in that town for two days to let Mine recover—her frail body couldn't handle long marches.
Once she regained her strength, Venom and Saeko took her with them and continued toward the Imperial Capital.
Half a month later, they finally arrived.
Most of the delay had been for Mine's sake; she simply couldn't endure constant travel. During that time, Mine had insisted on helping with their daily chores. Venom and Saeko didn't refuse—taking without giving back wasn't right, after all.
At the towering city gates, Venom tilted his head back to gaze at the heart of the Empire—the palace, where the Emperor lived.
He'd chosen to take the form of a teenage boy. If he showed up in his true monstrous state, panic would spread instantly.
Saeko and Mine, both wide-eyed, stared curiously at everything around them. It was their first time in such a grand city.
Mine now wore a neat little maid's outfit, looking every bit the part of a tiny attendant.
"Let's go in," Venom said after a moment, and strode toward the gates.
Saeko and Mine quickly followed.
After paying a few tolls, they officially entered the capital—and were instantly met with bustling, lively streets.
Even though Saeko came from the modern world, the old-world charm of the place—like something out of Paris centuries ago—still felt fresh and fascinating.
Seeing their excitement, Venom decided there was no rush. He let the two of them explore the streets.
Women, though… when it came to shopping, their stamina seemed endless.
Ten hours later, Venom was bored out of his mind, while Saeko and Mine were still full of energy.
"It's late, and we should probably find somewhere to stay," Venom finally muttered, exasperated.
"Alright, next time we'll continue," Saeko said cheerfully.
"Next time? You've got to be kidding me," Venom groaned inwardly, swearing to himself he'd never go shopping with women again.
Mine, on the other hand, looked reluctant to stop—clearly, she loved it.
The three of them began searching for an inn.
But as if fate were mocking them, every single one was fully booked.
After asking around, they got a "recommendation." Saeko gave Venom a strange look, but Venom just nodded, satisfied.
Following the directions, they soon arrived at… a brothel.
Under the combined weight of two very sharp gazes, Venom gritted his teeth and booked a room.
The three hurried upstairs without another word.
To be fair, the brothel's rooms were luxurious—finely carved furniture, velvet bedding, everything top-notch.
Venom stepped onto the balcony, flung open the windows, and stared out over the glittering city.
"So… what's your plan now?" Saeko asked as she joined him, looking at the city bathed in night.
"Do you want to be a general?" Venom asked with a smile, turning to her.
"If that's what you want," Saeko replied, smiling faintly.
Just then—knock, knock, knock.
Someone was at the door.
Puzzled, Venom opened it. Standing there was a girl in a kimono, her golden hair gleaming under the lantern light. Her face was delicate, her chest well-developed, her figure shapely even beneath the loose robe.
"Yes? Can I help you?" Venom asked, frowning slightly. He had just arrived in this city—how could anyone already be looking for him?
The girl blushed, lowering her gaze shyly.
"Sir… would you like some… service?"
"..…"