Warm water streamed from the showerhead, falling entirely upon the girl curled in the corner of the bathtub.
The sensation of the water against her skin, the fragrance of shower gel lingering in the air—little Kafka's face was distant, lost in thought.
Echoing in her mind were Bai Heng's words from earlier.
"Kafka, is it? Alright, then from now on, this… is your home too."
Home—that word embodied everything good in the world.
Happiness, warmth, all of it was wrapped up in that simple word.
Yet, as simple as it was, to Kafka now, it felt deeply unfamiliar.
A parent's love, the bond between siblings—all of it had faded from memory after life in that prison.
So, even now, Kafka was still turning Bai Heng's words over in her mind.
But by the time she had finished washing, she still hadn't found an answer.
Pushing open the bathroom door, little Kafka stepped out, her small feet swallowed by slippers twice their size.
The living room was dark, save for the faint glow from the entryway, just enough to make out the tall, slender figure seated on the sofa.
He sat with legs crossed, the ember of his cigarette brightening and dimming with each breath.
Just then, Bai Heng noticed the movement from the bathroom. His gaze shifted, meeting the small figure's eyes before he spoke:
"All clean? Come here then."
His tone was casual, yet carried an undeniable authority.
A flicker of tension crossed Kafka's face.
Though she'd never experienced it herself, the strong impressions left by her past told her that being cleaned often preceded something far more terrifying.
Yes, in that dark warehouse, Kafka had seen it many times.
Older girls, much bigger than her, would be dragged into another room after being washed, their screams soon tearing through the air.
Yet, knowing this, Kafka still walked toward Bai Heng, her steps trembling slightly.
When the scent of his cigarette reached her, his lazy, low voice sounded again:
"There's an unwritten rule here on Pteruges-V."
"If you want something, you have to pay the corresponding price."
"I can give you a stable life, enough food, a good environment, even a proper education."
"So then, here's the question."
"What can you give me in return?"
Crushing out his cigarette, Bai Heng looked at the girl, waiting for her reply.
Meanwhile, little Kafka mustered her courage, fighting back her unease as she met his dark eyes.
Even she knew about this rule on Pteruges-V.
But what could a girl just freed from captivity possibly have to offer?
Well, if she had to name something… there was one thing.
Biting her lip, Kafka lowered her head… and let go of the towel.
As the white bath towel slipped to the floor, everything she was lay exposed before him.
Yes. Herself.
That was the only bargaining chip she had.
It was the decision she'd made back in that prison, the moment she took this man's hand.
No matter what might happen, she was willing to gamble.
She wanted the power he possessed, the ability to control her own future—even if it came at a cost.
But her action only made Bai Heng pause, still seated on the sofa.
Then, slowly, he lowered his head.
A moment later, a suppressed laugh escaped his throat.
At first, he held it back, but within seconds, the laughter burst forth unrestrained.
Until finally, it filled the living room, loud and unreserved.
Watching him, Kafka's small face showed only confusion. She didn't understand his reaction, what he found so funny. She could only stare blankly, waiting to see what he would do next.
After a while, as if he'd finally laughed enough, Bai Heng caught his breath, stood up, and walked over to her.
He bent down, picked up the towel, and wrapped her up haphazardly like a mummy before grinning:
"I've really been looked down on, huh."
"Hey, kid, you didn't actually think I'd be interested in that underdeveloped body of yours, did you?"
"Try again in ten or even twenty years~"
As he spoke, under Kafka's puzzled gaze, he pulled a first-aid kit from under the coffee table.
In that brief moment earlier, he had seen it.
The gaunt frame covered in wounds, some still seeping blood that had stained the towel with specks of red.
Those were the marks she carried from that prison.
That was Pteruges-V for you.
Children and the elderly, those who couldn't fight back, were the easiest targets.
Pulling Kafka closer, Bai Heng began treating the wounds on her back with antiseptic and cotton swabs, all while saying:
"The so-called price… it doesn't always have to be paid right away."
"It doesn't?" Kafka's voice was tinged with doubt.
"Nope. It's like a loan. If the borrower can't repay immediately but meets certain conditions, payment can be deferred until they're capable."
"Right now, you fit that description."
"So… you mean I should make a move on you in ten years?" Kafka tilted her head to look at him, her words stunningly blunt.
Even Bai Heng's hands stilled for a moment mid-treatment.
'Where did this bizarre yet sharp understanding come from?'
He sighed inwardly, then continued:
"Relax, I won't be coming for you even then."
"What I want in return is simple."
"Until you grow up, live well. Don't let your fears consume you. Don't become a demon."
"In the meantime, I'll teach you how to fight, give you a proper education, and train you to be an excellent demon hunter."
"That's right. I don't want anything else."
Finishing the last bandage, Bai Heng clapped his hands lightly, his tone detached:
"What I want… is your future."
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T/N: blud might be a master groomer
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T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.