There was no doubt—Ryuji was a man of discipline. No matter how amusing this companion of his was, he would only entertain her for a little while before getting back to more serious business.
"Let's see if those legal prostitutes ladies can bring me a miracle this time..."
He sighed, letting the female brawler drag him to the entrance of a small general store.
But the moment he saw the petite girl struggling to move boxes outside the shop—and the female Brawler walking toward her—a question mark slowly popped up on his forehead.
And then... the bad feeling turned into reality.
"Yo, Kanina, long time no see."
The girl moving the boxes lit up with a bright, innocent smile when she saw Galina.
"Hello! Big Sis Galina! Did you need something from me?"
"Relax. It's good news."
Galina stood in front of Kanina, casually folding her arms under her chest with a confident grin. She spoke seriously.
"Hey, Kanina, didn't you say you were short on money? Well, I found you a job—super easy, fast cash. And supposedly, it's pretty—"
Before Galina could finish that extremely dangerous sentence with her usual calm face, Ryuji instantly appeared behind her. One hand shot up to cover her mouth, and he yanked her away from the innocent Kanina.
Caught off guard, Galina struggled. Unsurprisingly, her strength exceeded his by a wide margin, and she easily broke free.
"Mmmph!? Ryuji! What the hell are you doing?! I'm helping you fin—"
"Shut up!!"
He clamped her mouth shut again before she could say another word, stuffing her intentions right back where they came from.
Then he stared at her like she was insane.
"Are you out of your mind?! She's a child!"
He pointed at Kanina, who was watching with a puzzled, curious expression.
"You're joking, right?!"
But Galina just looked at him, completely deadpan.
"Uh? You're the one joking. Kanina's old enough to get married, okay?"
"...Huh?"
He glanced at the girl, who had now stood up straight, then back at Galina's exasperated face. Confused, he looked at Kanina again.
"Is that true?"
"Mhm, it's true!" Kanina put down her box, flexed her arm in a strong pose, and beamed. "Kanina's a grown-up now! Everyone says I'll make an amazing wife one day!"
Nope. Nope nope nope. Still not okay!!
He stared at the smiling Kanina, feeling an overwhelming urge to ask what the hell was wrong with the idiot Brawler beside him.
But Galina just nodded earnestly, like everything made sense.
"See? She said she's fine with it."
With that kind of IQ, I could sleep with you eighty times and you'd pay me for it.
Ryuji covered his face with his hand and waved her off.
"Forget it. I'm tired."
He should've known better than to expect anything from this woman.
Sighing deeply, he turned and headed toward the pub they passed earlier. Galina tilted her head, confused by his sudden slump in spirit. Just moments ago, he had been full of enthusiasm.
Still, since he clearly didn't need her anymore, the clever Brawler decided her debt of gratitude was now settled.
"Guess I've repaid my debt! But if you ever develop a resistance to my poison, I'll still honor our previous promise!"
She waved her hand energetically, calling out a farewell to Ryuji's retreating back.
He had absolutely no intention of dealing with her any further. Without sparing her another glance, he walked straight into the pub.
The moment he stepped inside, a warm sense of familiarity washed over him—as if he had returned home. Watching the scantily clad young women move gracefully through the room, a smile naturally crept onto his face.
These ladies didn't boast the kind of strong, thick thighs that practically screamed to be touched, but their full, fair legs possessed a different kind of delicate charm. Especially as the sheer, ribbon-like skirts slipped and fluttered along their white legs with each movement, it stirred his imagination toward the dark, hidden places beneath—mysteries waiting to be unveiled.
Their long, flowing hair gave off alluring fragrances as they passed by. When those locks—blonde, black, red, and everything in between—cascaded over fair or bronze skin, it created a visual contrast so enchanting it could make anyone dizzy.
And when one particular girl leaned against him—a girl with long black hair, fair skin, and a yellow dress—he caught a soft scent of roses wafting from her body.
Unable to resist, he lifted her smooth chin and let his other hand wander naturally along her exposed back, his fingers gliding over the flawless skin. The delicate texture gave him a deep sense of satisfaction.
"How much would it cost to pluck such a lovely flower?" he asked with a confident smile, eyes locked onto her charming face.
What he heard in return was a delightful surprise.
"Picking flowers doesn't cost anything," the lovely girl replied, flashing a sweet, enchanting smile. "But the minimum drink fee here is ten gold coins."
Still smiling, Ryuji pulled a few coins from his pocket. Without hesitation, he let his hand drift to the girl's chest, letting the golden coins slip across her pale skin and disappear into the dress that clung tightly to her body. The gentle clink of gold sent a light jolt through the slender strap on her shoulder, and just beneath it, the faintest blush of pink peeked through.
Clearly, this yellow rose had more than just a pleasant scent—her curves were generous, and her dress was clearly designed by someone with a deep appreciation for seduction and style.
"Nothing I can't handle," he said smoothly. "And what may I call you, young lady?"
The golden coins and his demeanor seemed to amuse her. Her smile widened like a blooming flower.
"Aren't you even going to guess?" she teased, leaning in closer.
Now her soft, ample chest was pressed fully against him, and her smooth, round thighs brushed against his leg. Every curve, every inch, was within reach.
Naturally, he felt a rush of excitement. He gave her round, supple bottom a gentle smack and grinned.
Now that's what I call professional.
So much better than that muscle-brained brawler.