ARC: Curse of the Royal Tribulation

Chapter 89: Under My Jurisdiction

As their blows landed on an unintended victim, the two men came to an abrupt halt, bewildered by the sudden turn of events.

What the hell, I told you to back off! yelled an irate Glover.

The gloating, cloaked patron couldnt help but taunt, You two dont look so tough now, do you?[1]

Their eyes met once again, sparks of fury igniting a burning flame inside of them.

Before Thales had a chance to intervene, Glover charged forward once again, letting out a string of expletives as he did so.

Fuck you! he bellowed, his fists clenched tightly.

The cloaked patron stood his ground and didnt back down, responding with a punch of his own, Up yours!

With a loud thud, the two burly men collided once more, their bodies coming together in a violent dance. They pulled apart and then clashed again, the sound of their fists connecting echoing through the corridor as they revelled in the brawl.[2]

Listen up, if you ever dare to lay a finger on Lilian again with your filthy handsargh!

What, does it hurt? Hehe, if you ever try to harass her again, this is what youll getaaah!

Ive never lost a fight since I was a kidugh!

Ive never been in a fight because no one dares to mess with meow!

Ive taken more lives than youve had loverswaaah!

Ive had more lovers than youll ever takeer, wait, let me rephrase thatouch![3]

Thales observed Kommodore lying motionless on the ground as the two men revelled in their physical altercation. He rubbed his face in frustration, at a loss for what to do next.

Suddenly, a powerful and stern womans voice boomed from a distance, cutting through the commotion, Enough! This is the Laya Club!

Oddly, upon hearing the voice, the two men grappling on the ground simultaneously quivered.

Thales turned around to see a breath-taking woman holding a lamp, her figure shapely and her features striking. Walking behind her was a listless and sickly-looking man, followed by a meek Sissy with an innocent face.

As soon as the stunning woman entered the scene, not only did Glover and his opponent halt their fight, but even the whispers echoing in the corridor subsided.

Her steps were light and her hips swayed gracefully, but her countenance was as cold as a winters night. She approached Thaless side, and he quickly lowered his head. With a fiery gaze fixed on the burly man beneath the cloak, she spoke fiercely, You there, get up!

Her anger was palpable, yet every little movement and expression she made was filled with a charm that was truly mesmerising.

The burly man raised his head and mumbled awkwardly, Miss Lilian...

Lilian, with her eyebrows arched, scowled and barked, Get up!

Without any more hesitation, the man immediately released Glover and scrambled away, clumsily trying to stand up.[4]

So this is the main hostess of the Laya Club, Miss Lilian? Thales mused.

Glover gasped for breath, his eyes fixed on Lilian as if he were in a trance.

You, she held his gaze for a long time before speaking in a cool voice, step aside.

Glovers face was a mix of emotions, looking both stirred and ashamed at the same time.

Lilian... he uttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lilians beautiful eyes opened wide, and she commanded, Step aside![5]

Glover responded immediately, as if he had received a military order, standing up and stepping back in a flash. Thales couldnt help but wonder if he had ever executed Mallos commands with such precision.[6]

Lilian swiftly turned her head and gazed at the slightly ajar doors lining the corridor. What on earth are you all doing with nothing to occupy your time?

With a sweep of her eyes, Lilian bellowed out, Well then, go find a man to entertain yourselves with! And if thats not an option, then find a woman!

Before Lilian could utter another word, the girls who had been hiding behind the doors scurried away, their closing doors creating a chorus of muffled thuds. The dim and enigmatic corridor was once again cloaked in silence and stillness.

Glover and the patron hid their bruised faces under their cloaks and stood on either side of the corridor with their hands behind their backs. They looked like two mischievous children caught in the act, trying to conceal their guilt.

Lilian lifted the lamp, illuminating the scene and revealing Kommodore writhing in pain on the ground. She furrowed her brow and turned to the listless man behind her, instructing him, Tinker, help him up.[7]

Tinker approached with a heavy sigh and helped Kommodore to his feet. Come on, buddy, he said, pull yourself together. We cant have anyone dying in the club.

Glover stepped up to assist the man in propping up Kommodore and called out the mans name, Hey, Tinker.

Tinker gave Glover a glance and pulled the corners of his mouth, You couldnt have come at a worse time, Chubby.

Chubby?

Thales was taken aback, sizing up Glover. He couldnt fathom why he would be nicknamed Chubby.

Tinker sighed and said, Laya Ma fell ill in angerthe Black Bands just left a short while ago.[8]

Glover wrinkled his brow and asked, The Black Bands... you mean the Brotherhood? Are they causing trouble?

Tinker shook his head, unwilling to elaborate. His gaze towards Glover was distant and complex.

After handling the group of people, Lilian turned to the third person standing with their head bowedSissy.

Enjoying yourself? Lilian asked with a cold tone.

Huh? Sissy looked up, their face etched with surprise and innocence. I, Im just trying to attract customers, you know, for the sake of performance...

Attract customers, your mother! Lillians emotions erupted, and she shouted in anger, I shouldnt have let your eggless ass greet the customers!

Sissy trembled suddenly, looking pitiful and on the verge of tears. Lilian sis, I...

Seeing Sissys wretched state, Lilians heart softened, and she let out a deep sigh, waving her hand dismissively. Forget it; you better go mind your own business

Sissy immediately broke into a smile through their tears. Hehe, sis...[9]

Lilian raised her eyebrows and said, Get lost!

Keep acting up, and lets see if Ma wont sell you to the Desert! Sell you to the Barren Bone People as food!

Sissy knew better than to push their luck and quickly turned to rush downstairs. Before leaving, they shot a final cute face at Thales

Thales observed the unfolding situation and quickly realised that things were becoming more complicated. He knew he couldnt afford to reveal his true identity just yet, so he decided to keep a low profile and stay out of the spotlight.

Glover and Tinker brought Kommodore to Thales side, helping him lean against the wall to rest before turning their attention back to Lilian.

Glover took a deep breath and hesitated before speaking,

Lillian, I was just... but before he could finish, Lillians hand connected with his cheek; the sharp crack of her slap lingered in the air, punctuating the tense silence.

Get out! Get out of here! Her voice shook with anger as she pointed towards the stairs. We dont want you here!

Thales flinched in surprise, and Tinker opened his mouth to say something but thought better of it.

Glover touched his stinging cheek, staring at Lillian with a dazed expression. He didnt even could muster feel angry, just stood there, stunned.

Lilian, I...

Glover couldnt bring himself to meet Lilians gaze as he struggled to find the right words. He drew a breath and shifted his focus to the cloaked man standing before them. Is he here to...

Lilians expression hardened, her eyes flashing with anger.

Hes my man! she snapped.

Glover was left speechless.

The burly man beneath the cloak flinched at her words, mechanically turning his head to face Lilian.

What? He... him? Glover stared at Lilian in disbelief, then at the burly man, visibly crushed.

Lilian, the main hostess of Laya Club, held the burly mans arm tightly, her fingers tracing a slow, sensual pattern over his bicep as she sneered at Glover. Didnt you know? she purred. Hes a regular here. His size, strength, and endurance are unmatched. He always leaves me feeling... so satisfied, night after night.

Despite her display, Thales sensed a faint tension in the burly mans body.

Ahem... yes! Im her man! The patron said hastily, succumbing to Lilians intimidating stare. He awkwardly allowed her to wrap his arm around her shoulder.

Glovers head drooped, and his fists clenched tightly. Even with the concealing hood of his cloak, a slight tremble could be seen in his form.

Im not here to stir up trouble, he said, taking a deep breath.

Tinker let out a sharp sigh. Hmph, thats for the bestyouve already caused enough trouble as it is.

Glover stiffened at the barb, taking a step forward with an intense gaze that was laced with guilt. Lilian, Tinker, I just came to...

Shes made herself clear! The cloaked patron by Lilians side smoothly disentangled himself from her embrace. He grabbed Glovers shoulder and pushed him back. Youre not welcome here!

But this time, Glover looked dazed and unprepared. He made no attempt to resist and crashed into the wall after being shoved by the other man. As he hit the hard surface, his wounds from the whip stung, and he drew in a sharp breath, gritting his teeth in pain.

Lilians expression darkened.

Tinker noticed as well and asked with a furrowed brow, Chubby, are you hurt?

Glover took a deep breath and shook his head.

Beneath the shadowy cowl of his cloak, the patron allowed a wry smirk to play upon his lips as he flexed his fingers into fists. Ha! he sneered. Youre far too cocksure for your own good. Perhaps next time, choose an alias that befits you better...[10]

But before he could finish his taunt, Lilian whirled around in a blaze of fury and delivered a sharp blow across his cheek with the back of her hand, leaving the patron momentarily frozen in place, his hand instinctively flying up to soothe his now-stinging cheek.

Huh? Thales furrowed his brow.

You! Why did you have to hit him so hard? Lilian seethed, jabbing her finger at Glover with barely concealed wrath.

The cloaked man looked from Lilian to Glover, a sudden wave of indignation and bewilderment washing over him. I... he began, his voice trailing off uncertainly.

Not him, Glover gasped in pain, speaking up to clarify, These wounds were left by my superiors whip this morning.

Lilian quickly caught on, studying Glover with a complex gaze before letting out a harsh exclamation, Serves you right!

She then turned and pushed open a door before marching inside, saying, You guys come in!

Tinker, get the first-aid kit.

The listless man frowned.

He... he began to object before Lilian interrupted him, her impatience showing. Just go!

Glover shook his head weakly. Ive already taken care of it, he said.

Lilians eyes blazed with anger as she spun around. Shut up! she snapped. Get in here, now!

Glover fell silent immediately, and Thales watched in surprise as the tough-looking man obeyed Lilian without further question.

And the one who collapsed, bring him in too, Lilian added.

Thales hurried over, and with Glovers assistance, they brought Kommodore into the room and carefully laid him down to rest.

Lilian didnt bother asking for Glovers permission as she forcefully pulled out a chair and made him sit down. With practised skill, she removed his outer garment, revealing the blood-stained bandages on his upper body.

At the sight of the wounds, Lilian muttered angrily, You... only know how to get yourself into trouble!

Glover hung his head in shame and remained silent, as meek as a kitten. Despite her stern words, Lilians hands never faltered as she removed Glovers bandages and expertly tended to his wounds.

With a muttered curse, the cloaked patron strode into the room, his hand rubbing his swollen chin. He looked with surprise at the bloodstains on Glovers body and asked incredulously, You fought me with those?

Glover, sporting a black eye, recognised the voice and snorted angrily. He refused to show weakness. Nothing special, he replied. Even if my head were chopped off, I could still beat you to a pulp.

The patron scoffed, Id like to see you talk tough with...

Enough with the blabbering!

Both of them promptly shut their mouths.

As for you...

Lilian turned her head to give the cloaked patron a sidelong glance,

What are you still doing here, huh? Unless you really want my services?

Glover furrowed his brow, looking up warily.

The patron under the cloak shuddered.

Nah, nah, he waved his hand with a smirk, Alright, Im outta here...

The patron slipped out of the room like a thief and shut the door behind him.[11]

Talk about rotten luck.

He shook his head, wincing in pain as he accidentally aggravated the bruises on his face.

At that moment, a voice came forth,

Hey, wait up.

The patron lowered his head and saw that the shortest member of the trio had also slipped out unnoticed and was now standing next to him. Thales frowned and studied the cloaked man intently, his gaze probing and curious.

The bulky man hastily put on a straight face, masking any indication of discomfort.[12]

What is it, kid? Do you want to help your brother get even with me? He brandished a clenched fist in a menacing gesture.

Thales observed the mans cloak with a sidelong glance and crossed his arms.

What if I am? he retorted.

The man let out a chuckle and said, Dont even bother. With a build like yours, you couldnt make the cut even if you trained for ten years!

The cloaked man waved his hand dismissively and turned to leave.

Thales remained unperturbed, his gaze following the mans retreating form. Then he spoke in a low voice, Kohen.

The figure draped in the cloak visibly flinched, much to Thales satisfaction, at the sound of his voice.

The burly man paused for a beat, then resumed walking as if nothing had happened. But Thales wasnt finished yet.

Kohen... Karabeyan? He called out again.

Thales watched with anticipation as the burly man stumbled and fumbled to keep himself from face-planting onto the ground.

It took a full three seconds before the cloaked patronFirst Class Officer of the Western Police Station, Sir Kohen Stupid Idiot Karabeyanturned his head, his body trembling.

You... how did you know?

Thales sneered at him. I didnt. You seemed familiar to me... I merely asked on a whim.

And then you confessed.

Kohen stood frozen, his eyes locked on Thales for several seconds. He threw back his hood and strode forward, his expression twisting into a fierce scowl.

You! What noble family do you belong to, little brat? he demanded.

Thales stepped back, retreating deeper into the shadows to conceal his face. You dont need to know who I am, he replied. All you need to know is...

Thales was about to continue when he felt a sudden jolt of danger, a surge from his Sin of Hells River-honed senses. With just that as a warning, Kohens arm thrashed towards him like a tornado, forcing Thales to raise his own arm to block the blow just in time.

Quick reflexes, Kohen snorted.

But in the next second, Kohens fists and elbows came flying towards Thales in a flurry of attacks.

Wait Thales tried to say, but the police officers aggressive onslaught forced him to focus solely on defending himself with all his might.

As the fists, elbows, and legs collided, Thales realised the intensity of the situation and how Glover must have felt moments earlier. Kohens attacks were like a relentless tidal wave, growing stronger with each blow, leaving Thales with barely enough energy to defend himself, let alone mount any counter-attacks. In the midst of the suffocating barrage, Thales felt the Sin of Hells River surging wildly within him, a reflection of Kohens own inexhaustible Power of Eradication.

In mere seconds, Thales found himself entangled in a ferocious exchange of blows with Kohen. He felt a pit form in his stomach as he realised that things were not looking good. That was the first time he truly felt the weight of Kohens Power of Eradication.

It was...

Ever-flowing, ever-growing, unrelenting, and persistent;

Solid and sturdy, fast and urgent, overwhelming Thales to the point of breathlessness.

Pfft, you think you can blackmail me just because you think youve figured out who I am? Kohens cold chuckle rang through the air. Blackmail a Kingdoms police officer? You miscalculated!

Thales defences had to be lightning-fast, leaving him gasping for air. Though Kohens style seemed crude and simplistic, his movements were smooth and powerful, rendering Thales completely helpless. With every strike, Thales could only groan in agony, his body wracked with pain...

If this were the Thales of old, the Thales before hed ventured into the Great Desert, he would have been defeated in just one or two blows.

Thales grappled to maintain his position, his thoughts running wild. Strange, he pondered, didnt Wya say that this big idiot was a weak fighter in Eckstedt? He couldnt hold his own against anyone he met and always ended up beaten. Why is it different now?

Wya, he muttered to himself, you lied to me!

Ill tell you what, Kohen gloated as he watched the struggling figure in his grip, at a time when I was spreading terror in the Northland and beating the living daylights out of the Northerners until they were reduced to nothing but quivering cowards, you were probably still a mere twinkle in your fathers eye![13]

After another simple, unadorned jab, Kohen pushed him to his limits. Thales lost his balance and crashed into the wall behind him.

Here you are, barely out of your diapers, already getting yourself mixed up in this kind of mess? Tsk tsk, just as I suspected, you spoiled brats with nothing in your heads but women... Kohen extended his massive arm and pinned Thales down.

If I were your dad, Id tan your hide so hard you wouldnt be able to sit for a week, he grumbled, and yanked off Thales hood.

For a moment, the room went silent.

The two men locked eyes, Kohens bulging and wild, while Thales looked down, red-faced.

Several seconds ticked by in the still silence.

Kohen, Thales finally said, taking a deep breath. Just hear me out, okay?

However...

Kid, you...uh, Kohens tone started off confused, then turned into puzzlement,

You seem... kind of familiar?

That momentarily caught Thales off guard.

But then he realised that the poor lighting in the corridor prevented Kohen from recognising him.

Perfect!

Thales started to wriggle free from Kohens grasp, eager to pull his hood back over his face. But before he could do so, the door to the room burst open with a sudden flood of sunlight, illuminating the corridor and the two figures in its golden glow.

In that brief moment of clarity, Kohens eyes widened in shock as he caught a clear glimpse of the teenagers face. His eyes nearly popped out of their sockets in surprise.

Hey, I need to use the restroom. Chubby wants you in Tinkers head popped up at the doorway.

However, as his eyes landed on the two of them entwined, he arched an eyebrow and quickly changed his tune, Oh, my bad. Didnt mean to interrupt.

Tinker seemed quite accustomed to this kind of situation, deftly offering his apologies and slamming the door shut behind him.

The two figures, pressed against the wall and staring intently at each other, were left standing in the dim and suggestive corridor.

In the brief flicker of light, Kohen finally recognised the young man before him, Wait, youre... he trailed off, struggling to believe his own eyes.

Your-

Thales was startled, quickly keeping him from finishing, Its Wya!

Im Wya, Thales blurted out, glancing around warily and giving Kohen signals to be discreet.

Kohen was taken by surprise.

But whether it was because Kohen knew the real Wya or because the similarly disguised man finally started using his brain, he promptly let go of Thales and grinned widely.

Oh wow, Wya! Its really you, buddy! Kohen playfully patted Thales on the shoulder like they were old pals.

Shaking off his restraints, Thales breathed a sigh of relief. He glanced at the numerous doors lining the corridor and put on a forced smile.

Ha ha ha, how fortunate to see you, Ko he began, but Kohen interrupted him, quickly correcting him.

Lorbec! he said, preventing Thales from using his real name. Im Lorbec. Lorbec Deira, the police officer chuckled, pointing to himself.

Thales swiftly caught on and chuckled along.

Oh, Lorbec, my dear friend! he exclaimed, giving Kohen a playful pat on the chest.

To an outsider, it would have appeared as though two old friends who hadnt seen each other in ages were caught up in a moment of excitement.

Dammit, why did I have to bump into this big idiot?

Dammit, why did I have to run into this troublemaker?

Their gazes met, and they vigorously slapped each others shoulders and chests, a hint of hidden competitiveness underlying their actions. Suddenly, the door cracked open, and light spilled into the corridor.

Can I use the restroom now Tinkers head appeared in the gap, but he froze upon seeing their hands on each other.

For crying out loud, its been ages, Tinkers face twisted with impatience as he pulled back his head and slammed the door shut. And you two are still fooling around?

The sound of the door closing brought them back to reality, and they let go of each other with some awkwardness.

Kohen, oh, I mean, my dear friend Lorbec.

What brings you to Red Street Market?

Kohen stumbled for words.

Uh, patrol...patrolling?

Thales raised an eyebrow.

Really?

Kohen cleared his throat and spoke with more confidence, As you know, Im an officer from the Western City Police Station. And Red Street Market happens to fall... under my jurisdiction.[14]

Thales gave him a sceptical look.

But Kohen was quick on his feet. Wait a moment, the police officer spoke with a righteous air, his shrewdness reminiscent of a teacher catching a student playing hooky.[15]

Your Wya, buddy, what are you doing here?

It was Thales turn to hesitate. The Prince remained silent for a few seconds before returning Kohens gaze with equal firmness. Patrolling, he answered.[16]

Kohens face twitched. What?

Thales raised his fist and coughed discreetly into it. Ahem! As you know, I am the Second Prince of the Constellation Kingdom. The entire Capital City...

Is under my jurisdiction, Thales finished, his tone serious as he lifted his head.

Kohen was taken aback for a moment, then squinted his eyes and looked at Thales with a disbelieving expression.

Thales let out a mirthless chuckle and met Kohens gaze with equal intensity, refusing to yield.

One second passed, then two, then three...

In the dark corridor, the Prince and the police officer locked eyes, silently conveying their disdain for the feeble excuses that had been offered.

As they engaged in this silent confrontation, each determined to outlast the other...

There was a sharp sound as the door swung open once again. What more do you two want... Tinkers impatient voice trailed off, and his face materialised in the doorway. But as his eyes scanned the corridor, they came to rest on Kohen and Thales, standing in a silent, tense confrontation.[17]

Holy shit, he muttered under his breath, observing the two men, who seemed oblivious to his presence. Resigned himself to the situation, grumbling as he closed the door, They really take this to another level...

Finally breaking the tension, Thales and Kohen averted their gazes, clearing their throats.

As the echoes of their coughs faded away, they looked up and spoke in unison, their voices overlapping as they explained themselves,

You see, the Police Station sometimes dispatches agents to gather intelligence...

Well, uh, as the Prince, I sometimes need to observe the common folk...

Each man seemed more focused on his own words than the others. They relied on subtle facial expressions to gauge the conversations progress, not realising how their voices had become a jumbled mess.

Fortunately, Thales and Kohen seemed to be on the same wavelength, and they arrived at the same conclusion,

So, about this meeting of ours... Kohen hesitantly broached the topic.

Thales needed no further explanation, Theres no need to let anyone else know about it? he replied, his gaze fixed on Kohens.

Silence lingered in the air as the two men exchanged a heavy nod of agreement. They shook hands firmly, reaching a rare moment of accord with a resounding Mmm!

But before they could say another word, the door was violently flung open without a hint of consideration.

Tinkers head peeked through the door once more, his face contorted with anxiety. I just wanted to remind you that there are plenty of empty rooms here, he grumbled, his fist clenched in frustration. Cant you two stop loitering around? I really need to take a leak!

[1] gloating; , lit. to take joy in calamity and delight in disaster (idiom); fig. to rejoice in other peoples misfortune.

[2] revelled in; , lit. isnt that a joy? (quote from Confucius).

[3] than youll ever take lives this is just my humble guess. I (py lozi) used arrogantly or jocularly. Just read it as This daddy

[4] scrambled away; , trying frantically to escape (idiom).

[5] beautiful eyes; , (of a woman) eyes of a phoenix; eyes slanting a bit upwardly (considered pretty in the Chinese traditional aesthetic viewpoint).

[6] in a flash; , (idiom) three-down-five-reject-twoneat and quick (originally an abacus formulawhen add three to two, three, or four on an abacus, move down a five piece of the upper part, and reject two of the two, three, or four in the lower part); in a jiffy.

[7] Tinker; I translated his name as Tink last chapter, my apologies. I already fixed it.

[8] Laya Ma, I translated as Layas Mommy before.

[9] : to turn tears into laughter (idiom); smile through ones tears.

[10] Too cocksure; , not have a proper measure of oneself; overrate ones abilities.

[11] slipped out of the room like a thief; , to walk quietly on tiptoe (idiom).

[12] masking any indication; , spread fast as if on wings; spread like wildfire.

[13] Not used in this particularly order but for you all get the idea: spreading terror and reduced to cowards; , lit. to rebuke Heaven and Earth (idiom); fig. command the wind and the clouds; shake heaven and earth; all-powerful. , to piss ones pants in terror (idiom).

[14] confidence; , speak out sternly from a sense of justice; speak with the force of justice. I once made a note about this idiom, but I guess I did it again.

[15] quick on his feet; , a bright idea suddenly occurs (idiom); to hit upon an inspiration, to be struck by a brainwave.

[16] equal firmness; , in the right and self-confident (idiom); bold and confident with justice on ones side.

[17] tense; , full of tender feelings (idiom); (soft eyes) exude tenderness and love.