ARC: Curse of the Royal Tribulation

Chapter 90: Accursed Realm

When Thales stepped back into the room, Lilian had already attended to Glover, giving him medicine and rewrapping his bandages.

What is he doing here? Lilians hands continued their work as she furrowed her brow, stealing a glance at Thales, who appeared oblivious, before refocusing on Glover.

Is this yet another one of your bodyguard duties? Babysitting some high-and-mighty young master? Even when hes off indulging in his vices?

Glover cast a meaningful look at Thales and gave a subtle nod.

Thales cleared his throat. Pleased to meet you, Miss Lilian. Um, I am the Second Prince...[1]

Sensing Glovers terror-stricken gaze and Lilians puzzled expression, Thales quickly interjected with a smile. ...s attendant.

Wya Caso, he added, feigning a chuckle as he rubbed his hands together and positioned himself in a corner.

Glover let out a sigh of relief and lowered his head to sip some water.

Lilians eyebrows arched in surprise, unwittingly emanating a captivating aura. Oh, the Princes attendant, she remarked. You certainly seem quite impressive, dont you? Are you here to have fun?

Thales waved his hand dismissively and tucked himself away in the corner, attempting to appear inconspicuous.

No, no, no. Im just...here to take a peek, he said.

Lilian cast a swift appraisal at him, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. The Princes attendant, is it? she inquired.

A knowing smile played on the womans lips. So, Wya, does that imply that your duties involve... attending the Princes cock?

A sudden, involuntary sound escaped Glovers lips as he choked on his drink, spewing a mouthful of water all over the table.

Thales expression stiffened, his face frozen in a mask of rigid surprise.

After a sip...

Thales let out a forced, twisted smile, attempting to alleviate his own embarrassment.

Haha, ahaha, he chuckled nervously, his eyes betraying a hint of unease.

Maam, you certainly possess a unique sense of humour... he managed to utter.

Lilian raised an eyebrow and gave Glover a sidelong glance. So, Chubby brought you here for some... company, didnt he?

Glovers expression wavered. Thales hastily waved his hand in protest. N-no, thats not it at all...

Disregarding Thales response, Lilian sensually stroked her lip, her thoughts slipping out loud. Hmmm, I doubt someone like him could handle the fiery spirits of Cosette and Olivia. They are insatiable little minxes, after all...

A glimmer of mischief danced in Lilians eyes as she locked her gaze on the young man. But perhaps I could personally attend to your needs, hmm? she proposed.

Thales found himself completely caught off guard.

A sudden, jarring impact resonated through the air...

No!

Glover, still with droplets of water on his face, reacted instinctively by forcefully striking the table with his hand.

No!

Trapped within the grip of Glovers intense, agitated, and even somewhat menacing gaze, Thales felt his heart skip a beat. Yet he managed to summon a smile,

Youve misconstrued things, Miss Lilian... I, um, I truly didnt come here with any intentions of...[2]

Lilian caught on and felt a tinge of embarrassment,

Oh, I see now. You didnt come here for the girls.

Thales let out a relieved sigh and flashed an embarrassed smile in response.

Yeah, thats not... he started to say.

But Lilians eyes darted, and she smiled anew.

No worries, we have male companions as well!

Thales smile stiffened.

Whether youre into beefy hunks or skinny boys, quirky middle-aged men, or even mature elder men...[3]

Thales expression shifted once more, and he vehemently shook his hands.

No, no, no, I dont want men either...

Men arent your thing either?

Lilian raised an eyebrow and gave him another once-over.

The main hostess of the club glanced outside and let out a weary sigh.

Believe me, young sir, Lilian said, giving Thales a peculiar gaze, Sissy is pretty and knows how to scratch a mans itch, but theyre not an easy one to handle. If you get involved with them, you may not have a pleasant experience.

Huh? Sissy?

Thales was momentarily taken aback but quickly grasped the situation.

I- Thales blushed furiously, struggling to find the right words while avoiding direct reference to the nature of the establishment, I really didnt come here to do... to do business with you!

Glover, who had been looking increasingly uneasy, discreetly whispered a reminder to Lilian under his breath, Lilian!

A few seconds later, the hostess at the Laya Club chuckled, finding amusement in Thales embarrassment.

I know, Lilian said, crossing her arms and swaying her upper body in a seductive curve, emanating an air of sophistication and worldliness. I just wanted to ascertain whether you truly didnt know what you were getting into or if you were simply easily embarrassed.

Thales was once again stunned, gazing at her with a mixture of bewilderment and confusion.

Now it appears, Lilian remarked, giving him another appraising glance and shaking her head with a disapproving tut. Its both.

She covered her mouth and let out a laugh.

Haha, a little wet-eared indeed.

Thales expression hardened.

He wanted to make it clear that he wasnt there for that; really, he wasnt...

However, Lilians playful teasing had come to an end, and her demeanour turned icy.

Now if you guys are quite done, get lost, she said in a frosty tone.

Glover hesitated at her words.

Lilian, I didnt intend to... he began, attempting to explain himself.

Thats right! You didnt intend to! Lilian interrupted sharply, her tone revealing her uncompromising nature. You said the same thing last time![4]

Glovers voice faltered, instantly deflating his spirits.

Thales felt a lump form in his throat, his instinct urging him to retreat further into the corner, attempting to distance himself from this unfolding lovers quarrel.

However, Lilian was not finished. Anger and pain flickered in her eyes,

But the burns, cuts, and scars on my bodythe shame and marksthey havent faded! she exclaimed.

In a shocking and unapologetic move, this captivating yet fierce girl boldly lifted her flimsy top, exposing her exquisite upper body before the two of them. The sight left Thales and Glover so startled that they instinctively turned their heads and squeezed their eyes shut.

Do you want to see? Look! Lilians voice took on a slightly different tone, a mix of anguish and an insistent demand, as she locked her gaze onto Glover, who still refused to lift his head.

Your achievements? Look at what youve given me!

Even though it was just a fleeting glimpse by chance, Thales had seen enough. Despite Lilians captivating beauty, her upper body, from neck to chest, from waist to abdomen, bore numerous scarsa haunting sight that stirred a profound sense of anguish within him.

That unexpected revelation left him startled and filled with questions. What kind of grievances and tangled history had accumulated between Glover and his beloved to result in such a peculiar and unsettling relationship?

The room filled with the rustling sound of garments being hastily donned, and the tension was palpable in the air.

Open your eyes, Lilians voice cut through the silence, icy and devoid of warmth.

Im all dressed up, she sneered.

Im sorry, Lilian, Im so sorry, yet Glover remained with closed eyes, his voice trembling with anguish,

I truly apolo-

But Lilian interrupted him, her tone sharp and biting. Oh, sorry? Offering apologies? She spat out her words, laced with a potent mix of hatred and heartache.

Whether before or after, thats the only thing youre capable of saying, she continued, her voice carrying the weight of their complicated emotions.

Having finished dressing, Lilian let out a cold, bitter laugh and averted her gaze, resembling a lover who had long lost their passion.

For fucks sake, every... single... time.

Glovers complexion turned ashen, drained of all colour, as the weight of Lilians words crashed upon him. He staggered, his body trembling as if struck by a devastating blow.

Thales stood silently in the corner, afraid to utter a single word.

That wasnt his battlefield.

A few seconds later, faced with Lilians heartlessness, Glover rose wearily,

I... understand.

He struggled to steady himself against the table, turned towards the door without even acknowledging Thales,

Ill... leave now.

At that very moment.

Wait! Lilians voice rang out once again, cutting through the air with a cold and distant tone.

Glovers body froze in place.

Wait until your blood has dried, Lilians gaze shifted to the bandages adorning Glovers body, her expression a mix of complexity. Theyll scare off the guests.

Lilians footsteps echoed as she made her way towards the door.

Glover remained motionless, not daring to even turn his head to look at her, let alone speak.

What are you staring at? Lilians attention shifted to Thales, the silent observer in the corner. Her gaze sharpened, and she made a deliberate move to loosen her clothing, My tits?

Thales was startled and quickly lowered his head.

Lilians eyes lingered on him for a brief moment, and then she emitted a soft chuckle, laden with charm. With that, she gracefully walked out of the room, pushing the door open.

Hmph, wet-eared.[5]

The resounding click of the door closing filled the dimly lit room. Thales and Glover, finally alone, released simultaneous sighs of relief.

The former found solace in leaning against the wall, while the latter slumped unsteadily into a chair. One lost in profound thoughts, the other resigned to the weight of the situation.

Glover? Thales cautiously ventured.

The weariness in Glovers voice was palpable as he replied, Yes, WyaYour Highness? He caught himself halfway through his response, realising there was no one else present and reverting to the respectful address.

A pause ensued, both of them lost in their own thoughts. It appeared that the lingering influence of Lilian had not yet dissipated.

In the end, Thales broke the silence with a sigh, How is Kommodore faring?

Glover snapped back to attention, his voice distant as he replied,

Tinker moved him to another room. He needs some good restboth mine and Young Master Karabeyans punches are challenging to withstand.

A furrow formed on Thales brow, So, Kohen, you recognised him?

Glover nodded, his emotions still at a low ebb and his mind elsewhere,

When we called off the fight.

Once again, the two fell into silence.

Finally, unable to contain his thoughts any longer, Thales spoke up,

Regarding what just happened...

However, his words were abruptly cut short as the door swung open once more. Both Thales and Glover instinctively fell silent, their gazes averted from each other.

Ah, that piss took forever, but damn, it felt good, Tinker remarked with contentment as he pulled up his pants and entered. His gaze swept over the room, taking note of Glovers downcast mood while conveniently overlooking the presence of the shorter, somewhat cowering figure of young Thales in the corner.

Hey, I saw Lilian leave, Tinker settled himself in a seat in front of Glover, releasing a heavy sigh as he did so.

You... you gotta understand her, Chubby, Tinker said, using the nickname that made Glover shiver involuntarily.

I get it, Zombies voice snapped him out of his reverie, his gaze meeting Tinkers with a sense of gratitude and closeness. Thanks, Tinker... brother.

Tinkers forehead creased.

He wanted to say something, but ultimately remained silent.

There was a moment of hesitation, and his hand extended as if to give Glovers shoulder a reassuring pat, but he pulled back upon noticing the bandages that adorned Glovers body.

So, Tinkers expression became complex, did your boss lash you again, like last time?

Glovers countenance grew gloomy, and he shook his head. Not the same.

Tinker let out a soft grunt.

Will you have the same rotten luck as last time? You know, being locked up for months

No.

Glover quickly shook his head, denying the possibility, and his gaze instinctively shifted towards the corner of the room. I... got a new boss, he explained quietly. He... is somewhat reasonable.

Thales, adopting an I dont know you stance, swiftly lowered his head.

Well, thats good, Tinker, seemingly unaware of the underlying dynamics, didnt pay much attention to the subtle exchanges and released a long sigh. During those days, Lilian was on the verge of losing her mind.

At the mention of her name, Glover reacted, trembling once again.

The two men sat in silent contemplation.

I dont understand. After a few seconds, Glover, seemingly regaining some spirit, recalled something and grew indignant. That outsiderthe cop

Glover halted mid-sentence, glancing at Thales and adopting a more formal address. I mean the police officer.

Tinker responded with nonchalance, shaking his head slightly. Hmm?

Glover withdrew his sceptical gaze.

Hes not Lilians man?

No, Tinker chuckled softly, shaking his head. Lilian says hes a good man, too good.

So good that he cant be her man.

Glover fell into a brief silence, grappling with the weight of those words.

So, hes not her man... Which means youre just cooperating with the cop? he inquired.

Tinker responded with a derisive laugh, Cooperating? That dim-witted cop? With that little bit of brain of his?

Thales, standing nearby, arched an eyebrow, allowing himself a moment of silence for Kohens reputation.

He actually believed we were cooperating with himmaking him feel important so that he would provide us protection in return.

Tinker sarcastically remarked, Lilian has known him for a long time. I must admit, sometimes that guy can be quite handy.

He glanced at Glover for a brief moment.

Much better than relying on a certain enemy-infested noble bastard son to protect us, wouldnt you say?

As those words reached Glovers ears, a momentary pause seized him.

I... he began to speak, but anticipating his reaction, Tinker impatiently waved his hand, dismissing his response.

Alright, I was just kidding, A sigh escaped him as he gestured towards the door, beckoning Glovers attention elsewhere.

That cop, Kashenyan, or whatever his name is, arrived a few years ago as a wide-eyed rookie, much like the rest of those fresh-faced officers. Impulsive, stubborn, and brimming with lofty ideals of fairness and justice.[6]

After the One Night War, he bounced around from the Black Street to the Underground Street, from the Red Street Market to Linhe Street, from the Brotherhood to the Iron Bat Organisation. He stirred up quite a commotion in the Lower City District and the Western District, unsettling the peace. Needless to say, he failed to garner much favourwhispers circulate even among the cops; there are many who dont think highly of him.[7]

Thales felt a flicker of curiosity, digesting Kohens activities over the years.

Having exceptional skills and being tough is one thing; after all, weve encountered cops of that sort before, Tinker remarked, crossing his arms with a hint of sarcasm tainting his voice.

But what Ive heard goes far beyond the ordinary, he continued. Rumour has it he even served on the Western Frontline. The gangs top brass are wary of crossing paths with him. Otherwise, with his level of competence, how could he continue to strut about, making a spectacle of himself?[8]

Glovers gaze narrowed slightly.

So, youre saying he brought about change?

Change? Tinkers mouth twitched, as if he had stumbled upon an absurd joke. A silent scoff escaped him.

Ill admit, it was somewhat intriguing at first: Oh, look, a cop in the Western District nest who has not only skills and connections but perhaps even a flicker of conscience.

At that point, Tinkers disdainful laughter resounded like a bitter echo.

But as time went on, he continued, everyone, whether it be us or the Black Bands, gradually deciphered how to handle this imbecile. We greased the palms of his contacts, unearthed his principles, observed his predictable approach to law enforcement, and tailored our actions accordingly. We even cut off his enthusiasm from both ends. We hid the people he wanted to capture in advance while simultaneously bribing cops to release those he had already apprehended. We fed him false information, set him up, and made him suffer. And so, the years passed...[9]

Tinkers tone grew increasingly despondent, his mockery more deliberate.

Reality has proven that hes no different from the black-hearted cops of the past, he declared, his tongue clicking in a gesture of disdain and shaking his head.

At best, hes a little more cheerful.

In the depths of his heart, Thales let out a hidden sigh.

It became apparent to him that Tinker, someone closely connected to both Glover and Lilian, seemed to be associated with the Blood Bottle Gang.

If Glovers claims were truethat he was once a beggar from the Blood Bottle Gangtheir enduring acquaintance suddenly made sense.

Yet, Thales couldnt help but find it peculiar: why did Tinker have such intricate sentiments whenever Kohen was brought into conversation?

Glover lapsed into a brief silence, his irritation palpable in the way he huffed.

A friend of mine put it quite bluntly: that man is utterly crazy.[10]

It would be wise to limit your interactions with him, he cautioned.

Tinker erupted into laughter once more, but to their surprise, he shook his head this time.

Its not about whether hes crazy or not, Tinker responded, followed by a soft sigh.

The Red Street Market, the Black Street, the Underground Street, the grand bazaar, the sewers, and even the Star Plaza and the Renaissance Palace... Every brick, every wall, and every blade of grass in Eternal Star City has basked in the sun, been drenched in rain and snow for centuries.

They remain unchanged.

And they will remain so.

Glover furrowed his brow, his gaze fixed on Tinker.

It is as if an unseen force binds every facet of Eternal Star City, rendering it firm and unyielding, Tinker mused.

No matter how much wind, rain, sun, or snow it faces, it remains immovable.[11]

At the sound of these words, Thales was seized by a sudden pause.

And a man who clings solely to ideals and morality, be he the most erudite scholar, the mightiest warrior, or even the most exalted king in the realmlet alone a mere silly cop

Tinkers expression turned melancholy and resigned as he let out a hollow chuckle.

Hmph, wont make a difference. Cant change a thing.

Thales stood in a daze.

solely... ideals and morality...

cant change a thing

Just like the world were in, this accursed realm, Tinker leaned heavily on the table, his spirits descending into gloom. It will never change.

Never shall it waver.

[1] Thales is being formal.

[2] From here on he started using the informal you to refer to Lilian.

[3] quirky middle-aged, I dont know how to translate this well but, in raws , , an variant of , queer uncle, referring to a young to middle-aged male pedophile (Internet slang).

[4] sharply; , harsh words and stern looks. uncompromising; , to say one and mean just that (idiom); to keep ones word.

[5] Im struggling to find a word with the same weight as noob.

[6] Kashenyan; Ka-shnme()-yan that is Ka-something-yan.

[7] caused quite a stir; , lit. chickens flying and dogs jumping (idiom).

[8] strut about; , to leap and frisk about (idiom); lively.

[9] Black Bands; Black Street Brotherhood ; , lit. Black Silks. acted according to the situation; , decide on the dishes according to the guesttreat a person according to his social standing.

[10] It was DD, The nobles in the capital are spreading rumors that this man is crazy. Chapter 512 in the official translation.

[11] ,lit. windswept and battered by rain; to undergo hardship (idiom). , fig. exposed to the elements; lit. exposed to sun and rain (idiom).