The Missing Enchantress (English Version)

Chapter 10

Here I am walking alone around the town, still having this annoyed feeling. That stupid guy, he’s really annoying at his own level.

Flashback

“Do you know what that man is looking for? I mean, kind of the requirements for him move?” Asleif asked the towns people who were kind to assist us with their information about the culprit.

“You mean the features of the ladies he takes, right? You see, he is attracted to young maidens… we heard he specifically targets those with good-looks and body… and if I add to it, maybe those who are very feminine or a bit shy.” one of the old folks said. I heard he is the father of one of those missing maidens.

Asleif then turned his eyes to me after hearing that, as if he’s checking if there’s something wrong to me. His brows crossed after he did that weird checking, which made me raise my eyebrows as well. What’s wrong with this guy?

“I think we’ll be having a hard time to lure him with you Kiera– “

Pop! With a popping sound, I couldn’t hold myself back from hitting him. I felt like my head would c***k up from being annoyed. There’s no beating this guy when it comes to being annoying really. So, what does he mean? That I am not that very attractive to the point of that guy who kidnaps beautiful maidens would lose his built-up reputation and consistency by just taking me?

“Awww! What was that for?” He caressed the back of his head where I hit him.

“Look, even it’s just at least that very feminine requirement you can meet… you wouldn’t even barely meet it with you being so violent. That’s not going to work you know. What if he decides to be a bit lovey-dovey and you get ticked-off, maybe you’ll throw him at the see if that’s the case. It would definitely waste all our plan and hard work don’t you think?” he added.

I just snorted and crossed my arms as I looked away. He’s definitely annoying. I just don’t know why I decided to be friends with this stupid guy.

Flashback Ends

Ugh! Whenever I remember that scenario earlier, I feel like my blood boils as well as my head. Since the place is near to a beach, I headed there and decided to sit on the sand and just feel the sea breeze. You know, just to calm myself down. I don’t know, that guy we were looking for might show up suddenly and I am in this state of mind. He might annoy me and just throw him at the sea to drown him just like what Asleif said.

I closed my eyes and took deep breaths, trying to calm myself as soon as I can. Thank goodness, the cool sea breeze somehow helped to calm myself down.

“Hi miss…” someone suddenly said. I was a bit startled with that and immediately brought my gaze towards the direction of the sound. A man? Could it be him?

“Uh… hello?” I replied.

“Some sort of question?” He chuckled.

“Uh… sort of?” He smirked and sat down close beside me. Are we close for him to sit that near to me?

“If you don’t mind.” he said, giving me a seemingly gentle smile.

“No, not at all.” It’s not like I have any choice anyways, he already sat there beside me before even asking. Is he that always confident in front of his victims?

“Are you alone out here?” he asked.

“Nope, I have someone with me, can you see him?” I replied, though sarcastically.

His face showed a bit troubled expression there, when both of his brows crossed each other. “Uh… sorry but I don’t see anyone.”

“It only means that, I didn’t have anyone with me earlier.” I shook my head.

“Earlier?”

“Yes, earlier before you came… and now here you are so it means I am now with someone and that’s you.” I replied.

It’s clear on his face that he was a bit confused at first but then I guess he just caught up on what I said and just laughed awkwardly. I guess he’s nuts.

“You know what? You’re something…” he said.

“Uh… thanks?” I was not sure what to answer really. I guess I should thank him for that weird compliment?

“Oooh, cold and fierce types huh… I like that.” he said.

“I guess it’s a thank you again. But don’t praise me so much, I might get my head big and just believe it.” I replied.

“Then I guess its fine for you to let it be anyways, you have the looks and the figure to boast to be honest.” He chuckled.

My brows raised as I heard his remarks. You hear that Asleif? I really had the looks and the figure! Well he said earlier, as part of the plan he will follow me wherever I go if our target takes the bait. He also clarified that he will monitor our distance and I should never let it obvious that I am being followed by him.

“I never saw you here, are you new around this town?” he asked.

“Yes, I heard that the view of the beach here is very beautiful so I decided to come here… just taking a stroll around, you know…” I replied.

“Oh? If that’s the case then I can show you around the town if you’d like?”

“Really?” I was a bit nervous about this but whatever! I’ll do this.

“Yes, it would be my pleasure…” He stood up and fixed up his clothes to remove some sand sticking on it.

“So then, let’s get going?” he said, offering his hands to me.

“Okay…” I accepted his hand and he helped me stand up.

We then started our little stroll around the town. He brought me to all sorts of places and spots around town. I admit it that, those places he brought me in were really wonderful. I guess, the town was really bigger than I expected.

As we continued strolling around and tasting all sorts of delicacies this wonderful town offered, my eyes caught Asleif in one of the stalls around. He seemed like he was enjoying the treat he got for himself there. But it might only mean that he wasn’t following me around? This stupid guy! I’ll kill him if I found out that he had forgotten about me!

My heart suddenly started drumming in my ears. My God this is bad! I feel like I won’t be able to get back this time. It seems like I would really be taken by this guy, if this guy turns out to be the one, we were looking for. I would really kill that stupid Asleif if he really had forgotten about me.

“Are you okay, Kiera?” He looked at me with a worried look.

I was a bit startled when he suddenly poked and asked me. It was like I was forcefully returned back to my consciousness. I shouldn’t let our plan be discovered halfway, dammit! Hey, Asleif look at here you i***t!

“Yes, I’m okay Richard.” Yeah, we introduced ourselves to each other earlier.

We continued on our stroll for a bit longer until the darkness came invading the skies. Street lamps and the glow of the houses began to enlighten the town. And it started feeling cold as well.

This is it. If I couldn’t get back to Lady Sherilo, you’ll really pay for that Asleif! I will really make you a leaf just like your name and torn you to pieces!

“It seems like it is getting late, I should get back to my place now… Thank– “

“That would be too bad don’t you think? We still have time… we can go on a bit more the fun is just getting started Kiera. I still have somewhere to show you… I bet it would really be fun!” He grinned.

“Uh… um… it’s just– “

“Come on… I promise this won’t take long. And I shall escort you home after this alright?” he said, tapping my shoulders.

Is this how he gets his victims? Like through smooth talks and moves?

“Okay if you say so… but let’s go eat somewhere first, I am getting hungry now from our strolls.” I said.

It is clear on his face that he was glad that I agreed. He was happy because he caught another victim eh?

“Yeah sure! Perfect! I am actually taking you to a party and I was invited. I’ll take you there.” he said.

“What? Um… it’s fine for me but… I don’t think my dress right now wouldn’t fit in that party.” Yeah, I am not sure about this. Aside from this dress, I feel like that’s a death flag out there.

“You’ll be fine with that… besides you don’t need to worry I am with you anyways.” he replied.

I forced a smile and followed him to the party he said. I still can’t calm myself. I feel like as I took every step forward towards where we were going my heartbeat would go faster and faster. But I can’t have the mission go into waste now after all of our efforts to get here. I’ll try to finish this mission alone and as fast as possible.

We board into a ship, so this is a party in a ship? Well, not too bad huh? I mean, he can really fool his victims with this as this ship looks very luxurious and classy with all these people attending the party. So, they will try to make me enjoy myself here without me noticing that the ship had already departed from the port and bring me somewhere huh? Let’s see them try that.

As soon as we entered the ship, a cheerful grand party welcomed as in. Well, as what I noticed and expected, there are a lot of well-off looking folks around. Richard started showing me around and introducing me to some of his acquaintances.

They were better than I expected huh. I mean they really take it to this level just to lure their victims. I just faked a lot of smiles and greetings around them. I had to figure out what they were planning and plan my escape so I could tell Asleif their motives and their whereabouts.

We have eaten and drank, but I was just drinking this good wine so far little by little, just for extra precautions. Well so far, I didn’t feel anything like, getting dizzy or something. I’m still fine.

I was just staring blankly to the people on the dance floor, thinking of what would their plan be, and how do I escape here. It was that moment when Richard suddenly appeared in front of me. He then placed both of his palms atop my head.

“Sleep Kiera,” he whispered.

“What– “ I couldn’t finish my question as a glowing magic circle appeared. Strength started leaving my whole body. This is very bad! I felt really drowsy, no matter how much I fight it back. I am now losing it!

Could he be an enchant mage? This is really bad. I’ll really kill that Asleif after this!

I tried reaching my hand and remove both his hands in my head but– total darkness came to embrace me.

Cold. Yes, it was cold, and dark. And I felt like I am cramped in a small space, as I cannot move my limbs freely. Or are they tied? I opened my eyes slowly and light began flowing, eradicating the darkness that embraced me. Where am I? Oh yes, I remembered it now… I was–

“So, you are already awake Kiera.” A voice filled my ears.

I immediately brought my eyes to the direction of the voice. And there I saw that man, sitting on a chair, behind his desk. Smokes swayed around. Ugh! That annoying stench of cigarettes. There were a few guys beside him, just standing there. I couldn’t clearly see them as it was a bit dim here. What’s going on?

I darted my eyes around and saw girls like me, both hands were just lying on the floor.

“What’s this Richard?” I brought my gaze to him.  

“I’m sorry young missy, but you are one of those lucky ones chosen to be traded.” He chuckled.

And as I heard that, my heart went beating off the charts.

“Trade?” I asked.

“They will put us into an auction… the one who pays the highest price will own you.” the lady beside me answered. She had a rough voice, maybe of thirst? Are we being deprived of water and food here?

But what she said, kind of really ticked me off. Like what? What am I? An ancient relic or an antique? For them to put me into auction? Just please!

I managed to stand up, well they didn’t tie our feet. I went straight near Richard even both my hands were still tied. And then, I let him have it. Smacking him with my hands and elbows. It seemed like he wasn’t expecting that.

“Ack! Ugh!” Richard groaned.

With all my might, I kicked his desk, causing it to crash on the wall with him.

With that, his men immediately grabbed me away to him. Richard just stood up and puffed the dust of his sleeves. He then sashayed towards me and locked his gaze to me.

AW! He pulled my hair down harshly making me look up to him. AW! It hurts!

“What a really fierce lady you are Kiera… that’s why I have taken a liking to you very much. I do really think to leave you here in this ship just to have you for myself.” he said, with a voice full of malice.

“Ew! I won’t even begin to fancy guys like you who look like dead fishes!” I exclaimed.

With a clapping sound, my face turned to the side as he slapped me hard. Damn! It’s still scorching hot! I can still feel the trails of his hand on my cheeks. Where are you now Asleif?

He harshly held my jaw and forced me to face him. He brought his face closer and gazed at me as if he is checking my face intently. I felt like, his grip on my jaw was getting tighter and tighter. And again, he gave me a malicious smile that gave me shivers all around my body.

I spat on his face, which made him really annoyed. He wiped his face first and snorted. And there, he swung a blow to my abdomen that almost rattled all my insides. My chest suddenly tightened, making it hard for me to breath. I was coughing and puking blood after I received that blow. This is really bad, I guess I was still lucky I didn’t pass out or died with that blow.

His men, dragged me up and forced me to stand in front of him. He gave me that smile again. That malicious smile that makes my skin crawl. I don’t really like that smile, nothing good happens after the enemy gave you that smile.

“It seems like my men wants to be entertained a bit Kiera, mind if you entertain them for a while?” Richard said, still wearing that malicious smile.

“F-f**k… you.” I replied, still catching my breath.

“Oh… f**k me? Very well…” He clenched his jaws.

He came closer again to me and grabbed my clothes harshly.

Slash! s***h!

With all his might, he ripped my clothes into half. I was surprised on what he did to me. I was so shocked. I couldn’t believe it; I wasn’t expecting that I’ll be in this situation.

“Oh, what a priceless reaction, princess.” Richard sniffed those bits of my clothes that he tore.

A loud laughter filled with darkness and malice erupted from his men. It went chorus with my drumming heartbeat. My breathing became heavier as my chest felt even more tighter. My vision began to get blur. I squirmed with all my might, trying to free and cover myself. But they were holding me really tightly. It was impossible for me.

“Now… let’s tear another one, shall we?” Richard said.

And again, with a slashing sound, he ripped my skirt mightily.

“Damn! Damn! Let me go!” I squirmed, still trying my best to get free. Asleif’s really taking too long, what is he doing? Did he really forget about me? When he promised that he won’t leave me?

My eyes started to feel hot and went blur. Warm tears went down in my cheeks.

“Oh no, boss… you made the girl cry.” One of his men said, full of sarcasm in his tone.

Richard went laughing hard, shaking his head like he was satisfied. “Oh my… it looks like she needs my warm hugs and kisses right now to comfort her.”

I couldn’t properly hear it as my loud heartbeat and heavy breathing muffled all sounds around me, but I saw them probably erupted into laughter again. This can’t be… I can’t do anything. How do I even stand a chance to them? If I can just smack this guy’s face, even just once I’ll make sure to destroy his face.

It was that moment when, the man who were holding me eased his grip a bit. This is my chance! With all my might I pulled my arm away and stepped closer to Richard which surprised him.

I don’t know, I don’t even care now… just this once! I thought as I launched a straight jab to his face with all my might.

His face rippled as I collided my fist on it, making him get thrown and crash to the wall with a loud thud. Dents appeared on the wall as he crashed on it. I don’t even know how I got this much strength but I don’t care right now. I just wanna squash this insect. My attack didn’t stop with that jab, I launched myself landed a strong kick to his abdomen, making him buried in the wall.

“Guuuh!” he groaned. He then fell to his knees. Blood began to foam out of his mouth.

I was about to launch another attack when his men caught me again and restrained me. I squirmed with every ounce of strength I had. I don’t even know what happening, I just want to kill that damned guy.