episode_0033

“Good, good—! There’s a lot to talk about with this one!”

Tia blinked.

First love stories, which had been so faint, suddenly shifted to first experience stories?

The prostitute Unnies were practically experts in this field. As soon as the topic changed, they started chatting excitedly among themselves.

“Fortunately, my first time wasn’t too painful.”

“The ones who say it’s painful and unpleasant are probably virgins with virgins, right? Virgin guys really aren’t good at it.”

“Hmm. I’ve slept with quite a few men, but for some reason, I clearly remember my first man. Even his face and name. Why is that?”

“Because he’s special? Whether you like it or not, he’s your first man.”

The embarrassing conversation echoed explicitly. Tia tried hard to look away and pretend not to listen, but she found herself unconsciously straining her ears.

“…So, they say a woman’s vagina changes to fit the man who broke her hymen. Because it was torn enough to draw blood—.”

“What? What kind of absurd talk is that?”

“But you keep comparing from then on, don’t you? No matter what man you’re with… you think, ‘big,’ ‘small,’ ‘good,’ ‘not good.’ And that standard becomes your first experience. So maybe that’s why they say that?”

“Ahahaha! Is that so important? It’s all the same once you get it, isn’t it!”

“……”

Tia quietly wet her throat. Her cheeks became as hot as heated stones. It was a blessing that she was sitting a little distance from the Unnies. Since she had no experience in the first place, she wasn’t qualified to join this topic. And if she showed her curiosity, she might look like a lewd woman.

But really… would a first experience hurt?

The Unnies seemed to be split half and half on whether it hurt or not. However, everyone agreed that there was blood the first time.

Blood coming out… that’s a bit scary.

And to remember the first man and his shape forever?

If so.

My first experience…?

Tia placed her hand on her lower abdomen. The thought of something piercing in, drawing blood, and causing pain here made her feel scared and creepy. But at the same time, she felt a little excited.

Only one man could enter this precious place. Only the one who took the vow with her at the ‘Lake of Promise.’

Tia gently stroked her neck. She felt the touch of a thin leather cord. Slowly tracing it down, a small ruby was attached to the end.

Ritsu.

A smile naturally appeared when she repeated that name.

With Ritsu… it would be okay. She could easily endure a little pain.

She closed her eyes, just about to recall Ritsu’s face.

“Ugh—. Annoying!”

One of the Unnies, who had left for a moment, returned, grumbling.

“What’s wrong?”

“Suddenly, some pig-like guy keeps coming on to me, saying he wants to do it with me. I told him no—.”

“Who is it?”

“I don’t know—I just ran back because I was annoyed. But you guys probably know him? You know, that guy. The one who smells disgusting, stutters a lot, and has a pig-like belly.”

Tia’s eyes widened suddenly. Because she knew a man who exactly matched the three characteristics she had just heard.

All the Unnies let out a sigh of recognition.

“I think I know. That… guy from Teildon, right?”

“He’s famous, apparently. I heard even the girls in the brothel there get disgusted and run away when that pig shows up.”

“There he is. Ugh. Look at him waddling.”

Following the direction the Unnies were looking, Tia also turned her head.

“……!”

For a moment, it felt like her breath stopped.

There was no mistake. The large build. A body so fat and bloated it was clearly visible even from here. Fortunately, he was far away so his smell didn’t reach here, but even so, his distinctive body odor was vividly remembered.

It was Fosao.

Tia was submerged in shock and couldn’t say anything. Why was that disgusting man in this tribute convoy?

The Madam said firmly. “First, don’t go near him. If he bothers you again, I’ll take action then.”

“Ugh—. Alright, Madam.”

“Hey, Tia?”

Tia, who had been blankly staring, was startled.

“Yes…?”

“Do you happen to know that man? They say he’s from Teildon.”

Tia quickly turned her head.

“Ah, no…. I don’t really know him.”

“If that man keeps lurking around our girls—could Tia scold him and chase him away for us?”

“Ah… yes.” She barely managed to squeeze out an answer.

Tia didn’t realize how stiff her expression was. However, one thing she knew for sure. That she absolutely must not pretend to know Fosao. That man, whom all women in the world hated with one mind and heart. Just being a resident of the same village was a tremendous disgrace.

Tia turned her eyes back to look at Fosao’s retreating figure.

“……”

* * *

The tribute convoy moved without issue.

Day 3.

A commotion broke out among the ‘rats’. It seemed there had been an argument that escalated into a brawl. As the commotion intensified, the Knight, who had shown no interest in the events happening at the back, appeared for the first time on horseback.

Tia was able to clearly see the Knight’s face then. He was a blonde man in light armor, wearing chainmail and a standard longsword. His eyes were indifferent throughout. She hadn’t even heard his voice. As if he had no interest in leading the tribute convoy, he simply remained silent. He looked almost like a living corpse.

The prostitute Unnies explained that because the Knight wasn’t strict, they could travel more comfortably. So, they said it was best to treat him as if he wasn’t there. Tia nodded for now, but she became curious about why a ‘Knight’ would look like that.

Day 4.

Her period ended. She gradually adapted to the routine of the tribute convoy, and as her vigor returned, she felt that this journey was quite manageable.

That day also seemed like it would pass without any problems. But something unexpected happened in the evening.

“Sniffle… sob……”

One of the Unnies entered the tent, crying. She wasn’t injured, but her face looked incredibly distressed.

The Madam asked. “Eilli? What’s wrong?”

“Madam… I didn’t get paid…….”

“What—? By whom?”

“That cook….”

There was a cook among the Knight’s servants. That man had slept with the Unnie for three days since leaving Teildon, but now he was audacious enough to refuse to pay. Of course, it was a breach of contract. In this case, the Madam should step forward and deal with the man, but the problem was that the opponent was ‘the Knight’s cook.’

In other words, it could upset the Knight, who was the highest authority in the tribute convoy. Perhaps the cook knew this, which is why he acted so brazenly.

The Madam’s face hardened. “This is troublesome.”

“I’m sorry. I should have gotten an advance payment….”

“No, Eilli. For now, go in and rest.”

“Okay……”

The tent, which had been lively with chatter moments ago, quickly became gloomy. This was not something that could be easily overlooked. If they condoned this, it was obvious that more men would try to solicit without paying. For the safety of the Unnies, they had to strongly protest this incident.

However, even bringing up such a matter to the Knight was equally cautious. He might resort to violence if he disliked it. Or he might no longer offer conveniences to the women from now on. Either way, it was a headache.

“……”

Tia quietly placed the bread she was chewing on the ground and stood up. She picked up the belt and sword she had taken off and fastened them securely.

The Madam asked. “Tia? Where are you going?”

“I’ll go to the Knight-nim and argue with him.”

“…What?”

The Madam and the Unnies were startled and stopped her at the same time.

“No, Tia! This is different! You shouldn’t step forward recklessly!”

“I know. That it’s a difficult matter.” Tia said without wavering. “But Eilli Unnie is too pitiful, isn’t she? I think what needs to be said should be said properly.”

“Tia. That’s not the point. Even if you go in front of the soldiers and say something, will they even listen?”

“It’s fine. I have my own thoughts on this.”

“Tia!” The Madam shouted, but Tia rushed out of the tent anyway. She immediately ran down to the tent where the Knight was enjoying his dinner.

“Hahahaha!”

Whether the soldiers were having a drinking party or not, the sound of applause and laughter mixed together, creating a boisterous noise. Outside the tent, the cook was busily grilling and carrying pork.

“Haa—.” Tia stopped for a moment, took a deep breath, and then.

She pulled open the tent entrance.

The men, who had been laughing heartily, all turned their heads at once. All eyes were focused on the girl standing at the entrance. The soldiers, faces flushed from alcohol, glared at the uninvited guest who had suddenly burst in.

“What is it?”

“Who is this bitch?”

Without showing the slightest bit of intimidation, Tia spoke confidently. “I came to speak with the Knight-nim.”

The people looked back at the Knight, wondering what was happening. But the man sitting at the deepest end of the table was quietly just drinking.

A subordinate gestured for her to leave. “Get out of here. Don’t spoil the fun.”

However, Tia didn’t back down and raised her voice even more. “Respected Knight-nim! Your cook engaged in prostitution and did not pay!”

“Hey, this bitch!” One subordinate abruptly stood up and shoved Tia’s shoulder hard. “Get out now! What are you? Some brat who just rolled in? Are you a prostitute?”

“I’m neither a brat nor a prostitute.”

“Then why burst in here with such nonsense instead of just quietly raging!”

“Even after suffering a dishonorable act from the Knight-nim’s man, I honorably requested a conversation. Are you saying even that is not allowed?”

“What? I’ve been watching you, and now….”

The moment the soldier distorted his face grimly and raised his hand.

“Hahahahaha!”

The Knight’s laughter echoed. It was the first time she had heard his voice. The blonde Knight laughed heartily, as if about to lose his breath, and thumped the table. The people who had been displeased also started to look around one by one, then laughed, “Ahaha!” following suit.

The Knight, who had barely calmed his laughter, raised his head. His eyes, which had been indifferent throughout, now sparkled like a child’s who had seen something very amusing.

Thump!

The Knight put down his beer mug and stood up. The subordinates sitting around him immediately moved aside.

With heavy steps.

Seeing him walk with his two legs straight, not in a saddle, made her understand why he was called a ‘Knight.’ His long, golden hair cascaded down his back. His enormous height and build overwhelmingly pressed down on Tia. His sword-trained shoulders were much larger than Marvin’s. The fingers resting on his sword hilt were thick and rough. His jaw was as smooth as a blade, and the scars on his cheeks and forearms proved how many battlefields he had wandered. He truly looked like a person who had lived his entire life for battle.

The Knight asked in a sinister voice. “Say that again. What did you say?”