Raising the Princess to Overcome Death-Chapter 23: Beggar Siblings – Lena's Task

Raising the Princess to Overcome Death-Chapter 23: Beggar Siblings – Lena's Task

23. Beggar Siblings – Lena's Task
"Something you can do?" Cassia entered the room and sat on a small chair, crossing her legs under her long skirt as she looked at Lena.
"Why?"
"It feels like my brother is struggling too much because of me."
"Well, that's likely true. But did your brother ask for your help?"
"No."
"Then why?"
"I hate seeing my brother suffer because of me. I want to help in any way I can."
"What difference does it make if you start working and earning money? Do you even know what your brother wants to do?"
"......"
"Just do what your brother tells you to do and study. That's how you can help him. Besides, you don't know how to do any work."
Cassia's words left Lena speechless and fumbling.
Cassia was right. Other than scavenging through trash, Lena didn't know how to do anything. Even if she earned a little money, it wouldn't change much.
The private education she was receiving was expensive. The money she earned wouldn't even cover a fraction of it, and her brother would still have to continue his dangerous work.
And she didn't know what her brother wanted to do.
Her brother was working to support her, but he never talked about his own desires or future plans.
However...
"I want to buy a house."
After a long pause, Lena finally spoke her mind.
"My dream is to live in a nice house with my brother. But he said it would cost a lot of money to buy a house. I want to help with that."
Cassia twisted a lock of her hair, observing Lena, and then spoke pointedly.
"So, it's more about what you want rather than helping your brother?"
Cassia's words hit the mark.
Lena just hated staying idle. This was certainly different from simply wanting to help her brother.
"But if I buy a house, my brother would surely be happy..."
"Ah, I'm not trying to blame you."
Cassia waved her hand dismissively. She uncrossed her legs and leaned towards Lena.
"I've also tried helping someone just because I wanted to, without thinking muChapter It didn't end well..."
Lena remained silent, and Cassia pondered for a while before speaking again.
"Alright. I'll introduce you to something you can do, if you want to make a lot of money."
"...Thank you."
Cassia rummaged through her wardrobe and found a hooded cloak for Lena.
It was a thick, dull garment, a bit too big for Lena, with the hem dragging on the floor.
Cassia and Lena went outside. By then, the sun had set, and the leather district was bustling with small business owners closing up shop.
After leaving the bustling street, Cassia crossed a main road to find a dark alley on the other side. The southern gate was visible to the right, and the palace could be seen in the distance to the left, both brightly lit.
Cassia led Lena into the sixth dark alley they came across, where a few thugs loitered.
Lanterns with a reddish glow were hung sporadically along the alley. Lena, frightened by the red-tinged alley, flinched but continued following her sister. The air was filled with a sour odor she couldn't identify.
Under each lantern, men smoked or drunkards chatted merrily, all eyeing Cassia as she passed.
- Whistle!
Some men whistled at Cassia as she walked by, but she ignored them.
Following the alley that felt narrow despite its width due to the alternating darkness and red light, a long shadow suddenly loomed over Lena.
"Who's this?"
A man, standing in front of a large door with his hands behind his back, blocked their path. Despite his rough appearance, his clothes were neat.
"Can't you see? She's with me. Now open the door."
"How am I supposed to tell with her all covered up like that? Go on in."
The large door opened smoothly and silently, and the sound of people chattering echoed from within.
Cassia entered without hesitation. As Lena stepped over the threshold, the damp air clung to her. She swallowed hard and stepped into the dark, red passageway.
At the end was a wide hall that welcomed the naive visitor.
Some areas were bright while others were very dark. The smells of meat, smoke, strong alcohol, and something else tantalizingly mixed together.
The hall was filled with tables, each with a door behind it.
A half-naked woman played an instrument on a small, protruding stage in the center, while neatly dressed boys busily served drinks.
Each table had a feast. Fresh fruits, roasted meat, and bottles of fine-looking alcohol.
But none of these seemed to hold the attention of those seated. Everyone was deeply engrossed in conversations with those next to them.
Men's laughter burst out every time the women beside them whispered flirtatiously.
Lena, standing frozen like a statue, watched someone pass by in front of her.
Startled, she saw a scantily clad woman walk past. The few parts of her that were covered turned transparent in the light. As she sat at a table, rough hands reached for her.
Cassia, seeing Lena frozen in place, grabbed her shoulder and turned her around.
"This way."
Without glancing at the hall, Cassia led Lena up a staircase. Thugs who seemed to guard the staircase stepped aside recognizing Cassia.
Lena, hunched, followed her sister, feeling the thugs' eyes on her.
Cassia knocked on a door at the top of the stairs and then entered without waiting for an answer.
"Come in. Oh, Miss Cassia. You're early today..."
"I told you not to call me 'Miss' Cassia."
"Alright, Cassia. It's just a habit that's hard to break."
In a room decorated with dark red carpets and peculiar statues, an older man with graying hair welcomed them.
He stood up quickly, pulling out a chair for Cassia.
He also set up a chair for Lena, ensuring they were seated before returning to his own chair. His polite demeanor calmed Lena's nerves a bit.
"And who is this?"
"She's with me. Can she work here?"
Cassia pulled down Lena's hood, revealing her pretty face. The face Leo had worked so hard to hide was now exposed to a stranger's gaze.
The older man's eyes widened. He leaned back in his chair, tapping his cheek with his finger.
"I don't know where you found her, but... no."
"Why not?"
"She's too good for this place."
"Then what?"
"We should see the master."
He couldn't take his eyes off Lena.
A tremendous product suddenly arrived. In all his years of experience, there had never been anything like it.
"...You can't even make a decision like that? Is this a place where the manager asks every little thing?"
As Cassia leaned forward provocatively, the manager's hand slowed as it tapped his cheekbone. However, he did not open his mouth hastily. He couldn't make a decision even when the filtered song drifting up from below ended.
As his hesitation dragged on, Cassia waved her hand dismissively.
"If it's not necessary, that's fine. There are plenty of other places to go."
"Wait a moment, Cassia, I just want to offer this young lady better terms..."
Cassia cut him off firmly.
"She won't be signing any contracts."
"...Then what?"
"Just pick appropriate, decent customers for her to work with. She doesn't need to be tied down here for years like me."
"Hmm... Young lady, what do you want to do?"
His dark gray eyes turned to Lena.
Lena, who had been quietly listening, avoided his gaze and lowered her head.
What I can do.
Cassia's sister hadn't explained exactly what kind of work this was. She only knew it involved using her body and looks, like the women outside.
Lena clenched her fists tightly at her sides. Her brother was out swinging a sword in dangerous work. She had to do whatever she could.
Lena's lips trembled as she answered.
"I will do as my sister says."
"You didn't hear anything from Cassia?"
"......"
"Cassia. Then what do you want me to do?"
"Stop with the 'Miss' already."
"Alright, Cassia. Then what do you want me to do?"
Cassia, looking at the bowed Lena, organized her thoughts.
"One customer a day, someone who hasn't caused trouble and is polite if possible. Don't make her do anything troublesome. The price... you decide."
"For a girl starting out, having only one customer a day is actually more difficult. Let's make it three."
The man drew a firm line.
"Are there really three men a day who would be with a girl like this?"
At Cassia's question, the manager smiled gently but cruelly.
"Cassia. You still don't understand this world."
"...."
He laughed as he saw Cassia's frown.
He had known Cassia for a long time, since the day she first set foot here.
She might think she was worn out, but to him, Cassia still looked like a young girl.
"For a girl like this, I could gather a hundred men in a day. Don't worry. I'll select good customers as you asked, no trouble, and for a high price."
Then he smacked his lips, as if feeling a bit regretful.
"If you let the owner know and sign a contract, you could attract even bigger clients... but it can't be helped."
The manager turned to Lena and smiled gently.
Cassia had brought this girl here.
She was beautiful enough to be turned into anything, given the right effort.
He considered ignoring Cassia's request. This could shake Orville if used right.
If it weren't for Cassia... whoever brought such a girl here would have stayed for life.
But a small bit of pity for Cassia turned him around.
He decided to grant Cassia's wish. She didn't want this girl to end up like her.
Alright. He would help her earn decently and leave cleanly.
"Will you start working from today?"
"...Yes."
"Do you have any experience?"
"Pardon?"
Cassia stepped in when Lena couldn't answer.
"She has none. In anything."
"Understood. Cassia, take her to a private dressing room."
The manager stood up and pulled out chairs for Cassia and Lena.
Cassia, waiting as if she were used to it, stood up and asked.
"Alright. What about the customers?"
"I'll find them. I should be able to get them within a few hours. Wait in the dressing room. I'll clear the room for today so you can use it continuously. Oh, what's your name, miss?"
"Lena."
"Nice to meet you, Miss Lena. I am Bretin Zauer. It's an honor to work with you."
"I-I thank you as well."
Lena carefully took the manager's outstretched hand.
"From now on, please always stop here first when you arrive. And before you leave, please stop by again. I'll settle accounts then."
"Yes."
He elegantly kissed the back of her hand. Even though it was a formal exchange, Lena quickly withdrew her hand.
His hand was as cold as ice.
Lena was led by Cassia into a room surrounded by mirrors. The light from the chandelier was blinding. A sweet scent filled the air.
Lena entrusted herself to the women who followed her.
She was dressed in a splendid gown. The white dress, tinged with pale red, was adorned with many jewels, swaying delicately. Standing before the mirror, Lena became even more beautiful under the women's touch.
"Oh my... such a beautiful lady..."
"Truly lovely. So beautiful..."
The women who dressed Lena expressed not admiration, but lament.
Cassia quietly guarded the dressing room, comforting Lena every time she came out.
That day, Lena had four clients.
*
Lena walked back with Cassia through the early morning streets.
The dawn streets were filthy from the night's mess.
Lena walked unsteadily, her expression lifeless, her face resembling Cassia's a little.
In her hand were gold coins.
Most of Lena's earnings were taken by the establishment, leaving her with only a fraction.
In the leather market, craftsmen were opening their shops, and the two women passed by the busy scene, each occupied with their own thoughts.
The shoe shop they arrived at was as quiet as ever.
They sat side by side at the table.
"Wait a moment. The water cart will be here soon."
"Yes..."
Lena stared blankly outside.
The shop front was blocked by a wall, hiding everything, which oddly brought her comfort.
- Creak
When the water cart passed, Cassia went out, paid for the water, and brought it in.
Lena handed Cassia the water container.
"You wash first. I didn't work today."
"Yes..."
She locked the door as her brother had instructed.
As Cassia leaned back at the table, crying sounds came from inside.
Lena took longer to wash that day than usual.
Just like Cassia.

Chapter 23: Beggar Siblings – Lena's Task