I was quite wondering when we'd encounter some kind of bandits for some time now. Because I knew, they tend to be everywhere. And now, a group of looking dangerous individuals were surrounding us, cackling and glaring at us menacingly and lecherously. What can you do? I am kinda cute. Kidding, I was covered in my cloak, lest they go crazy instantly.

They had their weapons pointed at us while they rode their draconic steeds. There were a dozen of them. Quite a lot for a patrol. Which could mean wherever they came from, there could be way more of them.

Glancing at Satomi and Miyako, I noticed them slowly reaching out for their swords. I immediately placed a hand on their shoulders, stopping them. They looked at me with baffled expressions.

"Estelia? What?" Miyako asked.

"Not yet."

"What do you mean?"

"There's something I want to know first."

"We can do this after beating them, we should be able to beat them all," Satomi said.

They could, but it was too dangerous, with all the enemies looking our way, watching our every move. We could beat them even in this situation, but that would demand work from me.

We can wait for a cleaner opportunity later.

Besides, there were some things that could be important to learn from them. Something that we needed, that I needed.

"No. Just follow my lead, and don't do anything drastic."

The two of them looked at each other before Miyako faintly nodded. "... Very well."

They lowered their hands. It was then that the potential hostile group stopped moving, keeping a tight perimeter that prevented any of us from escaping through. One of them jumped off their monster steed and brandished his sword, slowly walking closer to us with a cocky grin.

"You ladies lost? Hehe." He raised an eyebrow. "You don't look like a bunch of mere peasants." He slowly approached Miyako, but Satomi stepped in between them.

"Don't get any closer."

"Oh?" He scrutinized her from top to bottom. "A swordswoman? And you didn't immediately start attacking. You're actually smart. And… kinda cute."

Satomi formed a disgusted look on her face.

The man then casually shifted his eyes towards Nira. "And what do we have here?" He approached and crouched down before the little girl. "A very cute girl. And you're carrying some heavy bag here, very mean of them." He slowly caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. "Don't worry, we'll take good care of you."

Nira just remained frozen in place with a blank expression.

The man stepped back and spread out his arms. "We all are very fun to go along with. Ain't that right, boys?"

"That's right!"

"Hehehe, very fun!"

"Been a while since I've seen such pretty girls!"

They started chuckling. I glanced at Miyako, she was frowning deeply.

"But I wonder, where are you ladies going, hm? Just the four of you, pretty dangerous, don't you think?"

"It's none of your business," Miyako said.

"Oh my, oh my, a fighter! I like a girl that's rebellious. They're the most fun!"

The rest of them started laughing. The man suddenly then glared at Miyako.

"But you're wrong. It's our business. Do you have any idea whose territory this is? Ours!"

"And who are you exactly?" I asked out of the blue. I just wanted to know. They could be from some clan or something. Or just as we thought, mere bandits, which was the best possibility. If it was the latter, then it would make things simpler.

The man paused and glanced at me. "... Hm, what's with the cover? I didn't get to see you yet."

I clasped my hands together. "I am merely someone insignificant. There is no need for you to lay your eyes on me," I said in my sweetest voice.

His ears twitched slightly, and he narrowed his eyes. "Really now? Well, we're Dread Claw, one of the most dangerous bandit groups on the island."

Never heard of them. Well, not like bandits were the celebrity type that I would know. And well, not like I also knew any prominent groups here.

"One of the most dangerous groups?"

"That's right."

"Then you must know the dangerous bandit leader Yachi Miyagawa. I heard he is very dangerous as well."

"Miyagawa," he muttered with disdain before spitting on the ground. "Yeah I know him. He's strong, but ain't no way he'd be beating our boss."

So this one is not the main leader?

Quite disappointing. But it should be to our advantage. Wouldn't want to face someone strong this instant. This place valued strength, and the leader of a bandit group would definitely be stronger than the rest of his crew. And this one here, this man, must be fairly strong as well. However, he seemed a bit mentally unstable… No, more like, less mentally secured.

He just let his emotions laid bare. That kind of person had no control over their own.

"Really now?"

"Your turn, girl. What about you show us your face, heh?" He slowly approached.

"Goddess…"

I held out my hand to Nira to make her behave.

The man walked up before me and slowly pushed down my hood. I looked down, just as my full visage and white hair were revealed.

"Uh." The man before me looked like he choked for a moment. The rest of the bandits let out gasps and sighs of astonishment, enthralled by my beauty and soft expression. "L-Look at you."

"All things holy…"

"Woah."

"I've never seen someone so gorgeous."

"She's gonna drive me crazy…"

I dramatically took a step back. "Please don't do that." A blush formed on my cheeks. I raised an innocent look at the man before me.

Their leader smirked. "Well, well, well, my apologies. That was pretty rude of me."

I then noticed a few of the bandit group got off their steeds to get a closer look at me, mesmerized.

The leader chuckled. "Now we can't just let you pass. Not without having a little bit of fun."

"Fun…?" I murmured. "Ah, I see. I don't mind that. But this place is not a good place to have fun, isn't it?" I slightly smiled, but that alone was exceedingly charming.

"Hm?"

"In the open, where monsters could appear. No food, no drinks. Wouldn't it be more difficult instead?"

"... I guess…? It would suck out all the fun."

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I took a step closer and maintained a deep eye contact. "I am quite hungry, and tired. We are heading for the capital, which is still quite far away. It would be nice to have some place to rest for the night."

The bandit's eyes widened almost like they were about to pop out of their sockets. "Oh, oh. Haha! I didn't expect you to be so daring!"

"Daring? I am anything but that… I am, most of all… gentle." I gently placed a hand on his cheek. My soft touch filled his senses, he closed his eyes, pleased. "Although, I do like having fun."

He then suddenly grasped my hand tightly and pulled me close while smirking widely. "Oh. I'd be pleased to have your company. And I'm sure you'll be satisfied with mine."

I glanced worriedly at my hand and winced slightly. "That hurts." Then I glanced at one of the bandits with a pleading gaze.

"Hey, chief, be careful with her. You're holding her too tightly. You're hurting her."

"What the fuck did you just say?!" He aggressively turned towards his ally.

The bandit took a step back, and forced a smile. "I, I'm saying you're being too rough. You might damage her."

"So what?! I get rough whenever I want."

He pulled me again. "P-Please don't do that, it hurts." I then turned towards another bandit, giving him a pitiful look.

"... H-Hey chief. Maybe we should calm down for a bit, eh?"

"Who are you to tell me what to do?!"

"C-Chief…"

I then placed a hand on their leader's arm. "Please let us not get violent. I'm sure we can work this out."

"Tch!" He clicked his tongue.

"Please, my friends and I will do whatever we need to help. Just please don't hurt us."

"Oh, gentle lady. We're not planning to hurt you at all," said the bandit chief. "Say, what about we go and meet more of our friends?"

"Friends?"

"And I'm sure the boss would like to meet you all, too."

"Where exactly?"

"To our base. I'm sure there we can take all the time in the world." He chuckled.

"Is that so? Is there food and water?"

"Oh we have a lot of them. I'll feed you whenever you like."

"Really? I hope they are just not plain food. I would prefer not to eat something bland."

"Of course not. We have a lot of ingredients there."

"I see. Then lead us."

The man briefly laughed in excitement, and suddenly wrapped his arms around my waist. I could feel his palm sliding on my skin, getting a feeling of me.

"I'm looking forward to our time together. I won't let anyone touch you first."

I formed an uncomfortable look, which only made him more endeared.

"You really gonna go at her first, chief? You sure the boss shouldn't get her first?"

"I'll let the boss have that blue-haired girl over there. She's pretty enough."

The bandits looked at each other, they seemed concerned.

"I don't think you have a say in that, chief."

"Fuck that! I'm getting the most heavenly experience, no matter what! And nothing gets better when it's in my own room."

"Your room?" I asked. "Oh yes, may I ask where your base is? I fear it might be a bit far."

"Oh, it's just half a mile there." He pointed in a particular direction. It was off the direction of where we were headed.

"I see. But did I hear that you kind of wish to backstab your boss…?"

"It ain't backstabbing if I'm still giving him something."

"Chief! That's a backstabbing move!" one of the bandits shouted.

"That's right, you're keeping the best prize for yourself. That ain't right!"

"Shut the fuck up, you shits! I know you'd do the same if you're in my position!"

"You're just being selfish and unreasonable, chief!"

No, he was just being too greedy and stupid.

"That's a traitorous move, chief."

They glared at each other, and a growing tension oozed in the air. Like a rubber band being stretched and stretched. Indeed, this man here was intending on basically backstabbing their leader just to have me. I mean, to be frank, I was sure others would do the same shit if given the chance.

"Who are you calling a traitor?!"

"Hey guys, what about we just do it right here? And just bring her to the boss later," one suggested.

"I ain't doing this on the dirt," their chief said. "There's no fucking way I'll do that to this one." Look at that, speaking like I was some sort of thing. "This is an experience you'd remember forever."

"And if we're even to bring her to the boss later, he'd just realize what we did. Giving him a used product."

"That will piss him off, for sure."

"So, the solution here is to just not give her to him at all," one bandit said.

"What kind of dick move is that?! Are you crazy? He'll fucking know."

"Don't you have loyalty, you sneaky shits?!"

And they started quarreling.

Chaos was spreading all by itself. Which caught me off guard, to be honest. I didn't even do much. They were just fucking it all up themselves. Fascinating.

"I'll fucking tell the boss what you're planning on doing!"

It was there that the rubber band snapped.

The chief let go of me and pointed his sword at the one who was planning on snitching. "You fucking what?"

"That's right! We're telling the boss!" Another joined in.

"Besides, you're just planning on taking her for yourself!"

"I just wanna go at her first, not gonna lie. So maybe it's best you give her to me," a nobody bandit suddenly said.

"Who the fuck do you think you are to deserve that, huh?!"

"The boss will have the lot of you. And I'm sure as a reward, we'll get to have a taste of all these women!"

"You bastard! You ain't getting in my way!" The chief swung his sword at his ally. "Anyone who helps me will get to share afterward!"

"That's fine with me!"

"You traitorous bastard!"

They turned on each other, started swinging their weapons. One snapped the rope of his steed and crashed against another. The beast bit on another beast, while the riders clashed. A few fought on the ground, their sword magics crashing and flying all over. The chief was aggressive, relentless as he fought his own allies

He was indeed very greedy. Fighting like his life was on the line, or he was losing his most valuable treasure.

"Die!"

"I have an idea. What about I just kill you all, and I can have her all to myself!" some random idiot said.

"Hahaha! Fucking imbecile."

I stepped back and couldn't help but grin, watching the chaos in front of me. But before anyone could see, I put a hand on my mouth, pretending as if I was shocked. Sounds of metal clashing, blood splattered on the soil, screams of pain, cries of aggression, hate, greed, selfishness, worthless ambitions, all filled the battlefield. And I was pleased to see it, it made things easier really. And most of all, it was exhilarating to see them do this because of me.

I was hoping at first that they would bring us to their base. And before they could bring us in, we'd kill them all. However, it went a bit off my plan. It was more effective than I expected. No, it was just hard to predict with these kinds of people. So easy to get off the rails, basically.

The chief stabbed his ally in the chest.

"That's right you worm! I'm the one in charge here!" It was then one pulled up behind him, and slashed his back. "Gah!" But it was nothing fatal, too shallow of a wound. He swung his blade at the one who hit him. The latter blocked his sword. "You think you can stop me?"

"I should have known, you don't deserve your fucking position!"

"Hah?!"

"If I turn you in, I'll definitely take your spot!"

"Yeah, right!"

It would seem even their personal sentiments were let out. Wow!

"Estelia…" Miyako muttered as she looked around in astonishment and confusion. "What have you done?"

"Unbelievable." Satomi was speechless.

"... Using the sword is not always the way to win a battle. Well, sometimes, at least."

"... No, this is more than that. This is…" Miyako stared at me, like she had something to say. "No, never mind."

Gradually, their numbers dwindled. Once that happened, I turned to Satomi. "Alright, you can fight now. I'm sure you can handle this much."

"With how few there are left, and how distracted, this will be easy."

"The one they call chief, he's mine."

"What are you planning on doing with him? He did some nasty things to you. Are you killing him personally?"

"Not yet."

"... Is that so? Very well." Satomi moved in to join the fight.

I turned to Nira. "Nira, you also go join in. Should be a good chance to feed."

Satomi paused, and Miyako turned a curious look at me. But there was no time to explain anything, letting them just see it was easier. Nira seemed so eager to feed, so she quickly rushed and pounced at the bandit. I mean, humans were preferable to feed from than ugly monsters… Just saying.

After digging her claws into his back, she opened her mouth, showing monstrous teeth. She bit into his neck.

Miyako and Satomi looked at the sight in shock, mouth agape.

"What is this, Estelia?" Miyako asked in a shaky tone. She looked horrified.

"I told you she thirsts for blood. She needs to feed, and humans of course, are viable sources." They had not seen her feed, it would seem. Nira often feeds at night, which was the best time as she would usually be more hungry or thirsty. Furthermore, I also felt she became more mindful when these two came.

"... What exactly would happen if she does not feed?"

"To put it simply, she would have a hard time controlling herself. Imagine a starving beast."

"That is included in her curse?"

"Her curse is quite extreme. When she forcefully transforms at night, she also suffers perpetual pain. Intense pain."

"... What does that even mean?"

"Think of it like being tortured every second of the night."

Her eyes widened. "That's terrible…"

"Indeed."

"How could someone cast a curse like that on a little girl…?"

"It's more complicated than that. Anyway, now's not the time. Satomi, please assist Nira."

"... Y-Yeah." She joined in the fight.

After a short while, I approached the one they called the chief. He was busy fighting. Once he was within reach, I stabbed the guy in the back of his dominant hand, and he dropped his weapon. He paused and looked at the blade in surprise.

His eyes slowly shifted towards me. "You…!"

I twisted the blade before moving in to cut the fingers of his other hand. He groaned in pain as his fingers dropped to the ground.

"W-What the hell?!"

I then stabbed both his elbows, and his arms limped.

"What are you doing?!"

I kicked the back of his spine, pushing him to the ground.

"Nira." I called on Nira as she was close by killing an enemy. She immediately arrived next to me while rubbing her face off with blood with a piece of cloth she got from whomever. I pointed at the man.

Nira pointed her claws at the man's neck as he laid on the ground. At the same time, Satomi was done killing the rest of the bandits. She and Miyako approached us.

"You… You played us!" the man finally realized.

"A little too late on the realization." I crouched down and pressed my dagger to his cheek. "You pervert."

He glared at me. He tried to lift his head further, but Nira pressed him down.

I cut his cheek, blood seeped out of the wound. Nothing too deep, though. I still needed him to talk clearly.

"By the way, Yachi Miyagawa is dead."

"W-What?" His eyes widened. Of course, that Yachi guy must be quite famous to the rest of his fellows. He was supposed to be a strong guy, after all.

"And I'm the one who killed him."

"Ridiculous! There's no way he'd be killed by the likes of you!"

"He was. And it was so easy. He didn't even have a chance to fight back."

"What a fucking liar!"

I scoffed. "It's the truth. But, whatever, you'll do something for us. You will lead us to your base."

"... As if I'd do that!"

"You will." I raised my hand over his eyes, and icicles started to inch closer to his eyeballs. "Or you will suffer. Is this boss of yours really worth suffering for?"

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