The Arks

"Bailey's on the rocks please," asked Mavislin as the server came over.

"I'll have whiskey on the rocks," said Clement before turning his attention back to Mavislin.

"Butterfly... If you are talking about the actual insect, then you are in the wrong place. But if you're talking about the incident, then you've got my mind thinking," said Clement, taking a sip of his drink.

"I'm talking about the incident. I heard that a butterfly has been seen in these streets, stealing girls," whispered Mavislin as she leaned closer to Clement.

"Her name is Rie. From as far as I know, she has a petite frame. She had butterfly wings. Other than that, I have no other information. But you are welcome to get more info from the people who witnessed it," suggested Clement.

Mavislin took a bite of the steak. Well, more like a whole chunk. It had been done medium rare, which was not what Mavislin liked. But she had no qualms about the taste, it was fantastic.

"Do you know the location of the incident?" asked Mavislin, through her chewing.

Clement sighed as he took a cloth to wipe away the bit of meat juice that had dribbled down the corners of her mouth. It was like wiping off the crumbs of a child.

"It happened after the area held an auction for the girls. It was in the alleyway behind the brothel, 'D.e.s.i.r.ed Roses'. But the girls that she took were from my brothel. And yes, I am the one who reported the incident. Quite unfair, since they were sold at a very extraordinary price."

"What is the name of your brothel?"

"The Velvet Pearl."

My, my... No wonder Gab and Gillian have chosen these two places to be the target locations, thought Mavislin as she quickly wolfed down the rest of the steak. At least to say, Clement was impressed at the Valkyrie for eating so much at one go.

"Uh... Has someone been starving you?"

"Nope, I eat fast. In my home, if you don't eat fast enough, you don't eat at all."

"That's slightly unnerving. Hang on, why do you want to find this butterfly? Aren't you new in town?" asked Clement, jolting upwards.

Damn, he's good. He ain't a no normal person, thought Mavislin. Quick thinking had always been on her side. But with alcohol thrown into the mix, here response was slightly slower. Only by a bit. That made her seem more human.

"This butterfly has something that I want. More like, someone. She took my sister away from me. I was supposed to meet her, but the locals and Baron Tuazon told me she had disappeared. Then, one of the men said a butterfly took her."

Clement sighed before gently patting her head.

"Was she your older or younger sister?"

"Younger," replied Mavislin, inwardly cheering.

"Well, I think you should give up. Girls had been going missing for the past year now. None of them have turned up. And those who went searching never returned either. I'm sorry, but your sister is as good as dead," said Clement, with a sad look.

Good grief! If it had been my real sister, I would've punched you right here and now, thought Mavislin. But she knew she'd still have to react like the news was a blow to her.

"But there's still a chance! There's always hope! Please, may I get into your place to know more information?" pleaded Mavislin, changing back to her childlike tone.

Clement's eyes widened as Mavislin clung onto his shirt as she playfully begged him to know about her 'sister's whereabouts. He then gave in when she threatened to cry.

"Are you sure you are the older one? You seem like the younger one!" exclaimed Clement, trying to calm the girl down with head pats.

"That's my twin, she was a minute after me!" wailed Mavislin.

Uhh, perhaps the alcohol was helping.

"Okay, okay, Fine! I'll let you into my brothel. But once you are in there, you can't cry like this. Or else, I'll have you removed. Got it?" said Clement, sternly.

Bingo, she got in. She cheered inwardly once more, but still sobbed lightly while Clement continued consoling her. Though, he still held some uneasiness for Mavislin. He could trust her, for some reason. Why was that? He felt like he was sitting with a late bloomer of an a.d.u.l.t.

"Of course. I won't cry anymore. You said mean things, so I am upset," snuffled Mavislin, quickly wiping her 'tears' away.

"I'm only telling you the truth. In this harsh reality, you have to learn to accept the truth. However, you don't have to accept it either," said Clement, finishing up his drink.

Mavislin looked perplexed, trying to understand what the human meant.