North x Northwest

Chapter 5

Ack!

Her nose bumped into something unexpected, immediately her eyes stirred sourly and tears flowed down her cheeks. Only after a couple of steps back, was she able to check what it was she walked into.

It was a very tall man who just stared blankly at the suffering woman.

Uhh Whats going on You suddenly came out Oh, Im sorry I didnt see

Her eyelids trembled. Lil squinted her eyes, trying to make eye contact with the mans face that was far above head, but he didnt respond.

No matter how careless I was, its unfair that Im the only one apologizing.

Uh Whats wrong with you?

If you hit a person, isnt it right to apologize?

Youve got some guts! Here, take this!

She put her clenched fist close to his ear, but the man remained motionless.

My fists arent that weak.

Only then did Lil see her wrist wrapped in white lace and muttered,

Oh, right. Im a woman right now

She awkwardly lowered her hand.

It wouldnt have been a grand threat anyway. Amiaeng has a lot of rough people, so if one folds first, theyd likely get hit by something else in return. Especially for women. But I cant just let go of his rude manners. nove(l)bi(n.)com

Lil tapped the man on the side of his face with the tip of her fan.

Apologize when Im still being nice. You think I cant do anything to you just because youre a man?

This is amazing.

Yeah right Wait, what? Amazing?

Lil almost nodded, initially thinking it was an apology. She raised her head again and stared at his arrogant face which had a shaggy beard, messy hair, and an eye patch. It can be said that almost half of the face was covered, but despite the unnecessary things, she didnt think it was too sloppy.

No, dont get distracted.

Im surprised to see you, no, Im happy to see you.

Somehow the mans mouth seemed to smile. He wasnt laughing, but he looked quite pleased, maybe even amused. Lil had a bad hunch about this and frowned.

Is he crazy?

She let go of the collar she was holding and stepped back.

Last warning, apologize politely.

Well It may be partly my fault, but if you look at it, your fault is bigger because you suddenly jumped out into the hallway. Besides, Im happy, so why are you angry?

According to Sesbrons etiquette, both parties should apologize when theyre both at fault No, whats your problem? Youre happy that Im holding my nose while crying? Are you a pervert?

This time, Lil poked his chest and emphasized each word. The man playfully tapped the end of the fan. She raised her eyebrows as she looked down at her fist covered with thick lace sleeves.

Is he looking down at me because Im a woman?

Lil grabbed her skirt.

I must kick him in the shin.

Huh?

Surprised at her failed attempt, Lil looked down at her leg. The knee that was raised through the rolled-up dress was suddenly blocked by the mans hand.

Hey Take your hand off!

She couldnt move when he twisted her leg. What he used was a sophisticated technique. Her eyes widened at the terrifying realization. With a smiling mouth under his bushy bangs, the man was still very relaxed.

Damn it. I made a mistake.

Suddenly, Ack!

Bang!

Her whole body was forcibly pushed against the wall and the mans elbow was pressed against her neck, blocking her airway. Even before her shock subsided, the man moved closer.

Thats funny. This is not the outfit of a noble lady.

Ugh

I dont know where the Sesbron etiquette comes from. But why does a prostitute wish to be treated that way?

Lil twisted her back in an attempt to escape from the man and the wall, but her leg was still being held. She exerted more force on her knee to pull her leg out but instead, his hand slid into her dress. Surprised by the touch on her thigh, Lil threw her fist.

Oh? The prostitute isnt open for business?

Why didnt you tell me that directly? With that big mouth

After the man easily blocked her fist, he suddenly brought his face nearer. A calm, clear, and green eye. There was no sign of burning lust reflected in it, only seriousness. With eyes hardened by seriousness, his thin lips opened.

Or do you agree with my touch?

As the man licked his lips with his tongue, a shocked voice rang out at that perverted expression.

You pervert!

With her free left hand, Lil tried to stop his hand from going up any further.

Get off, get off, get off!

She wanted to take out her weapon, but both her hands were trapped.

This damned dress.

She couldnt move even after she gave strength to her wrists.

This pervert is so strong!

Lil was terrified by the mans approaching face. No matter how lowly she was being treated as a prostitute, she couldnt believe Lil Schweiz was so helpless.

Get lost! This crazy

Their lips almost touched. No, his lips were trying to reach hers.

Thats my way out.

Lil determinedly leaned forward and bit the lips that were approaching her. The mans body flinched audibly. He wanted to let go, but Lil shook her jaw from side to side, biting his lower lip as hard as she could. After cutting it open, a fishy taste quickly spread into her mouth. Blood flowed into his mouth, as well.

When she pushed his shoulder with all her might, the man finally backed off. He touched his lips with a frowning face, checked the blood, and jerked his head up.

Lil quickly pulled out her dagger and aimed at him.

If he tries to move any closer, Ill cut him.

She glanced downstairs to see if he had any male companions, but only heard a chuckle. Lil looked back at the man, wondering what the hell that was.

Why is he smiling? Hes crazy.

This was dangerous, wasnt it? It hurts a lot.

Thats a lot of talk for a crazy pervert.

The man scratched his neck and shook his head.

This is fun.

His lip was still bleeding, but he didnt seem to care at all. He didnt frown much despite saying it hurt a lot. Lil crumpled her face thinking about how unlucky she has been.

Lunatic.

A person with unknown intention is much more dangerous than a pervert with a clear purpose.

With a look full of reluctances Lil took a few steps backwards. She kept the dagger aimed towards the man till she reached the stairs, then she quickly turned around and ran down. As she kept looking back, she noticed that he didnt follow her, allowing her to safely escape the inn.

The man, who was watching from above, raised his hand and lifted the eye patch over his forehead. He swept his long bangs away revealing his normal eyes and mumbled.

I finally found you

Only then did he become aware of the pain in his lip and frowned. But soon after, a smile was raised on his face.

Do you know how surprised I am, Liloa?

The man happily muttered the name a few more times. Not long after he let out a sigh, remembering her bitter eyes.

She was definitely dressed as a prostitute, but seeing how she bit my lip, I dont think she was actually doing prostitution. Maybe shes just pretending to be something else.

What should I do now?

The man rolled his eyes full of eagerness, like a child distressing over what to get as a gift.

Thats right. I still have some time, and I wasnt intending to keep my promise anyway Lets play a little longer.

Seeing Lil turning left after leaving the inn, he fastened the eye patch again. Without further delay, he descended the stairs and quickly followed her.

He ran lightly and soon caught up with Lil.

How much?

The man appeared to be having fun as he looked at the surprised Lil. It was an amusing sight, seeing her react as if the soles of her feet were on fire.

Who are you? Ugh!

Im Ed.

Hey! You followed me! You crazy guy!

Lil took out her weapon again. She slashed his hand with the dagger when he tried to shake hands as an introduction.

Isnt this a bit too much?

Now youre acting normal?!

Lil took a quick step forward and snapped. Ed scratched his earlobe and opened his mouth.

Oh, Im sorry for the rudeness just now. You wouldnt have gotten angry if I asked you first, right? Ill ask seriously. How much?

Im not a prostitute.

Are you kidding me? With that outfit? Youre sending the wrong signals.

Lil, unable to reveal her true intentions, bit her lip.

Its just my style.

Thats interesting. I dont intend to nag at other peoples clothes, but this taste is usually popular among pervs.

What?

Hmm. Anyway, Im sorry that I misunderstood you.

Lil ignored Ed and walked past him.

This strange guy acted without manners and talked about strange things before, now he apologizes and talks like a normal person. It doesnt look like hed turn away anytime soon.

Lil grunted and strode forward. She tried to get rid of him by squeezing through the crowd of people, but she was easily followed. Seeing that the distance didnt widen either, she turned around and shouted.

Why do you keep following me?

Whats your name?

What the hell is that kind of answer?

What are you doing? Why are you following someone you dont even know?

I fell in love with you.

What?

Is this what people call love at first sight? I followed you because I didnt want to lose you. Why dont you tell me your name?

Lil used her dagger again this time. The sharp tip of the blade touched his neck.

I hate people who stalk others, saying they like them, without asking for their opinions. Only perverts do that.

But its true