Blossoms of the Dark

XXI Selene: Price

Trigger Warnings:

- forced prostitution

- forced foreplay

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I round the street corner to find the chauffeur waiting for me.

Starting today, I am to be accompanied by a chauffeur to and from school. It's part of my security as the warden of the Hanada family. At least that's what it is supposed to appear to outsiders. In reality, it's a method to spy on me: making sure I am performing my job diligently; ascertaining that no one knows my secrets; ensuring that I will not betray the Hanadas.

I do not intend to betray the Hanadas.

I have much to lose if I do so.

I'm too afraid to do so.

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I sit in the backseat of the expensive car and the chauffeur goes to the drivers' seat. He doesn't ask me questions and I don't ask him. As he drives to the manor, I reflect on my meeting with Todoroki-san, no, Todoroki-kun, from just before.

I only remember making friends from my time at the orphanage. But I don't remember much from then, and the friendships lasted for only a short while. In England, I interacted with other girls, but they were the daughters and nieces of prominent businessmen. My role was to secure business proposals and alliances between the Hanadas and the relatives of these girls. All of the interactions I had were superficial and profit-intended.

Todoroki-kun will be my first friend.

I had kept my guard up around him because I wasn't entirely sure of his motives. I couldn't risk revealing the entire truth about my quirk. But when he said that he wanted to help me and be my friend, I detected no ill will from him. I observed his body language and it did not contradict his words. It made me happy. Happier than I have felt in a long time. For the first time, I felt somewhat comfortable around someone.

Around him, I can let my guard down a little.

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I snap out of my reverie. I want to go to the welcome party, even if it is only for talking to Todoroki-kun. But I have to receive permission from the Hanadas to do so. Particularly from Hanada-sama since he's the patriarch of the family. That means I have to do whatever he wishes tonight.

My thoughts and sour as I think of what tortures I will have to endure to get my wish.

The chauffeur passes the gates of the manor. I step out of the car to walk in. But at the entrance, Hanada-sama is waiting for me. He pretends to be the doting father to me: gentle smile, laid-back posture, open arms. But his empty eyes reveal the truth. He hugs me and whispers in my ear, "Did you learn anything useful?"

I whisper back, "I did, Sama."

He releases me and beckons me inside. I follow him to his office. He locks the door and sits in his plush chair. "Do tell."

"I was enrolled into Class 1-A. The homeroom teacher of that class is Aizawa Shota, the Pro-Hero Eraserhead. Besides me, there are 20 other students in the class, some of whom I saw at the recommendations entrance exam," I say clinically.

His interest is piqued. "And what did Eraserhead tell you to do today?"

"He made the entire class take a Quirk Apprehension Test to gauge where the students were at in terms of their quirk usage and potential. He scored each of us and lied that whoever had the lowest score would be expelled immediately. I figured it would be best for me to score in the Top 5 to make an impression on him. I succeeded and scored fourth."

"Eraserhead is not one to be camera-friendly, but he is popular nonetheless. He can prove to be a valuable asset. You brought his attention to you. You made him notice you. Good thinking."

Finding an opening, I bring up the welcome party. "I can make him notice me further. I can also make the other teachers at U.A. focus on me. There is a welcome party tonight at the school. All students and staff are invited. I can make a memorable impression if I attend, too. It will be the first step toward making all of the U.A. amenable to me, and therefore your venture into the hero industry."

"Clever. Very clever. You seduce the U.A. faculty and garner their support for our company. I approve. You will go to this welcome party tonight. But, there is one thing you have to do before that."

Here comes the price I have to pay.

Reigning my anxiety in, I wait.

"I have a new business client. He is almost ready to agree to a business deal with me, but he has requested one thing before signing the agreement."

I have an idea of what this client has requested.

"You."

When I say nothing, he continues. "He had a mistress whom he is no longer visiting. He wants someone ... fresh. Someone young. Someone beautiful. He had seen pictures of you and agreed to my offer only if I offered you to become his mistress."

My idea was correct. I am to give up my body again. This isn't the first time this has happened. For years, I have had to please various businessmen whom Hanada-sama wished to form a partnership with. I have seen all sides of the business industry, especially what happens behind the scenes. I am his ace. The card that ensures victory.

Taking care to make my voice as emotionless as possible, I ask, "When do I have to cater to your client? I assume tonight before attending the party."

He smiles cruelly. "You assume correctly. He is waiting in the last guest room of the southern wing."

"Does he have any ... preferences?"

"He's given you a silk robe. It's in your bedroom. And he asks that you wear nothing underneath the robe and wear it off-shoulders."

Not having the willpower to say much more, I respond bluntly, "Understood, Sama."

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