Zaterran's Lotus

Chapter One

10 years ago, back when Syzoth was a struggling circus act.

It was around midnight at the Tajan province, no one was out at this time. Business world be slow, as expected.

People passed by, but only because they needed a quick snack. It was surprising how the concession stand still wasn't empty at this hour.

At least he's made over 3,000 Dragon Koins today, that should be enough for a meal.

He thought it was time to pack up and call it a night until he saw a woman approaching.

"Hello, are you still performing?"

She asked, smiling at Syzoth.

She was gorgeous; too good for him.

"My fair lady, I still am."

Syzoth replied, trying to sound courteous.

The woman's smile grew, and she immediately took out some koins.

"Would 5,000 Dragon Koins be enough... Syzoth?"

She read his name off the sign, but 5,000 koins? She was too generous— but this could be exploited.

"I don't know, ma'am. Maybe add a few more? I can show you some new tricks."

The woman then nodded, adding extra.

"7,000?"

She asked, clearly naïve to his tricks.

"That's perfect."

Syzoth said, smirking as he took the koins from her.

He performed his usual routine, nothing new at all! But hey, a man's gotta make a living somehow.

After the show ended, the woman clapped in joy.

"Wow!"

She smiled wide.

"That's real interesting, are you really Zaterran?"

She asked curiously.

"I truly am Zaterran, miss...?"

He raised an eyebrow.

"Leixia! I'm Leixia."

She said, offering her hand out to him.

Despite being feared by other patrons, Leixia wanted to touch him? Surprising.

He shook her hand, feeling her warmth.

"It's nice to meet you, Leixia."

He said, turning away and packing up.

He suddenly looked back, Leixia was still there.

"...are you not leaving, Miss Leixia?"

Leixia shook her head.

"No, not yet. Why? Do you want me to leave?"

She said, getting up and fixing her skirt.

"Uh— absolutely not! Yeah, hehe..."

Syzoth said, running to stop her.

"Oh?"

Leixia tilted her head.

"What do you need with me?"

She asked, holding onto his hands.

"...company."

Syzoth didn't wanna admit it, but he was lonely. He had seen many married couples visiting the carnival with their children, many men with their future wives passed by... he wanted that too.