血王:夜王朝

Chapter20:不完整的心

The zoning of the Moonglow Empire's capital is a defining characteristic, initiated by the tenth monarch who sought to curb the chaos and unregulated vending in the city. Successive rulers have continued and refined this practice, resulting in a well-ordered metropolis. The city is divided into distinct areas: the Noble District, the Academy District, the Commercial District, the Nightless District, the Residential District, the Military District, and at the center, the palace where the king resides. There is also a slum area, pushed to the outskirts of the city. This clear demarcation of zones has maintained order within the capital, with businesses like restaurants, hotels, and snack bars allocated to the Commercial District.

At Ava Millie's invitation, Rachel, carrying her reluctant sister Belial, along with the twin sisters Serena Lucy and Tilly Lucy, and Peach, headed to the gourmet street in the Commercial District.

"Ah, this smell, it never gets old no matter how many times I come," Rachel exclaimed as they entered the street, inhaling the tantalizing aromas that swirled around them, stimulating their taste buds and appetites. For Rachel, this was a heavenly experience. She worked at the breakfast shop at the far end of the street every day, where she was surrounded by these scents but could never indulge due to her financial constraints. Her earnings were dedicated to repaying loans and saving for Belial's medical treatment.

"Let's have grilled meat today. This place is great; we had our class meeting here last night," Ava Millie suggested with a smile, leading everyone to a five-story building from which the smell of barbecue wafted.

"Lamb skewers, hmm, I prefer seafood," Serena commented.

"No, any kind of meat is fine. Looking at Rachel, who is our age but has such a figure, it must be because of eating meat," Tilly muttered quietly, casting a sly glance at Rachel's chest, which she estimated to be a C or even a D cup.

Serena's mouth twitched. "Well, in that case, I'll reluctantly eat meat too."

The twins, due to their regular martial arts and physical training, had excellent figures and were taller than their peers by half a head. It seemed that all their nutrients went into their height, as their chest size was modest at best, with Serena at 5'6" and Tilly at 5'7", but both barely reaching a B cup, if not an A.

Compared to Rachel's 5'3" stature and her ample D cup, the twins felt a pang of envy.

The group of girls, all of whom were attractive, naturally drew many gazes as they entered the barbecue restaurant. Ava Millie walked confidently at the front, while the twins were curiously looking around. Peach, dressed in her maid outfit, followed half a step behind Ava Millie.

Rachel, who was walking at the back carrying Belial, noticed they were lagging behind and whispered, "Sister, if you're scared, hold on to me tighter."

"Uuu, Rachel," Belial whimpered, her head resting on Rachel's neck and trembling slightly.

"I'm sorry. I know it's hard for you and makes you uncomfortable to be forced out, but I can't leave you at home alone. I'd rather you feel a bit uncomfortable than let you develop feelings of inferiority and isolation," Rachel said, looking straight ahead. She could feel the strange looks from the sides, not directed at her but at Belial. "It's just that your legs can't feel and walk; it's not a big deal. Besides, you're so beautiful; you should be more confident."

"But I..." Belial felt cold and was sweating from nervousness. Unlike last night, it was broad daylight, and people could see her clearly. The gazes from others made her heart feel like it would stop, and she wanted to hide.

Belial's psychological trauma from her leg disability had been festering for years. If it weren't for Rachel's continuous efforts, Belial would have become a severe autistic patient by now. Yet, even so, she couldn't completely get rid of her feelings of inferiority.

"No matter what happens, I won't leave you behind. You don't need to care about other people's gazes; they don't understand your gentleness," Rachel continued to reassure Belial in a low voice until they reached a private room on the fourth floor, where they were finally free from the prying eyes.

Seeing Belial's condition, Rachel sighed inwardly. Belial's heartache was all due to her legs. If they could be cured, her psychological issues would naturally dissipate. But it was easier said than done.

Unaware of the strange behavior between Rachel and Belial, Serena and Tilly had already ordered a plethora of dishes as soon as they sat down, mostly meats like lamb legs and racks. Ava Millie didn't care much about food and simply ordered a few cold drinks and some cold dishes. Peach, considering herself a maid, felt unworthy and refused to accept the menu when Ava Millie offered it to her.

"I'll have some lamb offal, please, and a non-spicy one for me," Rachel requested, also ordering a few non-spicy lamb chops for Belial, who was still taking medication and needed to avoid spicy and irritating foods.

"Here's to the start of the new term, to everyone becoming stronger, and most importantly, to Belial standing up and recovering soon," Ava Millie raised her glass after the waiter left, making a toast that doubled as a wish.

"Thank you, Ava Millie. Yes, that's one of my goals. I will find a way to cure my sister's legs, whether it's in the Moonglow Empire or elsewhere, even in other continents. The world is so vast; I'm sure there's a solution," Rachel stood firm, her lips pursed in determination.

"If there's anything we can do, just let us know. We're not just good for money; we can also lend a hand," Serena and Tilly exchanged glances and promised earnestly.

"Oh, as an only child, I'm really envious. Count me in; we're friends now, aren't we?" Ava Millie smiled lightly, and Peach's face flushed with excitement, though she remained silent, clenching her small fist to express her resolve.

Belial wore a forced smile, feeling more and more like a burden to Rachel, a weight that was holding her back. Her resolve deepened; if being a burden to Rachel for life was the only option, Belial would rather suffer alone.