The Lazy Life Of Raine

Cannon Fodder (4)

Nyx stood behind the screen as she was being introduced.  She was to play the guqin in the middle of the stage. The song she chose, even Madam did not know.  She made sure to not even practice it, for fearing that others would copy it.

Nyx stood still, with her head tilted down, her eyes on the floor.  The audience began clapping loudly as the screen doors opened. The moment Nyx looked up, her gaze made everyone there silent.  

Her beauty completely captivated everyone, Nyx walked forward with the sound of little bells jingling, which made her seem like a fairy among humans.  Nyx bowed once, to everyone, before gracefully sitting down and playing the guqin.

When her first note was plucked, the notes struck the hearts of everyone there.  It was as if the note took a part of their heart and brought it back to the fairy on the stage.  

Nyx gracefully and softly played the notes, like a butterfly floundering across a flower field.  It was a beautiful sight, her long fingers dancing across the strings.

Then suddenly, like a solar eclipse, the music changed and it became dark.  Nyx’s fingers ran over the guqin fast and hard, causing the strings to vibrate and penetrate the audience’s heart.  The change in music caused them to remember the dark days of war and how much it has affected them.

The music crescendo and stopped, causing everyone to gasp.  Silence descended the room, letting everyone remember the moment when the fairy stole their hearts.  

Nyx’s hands came down and the strings were plucked once more, this time, it was of bittersweetness.  The sweetness of coming home, however the bitterness of your love ones dying before you could say goodbye.  

The sadness was slowly swept away as a hopeful tune returned, one that reminded them that life was precious with the possibilities of tomorrow.  

The moment Nyx plucked the last string, the whole room stood up and clapped.  Nyx took everyone on a journey, one willed with emotion and remembrance. Her cheeks were dyed pink as she gave everyone a slight smile and bowed her head once.  Her eyes never lifted up to look upon her audience. Her shy actions were seen as coquettish, causing the men to like her even more.

Nyx began playing another song, however this time, it was a complicated and upbeat song.  To the music lovers, they knew only a very talented person could play the song. However to others who didn’t know, they just enjoyed the happy song.  

Once the song was finished, Madam walked out as everyone clapped.  

“Gentlemen.”  Madam said as she stood beside Nyx.  “Thank you for welcoming Pink Orchid’s Sixth Beauty with so much warmth.  It brings me great pleasure to introduce to you, Pink Orchid’s Sixth Beauty, Nyx.  Not only is she talented with music, she also has a sharp mind and a pure body. Tonight, one lucky man will be graced with her presence, taking the honor of her first blood.”  

The crowd began to speak to their group of friends, causing Madam to wait until they stopped talking.  Madam gave a signal and servants came around each table with a piece of paper and a brush with a small ink stone.  

“Those that want to bid, will have the time limit of Nyx’s song to place a bid.  The highest bidder will have the honor of taking Nyx’s first blood.” Madam told everyone before she left the stage.

Nyx began playing a quick song, one that made everyone’s heartbeat faster with anticipation.  It also made them restless and caused them to hope to be the winner. A sense of desire began to rise within them, causing them to think more lewd thoughts about them and Nyx.  Nyx’s song became intoxicating to them as drinks flowed constantly.

Madam was smart.  She made the audience make silent bids, in hopes to spend the night with Nyx.  Bid too low and you’ll lose, so it forced the men to bid high. Very high. Because the bid was a silent bid, no one would find out who is the winner, making the winner’s identity private as well.  

When the song finished, everyone stood up and clapped.  Nyx stood up and bowed to the audience and left them with the sound of bells.  Her debut was a success. She made a lasting impression on the customers. Her days at Pink Orchid would be easier.  

Nyx was ushered into her room.  The table was already set up with food and three large jars of wine.  The room was lit with candles, making the room glow soft.

“Wait here. You’re patron will be in shortly.  Do whatever he asks and do not disappoint me.” Madam warned Nyx.  

“Yes, Madam.”  Nyx said as she sat down at the chaise by the window.  The door closed after Madam leaving her alone.

Raine looked out to the starless sky and emptied out her mind about Valentin.  Raine had hope that the past week, with Pink Orchid advertising their Sixth Beauty, and her nightly showcase of her talent and skills would make her reputation grow far enough to reach Valentin’s soul.  

It would be too much of a coincidence for Valentin’s soul to be one of Pink Orchid’s customer tonight. She was a succubus after all, she needed her daily dose of sexual energy.  If Valentin wasn’t in the audience, she would have to betray her words to him and sleep with another.

Nyx’s last wish was to be strong so she wouldn’t be taken advantage of.  But she didn’t specify what kind of “strong” she wanted to be. Was it body strength, mentally strength, or financial strength?  When making a last dying wish, one must be cautious of one’s wish.

The reason Nyx hasn’t left Pink Orchid was for a number of reasons.  One, it was an easy place for her to feed her succubus. Two, if she stayed, it would be easier for Valentin’s soul to find her.  Three, she would rule over Pink Orchid and become the best courtesan.

With Raine’s strength of mind, body and soul, she could survive the schemes of a brothel and succeed in the mission.   If she has to have sex with another person, she would do it to make sure her mission was a success. Although it would hurt Valentin, Raine couldn’t help the situation she was in.  

She was a host to a system that held her soul in it’s hand.  If she failed the mission because she waited for Valentin’s soul to meet up with her in every mission, then her Soul Force Points would decrease until she was no more.  

If he attached himself to her soul, then it was his best interest to find her as soon as possible.  Her actions are made with the intention to succeed the mission. As long as her sleeping with others meant the success to her mission, she would do it. Even if it meant it would be hurting him and betraying their promise.

Raine snickered to herself because of her situation.  Her situation made her into a shitty person. She was holding a pity party for herself when there was a knock on the door.  

Raine turned her head towards the door and saw a tall, scholarly man walk inside.  Raine stood up and bowed to her guest.

“Welcome.  My name is Nyx.  Thank you for your patronage.”