Hellfire • L.A.

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Levi POV

The stench of the underground makes me sick. I try not to let my disgust display across my face, but it's a feat. Historia, on the other hand has no issue showing how shocked she is at the state of things.

"Don't get me wrong, your majesty, I sympathize with your own upbringing, but believe me when I say the children born and raised in this hell would have taken your position over any of this in a heartbeat." I shake my head disapprovingly and look down at my feet to make sure I haven't stepped in anything grimy.

Historia stares wide-eyed at the crumbling buildings and frowns at the futile street lamps that barely have a glowing flame inside of them. "No offense taken, Captain."

"Where should we start?" A cadet from another squadron that had joined us on Erwin's orders anxiously twists a loose thread on their uniform jacket. I can tell he's from one of the inner walls by the discomfort written in his face. Most likely, he hasn't been on an expedition yet.

"I say we visit brothels first. Survey the medical assistance we'll needing once we bring everyone upward, take a headcount of orphaned children, that sort of thing." My foot splashed in a puddle and I twitch.

Everything down here makes me feel gross. The stagnant air, the water infected with maggots, even the darkness irks me. The privilege of being away from here, despite the troubles and poor luck I've encountered, has done a number on me.

"That sounds like a good plan. I'm assuming you have somewhere in mind, Captain?" Historia looks at me expectantly. I nod and motion for the two of them to follow me.

I was surprised when Historia refused military police escort down here and only requested mine and Lux's presence instead. Lux refused, mumbling something about needing a day or two off from the excitement of recent events. I don't blame her for not wanting to return to this hell, it wouldn't do her psyche any good. She's not as strong as she puts on, but I would never tell her that to her face.

She has been acting strange lately. Ever since she went to that dinner three nights ago she's been distant, and she didn't even mention the event when she saw me again the morning after she returned. I had expected her to show up at my door the night she returned, but she said it was late and didn't want to wake me up. Obviously she's hiding something, but it's not my job to pry.

I try not to think anymore about the underlying issue of Lux's odd behavior once we arrive at the shabby pub. "This brothel is popular around here. Many young men come around here, mostly ones part of the military police."

Historia makes a scoffing noise of disgust. "Can't say I'm surprised. Do you know if they come while on duty?"

"To me it doesn't matter if they're on duty or not. The way some of these pigs treat women makes it clear they're not fit for their role."

The two wooden planks on hinges that serve as a door swing loosely even after we step inside. The place is in worse shape than I remember it ever being in. There's green mold on the windows and the floorboards look like they haven't been scrubbed in ages. My fingers twitch, and clench my fists to fight the gross feeling.

"The owner is behind the bar. I'll go chat him up to see what we're dealing with here." I direct my attention to the scout next to Historia and he gulps. "Stay with her, don't do anything stupid."

He nods fervently and I give Historia one last reassuring glance before stalking over to the bar. The owner, a bald man with a goatee and a bulky build, is busy wiping down the counter with a rag that looks too brown to be considered sanitized.

"Excuse me, I'm looking for the owner. Know where I can find him?"

He doesn't even spare me a glance. "You're talkin' to 'im. If you had an issue with one of my ladies I can't do much for ya. Bring it up with her."