You Wish Me to Desire You

After a flurry of blows, the few thugs lay sprawled obediently before Shirakawa and his group.

"I didn't expect those two kids to be so tough—they seem even stronger than our country's soldiers."

"Of course. Both of them have killed before."

"Killed? Kids that young have killed? And what about you?" Kaiser Lynn said in surprise.

Hearing the exchange between Kaiser Lynn and Shirakawa, the thugs became even more docile.

Shirakawa flashed a mysterious smile. "Take a guess."

Seeing that smile, Kaiser Lynn felt as if she had plunged into an ice cavern, because she already knew the answer.

She never imagined that someone like Shirakawa would have killed before—truly, you can't judge a book by its cover.

"I'll ask you a few questions. If your answers satisfy me, we'll let you go. But if you don't satisfy me... hmph, you know the consequences."

"Rest assured, sir, ask whatever you like. I'll tell you everything I know without holding back."

The leader spoke with tears and snot streaming down his face, his tone laced with resolve.

"Relax, it's nothing major. Tell me, how many casinos are there in this city?"

"Seven."

"Oh? You seem to know them pretty well?"

"Heh heh, to be honest with you, sir, there's no place in this city I don't know. And I've been to every single one of those casinos—I'm very familiar with them."

"Oh, is that so? Get up."

"Thank you, sir."

"Send your companions away. You stay."

The moment Shirakawa finished speaking, before the leader even gave the order, the others quickly scattered on their own.

"Those bastards, no sense of loyalty. When I get back, I'm going to give them a good beating."

Watching his companions abandon him without a second thought, the leader felt a chill in his heart.

"Sir, why can't I leave?" the man asked Shirakawa cautiously.

"Didn't you say you're familiar with those casinos? We happen to need a guide who knows the way."

"Tch, why did my mouth have to be so glib?" Hearing Shirakawa's words, he felt like he had dug his own grave.

"Alright then, sir. Shall I lead the way for you all?"

"Get moving." Buggy kicked the man in the backside, acting every bit like a lackey.

The first casino they arrived at was very close to where they had just been—less than five hundred meters away.

"You weren't planning to rob us just to get money to gamble here, were you?"

"Heh heh." The man gave an embarrassed laugh, implying that Shirakawa had guessed his intentions.

When they entered the casino, it wasn't as strict as Shirakawa had imagined. There were only two guards at the door, and they didn't even ask who Shirakawa and his group were when they walked in—probably because they recognized the leader.

"Oh, if it isn't Brother Wolf. What, got some cash again and came to play a few rounds?"

As they went inside, someone spotted their group and called out to Brother Wolf.

"Scram, scram. I'm on business now, no time to mess around with you."

"Oh, quite the reputation you've got, Brother Wolf."

"Heh heh, sir, there's no 'Brother Wolf'—that's just what the street folks call me. You can call me Little Wolf."

"Little Wolf, yeah, that name suits you better."

"Thank you, sir."

"Alright, enough bootlicking. Let's go."

"Sir, you're not going to play a few rounds?" Seeing that Shirakawa and the others wanted to leave without even trying their luck, Little Wolf was a bit puzzled.

"We're not here to play. We're here to find someone."

"Oh, then let's head to the next one."

"Yeah."

It had to be said, these casinos were really tucked away in hidden spots. If they had to find them on their own, they probably wouldn't finish even after a whole day.

After half a day, they had searched all seven casinos, but still found no trace of Rayleigh.

"Are you sure there are only seven casinos here?"

"I'm sure." Little Wolf said with a firm look, not seeming to lie.

"Then that's strange. Where else could the First Mate go besides a casino?" The three of them all fell into deep thought.

"Oh, right. There's also a big entertainment venue here that has gambling activities too."

"Then why didn't you say so earlier?" Buggy smacked Little Wolf on the head.

"Well, because that place also offers... those kinds of services."

"Which way?" Shanks asked with a blank, innocent look.

"That way." Little Wolf's eyes shifted toward Kaiser Lynn.

"What way is that way?" Shanks still didn't get it.

"Alright, Shanks, don't ask. Things like this are better left unknown to minors like you."

Seeing Kaiser Lynn's face flush bright red, Shirakawa spoke up.

"Hmph, not a single one of you is proper—even the kid you're dragging along isn't proper." Kaiser Lynn muttered.

"What is it, really?" Shanks pressed on, asking Kaiser Lynn again.

"No idea."

"Alright, Shanks, you'll understand when you grow up."

"I'm already grown up!" Shanks retorted.

"No, you're not."

"Come on, hurry up and take us to see that place. I'm starting to get curious too."

"Hmph, pervert."

Seeing Shirakawa flash a lecherous grin, Kaiser Lynn cursed under her breath.

"Being a pervert depends on the person. With you, I can't even get in the mood."

Facing this woman who attacked him with venomous words, Shirakawa struck back without mercy.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Exactly what I said."

"And what exactly does what you said mean?"

"You should know what it means."

"I don't know."

"Do you really need me to spell it out?"

"Go ahead. I want to see what you mean."

"Fine, then I'll tell you exactly what I mean."

"Say it."

"What I mean is that you don't stir any desire in me."

"I don't stir any desire in you? Are you blind? Someone as naturally beautiful as This Princess, and you feel no desire?"

"Are you hoping I would feel desire for you?"

Shirakawa shoved Kaiser Lynn against the wall, looking down at her from above.

"Whoa!" The three onlookers let out a collective sigh.

"I didn't know Shirakawa had such a domineering side."

Shanks said in disbelief.

"Yeah." Buggy nodded in agreement.

This move from Shirakawa caught Kaiser Lynn completely off guard. Her eyes went wide, and for a moment, she didn't know what to do.

Breathing in the thick masculine aura radiating from Shirakawa, Kaiser Lynn felt dizzy—there was also a faint, clean scent, like natural body fragrance.

"What, nothing to say? Are you hoping I feel desire for you?"

Shirakawa pressed again, his tone carrying a strong offensive.

"No, I don't. Stay away from me."

Kaiser Lynn shoved Shirakawa away and pulled her scarf up higher, not wanting him to see her face.

"There you have it. You don't want me to feel desire for you, and I won't feel desire for you."

For some reason, as he said those words, a hint of loss stirred in Shirakawa's heart. Could it be that I'm what they call a born scumbag?