Kapitel 46: Ch. 46: Unimpressed
I'm sure I looked pissed, but quite frankly I was. "It's a pity then that I don't partake in 'movements' as you put it. Since you know so much about my own culture perhaps you can elude me to your own. You have many fine women here - are they merely for your viewing pleasure?"
Horace leaned back once again and laughed, "You are quite mistaken m'lady. Each woman of Zantark has chosen to be here of her own will and delight in performing arts as a means of her own pleasure. Our women are our lifeblood - we value each for her beauty, mind and any other assets that are particular to her individuality. The women you see before you are the finest in our land and each has her own personal accommodations, jewelry, gold, servants and male companions to satisfy her every need." Horace looked deeply adding, "Speaking of male companions . . ." He clapped his hands and many gorgeous shirtless men came walking in with more platters of food. One of the more handsome men walked toward us and bowed before me. I had to admit, the guy was stunning. His skin was bronze and toned with lustrous gold hair cascading in waves down to his shoulders. Muscles rippled with each move and his strong inviting appearance would cause any woman to swoon.
"This is Redmon - he is one of our best service men. I'm sure your journey has been long and arduous, perhaps you would be pleased with having Redmon attend to your every need tonight in camp? I'm sure he could more than accommodate you." Horace jeered.
Rich leaned forward and whispered, "Good heavens Ez, you should eat that morsel up and quick."
Shaking my head I smirked at Richie and looked back at Horace, "What's the catch?"
Baymun's violet eyes sparked a little at this remark, however it could have been my imagination because he appeared just as solemn as before. Horace seemed slightly baffled and blinked at me, "Catch? Why should there be a catch for us wanting to please you?"
I gave an unimpressed look, "I'm not talking about just me. I mean every woman you have here. What is the price these women have to pay . . . You know my culture, so I assume you think that I'm the same as my sisters and mothers, however you couldn't be more mistaken. One thing I did learn is that EVERYTHING comes with a price - you have yet to show yours. At least my people have the decency to be straightforward."
It looked like I had thrown Horace off his game a little. The old man narrowed his eyes and said, "Yes your women have their prices don't they? And their little spitfires too - what an excellent way to provide for their society. However we don't necessarily conform to the same structure."
"So you mean to tell me that you provide endless supplies of food, shelter, clothing and limitless amounts of pleasure and gold for no reason? That would mean that your society is run on idiocy and could not possibly thrive – surely there's something that YOU gain?"
Horace was baffled (probably from the idiocy remark) but quickly licked his lips and began to stammer, "We gain the endless fortitude of having such wonderful ladies –"
I tsked and interrupted him, "Since this seems to be a difficult subject for you to talk about, then please let me - I'm guessing that your Elders have first shot whenever they decide that they're bored, am I right? Since this can't possibly give financial gain, you probably sell off and trade the women as needed, romanticizing the fact that they are providing your nation a great service? Stop me if I'm wrong."
The old pervert looked indignant, "We do not sell our women! Absolutely not! We may however allow some other countries to indulge in our women's particular services - but the women are always greatly compensated and agree to all terms."
I shook my head with a small disgusted smile, "Well of course – it's a classier form of prostitution. Truly your society has outdone itself."
Horace raised his voice, "You speak of prostitution but your society is no better! At least our women gain more than simple survival."
As much as I wanted to retaliate, the old fart was right. That's exactly how my race survived - and one of the underlying reasons I left. I looked over at Baymun and Kovin to see their reaction to my race's disgusting means of existence; Kovin looked perplexed but Baymun was unreadable. I don't know why I cared - it wasn't like I would ever be real friends with Kovin and Baymun could just die.
I sat back in my seat shaking my head, "So I'm to be condemned for my society's choice of survival, eh? I wonder why you'd have me come all the way here then - Surely you could have written this in a note."
Horace tried composing himself and seemed slightly embarrassed, "I forgot how vexatious your race can be . . . I apologize for my outburst - you were not brought here today to be criticized. On the contrary, we had a very different plan for this evening." He looked at Baymun with an anxious expression again.
"Insulting and apologizing in the same sentence . . . clearly your society is a force to be reckoned with." I replied dryly.
Horace seemed to think for a moment, "You assume vexatious is an insult? My dear, you couldn't be more mistaken - I'm quite delighted that you are proving to be such a challenge. Obviously the ever benevolent Prince Baymun chose a formidable champion, not to mention that you uphold your own society's reputation admirably."
I clenched my jaw in irritation. His continuous comments comparing me to my sister and mothers were highly annoying. I wasn't anything like them, I mean at least not on morals. "Let's cut to the chase, shall we? What is it that you really want?"
Horace laughed a little, "Well we were going to ease into this by providing an elegant feast and allowing you some much needed indulgence," he gestured to Redmon still kneeling by my feet, "However it's clear that you wish to hurry this along. We'd like to offer you a position among our society. Your beauty obviously speaks for itself and added with your reputation, spark and other most envious attributes you would fare quite well, perhaps even a place among our finest. We would greatly be honored to have you here m'lady."
What? I looked in confusion at Baymun and Kovin. They both seemed unmoved. I lifted my hand in exasperation, "I'm Bodach's champion . . . Am I to assume I'm being 'given' to Zantark?"
Baymun's violet eyes bore into mine as he finally gave a small smile, "Like I said before - I'm only here to observe. There've been no negotiations on our behalf."
I tapped my finger to my lips, "So this is entirely up to me, right?"
The demon gave nothing away of his own emotions but his eyes seemed to pierce my soul, "Yes."
I stood abruptly giving a half-hearted smile to Horace, "Then I must thank the Zantarkans for a delicious meal and gladly inform you that I refuse. Now if you'll excuse me, I will retire to my tent - and do NOT send poor Redmon."
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein