A piece of paper was slipped on the lap of the young Don.
Hermes looked down, picked it up and unfolded it.
'Sir. Aljen, meet me in the chief's office. I have something to tell you,' stated in the content.
'Who was it?' Hermes shifted his gaze at the suspected people.
Venus, Richarde, the Chief, and the elders were his primary suspects. However, no one even bothered to check his position. Without a valid basis to confirm his/her motive, he heaved a sigh and gave in. Then, he inserted the paper into his chest pocket and stood up from his chair.
He closed his right hand tightly, and then, he punched his left palm with resolved.
'Yosh, let's do it,' Hermes smirked.
A few second later, his escorts came to bring him to his cell. The verdict was supposed to be escorted to that location, but his expectation showed otherwise.
He was dragged back to the guest room, where he was sitting with the elder.
The keyguard locked him in before they left, leaving him alone like a dog on a closed-cell.
Hermes shifted his eyes intensely, from left to right. He placed a hand on his chest, and he heaved a sigh of relief.
'Phew, I'm glad. I'm safe. No assassin set me up this time. Hays, the church is at my side. At this point, I can finally proceed to plan B.'
Plan B was to escape for the Amerigo, and then, later on, he would fly for Southeast Asia.
"Master, what's next?" the slime asked, earnestly. "I'm still trying to figure it out. Maybe, I can come up with a new idea after the trial of the backstabbing prick," Hermes answered.
"Bad news, master. I detected a powerful force," the slime reported. "W, what kind of force it is?" asked Hermes, forming a defensive stance against the approaching unknown entity. "It's a... force of obsession," the slime declared.
'Obsession of what?' Hermes' eyebrows raised up with a confused face.
"Sorry for the intrusion!" Venus slammed the door open with an ecstatic face. "Aaah, it's from that girl, huh. It's freakin' Venus. Guards, help. There's a dangerous existence over here!" Hermes hissed.
The priestess rushed to his side, aiming to hit his chest with her smiling face.
Her two beautiful attendants observed her action in incredulity. Never a word came out to stop her erratic behavior for a while.
"Sir Aljen, dangerous? Who was it? By the way, don't scream. I'm no enemy. Hey, why are you running away from me? That's rude, you're hurting my heart, you know," Venus attempted to hug him again, but the young Don slipped from her grip. "Hold up, hold up, calm down, will ya!" Hermes stepped back in the distance before she could do another try.
He lightly pushed her away whenever she got close. It took a few minutes before she gave up.
'Isn't that door locked? Don't tell me she opens it with full force subconsciously? Damn, she's stronger than I thought,' Hermes was astounded and impressed at the same time.
Ylla and her companion placed a hand on their forehead in shame.
"We have still time before we leave. I'm here to talk with you," Venus tilted her head on the side with her ponytailed hair rested on her shoulder, carrying a rope and a potion of dangerous substance. "H, h, high priestess, please hold yourself!" Ylla snapped her back to reality, confiscating all of the tools out of her hand.
"W, where the hell is the security?" Hermes cried as he rushed behind the sofa. "Oh, you don't have to worry about my safety. They are resting somewhere in the lobby. Little Ylla and Lady Daliah are enough to protect me. About the guards again, I order them to have a break," Venus clutched her hands together, and a beam of pink roses bloomed behind her face.
'I'm not worrying about your life. I'm referring to my chastity,' Hermes corrected her inside his mind.
"Then, what are you going to do with those things?" Hermes pointed his index at the objects that she was holding in her hands earlier. "Oh, silly me. It's nothing. Believe it, it's nothing. I don't think it is appropriate to confess that I am planning to tie you up or something, you see. Then, I will put you inside a large suitcase to escape from here later. But don't think something funny, take a look. She's already taken it away, so it's fine for now, " Venus tapped a fist on her head and bit her tongue out with one eye closed in a silly gesture.
'F, f, for now? What happened if I let you tie me up? Now, I'm worried honestly,' Hermes was dubious.
"H, how can I help you?" asked Hermes politely. "Elope with me," Venus blurted it impulsively.
Hermes' body froze for a second, and it began to shiver tremendously.
However, as a man, he had to act professionally.
'H, help me, Justin. Goddamn it. This is why I don't want to raise a flag. Women here are scary as shit. Screw you, Stump G.'
"Your excellency, watch your words. That's not the right word to say," Ylla noticed his reaction, so she suggested something. "You should tell the man, you are going to help him to escape. Elopement is an inappropriate word to use, you know."
Venus nodded. Daliah placed a hand on her forehead in disbelief.
'I pity you, Sir Aljen,' Daliah commented.
"Oh, my goodness. I'm sorry. I made a mistake. It's not what you think it is. It mean a different purpose. Take a look at this bottle. We were planning to slip this potion into your drinks, however, it appears we need your permission to do this. So when I learned that you're in this room, I, what I mean is, we... rushed here to seek your approval. But since this method is... a bit... you know... improper, we left no other choice but to postpone my plan. Mr. Aljen, I'm sorry for jumping to that path," Venus explained honestly before she lowered her head with a desolate face. "Forgive me almighty father for I have sinned. Help this poor lad to escape from this impending danger. Y, y, you're planning ahead of time, Venus," Hermes prayed with cold sweat.
"Elopement is an exaggerated word. What a shame. I am planning to put you inside a large suitcase already, so we can sneakily send you outside of this building. That method is very effective because my grandmother did that to my grandpa when he was convicted. Ah, never mind. Please worry not. Next time, I'll make sure to hide it properly," assured Venus as she pondered her hand on her chest proudly. "Say again?" Hermes agitated after he heard it.
'I feel bad to her grandfather. How's he now today? Is he still alive? By the way, d-don't hide your motive. Just suppress your obsession. That's all!' Hermes begged.
"Ahem," Daliah coughed once to get her attention. "Milady, your honest thoughts are coming out. Take a look, he's about to pray for God to ask for salvation already. Please keep it balanced, okay," Ylla advised, tugging her sleeve to halt her attempt to embrace her crush.
'You should advise her to stand down, or the more essential is the word called snap out of it!' corrected Hermes inside his mind.
He's still tried to keep himself composed in front of these ladies. He was an adult after all.
"Wow, this crazy girl is terrifying. If I am in her position, I will do the same. That sleeping potion is good to paralyze your lover for good. Wait, I smell an aphrodisiac chemical substance in her gown. What a tactful girl. I like her!" the slime praised. "Shut it, you're not helping at all," muttered Hermes that only the two of them could hear.
"H, how about we sit down first?" suggested Hermes, offering the open space for the three girls. "Thank you," Venus answered in a frenetic tone.
As the three beautiful ladies sat down, the priestess began to open her mouth.
'Man, why the hell is she sitting next to me like we are already a couple?' Hermes was displeased.
Venus wrapped her arms around his left arm. The two servants giggled upon seeing his stiff expression.
'Don't laugh, you son of bitches,' Hermes was annoyed.
"They rushed the trial to prepare your execution without a valid basis. To think our leader is disappointing superior. He's the worst of the worst I have ever seen. Despite the unfair treatment you've received earlier, do you still want to hang out with the backstabbing chief?" asked Venus, her forehead creased. "I know you're mad at his decision, Venus. And, I know you're dissatisfied with the result of his evaluation. But that man represents the face of this place. That man is still the village chief who is highly respected by the people. Please remember this, I'm just talentless nobody and a foreign merchant. Take note of that. Unlike me, he musters his resolve to do the court trial out of his obligation," Hermes soothed, calming the woman beside him.
'Or maybe not,' Hermes was annoyed when he commented it inside his head.
The high priestess sulked upon hearing his comment.
"I am not the bad person here, you see. He's trying to execute you through the trial. I don't mind witnessing the horrible death of the true criminals, but I won't idle by to see my lov- uh, eh, an innocent person die by false charges. I won't hesitate to order the Holy trinity to cleanse the evil out of his domain, you know. By the way, why are you defending that person?" fumed Venus, tugging his sleeve. "Chill, girl. Chill. Listen very carefully, okay. You should know that I am still under court surveillance or whatever it is called for. You're a nice person, milady. However, every man makes a mistake. There must be an explanation why he did that earlier. I also wanted to know why did he treat me like shit back there. All we have to do is to calm down, and let us act professionally," Hermes answered, smiling.
'And act modesty too!' Hermes cried inside his head.
The two attendants exchanged glances at one another. They didn't expect him to hear it from his mouth after his life was almost on the brink of death.
'Is this man an idiot?' asked Ylla, pointing her nose at the young Don. 'I have no idea either,' Daliah slightly replied her with a half-smile.
As the priestess entertained the man, the two of them came into agreement to converse silently.
"Is this really the man we are afraid of? From my point of view, he looks like a teenager like us, but as I observe him properly, he acts like an old man inside the body of a child. What do you think, Lady Ylla?" Lady Daliah tilted her head to the side as she commented. "I, I'm sorry, but I have nothing to say right now. After the court trial, I am convinced he is better than we thought. The ancient relic clears his name, right? Or, he must be different from the Hermes Archnemesis that we often heard about. Sometimes, I question his attitude. From what I perceive from his tone, I can feel a powerful aura that I often feel when someone's body has been taken by an evil spirit. Ah, I'm sorry. I don't mean to say he's an imposter. I have no valid basis to prove it. It is arbitrary speculation," Ylla suspected as she concentrated her eyes at the young Don.
'Damn, these girls are sharp!' Hermes' face dropped a sweat and tensed up without making eye contact.
Hermes didn't want to raise another event that could hinder his plan.
Hermes was still ambivalent about whether to run or not from the priestess.
"The excellency saved him, so Sir Aljen is not Hermes Archnemesis. The mobster lord of this territory is far different from the man in front of us," Lady Daliah quietly gazed at his face, reimagined his selfless action for their people. "Oi, don't tell me you have a crush on that man? Richarde will commit suicide if he heard about that," sighed Ylla with disbelief.
Venus' ears twitched after she heard her. Then, she quietly dragged the young Don from their sight.
"Umm, Venus, what are you doing? You almost crack my bone," Hermes massaged his neck. "Don't resist," Venus placed an index finger on his lips, and her pupils trembled when she stared at him.
'Oh, my goodness, why does she look so worried about it? Wait, is she jealous because of that? Oi, don't drag me out of this place because of your jealousy. Damn it, it's not like I like your cute face or something. Y, you left me no other choice. I will resist with a gentle approach, lady.'
"This place is dangerous. We have to find a quiet place to talk with," Venus suggested, pushing him lightly out of the room without causing a disturbance between her servants. "Oh, now that I think about it. I have an appointment with someone. Let's go then," Hermes resolved with a gentle smile.
"I don't mind at all. Let's hurry. Quick before another wolf starts to evolve. We don't have enough time to be together, though," Venus simpered, wrapping her arms tightly. "Of course," Hermes nodded.
Continuing on, the servants were still talking about the young Don.
"Eh? Uh, no, no. Love has never crossed into my head. I only admire his accomplishment. Period. Listen, please. Love and admiration have their own different meaning, you see. Unlike Richarde, he has manners, a cold-headed appearance, a dogmatic personality, and he has connections with affluent and influential people. He even walks in his feet full of confidence, even though he's almost at the edge of his life. That's all. Neither love nor crush to categorize it, capiche? By the way, Richarde won't even be bothered about it. Trust me," Lady Daliah giggled as she explained her side. "Nevermind. It is a mistake of saying a joke. Just date the freaking perverted moron already," Ylla placed a hand on her forehead, and she heaved a sign once again.
"Pardon?" Daliah's face flustered after she heard it. "Forget it. You're face is turning red. Look, the couples are gone. Quick, we have to hurry before something bad happens to that boy," Ylla stood up out of the sofa, lifted her skirt, and rushed to her master's side. "Lady Ylla, wait for me," Daliah did the same and followed her.
Going back to the two lovebirds who were talking about the same subject.
'I have to resist your affection. The only way here is to hate me. Girls hate nice and sweet-talking average boys. They only like an assertive and alpha male character. Let's see how far you will love this madman,' Hermes smirked.
"What is the chief up to anyway?" asked Venus, lips pursed. "I have no idea too," Hermes continued to walk without looking at her.
"Do you think he will condemn you?" Venus worried, tugging his sleeve. "You don't have to worry about me. I can handle myself," Hermes reassured, removing her grip out of the leather gently.
"By the way, thank you for sending away all of the guards out of this floor. I have an appointment to attend in the office tonight," enunciated Hermes as they walked closer to the head office.
"Umm, are we going to the chief's office by any chance?" asked Venus, worryingly. "Yup, and I don't know who the person behind this piece of paper is, so I'm heading there to see it for myself," Hermes responded sarcastically as he showed her the small paper.
"Eh? Aren't you scared? I don't mean to intrude into your personal life, but I will give you a piece of advice. Don't stick around with fake people. It must be a trap again. Take a look, there are no guards who are stationed on the door," Venus pointed her nose at the door. "Now that you mentioned it, it was a bit suspicious that all of the guards didn't even check your sanity when they left me behind inside that guest room," Hermes tilted his head on the side with a curious gaze.
Hearing that joke, the priestess released him and sulked.
"Hmph, they are corrupt employees. Our form of democracy is bribery, on the highest scale. That's all," Venus puffed her cheeks, and she hit him with a light punch. "Oh, so the little princess is using bribery. I didn't expect to hear a beautiful priestess of our domain is using a dirty tactic," Hermes jeered, smiling.
The priestess was surprised when he said it. She coughed once and waved it away.
"I didn't bribe them. I only asked them where you are. Then, I gave them Lady Daliah's homemade cookies as thanks," Venus hit him another light punch. "It's still a bribery," Hermes covered his mouth and giggled. "No, it's not. I hate you!" Venus hit him with light punches continuously until she gave up.
'Good, very good. Women hate men who laugh at their achievements. Hate me more!' Hermes devious intent.
"Oh, the angry priestess is tired, huh. Do you want this merchant to sell you a potion riched in vitamins? Your pale skin needs it to ensure your beauty will stay healthy and pure. Plus, your round amethyst eyes need some attention. Or else, you're going to grow like an old hag," Hermes added. "Hmph, I hate you for saying a complicated compliment," Venus stuck out her tongue with closed eyes.
"Is that so? It's not even a compliment, though," Hermes denied her assumption. "Nevermind. We're almost there," Venus wrapped her arms again and rubbed her cheeks on his right arm like a cat.
'Wait, did I fail? I think I have to read a book on how to handle women, ' Hermes worried.
They were almost near at the door.
"Can I come with you? This is a one-time free ticket, you see. Sir Aljen, you look too weak, and I don't sense any magic alignment within your body. I can be your bodyguard," Venus offered. "I know you're worried about me. However, you don't have to do this, okay. You serve me well, so reserve the ticket later. It might come to fruition at the right moment. Keeping me accompanied will only increase your stress, and because of that, it might affect your beauty too. Your wrinkles are showing up, so don't you think it is about time to think about your own life for a while? Like I said before, I can do it alone, however now that I think about it," Hermes halted his advance for the office, grabbed her shoulders, and faced her, "Do me a favor, will ya. Next time, don't use your position. Use it as your trump card."
Venus titled her head on the side with a sullen look. Her lips trembled when he refused her proposal.
Hermes noticed her sullen look, but he didn't say a word to stop it.
"My apologies, I will remember it," Venus simpered, a target arrow hit the young Don's heart. He recalled the smile of his favorite waifu when he was still a teenager. "Don't act impulsively. Your honest thoughts are scary, and your beauty will come to waste if you keep sticking your nose into my business. This gentleman here won't be able to resist such an angelic cuteness of yours, you see," complimented Hermes as he petted her head subconsciously.
'Ooops, I did it again. Fuck!' Hermes snapped back to reality upon he realized his mistake.
Due to her cuteness, his resistance declined. He was caught off guard.
A set of white lily blossomed behind the priestess's expressionless face.
"I love you!" Venus embraced him tightly. "Goah," Hermes' face turned blue.
A single thin material hit his face. He removed it quickly, unfolded it and he read the content.
<
<
<
'P-pardon? SSS-Class? Whaaaa―t?' Hermes was surprised.
[Congratulations: The user is eternally declared as the partner of Venus Aphrodite.]
'Shut the hell up! How am I the captured target here? I am not an Otome game lover's collection!' Hermes complained inside his head.
[Venus Aphrodite's lovers increased in one. 1 out 1.]
[Virus Ability Unlocked: The heroine's intimacy will increase by 100.]
[Virus Ability Unlocked: The heroine's charm will increase by 100.]
[Virus Compatiliby: Max!]
'Jackass, we ain't compatible!' Hermes begged to differ.
[Love Affection: Max!]
[Side Effects: Obsession will increase at the highest peak. The user is advised not to cheat. Cheating will increase jealousy, and the worst part is, she will turn into an obsessive partner with a psychotic personality.]
'Bruh!' Hermes was doomed.
[Virus Detection: The powerful entity is angrily happy. The punishment will increase if the user will continue to flirt with his partner.]
[Virus Advice: The user is advised not to stay with the heroine alone. Or else, the two entities will combine into one, and a newborn seed will sprout between the two.]
'Fuck this shit, I'm out!' Hermes tore it apart into pieces.
"Release me, please," Hermes attempted to push her away, but her grip was too tight.
Venus rubbed her face into his back deeply.
"I will stay with you forever," she declared happily.
'Petting a girl's head is dangerous. I won't ever do this again. Never!' Hermes promised inside his head.
"I knew it. Quick, Lady Daliah, subdue her excellency. Milady, calm down!" Ylla rushed at her side, and she separated the clinging priestess from her prey. "No, no, I need energy," Venus complained.
Hermes had finally got some space to breathe out.
"Your excellency, Your mannerism is bad. Really bad. This is not how the lady of the robe should act," Ylla scolded, blocking her attempt to embrace him again. "Hmph, I don't care," Venus folded her arms across her chest with a sulking face.
"Sir Aljen, forgive our master. She really likes you too much," Lady Daliah apologized on her behalf. "It's fine. I'm okay. Thank you for saving me," Hermes massaged his ribs thereafter.
Hermes slightly lifted his mask that accidentally show his half-face at the lady. Then, he fixed it back on his face when he realized his mistake.
"Sir Aljen... so you are really him," Lady Daliah was amazed. "Oi, oi, Lady Daliah. Look here, you're not supposed to entertain him. Help me to calm down our master instead," Ylla moved in between the two, and she pushed her friend to the priestess's position.
'Fuck, I don't want to raise another flag. I don't plan to create a harem anyway,' Hermes commented inside his head.
"Oh, my goodness, this is bad. Master, you have to avoid these women," the slime commented. "Yeah, I should be," Hermes agreed.
"Too much competition. If I am a human, I can be your woman too!" the slime declared. "Hey, this is not the time for your ambition. Literally, don't even think about it already. I'm already exhausted. Goddamn it, slime," Hermes placed a hand on his forehead, and he heaved an exhausted sigh.
"Ah, that's a great sarcastic compliment, master. Oh, right. I totally remember. I'm a slime after all. I can manipulate my body, and I have the ability to shapeshift from this form to a beautiful lady too. If you want to, I can be―" the slime halted her words after her master grabbed her mask's body. "Shut the hell up," said Hermes in low voice. "Yes, master," the slime obediently followed.
'How annoying. This is why I hate talking with these people!'