Ragne's words were taken for hallucinations since those he addressed had studied there for more than two years. For masters, there were two main reasons for courtesy: strength and seniority. The second, by the way, related not only to age, but also to similar educational institutions, and therefore the behavior of the novice became such an unnatural event that it was perceived with great effort. Seconds passed, the impudent youth still did not disappear, on the contrary, he hurriedly approached the discouraged girls and, choosing the most beautiful, spoke.
"I'm sorry to introduce myself like this. The only chance for a beginner to make an impression is to go against the rules and do something extremely provocative. I agree the words were not the most pleasant to hear, but what could I do? Say: Hi, my name is Ragne, how do you look at the prospect of becoming my girlfriend? Or maybe: Beauty, you have such bottomless eyes that drowning in them is the dream of any sailor? Nonsense after all… In the end, even the option of a normal introduction and further conversation would not have made you pay attention.
Ragne took two steps forward, his white fur coat glistening with blood, standing over the girl, who was taken aback by the pressure.
"Don't think about it, I'm not making excuses. If there was a chance to turn back the clock and go another way, I would choose this path. First of all, you're looking at me, don't look away, it's too late. Secondly, you think about me, no matter what way, the very fact makes you smile.
From the girls and those who were nearby, there were cheerful chuckles.
— It's not a sin to make a fool of yourself for such a thing. Would you mind telling me your name?"
Without shame or embarrassment, Ragne approached the face of the blushing girl, who had never encountered such a persistent suitor.
- Cassandra…
The soft, almost inaudible pronunciation seemed so sweet that the girl's friends began to tease her innocuously.
"Cassandra, can I ask you out?" Immodest, but nothing to lose.
Ragne puzzled the others with impenetrable confidence, everyone froze in anticipation of the reaction of the beauty. The silence lasted for several seconds, during which no trace of emotion crossed the girl's face. In the end, she did smile, revealing white rows of perfectly straight teeth.
"Okay, we can have lunch.
Ragne's smile widened.
— I'll meet you in an hour, I'll find a great place, and we'll have a great time."
Ragne met Cassandra's gaze, which made her even more embarrassed. Soon the girlfriends dragged the girl, apparently, to the hostel for an emergency transformation. At the same time, the young man's happy face took on an indifferent expression, and he turned to the lovers who had faded into the background.
- Confidence, perseverance, a grain of self-irony, and a smile. I didn't need any money or expensive clothes.
The students nearby immediately changed their expressions, especially the girls who thought they were witnessing a real confession and the beginning of a romantic story.
— Isn't that too cynical?"
One of the guys was a very conscientious fellow, but Ragne had an answer.
- Do you like wearing virgins? It's your business… You can at least fuck with the palm of your hand until the end of your days. In any case, the lesson is done, I hope the payment will not belong in coming? Although, when did I ever hope for someone?
Ragne went to one of the boys and tore a purse from his belt.
- Hey!
The young man's indignation quickly faded under Ragne's cold gaze.
— You're from the Hall of the Lost Soul, aren't you?" And I like to kill people, nice to meet you.
After another glance at the senior, Ragne continued the not-so-noble fundraising march he had been used to since childhood.
The Warda tribe suppressed dozens of worlds, whose inhabitants paid a tribute of all kinds. Ragne did not see anything strange in such treatment of people, and for the sake of the foundations of the world, Falenar was not going to change the established worldview.
"Judging by the weight in the bags, there are about two hundred gold coins. Enough to pay the debt and the contribution for the next month, but you need more money, much more…"