"So let's get out of here and find something to eat," assured Matt as he gave one last squeeze to the Dragoon and grabbed her hand.
"But the blood of my ancestors runs through my body…" whispered Layla as she allowed the Loplin to drag her away.
"Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a future. I'm no goody-two shoes either but I continue forward with confidence as I know that what I've done couldn't be helped. I fought to protect my world, there's nothing wrong with that."
"Everyone is selfish in their own way. A night before yesterday, you were that feisty and hot bartender who tried to hack my head off for intruding into her bar. And now, you are Layla, a Dragoon who wants to explore the world and is with me to fight against a rising threat."
"Does that paint a better picture of yourself now?" asked Matt, with a smile.
The little Dragoon tipped her head down so that Matt couldn't catch the smile that she had.
"Besides, I never blamed the Dragoons for what happened nor do I ever think you deserve the hate that you get. I think you're beautiful, like a rose in a glass case," said Matt as he turned to face forward since his cheeks were burning with embarrassment.
Layla widened her eyes as she looked up at the Loplin, who was hauling her towards a turn. The duo ended up at a corner shop which had a single level and looked dull, with only a glass door and window.
The walls were colored gray while the door and window frame were dark blue.
"This cat doesn't like to draw attention since the incident so bear with him when it comes to exterior design. Rest assured, I'm not dragging you to some drug den or brothel to sell you off," said Matt as he walked into the area.
"It's been a while since you've visited, Matt… Oh? I see that you've brought a friend…" stated a high-pitched male voice from the shadow of the shop.
The area was badly lit so the Dragoon's eye rings were the brightest item in the shop. The place was cluttered with weapons, lying around and plastered on the walls.
The wooden floorboards creaked as the duo stepped further into the darkness. A hidden scent of mystery and danger lingered around, causing Matt's nose to twitch in disgust.
Layla felt something was amiss and stuck out her arm to summon her weapon but was halted by Matt.
"Stay close to me but don't show your blade. You won't win against him," warned the Loplin with a low voice.
"Oh? She looks cute…" noted a giant figure that emerged from the shadows.
The Felidae was towering, even being taller than Matt. He had a much bigger physique, one might say he looked big-sized.
The Dragoon and Loplin didn't stand a chance against the giant. He had short curly black hair, accompanied by some furry black ears with skin as pale as the moon. But the odd thing that stood out for Layla was his eyebrows. They reminded her of big bushy caterpillars.
The armor he wore was fitting for a knight, fully decked out in blue-tinted metal armor. His eyes were as blue as Layla's Elemental Aura, encaptivating the Dragoon. The Dragoon felt intimidated by the getup and yet…
She can't help but see him as handsome. Layla felt her cheeks heating up as she continued eyeing the Felidae.
"Hm? Like what you see, cutie?" taunted the armor-wearing cat, as he caught her eyes lingering just a bit too long on his face.
Could do without the high-pitched nasal voice, thought Layla as she felt the blush fade away. The Dragoon stepped back and tried to hide behind the rabbit.
"Don't you have enough in your care? You've got like what, 6 partners?" asked Matt, stepping forward to cover Layla.
"Nope, I've got 8 now but I'm always looking to hire… Care to join us, you little bunny?"
"NO! Have you wondered what it'd be like to settle down?"
"I did, but she left me so I'm here now. Besides, it's great to have pets around, you should try some too," stated the cat, winking at the Loplin.
"By the heavens! You thirsty cat, drink water for a change… Honestly, you can't keep doing this. You are trying to run an armor shop, not a brothel…"
"Hey, I could run both… Now then, mind telling me how did you manage to find this beauty? You never strike me as someone who could pick up a girl when you are so sub-"
"She joined me because I lost against her… Nothing more than that, you hear me?" replied Matt, with a growl in his throat.