Facade of a Predator

In one way or another.

They're really trying to ruin Ercilia in one way or another.

She had to spend eighteen long years in training even when her everything was oppressed, harassed, and violated - just so she could continue living, just to survive and go outside. But that turned out to be not enough for the mafia. She would have to suffer more, and this time, she would have to deal with something worse.

"Welcome to my home, my lady."

Iorwerth's greeting that day had been warm and kind. For a moment there, Ercilia had doubted everything she knew about him.

He had this charismatic, princely image with him that was overflowing with charms and appeal. No wonder ladies would always fawn over him. Not to mention, he was quite the generous gentleman. He had offered her a luxurious home to live in, tons of gourmet meals to eat, lots of expensive clothes to wear, a whole different life overall.

Iorwerth had been nothing but nice to Ercilia.

Or, at least, that's how he'd been for a while.

Before she knew it, almost a month has already passed since she came to the Isis's estate. Even though she keeps receiving special treatment, not once has she lowered her guard. She has it up all the time. While it was difficult to not get swayed by such a comfortable and well-off lifestyle, her eighteen years of training should not be underestimated.

She may not have graduated yet, but she already mastered the ways of a predator with a hidden blade, so she knew better than to put her guard down while she was in the territory of a fellow predator.

That was until one life-changing moment came. It happened one night – a whole month after Ercilia's arrival at the estate.

A knock was heard from her bedroom's door, making her stop what she was doing and walk towards it. She opened it and made sure to smile when she found what she was expecting to find.

"Mr. Isis, good evening. What brings you here?" Ercilia greeted Iorwerth.

Whatever his true motive is, he is still a client – as far as the mafia is concerned, that is. She needs to keep up an act if she wants this part of her training to be over and done with as soon as possible.

"Well, there was actually something in my mind lately, and I wanted to finally tell you…" Iorwerth began with a bashful look on his face, and Ercilia tried her hardest to hide her disgust when she realized he was blushing.

"Mind if I come in? It's kind of embarrassing to say it here."

"Of course, Sir."

She had to agree despite the sense of foreboding she was getting from this. A man and a woman meeting alone in a bedroom of all places – that seems like a red flag to her. If things take a bad turn, she will just have to put all those years of training into action.

Screw their client-and-server relationship.

Ercilia is not going to let Iorwerth touch her.