[Ch. 3] The Coy Fourth Young Master

Ryu cried as he recalled Panzram's story. The last time he shed tears or even felt any kind of emotion was before his brother decided to "train" him. Even though Panzram was just the villain the book portrayed, he felt as though he deserved better. Panzram had a cruel and terrible life. Even a saint would turn evil in the same circumstance!

Ryu desperately wanted to help him. No. He needed to!

As Ryu cried, the Madame watched with an irritated expression. She thought to herself: He must be using an illusion on me again. Ryu would never cry like this.

She huffed at this thought and spoke to him, "Ryu-kun. Why are you playing a trick on me? Did you really not like that incense?"

Ryu didn't feel like admitting his teary eyes weren't actually an illusion. His heart ached too much for the poor Panzram….

...But he couldn't lie either.

Thus, he elected not to speak.

He looked out the window and his eyes widened in understanding. He thought to himself: Wait.. This time.. This year.. Yes of course! Panzram must have just been transferred to that large walled prison! Luckily for me, it is close to here!

He jumped to his feet in determination. His outer robe slipped off his shoulder, revealing a porcelain and flawless skin, but he paid it no attention. He had to go save the Grim Reaper!

He had to save Panzram!

He grabbed his invisible charm and tossed down a talisman that quickly changed into himself. Due to his skill in illusionary magic, the Madame never noticed that Ryu had been switched out with a puppet.

He left his fleshy clone to handle his job at the brothel, while he sped off to the prison. Once inside he slapped down a paper on the warden's desk. He spoke full of determination, "I would like a job!"

The warden stared at him suspiciously. He made the mental note of this youth had very messy and unkempt hair, albeit still beautiful and silky in texture. His outer robe was a bright red with yellow trim, and it slipped off to the side of his shoulder revealing his yellow underrobe. The small man's effeminate appearance and long eyelashes made his own heart beat fast.

He knew who this capricious man was!

Everyone knew who the fourth young master of the Taira clan was in this town. After all, he was infamous for his carefree attitude and beautiful features.

…But that didn't mean he wasn't dangerous.

The fourth young master was renowned by his skill with illusionary magic. No one could see through his illusions, but he could see through everyone else's. He truly had a terrifying skill.

The warden definitely didn't want such a troublesome character under him!!

The warden sighed and looked at Ryu, "Young master. This job is only for serious applicants."

Ryu gave a serious nod, "I am."

The warden's face fell. This man was never serious. He only ever did something on a whim. However, he looked so sincere that it made the Warden question himself. The warden could only think that Ryu was trying to play a prank on him.

He raised an eyebrow at Ryu, "Are you even strong enough for this job? One of the prisoners you'd be in charge of is the infamous Grim Reaper."

Ryu's heart fluttered in excitement, "I'm strong! I can show you!"

Ryu tightened his fist in a threatening gesture, making the Warden grow nervous. He just wanted this problem child out of his sight!

The warden shook his head quickly, "No need. You can have the job. But the shifts are long and boring. I'm afraid you won't like it much-"

Ryu chuckled happily, "That's fine! When can I start?"

"Today. Go with Tama-san to get your uniform." He motioned to a burly man who had a humble look on his face, "Tama. Show him the ropes."

Tama grunted in understanding and Ryu skipped after him. Ryu paused at the doorway and spun around to the warden. He gave a bright smile, "Thank you so much~"

The warden's heart skipped when he saw the infamous charming smile of the fourth young master. He had the sudden urge to steal that smile and hide it away somewhere for safekeeping.

The Warden quickly got control of himself and had to remind himself that this was a man.

...Not to mention a man that could kill him without ever raising a hand.

Ryu skipped away completely oblivious to the charm he had around him. Even the cold-hearted Tama felt a warm feeling in his chest when he watched the small feminine man smiling happily.

Tama cleared his throat to dispel these dirty thoughts, "You look so weak. Are you sure you want this job?"

Ryu chuckled lightly. He was used to people considering he was weak. He was shorter than the average man and didn't have the usual muscle mass as most men would have. Strength was always taken visually, yet Ryu's true strength lay in a place none could see.

However, despite his weak constitution, he was still feared for his ability in controlling illusions. Who needed strength and martial arts when he could get someone to kill themself?

The less effort used, the better.

The one thing Ryu loved more than anything was proving these muscle heads wrong. His eyes lit up thinking that he had caught another mouse to play with.

Ryu looked up at Tama coyly and batted his long eyelashes, "Perhaps you're interested in a demonstration?"

Tama felt his mouth go dry and cleared his throat awkwardly. He too was aware of the fourth master's unnerving hobby. He responded indifferently, "No. That's not necessary. I believe you."

Ryu pouted his lips, "Aww. You're no fun."

They arrived at a room that was used for the prison guards to change and hold their things while they worked. Tama pulled out an extra set of uniforms and handed him it, "Here, change into this. It may be a tad big, but that's the smallest one we have."

Ryu smiled at him and took the outfit from him. He gave him a wink, "Oh, I'm sure it will be okay."

Tama blushed slightly and glanced away. Ryu sat it down gently and pulled at his feminine robe that was hanging loosely off of his shoulder. As he went to untie his sash, he noticed Tama watching him with hungry eyes.

Ryu paused and turned to him with a coy smile, "Oh? Are you interested in watching me undress?"

Tama cleared his throat and turned around with an uncomfortable expression. Once his back was turned, Ryu's smile dropped instantly.

He was all too familiar with men like this.

They always seem to look at him as if he was someone they could dominate with ease. Due to his flirtatious nature, they also seemed to think of him as promiscuous. This wasn't the case at all. In fact, he was one of the biggest virgins around. This was painfully the case even until his death as the god so politely pointed out in his visions.

He merely acted promiscuous and coy because it would either drive people away in disgust, or they would shower him with gifts. Either situation was acceptable to him.

Ryu didn't care about being confused with a female either. He understood more than anyone that he looked feminine. He also seemed to be attracted to more feminine objects than he was to more masculine things.

So what issue could he have with the confusion?