Thief

Agatha endured the uncomfortable stares and malicious glances thrown her way as she served drinks and food to the men at the nearby table. Despite feeling uneasy, she had to continue working to ensure she and Aiden had enough to eat and survive.

It had been ten days since the attack by the Ghouls, and three days of relentless rain had prevented them from leaving immediately. Agatha knew they had to relocate soon, but she didn't yet have a destination in mind. The Ravager seemed to have a way of tracking them, so they needed to find a place far away from Eldoria as soon as possible.

When she mentioned to Camilla that she would stop working soon because they were moving, Clarisse inquired about their destination. Agatha was unsure. All she knew was that they needed to be far from Eldoria.

Since the attack, Agatha had been constantly by Aiden's side, accompanying him wherever he went. Despite his discomfort in crowded places, he didn't complain, understanding the need for caution and vigilance.

Once Agatha learned that Camilla would also be leaving because she was needed at another branch of the Hotspot, her brother's establishment, she begged to accompany her. Fortunately, they also needed a healer, so Camilla hesitantly agreed. Agatha worked until midnight as a healer, then in the morning, she worked as a waiter at the bar. In exchange for her work, she and Aiden received shelter and food.

The work was exhausting, but Agatha didn't complain because she hadn't found any alternative yet. She didn't know which city they were in because Camilla didn't say, but she knew they were no longer in Eldoria.

Aiden and she rode in a modest carriage filled with their belongings and provisions, traveling for four days.

Like Eldoria, there were different creatures residing in this city. Poverty could still be seen in every corner, but there were also a few large establishments being built. Unlike Eldoria, where there weren't many entertainment centers besides Albus Hotspot owned by Camilla's brother.

Agatha's heart raced with alarm as the man's inappropriate actions crossed the line. She tried to maintain her composure, her hands trembling slightly as she held onto the tray of drinks and bottles, ensuring they didn't spill.

"I'm sorry, sir, but I'm not one of Albus' ladies," Agatha replied firmly, attempting to extricate herself from the man's grasp. However, he tightened his grip around her waist, his smirk widening into a menacing grin.

The man shook his head dismissively. "Oh? But all who work here are Albus' ladies, I'm afraid," he retorted, his tone dripping with arrogance.

Agatha felt a surge of anger and fear, but she knew she had to handle the situation carefully. She glanced around, hoping someone would intervene or that Camilla would come to her aid. However, the bar was bustling with patrons, and no one seemed to notice or care about her predicament.

Summoning her courage, Agatha spoke with steely determination. "I am not for sale, sir. Let go of me, or I will call for help," she warned, her voice firm despite the tremor of fear beneath the surface.

Just then, Camilla arrived, and Agatha felt a wave of relief wash over her. Camilla intervened, addressing the man with authority. "She's our waitress, sir. She's not one of Albus' company, so please release her before this escalates and involves Albus himself."

The man hesitated for a moment, sizing up Camilla's stern expression. 

The man's appearance matched his crude behavior. He resembled a mix of Ogre and Dwarf, with a wrinkled and oily-stained garment adorning his grotesque features. His face was marked with crooked and broken features, yellowed teeth, and a breath that seemed deadly.

"What's the problem? Why can't we have a taste of her?" the man grumbled, his frustration evident as his face flushed red.

Camilla sighed patiently, her tone carrying a hint of authority. "Sir, she's not one of the entertainment ladies because she's essential to Albus. She serves as our healer and is needed for emergencies that may arise during the night. If anything were to happen to her, the other girls you're referring to wouldn't receive proper care. This could lead to a halt in our operations, and I'm sure Albus wouldn't be pleased with that outcome. Would you?"

The man snickered dismissively but begrudgingly released Agatha, realizing the gravity of Camilla's words.

Camilla swiftly guided Agatha toward the kitchen, offering a comforting remark. "You're truly beautiful, Aggie, which is why so many desire you," she remarked.

Agatha couldn't help but shoot Camilla a death glare. It wasn't her fault that others found her attractive. It was something beyond her control, and she resented being objectified in such a manner.

Camilla's directive to stay in the kitchen and avoid returning to the front area resonated with Agatha, and she immediately thanked her before focusing on her tasks.

The success of Camilla and Albus's business stemmed from their ethical practices. Unlike many establishments, they did not force their ladies to entertain customers against their will, even if the payment offered was substantial. This approach attracted many impoverished women to work for them, drawn by their generosity and respect for their employees.

The head cook wasted no time in assigning Agatha to procure recipes and ingredients for the day's meals. This commitment to quality and fairness extended to their employees' welfare, ensuring they were well-fed and cared for. The food, though simple, was delicious, keeping both customers and employees satisfied.

When Aiden tasted their main dish for the first time, his reaction was pure delight. His lips drooled, and tears welled up in his eyes from the overwhelming deliciousness. Agatha couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion at that moment, realizing how many simple pleasures in life she had been unable to provide for Aiden until now.

Agatha tightly clutched the bundle of Galleons as she navigated through the market, feeling a sense of unfamiliarity in the new surroundings. She was cautious, aware of potential thieves and scammers lurking in the passages. Losing the money meant risking her job, a thought that fueled her urgency in completing the ingredient purchases for the chef back at the hotspot.

With a black hood covering her cloak, Agatha hurriedly procured the necessary items, mindful of the limited time given by the chef. Balancing four bags, she kept her gaze lowered and moved swiftly back towards the hotspot. 

As Agatha approached a corner, her eyes widened as she spotted a familiar figure. Standing a few feet away was Liam, a towering presence that both intimidated and irritated her. He seemed engaged in conversation with a female Metamorph, close to Agatha's age but with a feline-like face—a common sight in the impoverished part of Twilight Nook where Metamorphs often used their abilities to speed up work processes.

Agatha's mind raced with a multitude of questions, each one adding to her confusion and apprehension. Why was Liam here? Had he followed her from Eldoria? What was his motive in searching for the Ravager with unique eyes? Was he possibly a Fae? The uncertainty gnawed at her, making her wary of his presence yet unable to tear her gaze away from him interacting with the feral Metamorph.

Just as she was about to turn and leave, a little boy around ten years old accidentally collided with Liam. The boy quickly apologized and fled, but Agatha sensed there was more to the encounter than met the eye.

Her instincts kicked in, and without overthinking, Agatha followed the boy's path. As he turned into a narrow alley, she quickened her pace until she cornered him. The boy was visibly frightened, and Agatha's heart ached with guilt at causing him distress. She attempted a reassuring smile, hoping to calm his fears.

Agatha spoke patiently to the frightened boy, offering her hand in a gesture of reassurance. However, the boy remained frozen, his eyes wide with fear and his breaths quickening. Agatha observed his appearance—tall but skinny, wearing dirty clothes and smelling of sweat, indicating a life near the canal.

Agatha's gaze shifted to the bag the boy had stolen from Liam. When he still hesitated, she felt a surge of frustration, knowing she might have to resort to threats to retrieve the stolen item. She didn't want to scare the child, but returning what was taken was non-negotiable.

After a few minutes of persuasion, the boy finally agreed to return the stolen bag to Liam. Agatha couldn't help but feel guilty for the scare she caused him. To make amends, she offered him four apples she had bought for Aiden. With a growling stomach, the boy accepted the apples, and it was only then that he agreed to return the bag.

 Agatha returned to the street and caught sight of Liam. Fortunately, he was still there, engaged in conversation with another woman. Agatha couldn't help but shake her head. What had she been expecting anyway? Of course, he was also a playboy. With his good looks and attractive physique, she wouldn't be surprised if she learned that he already had numerous children with different women.

Liam glanced at them as she and the boy approached him. His eyes widened slightly, his lips parting as if he hadn't expected to see her there at that time and place.

This made Agatha furrow her brow. He was quite the actor, it seemed. She knew that Aiden and she were being followed, so why did he seem so surprised?

Liam blinked for a long moment before composing himself. He cleared his throat and elegantly offered his hand once the boy silently returned and handed back the bag.

"I'm sorry, sir," said the boy in a genuinely apologetic voice, "I took this from you."

The boy looked ashamed and uncomfortable as he lowered his gaze. Liam stared at the bag in the boy's hands. When the boy raised his face, Liam smiled sweetly at him to ease any fear.

"You're mistaken, kid. That's not mine." Liam waved his hand, dismissing the child and brushing back his hair.

Agatha's jaw clenched as she spoke firmly, "Don't try to fool us. I saw him take it from your bag."

"I told you, that's not mine," Liam replied in a dismissive and annoyed tone, lowering the boy's hand that still held the bag.

"Go home and take that with you," Liam said gently. "It's not mine."

The boy didn't need to be told twice. He nodded gratefully and hurried away without looking back, disappearing around the corner.

Agatha's jaw hung open. After carrying all the bags she had bought, chasing after the boy, and then walking back, trying to be helpful, was this how events would unfold? She felt a surge of frustration, but instead of crying, she sighed deeply.

Liam started to walk away, prompting Agatha to do the same. However, she raised an eyebrow when she noticed out of the corner of her eye that Liam was walking in the same direction as her. She wondered if he was following her again.

"Are you following me?" she asked, her bitterness evident in her tone, loud enough for other passersby to glance at her with puzzled looks. Feeling slightly embarrassed, she hid under her hood.

Liam appeared amused and stifled a laugh. "Maybe you're the one following me?" he teased, placing his hands in his pockets and scanning the bustling market. "Last I checked, you live in Eldoria, not here at Twilight Nook."

Agatha's mouth fell open in shock at Liam's words. The nerve of him. Her lips seemed to steam with fury as she quickened her pace to catch up with Liam's long, decisive stride.

"Excuse me, but that's quite presumptuous of you. Actually, sir, we've been here for three days. Perhaps you're the one following us. Just admit it!" She was already panting from the exertion.

Liam's expression took on a mischievous glint. "I've been here for ten days, so you might want to hold your accusations," he said with a pause, almost whispering, "Or else..."

Agatha fought the urge to kick the man in front of her. She knew he was lying. She could sense it in every way possible. No way.

"That's simply impossible. You were still in Eldoria ten days ago. If I recall correctly, it took us four days to travel from Eldoria to this place. How do you explain that?" she challenged. Agatha wasn't born yesterday. She wasn't that naive.

Liam sighed patiently. "It wouldn't take four days if a Witch teleported you here," he stated matter-of-factly.

Agatha parted her lips to respond but found herself at a loss for words. He did have a point, but she wasn't entirely convinced if that was the truth. She had seen many Witches before but never witnessed them perform a teleportation spell, so she couldn't be certain.

Nevertheless, Agatha fell silent as she quickened her pace. Despite turning two corners, she still felt Liam following her. Though he was ahead due to his longer stride, Agatha was sure he was trailing her. Her eyes flickered as a thought crossed her mind.

"You knew it was stolen from you, yet you didn't stop the kid," she pointed out when the realization struck.

Liam simply shrugged, his lips set in a firm line as he deftly navigated around children playing in the dusty street.

"He needed it more than I do," Liam remarked after a moment of silence.

"But he stole it from you," Agatha countered.

Liam sighed. "Because he had to."

"He still stole it. That's not right," Agatha insisted.

Liam halted in the middle of the path, causing Agatha to stop in surprise as well. His eyes locked squarely onto hers, his expression unreadable.

"What?" Agatha asked, feeling a bit unsettled, and looked away.

Liam furrowed his brow as he spoke, "Not all theft is inherently bad. Sometimes, people steal out of necessity, like for food. If they had other options to avoid hunger without stealing, they would have chosen those. But when there are no alternatives, they resort to stealing. It's a matter of survival—either starve or steal. The choice is obvious."

Agatha didn't want to concede to this perspective so easily. "The choice isn't always so black and white. There are often other options. If they truly didn't want to steal and felt forced, they could have sought out alternatives. It's not simply a matter of die or steal. Even in dire situations, there are ways. If they lack money, they could work. I've been hungry too, almost unable to move, yet I never resorted to theft. I worked hard, found odd jobs to survive, to eat. I didn't use hunger as an excuse to take from others. It's about choices. It's my choice."

"They're just children, Agatha..." Liam's voice softened almost to a whisper.

Agatha's breath caught in surprise at hearing her name from him. How did he know her name?

Liam continued, "What kind of work would await them where they'd be fed? These children are often exploited by others. They're not being sent to jail, so they're manipulated by bad people into committing crimes in exchange for food. People force children into situations where they might even kill just for a piece of bread. Is that what you want? To push them into killing just to prevent theft?" Liam explained passionately.

Agatha couldn't help but feel irritated. It seemed as though Liam was insinuating that she was a bad person for her actions with the child earlier. "There are plenty of jobs available in Primotheus Capital. It's not just about what awaits them. I know of a place that hires kids to clean every morning. Call it child labor or exploitation if you will, but they can eat three meals a day in exchange for an easy job. There are numerous options, not just stealing or killing. But I'm sure you're aware of this already."

Agatha resumed her walk, leaving Liam standing in the middle of the path. The audacity of him to continue arguing with her after she had taken steps to rectify the situation with the child. Was she still the villain here?

A few moments later, Liam was once again trailing behind Agatha.

He spoke calmly, "I'm not advocating for stealing or saying it's good or necessary. My point is simply that we shouldn't rush to judge thieves because we don't always know the reasons behind their actions. Yes, there are thieves who steal for personal gain, but those kids, I'm certain they're doing it to survive. Sometimes, it's the only way they know or were taught. Who are we to pass judgment or paint them in a negative light? Not everyone who does bad things is a bad person. You're right, the decision to steal or not isn't just a choice. It's a complex question."

Agatha fell into silence after hearing Liam's defense of thieves. She couldn't help but wonder if he had personal experience with theft, or if there was another reason behind his strong stance. Discreetly, she observed him. Despite his unassuming attire, he didn't seem destitute. However, appearances could be deceiving. There were wealthy individuals who appeared affluent but were involved in illicit activities, exploiting others' situations for their gain.

Eventually, Agatha couldn't contain her curiosity and voiced her question, "Why are you so defensive of thieves?"

Liam remained silent for a long while, causing Agatha to lose interest and focus on her surroundings. It wasn't until she saw the Albus Hotspot branch at Twilight Nook that Liam spoke up, albeit belatedly.

"I know someone who used to steal," Liam began after the prolonged silence. "She would take money, food, even clothes, out of necessity. Despite the risks, she did it because her family needed to survive. However, once she no longer needed to steal for survival, she stopped, even when presented with tempting opportunities. It goes to show that one's worth isn't defined by wealth."

Agatha couldn't understand why Liam suddenly decided to share a personal story, but she listened nonetheless.

"She didn't steal out of selfishness or greed," Liam continued. "It was the only way she knew to help her loved ones survive. She had no other options. Just like that kid, I could see fear and remorse in his eyes, but there was also determination. I could tell the food he stole wasn't just for himself because he didn't immediately consume it. I had a feeling it was for others, for his loved ones."

Agatha bit her lip, grappling with Liam's perspective. She couldn't deny that he had a valid point. However, understanding someone else's situation was different from experiencing it firsthand. Liam could empathize with the thief's struggles because he had been through something similar, but Agatha knew the feeling of losing something valuable because of theft. That shaped her own opinion. In a way, they were both right in their own contexts.

As they arrived in front of the hotspot, Agatha realized that Liam was also heading there.

Albus Hotspot at Twilight Nook was just as extravagant as its counterpart in Eldoria. It boasted three floors: the first for dining, the second for stage performances where the evening workers were stationed, and the third for employee accommodations.

The building had a red roof and walls made of black bricks. Two statues stood at the entrance, one depicting a massive serpent biting an unidentifiable creature, while the other portrayed a veiled lady stomping on a large snake and holding a horn.

As Agatha glanced at the sky, she noticed the sun was already setting, signaling that the Night Out was approaching. In a few hours, the Albus ladies would begin their work.

She couldn't help but snicker to herself. Liam truly was a playboy. Before entering, she turned to face him. She was curious about the thief he had mentioned earlier, whether it was a real person or just a fictional story.

"What happened to the thief you knew?" she inquired with genuine curiosity.

"She's married to my cousin," Liam replied simply.

Agatha studied his expression, noting the depth of his thoughts as he surveyed the surroundings. Since he didn't say anything further, Agatha just shrugged, entered the establishment in silence, and didn't spare Liam a second glance.