Volume 6, Chapter 47 – Nightmare of the Past

After dealing with the Crystal Golem that had escaped from the Weeping Mountains, Nola, her head throbbing, went straight to a tavern in Brinkat City.

It must be said that the term “tavern” here was translated from the beastman language. In reality, it wasn’t like taverns in the human world, which were merely places where groups of people gathered around tables to eat and drink. Strictly speaking, Charm Cat taverns were more like teahouses. There was a stage raised above the floor in the middle of the spacious hall for Charm Cats to dance and perform acrobatics. Below were tables and chairs spread out, followed by a bar counter and benches set against the wall.

People could watch performances or chat about private matters under the illumination of not-so-bright magic lamps. If needed, they could also summon Charm Cat maids to accompany them for drinks. These maids didn’t charge money but required the guests to pay a certain amount of energy. It could be considered a transaction satisfying both parties. Therefore, some guests came specifically for the Charm Cat maids, and it wasn’t uncommon for them to develop into couples after interacting for a long time.

In addition, because people could easily lose control and indulge in fancy thoughts while Charm Cats absorbed energy, the tavern also provided services to spend the night with Charm Cat maids. However, Tsukuyomi didn’t allow her clansmen to act recklessly in public. In Tsukuyomi’s words, although Charm Cats were a race that could only survive by relying on others, this didn’t mean putting themselves in a lowly position. Guests who wanted further development could only go upstairs.

That’s right, this tavern was the property of the Charm Cat matriarch. There were large and small taverns scattered throughout Brinkat, and Tsukuyomi’s was the largest and most orderly one. In taverns elsewhere, it wasn’t rare to see lewd and unbearable scenes as soon as one entered at night.

“Welcome~ Is it a fire cat—ah, Lord Holy Son?”

Seeing a guest arrive, the mature and charming Charm Cat at the door immediately beamed with joy. However, when she focused her eyes and realized the visitor was Nola, whose eyes harbored firm will, the look of soliciting guests vanished instantly, replaced by an exceptionally humble expression.

Unlike other beastmen who worshipped strong individuals with power, Charm Cats only admired strong individuals who could defeat them in terms of energy. Even the matriarch Tsukuyomi couldn’t handle Nola’s energy. In the hearts of all Charm Cats, Nola’s image was infinitely close to a king.

“Shouldn’t you go to Lady Tsukuyomi’s mansion? Why come here…”

“Don’t make a fuss. It’s not my first time here.” Nola waved her hand calmly and continued walking inside. “There’s nothing wrong with watching a performance to relax occasionally.”

The mature Charm Cat followed her inside, bowing respectfully to ask.

“I understand. Lady Tsukuyomi is right here in the tavern. Shall I go notify Lady Tsukuyomi to keep you company?”

“No need. Let me be alone. Take me to an empty room—wait, shouldn’t Tsukuyomi be at her mansion at this time? Why is she at the tavern? A sudden inspection?”

Nola’s curiosity made the mature Charm Cat smile.

“Because you were supervising workers building the checkpoint outside the city, Lord Holy Son, and Her Highness the Eldest Princess of the Silvar Kingdom had nothing to do, Lady Tsukuyomi specially brought the Princess over for a visit. She probably wanted to fulfill the duties of a host so the Princess wouldn’t be unhappy. I heard from the maids around Lady Tsukuyomi that the Princess is a guest here to help us deal with monsters and needs special care.”

“Tch.”

Why is it this guy again?

Nola couldn’t control the emotion in her heart and clicked her tongue heavily. She specifically didn’t return to Tsukuyomi’s mansion immediately because she didn’t want to see Fia, but she ended up running into Fia anyway.

Simply haunting.

Did I have a feud with this dark elf in a past life?

Seeing Nola’s extremely obvious unwillingness, the mature Charm Cat gestured invitation while hesitantly asking.

Reαⅾ οn КаtRеаԁіոɡСαfе

“Does Lord Holy Son want to change places?”

“Mm. No. Don’t tell Tsukuyomi and the others about me coming here.”

Drinking alone isn’t bad either.

Nola asked finally.

“Is the Eldest Princess the only one here?”

“It seems so. The Princess’s family members are still young, and having her other two wives follow would easily make the Princess feel restricted, so Lady Tsukuyomi only invited the Princess alone.”

“Two wives… restricted…”

Nola’s expression became strange.

Leaving aside why the Charm Cat people would consider Anastasia as Fia’s wife too, the description “restricted” was very subtle. Was Tsukuyomi taking Fia to experience adult fun? Although the Charm Cat Tribe did operate such businesses, but…

Nola couldn’t help but imagine the scene of Fia interacting with Tsukuyomi in her mind. The petite Fia sitting on the bed, surrounded by Tsukuyomi and other big sister Charm Cats as well as maiden Charm Cats. These Charm Cats’ hands were stroking Fia’s waist and thighs dishonestly, their lips close to Fia’s ears breathing hot air and saying shameful things. Facing the harassment of the Charm Cat big sisters, Fia could only press her skirt down with both hands, looking constrained and blushing, too nervous to speak.

Seems a bit pitiful.

Compared to laughter and pleasure, Nola only felt sympathy in her heart, even wanting to rescue Fia. Even as a fellow woman, ordinary people couldn’t withstand so many Charm Cats, especially with Tsukuyomi, the matriarch with a huge appetite, among them. As for the concept of chastity, most beastmen were quite indifferent about it. Only maidens like Nola who hadn’t experienced intimacy would care. Fia was surrounded by so many beautiful girls; they must have had physical relationships long ago, Nola guessed.

Forget it. Let that guy suffer a little. Consider it retribution for today.

With Tsukuyomi controlling the limits, Fia would at most faint, then be listless for a few days with a sore waist, her legs going weak whenever she saw a Charm Cat smile at her.

“Never mind. Take me inside.”

“Okay.”

Led by the mature and charming Charm Cat woman, Nola walked into the tavern. Passing through the rustic wooden stairs to a private room on the second floor, which was similar to the VIP room in the Hunting Grounds, she could see the performance on the first floor from the window facing the hall. Compared to the open and lively first floor, this small room of about ten square meters emphasized personal privacy. The dim magic lamp and the calm decoration in noble style set off a strangely romantic atmosphere.

Barely acceptable for dispelling depression.

Nola, who wasn’t here for the first time, walked to the window at the end of the room and sat at the table. From here, she could just see the noisy scene of people coming and going in the hall below. She exhaled a long breath and waved to the Charm Cat woman.

“Thanks.”

Rеαⅾ οո KαtRеaⅾiոɡСαfе

“You are the clan chief of all our cat tribes; how can I accept your thanks? Do you need me to keep you company? Don’t look at me like this; I’m quite good at keeping secrets and relieving boredom.”

Is my unhappiness written all over my face?

Her expression changed slightly, and Nola said indifferently.

“I’m fine alone.”

“Okay, then I’ll take my leave first. Please summon the maids outside anytime if you have any needs.”

Without dragging it out, the Charm Cat in a light-colored kimono bowed to Nola, then turned and left, closing the door.

The room illuminated by dim light instantly became quiet.

Nola picked up the wine bottle pre-arranged on the white round table and poured herself a small cup.

As expected of a tavern opened by Tsukuyomi. Although they are Charm Cats, their etiquette is proper, and they don’t harass guests.

In Nola’s own city, taverns opened by the Charm Cat Tribe were quite subtle. As soon as guests entered, regardless of gender or age, they would almost be groped all over by the reception staff—complete sexual harassment. But the Charm Cats here behaved very properly and never clung to her.

“Too much enthusiasm can be annoying too…”

Nola raised the wine cup and took a small sip, then frowned, looking down at the swaying liquid in the cup.

She hadn’t had much contact with wine in her short cat life, but having been drunk in Blossom, she could more or less taste the quality of wine. For example, the bottle on the table couldn’t compare to the collection Colita gave her back then, and was even far inferior to the wine on the rack in Fia’s dining room—sour, pungent, not mellow at all, hard to swallow.

No, comparing things from Cold Night with the wine enjoyed by the Eldest Princess of the Silvar Kingdom is a bit too harsh.

Realizing this, Nola couldn’t help but remember the dinner she had with the palace maids when she was in Blossom. Even for maids’ meals, various rare meats she had never seen were readily available, and there was even fruit juice. The food barely touched by Fia on the dining table was so delicious it was unforgettable for a lifetime. Even as a Holy Son, she would crave that deliciousness.

If those dishes were brought to Cold Night, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they were dishes to treat a king. When she saw the maids pouring the unfinished dishes into the slop bucket, she almost screamed out for them to stop.

Fortunately, I have self-control and didn’t say I wanted to take the food back to Cold Night. Otherwise, I would have lost face completely.

Taste buds recalling the flavor of the steak, greedy saliva began to secrete in Nola’s mouth. She swallowed, and the wine on the table became dull and tasteless.

Anyway, I lose control and talk nonsense as soon as I drink too much. It happens to be estrus now, so better not touch it at all. It’s definitely not because I think this wine tastes bad.

More importantly, thinking seriously about that Crystal Golem is more urgent.

Reаԁ оո КаtRеaⅾinɡCαfе

Nola pushed the wine cup aside, her gaze scanning the applauding beastmen in the hall below. Most of these beastmen were cat-people, half of whom were idle adventurers. Due to the recent frequent monster tides, they had to give up entering the forest to save their lives. With nothing to do, they could only come to the tavern to kill time.

If the monster problem isn’t solved soon, these people will sooner or later rob and steal because they have no money.

The sense of responsibility as a clan chief weighed heavily on Nola’s heart, and her brows knitted together. The appearance of the Crystal Golem made her feel that the monster tide might be difficult to solve overnight. Tomorrow during the day, she must go into the Weeping Mountains to confirm if the Illusion Barrier was still intact. And it would be best to bring Fia along. Maybe her previous battle with Davis shook the foundation of the Illusion Barrier.

As for the increasingly frequent earthquakes, Nola had no good ideas either. The Goddess told her that the abyss appearing recently was because something called Chaos was hollowing out the World Tree Continent. The more frequent earthquakes meant the battle between her Goddess and Chaos was becoming more intense.

Not a single thing is worry-free.

And there’s also what happened during the day…

Suddenly, Nola remembered the scene of Fia and Claire interlocking fingers again. The happiness and shyness in Fia’s eyes at that time pierced her heart like a sharp awl. If not for Fia, or if she hadn’t forgotten Claire, the one whose eyes were filled with happiness during the day might have been her. Whether it was Claire’s snow-white skin, the faint fragrance from her hair, or the soft caresses and tight embraces full of love and caring words—they would all be hers.

Now she could only stand aside and watch others enjoy these.

Seeing the person I like with my friend can be bitter to this extent. Both are important people to me; why am I the only one suffering so much?

“Gulp.”

A muffled sound of pain came from her throat. Nola picked up the wine cup she had despised on the table and downed it in one gulp.

“Damn it!”

The fiery stimulation slid down her throat into her stomach. As if venting the anger in her heart, Nola cursed and smashed the wine cup on the table with a bang . However, nothing in the empty room could respond to her. After the table stopped vibrating, suffocating loneliness and coldness surrounded her from all directions, leaving only the crowd outside still noisy.

I lost my composure a bit.

Probably due to the mood swings of estrus.

She took a deep breath to calm down, then injected magic power into her storage item, taking out a red stone with very low transparency and an iron plate with scorch marks. The former was a thing called Red Element Stone, a type of magic ore that could burn like firewood when struck hard or injected with magic power.

She placed the Red Element Stone in the iron plate, pressed her index finger on it, and skillfully injected magic power. The Red Element Stone immediately ignited with a poof . Nola withdrew her hand instantly as if afraid of being burned by the flame.

What she wanted to do was replenish flames. As long as she used the Fire Cat Tribe’s innate ability, putting her hand in the fire or taking a bite of the flame, she could replenish flames. It was just that because of her experience escaping from a fire in her childhood, smelling the burnt scent filling her nose, she hesitated to act.

Being a fire cat but fearing fire sounds contradictory, but for Nola, it’s very normal. External fire and the fire she manipulated were two different things. Her Flame Greatsword came from the Goddess, and her magic came from Claire. Both women had given her a second life, making her admire and cling to them like a child relying on her mother. Facing the flames given by the Goddess and Claire, she wouldn’t be hurt even if she put her hand in; on the contrary, she could only feel warmth. This allowed Nola to overcome her fear of fire and actively use fire magic.

However, external flames were different. Even the most ordinary candle flame, if taken lightly, would burn her, causing stinging pain across her skin.

Rеαԁ oո КαtRеαdіոɡCαfe

Nola reached out to the burning Red Element Stone, then her fingers naturally felt the burning sensation. Almost subconsciously, she withdrew her hand immediately.

This is fire that will hurt me.

She remembered being scraped by the collapsed charred beams in the fire, and the experience of exploding wood splashing onto her skin and head. The thick smoke filling her nose blocked her windpipe like a boulder. She also had to flee from soldiers who were killed for fun at any time. That terrifying, hideous face that suddenly appeared from the flames haunted her like a nightmare.

The smell of blood, the smell of cooked meat, and the smell of thick smoke—the three mixed together. The nauseating aura crossed time and space, mixed with people’s shrill screams and cries. The scene appeared vividly before Nola’s eyes. The dancing flames on the Red Element Stone were like demons baring their fangs and claws. A strong sense of suffocation firmly gripped Nola’s chest. Even though she could breathe, Nola felt breathless. Her brain buzzed from lack of oxygen, as if losing the ability to think.

If this continues, I’ll be discovered by the soldiers—

“Ugh?!”

She stood up immediately, trying to escape this hell. However, the action of standing up startled her awake, bringing her back from the nightmare.

This is a Charm Cat tavern, not a fire scene. I have become a Holy Son, not that child back then.

Sweating profusely like someone who almost drowned, she gasped for breath, constantly chanting in her heart that she was no longer her past self, this was reality, and she was safe, relying on self-persuasion to calm her chaotic heart from the nightmare.

I am a Holy Son… let alone the flame of a mere Red Element Stone, even if the fire from back then happened again, I wouldn’t retreat. All perpetrators would wail and beg for mercy under the Flame Greatsword in fear.

Just imagine the Red Element Stone as those soldiers.

Crush it, burn it out.

Breathing trembling, intense hatred ignited in Nola’s purple cat eyes. She took a step forward with a sharp gaze, reaching out to grab the Red Element Stone, as if she could crush the stone with just this grip.

However, just as she was about to put her hand into the flame, another hand suddenly grabbed her wrist from behind.

“Are you crazy?!”

The person who grabbed her wrist was Fia. The latter’s figure in a black formal dress appeared out of thin air.

“I know the day was a blow to you, but there’s no need for self-harm, right? Your cat’s life is still beautiful.”

As she spoke, Fia extinguished the Red Element Stone with a small [Torrent].