CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR 'Apologise'

One day while Violet was trying to sleep, she heard a mortal call her name in prayer.

“Great Xenia, I praise your great strength and your flair for justice so I am calling you to beg for help. My daughter has been bethroned to an old man who is past the prime of his life. I know she will suffer if she marries him so I have no choice but to beg you for a solution. Please escort the old man to the afterlife. If you can do this for me, I'll devote my life to you and convince everyone I know to worship your name.”

Violet said on the bed, playing with her chin.

She's crafty, I like it.

The task was a simple one. Since the woman had prayed to her, she now has access to all of her memories. Therefore, she could find the man Calista was talking about easily. 

She went into a meditative state and traveled out of her body to where the old man was located. Without much effort, she found him in his room, sleeping. She smiled and pondered on the best way to kill him. Eventually, she choosed an easy one, suffocation.

Then snapped out of her meditative state in the bedroom and breathed in deeply.

She glanced at the wall clock. Only a second had passed.

She had three more days to spend at the shop, she also had to go back to Rose inn in time to renewal her stay there. Before that, she had to find a way to contact Uak.

Should she just teleport to Musa's residence in the mansion? She sighed. She would have to take the risk but first she had to have at least an abstract of the saintess mansion. She suddenly decided to leave right away. After all, she had completed her first task which is to help Calista but.. Emily had grew fondness for her. She didn't want to disappoint the teenager by suddenly leaving so she decided to stay a bit longer.

By morning, she went to the shop to practice knitting even though she had already mastered it.

As a god, she understood things much easier than other people so it was easy for her.

As predicted, Emily rushed into the shop with a bottle in her hand.

“Zoe! Zoe! Look what I brought!” 

Violet lifted her head, looking at Emily. She introduced herself as Zoe Firdaus to other people because it was a Lagsu name and she didn't want to be suspicious.

“Emily, what is it you brought this time?”

This was not the first time Emily was giving her things at random even some of the workers of Calista were jealous. Emily had never tried to be close to them before even though they had tried to make her like them to get on madam Calista good side.

“Zoe, I made you fresh orange juice from the ripe fruits outside, try it quickly. I even added my special ingredient in it so it tastes even more special.”

Violet smiled and collected the bottle, “I'll try it then.”

She opened the bottle and took a sip of the pulpy juice as it melted in her tongue and satisfied the rest of her taste buds. She moaned at the nourishing taste and had some more, instantly feeling refreshed. After feeling satisfied she looked at the teenager that was staring at her with a hint of excitement in her eyes. “Do you like it?” she asked giddily.

Violet held back the urge to burp. That was incredibly satisfying.

“I love it Emily! Although I've made many fruit juices, there's something about this one that makes me instantly feel refreshed. It tastes like heaven— I have nothing to compare it with, Emily. It's that good! What's the secret ingredient?”

Emily squealed, her long black hair flying up and down as she jumped in excitement. “I knew you'd like it. As for the ingredient, I won't tell you. It's a secret.”

“Oh come on!”

“Nope,” Emily said and stuck her tongue out before running out of the shop.

Violet sighed and drunk the entire bottle before letting out a satisfying burp. The workers gave her nasty look and she ignored it before going back to work.

Soon, Emily came back in with an aged man by her side.

One of the workers went to meet Emily and ask what was going on. “He says he has something to tell my mother, please make him comfortable while I fetch my mother.”

The worker with blonde hair and blue eyes nodded, “Go ahead. I'll keep him company.”

Emily nodded and sent a wink Violet's way before heading to the door by the corner.

Violet looked at the visitor as he sat on the empty seat next to her.

“Hello,” He greeted.

“Hi.” Violet responded and went back to knitting. 

Moments passed and the man tapped against his lap uncomfortably, “Why isn't your boss coming out? What I have to say is really important.”

“I'm sure she'll be out soon.” The blonde reassured kindly.

Since Violet lived at the room next to Madam Calista quarters she decided she was best fit for checking what Calista was up to. She stopped knitting and stood on her feet before looking at the old man. “I'll go and check on her, sir.”

“No need.” A thick assertive voice echoed from the corridor. It was Madam Calista. She looked breathtakingly gorgeous in the red dress she was wearing and by her side was Emily, wearing a nonchalant look on her face. 

“Calista,” The olderly man said while walking towards her, he had a conflicted look on his face as he faced her.

“Who are you and why are you at my shop?”

“I am Chief Basan helper. I have an urgent message to pass to you, please let's talk outside.”

Madam Calista eyes widened and she immediately glanced at Violet before looking back at the old man, “Sure, let us talk inside.”

Calista led the man inside and Emily shrugged before going to sit beside Violet.

“I don't mean to pry,”: Violet said, “But who is that man? He looks creepy, how can your mom let him inside her yard?”

“I know right? He's around the same age as his boss, Chief Bassan but uglier.”

Violet stiffled back a laughter and cleared her throat when she saw the workers staring at them, “Be nice.” She whispered to Emily. 

“I don't have to. He's really ugly. If they're not blind, they should know that, it's pretty obvious.”

“He's related to your future husband, you shouldn't talk about him like that.” The blonde cut in.

Emily stood up immediately and turned to face the blonde, “You just struck a nerve Olivia, even if I'm going to get married to a disgusting old man who's disabled and can barely wash his own butt, don't I have the right to insult him and his disgusting helper?!”

So the blonde's name was Olivia..

Violet immediately grew a dislike towards her.

Olivia rolled her eyes, “If you can be nice to the old man like you're nice to Zoe Firdaus who you just met, maybe you wouldn't suffer too much.”

“Maybe if you did something more productive like sucking the old man's cock maybe you wouldn't have to stay here and freeload from my me and my mom! Also, Zoe is nothing like the dirty old man so stop saying rubbish know your place!”

Olivia gasped, lifting her hand to hit Emily but she stopped midway and let tears Cascade down her cheeks.

“Emily!” Madam Calista voice roared as she stepped out along with the old man, “Go to your room right now, I have no time to deal with you. Olivia please escort the old man out.”

Olivia wiped her tears and bowed respectfully before leading the old man out. Afterwards, Calista looked at Violet, saying calmly, “Come with me.”

Violet nodded and followed Calista to the garden where the oranges were fresh and rope. Violet smiled, thankful to Emily for making her fresh orange juice, it was sweet.

“Zoe, that old man that came here to deliver information..”

Violet looked up to Madam Calista, immediately paying attention. “Yes..”

“His master is dead.”

Violet nodded, “And?”

Madam Calista eyes widened, “Last night I prayed to Xenia, I didn't really think it would work but.. he's really dead! Chief Basan helper said he died of natural causes but I.. have doubts.”

“Are you trying to say you killed him?”

Madam Calista was stunned.

“As long as you have nothing to do with it, why are you worried? Your daughter Emily is a very sweet young girl and I know you care deeply for her, the time isn't right for her to get married anyways. There's tons of things she should explore in life before marriage. Chief Basan passing is unfortunate but it did help your daughter after all.”

“Is it god Xenia doing?” Madam Calista wondered out loud.

“What do you think?” Violet asked carefully. “Don't forget to show appreciation.”

Madam Calista nodded, “I know what to do.”

“By the way, I'll leave your shop tommorow. I think I've learnt all I need to learn about making clothes? Did you see the dress I made?”

“Of course I saw the dress you made. You're better than me when I was younger, it took me years to start to get a hang of it but it took you only three days. I thought Olivia was a genius because she got the hang of making good clothes in months but you.. it's almost impossible. I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see for myself.”

Violet laughed. 

“But you're not allowed to leave yet. You already promised to stay here for a week and besides, I owe you a lot for the information you gave me. Without it, I would still be fearful for my daughter.”

“You don't have to be curt with me Madam Calista, I'm simply looking out for a sister.”

“Huh?”

“I think of you as my older sister and I don't want you and your daughter to go through the pain I went through, staying with a man because I had no choice. But now there's a choice which is to pray. Remember Calista, the god only answers prayers regarding injustice. She doesn't play cupid or anything like that.”

“I understand that, really I do. I just wonder how you got to know about Xenia.”

“I have many friends across the world, one of them is from Thestryn, some of them worship Xenia.”

Madam Calista grinned, “No wonder they are so strong. I hear that all the people in Thestryn are female and warriors.”

“Exactly. It's no wonder their kingdom have been able to sustain for so long.”

“If only Thestryn accepts outsiders, I would've been a badass warrior there. I would've taken Emily there too because that girl is so uncouth but brave. She would've made a great warrior.”

Violet smiled. Thestryn reputation was still as good.

If only outsiders knew the hell all the girls went through to become warriors. Thankfully, they didn't.

“If Lagsu can emulate them, all would be good.”

“That's right. However, the best starts with the majority. Once the opressed start speaking up, there will be room for freedom.”

“Is that why you came here?”

“Excuse me?” 

Madam Calista hummed, “Did you really come here because you see me as a sister or because you predicted I would call on Xenia's name if I was desperate.”

“I came here because I was scared,” Violet lied. “After my lover died, I feared I would be suspected of murder but while hiding, I discovered that no one suspected me at all so I decided to do something from my heart to thank Xenia so I came here to learn knitting to make Xenia a dress.”

“But you called Xenia a god, why make her a dress?”

“Xenia is formless, her energy is divine and feminine yet she has the strength of a god but her beauty is graceful, comparable to that of a goddess.”

“You speak as though you've seen her.”

“My friend has, this is the exact way she described Xenia to me.”

“I'd like to see your friend someday.”

“Of course. That is, if we get a chance to meet again.”

Madam Calista huffed and turned to the side, “I don't plan to let you go, Work for Seven nails grandle shop.”

“I don't see making dresses as a lifelong dream.”

“I can make you inherit the shop if you work well enough and prove your worth.”

Violet was amazed, “I am flattered by the proposal Madam Calista but I'm afraid I'll have to turn you down.”

Madam Calista sighed deeply, “Even that can't keep you. What exactly do you want, Zoe Firdaus?”

“Nothing. I'm just a simple girl in life who wants to find some fun so I travel around the world, that's why I make so many friends.”

“Why do you travel around the world, what about your parents? Don't you miss them?”

Violet remembered. She was adopted. Lilly was never her mother.

“No, I don't have parents.”

Madam Calista sighed and placed a hand on Violet's shoulder, “It's a surprise,” She said, “You grew up well, you should be proud.”

Violet smiled, “Thank you.”

“Sometimes I feel I'm not doing a good job. Compared to Olivia whose parents are horrible, my daughter, Emily still has a long way to go.”

“Do you compare her to Olivia everytime you two have a misunderstanding?”

Madam Calista pursed her lip, “I only do that because I want her to learn from Olivia good behavior.”

“Calista no,” Violet chuckled, “You should be proud of your daughter, she's savy and badass in her own rights! Earlier on, Emily said the old man was ugly and Olivia said she should be nice and then Emily said 'Maybe if you did something more productive like sucking the old man's cock maybe you wouldn't have to stay here and freeload from my me and my mom! Also, Zoe is nothing like the dirty old man so stop saying rubbish know your place!'”

Madam Calista eyes widened in horror, “She said that?!”

“Yes. If that's not savage, I don't know what is.”

“Yayy whohoo!!” A voice cheered while running towards Violet. It was Emily. 

“What are you doing here?” Violet laughed.

“I knew you'd stand up for me in front of my mom who has no experience in what real character should look like. Seriously, why cry when you can fight with your fist or mouth. The old man is lucky he didn't get married to me first if not he would've definitely died from an heart attack either in bed or because of my uncouth mouth.”

Madam Calista held her hurting heart, her blood pressure rising up.

“Y-you!”  She immediately started to run to hit Emily but Emily hid behind Violet.

“I only said the truth.”

Madam Calista chased Emily through the garden while Violet protected her.

“Madam Calista, why don't I take care of Emily for the rest of the day if you don't mind? I'm leaving tommorow anyways.”

Emily face paled and she tapped Violet, “You're leaving?”

Violet nodded, “I still have things to do back at the city.”

Emily eyes blurred with tears and she huffed Violet around the waist tightly, “Zoe Please don't leave me here, you're the only one I feel comfortable talking to.”

Madam Calista sighed, “Fine you two can play around for only today.” With that, she headed back to the shop.

“Zoe, pleasee, you've only been here for four days. Please stay a bit longer, I'll tell my mom to get you a serious job here and pay you the amount you want monthly.”

“Let us go out, Emily. I'll explain something to you.”

Emily nodded her head, “Wait right here, I'll go to my room to get some money and my veil, I'll be right back!”

“Alright, I'll wait right here.”

“Okay!” Emily ran to her room.

When she came back, she was wearing a veil that started from her head to cover the rest of her face and she was holding a pouch in her hand along with another veil.

“Zoe I'm back! And I got a veil for you.”

“I will not wear the Veil.”

“Huh?”

***

As they walked out, Violet and Emily passed yet a number of men and women, many of the women putting on veils. The women that weren't putting on veils were either old or disabled so they didn't fear attracting men.

“Why do women in Lagsu put on veils?” Violet asked.

“To hide their beauty, of course.”

“Why don't pretty men wear veils then?”

Emily saw where Violet was getting at. “Pretty men don't have to fear getting assaulted by women. It's unfair, right? Men are the reason women in this century wear veils. We fear to be raped and killed in the act. That is why many women get married fast, so that other men don't look at them seductively. In men eyes, women are properties to be gotten and men respect their fellow men properties so they won't touch married women.”

“How do those bastards even recognize married women but cross their limits with young women.”

“Its a super power that comes with their animalistic behavior.”

“Wait.. I just remembered something. How do you know Chief Basan was dead?”

“I asked his helper directly and he told me.”

“Oh.”

“He said I have to be at his funeral.”

Violet gave him a look, “Will you go?”

“Of course not.”

Violet smiled. 

“So.. why did my mom tell you about Chief Basan death? It literally has nothing to do with you. You're not even that close to my mother.”

“I know right? It's just, your mom saw that you're close to me and she thinks his death might affect you—”

“—That woman is unbelievable!” Emily growled, “Did she really think I'd break down into tears upon hearing that the ugly old man died? Did she think I'm that desperate to get married?!” Emily tssked. “If anything, I'm glad that old man is dead.”

“It would be a shame if I lost my virginity to a crippled.”

They entered a restaurant and ordered cookies and tea.

“By the way, you never told me if you have a lover. Did you ever get your first kiss? You're way too pretty to be single.”

“Well..  I had one, I really thought he was the one but he eventually became a nightmare, he almost killed me but then.  He died.” Violet was talking about Baddley but somehow, it fit the story she told madam Calista.

“Pretty girls attract the most idiotic set of the male species.”

Violet laughed and took another sip of tea.

“There's an handsome guy I know though. He seems quite cold but in actuality, he's quite soft. We had a nightstand and then, I left because I had something more important to do and besides, I wouldn't date him but the sex was quite good.”

Emily eyes widened, “OMG! There's a book I read related to this kind of scenario. The female main lead in the book had steamy hot sex with the male main lead. The male main lead catches feelings but the female main lead don't cause she's not that lovey dovey kind of person.”

“What ends their story?” Violet was curious.

“Love love love and plenty of steamy hot sex!”

“Wait..” Violet eyes widened, “How old are you?”

“Sixteen.”

“My goodness! You're too young to know about those things, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have mentioned anything about this topic. You probably needs lots of holy water and some time at the temple!”

“RELAX Zoe, it's not that big of a deal. Fifteen year olds gets raped and some of them get pregnant. Even a 9 year old knows how sex works.”

Violet was shook. “But still.. I don't want you to talk about those things, you're not allowed to talk about sex and you shouldn't think of having a boyfriend untill you're eighteen either.”

“Violet, how old are you?”

“I'm eighteen.”

Emily gasped, “That's not fair, you're only two years older!”

“Exactly. I'm officially an adult and you're still a teenager.”

“Its not like the state cares about it. To them, I'm ripe enough for childbearing.”

“All of those rules will be put back in place soon, just watch.”

Emily huffed and ate more cookies, “We'll see.”

Violet drank her tea and the rest of the cookies before they proceeded to stroll around the small town. 

Chief Basan ruled this part of town. Thus it was more local and the men openly talked about they women they would like to be with and the ones that were no longer good to have sex with.

Walking in a male dominated street and Zoe wasn't wearing a mask. It made Emily worried.

“Zoe, why don't you put on a mask?” Emily said when she noticed a man openly licking his mouth while staring at Zoe. 

“The weather is a bit hot. I do not need a mask.”

“She's right,” A deep voice said behind them. He was a pale skinned with muscular and well toned physique. “The whether is indeed hot. Why don't you follow me to my room? I have a coolng fan there.” The man said, placing his hands around her wrist.

Emily let out a gasp and pushed the man's hand away, “Leave her alone. Zoe, let's go!” Emily said while grabbing Violet's wrist.

The man chuckled at the teenage weak attempt and pushed Emily to the floor then he grabbed Violet's wrist but was unable to drag her along with him. She was too strong.

“You bitch, don't be too arrogant, come with me.”

Violet smirk and pushed him off. He fell on his back and let out a groan.

“Apologise for pushing her, ugly.” Violet said.

Emily stood back on her feet and tugged on Violet shoulders, “Don't make trouble, let's make a run for it quickly.”

The man stood on his feet and roared as he approached Violet.

“Let's make a run for it in one, two, three..”

Just then, Violet fist landed on the man's face and he fell on his knees with blood rolling out of his nose.

By then, the crowd had formed. Many of them, consisting of men.

“Apologise.” Violet insisted. No matter how many men were watching, she would not be intimidated. 

“Little girl,” Violet addressed Emily. “Have you ever been harassed by a man before?”

“Not really, the only reason that old man got me is because of my dad's debt.”

“Well then.. beat him up for every lady that has been harassed in Lagsu.”

“Of course, Master.” Emily grinned ethuistically and took the spot in front of the man, landing punches and kicks on his body.

Violet's few punches had deeply injured him and he couldn't fight back, he could only moan out in pain. 

Emily kept punching every single part of his body but when she got bored, she turned her with her feet, making him lay on his back. Then she started jumping on him, landing powerful kicks on his body including his private organs and his hands were too weak to adequately protect himself.

“How could she do that?” The passerbys asked themselves while they women shook their heads. Both were obviously women ganging up on a male, what would happen to them later?