337 Second Chance Part Three (2/2)

”I... I wanted to pay you back,” Doe muttered. She shifted uneasily, revealing more of her scarred legs.

Tycon rolled his eyes, not particularly caring to hide his emotions, ”Not necessary. Concerning my current quest, I've no use for you. You can go back and live your life as you please.”

She knelt and bowed her head, ”I... I'll do anything you want. I can fight...”

”Tss. You?” Tycon scoffed, shaking his head, ”The five of us will be venturing to the Icingdeath Mountains. While I appreciate your enthusiasm, with your level, you'd only be a hindrance.”

Expert was not a combat class. That she would volunteer herself for such a job was absurd, regardless of where Sol Invictus was going.

She pointed past him, angrily, ”And why is he going with you, then?”

Tycon narrowed his eyes, following her finger, ”Victorius? He's a... porter.”

It was a good question... Why was he coming along?

”I can... I can carry your things for you,” Doe offered.

Why was this young lady being so stubborn? Tycon grimaced, refusing her again, ”Carry things? You're clearly fatigued just from your travel here. Your pupils are dilated and your body is literally shaking. I trust you as much to carry gear as much as I trust you can walk five paces.”

He took in a breath through his nostrils, exhaling slowly, ”Rest for a while. Go back, afterward. I insist.”

”Sir Tycon... Please,” The girl begged, bowing her head near his boots. ”I can... I can warm your bed.”

Frustration tinged Tycon's voice, ”Raise your head.”

The last woman who offered his body to him, he had killed immediately after. It was something he did not regret.

The young Medousa was physically attractive. The scars on her body he was privy to, while considered a social flaw by human culture, he didn't care for, at all. Once she recovered, her body would be in good condition for such physical endeavors.

That she was offering herself without a strong relationship seemed to be... a social faux pas. When the young lady raised her head, he looked into her eyes.

Within them, he saw fear, uncertainty, desperation...

...and not an onze of self-respect.

”I will not share a bed with someone who does not respect her own body,” Tycon declared with finality.

The young lady's jaw hung open and she gawked in disbelief, ”Wh... what?”

Tycon sighed. The girl was lost... confused. He likened her actions to that of a child, promising whatever she could, without thinking of the consequences.

Kneeling down, he patted Doe on the head, ”There was no selfish motive in saving you, young Guardian. You owe me nothing...

”But if you need guidance... get off your feet, work towards a goal, seek to support yourself honorably. And I prefer if you did not need saving again...” Tycon chuckled, ”Hah... You only get one.”

The young lady's eyes had glazed over. Small tears ran down the sides of her face and her lips were quivering. He was trying to be inspirational... he hoped those were 'inspired' tears.

Tycon poked the center of Doe's eyebrows, ”Do you understand me, young lady?”

Clarity returned to her eyes, ”Y... yeah. Th... thank you, Sir Tycon.”

Tycon offered a smile that he did not need to fake, ”Good.”