After Surviving the Apocalypse, I Built a City in Another World

Misha pursed her lips and looked at the two vendors.

It was unlike her—a woman with her background and upbringing— to be so trusting. But, thinking about it, perhaps it was because after going through so many months of hopelessness, she was eager to place her heart on someone.

A Terran woman who had not lost her light, and an aborigine man who was in love with her.

…how could she not feel even a little bit expectant?

At this thought, her back straightened as she exuded grace and confidence. She wanted this to work out somehow. She didn't know how, exactly, but she'd definitely do her best.

"I apologize for scaring you, but I mean no harm. I genuinely want to talk…" she said, shifting to the local lingua franca as she pointed at the products. "About the items."

They didn't dare go elsewhere, nor did they use the voice blocker as well, lest they appear too suspicious, which would also put Silvia on the enemy radar. Instead, they just appeared to just be speaking about the uses of the product.

At the same time, there were others interested in their items, but Silvia kindly said that Master Hesso's favorite woman had taken interest in the items, and they scurried away rather quickly.

Misha looked at the lipstick sets. There were a few shades available. "I'm a bit in a pinch. You see, I have to look beautiful for the master today…" she said. "Can you help me?"

"Yes, of course," Silvia said with a smile. "What is it that you want?"

"Hmn," Misha mumbled, looking at the different items on the mat. "How much is this white handkerchief?" she asked, subtly waving it as if trying to see how it felt in her hand.

However, Silvia's eyes sharpened, knowing what it meant:

Please rescue us.

"About 10 silver a piece. It's rather expensive," Silvia said. "There was apparently a lot of process that this went through."

Translation: It won't be easy.

"Well, as Master Hesso's woman, I can definitely afford it and more."

Translation: I can handle it—whatever it is.

"That's great! You're my favorite customer so far. Why don't you look at the other things?" Silvia continued, opening the makeup sets she had in her space so the blonde could choose among them.

Misha blinked, genuinely startled by the variety she revealed. She was quick to gather herself, though. "These are amazing… truly.

"I think it'd be nice to see where these were made. These are really very well made!" Misha said with a gentle smile, looking at each item again, as if choosing between them. "Is this local? What about the artisans?"

This is made in Xeno right? By Terrans?

"Yes, and it's made by experts of the field. I heard from the merchants I bought this from, but there are apparently a lot more options!"

Silvia paused, slightly moving her hand to touch the other woman's. "I'm also asking how to get there, would you like to come with us?"

Come with us.

Misha's eyes flickered, and she did not take back her hand. "If I could, I would love to! Maybe I can also take my sisters. There are so many of us who'd love to see it!"

She paused. "It's just that I don't know if the Masters will allow us to go so far away…"

There are many of us who need to escape. Please help us all, if you can.

"Perhaps you could ask them to go with you?" Silvia asked. "However, I heard it's a bit far and they may not be willing."

We prefer not to bring those bastards in our place, thanks.

"But…" Silvia continued before Misha could respond. "You could help us instead, perhaps it could soften your masters up."

As we are now, we cannot help you. But… you can help us.

Rowan watched the women's interaction with a blank face, eyes narrowing slightly. He felt that there was more going on in this conversation, but he couldn't quite tell what it was…

Misha didn't notice the male's confusion. "Oh? What do I need to do?"

Tell me.

"How close are you with him?"

How much can you do?

"I can be… persuasive," was all Misha said, gently taking one of the bottles. It was a perfume bottle, though without the spray. "It's my ability, you know?"

Silvia's eyebrows rose, recalling how obedient Hesso was earlier. "How persuasive can you get?"

"Well, I am a slave, but there are still things I can do," she told her, gently playing with the bottle.

A subtle scent emanated from her but Silvia, who knew what she was selling, knew that this was not her product.

The scent backtracked quickly though, particularly when she felt Rowan heat up a bit next to her, as if ready to summon fire.

Misha couldn't help but be touched every time the man became overprotective, thinking this couple was adorable.

Silvia held his warm hand, her eyes fixed on the woman in front of her. "I see…" she said. "I understand."

"Did you hear about Valov, though? I heard it's also a good Town," she said. "They're interested in our products too, so be sure to give us a good price!"

Valov is an enemy. Can you find out more about it?

Misha nodded and looked at the lipsticks. "Well, I did hear a few things about them. They are… neutral, at best, and could become either an ally or a rival to my masters."

Silvia nodded. "I see… then we will take note of that. Our products are limited, so we'd like to know which territory it would be better to sell to. We're businessmen in the end, after all."

Which one is more of a threat?

"That…I can't tell yet. But… if you promise to give me discounts, I can help you find out."

Silvia smiled. "Deal."

Misha giggled. "I'm looking forward to it," she said, blue eyes shifting back to the selection below. Her beautiful hands swiped the products gracefully, feeling them in her fingertips.

"That said…I wish I could predict the best way to approach my master. He always found me pretty, perhaps these could help with my persuasion. Should I choose this blood red one or the more neutral shade?"

Should I take a bold step or stay safe?

Misha, after all, did not know the pacing of these people. How much of a rush were they? Could she take her time, or should she take a few risks?

Silvia's eyes stayed at her, impressed that it was even an option in the first place. "For now, neutral seems good on you," Silvia answered, handing her the lip tint. "We don't know how your master will react yet."

The blonde nodded, buying the product as well as a few other things. "But make sure to keep the red one for me, okay?" she said, before standing up.

"I will be here around this time," Silvia nodded with a smile. "I'll be waiting for your next patronage!"

Rowan looked at the two women in alteration, still unable to shake off the feeling he was missing something.

Obviously, they were all using the same language. Why didn't he understand a thing?