The Vixen's Gambit: Tonight We Hunt

Golden hair, gentle features, and a figure that even simple, loose clothing couldn't hide… Even in a world full of beautiful people, Aponia was a stunner.

But Lee wasn't fazed. She was pretty, too. Maybe Aponia had slightly better… frontal armor, but that was it.

What Lee did care about was the strange feeling she got when she heard Aponia's voice. She'd felt a sudden urge to answer Aponia's question, like an instinct.

It was brief and subtle, but Lee knew it wasn't just politeness. It was some kind of external influence. Aponia's words had a compelling power.

If Lee hadn't had similar abilities and strong mental resistance, she might have spilled her intentions like those kids.

This power of suggestion was similar to Lee's Charm, but Aponia's seemed more commanding and persuasive, while Lee's focused on boosting goodwill and manipulating emotions.

Aponia's seemed stronger, but Lee preferred Charm. Direct commands were too easy to detect, especially in person, and even more so by someone like Lee, who was sensitive to mental manipulation. It would raise red flags and lower goodwill, which was bad for business.

"Aponia, I understand you're trying to protect the children…" Lee stood, facing Aponia across the gate. "…But that was a bit rude, don't you think?"

Aponia realized Lee wasn't affected by her ability, and was even aware of it, which clearly offended her.

"I apologize. I can't control this power; it's a part of me…"

Aponia bowed her head, then patted the children's heads. "Go play, everyone. I need to talk to this lady."

Aponia's words held weight, even without her power. The kids scattered, and Aponia opened the gate, gesturing for Lee and Kalpas to enter. "It's rude to keep guests waiting outside. Please, come in."

"We wouldn't want to impose," Lee smiled, walking in, followed by Kalpas, her silent, albeit slightly goofy-looking, Ultraman-masked bodyguard.

Twilight Street was dangerous. A seemingly normal orphanage could be full of armed thugs. But Lee wasn't worried. She and Kalpas could handle anything short of Kevin and Elysia teaming up against them.

But nothing happened. Aponia led them to a small room and served them tea.

"You two don't seem like you're from Twilight Street… What brings you here?"

"Ah, that…" Lee smiled, taking a sip of tea, unconcerned about potential poison. "It's about this orphanage."

Decent tea, but not as good as the stuff I get from Mei.

"Do you run this orphanage alone, Aponia? It must be hard." Lee looked out the window. "Financially, and taking care of all these children and elderly people…"

"The community helps, so we manage." Aponia said softly. "Are you two here to adopt?"

The orphanage took in many orphans, so people sometimes came to adopt… Some had ulterior motives, but Aponia's ability ensured the children wouldn't end up in bad situations.

They look about the right age… Are they a couple with health problems, looking to adopt? Her ability doesn't work on the woman, but they both seem nice… But why come all the way to Twilight Street to adopt? It's so dangerous… Aponia wondered.

"Adopt? Hahaha!" Lee burst out laughing at Aponia's wild guess. "No, no, no. Kalpas and I aren't a couple."

Too bad Kevin isn't here. This misunderstanding would be worth a ton of energy!

"Oh, I'm so sorry…" Aponia blushed.

"It's fine. Let's get down to business. I'm Lee, and this is my friend, Kalpas. We're… on a business trip." Lee avoided mentioning Fire Moth; this place hated official organizations.

"I see. Twilight Street is dangerous, especially for outsiders. Be careful."

"We'll be fine. But we do have a problem…" Lee smiled, pulling out the property documents and sliding them across the table. "Take a look, Aponia."

"…This is…?"

Aponia's usually calm expression turned to one of bewilderment.

"Aponia…" Lee crossed her legs, a villainous smile spreading across her face. "You seem to be illegally occupying our company's property~"