Right in front of me is a scene straight out of every isekai story ever.
My "mistress" is getting beaten and berated by some fancy-dressed punk, and she's not doing a thing about it - more like she *can't* or *won't*, probably because guys are generally stronger than girls. No matter how you look at it, a boy around 9 or 10 yanking a girl's hair and pummeling her until she's curled up on the ground at this age? It's pathetic.
I didn't want to get involved - too much hassle - but when I catch Luna's desperate, pleading eyes looking my way, deciding whether to step in feels pointless. I'm already dragged into this "personal" mess, and if I don't act, I might end up back on the streets…
- I think you're getting a bit excited with my mistress, "young master."
Seeing me stand up for Luna, the kid starts throwing questions at me like he's trying to intimidate me:
- Oh, looks like you've got a loyal dog, Luna! Do you know who I am?
- Didn't your parents teach you anything? - I shoot back with a mocking smirk.
- You…!
- What, you gonna do something about it? Wanna throw punches or play those sissy noble games?
The second I finish, the brat rips off one glove, chucks it at my face, and yells:
- FINE, I CHALLENGE YOU TO A DUEL RIGHT NOW!
And that's when I realize my big mouth went a bit too far.
I was just planning to talk some shit and rile him up, but how the hell did it turn into a damn duel? Whatever, no backing out now, and besides, I need to test my limits a bit. Who knows? If I win, this punk might just eat a lifetime's worth of humiliation…
Seeing things escalate, Luna stands up and pleads with the kid:
- Enough, Richard! You don't need to take it out on my servant. John, get inside…
- I don't have a mongrel sister like you! Get lost!
He shoves Luna aside and charges at me like a moth to a flame. His speed's just that of a normal kid, but his punches? They hit like a seasoned boxer's. One solid blow, and I'm done for. All I can do is dodge, dodge, dodge. Using Shadow Enhancement to fight back risks losing control, and Shadow Explosion? No way - nobody slaughters a chicken with a butcher's knife, plus I'm not sure if it'd drain my lifespan completely. The longer this drags on, the worse it is for me, so I hope this clown show ends soon.
- You know the human body's pretty fragile and full of weak spots, right?
- Yeah, sure, but why you asking, man?
- Just some facts I read on Google. If you're fighting someone, aim for the chin. Trust me, it'll either knock 'em out or drop 'em quick.
- Sometimes you scare the hell outta me, Hieu…
Thanks to that random memory from my past life, I remember the most obvious thing about hand-to-hand fighting: play dirty, and you've got the upper hand. With that in mind, I channel Shadow Enhancement into my fist, aim for his chin, and hammer away, ignoring the fact that I'm getting pummeled too - cracked ribs, a dozen hits to the head, and a black eye. I keep swinging until the punk collapses and doesn't get back up.
At this point, Luna freaks out, grabs my collar, shakes me, and yells:
- Do you have any idea what you've done, John?! I didn't ask you to be that stupid!
- It's just a duel, not murder. He'll get up soon.
- Oh gods, the Royal Ball is tonight, and you're still screwing things up!
- As long as you don't get the short end of the stick, I'm good…
Saying that makes me wanna puke. She dragged me into this mess, not like I wanted to get involved…
And now I'm actually feeling dizzy and nauseous.
My body feels off - kind of woozy but back to normal quick, so it's not a big deal. The cracked ribs get patched up by the mansion's healer with some basic magic, so no major issue. Except my face looks like a panda's, so they slap some makeup on me to cover the bruises, dress me up, and I'm dragged to the ball as Luna's "attachment." I could've said no, and she could've picked someone else, but after this afternoon's mess, I have to go to handle any trouble fast. Plus, I've got a bad feeling about leaving her alone, so I need to make sure I'm not overthinking this…
…
No surprise, even though I'm tagging along, I don't get into the noble's banquet hall. It's not just me - tons of servants, young and old, male and female, are stuck in the same boat. They've got a waiting hall set up for us, exactly for what it sounds like: waiting for our masters to leave the party so we can escort them out. At least the vibe here's chill, with a dessert buffet - nothing fancy, but decent enough. Plus, some of the noble ladies' maids are pretty easy on the eyes, even in those buttoned-up uniforms…
My gaze wanders through the crowd until it lands on a girl, maybe 15, with a face covered in poorly hidden bruises under gauze and a maid outfit that doesn't quite meet "community standards." She blends into the background for most, but to me, she stands out. Short chestnut hair, cute face, killer figure, and sad black eyes - she's a straight 10/10, no question. But that choker with a leash hook? Her master's gotta be some high-ranking, perverted old geezer. No one lets their servant - a "representative" of their status - show up looking this rough otherwise. Seeing her huddle alone in a corner instead of chatting with anyone tugs at my heart, so I figure I'll use this kid body to break the ice. Maybe we'll cross paths again someday…
No time like the present. I stroll over and start talking as naturally as I can:
- Mind if I sit here?
She jumps at the sound of my voice but calms down when she sees me - a 7-year-old in a servant's outfit. She forces a smile and replies:
- Sure… Go ahead. Events like this don't come often…
Her awkward response bums me out a bit, but I push it aside, plop down, and start chatting to get to know her. We click pretty well, vibe on the same wavelength, and there's a bit of innocence - probably 'cause I'm in a kid's body. Things go smoothly. She drops her initial shyness and opens up, making it easy to leave a decent impression.
Through our talk, I learn her name's Maria, serving a Count Osad under the Hinesburg family - the one I wiped out. Since most of the main and branch families are gone, this count's gunning for their title to climb the ranks, leech off what's left, and play the nobles' shitty political games. As for her, she's in this sorry state because the count's son - inside the banquet hall - abuses her physically and mentally in every way. She's got no hope for this rotten, dark era, just wishing tomorrow might be better than today…
I don't pry too deep into her situation, but her spilling all this means she's probably desperate for help, comfort, or something like it. I reach up to pat her head and let her lean on my shoulder for comfort. At first, Maria's not into it, but after a bit, she gives in, resting lightly on me and asking:
- How old are you to pull a move like that?!
- Uh, just something I read in a book about comforting people. If you don't like it…
- No, it's fine. This is okay… - she replies, a bit flustered.
Nailed it.
Taking advantage of a girl's emotional vulnerability isn't exactly noble, but if done right, it builds enough "trust" for them to lean on you, at least for now. Plus, when someone's been through hell, a bit of kindness can hook their attention, making them forget their current mess. It's a kind of toxic motivation, but if used right, you might even score a girlfriend :))
A 15-year-old leaning on a 7-year-old draws some noise in the waiting hall. Some call it "young talent," others sneer about kids hooking up too soon, but most just sneak glances at me, not each other. I don't care - the ball's almost over, so I'll make the most of this. Girls' scents are unique and intoxicating, and hers is no different. A bit "grimy," sure, but still soft and captivating… I'm still a kid, though, so I'll keep it wholesome for now.
Later? Maybe build a harem if I feel like it. This world's full of polygamy - it's as common as buying veggies at the market, so it's legal. Why not give it a shot…?
…
As expected, when the clock chimes loudly, all the servants stand and head to the main hall to escort their masters to their carriages. Maria and I do the same. It was short, but meeting someone new feels good. Before parting, I tell her my current name as a courtesy and a goodbye. I can't shake the thought that after today, she'll go back to her miserable life, so I just hope her future's brighter than her past and present…
- What're you spacing out for? - Luna asks as she steps out.
- Nothing, my lady…
- Whatever, today's been exhausting enough.
I notice her cheek's slightly swollen, her eyeliner smudged like she's been crying, and her face looks tired and annoyed. Something must've gone wrong at the ball, but I don't pry. I just escort her to the carriage and ride back with her…
The whole ride is tense and silent as hell. It would've stayed that way, but a sudden, splitting headache hits me, making Luna notice and ask:
- John, are you okay?!
- I'm fine, no worries.
Right after I say that, the silent-ass system blares a notification I can't believe.
『Warning: User is experiencing mild brain hemorrhage. Initiating automatic recovery.』
"Ugh… Damn it, why… Oh, probably from taking a dozen punches to the head earlier. Good thing it's…"
Before I can finish thinking, the carriage stops dead, and hurried footsteps surround it. Something's off. I signal Luna to stay quiet for safety, but for me? This situation's looking more bad than good…