Sold For My Body

Chapter 9.0: The Reality

Chapter 9

The day after that night, we heard from Miss Ava that the woman who entertained Mr. Martin was heavily beaten up. I remember that her name was Ivy, and she intervened before Mr. Martin could lay his hands on us by grabbing his attention. Looks like my worry for her was not uncalled for, because it was very obvious that he was unpredictable and dangerous from the moment I saw him.

After hearing that news, I felt terrible and shut myself inside my room for a day. I drowned in guilt as I imagined her getting beaten by Mr. Martin just because we made him angry. It’s frustrating how I couldn’t do anything for that woman. Without her, we could’ve been beaten up by that mad man. Or worse, we could’ve been violated or killed. I feel so sorry for her. I knew I can’t do anything about that now, because it already happened and I wouldn’t have been able to help her even if I stayed. But I still needed time to recollect my thoughts, and to convince myself to keep going.

After receiving my pay, we split it into two just as we agreed. Canary said that after receiving our salary, we will have the choice of either using it to pay our debt or use the money for anything we wish to buy. On my part, I chose to use the two hundred birks for my debt and left the remaining fifty to buy clothes and necessities. I sighed. Simply imagining how far I am from two million birks makes me feel terrible. It would definitely take me many months and years to pay that much money if this goes on! 

I shook my head. “Progress, whether small or big, is still progress, Sheena.” I muttered to myself, trying to get some motivation.

Going back to my current situation, I just realized that the apartment is mostly empty by night. I am the only one who got left here because they all took the tasks that Miss Ava offered. I chose to rest today, still trying to get rid of my fatigue. This job is terrible; you could suffer big losses, or even die if you make the wrong move. 

I thought about how, from now on, I will be working on my own. In this dangerous job that clearly ignores human rights and even the law. Even a toddler would be able to tell that this is clearly child labor and trafficking. And I don’t need anyone to tell me that this is too much for a fifteen year old to accept so easily. I can’t believe they’re actually using our innocence and weakness to make their grand, evil plans work.

As I lay on my bed, I heaved a big sigh and put my arm over my eyes after closing them. I felt the frustration welling up in my chest, causing me to curse to myself, “I will definitely leave this place, someday.”

A few days later, I was called by Miss Ava for another task. I woke up and came early in the morning to her place. Thankfully, I already knew the way and didn’t get lost. Evelyn welcomed me with her usual business smile. She led me to Miss Ava’s office and offered me a cup of coffee. Miss Ava didn’t waste any time for greetings and gave me a piece of paper to read. It mostly contained details for a gathering for nobles, and some maps towards certain places around it.

“Attend that meeting as a scholar. It’s a meeting about the economic sales around the Empire.” She started explaining. “Make sure you don’t miss any information. You have to write every single detail down and report them to me.” Miss Ava said while looking at me with sharp eyes, emphasizing that this task is very important.

She then handed me a picture of an old man, who I think is in his 60’s. “That man is Sir Robert Jose, you will present your name as Amythy Svinea, a scholar under Sir Robert. Don’t entertain any questions about your origin, and if they insist, make up a fake but realistic one. And do not draw too much attention.” She said and I nodded, trying to memorize as much information as I could. 

“Also, you have to be careful. I heard that the imperial family’s representatives will attend as well. You should make it a point to never get their attention. Your main task is to gather all the important information and relay them to me. Do you understand?”

“Yes, I understand.” I said before giving her a small nod.

“Finish this and I will give you three hundred birks. And if you understand everything you are dismissed.” She said without looking at me and proceeded to focus on the pile of other paperwork in front of her. I made a small bow to her before leaving. She looks a little bit annoyed, she must have been in a bad mood.

I went out to prepare my things immediately since it was written that the meeting will be held this evening at the Palace. That meant that I needed to be dressed like a presentable noble to not get suspected as an outsider. I tied my black hair up and put on some glasses to cover my emerald green eyes. I also cut a small portion of my hair from the side to create some bangs. This way, I can avoid eye contact with other people. I made sure I memorized everything on the paper and burned it before I went out.

To be honest, I am a little bit scared. This is actually my first time going to the Palace, so I’m not that familiar with the rules there. I need to be extra careful and adapt to the behavior of the other nobles well, so that I can pass as an actual scholar in their eyes.