That World of Otome Games is Tough for Us - Volume 1 - Chapter 8.1

Chapter 8:

Trauma

THE CAPITAL’S WAREHOUSE DISTRICT had once been the primary place to store materials and goods that were being transported from the island that floated on the outskirts of the city. However, the area had fallen into partial disrepair and had since completely collapsed. A new and improved warehouse district had been erected elsewhere, and opinions were split on how best to utilize the old one. In the meantime, it was largely abandoned, having lost its purpose.

One brick building, about as dilapidated as the rest, was crammed full of unwanted refuse like a garbage dump. This was where a certain group of air pirates had established their base. They wore black bandanas featuring a shark with wings, marking them as members of the Winged Sharks. Flags bearing their group insignia also hung prominently on the walls.

These air pirates had stored their goods amidst the leavings already in the building. Among them were three human-shaped power suits that stood four meters at full height. Currently, the suits were kneeling, with the hatches of their cockpits open. These were the pirates’ Armors. 

“We brought her!”

Four girls in school uniforms suddenly entered, one of them bound with rope.

The pirates had been gathered around a table, gambling as they waited. When their visitors arrived, one of the high-ranking pirates—an unsavory character named Dudley—left his seat. He was in charge of the group’s detachment in the capital. He was slender and towering, and his long, blond hair was tied behind his head. However, his face was gaunt, and the prominent dark circles under his eyes suggested he led a far less-than-healthy life. His simple T-shirt and jeans were offset by the handgun and knife hanging at his hip.

Dudley flipped his handgun from its holster and turned the barrel on the three girls escorting Marie. “Nice work,” he said, motioning with the gun. “Tie her to that pillar over there.”

Though Dudley’s size was less than physically intimidating, his menacing air sent a chill down the girls’ spines. They did as they were told and quickly secured Marie to the indicated pillar.

A discreet look was sent from Dudley to his men, who promptly left their seats and moved into position. Soon, they were blocking all the exits, each equipped with a weapon, while the girls finished their work.

“Th-there, we did what we were told,” the leader of the trio stuttered, terrified. “We leave the rest to you. We’ll just head back now.” When her gaze turned to the door, she gaped. “What…?”

The three clung to each other, trembling.

Dudley’s gun was still trained on them. He cocked the hammer; he was ready to shoot, if needed. Without meeting the girls’ eyes, he muttered, “I was raised on a floatin’ island in the middle of nowhere, ruled over by some asshole liege lord. Made us pay ridiculously high taxes so he could support his woman. I finally got fed up with that crap and fled to the capital. And whaddaya know? Not a decent job to be found. Before I knew it, I was a pirate.”

The three stared at them quizzically. What did any of that have to do with them?

The corners of Dudley’s lips twitched, pulling into a grin. “That’s when I looked into how things were goin’ back home. I wondered where all that cash was goin’. Turns out it was that stupid lord’s legal wife—not even a mistress or anythin’. You can imagine my surprise. I mean, he worked us to the bone just so some chick could live the high life.”

Blood drained from the girls’ faces. This story wasn’t even an unusual one. Holfort’s twisted society produced such strains every day.

Dudley fired a shot at their feet.

“Eek!”

The bang reverberated off the walls, a deafening echo in their ears. Unable to stay upright, they crumpled to the floor.

Dudley’s eyes grew bloodshot as he burst into manic laughter. “Hilarious! I mean, those highborn boys are all totally scared of ya, and here I am—nothin’ but a pirate, and I can make ya scream like babies!”

“Y-you won’t get away with this,” the lead girl snapped courageously. “We’re acting on Lady Stephanie’s orders. If you try anything, she won’t let you—”

“I’m actin’ on her orders. She told me to get rid of ya three.”

“What…?”

The girls were stunned.

Dudley and his men leered. “She got worried you girls would turn traitor, so she told us we could do whatever we wanted with ya. So, what’ll it be? Should we sell ya off to some foreigner?”

The girls threw their arms around one another, shaking uncontrollably.

“Nah.” Dudley turned the barrel of his gun on the leader. “I think we should play with one of ya first. I always wanted to hear a noble girl scream.”

It was a disgusting thing to say, but none of Dudley’s men lifted a finger to stop him. If anything, his proposal had excited his crew.

In the lingering silence that followed, there was a soft rustle. They all turned to the source of the noise—where Marie was supposed to be tied to a pillar. 

To everyone’s shock, Marie had extracted herself from her bindings. Her petite frame blurred as she darted toward Dudley and leaped into the air. She spoke not a word as she sank her fist into his face.

“Bwuh?!” he cried.

Despite being a grown adult, the impact of her attack sent him hurtling several meters. He slammed into a stack of wooden crates.

The rest of the crew stared at Marie in disbelief.

“Don’t you dare think you can beat me that easily!” Marie’s voice boomed through the warehouse. “I’ve devoured wild beasts, little man! As far as I’m concerned, you’re nothing but lambs to the slaughter!”