As the sun sank beyond the horizon, the Tranquil Pavilion stirred to life. Lanterns bloomed one by one, spilling warm light across marble halls. Music drifted through open corridors, followed by laughter—soft at first, then bold and hungry. Night had come, and with it, business.

  Chloe sat alone in her assigned quarters.

  She leaned against the window, fingers curled around the cold iron grill, peering down into the courtyard. Beastmen and elves arrived in fine clothes; servants hurried to greet them; courtesans glided through the halls with practised smiles. Watching from behind bars, she felt like a bird in a cage.

  The room behind her was silent—too silent. Her body ached from the day’s labour, yet rest refused to come. Each time she closed her eyes, memories surfaced instead: the stares, the whispers, the events that had passed since yesterday.

  She had tried—truly tried—to behave, to be polite, to work harder than anyone else. It hadn’t mattered. To them, she was human. That alone was enough.

  Chloe rested her forehead against the iron and released a slow breath. Beyond the Pavilion walls lay a world she barely understood, one with no patience for kindness and no room for mercy.

  Fighting back the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes.

  I miss you all so much, she thought, remembering her fellow sisters from back home.

  Her thoughts drifted home—to the old stone church, to quiet mornings filled with prayer, to laughter shared with her fellow sisters as they worked side by side, content with little more than one another’s company. Back then, life had been simple. Honest.

  It was that same honesty—her refusal to stay silent in the face of cruelty—that had sent her here. If she had lowered her gaze, held her tongue, looked away, things might have been different.

  Only now did she understand the truth. This posting to the Isle Continent hadn’t been an honour, nor a mission of faith.

  It had been exile.

  Even so, Chloe closed her eyes and clasped her hands together, fingers trembling as she prayed. This is only another trial, she told herself—a test set before me by my Lord.

  Outside her window, the Pavilion swelled with noise—desire and indulgence rising with the night. Chloe remained still in her small room, alone, clinging to the fragile belief that faith, somehow, would be enough.

  A sudden knock echoed through the room. Chloe startled, then quickly wiped at her eyes with the back of her sleeve. Drawing in a steadying breath, she crossed the room and opened the door—and her eyes widened at once. A bright, genuine smile spread across her face.

  “It’s you!”

  Standing there was a petite harpy girl with pale feathers and a lean frame—the same girl Chloe and Ben had tried to protect back at the fountain square.

  “Uh—hello,” the harpy muttered, shifting her weight awkwardly. “I—I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner. I just… wanted to thank you. For yesterday.”

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  Chloe stepped aside immediately, warmth in her voice. “Please, come in. Are you feeling alright now?”

  The harpy offered a faint smile but shook her head. “Oh, I can’t stay long. I’m on duty tonight. I just wanted to check on you. And—um—your hand… is it okay?”

  Chloe lifted her hand and flexed her fingers. “It’s good as new,” she said with a small laugh. “I’m glad you’re alright as well.”

  The harpy’s wings fluttered in visible relief. “Yes. Thanks to you. That was really brave—taking down that Mr. Pilos. He’s one of the Blessed, you know. You’re stronger than you look.”

  Chloe’s smile faltered, just a little. “I… I still feel bad for hurting him,” she admitted quietly. “I hope he’s alright.”

  “Oh, he will be,” the harpy replied quickly. “His guild has plenty of money. Healers, potions—he’ll recover”

  Something in Chloe’s chest eased. “I’m glad.” She tilted her head. “By the way, my name is Chloe. May I ask yours?”

  The harpy straightened, smiling more confidently now. “I’m Sheila. It’s really nice to meet you. I… I hope we can be friends.”

  Chloe’s face lit up. Without hesitation, she reached out and took Sheila’s hands. “I’d love that. It’s really lovely to meet you, Sheila.”

  They laughed softly, fingers clasped together. For the first time since arriving at the Pavilion, Chloe felt the tightness in her chest loosen—just a little.

  Then a voice cut through the moment. “You. Human girl.”

  The laughter died. Chloe and Sheila both turned.

  Two women stood at the edge of the hallway, dressed in floral kimonos. One watched with idle curiosity; the other stared openly, her gaze cold and sharp. They were unmistakable—the knife wielder and the porcelain mage who had fought Ben. Twins.

  Sheila stiffened at once. “M-Miss Gina. Miss Fina. Greetings.”

  Gina’s gaze snapped to her. “You. What are you doing here?”

  “I—I was just passing by,” Sheila answered quickly.

  “Then pass somewhere else,” Gina said flatly. “Go.”

  Sheila bowed at once. “O-of course.” She turned to leave, glancing back at Chloe with clear guilt before hurrying down the corridor.

  Chloe watched her go, then turned back to the twins, forcing a polite smile. “Hello.”

  “Tch. Drop the act,” Gina said coldly. “We’re not here to make friends. You’re a prisoner of this establishment. Act like one.”

  “That was harsh, Gina,” Fina said, glancing at her sister.

  “Stay quiet when I’m talking.”

  Gina’s eyes returned to Chloe. “Aisha is calling for you. Go at once. And put some makeup on—you should look presentable. This is your first day. Don’t embarrass the Pavilion in front of customers.” Her lips curled. “Or your debt will increase.”

  Chloe nodded calmly. “I understand. Thank you.” She hesitated, then added gently, “My name is Chloe. May I ask yours?”

  Gina’s eyes narrowed. “You don’t get our names so easily—”

  "My name is Fina," the other twin introduced herself, stepping forward. "And this is my older sister, Gina. We are twins, but she often acts a bit rough; I apologize on her behalf."

  “Hey!” Gina snapped. “Why are you telling her that?!”

  Fina only shrugged. “She introduced herself politely. It’s only fair.”

  “Tch.”

  Gina turned back to Chloe. “Head to the third floor at once. Don’t keep Aisha waiting.”

  She spun on her heel and walked off.

  Fina paused, offering Chloe a small bow before following.

  “You made me look foolish,” Gina hissed as they left.

  “Then don’t act so cruel,” Fina replied calmly.

  “Shut it!”

  Their voices faded down the corridor.

  Chloe stood there for a moment, watching them go. The Pavilion still felt cold—hostile and unforgiving. But not everyone was the same. She pressed a hand lightly against her chest, a quiet smile returning.

  There are still good souls here, she thought.

  And for now… that was enough to keep her standing.