The cheerful chatter of men's voices echoed through the lavishly decorated hall. Tonight was the annual Bloody Lady's party, a grand get-together of connected families from the underworld.
EMMA : (I know they're all from allied organizations, but still.... This sight is overwhelming.)
YMIR : Are you nervous?
EMMA : A little.
YMIR : Yeah, it's impossible not to be nervous at a party full of people from the underground.
EMMA : But as a representative of the Primus Club, I’ve got to stay strong!
YMIR : I feel like I'm being used by Camus, but I suppose there are some perks. I can escort you around, so here, take my hand.
EMMA : Thank you.
Ymir escorts me slowly down the beautiful marble staircase.
EMMA : As expected from the Bloody Lady's sponsor, it's absolutely gorgeous!
YMIR : I heard this old castle belongs to royalty.
EMMA : Royalty!?
YMIR : Yes. However, significant payment is required for us to be able to do whatever we want with the interior.
Suddenly, I feel Ymir’s arm wrap itself around my waist, right as a pair of men pass right on by.
YMIR : Are you okay?
EMMA : Yes, thank you Ymir.
YMIR : I'm glad to hear it. Emma, what's wrong?
EMMA : I was wondering how much longer you were going to hold me by the waist.
YMIR : For as long as necessary? Do you hate it?
EMMA : I don't know about hate - But, I do think you should take your hands off me.
YMIR : Heh, okay, I get it. However, you should keep your arm in mine, especially in a place like this. Let me make sure you're not in any danger.
EMMA : (I still can't figure out how serious he is about this.)
With a small sigh, I walked alongside Ymir.
MALE CUSTOMER 1 : I can't believe he's bringing a woman with him.
MALE CUSTOMER 2 : He's certainly not her escort if he brought her here. I feel sorry for that girl, poor thing got cheated.
EMMA : (If I can hear them, Ymir must be able to hear them too......)
YMIR : Yeah? What? Why are you staring at me?
EMMA : Oh, I wasn't staring! Anyway, Victor and Len got here first, right? We should go join them.
YMIR : Yeah, Victor should be right over there.
VICTOR : Emma~ I've been waiting for you! Let's have fun together!
EMMA : Victor!
LEN : You're so fucking loud. You don't have to shout like that every time, you know? We can hear you.
VICTOR : This is the perfect amount of enthusiasm! Emma is not just another "companion" for Ymir, she's one of us!
EMMA : Ah, thank you, Victor!
LEN : I don't give a shit about some loser. You'd be a fool to want to date her.
YMIR : What a load of crap, midget. I'll let your snide remarks about me go, but I'll have you know, I'd be more than happy to call Emma my girlfriend. I've tried to hit on her so many times, but she never reacts. It's boring.
EMMA : I'm sure that's what you say to all your customers.
YMIR : It is my job to keep them engaged, that is true. But, my words to you are not just for monetary gain, nor for the sake of flirtation. I mean it.
EMMA : (Yeah, well, if he was really that serious, I doubt he’d be able to say it so casually.)
