Brothel Manager : Unexpected Encounter with A Hidden Family Heirloom

In the dimly lit tent, the sound of the wind rustled outside, carrying the distant noises of soldiers preparing for another day of battle. Das sat on the edge of his bed, shirtless, his chest marked with scars from yesterday's fierce fight. His breath was calm, though his eyes held a quiet storm. Across from him sat Princess Amara, her face lit by the soft glow of the oil lamp. The tension between them was palpable. "Don't compare yourself with them, Das," Princess Amara said, her voice steady. "They're like matchsticks, burning themselves out to give a brief glow. Even now, there are millions of soldiers outside, ready to fight, but not one of them is equal to you. You did the unbelievable." Das's lips curled into a bitter smile as he sat up straighter. "So, you don't have any pity for them? For those who fight, knowing they'll die?" His voice was low but carried a sharp edge as he finally pulled his shirt over his battered body. Amara leaned forward, meeting his gaze with an unwavering stare. "Why would I pity them?" They all came here knowing the cost. They know they may die, and a price has been paid for that sacrifice. No one is innocent, Das." She replied, her tone cold yet resolute. Das gave a helpless chuckle, shaking his head as he poured himself a glass of wine. "I'm no different from them, Princess. I came here knowing I'd die, too. So, you don't need to thank me," he said, his voice soft, but his words weighed heavily in the air. Princess Amara shifted uncomfortably as her eyes flicked to the wounds and scars that lined his body—wounds he had earned while protecting her. Guilt gnawed at her, but she tried to push it aside. "What are you still doing here, Princess? Do you have something else to say to me?" Das asked, his voice casual as he took a slow sip from the glass, the bitterness of the wine contrasting with the tension between them. After a long silence, Amara finally spoke, her voice softer, more hesitant than before. "Do you really have nothing to say to me, Das?" she asked, her eyes searching his face for any hint of emotion. Das chuckled softly, setting his glass down. "Oh, I have plenty to ask, Princess. But I wonder, will you tell me the truth?" His words were laced with a mix of amusement and curiosity. Princess Amara leaned back, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Ask whatever you want. I won't hide anything from you," she said confidently, though her heart raced at the thought of where this conversation might lead. Das handed her a glass of wine before sitting down in front of her, locking his gaze with hers. "What were those animal spirits I saw during yesterday's battle? Do you have more of them?" His question was direct, his eyes keen as they watched her reaction closely. Amara laughed lightly at first, though it sounded forced. "They're not metal weapons you can mass-produce, Das. Those animal spirits are the Guardian Spirits of hidden families. Each hidden family has one secret weapon containing a single animal spirit. My family has the White Python spirit, while the Taurus family possesses the Scorpion spirit. The Arirs family used to have a Mountain Goat spirit. But they've lost control of it." Das acted surprised, his eyebrows raised in mock amazement. "So, is there any chance we can control the enemy's spirit weapon? Also, why didn't you use your spirit animal from day one of the war?" Amara took a slow sip of her wine, her eyes narrowing slightly. "It's impossible to steal another family's spirit. They're tied to bloodlines—only family members can control them. And as for why we didn't use ours from the start… Summoning the spirit places a heavy burden on the summoner. That's why my father is staying out of the war, just like the patriarch of the Taurus family." Das furrowed his brow, acting as though deep in thought. "Then why aren't you controlling the spirit? You're younger and stronger than your father, right? It'd be even more powerful in your hands." Amara's smile faded as she sighed. "It's not that simple, Das. If we dominate the war with our animal spirit, the Taurus family will likely do the same, and the battlefield will become chaotic with spiritual warfare. Also, The Taurus family has powerful sorcerers who could be a trump card in controlling their Scorpion spirit, and we don't want to escalate to that level." Das nodded slowly, pretending to be convinced. But as he stared into her eyes, he asked the question that had been gnawing at him. "Is there really no way to control the animal spirit of another family?" Amara froze, her eyes widening for just a moment before she quickly composed herself. His question struck at the core of her family's deepest secret. After a long pause, she shook her head. "No, Das. There is no other way." But Das didn't miss the subtle flicker in her gaze, the slight hesitation. She was lying. With a knowing smile, Das stood up and pulled his shirt on, his movements slow and deliberate. "That's all, Princess. I hope you stay healthy and safe. But if you don't mind, I need to rest now." Understanding the dismissal, Amara stood as well, though the tension between them still lingered. She walked toward the entrance, pausing for a moment to glance back at Das. His eyes were on her, sharp and calculating. Guilt twisted in her chest as she left the tent, feeling the weight of his gaze long after she was gone. As soon as she was out of sight, Das chuckled to himself, shaking his head. "Don't worry, Princess, Soon enough, you'll give me control over your precious spirit. You'll beg me to save your family." He muttered under his breath. He downed the rest of the wine in one go, a dark grin spreading across his face as he stared into the leaving back of Amara. --- Not long after, General Harris Singh, the grim-faced leader of the war council, called for an emergency meeting. The atmosphere was tense, with commanders and two enemy patriarchs gathered at the center of the battle field. - *Thank you all for the love&support.