A Hero With/Out Time

Chapter 17: Our Demons. (Part 3)

"Thank you," I waved and was about to have Pina set off but the other guard didn't budge. "Is there a problem?"

"Sorry bud but you still need to pay the entry tax. All trade passing through here needs to be taxed." The claw footed man shrugged as if he could do nothing. I didn't miss his partner scowl at him. The currency here was different to the Kingdom and we could only trade so much with Kerchest.

"I didn't hear about this before," I said evenly.

"Rules are rules."

On one hand I knew he was full of shit. On the other I didn't want to cause a scene. Just as I was about to ask how much Taylor popped out of the carriage. Her shirt was unbuttoned at the top conveniently showing her assets. It had been a while since I had seen her don her full getup. Even her hair was silkier and her lips seemed to shine.

"Rain is something wrong?" she asked me innocently. Although the two guards were different races to our supposed one they took an immediate interest.

"Nothing, these kind men were just asking for the entry tax," I replied while hiding my disdain.

"Oh dear," Taylor said in a fluster. "I don't think we have enough money to spare. I'm such an idiot I didn't think about the entry tax." She looked to the two guards. "Is there some way we can get through without one?"

"Ah well, I think it'll be fine. R-right Louis?" the thick haired one turned to his partner. It was clear that the two couldn't handle Taylor's advance towards them.

"Y-yeah it should be fine," he nodded.

"Really? Thank you so much," Taylor smiled at them. Maybe because I knew it was fake it did nothing to make my heart beat faster. "I hope all the guards in the city are as dependable as you and as cute as well." She winked to them and they slowly moved out of the way. I quickly made Pina move ahead before things got more awkward. Taylor jumped and sat next to me.

"Umm thanks I guess," I said.

"No problem," her tone became mellow and she buttoned up her shirt. With a quick wave her allure faded, making her skin seem less soft and her hair return to normal.

"Illusionary magic?" I asked.

"More like charming," she replied. "I prefer actual makeup but there was no time for that. Though with push overs like them I probably didn't need it."

"You seemed like you were used to it."

"Of course," she laughed. "The easiest way into somewhere you shouldn't be is finding the key. People are the best keys."

"Well it comes in handy but try not to do to it too much," I said.

"Oh you jealous?" she smirked.

I faced her seriously, "And if I said I was?" For a moment Taylor was stunned. I laughed, "Ha got you. How does it feel played at your own game?"

She looked away sternly, "You caught me off guard that's all."

"Sure, sure."

I took the carriage in the direction of the port. There was some light traffic but we made steady progress. Other carriages similar to ours were making their way through the streets. It seemed like trade and travel here were booming. Kerchest had mostly scaleskin demons but here there was an incredible assortment of people I had never seen before. Some had small wings, others tails, the variation of traits was exceedingly interesting as tribes from the surrounding area congregated here. From what I heard, a sight like this used to be incredibly rare before the current Demon Lord came into power. Inside the carriage I could see Lara and the others keenly looking outside.