radicalducati Chapter 152 It's so ugly it made me cry.
Chapter 152 It's so ugly it made me cry.
Through the exquisite paper sliding doors and bamboo woven window frames, moonlight and starlight intertwine and fall into the mortal world. The rustic lanterns hanging from the roof sway in the evening breeze, and soft light shines through the paper covers, illuminating the entire banquet hall.
In the corner, an antique incense burner emits wisps of smoke carrying a faint scent of sandalwood. On a low lacquered table, exquisite tableware is laid out, and occasionally, maids quietly move among the guests, serving them wine and delicate dishes.
The man sitting in the main seat was burly, with a square face that took up half his height. He was bald, wore a crown, and had a small purple bun on his right side. His strange attire made Ella stare at him for a long time. She looked at him again and thought, "How strange." She looked again and thought, "It's still very strange."
“Oomi (???^???)～”
As if seeing a terrifying monster, Ella's grape-like eyes instantly filled with tears, and she sobbed as she threw herself into Moko's arms. Moko lazily reclined on the specially arranged soft couch, caught Ella who suddenly pounced on her, and smiled indulgently, gently stroking Ella's fluffy little head, coaxing her with affection.
The once noisy banquet hall was now so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Moko was simply too eye-catching, not only because of her face, which was more beautiful than any flower, but also because of the presence of Jin and Maria sitting next to her. The pressure she exuded was impossible to ignore.
"Um, Lord Jin, who is this gentleman?"
The serpent spoke cautiously. From the beginning until now, he had never known Moko's identity. Bed partner? Impossible. No woman had ever been able to sit next to Jin before. Even those women who had climbed into Jin's bed were just tools for sexual gratification. This woman was definitely not someone with a simple identity. Just look at the devoted eyes of those two lords towards Moko.
Jin glanced at the giant snake. Although the mask concealed his presence, the warning he exuded was extremely profound. The giant snake immediately broke out in a cold sweat, and the hand holding the wine glass trembled slightly.
Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask.
The icy, chilling voice was like an invisible cold current, instantly freezing the air in the room and causing the temperature to drop several degrees. The entire banquet hall was enveloped in a cold and gloomy atmosphere.
"Yes, yes, um..."
The giant snake nodded hurriedly in response, rubbing its hands together as if trying to ease the awkwardness, looking like it was trying hard to think of what to say.
"Oh, right, this lady's pet isn't feeling well, should we call a vet?"
(Doctor: Please don't ask, thank you! ∑(°Д°ノ)ノ)
"It's nothing, it just saw something ugly and cried because it was so ugly."
Moko raised her fair hand, took a delicate pastry from the table, and placed it in Ella's chubby paw. Ella's attention was immediately drawn to it, and she began to eat the pastry, but she was facing Moko with her back to everyone else, determined not to turn back.
(Ella: I'm not turning around, there's something ugly behind me!! (???^???))
"..."
The air grew colder, and who would dare to respond to such a statement? The snake's next words were abruptly choked in his throat, making the already awkward atmosphere even more awkward. The snake's face turned a deep purplish-red with anger, and he almost lost his composure. Don't think he hadn't noticed; that stinky bear had been staring at him the whole time. But the snake had no choice but to swallow his anger. After all, he couldn't afford to offend the two powerful figures sitting next to Moke.
"General, that..."
The attendant standing beside the giant snake quickly stepped forward to ease the awkwardness, gesturing behind him with his eyes. The giant snake took a deep breath, swallowed Moko's veiled insults, and grinned again.
"To welcome Lord Jin and Lady Maria, I've specially invited Komurasaki, the newly crowned courtesan of the brothel. Komurasaki's shamisen playing is absolutely superb. Why don't you two give her a taste?"
King neither answered nor refused, but simply removed half of his mask and drank his wine. Maria, who had been secretly watching Moko ever since, knew that she had to report to Lord Kaido immediately that Moko was no ordinary person. She had to bring Moko back to Onigashima as soon as possible. Once they were on Onigashima, with Lord Kaido's control, Maria didn't believe that Moko could cause any trouble.
An awkward silence descended. Even the giant snake felt like it was suffocating, let alone the others, who all hung their heads, wishing they could stop breathing. Why did they even come to this banquet when it was supposed to be real cement?
"O courtesan, Jin, I want to see the courtesan."
In the eerie silence, Moko's clear and melodious voice rang out. Holding Ella, she looked at Jin with bright, expectant eyes. Her innocent appearance made people forget the unpleasantness just now.
Jin sighed deeply. He never thought that one day he would be helpless against a woman. He knew that Mo was not a simple person, but when he met Mo's expectant eyes, Jin finally nodded helplessly, unable to refuse at all.
Seeing this, without needing Jin to speak, the Great Serpent quickly gestured to the attendant beside him. The attendant clapped his hands, and in an instant, the surrounding lights seemed to dim shyly. The paper door, painted with intricate and delicate patterns, was gently pulled open, like a scroll slowly unfolding. The courtesan that Moko had seen on the street earlier appeared behind the opened paper door.
Xiao Zi slowly stepped into the banquet hall, her every step exuding elegance. She gracefully knelt down in the center of the hall, her every move captivating, instantly drawing the attention of all the guests. The air seemed to freeze at Xiao Zi's arrival.
"This humble servant greets all of you esteemed officials."
The voice was as clear as spring water. As if sensing something, Xiao Zi looked up and glanced in Mo Ke's direction as if by accident, but only for a moment before looking away.
As everyone held their breath and watched with burning eyes, Xiao Zi gently picked up the intricately carved shamisen. Every movement exuded unspoken nobility and gentleness. As her fingertips lightly touched the strings, the whole world seemed to fall silent at that moment.
Xiao Zi's figure was graceful, like a willow branch swaying gently. Every movement revealed endless elegance and nobility. As the strings vibrated, a heavenly melody flowed out slowly. Her eyes were focused and deep, as if she had poured all her emotions into the music, making people unconsciously fall into its beauty.
But only Xiao Zi herself knows how unsettled her heart is right now. Could that pink-haired girl be her? Could it be her sister? But why? Why is her sister here? She must have mistaken her for someone else. It must just be someone who looks like her sister. Her sister couldn't possibly be here. She knows that perfectly well.
"What a beautiful child."
Moko lightly supported herself on the soft couch with one hand, maintaining her balance with a graceful posture. Her wide pink outer robe unfurled like a scroll with her movements, and her eyes seemed to be able to bewitch souls. With each glance, she exuded a charming allure. Moko quietly gazed at Xiao Zi, who was performing with complete concentration, with a hint of a smile in her eyes.
They've all grown up. The little girl who used to only know how to act cute has grown into a beautiful young lady. Everyone has grown up well.
The banquet's originally cold and aloof atmosphere was brought back to a lively one by Xiao Zi's appearance. Everyone toasted and drank again, and the banquet became lively once more. Everyone had a smile on their face, but their eyes kept glancing at Jin, hoping to strike up a conversation with Jin or Maria.
It's important to know that King and Maria are Kaido's favorites. If you could get in touch with them, your status would be extraordinary; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that you could rise to the top in one step.
However, King kept drinking and showed no intention of paying attention to anyone. Although Maria seemed very easy to talk to, no one dared to offend her. After all, being easy to talk to was just an appearance. Maria was the most favored woman by Lord Kaido's side.
Then there's Moko, sitting between Jhin and Maria. She seems like a gentle and harmless woman, and more importantly, Jhin and Maria seem to value her highly. It would be a good idea to strike up a conversation with her.
"I don't know if you two like it, but Komurasaki's shamisen is second to none in Wano Country, hahaha."
The giant snake took a big gulp of wine, its laughter filled with obsequiousness. Jin didn't answer; he couldn't very well say that he hadn't been listening and had been too busy feeding the bear, Moko.
(Ella: The snacks are mine, I'm not giving them to you! ?(?д??; )?)
"I never expected such a beautiful little fellow to come from this covered walkway. It's truly a surprise to me."
Maria spoke slowly, her eyes full of interest as she looked at Komurasaki. Should she take her to Onigashima to serve, or should she stay here?
Wow, with such beauty, she'd be the most beautiful even on Onigashima. I'm sure Lord Kaido would like her.
"come over."
Moko's voice interrupted Maria's thoughts. Maria looked at Moko with a puzzled expression, "Miss Moko likes it?"
"Of course, who doesn't like beautiful children? Isn't Maria the same?"
Hiss! Everyone gasped. This woman named Moke was incredibly bold, addressing both adults by their given names, and yet neither of them seemed angry. Just who was this woman?
"Well, I do indeed adore beautiful children, but since Miss Moko likes them, then I'll give them to Miss Moko."
Maria was interrupted by Moko, so she pulled herself together and waved to Xiao Zi. Xiao Zi nodded and respectfully knelt down next to Moko. Moko lazily straightened up and reached out to stroke Xiao Zi's cheek.
"You're so pretty! Your name is Xiao Zi, right?"
As if teasing her, Moko gently pinched Xiao Zi's cheek. A familiar feeling welled up in her heart. The warmth of her palm, her gentle voice, her usual little gestures, and that look in her eyes—everything was so familiar. She hadn't mistaken her; it was her older sister, it really was her older sister. Xiao Zi almost burst into tears.
"Go back." A voice as gentle as the wind entered your ears.
"Ugh?"
Xiao Zi was slightly stunned, looking at Mo Ke in shock. She had countless questions she wanted to ask Mo Ke: Why was her sister here? Why was her sister under Kaido's control? Had she been captured? What did her sister want to do? Where had her sister been all these years...? She had so many questions, but... but...
"Xiao Zi." Mo Ke's voice instantly dispelled Xiao Zi's chaotic thoughts, and Xiao Zi suddenly came back to her senses.
"Go home, and may the adorable furry ball run into your dreams and drive away all your nightmares."
Moko gently cupped Xiao Zi's face in her hands, as if she were treating the most precious treasure in the world. She pressed her forehead against Xiao Zi's forehead, like the gentlest breeze in spring. Her voice, filled with endless warmth, softly rang in Xiao Zi's ear, as if an ancient song was being sung again.
"sister……"
"Jin, I'm tired. Let's end the banquet here."
In a mere instant, Moko released Xiao Zi, preventing her from uttering a complete sentence. Moko turned and raised her hand towards Jin, treating him like a servant. Everyone gasped again. Did this woman even know what she was doing? This was utterly insulting! Treating Lord Jin like a servant—this was Lord Jin!
Under the intense gaze of everyone, Jin put down his wine glass, put his mask back on, and picked up Moko with one hand.
"Let's end it."
Without anger or rebuttal, Jin perfectly adapted to his role as Moko's servant. Upon closer inspection, it was clear that every move Jin made was to protect Moko.
"Alright, then you two should get some rest."
The giant snake quickly got up and saw Moko and the other two out. Maria swayed her hips as she walked to Moko's side and bowed slightly.
"Miss Moko, is that some kind of spell?"
"A spell to dispel nightmares, Maria wants one too?"
"Of course, Miss Moko, please be sure to..."
The voices faded into the distance until they could no longer be heard. Xiao Zi's eyes remained fixed on the sound until everything around her disappeared. Xiao Zi seemed to finally give in, her eyes filled with grievance, and her beautifully polished nails dug deeply into her palms.
"Sister... Sister Moko..."