Chapter 17: Prostitute Charm

“Sir! There are reporters outside!”

One of the bodyguards called out. Bartholomew, still trembling from fear started to ponder.

“What do they want? They shouldn’t have known what happened here!” (Bartholomew)

“T-that, they say they saw Nightmare came out from the mansion’s window...”

“What!?” (Bartholomew)

Bartholomew was surprised for a while then understood.

Nightmare shouldn’t be able to make such a mistake. Most likely, it was done on purpose!

With the media knowing that Nightmare came out from his mansion, there will be a lot of speculations and pressure from others.

He cannot leave them be as it will only have an opposite effect and things may get worse so he can only answer them.

This will also serve as his answer to Nightmare’s threat.

Bartholomew sighed and can only compromise and say there was a misunderstanding. If he said this, then it’s the same as saying that he will not pursue Nightmare anymore in the future.

If he said something like Nightmare has started to steal from the rich or that he threatened him, he will only invoke his wrath and attack him! Right now, he still don’t have the means or the weapon to go against Nightmare!

The only thing he can do for now is compromise and seek some advice from the underworld company that produced the [Mini-Star]. Hoping they’ll be able to help instead of cutting ties with him.

He walked out with his bodyguards and spoke his piece.

“Nothing to see here, Nightmare just misunderstood something and left! No further comments!” (Bartholomew)

After he said that, he walked back while ignoring the reporter’s questions.

Inside, he immediately took out his phone to call someone.

* * *

“Mom~ What’s for breakfast?” (Max)

Yawning as I walk down the stairs, I lazily asked my mother who’s already with father in the kitchen, setting up the food.

Father’s expression was serious and confusion as he glanced at his holographic tablet.

“Just a simple bacon and egg dear.” (Mother)

“Kay~ Dad, what’s wrong? Hehe, did Nightmare appear in the news again?” (Max)

Father often displays such expressions when hearing or watching news of me, Nightmare.

I already know what he’s looking of course. It should be that Bartholomew guy.

I placed a listening magic circle on his body to hear his ‘answer’. As expected, he chose to compromise. He thinks that by doing so, I’ll stop bothering, but the truth is, since he chose to compromise, that means he still wants to harm me when he gets the chance in the future.

If he had fully admitted his wrongs in the press, then he would be in jail and I really won’t bother him anymore.

And I was right. Immediately after he said that to the reporters, he made a call to an underground company called [Death Eaters].

Seriously, who names an underworld company [Death Eaters]. It sounds like some chuuni kid made it up.

Of course, I heard all the contents of their conversation.

Bartholomew’s contact used an alias called [Shadow]...Shadow, pft-...anyway, this Shadow person promised him that they’ll also deal with his Nightmare problem. Heh, Nightmare problem, he should be in therapy…*cough* anyway, it seems that they think they can stop me.

I could immediately end this but it’s too interesting so I let them be. Like I said, as long as they don’t touch me, then I won’t do anything to them directly and let Arthur and the others handle them.

I know they’ll be coming for me but I won’t do anything yet before it happens.

Anyway, Arthur has another team member now so they’ll be just fine~ probably...

“It’s Nightmare again. It seems people saw him coming out of Bartholomew Tomb’s window.” (Father)

“Oh?” (Mother)

Mother raised an expecting voice, seemingly hoping that Bartholomew’s been rid of.

Arthur did mention that the Connors family tried to end this guy but failed after all.

“So this Bartholomew guy is bad right?” (Max)

“Well...he is but...it seems he’s rather unscathe. He said Nightmare simply misunderstood and left...I wonder...” (Father)

“...You think Nightmare’s on his side? That somehow, he was able to hire him?” (Mother)

Oi! Why would I work for that guy!?

“No way! Why would Nightmare be working for him!?” (Max)

“Well, Bartholomew saying that there’s a misunderstanding is a lie that everyone could see but not point out as there’s also no evidence.” (Father)

Of course it’s a lie, I threatened him, stole his illegal weapon of mass destruction, and stole his heir.

“Then, why would he lie? Because he was threatened? Or something was taken from him? If that did happen, then why would Bartholomew lie about this? He is still a person of the government though corrupt. People would believe him than some masked vigilante. Then why? Was it because Nightmare was working for him and he didn’t wish to reveal it?” (Father)

…………….HAH!?

Oi, even if he’s a politician, I thought everyone knew he was corrupt! Arthur said so!

...That damn kid, was he lying to me!? Did he over exaggerated his description!? Maybe those people in the upper society only knows about it and that the common people doesn’t?

“But...how can he possible hire Nightmare? What did he have, that Nightmare can’t take by force?” (Mother)

“Right, right!” (Max)

Hmph! They can’t possibly bribe me, Nightmare, with money! This bro has so much money, that he doesn’t know what to do with it! And if I lack any, I’ll just make some steal some money!

Power? Ptui- this daddy has magic! Who needs some political power!?

Women? Heh, if I wanted it, this lord can just take them all!

How can anyone bribe this awesome me!?

“True but...what if he found out his identity and threatened him?” (Father)

What!? Even if that pig finds out...so what!? I can just kill him!

“Sigh, I really don’t know if Nightmare has a family, if he does, then does that mean there’s more like him? Or is he really the only one. No matter what, I think Nightmare being hired is less likely.” (Mother)

“Yeah, yeah!” (Max)

“Just pointing out the facts.” (Father)

Well, there are more like me...in another world that is. But I guess Arthur and the others will be speculated as my family, not that I care anyway.

“Rather, why are you so bent on proving Nightmare’s innocence Max?” (Father)

“Eh? Cause he’s cool and awesome and handsome and amazing and awesome?” (Max)

“...Why does that feel like you’re talking about yourself?” (Father)

“Ehehe~ Dad, so you know that I’m cool and awesome and handsome and amazing and awesome?” (Max)

“Of course! After all, I’m cool and awesome and handsome and amazing and awesome! Where do you think you got that from!?” (Father)

“Dad, you said awesome twice. Heh, so stupid.” (Max)

“Hey! You’re the who said it twice, twice!” (Father)

Like that, we started off the day with laughter.

Both my parents went to work after breakfast and left me alone in the house. I bet they’re either off to make my little brother/sister or meet up with the others to discuss about the Bartholomew case.

Meanwhile, I, like any other good kids out there, went out of my house and looked for trouble…

I teleported directly to the secret base as Nightmare to see how Ellen and little Bryan are doing.

Ellen Collins is the girl Arthur talked about yesterday and of course, Bryan is the name of the kid who’s three years old now. Just 3 years younger than me.

For now, I still don’t have any plans on teach the kid some magic. He was quite lordy when I met him in Bartholomew’s mansion so his personality is still an issue.

After talking about it with Ellen, she permitted me to erase his memories while retaining his knowledge on speaking, writing, and reading so he can restart his life.

Actually, considering that he’s only three years old, there was no need for that and maybe we can slowly change his personality as he grows up but it’s also true that everyone’s childhood are their foundations so it was ultimately decided to erase his memories.

Upon reaching the HQ, I met up with Ellen and Bryan in the sixth floor which I just made yesterday as a living quarters. There are about twenty rooms here, one of which is where Ellen and Bryan lives.

Last night, I met Ellen and found out that her character is pretty good for a prostitute. Long story short, she has a grandmother as her only family left and naturally couldn’t work so it’s up to her to earn money.

Long story is, at first, she went to some fast food chains to be a waitress or cashier. After some time, she was sexually harassed by her boss so she stopped coming. Over time, she found out that wherever she works at, she would always get harassed by her colleagues or superiors. Finally, as she can no longer bear to make her grandmother suffer, she accepted the sexual harassments and invitations.

One thing led to another, she didn’t say the details, but she ended up becoming a prostitute.

What happened next, I already heard from Arthur. But after she was kicked out, her grandmother also passed away.

She had nothing left...she tried to stop being a prostitute but as expected, she would be sexually harassed wherever she went so she ended up being a prostitute again as it made more money for her.

Three years passed and she met me. The masked vigilante, offering her a chance for life.

[You possess a strange innate charm towards me. You’ve lived a life at the mercy of men. Now, I’ll give you a choice.]

I held out two OStones in front of her, one shaped like a heart and the other, shaped like a tiara.

[The heart will give you the power to charm both men and women, temporarily controlling them to your bidding.]

[The tiara will make you a queen amongst women and every men will bow down to you for as long as you wish.]

[Choose]

It was a simple choice. One gives temporary control while the other is a more permanent one. Well, the tiara is a fake of course, this was simply a test of character and she succeeded by choosing the heart.

[Why?]

“I...it’s true that I am controlled by men for a long time...but it’s also true that there are men who have helped me and aren’t like the others. My father is also a man, though he has passed away, he was the one who supported me and my family for a long time. I also met another man, who, after getting me drunk, didn’t have his way on me and instead, tried to support me after hearing my story...And then there’s you...” (Ellen)

She looked at me kindly and smiled.

“I’ve known countless men so I know, you’re also a man. And right now, you’re giving me another chance in my life...me, a simple prostitute...so I decided on the heart. I will properly use my charms to help people from now on. If my charm can stop a thief or a murderer long enough, then isn’t that for the best? There is no need to gain complete control to every man...that is...too much for me.” (Ellen)

[Very well, I will retrieve your son. For now, you should live in the base.]

And so, I decided to take her in.

She and Arthur already saw each other last night. Arthur didn’t hide his identity to her and hit it off with each other.

It’s actually funny since Arthur tried so hard not to look at her lewdly. Ellen already noticed it but she just laughed and didn’t say anything.

In fact, I also can’t help but think that Ellen’s body is extremely alluring. It’s strange that Bartholomew actually threw her out. Maybe he was scared that Bryan would be more attached to her more than him and create problems in the future or maybe it’s because her overall aura seemed to change upon giving her the OStone.

It shouldn’t have been always activated though since I will know if it’s activated from the mana fluctuations.

In any case, it’s good that she’s happy with her life now.

I knocked on the door Ellen and Bryan are staying in and the door opened immediately.

“Sir Nightmare, good morning. Is something the matter?” (Ellen)

Surprised, Ellen stood respectfully and greeted me.

Ellen had a long blonde hair that was tied to a bun on her back which highlighted her strangely sexy nape. She wore a simple red one piece with a white apron over her which added a mature, housewife feel about her.

Both her breast and butt were not too big nor too small, they were plentiful and pleasing to the eyes.

I nodded and admired the view in my mind but made sure that the illusion of Nightmare is as calm and unconcerned as before.

[Just checking in. How’s the kid?]

I glance on to Bryan who was looking at me curiously from the small dining table while eating breakfast.

“Bryan is doing just fine. He’s just been more quiet ever since his memory was erased...well, there’s nothing really wrong about that since he doesn’t have any playmates yet.” (Ellen)

Fumu, it would be bad for a kid not to have any friends of his age. Should I introduce him to the other girls?...No! They’re my harem! No boys allowed!

*Cough* Anyway, we need to deal with this. Besides, Livia, Mica, Zoe, Geo, and Ina are 3-4 years older than him. I should find some 3 year old playmates.

...Should I just make one? No, not impregnate someone! I’m talking about making an illusion of kids for him!

Well, that would solve the short term problem, but long term? I can’t keep the illusion to last forever. And he won’t be able to touch them too. It would also not be funny if he somehow falls in love to an illusory girl kid...ok, that might be funny...for me…

*Cough cough* Anyway...what should we do…

Ellen seemed to understand why I got quiet and said hurriedly.

“It’s fine as is sir Nightmare! He’s just 3 years old, normally, kids of his age doesn’t go out the house much so it’s fine if he doesn’t meet any kids his age.” (Ellen)

Hm? Ah, right. Wasn’t I also alone when I was 3 years old? I only started to have friends a year ago when I started kindergarten.

[Then, fine. After he reaches 5 years old, I’ll get him to school.]

“T-thank you!” (Ellen)

Ellen blushed as she bowed. I waved it off and left after patting the kid on the head.

I teleported outside and looked for trouble and more potential candidates.

Let’s see here~ Which interesting person would show up next~?

Author's Mumblings

Super late chap...well, sorry. And no, it's not because of playing Pokemon GO too much. I only play that when commuting to and from school/work/other places.

I got a whole lot in my life and can't write chaps. I actually want to continue Monster Craft but no time and that one is too complicated to just write on instinct. Speaking of which, I'm Team Valor btw...TEAM VALOR FTW! (OAO)/

Anyway, another girl, another harem? Or will she be with Arthur?

Basically, the charm power she has will be like the charm magic used by dancers in some vrmmorpg fanfics and not like the one in Charm Cheat where the MC uses OP charm magic to sleep with every woman he sees.

I already have the next two people to have powers in mind. All that's left is how and when to introduce them. As for the Bryan kid, he'll most likely only have an OStone and not real magic.

Bartholomew is also seemingly planning something and hasn't given up. The things written before were his feelings at that time. If it were you, someone with mysterious origins and powers suddenly show up and threaten you like that, those words or something along the line will also be the first you'll think of...if not, well, you aren't normal. So no, Bartholomew will not stop there and he will be Basilisk's main villain.

Then there's the [Death Eaters] which suddenly showed up...now, I wonder what this meant? Fufufufu...

Let's meet again in the next chap!

P.S.: Superhero name of Ellen! Need help! (Charmer? Aphrodite? Maybe Serpent/Serpentine so she can make a pair with Basilisk? I dunno...) (Uhh, I just searched Serpentine and apparently, it's a rock...still a cool name though...maybe?)