Cranmer left them shortly after that. The duo went along the main path leading into the city, where buildings were crammed together. The sellers were hollering at everyone who went past, trying to get their attention.

Magic salve! Get your magic salve here! Cures everything from patches to scabies! You wont get it elsewhere!

Look here. I got some talismans and pills. Get one today and regain your youth. And look at this. Hallucinative potion. One gulp and youll know what ecstasy is like. Some swear this even gives the dead a boner.

Got a mice infestation? You came to the right place, folks. Look at this cat. Its cute, cuddly, and catches mice faster than you can say meow! And its a great companion too! Perfect for the family!

Hey, you look like you need a tooth extraction. I bet that toothache is driving you nuts. Then step right up. I offer painless tooth extraction, and at a low, low cost too.

How low can you do? Roy asked the dentist. He wondered how a dentist could work with a chair, a bottle of wine, and some rope.

Ten copper an hour. The lean dentist grinned toothily at him, but his teeth were black.

***

The duo rendezvoused with the troupe after leaving the shady street, and they hired a guide to show them the way around town. Finally, the group settled in a remote inn called Pot Belly. The inns lobby was mostly taken up by the troupe, much to the innkeepers delight. On the other hand, Eveline was twirling her hair, looking troubled.

Living in the city costs a lot. The accommodation fees ate up most of the money Alan left us. We cant go on like this. Kantilla, take some guys with you to survey the plaza and the crowded spots in the city. See if you can get us a spot to perform.

Kantilla put her legs on the table languidly. Sure, boss.

Everyone else can take the day off. Its been a tiring journey.

The troupe members went to do their own stuff. Some played Gwent, some kept drinking, and some went upstairs to have some fun. So what next, Roy? Are you leaving with Letho? Eveline gave Roy a gentle look, as if saying she wanted him to stay.

Roy nodded stiffly.

Ive been traveling for years. Just when I finally got a friend, youre already leaving. She pulled him closer, almost kissing him. Witchers live a dangerous life. Why dont you stay with me in the troupe? You wont mind, will you, Letho? After all, you have a lot of disciples, right? She grinned cheekily at Letho.

Um Roy almost lost himself when she hugged him, but only for a moment. His will was getting stronger by the day, after all. Even so, he had to put on a show. I dont want to say goodbye either, Eveline And then he felt her pushing his head against her chest. Oh, so this is how a womans chest feels like. Feels like a dream.

He was almost suffocating from the soft, bouncy breasts that enveloped his face. All he could smell was the intoxicating fragrance from Eveline.

Letho crossed his arms, watching the shenanigan unfold. Then he smiled sarcastically. Ill respect your choice, Roy. Hed given his permission, though Roy knew that wasnt the case. You can pursue a career as a circus performer. I wont force you. He emphasized the last sentence.

Roy could imagine Letho hunting him down if he took Evelines offer, and he shivered. Id like a girlfriend, but not now. Not yet. He shot up and cleared his mind. Thank you, Eveline. He held her hand. But Lethos probably gonna get himself eaten by wild beasts without my help, so

I see. Take care, then. Eveline sighed and stared down in silence.

Are the kids still asleep? Roy shifted the topic awkwardly. The troupe members had been trying to work with Arri and Art over the last couple of days, but that messed up their biological clock, so they could fall asleep at any given moment.

Eveline composed herself, but it was obvious she still wanted Roy to stay. We have to find them a home. The troupe cant take care of them forever, since we wander the world. Alan said the Temple of Melitele was a good place. But Id like to see if theres anything better. I want real professionals. Oh, and I might run into you there.

***

Hey, Letho. Is it me, or has Eveline been acting weird around me?

Letho rubbed his chin and realized something incredible. Whoa, youre saying you dont get it? Youre usually the smart aleck, so what happened? Taken up by your lust for a womans body?

Alright, stop joking. Roy clenched his fist, as if threatening to crush Lethos hand. I just refused a woman all for you, you know?

Yes, yes, you werent imagining it. Eveline was trying to mate with you. Letho nodded. Elves arent exactly a fertile race, unlike humans, who breed like rabbits. To make things worse, theyre only fertile at certain ages. Youre a young part-elf, and shes already of marrying age.

Elves were elegant and enjoyed a long lifespan, but they were also open about sex. Roy had heard stories about how elves would fuck their comrades as much as possible before they died to keep the fear of death at bay.

But Im a minor.

Not exactly. Youre a part-elf, so you grow almost at the same rate as humans do. Youre gonna be mature in a few years. Not to mention you can live a long life, and your looks are acceptable for them. Letho gave Roy a look that sent a chill down the boys spine. Evelines a beautiful, gentle, and sexy woman. You sure you dont want to stay with her?

Roy was reminded of the feeling of Evelines gigantic breasts, but he quickly stopped himself from thinking about it. His body had changed ever since he ingested the Child of the Sun, as if he were giving in to his primal urges. Forget it. I prefer monster killing.

Wipe your drool away. Letho stood up with the help of his crutch. Time to sell off the stuff in your pocket and restock some alchemy supplies. Then, were going to the temple.