Little Pink Starfish

Trembling and unsure what to do, Maz was struck sharply with a riding crop by one of Nyne’s priests before she stumbled to her feet. Her face pale, she led the way to her quarters, a stark contrast to the confidence with which she had accused Gwen earlier. Her shoulders hunched, her hands shook.

At a glance, Maz’s chambers were luxurious—elegant furnishings, leopard skins on the floor, gilded paintings, and rare crystal cups overflowing with extravagance. Her family must have considerable power. Idre’s rooms were similarly extravagant, though her distinction was an array of exotic animals she kept as pets.

After inspecting Maz’s quarters, Nyne decided to visit the other Lesha’s rooms for objectivity. These faithful servants each occupied entire buildings or shared grand homes. As noble heirs destined to serve the Sha in the afterlife, they all lived in wealth and comfort.

Finally, Nyne turned to Gwen’s chambers. Located on the outer edge of the Lotus Pavilion, it took a while to reach. Upon arrival, Nyne raised an eyebrow.

“This building looks too worn.”

“We beg your forgiveness, Sha,” a priest stammered.

Though not squalid, Gwen’s quarters were modest and far removed from the Pavilion’s center. The building had an oddly gloomy atmosphere. Even Nyne, who had shown little interest in the Pavilion, could see Gwen had been treated coldly.

Well, with that arrogant attitude, it’s no wonder. If he behaves like that with me, imagine how he is with the others, Nyne thought as he stepped inside. A heavy silence followed as he slowly looked around.

“This is a bit much, isn’t it?”

“We… We are sorry, Sha.”

“So Gwen was telling the truth.”

“We beg your pardon, Sha. Truly…”

“You say nothing but apologies, I see.”

Though Nyne hadn’t raised his voice, the priest collapsed in a full bow, forehead pressed to the ground. And for good reason—Gwen’s quarters weren’t just modest; they were barren. Nothing covered the floors, and there were barely any furnishings. The spacious room only made the emptiness more stark.

“Sha Nyne, the priest is not at fault. When they said they were short-staffed, I told them I’d take care of things slowly myself. So truly, I’m to blame.”

Gwen’s gentle tone rang a bit too smooth in Nyne’s ears. The priest’s eyelids twitched ever so slightly—perhaps he heard the same.

“You’ve been here almost a month, even with a lack of staff.”

“Well, a month can be long or short, depending on the situation, Sha.”

Still back-talking. Nyne slowly glanced around again and sat down. The chair creaked so loudly he stood back up in surprise. His attendants, alarmed, scurried off and returned with a luxurious chair. Once seated, Nyne gave an order.

“Bring me the priest who manages Lesha Gwen’s chambers.”

“Yes, Sha.”

Soon after, a trembling priest named Pyra Sero was brought in. She dropped immediately into a bow, voice shaking.

“This faithful servant greets Sha Nyne. I am Pyra Sero.”

“You manage Lesha Gwen’s quarters?”

“P-pardon? No, Sha. That is, yes, I do, Sha.”

“Which is it? Yes or no?”

Still bowed and unable to lift her head, Pyra Sero stammered. Judging by her robes, she was a high-ranking priest—but her single lapis lazuli necklace seemed out of place for someone of her status.

“My assigned duty is to manage the Pavilion’s trees, Sha.”

“But you just said you manage Gwen’s quarters.”

“T-that is correct, Sha. I… also manage Lesha Gwen’s quarters.”

Each Lesha was assigned a priest to help them maintain the perfect mind and body for serving the Sha in the afterlife. Nyne stared at Pyra Sero for a moment, then thought to himself that Gwen must be receiving severe neglect.

And yet, rather than feel pity, Nyne found it amusing. Gwen’s silence on the matter meant he had accepted this treatment without complaint. A Lesha complaining about mistreatment would be no small matter—it could be seen as sacrilege. If things had gotten this bad, Gwen had likely allowed it to.

Gwen only smiled serenely, unbothered. That smug, brazen face sparked not annoyance, but interest in Nyne. This whole commotion was unexpectedly entertaining, and Nyne decided to indulge him.

“Priest Pyra Sero. Which is more important—managing the Pavilion’s trees, or managing Lesha Gwen’s quarters?”

“L-Lesha Gwen’s quarters, Sha.”

“Then cease tree management and focus solely on his chambers.”

At that, Pyra Sero looked up, startled. She glanced nervously at another priest—likely her superior. Nyne, noticing this, turned his eyes toward the one being stared at, who turned pale.

“Is that priest of higher authority than me here?” Nyne asked with an amused smirk.

“N-never, Sha! I am merely your servant. I will obey!”

Pyra Sero, still trembling, also answered that she would comply. This was the first time Nyne had ever taken such an active role in Pavilion affairs, so the priests were flustered. Until now, Nyne had always deferred to their advice in disputes.

No doubt, their panic was also due to being exposed for mistreating Gwen. They’d never expected Nyne to take his side. But Nyne didn’t dislike Gwen as much as they assumed. He likened his curiosity toward Gwen to the reason he kept Lu nearby.

“Lesha Gwen.”

“Yes, Sha.”

Gwen bowed gracefully, pink hair cascading like flower petals. Nyne scoffed slightly.

“If your belongings were stolen, you should have informed the priests—not taken matters into your own hands. Theft is still theft.”

“I am sorry, Sha.”

“For your punishment, you will remain in your chambers in reflection for one month.”

“I accept the punishment and reflect, Sha.”

Polite as ever, yet still somehow insolent. Gwen spoke with such smoothness that Nyne turned next to Maz and Idre.

“Everything in the Pavilion belongs to the Sha. For coveting what is mine, Lesha Maz and Lesha Idre are expelled.”

Their faces went deathly pale. They opened their mouths to protest but faltered, bowing their heads in despair. With that charge, Nyne could have given an even harsher sentence.

He then looked at the priests, whose bodies trembled under his cold gaze.

“If something like this happens again, there will be no second chances.”

“Yes, Sha. We will remember.”

The priests slammed their foreheads to the ground, their reverence so desperate Nyne gestured for them to stop before blood was drawn. The priests took Maz and Idre by the arms and escorted them out.

Lu, still fanning from behind, let out a quiet hum of satisfaction. Nyne glanced back, and Lu quickly pretended to be serious again, as if nothing had happened. Nyne rolled his eyes, thinking He was the one who wanted more Lesha, and now he’s pleased to see them expelled. What a twisted one.

“Lesha Gwen.”

“Yes, Sha.”

“You said you’d reflect on your arrogance. And yet, you dared to use me.”

Nyne glared at him, believing Gwen had orchestrated this to change his status by involving him directly.

Gwen, ever shameless, replied with a smile.

“How could I possibly use the Sha?”

Still smiling beautifully, Gwen folded his hands and looked up, pink eyes curling into crescents.

“I simply wished to see you again. I applied for a meeting many times before, but was always turned away…”

“When did you ever request a meeting?”

Nyne laughed dryly. No such request had ever reached him. Gwen’s smile wavered—perhaps from guilt.

“You should also reflect on that sly tongue of yours. Shall I discipline it to correct your ways?”

“Sha, please show mercy. My tongue is the most precious part of me—without it, how could I bring you joy in the future?”

Nyne almost laughed aloud. Was he implying that he’d continue talking back forever?

Still, today’s incident had been surprisingly entertaining. With the matter resolved, Nyne rose to leave. As he did, Gwen stepped forward and said:

“I will make sure to see you again soon, Sha.”

As if it were not a request, but a certainty. Nyne didn’t reply and simply turned his back, exiting Gwen’s quarters.