Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World
Chapter 175

Chapter 175. The Slave Trader and the Prostitute

After switching my travel companion from Sarhas to Cliff, we began heading south toward Sylvek.

We emerged from the forest surrounding Verene Village onto the highway I'd traveled three years ago.

Since it was long past sunset, no one was on the road, and even if we encountered anyone, my current companion was Cliff. Though not officially hired, he was effectively my bodyguard.

After briefly scanning the highway, we crossed it.

From there, we advanced through the grasslands and soon reached a wooded area.

Beyond this point lay the domain of monsters, where humans rarely tread. Faced with the darkness of the forest, Cliff held his breath.

"We'll keep moving until midnight, rest, then depart at dawn. Expect that routine for about two days. You don't have to follow, but if you don't, I'll leave you behind."

"I'll follow, but… there are monsters here, right?"

"We won't lose in a straight fight. Just don't hold me back."

"Got it. I'll absolutely follow your lead."

Though his lips trembled, Cliff nodded firmly.

If my companion were Sarhas, we could navigate by moonlight alone, but with just a villager, it'd be too dangerous.

As a precaution, I took out the lantern I'd brought and nearly activated [Flint] out of habit.

I hastily clenched my hand and used a tinderbox instead.

Come to think of it, this might be the first time I've lit a fire this way.

With clumsy hands, I ignited the lantern, hung it at my waist, and entered the forest.

True to his village upbringing, Cliff's footing wasn't bad, but the pathless woods at night were a different story.

He tripped over exposed roots and got his sword caught on branches, stumbling repeatedly.

I had no choice but to let him carry only a small waterskin and preserved rations while I took the rest.

Perhaps because it made movement easier, our journey progressed smoothly, and we made camp beside a large rock around midnight.

Early the next morning, we set off without even taking time for breakfast.

I handed dried meat to the sleepy Cliff, and we advanced through the forest as he gnawed on it.

Cliff seemed sleep-deprived and remained sullen the entire time.

Even though it was easier to walk than at night, his pace was sluggish—likely due to lingering fatigue and the absence of nighttime fear.

I compensated by increasing our breaks.

During one of these short rests, I casually asked a question and learned Cliff had brought only thirty gold coins. While ten gold was the minimum price for a decent slave—not a small sum—Emili's "enhanced" price was the same.

Miranda, the artisan, would be out of the question, and even Tess alone seemed doubtful.

I regretted not confirming earlier, but even if I had, I doubted the amount would've increased much.

Thirty gold coins were already a considerable sum. For an average city commoner, one silver coin was a day's earnings—close to a year's income. Cliff, as the village chief's son, likely didn't have that much to spare.

I'd have to cover the shortfall myself.

I'd left the Ogre's magic stone and materials in the labyrinth. While a beastkin boy selling them would draw attention, the village chief's son could fabricate a plausible reason. That alone would fetch over fifteen gold coins, and if that wasn't enough, I could gather more magic stones.

Later, Cliff seemed to hit his limit, and no amount of rest restored his pace.

I could've left him behind as promised, but fortunately, his fatigue was blown away.

At dusk, a swarm of Nudroks descended.

I easily drove them off, but Cliff seemed haunted by yesterday's terror. Fearful of straying from me, he desperately kept pace.

Thanks to that, we emerged from the forest by the morning of the third day, and soon, the townscape of Sylvek came into view.

Beyond the high walls, Sylvek Castle and its spires towered.

The long-absent sight of civilization made Cliff forget his fatigue as he stared in awe.

"That's Sylvek… What an incredible place…"

"First time seeing a city?"

"Yeah, I've never left the village."

As I described Selen and Wolbar, Cliff and I continued east along the highway.

As Sylvek drew nearer, we began spotting wagons and adventurers, but with Cliff—a commoner—by my side, I was likely assumed to be his bodyguard. Without drawing odd looks, we arrived in Sylvek.

While Cliff stood stunned by the towering walls up close, the line cleared, and it was our turn.

As we stepped forward, the gate guard who'd warned me before stood waiting.

"You again, beastkin."

"Today, it's a bodyguard job."

When I presented my adventurer's card, the guard examined it with satisfaction before shifting his gaze to Cliff.

"Where are you from?"

"V-Verene Village."

"North of Welde territory? So you came through the forest. No wonder you're exhausted."

The guard gave a wry smile at Cliff's fatigue, then jerked his head as if to say, "Go ahead."

Beyond the outer wall stretched vast wheat fields.

Cliff looked around again, his face full of surprise.

"Why are there fields inside the walls?"

"This area is inhabited by Elas Rhino, a large monster. Farming outside is dangerous, and ordinary walls would be breached. That's why the outer wall is—well, I suppose you can't compare. It's incredibly thick."

"Verene Village really is peaceful…"

Glancing at Cliff's murmur, I turned my gaze forward.

He hadn't forgotten why we'd come to Sylvek. Right now, he was just overwhelmed by the unfamiliar. Once he adjusted, he'd remember it wasn't so peaceful.

After passing through the inner wall with Cliff, who kept looking around, we entered the heart of Sylvek.

We'd arrived safely, but the real challenge lay ahead.

As I pondered what to do, a familiar man came into view.

"Business good?"

When I called out, the slave tending the stall looked up.

Recognition dawned, and he cracked a faint smile.

"Last time's customer, huh?"

"I've dropped by again. Your stock seems a bit different."

Where the stall had mostly carried rock salt before, dried fruits and preserved foods now stood out.

"There was a big collapse in the salt mines. The slave miners rioted, too—sounded like a mess."

"I see, so that's the shortage… but why are prices dropping?"

Tilting my head, the stallkeeper lowered his voice.

"Between you and me, word is the salt was poisoned. Just a rumor, maybe. I'm fine, and I haven't heard of anyone actually falling ill."

"Then now's the time to buy. I'll take some rock salt and preserved food."

After paying and walking off, Cliff looked between me and the slave in confusion before hurriedly catching up.

Even if rumors were spreading, there'd been no victims of Zoptum yet.

The tunnels nearby had been cleared, and eventually, the rumors would fade.

Still, it was ironic.

I was desperately protecting Viscount Fasden, whom I didn't even like.

Destroying the salt mines would be the quickest solution, but without revenue, he'd mobilize troops to target the materials in Depthswood. Keeping the Torpus Salt Mines running bought us time.

Now then—what to do next?

I'd fulfilled my promise to Cliff, but finding them alone would be impossible.

That said, I had no leads either.

The Commerce Guild would know their whereabouts, but they wouldn't share information on criminal slaves. It risked rescue attempts or retaliation from enemies.

Even if they were debt slaves, it'd be tough.

This city likely saw hundreds, if not thousands, of slaves passing through. The effort to sift through that much paperwork wouldn't match the profit. With my former status, maybe, but as a beastkin with the village chief's son in tow, we'd just be brushed off.

It wouldn't hurt to try, but first—that man.

I veered off the main road into a side street.

Cliff followed, scanning our surroundings.

This time, it wasn't curiosity—he was searching for the two. I was using [Presence Detection] too, but if that worked, it wouldn't be so hard.

After rescuing Cliff from a prostitute's grasp, we soon reached the target shop.

A modest, unadorned exterior.

This was the only place in the city where I felt at ease. Not that I was ever welcomed.

The interior was as usual: walls lined with potions and materials, and the scowling shopkeeper, Dudley, waiting.

Under his piercing glare, I unloaded my goods onto the counter.

"I've brought the promised potions. Also, I'd like to exchange magic stones and sell twenty Actini fruits."

Following Dudley's pointed finger, I spotted the Actini fruits on display.

Taking them from Cliff, I placed them on the counter.

"Buyback price is ten gold and three silver. The Actini fruits are one silver and three large coppers."

"That'll do. By the way, how much for an ice-attribute magic stone?"

"Cheap ones go for one gold."

"Surprisingly reasonable. Show me what you've got."

Dudley twisted his mouth into a frown and pulled a wooden box from under the counter.

A quick [Appraisal] showed mostly Orc, Goblin, and Nudrok stones—no ice-attribute ones in sight.

When I looked back, Dudley spoke irritably.

"These are the stones you brought in. We deal in potions and their ingredients. If you want magic tools or stones, go elsewhere."

Fair point. This was a potion specialty shop, not a general store. I'd mistaken its range. That Dudley bought magic stones and materials at all was a kindness.

Once I acknowledged that, I glanced at Cliff behind me.

"There's something else I'd like to ask. His friends were enslaved—criminal slaves."

Perhaps the abruptness surprised him. Dudley rarely showed shock, but he did now, eyeing Cliff.

Regardless of justification, Ronny had done enough to earn punishment, but Miranda and Tess were outright victims.

After explaining, I asked if he knew their whereabouts.

Dudley didn't answer immediately, crossing his arms in thought.

"Plenty like that around… but if the son's got the looks, he might've ended up a male prostitute."

"Makes sense."

"Neither would sell cheap. The big slave traders and high-end brothels are west side."

As he spoke, Dudley added my sold stones to the box.

Before I could thank him, he continued.

"You're going to look?"

"That's the plan."

"I'll ask my supplier in two days. See if they've got ice-attribute stones."

"That'd help, but—are you sure?"

"Just making conversation. Don't mind it."

Whether hiding embarrassment or not, Dudley turned away with an even deeper scowl.

"So, any preferences?"

"Cheap ones. Not as an exchange, but next time, I'll bring standard-quality fatigue recovery. I can get high-grade too—"

"Don't need that. Two standards, and as many low-grade as you've got."

"Understood. I'll prepare them soon."

With that promise, Cliff and I thanked him in unison.

◇◇◇◇

With two days until Dudley's results, we'd be staying in Sylvek.

I'd planned to search awhile anyway, but two days seemed unlikely to yield success. After that, I'd have to judge based on leads.

Heading west, I confirmed the area had larger buildings and lavish carriages.

The passersby were well-dressed, and prosperous-looking adventurers strolled about.

This matched what I'd been told, but our attire stood out now.

A beastkin boy in dirty clothes and a rustic village lad.

Such a duo loitering here drew many scornful looks. Cliff noticed midway and grew uneasy.

We entered the nearest brothel and gave the two's names and appearances, but as expected, were promptly dismissed. The next didn't even entertain us.

Even if we dressed sharper, it wouldn't help much.

I was still a beastkin, and Cliff was still a country bumpkin. Worse, his frustration grew from the rush and rough treatment.

To avoid a fight, I stuck with him for the search.

But even after pressing late into the night, we gained nothing. We rested at an inn near the main street and resumed at dawn, only for time to slip away again.

Continuing like this would just waste time.

The Commerce Guild might know, but since Cliff had calmed since yesterday, we split up to search north and south of the main street until noon.

Cliff and I parted ways at the main road.

This area had more brothels than slave traders, with prostitutes even stationed at inns and taverns.

I combed through them while using [Presence Detection].

But I couldn't rely on it much. Their presences weren't strong, making them hard to distinguish in crowds. Lacking certainty, I focused on previously rejected shops and skimmed the rest.

Under the gentle midday sun, inn guests and brothel patrons came and went.

Weaving between them, I asked after the two but struck out repeatedly as noon approached.

Times like these made me appreciate [Tracking Pursuit].

That'd pinpoint their location instantly.

But learning it was impossible. It was a derivative skill of [Silver Hunter], unique to variant species. If only Phil knew them—he could detect them.

Well, no use yearning for the impossible.

I checked the sun's position and halted the search.

With the noon bell yet to ring, Cliff wasn't at the meeting point. I moved aside to wait.

Still, I had no leads at all.

Maybe I should return to the labyrinth instead of searching blindly.

Truthfully, there was a surer method.

Even if Sylvek's Commerce Guild refused, Samini in Selen would likely help.

But revealing my survival was tricky. I trusted Samini, but I didn't know the ramifications or if it benefited the labyrinth.

I'd want Hiames's opinion first.

As I pondered, the noon bell rang.

But Cliff didn't appear, nor did I sense him approaching.

If he was just late, fine—but a fight would be trouble. Getting jailed in Sylvek was a hassle.

As I scanned anxiously, I spotted Cliff in the distance.

Relieved, I noticed him suddenly shout.

"Found them! They're here, Velk!"

Ignoring the stares, he kept repeating it.

I hurried over and steered him into an alley to calm him.

"You met them?"

"No, I saw Tess—walking, above."

His words made no sense, so I pressed for clarity. Apparently, he'd spotted her on a skyway between two buildings.

One was a slave trader's shop, but he'd been turned away.

Following his directions, I confirmed the skyway connecting the third floors. One building bore the sign "Ramlon Trading," the other a brothel.

Close to what I'd imagined, but… something felt off.

The skyway nagged at me.

Cliff could've seen her because it wasn't fully enclosed. Even on the third floor, escape seemed possible. Unlikely for criminal slaves.

I grabbed Cliff as he tried to rush in and crossed to the opposite side.

There, I activated [Concentration Boost] and [Presence Detection], probing Ramlon Trading.

The four-story building had most presences concentrated on the first and second floors.

Sifting through the clustered signals, I found an anomalous one.

A combat slave, perhaps?

Clearly not our target, so I refocused.

Finally, deep inside the first floor, I detected likely matches.

Six people in a large room. Tess moved among them, while Miranda stayed put.

Almost certain, but three years had passed. I wanted more confirmation.

As I observed, Tess's signal moved.

From the back to the front, then upward.

Soon, she appeared on the skyway—undoubtedly Tess.

I clamped a hand over Cliff's mouth as he nearly cried out, studying the nostalgic figure.

Her frame was slender, and her long hair tied back made her profile look unmistakably girlish.

Unchanged—or rather, even more so. Late puberty, perhaps. Not that I could talk.

Tess carried a tray with a wine bottle and light snacks, hurrying into the brothel.

No despair, but her demeanor was tense.

Once she vanished, I released Cliff.

"Why'd you stop me!?"

"Don't rush. We're negotiating with the slave trader first. From now on, you're the employer. Hired me as escort to Sylvek and help searching."

"Forget that, let's go!"

Ignoring me, Cliff charged ahead.

Showing weakness to merchants was bad, but—well, this matched his character. He'd be fine.

Chasing him across the street, I entered Ramlon Trading.

The receptionist's brief smile vanished upon seeing us, replaced by disdain.

He signaled guards by the wall, but Cliff didn't notice, slamming his hands on the counter.

"Tess is—!"

Grabbing his shoulder, I yanked him back.

After eyeing the guards to signal no trouble, I addressed the receptionist.

"F-rank adventurer, Velk. My employer seeks a mother and child. Miranda and—Tess's real name?"

"Tessalia!"

"Right, Tessalia. We wish to purchase them."

The receptionist shifted to a businesslike expression but replied they weren't for sale.

Odd. Slaves or prostitutes, sellers usually jumped at buyers. Had he judged us penniless?

I pressed, describing Miranda's skills and their appearances, their wrongful enslavement, and Cliff's connection.

But the receptionist only feigned sympathy, stonewalling us.

Finally, Cliff snapped.

"Enough! Hand them over now!"

His shout drew the guards as a door opened behind them.

A portly middle-aged man and a plain-faced middle-aged woman emerged.

The guards froze, and the receptionist stiffened.

The man was likely the boss—he radiated authority.

But the woman was an enigma.

Her lavish, revealing outfit clashed with her eerie aura. The presence I'd sensed earlier was undoubtedly hers. She looked every bit a prostitute, but—

I used [Appraisal] and nearly groaned.

The woman was a master of transformation magic, far surpassing my own rank 6, nearly at the peak of rank 9.

Though lacking advanced spells, she wielded the intermediate [Farce Image]. That alone placed her around B-rank.

While the boss questioned the receptionist, the bizarre woman studied me with interest.

"You're an adventurer?"

"I am."

Showing my card, her eyes gleamed.

"F-rank? Mind disclosing your stats?"

"What? Even as a joke, that's not—"

Cutting myself off, I looked past her.

"Or is that the joke?"

An identical woman now stood at the entrance.

At Cliff's startled yelp, the first woman vanished.

Leading with her trump card? What was she thinking?

But her skill was undeniable.

The stats query was a feint—she'd cast [Farce Image] in the gap.

No footsteps meant cloth-lined shoes.

Only the faint rustle and [Appraisal] had tipped me off. Against anyone but Sarhas, the illusion was flawless.

While we had our odd exchange, the receptionist finished explaining.

The boss—Rubin—bowed deeply.

"I am Rubin, head of Ramlon Trading. Miranda and Tessalia are indeed here, but he didn't lie. They aren't for—"

"Let's negotiate."

The strange woman cut in, leaving Rubin stunned.

Ignoring his shock, she opened the door inward.

What was this? Did she outrank him?

If not his wife, perhaps she held equal authority through contributions.

As I hesitated, Rubin sighed and ushered us in.

The parlor hosted another round of introductions.

When I asked the woman—Orianna—her role, she simply said "prostitute."

Given her age, whether she still worked was unclear, but [Farce Image] had its uses. And lacking a slave collar meant she worked voluntarily. If not Rubin's wife, she likely earned equal say through merit.

After tea was served, Rubin reiterated his earlier stance.

I argued their wrongful punishment, but his smile turned sardonic.

"True, Miranda and Tessalia are victims. Of an impatient father."

"Wha—!? Ronny wasn't wrong! He tried to protect his family!"

Cliff's retort only deepened Rubin's smile.

"And this is the result. Which is worse? Momentary humiliation or decades of bondage?"

Cliff bit his lip, fists clenched at the merciless words.

Perhaps realizing he'd gone too far, Rubin's smile faded.

"My apologies. In this trade, one meets many victims. It makes one wonder—why couldn't they choose rightly?"

After this pseudo-apology, Rubin explained why they couldn't sell.

I'd expected complications, but the reason was simple and logical.

They'd bought the pair as merchandise.

Despite being an older woman and a boy, both were exceptionally beautiful. Even without buyers, their brothel ensured no loss.

Upon arrival, Miranda desperately pleaded her cooking skills. Knowing her background, they tested her—and found her superior to their chef.

They made her head cook, and at her urging, Tess became her apprentice.

Miranda's skill quickly earned acclaim from staff and patrons alike. Now, they had no intention of selling.

Miranda had protected herself and Tess through sheer talent.

Impressive—but problematic.

Merchandise could be bought, but she'd bound herself through success.

Buying just Tess wouldn't work. Miranda's drive came from her son. Rubin wouldn't release her. Tess's brothel visits likely weren't just for work—they were leverage.

At least they weren't at risk of abusive buyers. Their value ensured safety.

Forcing their freedom might not even improve their lot. But still…

If they were sold to a gourmand, what would become of the untalented Tess?

Hesitating, I probed further.

"If you were to sell, what price?"

"Hmm… At the very least, one hundred gold."

Cliff paled at Rubin's answer.

Thirty gold was all he'd brought. Even with my funds, we couldn't cover half.

Noting this, Rubin added:

"One hundred gold is Miranda's minimum. Tessalia is separate—need I calculate? Then, if you'll—"

"We might consider. If terms are met."

"Orianna! Enough!"

Rubin finally snapped at her interference, but she remained unruffled.

"Don't you see? He's extraordinarily skilled."

At that, Rubin's anger vanished.

What? How did my skill factor into this?

"Well? Your thoughts?"

"Thoughts? I'm just a hired searcher. Without knowing the terms, why would I agree?"

"I think you would. Your strength far outstrips your rank. You registered as an adventurer for travel's sake, no? So why take this job? Extreme kindness—or you know them. Both, perhaps?"

Keeping my composure, I cursed inwardly.

A fresh adventurer's card and sharp eyes had laid me bare.

This was trouble. Slave traders alone were hassle enough—why did she have to be here?

As I marshaled a rebuttal, Rubin suddenly stood.

"Excuse us briefly. Orianna, with me."

Abruptly pausing negotiations, he ushered her out.

I exhaled quietly once they'd gone.

Damn. To think they'd ended up with these two. What terms would they propose?

After [Appraising] the tea, I took a sip.

Beside me, Cliff sat shell-shocked, his earlier anger forgotten.

"They're something else… So that's a slave trader. But what's her deal?"

"No idea. Says she's a prostitute."

As I spoke, I activated [Status Forgery], inflating my stats.

Scout-type, around high C to low B-rank should suffice.

[Basic Appraisal] would see through it, and [Appraisal] would sense the discrepancy if used. But they wouldn't probe without cause—probably.

After adjusting, I reached for my tea just as Cliff bowed his head.

"Sorry. I dragged you into this when you were just helping."

"Don't worry about it."

"So… you weren't just a client?"

I fell silent, avoiding his pleading gaze.

I knew what he wanted to ask. If I'd known Ronny's family, would I accept their terms?

I wanted to help, but this wasn't a normal job. Nodding blindly was too risky.

Cliff seemed to want an answer, but I stayed quiet.

Soon, Rubin and Orianna returned, cutting straight to the point.

"We're being targeted."

They'd decided to talk terms after all.

But as expected, the explanation was barebones.

Suspicious figures had entered Sylvek to abduct a slave girl under Ramlon Trading's care. The girl was "special," and an attack was virtually certain.

The vagueness left me at a loss for questions.

First, I asked if nobles were involved. Rubin waved a meaty hand.

"Commoner squabbles. Just… complicated."

"Where's the slave?"

"Sheltered here. We'd like you to guard her, but that's difficult without knowing her face. So, repel any attackers. If their hideout is found, act then."

Still lacking details, but the job itself seemed straightforward.

In short, protect everyone but Ramlon Trading's staff.

That said, a hundred gold was impossible. Cliff couldn't manage it, and even I'd need considerable time.

When I said so, Rubin smiled.

"Earlier, I said 'if pricing.' The flip side: they're unpriced. Should you accept, we'll transfer them to you."

"To me?"

The job's reward surprised me, but naming me as their master was unexpected.

Exchanging glances with Cliff, Rubin tilted his head.

"Your surprise surprises me. We seek your aid, Velk. Payment goes to those who risk their lives."

Fair, but—then it hit me, and I nearly groaned.

I'd been so focused on rescue, I hadn't considered the aftermath.

Even freed, they couldn't return to Verene. Lord Livnas's grudge had enslaved them. Learning they lived unpunished would enrage him.

He'd reclaim them for harsher punishment.

Taking them myself was also problematic.

Deepwood's labyrinth was their only refuge. Once inside, they couldn't leave until everything was resolved—possibly forever.

As my silence stretched, Rubin sweetened the deal: twenty gold upfront.

That alone matched C-rank rewards. Sounded like formidable foes.

When I still didn't answer, he sourly added five more, pledging a Commerce Guild witness for the transfer as a show of goodwill.

The money helped, and skipping registration was convenient, but that wasn't my concern.

I kept deliberating.

Leaving them to Cliff was untenable.

Determination alone couldn't compensate for his lack of strength.

Wherever they went, Miranda and Tess were too conspicuous.

Maybe I should ask their preferences. If they chose freely, they could accept the consequences. If undecided—perhaps leaving them with Rubin wasn't bad.

He valued them enough to set such prices, after all.

"Twenty-five gold? You rate me highly for an F-rank. Isn't that excessive?"

"I know humanity well. Gold moves men, and gold betrays them. You won't."

Miranda and Tess as hostages? He clearly thought us connected.

Keeping my face neutral, I pressed further.

"Don't deflect. Hiding details while offering high pay—this isn't a normal job."

"Doubt is natural, but it is just guarding. If I must elaborate… think of it as a family matter. Outsiders might laugh it off, but—"

Rubin trailed off, lowering his eyes slightly.

"To me, it's worth far more than a hundred or two hundred gold. I avoid adventurers to keep it quiet."

His sincerity seemed genuine, if not necessarily trustworthy.

If true, refusal would doom future negotiations. Kicking his request only to ask favors later wouldn't fly.

Accepting seemed the only path to their freedom, but I wasn't ready to agree.

"Understood. When's the attack expected?"

"A week, two, perhaps a month."

"That's no intel at all. A week's my limit."

Rubin frowned at that.

After pondering, he rang a bell.

"Fetch Derrick."

A middle-aged man with graying hair and a youth in his twenties entered.

Why two? The elder was likely Derrick.

His strength was low to mid C-rank—below Markant but on par with Sekies of Yabusho.

The younger—Gino—was far weaker, around E-rank. Yet Rubin didn't dismiss him. Derrick's aide?

After explaining, Rubin asked about the attackers' hideout.

"The guards are searching, but nothing yet."

As Derrick shook his head, Rubin fixed him with a sharp look.

"One week. Find them within."

"That's… understood. I'll give my all."

With Derrick's reluctant nod, Rubin clapped lightly.

"Then we're agreed."

"Not yet. What if they're not found in a week?"

"For your time, we'll offer… let's say, the pair at your price."

"Even a copper?"

"Naturally. If that's their worth to you."

Calling it compensation while extorting us?

Typical merchant.

"Draw up a contract. Reward: twenty-five gold and custody of the two. If no attack within a week, they're sold at my price. Regardless of failure, neither I nor Cliff bears responsibility. If those terms suit, I'll accept."

"At once."

Despite the one-sidedness, Rubin produced the contract as requested.

Were the attackers that formidable, or was his "family matter" that pressing?

I signed, and we shook hands.

However this unfolded, their freedom was now within reach.

Truthfully, I couldn't afford delays here.

Though I'd completed my immediate goals, the path to revival potions remained long.

But—abandoning them would haunt me forever. Even if I achieved my wish.

Just a week's detour. No need to overthink it.

If anything happened, Phil would alert me. He'd likely check in within days.

Recalling our parting, I allowed a slight smile.

Next hurdle: convincing him. That'd be another trial.