Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World
Chapter 179

Chapter 179. What Must Be Protected

I kept watch until the next morning and fell asleep at dawn in the usual warehouse.

When I woke up around noon, an employee came to call for me, as if they'd been waiting.

Normally, Cliff would be awake too, but perhaps due to yesterday's chaos and the relief of finishing the request, he was still fast asleep today.

The employee said there'd be no problem even if Cliff wasn't there, so I decided to let him sleep.

When I was led to the usual reception room, Ruben and Orianne were there, with Derrick standing behind them like a butler. Gino was absent, but in his place sat a nervous-looking man who introduced himself as Niury from the Commerce Guild.

Now that I thought about it, having a guild official present was part of the contract.

After introducing myself and sitting on the sofa, Ruben cut straight to the point.

"The request has been fulfilled. Your work was flawless."

As he said this, he handed me a small pouch containing dozens of gold coins.

While I roughly counted them, Ruben instructed Derrick to bring Miranda and the others.

Then, turning back to me, he presented a contract.

"The other part of your reward."

I could tell it was for two people, but it was thicker than Emili's had been.

Maybe the format differed by branch?

The document was filled with convoluted phrasing, making it as hard to read as an imperial history book.

As I grimaced, Ruben gave a wry smile.

"Hard to read, isn't it? Since they're criminal slaves, there are many restrictions and laws binding them."

"The slavery period is… fifty years? That's practically until they die."

"For a serious crime, that's actually short. Tesaria might even be freed within her lifetime."

Ruben handed me a quill and ink, tracing the contract with his finger as he explained the key points.

Monetary liberation was naturally prohibited, as was removing the slave collars.

Well, they weren't enslavement collars, so they could be removed if one tried—which was precisely why criminal slaves were either strictly managed or assigned to deadly labor. Hiames was a prime example.

In that sense, Miranda and the others were lucky to have been bought by a relatively decent slave trader.

Once the rough explanation was over, Ruben abruptly changed the subject.

"Come to think of it, we haven't discussed the request yet. Since it's resolved, let me explain what happened."

I hadn't expected him to bring it up first. Pausing my hand, I listened as he recounted the cause—exactly the kind of common story I'd been warned about.

The woman Orianne had impersonated was apparently named Emma.

She worked at a merchant house in some town and was the lover of the eldest son—that Matias fellow.

The problem was, Emma had sticky fingers and ended up enslaved for stealing from the shop.

The buyer, of course, was the Lamlon Trading Company.

Matias never doubted his lover's innocence, but his negotiations with Ruben failed. Enraged, Matias hired the infamous [Twin Claws] Egl to reclaim her, traveling all the way to Sylvek.

Putting aside the theft, it sounded like a pure love story—but reality was a bit different.

Only Matias saw her as a lover; Emma had found him somewhat unsettling.

Ruben had heard this from her, which was why he refused Matias's negotiations.

With that, Ruben finished his explanation.

Honestly, this left me deeply unsatisfied. None of my questions had been answered.

Why go to such lengths and expense to protect Emma?

Why had Egl tried to kill his employer?

There were many other questions, yet nothing had been resolved.

The only plausible explanation was the problem Ruben had vaguely mentioned—something that had happened to a certain family.

If Emma were Ruben's daughter, it would make sense, but…

As I debated whether to press further, my beastman ears caught faint footsteps.

Miranda and Tess.

The dissatisfaction remained, but perhaps I should settle the original purpose first. The conversation could wait.

Just as I reached for the quill—a sudden sense of déjà vu hit me.

For some reason, the face of Tenios, an adventurer I'd met in Volba, flashed in my mind.

Unable to place why, I froze.

Ruben and the others watched me curiously, but I pushed their gazes and the sound of Miranda's footsteps out of my mind.

Right—there was a crucial question.

Egl had been a formidable foe, but Derrick hadn't accurately gauged his strength.

Even if he had, was he worth hundreds of gold coins?

Ruben had claimed Emma mattered more than gold to him, but that wasn't a sum you'd casually offer a beastman boy who'd just shown up.

The questions, the circumstances, the sudden memory—

As I pieced them together, the nature of the déjà vu became clear.

The criminal slave contract, Miranda and Tess, the request's outline…

Ruben had planned every step. This was all a farce.

By the time I finished thinking, Miranda and Tess had entered the room, staring at me in shock.

Miranda suppressed her emotions, but Tess's face gave everything away. She kept glancing between my face, my black hair, and my furry ears.

"I'm Velk. Ronie once took care of me during his adventurer days. Stay quiet until we're done here."

I introduced myself before they could say anything unnecessary and signaled them to stay silent.

At the same time, Ruben and Orianne exchanged a subtle glance.

A tiny gesture, but enough to confirm my suspicions.

These guys… really…

First, I used [Appraisal] to check for magic on the contract.

Then, focusing on [Language Proficiency], I stripped away the excessive, convoluted phrasing.

One by one, I pulled out the parchments, crossing out the noise in the remaining documents with double lines.

"Seems like some unrelated documents were mixed in."

When I shoved the extracted papers back, Ruben's expression shifted slightly.

The request itself had been genuine.

But they'd tried to exploit it to enslave me.

They'd twisted logic to name me the contracting party, even offering excessive payment—knowing they could nullify it once I was enslaved.

The final touch was the contract.

After handing over the monetary reward, they'd sent for Miranda and Tess despite the upcoming sales contract.

Then, after a rough explanation, they abruptly switched to discussing the request—

likely to buy time and divert attention from the contract's details.

And just as the conversation ended, they'd timed Miranda and Tess's arrival.

With my beastman ears and [Presence Detection], I'd naturally notice them approaching.

Since the contract had been explained, I'd be inclined to rush through the details to rescue them quickly.

In fact, I'd almost fallen for it.

They must have planned this during the negotiation break.

A scheme only a slave trader and a courtesan—both used to dealing with all kinds of people—could concoct.

It was so absurd I couldn't even be mad. I was genuinely impressed.

I reread the contract several times and signed where necessary.

When I handed it back, Ruben didn't take it. Orianne silently shook her head.

Niury from the Commerce Guild watched in silence but suddenly twisted his mouth.

"Give up, Ruben. You've lost."

He accepted the contract courteously, scanned it quickly, and nodded.

"No discrepancies. As of now, ownership of Miranda and Tesaria has been transferred to Lord Velk. These are the duplicate documents. Please review the restrictions listed here again."

As I took the copies, I studied the nervous-looking man.

He'd known about the plan yet accepted the outcome so easily.

"I hate to nitpick after all this, but… this is really fine?"

"It is. All necessary clauses are stated, and the signatures are in order. A ratified contract is absolute—no matter the circumstances, it must be honored."

I see. A real stickler—and not in a good way.

When I asked for his position, it turned out he was the vice branch head of the Sylvek branch.

They'd probably brought in this hardliner expecting me to argue. In the end, they'd dug their own grave.

After carefully storing the contract, Niury bowed and left.

Now, I had no reason to stay.

Miranda and the others had been watching the exchange in a daze, but when I called out to them, they snapped to attention.

"You've heard the gist. We're leaving—get ready."

"Ah—y-yes!"

They stammered their replies and hurried out.

Orianne had stayed silent the whole time, but as she watched them go, she let out a deep sigh.

"You dodged that beautifully. I want you even more now."

"Barely. Did you really think I'd obey a trick contract?"

"You would. You could keep them close and protect them."

Her confidence made me smirk.

I did want to help them.

I wouldn't deny that—but choosing between Miranda and my family wasn't even a question.

"Think what you want—but 'want me even more,' huh? You sound like the guildmaster."

"I told you, I'm different. I'm a courtesan. An ordinary one."

"If you were an ordinary courtesan, that'd mean something else entirely."

"Oh? I wouldn't mind that either."

"Spare me…"

I sighed, and Orianne laughed brightly.

For some reason, her expression stirred a strange emotion in me.

Even after she'd tried to trick me into slavery, I couldn't bring myself to hate her.

Ruben had planned and executed it, but the idea was Orianne's.

Despite having enough influence to move the guildmaster, she insisted on calling herself a courtesan.

I believed her. There was no reason to lie now.

What kept her in this profession for so long?

Maybe I was projecting my own melancholy onto her.

Somehow, her smile seemed tinged with loneliness.

◇◇◇◇

When Cliff heard the contract was settled, he hugged me in joy.

After patting him down, we quickly packed and headed for the main street.

Miranda and Tess hadn't arrived yet.

[Presence Detection] revealed they were surrounded by people near the kitchen.

If it were guards, I'd have intervened, but they were all civilians. They must have been popular—people were reluctant to let them go.

As I reassured Cliff and waited, Gino showed up instead.

His bandaged arm was from injuries sustained during yesterday's attack.

When I asked how he was, he said potions had mostly healed the serious wounds.

"About those two—they're taking a while saying goodbye. Can you give them a bit more time?"

"Fine. It's not like we're in a hurry."

Gino thanked me and sent an employee to relay the message.

When he didn't leave, I gave him a questioning look. He bowed his head solemnly.

"My old man and Orianne… I'm sorry."

It took me a moment to process.

"…Old man? You're Ruben's son?"

"Yeah."

Gino admitted it with an awkward grin.

I'd wondered why he was so heavily relied upon—now it made sense.

"Then why the bodyguard act?"

"'To learn how to judge people, since you're so rough around the edges'—or so Orianne says."

"That's the reason? You're really the guildmaster's son?"

"Technically. But she's the pillar for the courtesans. We'd be in trouble if she quit."

Orianne counseled the courtesans and sometimes performed illusion magic for them.

Tales from her adventuring days, sights commoners never saw—

In exchange for their harsh lives, the women enjoyed these illusory "movies." No wonder they saw her as a pillar.

Keeping an eye on Cliff, I chose my words carefully.

"You knew from the start?"

"After they decided to hire you, the old man came clean. Derrick's skilled, but he's slowing down. Five more years at most."

"So you're his replacement? That's way too forced."

"Couldn't agree more. I've got no excuse."

Gino apologized but added, "Most of the folks we take in have hit rock bottom. Orianne's no different. If they fall any further, they'll die in a ditch. This place is their last bastion. To protect it, we'll even resort to tricks."

I understood his point, but I had my own priorities.

Instead of dragging some random beastman into this, they should've looked for other adventurers.

Just as I was about to say so, Gino's gaze shifted.

Following it, I spotted soldiers on horseback and a carriage.

At first, I thought it was a noble, but something felt off. The carriage looked military.

As I watched silently, the moment it passed Lamlon Trading Company, someone pressed against the barred window.

"Emma!!"

It was Matias.

A prisoner transport, then.

Tracking his gaze, I saw Emma—actually Orianne—standing at a third-floor window.

Matias didn't notice and cried out joyfully.

"Emma, wait for me! I'll save you! I'll definitely come back for you—!"

His voice choked off as he met her icy stare.

His smile faded.

Without another word, the carriage rolled away, its wheels echoing in the quiet street.

"You let them meet on purpose?"

"Every time he remembers Emma, he'll see that face. Hopefully, he'll give up."

"If they were punishing him, they wouldn't bother with a fancy transport. Where's he being sent?"

"To his father. He must've been terrified, getting kidnapped by Egl."

I glared at Gino's feigned ignorance.

"Don't look at me like that. Well, you are the功臣, so you've earned the right to know. No point being coy."

He muttered as if convincing himself, then continued.

"There's a place called Ratray Trading Company in Jutel. The guildmaster there and my old man are… close. Like best friends. This whole mess started with their family drama. The eldest son, Matias, fell for an employee, Emma. His mother disapproved, and his younger brother saw an opportunity. The mother had Emma enslaved, and when Matias refused to give up, she hired assassins. The brother plotted to kill him."

"Hold on—that's too much info. And that sequence leads to an absurd situation."

"Funny, right? But that's exactly what happened."

Did the mother and brother separately hire Egl?

That's too ridiculous.

Seeing my disbelief, Gino shook his head.

"Only the mother and brother, actually. Matias is… well, a sheltered rich kid. Hard to imagine he'd have underworld connections. Ratray's guildmaster and my old man suspected someone had manipulated him. You saw the answer yourself."

Egl had tried to kill Matias with precious poison even while fleeing.

Only one person stood to gain.

Meaning the brother had manipulated Matias into acting recklessly.

"Egl was weighing three requests. Future gains versus immediate profit—which would pay off the most?"

"Seems so. But it worked out for us. The old man was asked to protect Emma and Matias. As long as Egl prioritized Matias, he wouldn't kill him."

Ruben had withheld information but hadn't lied.

This was a serious situation for Ratray's guildmaster and his friend Ruben.

If this went public, Ratray Trading Company would be ruined. The family had hired underworld figures for murder.

But to me, it was irrelevant.

At most, I felt sympathy for Emma, who'd been dragged into it. Still, my earlier guess had been close.

When Ruben laid the bait, I'd assumed it was to avoid a drawn-out fight—but he'd actually been worried about Matias's life. The longer it dragged on, the higher the brother's priority would rise. That's why Egl had brought Matias—as insurance.

"All I can say is… what a mess."

"Tell me about it. Human greed is exhausting."

"Says the guy who helped plan this."

Gino bowed his head again.

"Really, I'm sorry. Not an excuse, but Orianne missed out on a 'prize' recently. She took it hard."

"Prize?"

"A beastman slave. Former B-rank, supposedly a real powerhouse."

That description… I had a bad feeling.

When I asked, the answer was exactly what I'd feared.

"Name was Sarhas. By the time she heard he was for sale, Viscount Fasden had already bought him. And sent him to a salt mine."

Gino shook his head regretfully.

Sarhas had been resold for being "hard to handle." The viscount must've gotten him cheap.

"So that's why you targeted me? I get the sentiment, but—you really thought I'd obey?"

"Well… yeah."

Gino thought for a moment, then jerked his chin at Cliff.

"I'd have handed over the slaves from the reward to him."

But Cliff wasn't listening, silently watching the vanished carriage.

I turned back to Gino.

"First, create a debt of gratitude. Then offer an extravagant contract. Finish with our specialty—hospitality."

"Not bad. Rough around the edges, but you are the guildmaster's son."

Gino grinned, and I smirked back.

"They got too greedy. If they'd just asked, I'd have at least heard them out."

"Heard you out, then said goodbye. That's why they tried to bind you. I did object, though. We could've hired Derrick after he retired. Built a relationship, then made the offer right before he left."

"That's a long game."

"We've got time. Both of us are just starting out."

The question left me speechless.

We did have time. But the phrasing bothered me.

"Yeah… maybe."

I answered curtly and ended the conversation.

Looking away, I spotted Miranda and Tess at the reception counter, seemingly waiting for us to finish.

A group of courtesans and cooks stood nearby, eyeing Cliff and me appraisingly.

"Time to go."

"Yeah, come back anytime. You're welcome."

"If I feel like it. Merchants and courtesans are too scary."

Gino laughed loudly, then jerked his chin toward the east.

"Near where you got harassed, there's an inn called the Golden Lion. Check it out."

◇◇◇◇

With Gino, the employees, and the courtesans seeing us off, we left Lamlon Trading Company.

Miranda and Tess seemed eager to talk, but with so many people around, I ignored them.

They followed silently.

We walked briskly through the bustling streets until we reached the spot where adventurers had accosted me before.

Slowing my pace, I soon found the Golden Lion.

For a backstreet inn, it was sizable. The first floor was a tavern and diner, and even at midday, the open windows revealed patrons drinking alongside their meals, the scent of alcohol mixing with the food.

As I watched, a woman caught my eye.

Still inexperienced, she kept double-checking orders and blushing at the customers' teasing—yet she never stopped smiling.

An middle-aged man watched her from behind the counter.

Around Ruben's age. Probably another "close friend."

After yesterday, I was a little worried, but Ruben must've deemed it safe.

Not my business anymore.

We resumed walking, entering the residential district.

Gradually, the foot traffic thinned, and the buildings felt emptier.

Most people were out working at this hour, so eavesdropping wasn't a concern.

At the right moment, I turned around.

"About the future."

Miranda and Tess wore tense expressions.

But before I could continue, Cliff spoke up, saying he had something to say first.

When I prompted him, he nodded slightly and faced the two.

"I couldn't do anything. I couldn't even get to Sylvek alone—Velk brought me here. He took the slave trader's request and fought. Even if we went back to the village now, I don't think I could protect you both. The slave trader didn't pick me because he knew that."

The real reason Ruben had chosen me was obvious, but his conclusion was correct.

It was why I'd hesitated—and what I'd planned to discuss.

As I listened silently, Cliff turned to me.

"I've been nothing but a burden to you. No amount of thanks is enough, and I'm sorry for dragging you into this. But… let me be selfish a little longer. Please protect Tess and Miranda."

I neither agreed nor refused.

My priorities hadn't changed.

I'd decided to help Miranda and the others so I could reunite with my family, laughing freely.

But—Cliff really was the real deal.

Three years ago, he'd been half-joking, but after all he'd experienced, he'd grown immensely.

Seeing Matias's obsession must've made him reflect on himself.

His concern for the two was undoubtedly stronger than mine.

"I want to grant your wish, but that's what I was about to discuss."

I turned to Miranda and Tess.

"I'll keep it brief. Consider Cliff's words carefully before answering. First, I never intended to buy you as slaves. If you have someone to rely on, I'll take you there. If you're willing to risk returning to the village, I won't stop you. Or, if you'd rather go back to Lamlon Trading Company despite the farewells, I'll negotiate with Ruben. However, I don't recommend coming with me. I want to honor Cliff's request, but this isn't an exaggeration or a threat—you'll be in an environment beyond your imagination. Decide for yourselves."

"I'll go! I'll serve Lord Velk!"

Tess answered instantly.

But it was too quick. Had she even heard my first warning?

When I glanced at Miranda, she met my gaze squarely.

"My parents died when I was young. Returning to Verene Village would be like walking to my death. The people at Lamlon Trading Company were kind, but I never felt at ease. That place… isn't happy. If it's not too much trouble, please let me stay by your side. No matter the environment, I won't complain. I'll serve you with all my heart."

Her reply was polished, as if rehearsed.

She definitely knew my true identity. And with all the information floating around there, she'd have heard about Leadvolt's fall too.

The delay hadn't just been for goodbyes—they'd been discussing their future.

"To be clear: The contract with Lamlon Trading Company is structured as me lending labor. Tess won't be wandering brothels. It'll be much safer than before. Still sure?"

They nodded in unison.

Nothing I said would change their minds.

With the beastman village now accessible, supplies weren't an issue. Adding them wouldn't be a burden—but what would Hiames and Sarhas think?

Slightly worried, I nodded.

"Understood. I'll take you in."

The moment I declared it, Miranda and Tess exchanged smiles.

In contrast, Cliff—who'd made the request—smiled awkwardly. My warnings had clearly gotten to him.

Well, even if the environment was harsh, it'd be safer than Verene Village.

"By the way, after leaving Sylvek, we'll split up. How are you getting back to Verene?"

"Oh—I'll hire adventurers. I've got enough, right?"

As he spoke, Cliff checked his pockets.

Ten gold coins could hire D-ranks, but shady types might target him. Maybe I'd ask Dudley for trustworthy adventurers.

After telling Cliff to follow, we headed to Dudley's shop.

Along the way, we stopped at a general store to buy twenty small vials for potions.

I could've bought them at Dudley's, but I was supposed to have an alchemist friend in another town. No reason to buy common vials from afar.

As I stuffed the box of vials into my backpack, Tess suddenly offered to carry it, oddly eager.

Guess she was serious about serving.

Well, it'd look strange if the guy with the big backpack had a collared slave walking empty-handed.

I bought a used backpack and had her carry it.

Our formation: Me and Cliff in front, Tess with the backpack, and Miranda last.

When I was alone, I'd gotten suspicious stares and harassment, but now I just looked like a bodyguard protecting Cliff.

We reached Dudley's without incident, where the usual scowling face greeted us.

"It's only been three days. Finished the job?"

"Wrapped it up early."

I paid 32 gold coins and received the Orc Lizard and Zeerow stones, ten Leek Rabbit stones, and the slash-enhanced knife I'd left for tuning.

As I stored them, I asked for reliable adventurers. Dudley listed three parties—regulars who bought potions and sold stones.

"Can I name-drop you?"

"Do what you want."

"Thanks. You've helped me a lot this time. I'll repay this favor—and the last one."

Dudley's scowl deepened as I thanked him and left.

I relayed the info to Cliff.

"Then I'll head to the Adventurer Guild."

"If they're out, ask the receptionist for Dudley's recommendation. The guild hates troublemakers with merchants. They won't suggest bad apples."

Cliff nodded, then suddenly looked at Tess.

Slowly, he smirked—just like the brat from three years ago.

For a moment, everything since felt like a dream.

"Take care."

Tess, startled, smiled and shook his outstretched hand.

"Thank you… for coming to get me."

"Wanted to look cooler, but… I wasn't enough."

"That's not true. I'm really glad you came."

Cliff grinned sheepishly, then turned to Miranda.

"I'll protect the house. Don't worry."

"Yes, Lord Cliff. Please do."

They bowed in unison, making Cliff blush and look away.

With a nod to me, he strode into the crowd.

I watched until he disappeared.

When would we meet again?

I had no reason to visit Verene without Ronie and the others, but it was Tess's hometown.

Maybe once things settled down, we'd return.

As I imagined that day, we reached the inner gate.

We slipped through with the passing carriages, crossed the wheat fields, and arrived at the outer gate—but the usual guard was absent.

In town, we wouldn't stand out much, but hardly anyone walked slaves out on foot. He'd have been easier to talk to.

I showed the slave contract and adventurer card, explaining I'd been hired to buy slaves.

The guard eyed me suspiciously.

If needed, I'd explain and name-drop Niury.

Just as I braced for it, another unfamiliar guard noticed me and approached.

"Leaving already?"

I didn't recognize him, but his words gave it away.

"Yesterday's guard?"

"Yeah. Well, technically today. But adventurers don't get breaks, huh? Rough life."

Yawning, he whispered to his colleague, who nodded repeatedly.

The Lamlon raid must've become gossip. With twenty men mobilized, it made sense.

Either way, an adventurer hired by slave traders wouldn't steal slaves the next day.

We passed through without further scrutiny.

We headed east, blending in with carriages and adventurers, then turned south into the grasslands once the crowd thinned.

If anyone was watching, it'd be here.

As I scanned the area, [Presence Detection] reacted.

A white blur darted across the grassy hills, and before I could react, a light impact hit me.

"Don't linger near towns. Someone might see—well, probably not, but just in case."

While speaking, Phil hopped between my shoulders, swatting my head with his tail.

Not sure if it was approval or disapproval—probably neither.

Miranda and Tess stared in shock at the white beast, but Sarhas made it worse by appearing.

"We've come to greet you."

"Sorry for making you come so far."

I nodded to Sarhas, then jerked my chin at Phil.

"You got here yesterday, right? When exactly?"

"The day before."

So… the day after I'd sent the letter? Too fast.

When I pointed that out, Sarhas smiled wryly and glanced at Phil.

Apparently, he'd been pushed. After delivering the letter to the labyrinth, Phil had fixated on one line: Leave town the morning after the raid at the latest.

Since they couldn't talk, it'd been all tail flicks and gestures—but Sarhas feared Phil would go alone, so he'd rushed to prepare.

I thanked Phil, then listened to Sarhas's report as we headed south.

No major issues. Thanks to Mei controlling the air in the sleeping quarters, cooling wasn't a problem yet.

With temperatures rising lately, that was a relief. An [Icefrost] artifact would handle summer absences.

"By the way, know a woman named Orianne? A skilled mage."

Sarhas tilted his head.

"If it's old memories…"

"Her prime was around twenty years ago."

"Then perhaps an adventurer I met as a rookie. A B-rank mage called Orianne of [Phantom Shadows]."

"That's her. Now she runs a slave brothel. Wanted you badly, apparently."

"Me? An honor, being sought by her."

Though confused, Sarhas didn't seem displeased.

Had Ruben bought him first, fate might've changed.

Sarhas was called "hard to handle," but Orianne would've negotiated well. He'd have worked with Derrick, eventually leading Lamlon's security.

As I finished explaining, I lowered my voice and glanced back.

"That's why I'm bringing those two to the labyrinth. Give me your honest thoughts."

"Your decision is absolute, Lord Alter—but from what I've heard, they pose no danger. With the village now trading, supplies aren't an issue, and our current strength can handle the labyrinth's periphery. Their lives won't be at risk."

I'd expected reluctance, so this surprised me.

When I said so, Sarhas gently disagreed.

"I'd say it's ideal. Right now, no one can fully attend to you. Hiames and I were discussing whether to summon someone from the village."

Now that he mentioned it, it made sense.

Hiames had been accommodating, but his real duties lay elsewhere.

Either way, if they approved, it should be fine.

Once we reached the hills' cover, I checked our surroundings and had [Tracking Pursuit] sweep the area too.

Confirming we were alone, I turned around.

A bit late, but time for the main topic.

I released [Beast Transformation] in front of them—but they didn't even blink.

"You knew."

"No matter the disguise, we'd never forget our savior's face."

Miranda's words made Tess nod vigorously.

More than just hospitality skills. To them, those days must've been unforgettable too.

"Three years ago, I promised we'd meet again—but our positions have changed."

"Yet meeting you again is still a miracle."

Miranda's sad smile reminded me of the gentle giant.

Our last parting—ah, right, the "long-lost siblings" act.

Had they kept that up? Markant would grieve if he learned of Ronie's death.

Shaking off the memory, I refocused.

"You know what happened to Leadvolt?"

"Yes."

"Right now, it's unclear who's hostile. Plus, we're lying low for other reasons. Don't expect a human-like life."

"Understood."

They straightened, speaking in unison.

"Details later, but let's introduce everyone. The one on my shoulder is Phil. Most are subordinates, but Phil's my equal. He understands human speech, so watch your words."

Phil chirped a greeting, and the two bowed nervously.

Next, I introduced Sarhas, and they gave their names.

"We'll cut through the grasslands to the Deep Palace Forest. I'm sure you've heard it's terrifying, but the outskirts are like any other forest. As for the base—well, consider it a surprise."

I grinned at their stiff expressions and started walking south.

Miranda and Tess hurried after me, with Sarhas last.

Crossing the grasslands was risky, but with Phil and Sarhas, we'd be fine unless we ran into an Eras Rhino herd.

Absentmindedly, I reached for my shoulder.

The soft pushback eased my tension.

This trip had driven one thing home:

Dealing with humans was exhausting.

They'd act on emotion one moment, then scheme for their desires the next.

Fighting was simpler, but humans were like a horde of thousands—with hidden powerhouses like Jarid among them.

As a species, they rivaled high-tier monsters.

I was drained, but it'd been worthwhile.

I'd secured ice-attribute stones and connected with slave traders. And there was Kelmar Trading Company.

If they were still acting on Viscount Fasden's orders, they'd make a move. While fulfilling my promise to Dudley, I'd gather intel.

Seeking comfort, I reached again—but this time, my hand met air.

Phil was gone, a white streak chasing a large, drooling kiwi fruit sprinting through the grass.

As Miranda and Tess froze, the fruit split cleanly in half.

"Chicken tonight. Let's bring some back."

"A fine idea. Everyone will appreciate it."

Phil returned to his perch, and I praised him.

"Was that… a bird?"

"Technically. A Kackle—a bird monster. Tough but tasty."

Miranda's eyes lit up with a chef's gleam.

Under her direction, Sarhas wielded a knife, Tess packed the meat into skins, and I tossed ice chunks into the bags, chilling them with [Icefrost].

Even faced with a monster, Miranda showed no fear, and Tess was oddly calm.

Live monsters were terrifying, but dead ones were just ingredients.

Come to think of it, they'd butchered the far more grotesque Oveck. They'd manage in the Deep Palace Forest.

Watching them work, I reflected on recent events.

The Lamlon incident stemmed from people clinging to what they cherished—or refusing to lose more.

Some motives were questionable, but at least they'd faced forward.

As for the future…

Gino's words echoed in my mind.

What I cherished had already slipped through my fingers.

Now, I was scrambling to pick up the pieces.

I had no interest in vague futures or false hope.

My path began only after reclaiming everything.

"Lord Alter…?"

Tess's worried voice snapped me back.

I smiled and took the bag from her.

Yet even someone like me had people supporting and relying on me.

Having accepted them, I had to uphold my responsibility.

To ensure they could keep smiling—always.