Volume 13 Chapter 8 Epilogue – Otherworlder Chelsea
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Thanks to Life-Sharing magic, we managed to rescue Chelsea in one piece, though not without a few bumps along the way. Afterward, Lydia gave us a long, scolding lecture, and the four slaves who overheard our story barged into our quarters and threw a wild party until morning. Still, I finished everything I needed to do.
And now… we were at the Adventurers’ Guild Branch Manager’s office, bringing the otherworlder Chelsea with us. Our purpose: report the outcome of the incident—and get his consent to let us keep Chelsea.
* * *
”Do you really think I can accept such a proposal?” asked the Branch Manager, an ugly bald man who made no effort to hide his displeasure. His face twisted even further.
”It’s not about whether you can drink or not. I’m telling you to just swallow it quietly,” I said, glaring as my left hand slid inside my cloak. My baby face didn’t help much in moments like this. If only I looked half as intimidating as this baldy in front of me.
Still, while putting on a casual front, I was also calculating ways to kill him instantly and clear the guild lackeys at the same time. Best case, it wouldn’t come to that—but I had to keep it as an option.
Maybe my thoughts showed on my face, because the Branch Manager suddenly leaned forward, his expression oddly eager.
”Both of you, could you please refrain from doing anything rash—for my sake?” Lydia cut in, stepping between us and breaking the heavy air.
”Soyuz,” she said, her tone like a mother scolding a child, “if you keep being this confrontational, even things that could’ve been accepted won’t be. I know you’re frustrated, but calm yourself a little.”
Then she turned to the bald man. “Branch Manager, please think carefully. Do you really think someone like Soyuz could live quietly as a normal human? You know his reputation. I respect your position and policies, but if you still want him to serve the guild, shouldn’t there be a more appropriate method?”
…And is it just me, or is she not really on my side here? Well, maybe I was letting anger get the better of me. Time to reel it in.
I shoved my throwing darts back into my belt, tucked the hidden blade and medicine vial into my pocket, and faced the baldy again. He leaned back in his chair, glaring at me.
”So you won’t leave that woman in our care.”
”Yeah. If I hand her to you, you’ll just beat her up until she breaks. That’s unreliable.”
Chelsea shrank back, looking apologetic, and I stepped in front of her to shield her from his gaze. Unfortunately, she was taller than me, so it didn’t work that well. Still, she clung to my shirt and pressed against my back.
”You think you can get information out of her?” he asked.
”Yeah.”
”And if she feeds you false information that causes losses?”
”Then I’ll take responsibility.”
”Responsibility? With that cheap head of yours? Don’t get cocky, brat.”
”Really? Who’s the incompetent Branch Manager who can’t do anything without relying on said brat?” I shot back.
”Hey, Soyuz,” Lydia cut me off before I could go further. “Godonov Branch Manager, I’ll also take responsibility.”
Her words—unlike mine—actually made him pause.
”Lord Marinov,” he said at last, “you and your merchant guild will guarantee that kid and that woman. Is that right?”
”Yes. And I’ll keep her in my care,” Lydia replied firmly. “She has knowledge of Magic Tools from another world. I can make better use of that than Soyuz—and I’ll cooperate with the guild fully.”
With dignity, she wrapped her arm around mine, making her stance clear: she stood by me. The bald man sighed, shaking his head.
”Hey, kid, sure about this? Don’t come crying to me later.”
”Who are you talking to? I was trained by that Master,” I said, voice tight with pride.
At that, he grimaced. This baldy was from the generation that still remembered Master’s reign of terror. Her name alone still carried weight, and I leaned on that reputation as much as I could. T/N: pun on tiger’s might—borrowing someone else’s power.
After a long silence, he finally gave in.
”Fine. If you find anything, report it to me. But if trouble starts, I’ll chop your head off. Be ready.”
And with that, Chelsea’s safety was secured—for now.
”Let’s go, Lydia. Chelsea.”
I slung an arm over both their shoulders, deliberately ignoring the baldy’s glare as we left the guild.
* * *
”…Thanks. But was it okay?” Chelsea asked softly once we were outside.
”What?”
”I’m from another world. I’m your enemy, maybe… If I hurt someone important without meaning to, you’ll have to take responsibility, right?”
”Am I going to cause trouble?” I asked.
”N-No…” she muttered, hunched and apologetic.
But honestly, I wasn’t worried. If she had those feelings, she wouldn’t have endured all she had. And maybe it was selfish, but once I held someone in my arms, I couldn’t help but feel attached.
Above all—
”There’s no need to worry,” Lydia said. “Sir Soyuz has a good eye for people. And if you ever threaten my master, I’ll cut you down without hesitation.”
”I hate them,” I added, “but I don’t hate you.”
Chelsea’s lips twitched into a small smile. “Then… that’s fine. We’re friends now.”
The three slaves treated her warmly too. Only Lydia kept a wary eye—less on Chelsea herself, more on her dangerous knowledge and otherworldly technology.
”And Chelsea,” I said at last, “don’t think this means it’s over. The hard part starts now. You’ll have to tell me everything about the otherworlders. That means betraying your own people. It won’t be easy.”
She lowered her head. Selling out her comrades wouldn’t be pleasant. And I was the one who forced her into it.
Maybe we’d grown closer. But in the end, at the root of it all, my selfish desire for information bound us together. Taking responsibility for that—that was on me.
Notes:
• Lydia – Sara’s master, a gentle and commanding figure possessing both male and female traits.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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