Chapter 22: Why Are You Here?
Although Lydias reaction had been somewhat unusual, everything else worked out smoothly. We arrived safely at the safe zone and returned to the surface. Thanks to Lemon and Apples testimonies, the raider issue was also resolved well. Despite his damaged limbs, Gale was sold at a decent price due to a certain demand he met.New novel chapters are published on
The details of that demand and his destination remained unknown but considering the guild was an adventurer support organization established by a sect worshiping the Goddess of Love, the answer became quite apparent. They probably intend to use him in a public brothel.
Though it was a place managed directly by the temple and the treatment of male prostitutes was relatively good, criminal slaves were an exception. Theyll likely use him just enough not to kill him. Still, after about 40 years, when his demand decreases, they might heal his limbs and use him as a laborer. Live strong, 30 gacha roll no, Galey Boy.
I shrugged my shoulders and gazed at the backs of Lemon and Apple as they walked ahead, wearing tight-fitting clothes that accentuated their body lines. Oh dear. Their hips are lacking almost as much as their chests
As I clicked my tongue in sympathy, Lydia, who was stuck close to my side, spoke with a slightly sullen voice. Jonah. This is really not a good idea. Why are you trusting them so much?
Well, I trust the elves sincerity about money. The problem was always that they were too thorough. Theres never been an elf who hasnt kept their word, right?
Thats usually the case. But theres always an exception to everything in the world. Like how Jonah got robbed of 8 coppers. Normally, elves wouldnt tarnish their reputation over such a small amount.
Hmm Is that so? They swore on the World Tree, so I didnt think itd go that far but this might only be because I was the one who created the elfs setting.
Lydia, who has seen all sorts of unsightly things while living as an adventurer, might view things differently. So, at this moment, I needed to provide a reason that could persuade even her.
Grinning, I snuggled up to Lydia, not just leaning on her shoulder but also locking arms with the intention of sticking close to her. Looking up at Lydia, I laughed sheepishly.
It seems theres a misunderstanding, but I dont trust Lemon and Apple.
Then why?
No matter what happens, Miss Lydia will save me, right? Just like last time.
.
Lydia clamped her mouth shut. However, her stiff movements, as if she had turned into a tin robot, served as her response. She was embarrassed.
Under normal circumstances, I would have just let it slide, but today, Lydia was unusually responsive. I leaned my upper body closer to her arm, not as blatantly as I had with Ellie, but just enough for her to feel the touch while I pretended it was nothing.
I stood on my tiptoes and brought my lips close to Lydias ear, not touching but close enough for her to feel the warmth. I whispered in a tone slightly lower than usual, almost my normal voice.
Ive always put my trust in you. My knight.
!
Lydias red eyes widened, and then she suddenly froze, like a golem that had its power turned off. But soon, as if restarted, she began to move again.
Even in the darkness, her bright red hair fluttered magnificently, and her eyes sparkled red like burning flames. Her movements, inherently graceful, now carried an edge that exuded a unique charm.
Goodness. Did she activate her aura in that short moment? Just how excited was she
Right now, in this moment, Lydia was closer to a knight than an adventurer. Ssnlk- Lydia, having drawn her sword at some point, held it in front of her and performed a brief sword salute.
Today, I will become Jonahs blade. No matter what happens, I will protect you, so stay close to me.
Yes.
Lydia, ablaze with enthusiasm, protectively shielded me, striking various poses. Lemon and Apples expressions turned sour at the sight, but aside from some grumbling, the twins couldnt do much else.
We sell items you cant find anywhere else! Lemon exclaimed.
And whatever it is, we guarantee its of the highest quality! Apple added.
Yeah, yeah. I get that this store is amazing, so just go and get the money you promised.
Yes, sir Lemon said.
Well be back in a jiffy Apple added.
With gloomy expressions and drooping shoulders, Lemon and Apple headed towards the Eternal Mercantile Eden.
Only after their figures had completely disappeared did I tug at Lydias sleeve. Miss Lydia, 23 gold each is probably too much to expect, right?
Yeah. It seems like theres a basic income considering theyre maintaining a store here, but still, it seems difficult for a store of this size to come up with 46 gold so suddenly.
Sigh. Then, Ill just have to take as much as I can get, and the rest will have to be paid off with their bodies.
Unauthorized human trafficking and organ trading are illegal.
Hasnt your impression of me gotten a bit strange lately, Miss Lydia?
I dont know. Im not sure.
.
I plead guilty. My killing of enemies without hesitation was, after all, a manifestation of my will to survive as a worthless orphan on the Pan Continent. But at some point, I started to be treated as a psychopath by Lydia.
How many times did I end up slapping the back of Lydias hand out of spite?
The worn-down door of Eden opened, and Lemon and Apple walked out through it. However, they were not in good condition. Their hair was messy, and on their somewhat attractive faces were now an array of bruises.
Even with just a glance, it was clear they had been beaten up. From the perspective of a store owner, it was already hard enough to run their own business, and they had taken in such thugs out of past affection.
But if they not only went and nearly got themselves killed but also came back with debt and asked them to pay it off on their behalf, I would have been furious as well.
Lemon and Apple walked up, looking as pitiful as chicks drenched in heavy rain. The twin elves spoke up with their swollen lips,
Were sorry The boss said it will be hard to come up with that much money all at once
But they said itll just take some time, and theyll definitely pay back. So, they suggested talking about exactly how to do so.
I expected as much, I nodded and straightened my clothes. Then, I reached my hand out towards Lydia. Could you be my escort?
Just for today. Though she had said so, Lydias lips were twitching upwards. She had helped me all day, after all, so I owed her at least this much.
And so, we headed into the Eternal Mercantile Eden.
Hehehe. My name is Eve Nirvana. Its a pleasure to meet you or so should I say? There, with her chin propped on her hands, was a suspiciously suspicious slit-eyed elf welcoming us.
Surprisingly, this was now the second time I met a character I created.
Why are you here?
