Chapter 8: Even if you ask me to come back, I won't know.
{TL: By Creed}
The Next Day.
I woke up, and it was already noon.
I left the room... It goes without saying, but we had taken two rooms. I went downstairs to the inn.
After greeting the innkeeper, I was handed a note.
"It seems like you're sleeping soundly, so I left you alone. I think you've probably accumulated a lot of fatigue up to now. We'll talk about the adventurer stuff later; for today, please relax and take a break. I have some business to attend to."
Sofia
"Relax, she says... Well..."
For the past five years, I've never been able to relax. Every day was filled with work, and I never had a day off. When I was sick or injured or on stormy days, I continued to work as a slave.
So, even if I'm told to relax, I don't know how to do that.
"Well, for now, maybe I should take a walk."
I left the inn and walked through the town. I didn't have a specific destination in mind. I strolled through the city, following my whims.
"Taking a walk is so pleasant."
The sky was blue, and the warm sunlight was delightful. The gentle breeze was comforting, as if it was cleansing my soul. The voices of the people in the city made me feel like I wasn't alone, brightening my mood.
"It feels like the world has changed somehow."
"Hey, you look healthy."
"...It seems the world is still dark after all."
Voices I never wanted to hear again. But if I ignored them, what would happen?
Reluctantly, I turned around, and there were Sigurd and Lector.
Huh? Mira isn't here. I always thought the three of them were inseparable. What's going on?
"We need to talk; come with us."
"I don't want to."
"Didn't we have a favorite spot around here... Oh? What did you just say?"
"You can't seriously expect me to follow you. Have you forgotten what you've done? From my perspective, you guys are irredeemable scoundrels."
"You brat... Incompetent as you are, do you intend to defy us!?"
"It seems like we need to re-educate you on how foolish it is to defy us."
The two of them were seething with anger, but I didn't waver. We were in the middle of the city. Surely, they wouldn't be foolish enough to cause a scene here. If they did, they'd end up detained by the constables.
"Hmph... Then let's have this conversation right here."
"You're not going to listen to me, are you?"
They glared at me intimidatingly.
Honestly, I didn't want to deal with them, but if I ignored them, they would likely pester me repeatedly.
With a sigh, I turned to face them.
"Well, fine... By the way, where's Mira?"
"Mira is busy calling out that Sword Saint and keeping her occupied."
"So, trying to seek help would be futile. Hehe, this is my plan."
Sofia had been summoned by Mira. And for some trivial matter, no less.
I wonder if Mira will get herself killed...? In reality, I know that my childhood friend has a short temper.
Well, even if she does get herself killed, I don't really care. I have no sympathy for these people.
But, I can't let Sofia be captured by the constables. I have to find her before anything happens to Mira.
"What do you mean by 'talk'?"
"It's a very good deal for you. You'll surely cry tears of joy and kneel in gratitude when you hear it."
"The 'talk' is nothing else. We'll make you a member of our group, 'Flarebird.'"
"...Huh?"
I couldn't understand what Sigurd and Lector were saying, and I accidentally let out a dumbfounded sound.
It seemed like they interpreted my reaction favorably, and both of them grinned.
"How about that? It's a great deal, isn't it? An inept person like you can become a member of 'Flarebird,' an A-rank group."
"You can rest easy. You won't be treated as a slave; this time, we'll formally welcome you as a party member."
"We'll consider your treatment too. We were a bit rough on you before. We've reflected on it, okay? We're sorry."
"We'll also promise you a reward. Since you won't be fighting, your share will be less than ours, but we'll make sure you get your fair share. What do you think? Isn't it very appealing?"
"..."
What on earth were Sigurd and Lector saying?
We made a mistake. So, come back.
Do they really think I'll come back if they say something like that? If that's the case, they must be extremely naive. They should seriously consider getting themselves examined by a healer.
"Sigh."
A sigh.
Then I turned my back to them.
"Hey, what's your answer?"
"Don't you get it if I don't answer? The answer is no."
"Why not!? Why would an inept like you refuse to join 'Flarebird,' an A-rank party!?"
"This time, you won't be a slave; you'll be a formal member. There should be no complaints!"
"The fact that you keep spewing lines like that only reinforces my opinion that there's no hope for you."
"What!?"
"I won't be going with you guys anymore. That's for sure."
"Just come back! We'll use you effectively! We're the ones who can handle you the best!"
"That's right! Your place isn't by that Sword Saint's side. You should join us!"
"It's too late for you to say something like that now."
Or rather, using that as a selling point shows a catastrophic lack of intelligence. They should definitely have their heads examined by a healer.
"Then, goodbye. Hopefully, we'll never meet again."
Leaving the noisy Sigurd and Lector behind, I departed from the scene.
TL Note: Well Sigurd is not right in the head............the delay was only some hours.
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