Chapter 17 – Raphdonia (Part 1)

 

I slowly opened my eyes. Then I closed it again and said to myself:

Get up and do what you have to do.

When I remembered the various tasks I had to complete in the city, my tired body began to fill with energy.

Yes, let's do it.

First, I checked the time.

[21:18]

When I came out of the labyrinth, it was already past noon, so I slept about four hours. But thanks to the fact that I slept on the bed, I felt incredibly fresh, despite the short sleep.

*Rumbling!*

I still had bread from the maze, but I decided to have a snack.

Although it was a world where money was equivalent to life... Such luxury should be the order of the day.

Even after I washed at the beginning of the day, my body still smelled, so I quickly washed again and left the inn.

Compared to the day, walking along the quiet night street was a little suffocating. Not psychologically, but physically.

The beige shirt I'm wearing now was medieval-style, with a notch on the chest and lace-like sleeves and neckline. Instead of a button, a lace was attached to the deep V-neckline, which could be tightened crosswise like a lace. Even if the shoelace was completely untied, the shirt was too small. I understood why barbarians had always been half-naked. Nothing suits them.

It was very sad!

... But where should I go?

At this point, the first thing I had to do was meet Ervena at the promised meeting place. But I didn't know where the Black Whale Tavern was.

I was sure that it was in the southern region, judging by the area where the portal to the maze opened, but the map of the city in the game was reduced to tens of thousands of times its real size, so it did not help in solving this problem.

As a result, I asked for help from a passerby.

"Black Whale Tavern?" What is this?

"I've never heard of her.

Most people replied that they had never heard of her, but one middle-aged man with gray hair had a different opinion.

"The Black Whale Tavern... I haven't heard this name for a long time. You seem very young, how do you know about this tavern? It must have closed more than 10 years ago.

I was flattered that he said that I looked young, but the content of his words was not very pleasant.

— ... Do you mean she's gone?

"Yes, it was a tavern that had been run for generations, but their son had fallen into gambling, so they had to change the owner. The name has also changed.

It was then that the hypothesis I kept to myself gained credibility. The game was set in the past compared to the current world. If so, things like "evil spirits" or enmity between barbarians and elves can also be explained. In the daytime, I had to visit the library.

"Thank you. You helped me a lot.

"Hehe, I don't think I've ever seen a barbarian as polite as you.

After that, I said goodbye to the native Rafdon and walked down the night street. The name had changed, but it seemed that the tavern was still open, and I decided to at least look there.

I was hoping that Ervena would come to see me too.

[Fidenpus].

As soon as I reached my destination, I stopped for a moment. I could read the pronunciation, but I didn't know the meaning. Was this language ancient even in this world? Perhaps it would be a good idea to learn my knowledge of this language, which came to me intuitively.

"Hahaha!

"If you're going to fight, do it outside, you bastards!"

Inside, the tavern was exactly as I had imagined it. Drunk people, explorers, music, vileness, cigarette smoke, even sometimes otherworldly views. Standing at the entrance and examining the interior, I saw a familiar silver head in the corner. Even the slightly protruding ears were pointed. I was glad of this and was about to take a step forward, when suddenly..,

*In here*.

The drunken donkey touched me with his shoulder and was the first to pass through the passage.

That wasn't a problem in itself, but...

"Ladies, you look bored alone. How about having a drink with me?

He also approached Erwen and threw these clichéd phrases. Actually, this wasn't a big problem either.

But...

"This is suitable for a pub that stinks like a sewer. It seems that all sorts of rats are constantly appearing here.

E-Erven? What's wrong with you?

— ... A what? Rat?

The swaggering idiot made a puzzled expression on her face at her excellent return clap. My face probably looked about the same.

"Get out." If you don't want to get a hole in the middle of your forehead.

Judging by the fact that she loved her forehead, it must have been the right person...

Какого черта?

I had to go and check it out. But first, I have to get rid of this bastard.

"What?" Who the hell are you!

As I walked over and grabbed him by the shoulder, the arrogant man turned his head and...

"Uh... uh...

Immediately he looked away.

"She told you to get out.

— ... Faithfully.

"Then why are you still standing here?"

Instead of answering, he carefully squeezed past me, then returned to his seat without even staggering and sat down.

And then...

"Uncle!"

I heard a word that was familiar to me. But I was not surprised that from the very beginning I did not believe in the seeming duality of Ervena's personality.

... Really.

Considering that that guy just said "ladies."

"Are you the barbarian?"

Hidden from prying eyes by a column in the corner, two people were sitting at a table.

"Yes, I am the barbarian of whom you speak. But who are you?

"I'm an older sister.

Oh, she was her real sister. No wonder they looked exactly the same from the outside.

"Is Elder Sister your name?"

— ... Idiot. Call me Tersia.

Ervena's surname was Tersia. Obviously, she didn't want to tell me her name.

"Good. Tersia, can I sit down then?

"As you wish."

I sat down without hesitation and watched Tersia.

First, they didn't look like twins. She looked about 3-4 years older than Ervena, and when viewed from the front, their facial features were also completely different. An atmosphere of ferocity emanated from her eyes. Or maybe it wasn't just because of the eyes.

— Barbarian.

"Bjorn, son of Yandel."

"It doesn't matter. Anyway, why the hell did you invite my little sister to this bar?

"Um, sister...?"

"Stand still."

Ervena tried to intervene and relieve the tension, but was stopped by her sister.

Hmm, the situation was getting interesting.

Aside from why Ervena brought her sister, I didn't think that being a barbarian was the only reason her sister disliked me.

It was intuition. I'll need to figure it out first.

"Tersia, what is the purpose of your visit to me?"

"Ervena didn't come home last night. And when I began to inquire further, she said that she had been waiting for someone in the tavern all night. I was curious who my sister was standing up for.

Wait, I don't understand.

"What do you mean by 'last night'?"

"Are you going to pretend you don't know?"

Judging by her reaction, she didn't seem to be joking.

— ... Ervena, how many hours have passed since we left the labyrinth?

"Oh... about 30 hours!

Damn, I slept for more than a day. And not just 4 hours.

No wonder I felt so fresh.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know that the day had passed, because I overslept.

When I politely apologized, Tercia gave me a surprised look. I felt a little sad. She didn't seem to have any questions about the fact that I slept all day.

"In any case, I never expected the barbarian to come on time.

I really had nothing to say.

"So, why did you call Ervena?"

Well, the reason was quite long and multifaceted... So I just stated it briefly and clearly.

"I don't think I need to tell you that. Ask Ervena later if you're interested.

Literally translated, it meant "don't worry about it and get out," and thankfully, Tercia seemed to understand. I saw the corners of her lips lift.

"It's funny. For the beginner who has just entered the maze for the first time.

"What does the newcomer have to do with it?" Ervena is a researcher. If you're not going to take care of her for the rest of your life, you'd better give it up.

"How barbaric.

"Sister?" Uncle...? Ervena said quietly.

When the duel of eyes began, Ervena stamped her feet restlessly. Shortly thereafter, Thersia placed the pouch on the table.

"There are 350,000 stones here.

—... Why do you give it to me?

"This is the cost of the essence that Ervena has absorbed.

Oh, then take it and disappear?

I'd seen that a lot in morning dramas, so it was a strange feeling.

"Why don't you accept it?" Did you have other intentions for this meeting?

Not really.

If she wanted to pay with money, then I had no intention of asking Ervena for a "promise" in exchange for the essence. However, I have not yet heard Ervena's opinion.

"Are you of the same opinion?"

"Uh...

Ervena stammered. Was she really so afraid of her sister?

Originally, I was going to talk about it when we were alone, but now that it happened, I decided to talk about it now.

"The promise I was going to ask for is that you'll help me until I get the essence I'm looking for.

"Is that all?"

— That's right. If possible, I would like to continue working in the team after that, but that's another question. A promise is not required. In the future, we can divide the production in a 50/50 ratio.

In a nutshell, I suggested that she create a team of two people.

How will Ervena react?

She didn't need much time.

"I'm sorry.

Her answer was a refusal... Ervena lowered her head, and her sister explained the reason instead.

"From now on, Ervena will go to the labyrinth with me.

"Why?"

"She just ventured on the first journey alone, according to tradition, and I had no intention of leaving Ervena alone from the beginning.

... Got it. So, after school, the bus driver was waiting for her... Cursed blood ties.

"If you understand, take this bag.

I decided to abandon Ervena. Although she was a good teammate, there was no reason to insist on her. But still, the assessment must be correct.

"350,000 stones is calculated as half of the average market price, right?"

— Of course. This is joint production.

As a pro in this game, 700,000 stones is a pretty decent amount.

But the proportion is wrong.

"Then 280,000 stones are missing. The promised proportion of distribution was 9:1.

"Good.

Tersia readily pulled out another pouch.

I was wary, but when I checked it out, it had exactly 280,000 rocks in it.

Damn, did I just almost get cheated?

If I hadn't said anything, the deal would have ended with only 350,000 stones.

That cunning fern snout... Now it is clear why barbarians hate elves so much.

"If your business here is over, maybe you'll go already?" I have something to discuss with Ervena.

"I don't understand why this is necessary?"

Before another scuffle began, Ervena intervened.

"Sister, thank you for worrying about me and coming all this way, but I think you can go."

"Ervena?"

"I have to say goodbye to him too... Hmm?

— ... Well, since you're not a child anymore.

Tersia said what she didn't want to say, took a deep breath and looked at me.

"Barbarian, swear to me that you will not sleep with Ervina. Then I'll leave immediately.

And? Did I mishear it?

"Sister?!

Hmm, it seems like I'm right.

Not to "sleep" with Ervina...

Does this mean that everything has been resolved before?

"I swear. The honor of a warrior.

"Uncle?"

"Good.

Finally, Tersia rose from her seat.

And...

"Oh, I forgot. Varvar, thank you for saving Ervena.

With that, she calmly left the tavern.

***

*Ringing, ringing*

Hearing the bell on the door ring, Ervena sank down on the table.

"Oh!" What should I do? I've never talked to her like that before... Do you think she'll be angry?"

"He won't be angry.

"How do you know that?"

"Because before she left, she looked at you and grinned. You wouldn't have seen it, though.

— ... Wait, if that's the case, why did she even ask?

Ervena scratched her head a few times and then came to her senses.

"Oh, that's right! Forgive me. I appreciate the offer, but I've been talking about working with my sister for a long time...

"There is no need to apologize.

If a high-level elf offered to take me with him, even I wouldn't follow an amateur barbarian and go through all these hardships just for the sake of loyalty.

"Take this first.

Ervena took out a small pouch and placed it on the table.

"Exactly 63,000 stones.

This is the cost of mana gems from the crossbowman and leader. I didn't know what the real amount was, but I didn't doubt it. There was no point in doubting. Also, how much would I pay her if I divided it by 90:10?

"Ah, I've taken care of my earnings, so you don't have to give me anything.

Yes, I understand. She was very perceptive in these matters.

"I've kept their two backpacks for now. There are a lot of things inside, but... I think it will be good if you see everything for yourself tomorrow.

— Definitely.

Since we had been together for a few days, she knew perfectly well that I would be interested. I did not say a word, but the question of the distribution of the booty was decided in an instant. However, as for the next question, Ervena opened her mouth with more caution.

"Then... How can I repay you?

"To repay?"

"I told you that I would repay your service.

Oh, yes, she'd said that once.

"The service ...

Ervena swallowed as I cut off my sentence.

... Maybe that's why her sister made me take this oath? Because I can turn to her with a strange request?

"Please don't tease, just tell me."

She began to read the atmosphere better, so she immediately realized that I was teasing her.

"I can't think of anything now. First I want to order something, do you want something to eat?

"I'm not hungry...

"Then I'll just order myself."

As soon as I looked at the menu on the wall, Ervena remembered something and said:

"Oh, then a drink!" Please order me a drink!

"Alcohol?"

— Yes. I didn't even take a sip yesterday, because I wanted to drink the first return glass with you! Hehe.

Ervena smiled brightly and looked at me with eyes that seemed to beg for praise.

Return glass... I forgot about this tradition.

Well, it was a little different from drinking a can of beer after work, but still.

For otherworldly species that grew only in holy ground until adulthood, the "first return glass" was more important than one might think.

Hmm, but what should I say in this situation?

— ... This is wonderful.

"That's when you have to say thank you!"

"Thank you?"

"Not at all! We were comrades who went through a lot together in the labyrinth. Of course, we have to drink together for the first comeback.

What did she want from me?

While I was wondering this, Ervena scratched her cheek.

"Of course, this won't be your first return drink...

"What do you mean?" This is also my first.

"Really?!"

Why is she surprised?

"I told you that I was also 20 years old.

— ... Isn't this a joke?

No wonder she kept calling me Uncle.

"That was the first time I entered the labyrinth.

"I see...

Soon after, Ervena, observing my reaction, approached the waiter and began ordering herself. The food was brought in about 20 minutes.

"Uncle, you've done a good job.

I think she will continue to call me that. Of course, well... Do what you want. We won't see each other for a long time anyway.

— ... You've worked hard too.

We chatted over food and drinks. In the labyrinth, we spoke only the most necessary words, so this was the first time we had such a private conversation.

But this could not last forever.

"Uncle, you're wearing a shirt today.

"Yes, and you're in a skirt." Enough small talk. Ervena, did you say you would repay the favor?

"Excuse me?" I do? I do.

"Then use the ability you used then, right now.

Ervena tilted her head.

I didn't know if it could be called a reward, but... It was important to me.

What was the difference between the essence in the game and in reality? I should have known this beforehand because I might have to reconsider my growth method.

"But why all of a sudden?"

"There's something I want to check.

"But it is illegal to use your forces in the city. The guards will take me.

So that's why you couldn't use skills in the settlement in the game.

Does this mean that it is impossible to get around it at all?

While I was thinking about it, Ervena made a proposal.

"How about going to a place where there are no people?" Oh, it won't work for me. Other races are not allowed to enter.

It seems that the elves had their own home.

Hmm, what can we do? Maybe take her to a dark alley?

Ervena came up with a solution to the problem.

"Therefore... Your room remains.

Okay, that'll do.