SGB: Episode 17

Episode 17: Lafdonia (1)

I slowly open my eyes.

Then I close them again and talk to myself.

"Get up and do what you need to do."

Thinking about the various tasks I need to accomplish in the city energizes my still-sleepy body.

Alright, let's do this.

First, I check the time.

[21:18]

It was noon when I came out of the labyrinth, so I roughly slept for about 4 hours, excluding everything else.

But is it because I slept in a bed?

I feel incredibly refreshed for the amount of time I slept.

Grrrumble.

Although I have the bread I ate in the labyrinth, I decide to go out for a meal.

Even though money is like life in this world...

That much luxury should be okay, right?

"......"

I felt like I still smelled even after washing up so thoroughly during the day, so I quickly wash myself again and leave the inn.

Thud, thud.

Walking down the quiet night street, I feel a bit constricted.

Not mentally, but physically.

The beige shirt I'm currently wearing is medieval style with a low neckline and lace-like things on the sleeves and collar.

Instead of buttons, there are strings at the deeply V-shaped neckline that you tie like shoelaces...

Even though I loosened the strings all the way, it's still tight.

Now I understand why barbarians go around with their upper bodies bare. It's because there are no clothes that fit them. How sad of a race.

'...But where should I go?'

The first thing I need to do is go to the meeting place and meet Erwen.

But I don't know where the Black Whale Tavern is.

I'm sure it was in the southern district, based on the Dimensional Plaza where the labyrinth portal opens, but in the game, the city size was reduced by at least tens of thousands of times, so it's not helpful in this regard.

So, in the end, I ask people passing by for help.

"Black Whale Tavern? Was there such a place?"

"I've never heard of it."

Most people responded that they had never heard of it, but one middle-aged man with graying hair was different.

"Black Whale Tavern, it's been a while since I've heard that name. You look young, how do you know about it? It must have disappeared more than 10 years ago."

I appreciate the compliment about looking young, but the content isn't very welcome.

"...It disappeared, you say?"

"Yes, it was a shop that had been passed down for generations, but the owner's son got addicted to gambling and it changed hands. The name changed too."

The hypothesis I've had since the labyrinth gains more credibility.

As expected, the world of the game I played is set in the past compared to this era, huh?

Then things like the 'evil spirits' and the rivalry between barbarians and fairies can also be explained.

I should go to the library during the day.

"Thank you. That was a great help."

"Haha, you're the most polite barbarian I've ever met."

Afterwards, I part ways with the local man and walk through the night streets. It seems like it's still operating as a tavern, just with a different name, so I decide to check it out.

Hoping that Erwen came looking for me too.

'Feydenfoos.'

I arrive at my destination and hesitate for a moment.

I can pronounce it, but I don't know what it means. Is it like an ancient language in this world?

I need to study the language knowledge that naturally entered my head at some point.

"Hwahahaha!"

"If you want to fight, take it outside, you bastards!"

The tavern I enter is exactly as I imagined.

People drunk on alcohol, explorers, music, messiness, cigarette smoke, and even some other races here and there.

As I'm scanning the place from the entrance, I spot a familiar silver head in the corner. And the slightly protruding ears are pointed.

Just as I'm about to go over there, feeling happy...

Thump.

A random drunkard bumps my shoulder and walks past me down the aisle.

Well, that wouldn't be a problem on its own, but...

"Fairy ladies, you look bored alone. How about a drink with this brother?"

He goes over to where Erwen is and throws out that kind of cliche line.

Hmm, even this wouldn't be a big deal, come to think of it.

However...

"Is it because this is a shitty tavern? Only insignificant rats come sniffing around."

Er, Erwen...?

When did you become like this?

"...Wh, what? Rat, rats?"

The drunkard who was trying to hit on her makes a dumbfounded expression at her sharp sarcasm.

I guess I'm not much different.

"Get lost. If you don't want a hole in your forehead."

Judging by her preference for the forehead, it seems like I haven't mistaken her for someone else...

What the hell is this?

I need to check it out.

But first, I need to get rid of this guy.

"Wh, who the hell are you!"

The man turns his head abruptly when I approach and grab his shoulder, and then...

"Uh, uh."

He immediately averts his eyes.

"Didn't you hear me say get lost?"

"...I heard you."

"Then why are you just standing there?"

Instead of answering, the man carefully squeezes past me and returns to his seat without even staggering.

That's when...

"Ah, mister!"

I hear the familiar tone of voice.

But I'm not surprised.

It's because I never believed the rumor that Erwen was a two-faced person.

...Really.

After all, that guy earlier also called out to "fairy ladies," right?

"So you're that barbarian?"

I couldn't see because of the pillars in the corner, but there were two people sitting at the table.

"That's right, I guess I am that barbarian. But who are you?"

"Her older sister."

She really was her older sister.

No wonder her profile looks exactly like Erwen's.

"Is 'her older sister' your name?"

"...How stupid. Call me Tersia."

Erwen's last name was Tersia.

It seems like the older sister has no intention of telling me her first name.

"Alright then. Tersia, can I sit down now?"

"Do as you please."

I sit down without hesitation.

And I observe Tersia.

First of all, they don't seem to be twins.

She looks at least three or four years older, and her features are quite different when seen from the front.

Maybe it's because of her eyes, but she has a fierce aura.

Ah, is it not just because of her eyes?

"Barbarian."

"I am Bjorn, son of Yandel."

"Whatever. Anyway, why did you call this little one to a bar like this?"

"Um, sister...?"

"You stay quiet."

Erwen tries to mediate, sensing the atmosphere, but her sister cuts her off.

Hmm, this is getting quite interesting.

Leaving aside why Erwen brought her sister, it seems like the sister's displeasure with me is not just because I'm a barbarian.

I have a feeling.

I need to figure this out first.

"Tersia, then what's your purpose in seeing me?"

"Erwen stayed out all night, and when I asked her about it, she said she waited for someone at the tavern all night. I was curious about who stood my little sister up."

Wait, I don't understand?

"What are you talking about? Last night?"

"Are you playing dumb?"

Her expression doesn't seem like she's joking.

"...Erwen, how many hours has it been since we left the labyrinth?"

"Ah, uh... About 30 hours!"

Crazy, I slept for more than a day. Not just 4 hours.

No wonder I felt so refreshed.

"I apologize. I didn't even realize a day had passed because I was sleeping."

When I apologize readily, Tersia gives me a surprised look.

It makes me feel a bit sad for some reason.

She doesn't seem to question the fact that I just slept for more than a day.

"I didn't even expect a barbarian to be punctual."

I have nothing to say to that.

"So, why did you call Erwen?"

Well, there are many reasons I could give, but...

I draw a clear line.

"I have no obligation to tell you that. If you're curious, ask Erwen later."

Directly translated, it means "mind your own business and get lost," but fortunately, Tersia seems to understand as the corners of her mouth twitch upwards.

"Interesting. You're just a newbie who just entered the labyrinth."

"What does being a newbie have to do with it? Erwen is an explorer. If you're not going to take care of her forever, you should get rid of that attitude."

"How barbaric."

"Um, sister? Mister...?"

Erwen fidgets and looks around anxiously as the tension rises.

Tersia places a pouch on the table.

"350,000 stones."

"...Why are you giving this to me?"

"It's the price of the essence Erwen absorbed."

Ah, she wants me to take this and disappear.

It's a pattern I've seen often in morning dramas, so it feels a bit strange.

"Why aren't you taking it? Do you have other intentions after all?"

That's not it.

If the price is paid in money, I won't ask Erwen for a "promise" in return for the essence.

But I haven't heard Erwen's opinion yet.

"Do you feel the same way?"

"That's..."

Erwen trails off.

Is her sister that scary?

I was originally going to talk about this when we were alone, but since things have turned out this way, I decide to do it now.

"The promise I was going to ask for was for you to help me until I get the essence I want."

"Eh, that's all?"

"Yes. If possible, I'd like to continue working as a team even after that, but that's a separate matter. No promises needed. From now on, we'll split the loot 5:5."

In other words, it means forming a two-person party.

What will Erwen's answer be?

It doesn't take long.

"I'm sorry."

The answer is a refusal.

Tersia explains the reason for her, as Erwen hangs her head low.

"Erwen will enter the labyrinth with me from now on."

"Now?"

"According to tradition, she had to go through her first experience alone, but I never intended to leave Erwen on her own."

...I see.

She had a knight who would carry her after she finished the tutorial.

Damn blood ties.

"Take this pouch if you understand."

Erwen has decided to give up cleanly.

She's a compatible teammate, but there's no reason to insist on her.

But we need to settle the accounts properly.

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

"Of course. It's loot we obtained together."

As an experienced player, I can say that 700,000 stones is a pretty decent amount.

However, the ratio is wrong.

"Then there's a shortage of 280,000 stones. The promised distribution ratio was 9:1."

"Alright."

Tersia readily takes out another pouch.

I check it out of suspicion, and it contains exactly 280,000 stones.

Damn, was I about to get played?

If I hadn't said anything, I would have just received 350,000 stones and that would have been it.

These sly pointy-eared bastards...

Now I understand why barbarians hate fairies.

"If our business is concluded, would you mind leaving? I have something to discuss with Erwen."

"Is there anything left to discuss?"

As another power struggle seems about to begin, Erwen intervenes.

"Sister, I appreciate you worrying and coming here with me, but I think you can go now."

"Erwen?"

"I need to say goodbye to mister too... Huh?"

"...Well, I guess you're not a child anymore."

Tersia sighs and looks at me, saying something she doesn't mean.

"Barbarian, swear to me. Swear that you won't sleep with Erwen. Then I'll leave immediately."

Huh? Did I hear wrong?

"Sis, ter?!"

Hmm, I think I heard right.

Don't sleep with her...

Does that mean all other forms of skinship below that are allowed?

"I swear. On my honor as a warrior."

"M, mister?"

"Then it's settled."

Tersia finally gets up from her seat.

And...

"Ah, I almost forgot. Barbarian, thank you for saving Erwen."

She leaves one more sentence and coolly exits the tavern.

______________________________________

Cling, clang.

As the bell on the door rings, Erwen slumps onto the table.

"Haa! What should I do! I've never talked back like that before... Do you think sister is angry?"

"I don't think so."

"How would you know, mister?"

Well, because before she left, she looked at you and grinned. You probably didn't see it.

...Wait a minute, why did she ask me then?

Erwen scratches her head a few times and then comes to her senses.

"Ah, right! I'm sorry. I appreciate the offer, but I already promised to work with my sister..."

"No need to apologize."

If I were her, I wouldn't choose to stick with a low-level barbarian out of loyalty and go through all that hardship when a high-level fairy is offering to carry me.

"Um, first, please take this."

Erwen takes out a small pouch and places it on the table.

"It's exactly 63,000 stones."

It's probably the value of the crossbow and the magic stones the leader had.

I have no way of knowing the exact amount, but I don't doubt it.

It's meaningless anyway.

Anyway, how much should I give her if we split it 9:1?

"Ah, I already took mine, so you don't have to give me anything."

Yeah, she's quite meticulous in these situations.

"I left the two backpacks they had at my inn for now. There's a lot of stuff... It's probably best if you check it out yourself tomorrow."

"Alright."

After spending a few days together, she seems to understand what I'm curious about.

Without saying a word, the loot distribution issue is settled for now.

However, as we move on to the next agenda, Erwen speaks up with a more cautious tone.

"Then... how can I repay you?"

"Repay?"

"I told you. I will definitely repay your kindness."

Ah, I did say something like that.

"Kindness..."

As I trail off, Erwen gulps.

...Could it be that this is why her sister made such a fuss about swearing an oath at the end?

Because she was worried I might ask for some strange kind of repayment from Erwen?

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

She's become much more perceptive.

She can even tell when I'm teasing.

"I can't think of anything right now. First, I want to ask you to do something for me. Is there anything you want to eat?"

"I'm not hungry..."

"Then I'll just order mine."

As I look at the menu hanging on the wall, Erwen speaks as if she just remembered something.

"Ah, then alcohol! Order some alcohol!"

"Alcohol?"

"Yes. I purposely didn't drink a single sip yesterday. I wanted to have my first return drink with you! Hehe."

Erwen smiles brightly and looks at me with an expression that seems to ask for praise.

A return drink...

Come to think of it, there was such a custom.

Well, it's a bit different from the feeling of having a can of beer after work...

For other races who grow up in sanctuaries until adulthood, the "first return drink" has a greater meaning than you might think.

Hmm, but what should I say in this situation?

"...That's certainly fortunate."

"In that case, you should say thank you!"

"Thank you?"

"Of course! We're comrades who went through thick and thin together in the labyrinth, so it's only natural that we share our first return drink."

What the hell does she want?

As I'm pondering, Erwen scratches her cheek.

"Of course, this isn't your first return drink, mister..."

"What are you talking about? This is my first return drink too."

"Yes?!"

Why is she surprised?

"I told you I'm 20 years old."

"...That wasn't a joke?"

No wonder she kept calling me "mister" even after I told her.

"This is my first time entering the labyrinth."

"I, I see..."

Erwen then starts observing me subtly and goes to the bartender to order on her own.

The food comes out about 20 minutes later.

"Mister, you've worked hard."

So she's just going to keep calling me "mister," huh?

Well, whatever, do as you please. We won't be seeing each other for long anyway.

"...You've worked hard too."

We drink and eat while talking about various things. Since we mostly just talked about essential things in the labyrinth, this is our first time having a personal conversation like this.

But we can't just keep doing this forever.

"Mister, you're wearing a shirt today?"

Yeah, and you're wearing a skirt.

We've talked about that enough, so let's move on.

"Erwen, you said you'd repay me, right?"

"Yes? Yes, I did."

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

Erwen tilts her head.

She seems to be thinking whether this can be considered repayment...

But it's important for me.

To confirm whether the essence in the game and the actual essence are the same or different.

It's necessary to check this beforehand.

Maybe I'll need to revise my build.

"But why the ability all of a sudden?"

"There's something I want to confirm."

"But using abilities in the city is illegal, you know? The guards will arrest you right away."

So this is why skills couldn't be used in towns in the game.

Then is there no way at all?

While I'm contemplating, Erwen makes a suggestion.

"How about we go somewhere where there are no people? Ah, not our accommodation. Other races are prohibited from entering."

So fairies have their own exclusive accommodations.

Hmm, what should we do? Should I take her to a secluded back alley?

As I'm pondering, Erwen comes up with a solution first.

"So... how about we go to your room?"

Right, that should work.

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