Chapter 117

Chapter 117

The apartment was more or less the same as how I left it. Save a stack of oddly warped hammers in the corner.

Doing inventory? I questioned Kinsley, pointing to the stack.

Nope. Kinsley closed the dimensional door, glancing at Sae, then back to me warily. She crossed the room, picking up a hammer with a handle that literally curved in on itself like a pig's tail. Not really the quality I look for. How the hell did they get here?

Maintenance or housekeeping? I guessed, glancing towards the kitchen, confused. The stools are gone too.

I shook my head, returning my focus to the matter at hand.

Contingencies. That was the name of the game now.

I hadnt forgotten what happened the last time things were going well. Id been caught off guard and blindsided. Every second of inaction would cost me. If I wanted to keep the people important to me safe, I needed to move quickly and definitively.

There were more than a few action items on the docket.

When you said you had support, I thought you were exaggerating. Nice digs, helpline. Sae looked around, rubbing her arms furiously.

I hooked him up, Kinsley said.

God, its freezing in here. And my stomach is killing me. Sae stuck a thumb at Kinsley, Whos Oshkosh Bgosh?

Kinsley almost choked on her tongue. Bitch

Kinsley, I interjected, rubbing my forehead, Is the leader of the Merchants Guild. Shes also the founder of the system site. Thats how we know each other. Kinsley needed a way to sell her wares safely, Mom had the technical know how and savvy to make it happen. First to the top of shit mountain.

Saes jaw dropped. Shes a guild leader?

Got something to say? Kinsley bristled.

Sae processed that, then stuck a finger at my face. You knew her before you ran into us. Thats how your gear was so good. During the trial, despite being lower level, you were still shrugging shit off that was bodying me. She gave Kinsley an approving nod. Your stuff is quality.

Oh. Uh, thanks. Kinsley looked pleased, the blustering anger vanishing as quickly as it had appeared.

You know, for a Keebler Elf.

Look here cun

Sae, I cut in loudly, giving Kinsley a warning glare, then lowered my voice. Full transparency. Kinsley and I are going to have a conversation. It involves you. I know youre dealing with something traumatic, so if you want to give me the benefit of the doubt that Ill advocate for you, youre welcome to bow out, and I can bring you up to speed later.

Sae considered that, then glanced down at herself. A shadow of distaste crossed her expression. Its tempting. But if I wanted to hide away from everything, I would have stayed in the trial. Before that, though, I really, really need a shower.

It was easy to forget that shed been stewing in muck for two days because the rest of her appearance was so distracting. Still, her hair was visibly matted and what skin she had was smeared with grime. I felt like an idiot. Of course. Head towards the front door, take a right down the hall. The second door on the left is a guest room with its own bathroom. Rooms yours until we find you a place.

Got it. Sae headed back towards the bathroom, then slowed. Are you sure its okay? Me staying here?

Its the least I can do. I waved her on. When shed disappeared around the corner, I lowered my voice. Maintenance took down the mirror, right?

Both of them. Kinsley confirmed. The standing one is in the storage closet. And they uninstalled the bathroom mirror. Its gone. She seems fine, though. Tougher than you made her sound. Id be a mess in her shoes.

Kinsley was right. Sae seemed fine. Seemed being the operative word. Trauma manifested differently for different people. Some stewed in it, processed for weeks or even months before they returned to normal life. Others put off the processing for just as long, instead fixating on moving forward. Id put money on Sae being in the latter camp. Which meant it would hit her eventually.

Would you?! Iris wrapped her arms around Kinsleys neck, squeezing her tightly until the merchant made choking noises.

Kinsley looked uncomfortable with the sudden contact, then seemed to smile and accept it. She glanced at me.

If you fleece my sister, I will hurt you. I mouthed.

The merchant snorted, but nonetheless gently pushed Iris away. Well figure out terms later. Lemme get in contact with the landlord for now, and well get you a space and some basic materials to get started.

Is that okay? Iris looked at me with full-power puppy-dog eyes.

Fine. I put my hand on my forehead. Just dont bite off more than you can chew. And ask for help sooner rather than later. Furthermore, if youre going to take this seriously, we should probably get you an easel and better art supplies.

Iriss resulting victory dance looked more like a series of muscle spasms than an actual dance. Which, of course, was when Sae emerged from the hallway, towel wrapped around her hair. Now that it was washed, the spiny carapace fitted to her form glimmered, almost reflective. She looked at the two girls, then to me. The Keebler Elves are multiplying.

My heart went into my throat. If Id thought about it, I would have warned Iris ahead of time. But I was still barely keeping up with everything that was happening. Kinsley and I both looked at Iris, whod stopped stock still. She was studying Sae, as if entirely unsure of what to make of her.

Please dont freak out.

I hurriedly pulled up the UI, trying to head off any shocked reaction with a brief message. Before I could send it, Iris spoke. Hi. Did you get that armor from Kinsleys shop?

Iris, I hissed.

Uh. No. It was a drop. Sae said, looking visibly relieved. From a dungeon.

Iris glanced at me. Is your armor that cool?

Im a new User. I just have the basics.

But Iris wasnt even paying attention to me anymore. Instead, she scampered around Sae, sizing her up. Can I sketch you? For armor ideas. My future employer will pay you for it.

Say what now? Kinsley blinked.

Suppressing a snicker how the tables had turned on Kinsley, I shot Sae a message.





I inclined my head.

Sae bent down and poked Iris cheek. So cute. Matt must be adopted. You can sketch me later, after the three of us have a discussion.

Actually, put a pin in that. Kinsleys expression was all business as she skimmed an invisible screen. The adventurers guild and region reps are in the lobby. She looked up from the message. Before I tell them to head to the conference room, have you reviewed the transposition options for the region?

No. There wasnt time.

I can stall. Kinsley offered.

Delaying would ensure I was well-informed, but people were probably already growing anxious. The last thing I wanted to do was squander the good will I had and start things off on the wrong foot, again. Sae, are you good here for a few hours?

Dont inconvenience yourself on my account, Sae stretched. Just gotta get a cup of coffee and pose on the couch.

I wheeled myself towards the door. Tell them were on our way, Kinsley. Ill cram in the elevator.