Volume 2, Chapter 31 – Before the Contract

Translator Note

sela > sera

Time quickly passed to the next day. Celtic City, still untouched by sunlight, was shrouded in thick fog. Though the cold weather made it tempting to stay curled up in bed, in this otherworld without heating, lying on a bed as icy as a cellar was far less appealing. Thus, Yisi chose to get up early.

“I really should improve the bedding too…”

Stretching her arms as she stepped out of her room, Yisi exhaled a long breath.

Things like heating equipment hadn’t crossed Yisi’s mind for the time being, since the prerequisites were too many and not easy to replicate. Therefore, she thought of directly working on the bedding—something like a heated brick bed, which wouldn’t be difficult to recreate.”

Breathing out a white puff of air, Yisi descended the stairs to the first floor. Yesterday, after sending off five of the fallen—Shinku and the others—it was already past 1 a.m. Now, it was just 7 a.m., and a mere six hours of sleep made it hard to focus.

“I wonder when they’ll arrive.”

“They” referred to the fallen she had treated the day before. After a night of experiments, Yisi confirmed that the low-grade magic potions in her storage could also heal the marks of the fallen. Though one dose only treated part of the mark—someone like Sera, whose mark extended to her face, would need at least three doses for a full recovery—it was still far better than healing each one manually with magic. Yisi was quite satisfied with the results.

In return, the girls were all deeply grateful to “Viel” and promised to visit today as job applicants, hoping to work as helpers in the tavern.

“There’s still so much I haven’t asked.”

Due to time constraints, Yisi hadn’t yet learned about the girls’ backgrounds or abilities, nor even what they had endured in recent days. From their fragmented conversations, she gathered they had fought someone before ending up in their current state. Yisi didn’t plan to overlook this potential threat and intended to investigate further under her “Yisi” identity.

“Ah, it’s Master!”

Just as Yisi was lost in thought, a lively voice called out from the side. Turning instinctively, she saw Mary, her chestnut hair damp with sweat, holding a sword nearly as tall as she was.

Gently tapping Mary’s head as she approached, Yisi eyed the sword in her hand.

“Mary? What’s with the…?”

“I borrowed it from Miss Camilla. I felt restless just sitting around, so I thought I’d train.”

“Hold on, you just recovered, right? If you want something to do, why not do chores like cleaning?”

“Well…”

Mary averted her eyes awkwardly.

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She probably had her own reasons.

Yisi didn’t press further. For a child like Mary, being active was natural. As long as she didn’t cause trouble, she could do as she pleased.

“Speaking of which, where’s Camilla?”

“Miss Camilla’s been cooking since early morning.”

“Oof.”

Yisi should have reminded Mary to wake her immediately if Camilla started cooking. Camilla’s culinary skills were catastrophically bad. If she served breakfast, even Mary—who wasn’t picky—would likely make a strained expression.

Yisi couldn’t help but smile wryly. Still, cooking was something that improved with practice. If Camilla enjoyed it, there was no harm in letting her continue. Even if she and Mary couldn’t stomach the food, the ice wolf pups and livestock in the backyard could help dispose of it.

But to avoid an inedible breakfast, Yisi patted Mary’s shoulder.

“Mary, let’s go buy some breakfast outside.”

Knock, knock, knock.

A sound came from the tightly shut door.

Mary’s body tensed instantly. Camilla had warned her earlier that if someone knocked, she should pretend no one was home—it might be patrols searching for the fallen.

Patting Mary’s head reassuringly, Yisi walked to the door. Her omniscient map showed Shinku, Fran, and the other three fallen outside. Though Yisi had expected their visit, she hadn’t thought they’d come this early.

“Who is it?”

“We heard you were short on staff and wanted to apply for work here.”

The voice sounded timid—it belonged to Fran, the flaxen-haired girl. Among the fallen, Fran, who had once been a noble, handled negotiations, while the cat-eared Shinku made major decisions.

Their lines matched what Viel had instructed. Yisi softened her expression before opening the door, scanning the five girls with deliberate surprise.

“Wow, Darc works fast. Come in.”

“Huh? O-okay.”

Perhaps startled by Yisi’s immediate invitation, the girls looked momentarily confused.

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“Mary, go get Camilla and have her prepare the contracts.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Master?”

Fran’s face showed wariness as she stepped inside, but upon seeing Mary’s neat clothes and lively demeanor, her orange-red eyes flickered with envy. Yisi even overheard one girl mutter, “A slave wearing such nice clothes…”

Notably, though the girls’ spirits had improved drastically since yesterday, their appearances remained unkempt, their clothes still disheveled.

“I haven’t introduced myself yet. My name is Fran. These are my companions who also wish to work here. I apologize for disturbing you so early.”

“No need. I’m Yisi. Please, have a seat. Since the tavern isn’t open yet, we can discuss terms first.”

Yisi gestured politely.

“Won’t you verify our identities or test us?”

“Hmm? Oh, no need. As long as you can clean, do laundry, and serve food, that’s enough. Bonus points if any of you can cook.”

Taverns in this world typically served meals during the day and drinks with light snacks at night, often doubling as inns—some even offering intimate services. While Yisi had no plans for the latter, cooking was a must.

“Sera can handle cooking. She’s a chef’s daughter.”

“That’s a relief.”

Closing the tavern door, Yisi sat at a long table on the first floor, while the five of the fallen took seats across from her. Aside from Shinku and Fran, the other three girls stayed silent. Though all were ordinary, their shared ordeal had established a hierarchy among them.

“Onee-sama, I’ve brought the contracts.”

“Thanks.”

“And here’s tea prepared by Miss Camilla.”

Mary eagerly served cups of tea to the five girls. Parched, even the usually composed Shinku immediately picked up her steaming cup, blowing on it before taking small sips.

“This water is so clean…”

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“And there’s tea leaves? Aren’t these expensive?”

“Even the cups smell nice.”

“So warm…”

Their eyes sparkled as if they’d struck gold, finishing the hot tea before Yisi could even broach the contract topic.

“Shinku, c-can I have another cup?”

“Me too.”

“Fools! Forget the tea—clean water alone is precious. We’ll ask after settling things.”

Blushing at her companions’ behavior, Shinku refused sternly.

She looks about my age, yet the older girls call her “big sister”?

Suppressing the urge to comment, Yisi felt a pang of envy. Her own dream was to have a reliable older sister like Shinku.

Sure, her figure’s lacking, but it’s the presence that counts…

Ahem . Noticing Yisi’s odd stare, Shinku cleared her throat, snapping Yisi back to reality.

“Miss Yisi, are there any rules we should know for working here?”

“Ah, my apologies. Before we discuss that, have you all eaten breakfast?” To ease Shinku’s embarrassment, Yisi added, “It’s still early, and my family hasn’t eaten yet. If you don’t mind, we could share a meal.”

“Breakfast? W-we’ve already eaten.”

The pause in her voice was obvious. Shinku, a terrible liar, averted her gaze—but the others’ gulping betrayed the truth.

Yisi smiled. Shinku was likely saving face. Time to give them a push.

“Consider it part of the hiring process. Honestly, none of us here are good cooks. Earlier, you mentioned Sera could handle cooking. While the others won’t be tested, the chef role is crucial. Let’s treat this as Sera’s evaluation. Would she and my family prepare breakfast together in the kitchen?”

“Shinku, is that okay?”

The petite girl named Sera asked hesitantly.

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After a moment’s thought, Shinku nodded.

“Very well. If it’s part of the evaluation, we have no choice.”

Delighted, Sera—who looked about Mary’s age—beamed at Yisi. Smiling, Yisi beckoned Mary over.

“Mary, take Sera to the kitchen. Make sure to cook plenty—it’ll be a good chance to see your skills too.”

Leaving the thought unfinished, Yisi turned back to Shinku. Without a home, she and the others were still grimy.

“While breakfast is being prepared, would you all mind washing up in the backyard? If you’re to work here, providing proper attire is my responsibility. Frankly, your current outfits aren’t suitable for the main hall.”

“Wait, you’re giving clothes to people like us? You’re not going to charge us, right? That’s unnecessary spending…”

Fran’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Consider it a welcome gift. I’ll cover the cost, but you’ll need to let Camilla take your measurements.”

“We’d have to undress…”

“But the marks—”

“They’re already gone.”

Though she only caught fragments, Yisi understood their concern—they feared others seeing their fallen marks. But those were now erased.

Shinku stood and bowed deeply, her cat ears drooping.

“On behalf of my companions, thank you, Miss Yisi.”

“No need. It’s only proper. We’ll sign the contracts after breakfast. Then, I have some questions for you.”

Who did these girls fight? And why are they involved with the Empire? Until she knew, Yisi couldn’t rest easy.

After a pause, Shinku straightened, answering hesitantly.

“…Of course. If I know the answers.”