Volume 2 Chapter 32: Rental

Elshan Farsheed belongs to the Mori-jin tribe, a people living within the vast Sharl Great Forest, which stretches for hundreds of kilometers in every direction.

The Mori-jin coexist with spirits, forming pacts in which they offer their mana in exchange for the spirits’ powers. Though not particularly hostile, they rarely leave the forest, leading secluded lives.

Among the Mori-jin, Elle’s decision to venture into human society marks her as an unusual case.

However, her character is exceptional; she treats everyone equally and earns their respect and trust. She even served as the student council president at the Magic Academy.

There’s no comparing her to me. We’re as different as clouds and mud, heaven and earth. Someone like me shouldn’t be able to interact with someone like her in the first place.

So, what I know about Elle has always been limited to just these few facts.

The next morning, I woke up just past noon, having overslept slightly due to the exhaustion from the previous day.

After the events of last night, when Noel reached her limit, we returned to White Road early, with only a brief farewell to Elle.

Even though we met after a long time, I barely exchanged words with her, so there wasn’t much to catch up on. When we told her we were leaving, she simply saw us off with a calm, “Alright, see you again.”

I did find it odd that Fiona seemed preoccupied with Elle and her parting words, “See you again.” But since she was in the capital, we’d probably cross paths again.

Perhaps Elle had recognized me first. She didn’t seem surprised, and it was strange that she even remembered me. I’d been in the capital for over three years without noticing her at all.

Well, if Elle had become a miner, it made sense. I generally avoided miners to keep out of trouble, with Rett being the only exception.

Mulling over these thoughts, I headed downstairs, took a quick shower, brushed my teeth, changed clothes, and went to the store.

When I opened the door and entered White Road, I was met with an unexpected sight.

“Good morning, Senpai.”

“You’re up, Noil.”

“Good morning, Noil.”

First, Fiona greeted me with a smile, then the Manager, followed by Noel, who, judging by her lack of a hangover, seemed perfectly fine.

And lastly—

“It’s been since yesterday, Noil.”

Elle raised a hand in greeting, smiling.

She was seated on a sofa with her legs crossed, facing the Manager, who sat in the same position. Fiona and Noel stood behind the Manager.

“Elle? Why are you here?”

“I told you, ‘see you again,’ didn’t I?”

Her response took me by surprise. I hadn’t expected to see her again so soon. What was this about?

Still, it was an impressive sight. The Manager and Elle sitting side by side looked like a scene from an exquisite painting, even though they were simply sipping tea on a sofa. With the beautiful Noel and Fiona standing behind them, I felt like an awkward intrusion in the picture.

Alright, maybe I should leave.

“Well… please enjoy your time.”

“What are you doing?”

As I tried to quietly leave, the Manager called out to me.

What’s wrong with that? If a bug appeared in a painting, wouldn’t you remove it?

“I was just… thinking a bug should go outside and buzz around.”

“What nonsense. Sit down already.”

“Ugh…”

With her urging, I reluctantly sat down beside her, clearly uncomfortable. I felt like I was ruining the scene, and an unsettling feeling only grew stronger.

“Noil… sorry about last night.”

“Oh, it’s fine.”

Noel leaned in close and whispered an apology. Apparently, she was one of those people who remember everything, even when drunk, which was a little embarrassing for her.

“Thank you… So, is that person an acquaintance?”

“Acquaintance… well, she’s an old classmate from the Magic Academy… We barely talked, though.”

“I see…”

I answered Noel’s question, but she still seemed somewhat uneasy. I wasn’t lying. Elle was a benefactor, but that’s all. There was hardly any connection between us.

“Here, Senpai.”

At some point, Fiona had prepared tea for me, placing a cup on the table. I thanked her and took a sip.

As she stepped back, she whispered softly in my ear.

“Senpai, be careful.”

“Huh?”

I tilted my head, puzzled by her words. Fiona didn’t explain further and quietly returned to her spot behind us, with a hint of vigilance in her eyes.

Not knowing what she was wary of, I placed my cup back on the table.

I noticed Elle chuckling softly.

“Hehe… you really are amusing.”

“Hm, I agree with that.”

The Manager nodded in agreement, looking satisfied, but I couldn’t understand what they found amusing. Were they mocking me? Should I be offended?

“Noil is an interesting guy, just watching him.”

Hey!

“Exactly. Never a dull moment.”

Hey, hey, hey!

Could they stop talking about me like I’m some strange creature? I get hurt too, you know? Fortunately, I don’t have much pride, so the wounds are superficial, but even small cuts add up.

“So then, about that matter…”

Ignoring me, the Manager and Elle folded their arms and began discussing something.

“The reason you’re here is to borrow Noil, correct?”

“Yes, exactly.”

What an Absurd Proposal.

“Hold on a second.”

“Hm?” 

“What is it?”

When I interrupted, both of them looked at me with curious expressions, which only added to my confusion. Why were they both looking at me like that? Something was definitely off. Maybe I should clarify…

With my hand on my forehead, I asked:

“You want to… what exactly?”

“Borrow you.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’d like you to join my party, Spirit Wind, for a little while.”

“Why?”

I couldn’t make sense of it. Was this like a temporary job assignment? Me, joining Elle’s party? But… why?

Wait—Spirit Wind? I think I’ve heard of them before. One of my fishing buddies mentioned being in that party…

“One of our members decided to up and leave the capital without permission.”

I think I know exactly who that is.

So, he hasn’t come back yet? That guy probably went straight to sea fishing. Typical.

“So, I thought it fair that the person who convinced him to go should take responsibility. Since you’re back in the capital, I want you to fill in for him.”

Oh, wait, maybe I actually don’t know this guy. He sounds like someone I’ve never associated with. What kind of irresponsible person does something like that? Not my problem at all.

“He—Rett—left a note saying, ‘I’m going sea fishing with Noil from White Road.’”

This was getting odd. I don’t know any Rett, so why did he write down this store name and my name? Ah, maybe there’s someone else with the same name working here. What a mix-up. I’m innocent here.

“This note… he means you, Noil, doesn’t he?”

“Uh, yes.”

Damn it.

Elle’s gentle smile disarmed me, and I could only nod in resignation. This was definitely my fault.

“Don’t worry. I’ll only borrow him until Rett returns. In fact, you could treat this as an official request. I’ll even pay a fee to White Road.”

“Hmm… If you’re short-handed, I could lend a hand,” the Manager offered.

“That won’t be necessary. He alone is sufficient.”

Despite the Manager’s offer, Elle declined firmly.

“No additional help is needed.”

“Why?” the Manager asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.

Elle shrugged in response.

“Milis, your strength is… overwhelming. Your power is excessive. Noel, on the other hand, isn’t skilled enough. As for Fiona, she doesn’t exactly have a great rapport with miners. I’m afraid none of you are suited for my party.”

“So, Noil is the only one who’s a good fit?”

“Exactly.”

The Manager smirked at Elle’s response, Noel looked down in frustration, and Fiona smiled—but her eyes looked anything but amused. Terrifying.

Back to Elle’s reasoning, though—why was I considered a “good fit”? Elle only knows the more pitiful side of me, so what had she seen to make her think that? I’m starting to think her beautiful eyes might actually be fooling her.

“Quite the convenient explanation you’ve put together,” the Manager said.

“…What do you mean?”

“Never mind. Regardless, Noil belongs to me.”

Elle and the Manager exchanged smiles, though the tension in the air felt palpable. And also, Manager, I’d like to remind you—I’m a free man.

“I don’t particularly like the idea of ‘belonging to’ anyone,” Elle remarked.

Hear, hear.

“It’s just the truth.”

In what world?

“That’s odd. As far as I’ve observed, Noil doesn’t seem to be romantically involved with anyone.”

“That has nothing to do with it. Noil is mine.”

Well, I’d say it does have something to do with it.

Elle chuckled at the Manager’s smug expression, exhaling in mild exasperation.

“Sigh… It seems we’re not getting anywhere with this conversation. But you don’t mind if I borrow Noil, do you?”

“No, I won’t stop you. It’s up to Noil.”

“Noil…”

As the conversation advanced without me, Noel’s anxious gaze was on me. But don’t worry. Since it’s up to me, I’ll refuse. Helping miners is the last thing I want to do. I’ll show Elle just how lacking in responsibility I am.

“So, Noil, what do you say?”

“Sorry, but…”

Just as I was about to refuse, Elle clapped her hands as if remembering something.

“Oh, that’s right. I still owe you a favor, don’t I?”

“Oh… yes.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to corner you like this. I don’t intend to force you, but if you accept this request, I’ll consider that favor settled.”

“Oh… okay.”

“Then, may I take that as a ‘yes’?”

“Oh… yes.”

“…Noil.”

Thanking me with a pleased smile, Elle glanced over at Noel, who sagged in disappointment, while I was left nodding helplessly. Damn it.

“Milis, could I take him to our party house right away?”

“Of course. But don’t forget—he’s just on loan. And don’t be surprised if the fee is quite high.”

“That’s fine. I have no shortage of funds. Besides, while I’m borrowing him, I assume I can… do as I please?”

“As long as it doesn’t risk his life.”

Whoa, that sounded ominous. What kind of things would I be expected to do? How could they smile while saying that?

Ignoring my concerns, Elle stood up gracefully.

“Don’t worry. I promise he’ll be safe,” she declared confidently, extending a hand toward me with a smile.

“Alright, let’s go, Noil. I’ll introduce you to my teammates.”

How did things end up like this? With a heavy sigh, I reluctantly took her outstretched hand and stood up. I felt like I was being led to my doom. If I could, I’d escape right now.

Elle gave a satisfied nod as she watched me rise, then gently tugged my hand to lead me out. Noel looked heartbroken but seemed powerless to stop it. I get it—it probably looks like I’m being sold off as a slave. No wonder she’s looking at me like that.

“…I’ll be back.”

“Wait, please.”

Just as I resigned myself to my fate, Fiona intervened.

“I’m coming along, too.”

“Sorry, Fiona. I told you, I don’t need anyone else.”

Elle stopped, looking back at her with a troubled expression.

“Yes, but… I’ll die if I’m not by Senpai’s side.”

“That’s… a bit of an exaggeration. You wouldn’t really—”

“No, I would.”

With that, Fiona opened her collar to reveal the enchanted Love Lover necklace on her neck, the cursed item.

“And that… is?”

Elle’s gaze fixed on the Love collar with a wary look.

“It’s a magical item. If I’m not near Senpai, it automatically strangles me.”

“What… kind of thing is that?”

Caressing the collar with a dreamy smile, Fiona seemed proud. The Manager observed with curiosity, while Noel stared in shock. Elle, meanwhile, looked uncharacteristically perplexed.

I, having known about the Love collar in advance, remained relatively calm, though my mind felt like it was unraveling.

“Is… is that true?”

“Yes… though I wish it weren’t.”

When Elle asked, clearly struggling to comprehend, I could only nod with a far-off look.

Actually… if I order her, she should be able to move away from me safely. But going alone to the miners is terrifying, so maybe I should just let her come along. Yes, I’ll keep quiet about that solution.

Noticing my thoughts, Fiona gave me a sultry smile, and I quickly looked away.

“I am Senpai’s property.”

“…This is beyond my expectations,” Elle murmured, holding her head as if she were suddenly drained.