Chapter 3

  Nami was lying on her bed, eyes half-closed as she stared at the ceiling with a look of utter boredom. Her fingers tapped on her stomach, her mind drifting to thoughts of past battles, magical artifacts, and how soft the bed was compared to the cold ground of a forest.

  Suddenly, the sound of the door swinging open broke her thoughts. Her eyes shifted, narrowing as Sarah entered the room. Dressed in her dark cloak, Sarah walked in. In her arms, she carried a young woman, bruised and unconscious. The girl's body looked frail, her limbs thin, and her face had evidence of severe mistreatment. Her clothes were torn and stained with dirt and blood.

  Nami tilted her head, eyes narrowing further. "What's this? Bringing strays in now?"

  Sarah ignored the remark, moving towards her bed as she laid the girl down on it. The mattress sank under the girl’s weight, though she hardly weighed much at all. After making sure the girl’s head was properly supported, Sarah stepped back, her gaze turning to Nami.

  "Heal her," Sarah said in a firm but calm tone. "Take care of her."

  Nami’s eyes widened in disbelief. She sat up on her bed, resting her elbows on her knees. "Huh? You’re serious? You just walk in here with a human and tell me to take care of it?" Her lips curled with disdain. "Can’t I just kill it? Would be more pleasant."

  "No," Sarah’s reply was immediate. She leaned against the wall with her arms crossed, her sharp gaze locking onto Nami’s eyes. "Do as I say."

  For a moment, Nami’s eyes had a hint of rebellion, but it was short-lived. She sighed, rubbing the top of her nose. "Tch. Fine, fine. But you’re lucky it’s you giving the order, Sarah. I wouldn’t be so kind to anyone else.”

  Nami got to her feet, brushing off her clothes as she walked over to the girl. She crouched down, her sharp eyes scanning the girl’s condition. Her fingers went over the girl's body as she prepared to cast a spell.

  "Can you even heal her properly? Or do you need a scroll?" Sarah asked, her eyes not moving as she watched Nami.

  Nami’s lips curled into a grin, a little of her pride showing up again. "Of course I can heal her. I’m not some amateur." Her hand glowed with a soft, pale blue light as she invoked a mid-level healing spell of the 4th tier. The light spread over the girl’s body, washing away dirt and blood. Her bruises disappeared, and the cuts along her arms and legs closed, almost like she had never even been damaged before.

  After a moment of silence, Nami’s grin faded. Her eyes narrowed with scrutiny, and her fingers pressed gently along the girl’s ribs and shoulders. "Hmm..." she muttered, concentrating harder.

  "What is it?" Sarah’s tone was still calm, but there was a sharpness to it, as if ready to act on bad news.

  "Aside from the obvious signs of a beating — bruises, cuts, and scratches — she’s got a fissure," Nami said, pointing at the girl’s side. "Her rib’s cracked, though I’ve mended it. She’s also got internal damage that’s consistent with..." She glanced at Sarah, her eyes hardening. "...consistent with certain kinds of abuse."

  A little of anger passed through Sarah’s eyes, but it vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Her face remained neutral, but Nami noticed the slight tightening of her jaw.

  "So," Nami continued, placing her hands on her hips, "what’s the story here, huh? You’re not the type to pick up strays for no reason. Don’t tell me you’re feeling 'compassion' or something like that." She said the word with exaggerated sarcasm.

  Sarah’s gaze remained distant for a moment, her eyes briefly scanning the unconscious girl’s face. Then, with a sigh, she pushed off from the wall and took a step closer to the bed. "I found her lying in an alley, broken like a discarded tool. If I’m right, she’s probably some type of slave from one of the brothels or dens of this city." Her eyes sharpened as she looked at Nami. "You know how it works in places like this. No one's going to help her, and the ones who ‘own’ her probably aren't going to stop."

  Nami snorted, shaking her head. "Tch, of course. Humans love lording over each other when they’re given the chance. Strip them of their ‘laws’ and they’re not so different from demons." She glanced back at the girl. "Still, why’s this our problem? You’re aiming for the top, right? You’re gonna need connections and allies. Saving every pitiful girl along the way isn’t efficient."

  "True," Sarah replied, eyes cold but thoughtful. "But sometimes, it's not about efficiency. It's about making sure those watching know what happens when you cross certain lines. Also, this situation has the potential to make us gain control over the criminal network in this city. I mean, she does have an owner, right? And he’ll come look for her."

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  "Oh?" Nami’s grin returned, this time wider and more devilish. "You are the smart type, Sarah."

  Sarah glanced once more at the girl. Her breathing had evened out, her face no longer twisted in pain. For now, she’d live.

  "Watch over her while she rests," Sarah said as she moved toward the window, pulling the curtain slightly to glance at the streets below. "We’ll see what she’s like when she wakes up. If she’s got nowhere to go, she’ll stay here until she’s ready."

  ***

  The soft glow of lanterns shined across the cobblestone streets as Sarah walked through the city once more. The night air was cool, carrying the distant sounds of nighttime activity. It was quieter than during the day, with most townsfolk either tucked away in their homes or gathered in taverns and inns. The dim light played on Sarah's dark cloak, making her figure blend into the night.

  Her mind was filled with thoughts of her plan. It wasn’t often she could pat herself on the back for clever scheming, but this time she felt she deserved it. Finding that battered girl and bringing her back wasn’t a random act of kindness. It had been an opportunity. The girl had an owner, and he would come looking for her. When he did, Sarah would be waiting. And if everything went as she expected, she’d gain a foothold in the city. Controlling the criminal network could provide valuable information and influence, both of which were essential for her future plans.

  ‘Not bad for something I came up with on the spot,’ she thought, a small smile forming at the corner of her lips. Her eyes scanned the street ahead, her pace steady and not fast.

  Her eyes shifted to a modest-looking bar on the corner of the street. Warm light illuminated the windows, and the faint sounds of laughter and glass bottles echoed from within. Sarah stopped, her eyes narrowing as she considered it. It’s been a while, hasn’t it? A drink wouldn’t hurt. She’d been running around since arriving in this world, so a moment to unwind was great.

  She stepped inside. The atmosphere was lively but not turbulent. The hum of conversation filled the air, blending with the smell of roasted meat and the faint one of spilled liquor. She made her way to the bar, taking a seat on one of the benches near the corner. The barkeep, a broad-shouldered man with a gray beard, approached with a neutral expression.

  "What'll it be, miss?" he asked, wiping a mug with a cloth that had seen better days.

  "Something strong but smooth," she replied, leaning her elbows on the bar. The barkeep gave a nod and reached for a bottle from a high shelf, pouring a deep amber liquid into a small glass. He slid it over to her.

  Sarah took a sip, letting the warmth wash down her throat. It was stronger than expected but not unpleasant. Her thoughts drifted as she looked into the amber depths of her drink, reflecting on her progress in this world. Things hadn’t gone perfectly, but honestly, she’d done well for herself so far. She had allies, and her plans were taking shape. This world, while warranting caution, wasn't entirely beyond her control.

  Her mind shifted to Arya. She’d sent her on a mission to investigate a certain noble, Renard, but Arya’s personality was… unpredictable. Sarah trusted her competence, but the woman’s whims often led to "side activities." ‘Hopefully, she’s staying on task,’ Sarah thought, taking another sip of her drink.

  Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a familiar presence. Her eyes locked on a woman entering from the side door. Dark hair. Crimson eyes. Dark clothes. Sarah’s brow furrowed. It couldn’t be… but it was. Arya walked in like she owned the place, flanked on either side by two stunningly beautiful women who hung off her arms, giggling and whispering to each other.

  Sarah’s eyes widened in mild shock, and she set her glass down with a soft thud. ‘Is she serious right now?’ Her lips curled in frustration as she stood from her bench and made her way over. Arya’s eyes shifted toward her, and a teasing grin spread across her face.

  “Well, well, look who’s here,” Arya said, her eyes dancing with amusement. “Come to join us, Sarah? I’m about to head upstairs with these two beauties.” She tilted her head toward the women hanging on her arms. “There’s room for one more if you’re interested.” Her voice filled with playful mischief.

  Sarah’s face grew warm. ‘Was she seriously doing such a scene in public?’ She looked around to see if anyone was watching, but most customers were too preoccupied with their own conversations or too drunk. She grabbed Arya’s arm and pulled her toward the exit.

  “Come on,” Sarah muttered, dragging her along.

  “Aw, you’re no fun,” Arya whined, giving an exaggerated pout. “You’re not jealous, are you?”

  “No,” Sarah said firmly, though she had a small blush. She pulled Arya outside, taking her to an alley beside the bar. The quietness of the alley made their footsteps echo as Sarah finally let go of her. She crossed her arms, eyes sharp and serious.

  “What are you doing, Arya? I gave you a task. You’re supposed to be gathering information, not… whatever that was.” Her voice was firm but not angry.

  Arya leaned back against the wall, arms folded behind her head, looking utterly unconcerned. “Relax, my Lady. I’m handling it. Just taking a little detour. I’m good at multi-tasking, you know.” She shot Sarah a grin that was equal parts cocky and charming. “Besides, can’t a girl have a bit of fun after working so hard? You’re too uptight sometimes.”

  Sarah’s eyes twitched, and she sighed, suppressing the urge to scold her. “If you’re going to have fun, fine, but do it without drawing attention to yourself. We’re supposed to be subtle. You know that, right?” Her tone was exasperated but still measured.

  “Heh, ‘subtle’ isn’t really my thing,” Arya admitted with a shrug. Her crimson eyes glowed faintly in the dim alley. “But fine, since you’re asking so nicely, I’ll tone it down a bit. Happy now?” Her grin returned, and she leaned in slightly, voice dropping into a sultry tone. “Unless, of course, you’d rather join me for a night of ‘fun’. I’d be happy to show you how it’s done properly.”

  “Not happening,” Sarah said, her voice firm, though her blush betrayed her composure. She turned away, flicking her cloak with unnecessary force. ‘This woman… she’s impossible. Should I have summoned someone else? I mean… she’s my favor- No, she’s just the most competent, that’s it.’

  Arya chuckled, clearly pleased with herself. “Alright, alright. I’ll play nice. No need to get so worked up, Lady Sarah.” She tapped the side of her head. “I’ve got everything under control.”

  Sarah glanced back at her, giving a skeptical look. “You better. Otherwise, we’re going to have a serious problem.” Her gaze lingered on Arya for a moment before she pulled her cloak tighter around herself. “Get back to it.”

  “Yes, my Lady,” Arya said with a mock bow, her grin never fading. As Sarah walked away, Arya’s eyes followed her with playful interest.