Chapter 34: The Butterfly Effect

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The butterfly effect. It's a well-known phenomenon that almost everyone has heard of, but if I had to explain: the flap of a butterfly's tiny wing can cause a storm.

In short, butterflies are fucking powerful enough to cause storms.

And that storm was now blowing my way.

"You ask that for what reason?"

"W-Well, I don't know if you've heard, but a few days ago, an e-elf was captured."

"Oh, capturing an elf isn't easy. Impressive."

"Yes, indeed. It's n-no small feat. The greatest achievement of my life as a merchant group leader."

Roperman puffed out his chest proudly at the slight praise, but he quickly deflated like a punctured balloon.

"But a problem arose. Someone attacked us, not only wiping out our mercenaries but kidnapping the elf too!"

He was so enraged that he spoke without stuttering, enunciating each word clearly.

I mean, I did do that, but let's get our facts straight. You guys did the kidnapping first, you can't go getting mad about that.

"So you believe this elf to be yours, and that I am the culprit?"

"A-Ahem. N-Not necessarily, but since I heard there was an elf slave here, I thought perhaps…"

Oh come on, who was he kidding? You stole my elf, was practically written all of that face of his.

He's not even suspicious at this point… it's more along the lines of certainty.

But there was no need to play along with the scenario this idiot had set up. I wiped the serious expression off my face and widely grinned.

"I see you've had quite an experience. But I must clarify that there appears to be a misunderstanding. This friend here is not a slave."

"You're saying she's not a s-slave? These little brats definitely said she's a slave!"

"Hmm, I would prefer to refrain from elaborating on the particulars, however…"

In that instant, I caught the secretary's finger twitch. The rugged men glared, hands hovering over weapons, ready to draw their blade at a moment's notice.

"I strongly advise you to tell the truth. This affair has resulted in considerable losses for us, and as such, we find our patience running rather thin."

"Hmm…"

I drew out a long sigh, feigning deep thought. After stalling for what felt like ages, just when it seemed daggers might actually fly, I reluctantly opened my mouth as if being forced.

"Haah… since you insist, I suppose I have no choice. This friend is not a slave. To be precise, she is a slave hunter."

"A slave hunter?"

"Her role is to capture slaves when they attempt to escape. Elves, as is well known, possess superior tracking abilities."

Alfia shot me a look that screamed, What kind of nonsense is that? Just play along, it's all for your sake.

"B-But these brats said she was an elf slave…"

"You see, the slaves do not attempt to escape when informed of the truth. Who would dare flee knowing a slave hunter is watching?"

"I-Isn't it good if they don't try to escape?"

"But where is the fun in that? There's nothing quite as entertaining as catching slaves who believe they've successfully escaped."

"Ah…"

Roperman sighed. His eyes, as they fell on me, now held a hint of admiration.

In stark contrast, the children who had learned this fake truth were deeply shocked.

"S-So that's what it was? Is that why they let us go wherever we wanted?"

"They say that chickens are raised to be eaten and that pigs are also raised to be eaten. S-So that means we… Eek!"

No! Fuck, all my affection points!

After all I had done for them, they doubted me over one little comment? Or should I take this as them putting too much faith in my words?

In any case, I wish they'd see through my lie right now. Do you know how much of a pain it is to change someone's mind once it's made up?

This was all your fault.

"Haah, and I went to such lengths to keep them in the dark. Now all the fun's ruined. You will have to take responsibility for this, Lord Roperman."

"R-Responsibility?"

"Surely you must agree? I certainly did not wish to say anything, but your insistence has forced my hand. As a consequence, these slaves will no longer attempt escape, necessitating the acquisition of new ones. I am afraid that the costs of procuring and raising new slaves must be covered."

Fork over the cash, you bastard.

I need to recover the kids' affection.

"W-What shameless robbery is this…"

"Lord Roperman. A moment."

The secretary whispered into Roperman's ear. They must be plotting something fishy. But they weren't the only ones.

Clink clink.

Through the sound of glass being tapped, a signal was sent by the old man. The tense atmosphere felt like a pack of hunting dogs ready to tear into these men at a single command.

But I carefully moved my chin to signal a negative. As much as I'd like to eliminate Roperman and take care of Alfia, I couldn't do that.

Roperman was the host of the upcoming Slave Festival. I needed to obtain an item from there that's capable of resolving Alfia's spirit problem.

"Hmm…"

The old man crossed his arms disapprovingly and leaned back against the bar. I understand how you feel, but please bear with it a little longer.

Just then, as if their secret meeting had concluded, the secretary stepped away from Roperman.

"Lord Roperman says he will compensate you for today's incident."

Oh?

I thought we'd be lucky just to leave peacefully, but he was actually going to compensate us? As expected of the head of a merchant group, he was quite generous.

"We would be honored to extend an invitation to you, esteemed Reaper, as a guest of the Desert Rose Merchant Group. We sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding with the elf at your side, and would be delighted if you both would join us."

***

After Roperman and his gang had departed, I sent the children who had been looking at me like puppies eyeing a dog snatcher, downstairs. Only Alfia, the old man, and I remained in the tavern.

"If it were my old self, I'd have chopped them all up and fed them to the pigs. Just that man alone could feed several pigs without difficulty."

The old man who had lost a day's business spat out vile curses as he cleaned up the messy tavern. It must have been frustrating. With his skills, he could have filleted those guys on the spot.

I was grateful that he didn't act rashly and followed my lead despite that.

"Why the hell did you stop me? It's best to remove irritating splinters early to feel at ease."

"But thanks to that, we've managed to secure compensation, have we not? If the merchant head is extending an invitation, he might be planning to give us an incredible gift. Haha."

"Don't tell me you believe that? It's obviously…"

"A trap, yes."

It was so transparent, I could practically see right through their intentions. The fact that they invited Alfia along was a dead giveaway.

They lacked the manpower to kidnap the elf right now, so they were asking us to walk into their trap after they'd made full preparations.

To not even hide it. How ridiculous.

"You aren't going, are you?"

"Oh, but I am?"

"What? Are you a moth drawn to a flame? Why go knowing it's a trap?"

"It's a chance to fleece an entire merchant group, of course I have to go. Besides, do you think they'll just say, 'That's a shame' and leave us alone if we refuse? Now that they've bared their fangs, they'll come to bite."

It was better to take the fight to them directly than to defend the tavern while trying to protect the kids.

Plus, we could claim, How dare you attack guests you invited? Hand over everything you've got! And while we're at it, we could get what Alfia needed too.

There are risks, I'll admit.

We didn't know their full strength, and there was the question of whether goods obtained by force instead of through the festival would still count for complete liberation.

But there was no point in worrying about that now. The damage had already been done. We shouldn't try to forcibly follow the original story that has already been distorted this much.

The old man nodded, seeming to agree with my thoughts.

"Alright. Then let's storm in. When shall we go? This instant?"

"No. Only Miss Alfia and I will go."

"What? For what reason?"

"Because they invited only the two of us."

The story might change, but Alfia would always remain at its heart. Alfia was the heroine of this tale, I couldn't let anyone else steal her spotlight.

"But Miss Alfia is…"

"We've still got time. We need to push her growth to the limit. You're up for that, aren't you?"

"…"

There was no response. Alfia was spacing out.

"Miss Alfia?"

"Y-Yes?"

"What are you thinking so deeply about? Thinking about me?"

"Yes…"

She was acting this way earlier too. What had gotten into her? I'm a sensitive soul, weak to sudden advances, but…

Well, it's not like it was a bad thing. If she liked me, I was all for it. It would be a win for me if her affection went up.

Our eyes met for a brief moment, and Alfia's unfocused, blinking gaze suddenly widened. She must have realized what she had just said.

"Th-that's not what I meant! It's just, something that merchant said earlier has been bothering me…"

"What is it?"

"The thing about capturing an elf. They were talking about me, right?"

"That's right."

"Wasn't that something you did?"

So that's what she'd been thinking all this time. Now that she mentioned that, it was a perfectly reasonable misunderstanding given that I never really explained things.

"Why would I commit such an atrocity? I'm a slave trader, not a kidnapper."

"Then the surprise attack…"

"The work of Karami and I. He suggested we go rescue you."

Alfia's eyes widened in surprise as she absorbed the new information, growing as large as saucers before quickly returning to normal.

"I see…"

A faint smile crossed her lips momentarily before she blinked rapidly, her expression shifting to one of confusion.

"But then, why did I become a slave?"

"Why? Because I made you one, of course."

"I thought you came to rescue me?"

"Our interests aligned. To save you. And to make you a slave."

"But I was unconscious? Completely defenseless? A weak little girl?"

"Haha, thanks to that, putting on the shackles was a breeze. It's not this easy if they resist, you know. But honestly now, a little girl? You?"

"…"

"Anyway, that's not what's important right now. Before we go to the Desert Rose Merchant Group, it's practice, practice, and more practice. You understand?"

Finishing her blank stare at me, she muttered "Oh? Alright." and nodded.

"Owner, got any apples?"

Alfia called out to Victor.

Though she had lived far longer than him, given her appearance, it would feel jarring to hear her say Hey.

Even I felt it was a bit off, so we settled on her using Owner as her form of address while they spoke informally to each other.

"I've got apples, but what for?"

"For tomorrow's training."

To think she was already planning tomorrow's training when we just got back from shooting arrows. Was this really the same Alfia who was whining about hating the bow? Your master's heart is swelling with pride.

"That's a wonderful attitude, Miss Alfia. Let's give it our all again tomorrow. I'll be there cheering you on."

"I don't need cheering, I have a role for you."

"I'd rather not."

…Huh? What was that just now?

I answered without even thinking.

Why were alarm bells going off in my head?

"What do you mean you'd rather not~ Isn't it a master's duty to have complete faith in their slave?"

***

And the next day.

One apple was placed on top of my head, Alfia aiming her bow at me from the front.

"M-Miss Alfia? Don't you think this is a bit too soon?"

"Shh, don't move. You'll get hurt if you move."

"The bow… Hey, the bow is shaking…?"

"Hmm, still a bit tipsy, huh? Don't worry. This much is nothing. Just trust in big sis."