NOVEL WEB Vol. 1 Chapter 9: The Hero of Arles
**Kuro**
Ah yes, hello once again.
Well, I knew it was sudden, but I decided to search for a job.
Yep, you read that right; I needed to work. It’s not because the provisions given to me back at the Holy Palatial Gardens were inadequate; the Saint there was too generous. I was feeling bad for myself for freeloading. The second was that I had to save enough money to finally buy a house in Kamran as soon as possible. And also, not to mention, I was getting freaked out by that stupid paladin, the Marquise of Monfort, proposing out of nowhere that I marry into the Braunhauer house through her half-sister, Eris. I mean, it’s all too sudden and spontaneous for me.
And Eris was still a kid; by the time she grew into a beautiful lady, I was sure I’d be an old sap.
Well, it’s not like I’m considering that child to be a potential partner, but yeah, it’s impossible for me.
Besides, I don’t think I had the confidence to become someone of equal stature to the ladies of the Holy Palatial Gardens. They’re princesses and nobles; I was just an ugly, powerless, and freeloading idiot from another world.
“…”
Saying that repeatedly to myself hurts, but it’s the reality, anyway.
So I looked for something else to do with my free time. And since the Gardens was near Arles, I tried my luck there. After all, most of its residents were well-to-do people; I was sure there would be opportunities for me if I did my search well.
“…”
It took a while to reach Arles when we went riding on a cart before, but this time, I was just walking, so I was expecting a tedious journey. Of course, I couldn’t ask Her Holiness for a ride this time, or I’d be imposing too much on her. I also didn’t show myself to Lily and Eris because I was afraid they’d come along with me, and I won’t be able to refuse them.
I want to be alone, after all.
So, after informing the guards at the gate of my intent, I proceeded on my way. Honestly, I didn’t know how they do job applications in this world. Questions like, ‘Should I bring a resume?’ or ‘how about a coat and tie?’ had pestered my mind since I last slept. But anyway, since this was a different world, I guess those things didn’t matter too much. Fantasy worlds like this should be simple and easy to deal with, right?
“…”
On the approach at the main gates of the town of Arles, the militia stationed there stopped me.
“Got any identification papers, sir?” a soldier asked me.
Oh, right. Eris isn’t with me, so it’ll be natural that they’ll be tight on security.
“Uhh…honestly, sir, I’m from the Holy Palatial Gardens and was searching for work here in your town,” I answered, taking great care to give that guy a significant amount of respect so that he wouldn’t be too suspicious of me. “And I don’t have any identification papers with me. May I ask how to get those?”
“…” The soldier only stared at me, unsure if he’d believe what I just said or not.
“Let him in,” another soldier approached us. “He’s a companion of Miss Eris before.”
Upon hearing his companion’s assurances that I was not a threat, the first soldier immediately backed down and let me pass. The second soldier then accompanied me.
“Ah, thanks, sir!” I bowed in gratitude to the guy who helped me.
“Nah, don’t mention it,” the soldier smiled. “I saw you before with Miss Eris riding a cart from the Holy Palatial Gardens. Why isn’t she with you today?”
“I went alone. I wanted to look for a job here, where it’s convenient.”
“I see. Well, many of our boys like to see Miss Eris come by,” he revealed. “She’s pretty popular around here, see?”
“Oh…” I didn’t quite expect that. Well, given that Eris is cute, it’s a possibility.
“Well, they have to content themselves with looking at her, though. She may be a pretty girl, but she’s a member of the nobility. The gap is too wide for them to cross.”
Aren’t you considering the fact that she’s a child, as well?
“I also have a painting of her in my room, you know?” he whispered, “But don’t tell her; it’s a secret between us men.
Well, they will not do that, huh? This world has a weird standard.
“So anyway, if you’re going to work, at least you need to have proper identification papers with you at all times.”
“Okay, but how do I get that?”
“You lost yours?”
“Well, let’s say it’s almost like that.” I was unsure whether or not to tell this guy about my situation, but in the end, I decided to lie since it would take a while if I got honest with him. Also, chances were, he’d cast doubts on me because my circumstances of arriving here were too extraordinary to believe.
“That’s unfortunate…” the friendly soldier sighed, “Anyway, come with me. I’ll help you get your identification papers.”
“Oh, again, thank you sir…?”
“I’m Osmond Hein Rilley,” he offered his hand, “Just call me Osmond.”
----------
Sir Osmond led me to a modest house near Arles’ walls. If I was not mistaken, I guess this was their headquarters—a far cry from the gigantic fortress of the Palatial Armory of the Paladin Corps. After knocking three times, he opened the door, and we both came in.
“This is the office of the Arles militia,” Sir Osmond explained as he gave me a brief tour of their headquarters, “We issue and re-issue identification papers here. Please, have a seat.”
I took a vacant chair near the tables. Behind those was a petite, bespectacled lady, busy with some paperwork.
“Misha, this man lost his identification papers,” Sir Osmond talked to her, leaning by the table, “He’s a companion of Miss Eris Braunhauer of the Holy Palatial Gardens. Will you re-issue it to him?”
The girl named Misha stared at me as if trying to peer into my soul. After a few moments of awkward silence, she relented and returned to her paperwork as if nothing had happened.
“How much are you going to pay me?”
“Huh?” I was startled by what she said. I didn’t have a single coin with me, so how could I possibly cover the cost of re-issuance?
“Not you,” Misha snapped at me and pointed at Sir Osmond, “I’m talking to him.”
“Hey, come on now, Misha!” Sir Osmond pleaded, “It’s just one additional paperwork.”
“And I’m the one doing it. It’s not for free, you know.”
“Err…I guess, I should go back some other time then,” I offered to back down, but Sir Osmond stopped me.
“Okay, how about this, Misha?” Sir Osmond proposed, “You do his identification papers, and you and I are going to a date—buuu!”
Misha interrupted him mid-sentence by throwing a pile of papers on his face. That’s got to hurt.
“I love you too, Misha!” Sir Osmond said as he fixed the scattered files.
You understand that, man? Moreover, stop flirting in front of me, for god’s sake.
“…”
Well, at least the girl named Misha began working on processing my identification papers. She told me it would take some time but asked for my fingerprints, which were taken using a ‘magic orb.’
“Ah, thanks for the help, Sir Osmond,” I bowed in gratitude, “I’ll be able to repay you someday.”
“Don’t mention it,” Sir Osmond winked, “After all, you’re a friend of Eris. Would you say ‘hi’ to her for me?”
“Sure, why not—”
“Buu!” Another pile of papers flew straight to Sir Osmond’s face. It’s from Misha, of course.
I think it is her expertise. The way she throws those papers and how they fly in unison straight to her victim’s face—that’s some talent for you!
“Don’t worry, darling! You’re the one I love!”
Can you really understand her through the way she throws at you? That’s some talent as well, Sir Osmond!
Hmm… I’d pick up the finished document after going around the town.
----------
So, while waiting for my papers, I started my quest to find a job in this town. Although Eris had explained to me before that this place was a premiere spot in Chersea, I still couldn’t adjust to it compared to what I was used to on Earth.
Arles is a small place compared to my old world’s gigantic shopping malls.
Well, I knew this town had a complete set of stores to cater to your everyday needs, like several bakeries, few meat shops, some fruit stalls, a couple of armor smiths, and weapon smiths. Nevertheless, I miss my old Earth…
“…”
Ah! Anyway, this wasn’t the time to think about that. I needed to refocus on my goal of looking for a job.
On my way around, I came across a familiar place—the ‘Holy Frills Diner.’ Though I initially hesitated to go inside, I decided otherwise. I thought of talking to the owner, Mister Ricardo. Maybe he could help me with my search.
“Welcome to the ‘Holy Frills Diner’!” Mister Ricardo immediately greeted me upon entering his restaurant.
“Hello, Mister Ricardo!”
“Oh! It’s the boyfriend of Eris!”
“Err… I’m not her lover though,” I corrected him.
“Ah, it would end there anyway,” Mister Ricardo quickly dismissed my protest. “So, you came alone today? Do you want to try our special set?”
“Ah, no…” I was embarrassed to refuse his offers, but I got no money anyway, “Actually, I’m here to ask for help from you, Mister Ricardo.”
“Hm? Want to borrow money?”
“Err… it’s not that, sir. I’d like to ask if you know some places here where I can get a job.”
“To prepare for your wedding to Miss Eris?”
“Ah no! It’s not like that!”
“Well, it’ll come anyway. So, I can somehow understand you,” Mister Ricardo dismissed my objections once again.
Seriously, does he even listen to corrections?
“A job, huh?” Mister Ricardo seemed to ponder for a while, “Well, if it’s work you’re looking for, I could use an extra hand in my restaurant. Do you know how to cook?”
Oh great! A lucky strike on my first try, huh?
“I do,” I said with a proud grin. I even boasted, “Back in my world, I used to cook for myself since I live alone.”
“Huh? ‘Your world’?”
“Oh, I mean, my old country.”
“I see…”,
Crap! It casually slipped from my mouth. I should be careful about letting out my secrets in this place.
“Ah, anyway, what’s your name?” Mister Ricardo asked.
“It’s Kuro, sir. I was having my identification papers re-issued at the militia headquarters as of this moment, but that’s my name.”
“Okay, then,” Mister Ricardo replied. “Well, I usually pay my employees 50 bronze coins at the end of every season, provided the work quota is met. And an extra five bronze coins for every work done outside the quota. Does that sound reasonable to you?”
“I guess so, Mister Ricardo,” well, I didn’t know the standard wages in Chersea, so I guess I’d just agree in the meantime. After all, everyone would start at the lowest possible level.
“However, there’s still one more condition I have for you, Mister Kuro.”
“Yes, sir?”
“You know, since I’ll have you work in the kitchen most of the time, I don’t think you’ll have to wear the famous frills of this diner. Is that alright with you?”
“Yes, thank you very much, sir!” I immediately answered in relief. I recall that this place was the ‘Holy Frills Diner.’ I almost wore that embarrassing dress like the owner, but I guess I evaded that stupid fate.
Ah, thank you, my lady luck!
----------
Well, Mister Ricardo told me he still had to prepare my uniform to work there, so he asked me to come back sometime later. As usual, I was left with nothing else to do. Again. Hmm…maybe I should check on the identification papers if those are already done.
I started my way back towards the headquarters of the Arles militia.
“…”
While on the road, I heard some loud noises as I was getting near a blind turn. Then, I noticed that the bystanders around me either went towards the direction of the noise or those who could see what was happening had their heads turned to the spot where it was happening. Well, it’s not like I had some interest in that kind of commotion. And nothing would happen if I went out of my way just to watch it. So, even if I was setting a flag here, I’d just go on my way and ignore it.
“Kyaa!”
“Stop him!”
“Hey watch out!”
“!!!”
When I turned around to check on what was happening, it was too late. I felt someone collide—well, not towards me, but at the parked carriage behind me. The sound of the thud was so loud; it was horrible to hear!
“Oh god, is he dead?” I blurted out. I saw a boy lying unconscious on the road behind me.
Well, he’s still breathing…
His head had a slight concussion in which some blood was coming out. Seemed like he caused his head to hit quite hard on the sturdy body of the parked carriage. And also, his dirty clothes identified him as a slave. A lot of bystanders had arrived and surrounded the accident scene. Some of the militia were having difficulties in keeping them back…
“…”
Well, I can’t ignore this boy, ain’t I?
Back on Earth, I was trained in administering first aid since I was a teacher. I guess now’s the time to use what I learned from the Red Cross, then?
“Hey! Don’t move him!” I shouted to the man, perhaps the carriage driver, who was about to pull the unconscious boy to the side. He immediately obliged. I went beside the boy and checked his breathing patterns.
Well, he seems fine to me, but I can’t be sure.
“Anyone got an ice compress? Or anything cold, plus a piece of cloth?” I asked the crowd. Fortunately, someone was kind enough to chant ice magic, and I quickly wrapped it on the cloth. Carefully and gently, I put it over the concussion.
“…”
The boy felt the cold sensation; he moved, and his facial expression turned sour. At least he’s responding to me, huh?
“Hey boy, you okay? Can you wake up?” I asked.
The boy then opened his eyes and stared blankly at me.
“Oh good; at least you’re conscious now!” I sighed in relief, “Got anything painful in your head?”
He silently nodded. But maybe, due to reflex, he quickly backed away from me when he realized he was talking to me. That kind of hurt, boy. I know my face is ugly, but at least you could show gratitude…
Ah, never mind. Of course, it’s a slave, so I didn’t have to expect much. Well, I guess my job’s done here. Seemed like the slave boy was fine now…
“Hey! Don’t cause any further embarrassment for me, you stupid slave!”
…or not.
----------
I thought the commotion would end there, but I was wrong. Out among the crowds came a beautiful young woman with a whip on her hands. She wore a lovely, elegant dress, showing that she had a high upbringing. She went for the slave boy and yanked his arm.
“What are you doing trying to run from me?” the lady began hitting the poor slave, who tried his best to make himself small to avoid the lashes.
“…”
The slave cried out in pain. It was terrible to hear, but I couldn’t help it. Honestly, I didn’t think I should interfere with them. I mean, this was a different world, and of course, my values here didn’t apply.
But hey, for someone who’s just injured himself, I think this is too much…
The crowd slowly dispersed, and all the while, the beautiful lady was hitting the slave. This kind of scene must’ve been a daily occurrence for them to be that indifferent. After all, slaves were accorded no rights, both here and in my old world…
Haa…I guess some systems will persist no matter where you are.
“…”
I should go on my way and pick up those identification papers.
“…”
Damn it.
“Hey excuse me!” I knew I shouldn’t be doing this; I just wanted to live peacefully. And I was neither an ally of justice. But well, you know, I had my values. Though I may accept some compromise, this kind of inhumane treatment was something I couldn’t take to ignore.
“What do you want?” the lady hissed at me.
“Err…I don’t think that slave of yours can be useful for now,” I explained, carefully choosing my words so as not to offend her, “He hit his head on the carriage over there and was unconscious for quite some time.”
“And so? That’s his fault for running away from me, his master!”
Of course, anyone will run away from you if you’re like that.
“What do you want with this slave, anyway?” she stared at me, obviously inspecting, “Well, aren’t you a commoner? How dare you talk to me as if you know everything!”
Well, it’s not that I know everything. I’m a teacher; I know what I say most of the time. But I shouldn’t say that, lest I annoyed her even more.
“I just know some information on injuries,” I replied, “I’d recommend that you let him rest for a while and check for symptoms of injuries like—”
“Are you dictating me, a baroness, of what to do?”
“Err… I’m just suggesting, you know.” God, I said the word ‘recommend’ clearly, right? Why were nobles so hard to deal with? It’s not like they’re really useful or anything! “Well, if you’ll excuse me, I apologize for my brazen behavior and thus go on my way.”
“Hey, wait! Are you serious?” she screamed, starting another commotion. “You’re turning your back to me? Aren’t you the most disrespectful?”
Blahblahblah! Oh god…here comes the usual arrogance of the nobility. Should I dash away from here? The gathering crowds were a perfect obstacle for her pursuing guards if she had any.
I was about to run when someone else entered the scene.
“I’m sorry, Baroness Welt, looks like my man here has caused you trouble.”
Huh? What?
I faced the new arrival. He was a young man of good stature. His elegant yet military-like dress had a ‘princely vibe,’ and he carried a finely decorated sword to his side.
A typical ‘bishounen’ from a ‘shoujo manga,’ if you ask me.
“Hmph! Just because you’re the second prince of Nerfes doesn’t mean your men can’t go around spouting whatever they want!” the arrogant lady softened up when she recognized the man she was talking to.
“I offer my heartfelt apologies,” the handsome dude bowed. He secretly winked at me, telling me everything was alright.
“…” I was dumbfounded. What’s this new guy thinking by covering for me?
“Consequently, I’d like to purchase that slave from you, if you will, my lady.”
“Huh? Why would you want him? He’s useless!” the lady was taken aback. She wouldn’t give up her rights to that slave easily.
“Would ten gold coins suffice?” he offered.
“20.”
I take my words back. She’s just after the money.
“How about 15?”
“Then 18 gold coins!”
“Alright, 16 gold coins,” the princely dude haggled, “Take it or leave it.”
“Deal is closed then,” the lady shook hands with the handsome guy.
Well, that solves it. I needed to return to the militia headquarters, pick up my identification papers, and return to the Palatial Gardens before the guards closed it for sleeping time.
I let myself blend into the crowd.
----------
I heard someone following me while on the road towards the Holy Palatial Gardens.
“…”
Well, it’s a set of horse hooves. It could be a carriage or a lone rider going the same way as me. Anyhow, I needed to step aside. The road wasn’t the usual broad, concrete, and asphalt one back in my old world; it was just a narrow dust path worn down by the passing carts, carriages, coaches, and horses over a long time.
“Oh, hey! It’s the hero of Arles!”
Huh? I turned around and saw a horse a few distances away from me. But never mind the horse, it’s the rider—or riders—that I was concerned about.
“Ah, it’s the ‘bishie’ prince,” I blurted out.
“Huh? What do you mean by ‘beeshee’?” the princely dude from Arles came and stopped before me.
“Well, what do you mean by that ‘hero of Arles’ stuff?” I countered.
“Hm, I guess you wouldn’t know since you suddenly disappeared,” the guy on the horse explained. “That girl you confronted back there is Baroness Gaia Welt. She’s pretty infamous for her cruelty towards her slaves, but the townsfolk of Arles are afraid to do anything because her grandfather wields some influence on the court of the Duke of Savoy, which has jurisdiction over Arles.”
Ah, as typical of the spoiled bigshots…
“And yes, you’re the first person ever in the entire duchy to stand up to her.”
Err… it looks like I attracted some legitimate pain-in-the-ass. Good thing I’m heading north once I saved enough money for a house.
“So yeah, the hushed whispers around the town refer to you as the ‘hero of Arles’,” the ‘bishounen’ informed me. “It’s a good thing you’re someone that Sir Rilley knows. He told me you came from the Holy Palatial Gardens, so I followed and caught up with you here.”
“I see…” I nodded.
“Ah, anyway, I brought over Senshee.”
“Senshee?” I turned my attention to the slave boy behind his back, “That slave boy’s Senshee?”
“Yes, apparently, that’s his name,” the guy shrugged and then introduced himself, “Oh, and by the way, I’m Simon Hugh Reed, the second prince of the Kingdom of Nerfes. Nice to meet you, err…”
“Kuro,” I proudly showed him my newly made identification papers. So, this one’s an actual prince indeed, huh?
“Right, Kuro,” he offered me his hand for a shake, which I obliged.
“By the way, Your Highness—”
“Nah, just call me Simon.”
“Oh…well, Sir Simon, I haven’t thanked you yet for covering for me earlier,” I bowed to show my sincere gratitude, “So yeah, thanks for helping me out. You even had to shell out some money just to save me.”
“Ah, you’re welcome,” Simon smiled, “Just think of it as my sign of respect for what you did. Not only did you bravely confront Baroness Welt, but you also saved the life of this boy.”
“Hmm… I’m just doing what I have to, according to my set of values.”
“You’re pretty humble too, if I may say.”
So yeah, now that I’d said my thanks, I thought it was time for me to proceed to my destination. Although the sun in the sky never set on this land, I could tell by my feelings that I needed to return as soon as possible.
Or I’ll risk sleeping outside the Holy Palatial Gardens.
“Well then, Sir Simon, I guess I need to go on my way now,” I bid him farewell.
“Wait!” Sir Simon stopped me, “How about Senshee?”
“Err… aren’t you the one who bought him from that girl?” I had a terrible feeling about this, “It’s your money, so you get to keep him.”
“Huh? Impossible!” he had a horrific expression on his face, “The Kingdom of Nerfes won’t allow slavery in its territory, so I can’t take in slaves.”
“Well, you may free him if you wish.”
“Don’t be unreasonable, I can’t just do that!” the second prince protested, “Senshee has a slave contract bounding him!”
“But can’t you just break it or something? You bought him, after all.”
“No, I can’t do that! Senshee has already decided to follow you!”
“What?”
“Don’t you know about a slave’s contract?”
“Well, I do have an idea. But isn’t that a forced thing, something that this guy doesn’t have a say?”
“Ah, you’re talking about the ‘Forced’ slave contract. Senshee’s former master, Baroness Welt, used it on him when she bought him from the slave market,” Sir Simon had an amused face, “This time, when Baroness Welt released Senshee from the contract, he voluntarily transferred his ownership to you, the one who saved him. That’s called a ‘Voluntary’ slave contract…something that those who fell into debts would often use.”
Oh, now I get it. So, I became the master of this guy Senshee…Which means I’m in really deep shit.
“So yeah, please take care of Senshee, Kuro. I bid you farewell!” Sir Simon brought down the slave boy and then prodded his horse back to town.
Not only did I stir up unwanted trouble in Arles, but I also had a new mouth to feed.