“How is it?”

  A tense silence enveloped the bar.

  The red-haired adventurer furrowed his brows, his expression darkening as he processed my words.

  Did I fail?

  I glanced at the two slaves, catching their anxious gazes.

  I gave them a small, apologetic look, silently conveying that I had done all I could.

  And then—

  “Two people.” A familiar voice echoed from the entrance.

  “G-Guildmaster!”

  Sis Sasa nearly jumped at the sudden appearance of the guildmaster.

  Everyone turned toward the entrance as Sis Karin strode in, her sharp eyes locked onto the red-haired adventurer.

  She walked with an effortless grace, closing the distance between them.

  Though she was slightly shorter than him, the few steps between them gave her an imposing presence, making her seem as if she were looking down at him despite their height difference.

  Her arms crossed over her chest, and her azure eyes pierced through him like a blade.

  “The wages given to adventurers who train the kids are per person,” she stated, her tone firm. “So, since there are two of them, they will receive two wages.”

  She continued, not giving him a chance to interrupt.

  “And of course, you still have to pay for the food. For the next two and a half days, they will work here without wages to cover your debt. After that, they will start receiving their daily wages.”

  She took another step forward, her presence alone making the man straighten his posture.

  “The kids only train from Monday to Friday. That means they won’t train anyone on weekends. Instead, they will work fully in the bar on Saturdays and Sundays. Naturally, they will be paid for their time.”

  The weight of her words hung in the air.

  She is so cool.

  He frowned, considering his options before finally speaking, “Okay, I agreed.”

  I let out a quiet breath.

  I glanced at the slaves, watching as their expressions shifted.

  Relief.

  They looked at each other, and for the first time, I saw genuine happiness in their eyes.

  Even if it wasn’t true freedom, at least now, they had a space where they wouldn’t be mistreated every waking moment.

  But then—

  “But,” he added, his voice turning cold, “I will take them back every night after their work is over. They’ll return in the morning.”

  Ah…

  So he still wouldn’t let them go.

  Even if I managed to lessen their suffering, he still intended to use them at night.

  I saw the slaves’ faces momentarily twisting with emotions they quickly suppressed.

  I wanted to argue, but what could I say? I had no power to take them away from him.

  I’m sorry. It can’t be helped. I can’t help further than this.

  At least now, he wouldn’t be able to hurt them during the day.

  Ah… it seems they noticed my gaze.

  They glanced at me and smiled.

  A forced smile. A pained smile.

  But one that told me it was okay.

  That this was already enough.

  I nodded at them, though the frustration still burned inside me.

  “Okay, that’s no problem,” Sis Karin said, her tone neutral. “We’ll give them their wages before they leave each night.”

  Then, as if anticipating any further schemes, she added,

  “By the way, we only accept a maximum of three trainers. Each one will be responsible for aura, mana, and physical training. But since you already have two, the final slot is reserved for another adventurer.”

  She had completely outplayed him.

  By restricting him to two trainers, he couldn’t abuse the system by bringing in more slaves to leech off the guild’s money.

  It also gives the chance for other adventurers to train the kids.

  His scowl deepened. He knew what she was doing. But he had no choice but to accept.

  “Fine.”

  He turned toward the slaves.

  “Hazel, Esta. This is an order—you two will work here every morning until night. You will return to me every night with your wages.”

  ““Yes, Master.””

  They bowed simultaneously, their voices steady, their expressions unreadable.

  Then, unexpectedly—

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  He turned to me.

  His rough hand landed on my head, patting me twice.

  “What’s your name, brat?”

  I looked up, blinking in confusion.

  “…I’m Freed.”

  “Brat—no, Freed. I take back what I said. You’re smart.”

  I stiffened.

  “I know what your real intention was,” he continued. “But since I benefit from this, I’ll let it slide.”

  Ah... He figured it out.

  But I kept my expression blank, tilting my head in innocent confusion.

  “What are you talking about, big brother? I was just being honest when I said you were really strong.”

  He let out an amused scoff. “Let’s leave it at that, then.”

  And with that, he turned and left the guild.

  “Haaa… Finally, it’s over.”

  I sighed, releasing the tension that had built up.

  I wanted to collapse right there.

  Not only had I been under the pressure of his aura, but I had been the center of attention for the entire guild.

  The need to recharge my introverted energy overwhelmed me.

  Being in the spotlight like that was exhausting.

  But before I could sink to the floor, I felt a warm hand on my back.

  Sis Sasa.

  “It’s not over yet, Freed,” she whispered, nudging me forward. “Look there.”

  I followed her gaze.

  And then—

  *Clap* *Clap* *Clap*

  It started with the tanned fire mage, but soon—

  The entire bar erupted into applause.

  “You are awesome, Freed!”

  “Whoa, you’re such a cool brat!”

  “You’re so strong for a kid!”

  “You’re the best, Freed!”

  “You’re really a genius, Freed!”

  “Good job, kid!”

  Cheers and compliments resonated in the air. Some of them even raised their hands while cheering me on. The other kids also praised me.

  It was strange.

  I had done public presentations in my previous life before. The audience always clapped at the end.

  But this…

  This was different.

  Those people in the past had clapped out of politeness.

  These people…

  They were genuinely proud of me.

  I felt… warm.

  For the first time, I experienced this heartfelt encouragement.

  Despite my introverted nature, the sensation grew on me, I didn’t dislike it.

  Yet, a tinge of embarrassment crept in.

  Bowing several times, I attempted to conceal my shyness in response to their praises.

  And then—

  ““FREEEEEEDDDD!””

  Two familiar voices and the accompanying footsteps reached me from the corner of the bar.

  Their presence had slipped my mind, considering they chose a secluded spot due to the crowded atmosphere.

  Turning in their direction, I found both of them rushing towards me, embracing me suddenly.

  “You were so awesome, Freed!”

  “You were really cool, Freed!”

  “S-Sisters! I-It’s embarrassing!”

  Sis Celes and Sissy hugged me tight, squeezing the air out of my lungs.

  Truly. The cheers and praises from the adventurers had already flushed my cheeks, and now, being enveloped in hugs by my two beautiful sisters in front of the crowd heightened the embarrassment.

  Sis Celes seemed unusually energetic, much like Sissy!

  The adventurers laughed, amused by my situation.

  “What are you saying, Freed?” Sis Celes teased. “You’re the superstar today!”

  “That’s right!” Sissy grinned. “I’m so proud of you!”

  “G-Geez! S-Stop it, you two! It’s really embarrassing!”

  They exchanged mischievous glances, both nodding simultaneously before releasing me.

  Relief washed over me as I caught my breath.

  However, a new wave of panic hit me.

  “Guys! Listen up!” Sis Celes spun around, addressing the crowd, "Since my little brother is the superstar today, we’re covering your food and drinks for the next hour!”

  Sissy added the fuel,

  “Go ahead and enjoy—it’s on us!”

  ““WHOAAAA!””

  I paled.

  “You two are amazing!”

  “Celestia, I love you!”

  “Daisy, you’re so cute!”

  Gratitude poured in from the adventurers.

  There were even some remarks I couldn’t ignore.

  I will remember their faces who dare to steal my sisters away from me!

  Yet, for the time being, I ignored them as a more pressing matter demanded attention.

  “Sissy! Sis Celes! W-What are you doing!? Where did you get that much money to cover this!? You need to save, not spend!”

  “It’s okay, it’s okay!”

  Definitely not okay!

  “It’s a very special occasion, Freed. We have to celebrate.”

  No, sis Celes! You don’t grasp the situation!

  They're notorious gluttons!

  Offering them free food will rack up a hefty bill!

  I worried about the cost that would make my sisters bankrupt.

  But before I could panic further, a hand landed on my shoulder.

  Sis Karin came to the rescue.

  She smirked at me before turning to the crowd.

  “No need for the next hour!”

  “Today, I witnessed something fascinating! Freed is the superstar today! But! You guys also stepped in to help!

  “In my eyes, you're all stars too! So! The bar is now closed to other customers tonight!”

  “Only for all of you who are currently here! Listen up!”

  “You get free food and drinks tonight!”

  She raised her hand and declared,

  “Tonight… we celebrate.”

  ““Whoaa! Guildmaster!””

  ““Guildmaster!””

  Cheers erupted among the adventurers, their energy soaring at the prospect of free food.

  Then, she glanced at the slaves, winked playfully, and raised her hand again, signaling the adventurers to hush.

  “Moreover, don’t you all want to see these two girls serve your food here? Let them eat first, prepare for a while, and witness how cute they are!”

  ““Whoaa! Guildmaster is the best!””

  The cheers were now exclusively from male adventurers, while the female adventurers looked on with a mix of disdain and amusement at the situation.

  “S-Sis Karin! Thank you! B-But.. Is that really okay?”

  I bowed to her, expressing my concern about providing free food.

  “It’s all right. You and them deserve it. Actually, I'm grateful for helping those two girls. Do you forgot what my race is?”

  Ah…

  She is an half-elf.

  So, she’s expressing gratitude to me and other adventurers for aiding an elf slave.