"Huu... huff..."
Wiping my tear-streaked and runny nose with my sleeve, I wonder why this secret passage is so pitch dark. It's so scary! There are plenty of light spells, so why not install some?
I've traveled through the hidden passage in the mansion and arrived at an empty church. When I push open the entrance, I'm greeted by bright daylight.
"Hey, Mugger-kun!"
"Don't call me that!"
There, sitting on the partially collapsed outer wall of the church, is the button-snatching Mugger-kun from before.
He's one of those rare encounters, and I'm thrilled to meet someone. I wave enthusiastically.
"Long time no see! What are you up to? Having your free time?"
"Wow, you're completely lacking in caution, aren't you? And you're quite rude. Anyway, here..."
Mugger-kun extends his fist toward me.
"What's this?"
"...button. I'm returning it."
"Oh, it's from my clothes."
In my palm lies a white button. Brother Sevran once told me it's made from some exquisite shell material.
He took about four of them, but he returned three.
Huh? Didn't Mugger-kun say he needed this for buying medicine?
"You don't need it anymore?"
...Oh no! D-don't tell me, the-there's no way, the person didn't make it...?!
"What's with your expression? They're safe. Well, it turns out the boss around here changed, and the medicine is cheaper now. As for this button, it was quite valuable."
"Yeah, it's made from some shell that sticks to a Gon's horn."
"I get it; you don't remember anything. But listen..."
"Hmm?"
"...I sold one, but I promise to compensate for it someday. Thanks to you, I am saved, and I'm grateful."
"Got it! No problem!"
"Hahaha! You're really easy, you know."
It's a relief that someone I don't even know was saved. If the buttons are no longer needed, I'll take them back. Maybe Kitty can fix my clothes with them. As I rummage through my pocket, Mugger-kun stares at me intently.
"What? Are you still thinking about mugging me?"
"Of course not!"
He responded loudly. Compared to the delinquents from my past life, Mugger-kun seems harmless, so I'm not scared.
Mugger-kun fidgets with his mouth, as if he wants to say something but holds back. Kind-hearted me sits down next to him.
Sitting on a crumbling wall is quite uncomfortable.
"...You seriously lack caution. What if I actually wanted more money and decided to attack you?"
"Mugger-kun, you'll do that?"
"No! And enough with that nickname. My name is Treize."
"Got it! Nice to meet you, Treize! I'm Fran."
"Sure, sure."
"Yeah. By the way, I've come prepared."
"Prepared?"
I show him the contents of my pocket. Besides the newly acquired buttons, there are several tiny sparkling gemstones. They're about the size of my little finger's nail.
"If I'm ever chased, I'll throw these to create chaos. While they're distracted, I can escape. Genius plan, right?"
I'm quite proud of myself. After all, these trick were something my friend used in my past life!
I puff out my chest triumphantly.
"Seems like a veteran merchant's approach..."
Treize sighs, restraining my enthusiasm by pressing down on my pocket.
"Don't show them off too much. And don't carry them around; it'll only make you a bigger target."
"But I'll use them if I'm in danger!"
"That's not what I meant... If you're going to risky places, I'll accompany you. So leave these behind."
"You really will? Yay! Will you show me around the city too? Guide me through the streets?"
"Yes, really. I'll be your guide. But listen carefully: these gemstones—"
"I'll leave them behind!"
Great! Lucky! Now I can find a way to escape from the empire. Oh, and I'll buy lots of sweets too!
"More importantly, I'm a foodie! I want to visit a delicious pastry shop. Treize, do you know any?"
"Alright. I know a good one."
"Then let's go now! I want cookies!"
"Wait, wait, wait, wait."
I'm excited to explore delicious treats!
When I put my arms on Treize's lap, and rocked him back and forth, he held my shoulders tightly.
"Calm down; there's an order to things. First, you can't go to the city dressed like that. If they realize you're a noble, you'll be abducted immediately."
"Abducted?"
"They'll strip you of everything, and you'll end up— well, with that cute face, you'll probably be sold."
"Me?!"
"You."
I used to think that stories about human trafficking were something that only happens in dangerous foreign countries. But now, images of myself being kidnapped by bad men flash through my mind.
(Scary...)
I shudder, my face turning cold, and everything spins before my eyes. My body sways backward.
"Whoa! Are you okay? ...I apologize for scaring you, but it's the truth. For now, just go home. I'll escort you."
"Okay... sniff..."
This is bad. I can't go back through the hidden passage. My head feels dizzy and nauseous. But I can't rely on the passage alone. I have to return on my own. Why did the person who created this path make it so terrifying? It drains all my energy.
"Ugh... Mugger-kun, I'm so scared that I might cry. Can you hold me tightly?"
"Sure... Is this enough?"
"Uh-huh. And could you pat my back too?"
"Pat... Ah, like this? I used to do this a lot with my younger brothers."
I shuffled around and settled on Mugger-kun's lap. As he pats my back, the fear subsides a little.
"You're like a cat."
"Listen... I'll be able to go back on my own soon."
"Got it, got it. Don't force yourself to talk. And, my name is Treize."
As he continues to pat my back gently, I start to doze off.
I took a short nap, and when I woke up, I felt better.
I thank Mugger-kun and said goodbye.
He responds with, "I'm Treize!"
Once you give someone a nickname, it just sticks with you.
My apologies for that.