Hero Stories: A Deal With A Price Forgone

It was an ordinary day. As usual, I was on my way home after finishing work.

Then, I heard this loud meowing coming from the bushes.

...

I went to check it out, and there was this white cat just sitting there!

So what?

That wasn't the end of it! That's just how it started!

The next day too, and the day after that...even today!

I keep hearing meowing in that exact spot, and every time I check, it's a different cat!

So, what exactly are you asking us to do?

I want to know why different cats keep showing up in that same place! And why that particular spot!

...

...That's what I need help figuring out!

Sounds like fun.

What's so fun about that?!

You seriously want to drag us into something that ridiculous?!

W-Well this is a private investigator's office, right? You take on any and all requests.

We don't take on weird jobs like this, okay?

Huh? Weird? I'm being totally serious here...

Stop wasting our time and get lost!

Wait, hang on...!

Rinak, you shouldn't be so rude to clients.

He's the rude one! You really believe that nonsense? It's obviously made up!

I-I'm not lying...

See? He said he's not.

...Robin, you shouldn't trust people so easily.

Hmm. Is that right?

What? Why are you looking at me like that?

Nothing... I was just wondering who's really the gullible one here.

...Are you calling me a kid again? I'm not a child anymore!

If you've got this much time for silly requests, maybe go scrub the floors instead!

Seriously, you're no help at all!

Excuse me...

If you're not going to take the job, I'll just find someone else...

Wait.

Yes?!

No, not you.

Rinak.

Huh?

Give it back.

W-What are you even talking about?

I wonder, what could I be talking about?

Tch. Always so quick to catch on...

Fine, I'll give it back!

Huh?! This is...my watch?! When did you even take this...?

Now, let's see. Nothing else missing, right?

If you're that careless, you won't even realize when something's missing. Be more careful.

Since our boss doesn't want to take your request, come back another time with a different request.

Wait a minute!

Well then, goodbye.

...

Rinak, we agreed you wouldn't touch other people's belongings without my permission, right?

If you keep pulling stunts like that with sloppy techniques, you'll be caught in no time.

He didn't even notice anything!

But I noticed, didn't I?

...

I told you right? Until you're a better villain than me, stuff like that's off-limits.

...Yeah, you said that. But still...!

Is that important? At this rate, we won't even be able to pay this month's rent!

And we wasted time listening to that guy's nonsense, we have to get paid no matter what!

Wow.

Rinak, is that how I raised you?

Yes. You said so yourself, Robin.

That everything comes with a price, and even if you have to chase someone to hell, you always collect.

...That's true, but if you covet something beyond your ability...

You'll end up cursed.

Huh? What curse?

The awful, terrible...

Curse of being stuck as a little kid forever!

You're joking again.

Every time I talk to you, I feel like I'm getting dumber.

Hey, Rinak! Where are you going?

Why do you care!

Don't stay out too late! And watch your surroundings!

You never stop treating me like a kid!

Kids these days...so touchy.

If Robin had just kept quiet, I wouldn't have been caught. Picking on me for no reason...!

Since coming here, Robin's been getting weirder! She just laughs while reading joke books.

Wait, is it this area that's the problem?

...

No, I know the truth.

It's probably me.

Robin quit the underworld to protect a little brat like me.

Oh?! Rinak! Just who I was looking for. Perfect timing.

Why? Do you have business with me?

He's got a question for you!

U-Um... How do I move as fast as you do?

Everyone says you're amazing. I thought maybe you had a secret or something...

A secret, huh?

Well, I could tell you, but do you think you can keep up? It took me forever to get this good.

A-As long as you're willing to tell me...

See? Everyone says I'm great. Robin's the only one always worrying.

...?! What's going on?

R-Rinak! There are some thugs over there...!

What?

Hey! This isn't what we agreed on! You said I'd get paid once the job was done!

What are you talking about? I never said that...

So you're just gonna play dumb, huh?!

Stop it!

...! Is that Betty?

Hey, why don't you guys knock it off?

Who the hell are you?

Get lost, kid, unless you wanna get hurt.

...Looks like talking won't cut it.

Bring it on, you bastard.

Ugh... Y-You'll regret this!

Just try coming back! I'll beat you to a pulp!

Betty, are you hurt?

I'm okay. Thanks to you... Really, thank you, Rinak.

It's not like I did it for you or anything.

I just hate seeing punks messing around in our neighborhood.

Haha, I knew you'd say something like that.

Tch. You and Robin both treat me like a kid.

Feel free to eat as much as you want.

You don't have to tell me that, I'm going to take my fair share for helping you anyway.

Anyway... what was that "promise" the thugs mentioned earlier?

Oh, that's...

If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine. It's not like I was asking because I was curious.

But let me give you one piece of advice.

You're new here, so maybe you don't know yet, but don't get involved with thugs.

Does that include you too, Rinak?

What? I'm not like those lowlifes!

I'm elegant, like Robin, ruling the underworld just by existing...

...

Huh? Why'd you stop talking?

I've been thinking, Betty.

About what?

Lately... Robin's been acting kinda pathetic.

*chuckling* Did you two fight or something?

No, I'm serious. Compared to how she used to be...

...

Kiddo, I came all this way just to save your butt. You could at least say hi, you know.

Robin...?

Haha, why do you look so surprised, Rinak?

I told you, didn't I? That I'd protect you no matter what happens.

...

Hey, kid?

Everyone said that, but they all left me.

Adults always lie.

My mom said she'd come back after everything was over, but she never did. And those kind people? They just wanted to use me.

That's harsh. Did you think of me the same way as those people?

...

Well, maybe you're right. Adults do lie a lot.

Do you know why?

...Why?

Because they're weak.

They're weak, so they make promises they can't keep and lie to get things they don't deserve.

But I'm different. I'm strong enough to protect you.

...

So I'll never break my promise to you or lie to you.

So...

Come with me, Rinak.

...You promised.

Huh?

I said you promised. If you don't keep it, I'll kill you.

Hahahaha. You really are a feisty brat.

She was so cool back then...but these days? She's acting like such an idiot.

She keeps nagging me with some weird logic. Did she go crazy from living in this dump?

Hmm... So you're worried that Robin's changed?

Yeah...

Maybe she chose to be that way on purpose.

She's not part of the underworld anymore. Maybe there's no need for her to be on guard like she used to be.

...Maybe Betty is right.

I don't really get what Robin's thinking, but things have changed...so I guess she had to change too.

And now she's got me to deal with, too.

...Rinak.

Anyway, it's so annoying! I'm all grown up now! I'm not some helpless kid she needs to look after anymore!

Hmm...

Then why not show her what you're capable of?

What I'm capable of?

Yeah. There's a rumor going around the back alleys these days.

Have you heard of the "Tycoon's Jeweled Egg"?

No...?

It's made of precious jewels. They say if you get your hands on it, you'll never have to work again.

But no one's ever managed to steal it.

Hmm.

If you pull it off the heist, everyone will see how amazing you are.

And of course, Robin will finally acknowledge you.

...That's not a bad idea.

I'm in! Tell me where the tycoon's mansion is!

Your role is crucial. First, you need to scout out the security personnel, then meet back here...

Then, what do I do?

You're quick, so you scout the room where the Jeweled Egg is.

...

According to the map Betty gave us, the Jeweled Egg should be here...

I could do this alone...why am I stuck with these guys...?

I'm in! Tell me where the tycoon's mansion is!

Hold on, Rinak.

I love the enthusiasm, but I heard security's been tighter lately.

Wouldn't it be better to go with a few helpful friends?

What? No way!

Well, if you're that against it, I guess we can just forget about the Tycoon's Jeweled Egg.

Betty! Seriously?!

You can't do it alone.

...Fine, I'll go together with a group!

Rinak, are you even listening right now?

Nope.

What?

Who are you to question me when you're just a thief?

There are stories about thieves sneaking in here and vanishing without a trace.

You don't want that happening to you too, do you?

Yeah! Betty really stressed that point!

Then, let's split up.

What do you mean...

Betty worries too much, so I had to ask you to come with me.

But I've always worked solo. So let's split up right here.

Well, I'm off.

Wait, hold on!

Hmm. They've set up all kinds of little tricks.

But if I go this way, those little tricks will be useless.

Rinak! Wait for me!

Something's off, though.

There are guards and traps, sure...but nothing those rookies couldn't handle.

Huh?

Rinak...

That idiot! Did he get caught by that shabby magic detector?!

Hey! Who's there?!

...Damn it.

Drop your weapons!

Weapons? What are you accusing an innocent civilian of?

Stop talking nonsense and get down on the ground now!

W-What do we do...?

Forget the Jeweled Egg, we need to escape.

Give up the Jeweled Egg? Are you serious?!

Stop being an idiot. Nothing's worth more than staying alive.

I'll count to three and throw a smoke bomb. Run like hell.

Rinak!

You'd better do as I say.

One, two...

Did you...just push me?!

Get down to the basement! Do whatever it takes to grab that Jeweled Egg!

Are you insane?! You dare betray me?!

Get her!

Let go of me!

Hmm...

I could pick these cuffs blindfolded...

...

But the problem is the guard watching me.

I need to distract him for a moment so he doesn't notice me picking the handcuffs.

Ack! Ow ow ow...

What is it?

Cuffs on a delicate lady like me? That's just cruel.

Be quiet.

Come on, you could at least hear me out.

Honestly, the Jeweled Egg wasn't even that important to me...

Those guys forced me into this. They said they'd hurt me if I didn't help.

...

Oh, right. You're trying to catch the guys who ran away, right?

How about you let me go, and I'll catch those thieves for you?

You'd help catch your comrades?

Exactly!

Don't make me laugh.

We already know how much you care about them.

That's why they're being held as hostages.

What? Hostages?

The guys who came with me were captured too?

Yes. We're holding them hostage so you won't try to escape.

...Wait. If what he's saying is true, was I the target all along?

Why me...?

What's with all this commotion?

...Nothing, sir.

Doesn't sound like nothing.

Ugh!

You there. Don't cause any unnecessary trouble.

...Tch. Guess I can't get any more information out of him.

What? I was just making a perfectly reasonable offer.

We have no business with a rookie who doesn't even know what situation she's in.

...If it weren't for those guys, I wouldn't have been caught by someone pathetic like you.

Haha, that's rich.

That's exactly why you're the bait.

Bait...?

How unfortunate. You're about to lose your precious bait.

T-The cuffs...!

Don't just stand there! Grab her!

All that talk, and this is what you've got?

Ughhh...

D-Don't let her escape...!

Pretty sure you're the one who doesn't get the situation here.

Ack!

Now it's time to answer my questions.

Why did you call me bait?

...?! What the hell is that noise...?

Heh. You think I'm gonna tell you?

You bastard...

What's going on?!

The bait escaped.

She couldn't have gone far. Find her, fast!

They called me bait again. Why are they after me?

Maybe I should look into it a little more.

No, there's no point in wasting time. I'm in the middle of enemy territory. It's only a matter of time before I'm caught.

I need to get out of here. I'll get help from Robin once I'm out...

Help me.

Huh?

Anyone, please get me out of here...

What? Whose voice is that...?

Please, get me out of here.

Who's there?

...Okay, that is definitely creepy.

But that voice...it sounded so exhausted.

Hmm...

Screw it! Whatever happens, happens!

Huh?

Huuuuh?

Ahhhhh!

Ouch, my butt...

Where...am I?

Whoa, look at all these jewels. Am I dreaming?

Ouch!

Not dreaming!

Piles of money. Jewels that are obviously worth a fortune.

And this dust...

Evidence that this place has been abandoned for a long time.

That means...this is the tycoon's hidden treasure room!

Now... I'm...

Rich! Mwahahaha!

...

What was that? An animal?

It seems you've found me.

Wait, this voice...

Were you the one who called me?

Yes. Though I didn't expect anyone to actually hear me.

...Why did you call me?

No need to be afraid, little one.

Look at me, I'm all tied up. I couldn't hurt you if I tried.

...Now that I look at you, you're covered in blood.

Right now, I can't even break these chains.

I'm sorry to show you such a terrible sight.

How long have you been stuck here?

Since the mansion's owner was alive.

Since the owner's presence disappeared and no one came here anymore... I must have been forgotten by everyone.

So, you've been waiting for someone to release you?

That's right.

...

There, all done. I wish that owner had released you before they died.

...You're a kind child.

What? It's not like I released you because I felt sorry for you.

You were in the way of the jewels. That's all.

"In the way," really...?

By the way, why couldn't you break those shackles?

Judging from the fact that you can speak, you're not a normal animal...

You're right. Normally, I could've broken them easily.

But without a contractor, I can't use my powers properly.

A contractor?

Then you better find one quick.

You probably don't know, but many rich people have sick hobbies.

You seem to be a special animal... You don't want to suffer like this again, do you?

...

Anyway, you're free now, so you should leave.

Huh? What's that sound?

CLANG! CLANG!

Wh-What the heck?!

Look out!

Ngh...!

*whirring*

That thing's after us!

Can you move?

I can. But the problem is...

I'll hold it off, you escape.

...You want me to leave you behind?

*aggressive beeping*

I said get out of here!

I'm sorry, but I can't do as you say.

You changed the fate of someone left here to rot, forgotten by the world.

How could I abandon the one who saved me?

You really don't get it. Sometimes, you have to be selfish...

KIIIIING!

If you want to stay alive!

But you're risking yourself for me.

I'm not shameless enough to ask someone injured for help. And I'm done relying on others.

If I can't stand on my own, I'll never be able to protect what matters to me.

...So you've got someone to protect.

Yeah. I want to become someone strong and reliable, someone who can protect the person I care about.

That's why I came all the way here to prove my skills. Though things didn't go as planned.

So, this has nothing to do with you. Just think of it as me being stubborn.

...

KIIING... KIIII...

I told you to run away quickly!

I can't do that.

Ugh... What the hell...?

KIK... KIKIKI... KIK...

Wh-What? You took them all down?

I didn't defeat them. I only stopped that magic device for a moment.

Still, that's incredible!

If you had this kind of power, why were you trapped?!

Without a contract, I can only use this power once or twice. It's not enough to escape.

What...exactly are you?

Let me introduce myself properly. I am Hanien, a Guardian who received the power of the Goddess.

If we form a contract, you can gain power that is incomparable to what you just saw.

...You're saying I can have that much power?

Even in the middle of danger, you tried to protect me.

I've been searching for someone like that to form a contract with.

So, what do you think? Will you form a contract with me?

Damn...

If it means getting that kind of power, how could I say no!

Form a contract with me right now!

Wait, before that, there are things I need to explain...

You think now's the time for explanations?! Just do it already!

...Haha. You're really something.

W-Wait. Why are you getting closer...

Close your eyes.

Huh? Something just went into my mouth...

Mmph...?!

So this is the power you were talking about?

...It's too early to be impressed.

KIII KIIIK...

Perfect. Now I can give this power a proper test.

Hanien, stay back.

Now I finally have the power to protect everyone!

Kiiiik...

Huff...huff...

Amazing.

It's incredible. My movements are different.

Finally...!

Yes. You now have the power to protect others...

Finally, now that the nuisance is gone, shall we collect the jewels?

What did you just say?

Ugh, that device must be really stupid. It even broke these decorations...what a waste.

...

I did need a contractor...but perhaps I was too hasty.

Still, I didn't have a choice.

To break through this special barrier surrounding the area, I need the power of an Heir who formed a contract with me.

In a way, maybe I ended up using an innocent kid.

Hey, Hanien!

I've got everything. Let's get out of here!

...

Did you really grab all of that?

Of course I did!

You need to have ambition to become a big-shot villain.

I don't think that's how that saying goes...

With this much, I can finally show Robin what I'm capable of.

Alright, time to hea...

...Are you okay?

What the hell? It's like I hit a wall.

I was trying to tell you that it's something the mansion owner installed...

So annoying.

...

What are you doing just standing there? Didn't you want to get out?

...Questionable morals aside, at least you're a strong Heir.

Hanien, you said the owner of this mansion is already dead, right?

Yes.

Then, who are the people occupying this place now?

Most likely thieves, after whatever valuables are left.

That doesn't seem right, something smells fishy.

Why do you think so?

They called me bait.

Which means they're using me to lure something else out.

But I have no idea what that something is.

Hide. Someone's coming.

Stop right there!

Do you think I'll stop just because you say so?!

Huh? Those guys...

R-Rinak?!

Rinak, seriously?

Please help us, Rinak!

Sigh, I guess I have no choice.

...

S-S-Sorry...

We're sorry, Rinak!

We messed up!

Forget the apology.

To be honest, betraying me was a pretty logical move.

...Y-You're forgiving us?

Yeah. So you guys get out of the mansion quickly.

What about you?

I've got things to do.

Huh...? What was that sound?

Let's check it out, Hanien!

Where are you going?! Rinak...!

Ugh...

You were the one who said we couldn't take Robin head-on and suggested using bait, remember?

And yet you even lost the bait, Rinak.

Seeing how you let even that sorry group of thieves get away, maybe I never should've trusted you.

...Betty?

You dared to use me as bait to lure Robin...?

You bastard!

Hold on, Rinak!

You're gonna charge into enemy lines? You'll get yourself killed!

Let go of me! I can handle them now!

Anyway, we lost the bait. This mission's a failure.

We'll have to be honest with the boss. Tell him we didn't take out Robin.

There's been no report of the bait escaping the mansion. It's not over yet.

Everyone, capturing the bait is now our top priority!

Sigh. So that's how it is? Fine.

If we can't catch them, killing them is fine too.

As long as Robin doesn't find out, we'll have another shot.

Oh, that's a very reasonable decision.

...?!

What...

Hey, Betty. And...whoever you are.

Ah, isn't that a bit too harsh of a greeting?

...When exactly did you figure it out?

That's a difficult question.

I just figured it out naturally.

What do you mean?

You always seemed tense whenever you stood in front of me.

You can hide your expression, but it's hard to control your sweat and breathing.

H-How could you even notice that...?

Missing details like that is a good way to end up dead in this line of work.

Anyway, using Rinak to draw me in? Not a bad plan.

But now that your little scheme's been exposed, it's time to pay up, right?

Don't you agree, Rinak?

...Damn it, Robin.

If you knew all along, you could've at least warned me!

Aren't you supposed to be my guardian?!

Didn't you say you're not a kid anymore? You can handle this much on your own.

W-Well, yeah, but still...

So you knew everything. How arrogant of you...

Maybe it's for the best. Our real goal was to get you here and take you down.

Robin, this is my mess, so let me clean it up.

Hmm. Even for you, dealing with all of them might be too much, don't you think?

We'll see about that. Watch closely how much I've grown.

I wonder who you take after to be this stubborn.

Alright then...

Show me what you've got, Rinak.

Gah!

Hehe. See that, Robin? This is a piece of cake now!

You've definitely grown stronger than before.

But Rinak...

Urgh...!

You're still sloppy with the cleanup.

Tch.

I'll say it again, don't even think about messing with me.

Same goes for our little one here.

Who're you calling little?! I'm not a kid anymore!

Ngh... If you think about it, all of this happened because of you!

Did you think you could live peacefully after committing such acts in the past?

Don't make me laugh. Sooner or later, you'll pay...

Ugh...!

I know. Everything has a price.

And I don't intend to deny what I've done.

But...

Aaaaaaagh!

It's not time yet.

Tell your boss to not even think about messing with me.

Ah, but you can't, can you?

D-Don't come any closer!

Ahhhhh!

Hmmmm.

...Smells like blood.

After all that, there are still idiots causing trouble?

Probably Betty's crew. We didn't clean out every last one.

Why didn't you just wipe them all out at once?

Leaving a few behind makes a stronger impression. Remember that.

Yeah. Got it.

My, you're teaching the child such wonderful things.

...So, Rinak.

Yeah?

When were you planning to explain that?

Uhhh... So, about that...

...Here's what happened.

You gained power, but in exchange, you have to help some Heir of the Covenant or whatever to save the world?

No way. I can't allow that.

Why not?! You said I could do anything as long as I was strong enough!

Taking care of yourself is one thing. Protecting the world is something else.

...But if the world is in danger, we won't be able to stay together, will we?

Hanien asked me to protect the world, but what I really want to protect...is the future I have with you!

With my own hands, with my own strength... I want to protect the people I care about!

She always has to be so stubborn.

I said no, but in the end, I'll probably let Rinak do what she wants.

She's the only one I've never been able to win against.

But every deal has a price.

The greater your wish, the greater the cost.

Just as my past keeps holding me back whenever I wish for a peaceful life with Rinak.

Robin...

What now? You slammed the door like you wanted to break it.

Was it that cold outside?

N-No, it wasn't!

Come in quickly.

About what we were discussing earlier, I'll give my permission, but promise me one thing.

R-Really?!

Yes. I know.

Someday, I'll have to pay the price.

And I'll take it all on, so you don't have to lose anything.

That's all I wish for.