The tension in the kitchen was almost palpable, yet Voren didn’t seem to be affected by it at all. He simply sat, drinking the water I offered out of the habitual politeness instilled in me since childhood, as I studied him.

I would’ve thought he had no care in the world, if I didn’t see him study me just as intently. His eyes, gleaming dark orange-red like hot steel, looked at everything—but mostly at me. The longer I stared back at them, the harder it was for me to pull my gaze away.

At first glance, Voren looked like a peasant or a beggar. Simple linen tunic, a worn travelling cloak, dusty black hair that must’ve never touched a comb, a kitchen knife worn on a rope belt. The more I thought, the more I was sure that he wasn’t an adventurer despite sitting in the Guild. Many people went to the Guild for one business or another.

But Voren also carried himself with a kind of self-assurance that only came with actual fighting experience. He looked, in my eyes, that saw plenty of green adventurers lose their naïve sheen—and often limbs or lives—like someone who wasn’t new to fighting to the death and prevailing.

He looked like someone who didn’t like to hear ‘no’.

I clenched my fists on my knees. This sort of people were the most abominable, and the fact that I planned to ask this thug’s help, especially with the price he asked for it, made me drown in shame. But I was at the end of my rope here. I had to do something!

If my luck was any better than it was half of my life, then Voren and Teren will just kill each other.

Still, I couldn’t deny that despite his unkempt state, he had a raw handsomeness about him, only enhanced by his day-old stubble. Sharp chin, high cheekbones… many nobles would envy that face.

Voren made a last finishing gulp of his water and let out a satisfied breath before pinning me with that stare of his again. I felt a fluttering in my stomach under these eyes of his.

“So, what did you need from Teren, Rosha?” he asked.

I took in a deep breath, gathering my composure and toughness. I had to risk it. For Risha. “Revenge,” I said. “Not for me… for my little sister.”

I sent her away, into her room. This wasn’t a conversation for her ears. She wouldn’t approve my methods, the gentle soul she was, but I knew Teren won’t leave her alone. It was a pure luck on my side, and caution on Risha’s, that he didn’t know where she lived.

But why would a Silver 1 rank adventurer come to my obscure store for equipment instead of the Guild’s approved one, where he would get an adventurer’s discount to boot?

“Revenge?” to my surprise, Voren grinned. His teeth were shockingly white. “I like that. What did Teren do to your cute little sister?”

I frowned at him with suspicion. “I don’t want you to even look at her wrong, hear me? You had your sights on me, so keep them here, understood?”

“So protective. I just gave her a compliment, didn’t I?” now Voren looked genuinely puzzled. “Fine. I imagine you want Teren dead?”

I nodded. Voren’s casual attitude was strangely relaxing. He didn’t look appalled at all, or shocked, or… He looked like he was buying a set of armour from me. I didn’t know I needed that kind of casualness from anyone. Murder… I couldn’t stay entirely calm for a cold-blooded murder, but at least one person here could.

“I also want to sign a magical contract,” I added. “I don’t trust you to not sell me if you get caught.” ‘Or not to blackmail me if you didn’t,’ I finished inwardly.

Voren gave a long, narrow-eyed look before smiling again. Not a cheerful smile. “This will go both ways, Rosha.”

I took it as an agreement.

There wasn’t a lot of contract paper in my supplies—I had to cut corners even there with my tight budget—but I had enough for a short and simple contract. Neither I nor Voren were professional wordpickers, so it was short and sweet.

[Contract on Assassination

1. After Teren dies due to Voren’s actions, Rosha must have sex with Voren within 48 hours upon request, limited to 1 time.

2. Voren and Rosha cannot share information about each other with an intent to harm or exploit each other, forever.]

He still insisted on getting payment with his body, the shameless man. I gave him a dirty look as I rested my quill. “Are you sure you don’t want proper clothing instead? It’s still not too late to change the wording.”

“You can add new clothing to the list if you insist so much,” Voren gave me a predator’s grin. “No time constraints, though? You don’t want to get Teren dead so much, I see.”

I didn’t want to sleep with Voren. At least until he cleaned up. “You will have time to prepare.”

He shrugged. “Well, that’s on you, either way. I have no intent on spending too long on it.” He reread the contract one more time and put his hand on it. In a second, his name appeared on the paper. I followed the gesture, though the signature took me a moment longer.

The paper flashed, and I checked my character sheet.

[Contracts]

Loan Contract with Adventurer’s Guild (expiration date isn’t stated)

Contract on Assassination (expiration date isn’t stated)

Everything was in order. I began to clean the quill from ink, when a rustle of fabric from Voren made me raise my eyes.

He took off his cloak and was scratching his back. “Damn, it’s so stuffy under that cloak…” he muttered. But it wasn’t what made the quill fall from my hands and my jaw drop to the floor.

It was the pair of insect-like wings that unfolded behind Voren’s back.