"Here, take this."
Aerin pulled a small envelope from her chest and handed it to Rayelle.
Rayelle opened it to find a letter from Chloe.
Chloe had noticed that the magic Rayelle used during their farewell seemed to ease and stabilize Chriss’s condition.
She hoped Rayelle could visit her home when free, to keep Chriss company and help manage her symptoms.
At the bottom, Chloe had written a specific time and address—when and where to visit.
Tucked inside was also a tiny emblem: a custom doorbell activator.
Rayelle’s eyes lit up.
She hadn’t known where Chloe lived.
She’d even considered resorting to flirting with Aerin for the address. Now Chloe had given her both time and place—and a doorbell key.
*So thoughtful!*
"Okay, Sister Aerin. I’m heading out."
Rayelle tucked the letter away and stood.
"Stay safe."
Aerin surreptitiously glanced at Vera. Her eyes shifted slightly.
Aerin had skimmed Chloe’s letter before handing it over. She guessed Rayelle’s plan—and deliberately revealed it in front of the mole, Vera.
Last night, that pink-haired girl’s interference had let the Chaos Cultists escape before Aerin arrived.
With only six days left until the sacrifice, losing this lead was disastrous.
Baiting Vera was her only option now.
"Oh, Aerin—I have something to discuss."
Vera withdrew her gaze from Rayelle’s retreating figure and smiled, placing a parchment before Aerin.
"Hm? What is it?"
Aerin picked it up. A new quest request.
"Last night, supernatural creatures stampeded through the forest near Bonn City," Vera frowned. "They seemed terrified by some high-tier presence, migrating en masse."
"A merchant caravan meant to leave last night was caught in the chaos. Heavy losses. They’re stranded in the city now."
"Hm?"
"I suspect demon activity. Could you check it out?"
Vera spread a map on the table.
Aerin leaned in. The attack site and last night’s cultist hideout were on opposite ends of Bonn City.
*Coincidence?*
Aerin’s brow furrowed.
This quest hadn’t existed in her past life. The Butterfly Effect’s reach was wider than she’d thought.
She pretended to study the map while observing Vera.
Though the seasoned adventurer masked well, Aerin—having lived twice—caught the strange glint in her eyes.
*She’s got ulterior motives.*
"Fine. I’ll look into it."
Aerin stood. She’d play along.
With no clear path forward, even a trap laid by enemies was a path worth taking.
She trusted her strength.
"Be careful. Those creatures are dangerous."
"Got it."
Vera waved goodbye, smile vanishing the moment Aerin’s presence faded. Her gaze turned deep and sharp toward where Rayelle had disappeared.
---
Meanwhile, Rayelle strolled down the street, eyeing the market stalls.
*What gift should I bring Chriss?*
After all, she’d already considered the sickly girl a friend.
Despite her frailty, Chriss had used her power to restore Rayelle’s life and mana.
Visiting such a kind friend—especially one gravely ill—demanded a gift.
"But... what would Chriss like..."
Rayelle scratched her head, stumped.
Chriss never appeared in the game’s main story. Rayelle knew almost nothing about her.
"Candy? No... sugar’s bad for most illnesses. Practical items then?"
"Flowers? Pretty, but they die fast. Something lasting would be better..."
Her eyes landed on a shop selling fluffy toys.
Stuffed plushies hung in the window.
*This might work.*
Rayelle hurried over. With the shopkeeper’s permission, she gently touched one.
"Such a soft texture!" she exclaimed, pleasantly surprised.
She’d expected crude craftsmanship, but the plush felt silky-soft and warm.
"These are made with care, little one. Which one catches your eye?" the shopkeeper asked warmly.
"My friend’s very sick. I want to buy her something."
"I see..."
The shopkeeper’s casual smile turned earnest at Rayelle’s serious tone.
"Buying a gift for a dear friend who’s ill? What a good kid."
He rummaged through a box and pulled out a pure-white plushie, placing it in her hands.
"This one’s perfect. I think it suits her."
Rayelle nodded, taking it.
She studied it closely—it resembled her. Both were white fluffballs.
Just the right size to hug while reading or rest against while sleeping.
"Thank you."
As Rayelle reached for her coin purse, she froze.
*Oh no. I’m broke.*
She’d forgotten entirely.
Embarrassed, she patted her empty pockets, then looked up pleadingly at the watching shopkeeper.
"Sir... I don’t have enough money right now. Could you hold this for me? I’ll come back to buy it."
"Of course," he agreed kindly.
"Thank you," Rayelle whispered. She returned the plushie, memorizing the shop’s location before leaving.
*I need to make some money... but how?*
*Take a job? Not a chance. I’m not working in another world too.*
*And I don’t look old enough. Do they even allow child labor here?*
*But what other options are there...*
Just as Rayelle weighed hustling for cash or finding odd jobs, a strange sensation brushed her neck.
"Hm?"
She narrowed her eyes, scanning the crowd.
Someone had been tailing her since earlier.
*Chaos Sect?*
A barely-there smirk touched Rayelle’s lips.
*Fine by me.*
