Chelsea had an important role to play in conquering the heart of the dragon princess, but right now, she was just a weak girl dressed like a boy.
She stood before me holding a knife, her eyes strong and full of determination. Even though her face was smeared with dirt and partly hidden by her bangs, her feminine aura was still recognizable.
"What are you doing?"
My rough voice echoed, and she flinched upon hearing it. She spoke in a neutral tone, trying to conceal her gender.
"Hand over all your valuables if you want to live."
Even though her instincts screamed that the person in front of her was extremely dangerous, Chelsea still went through with it. She had no choice — her mother's condition was getting worse, and she needed money quickly.
I chuckled at her threat. In the game, she was a straightforward person, likely because she grew up in a slum like this. She had no manners, never knew fear, and possessed the strength to back up her boldness.
But to me, the person before me right now was weak and powerless. I could kill her effortlessly — the situation was almost comical.
"What's so funny?"
My laughter was cut short by Chelsea's shout.
"It's nothing. I just find it amusing that someone as weak as you is trying to rob me."
And before she could say another word, I vanished and reappeared behind her. I snatched the knife from her hand, twisted her arm behind her back, and shoved her toward the wall.
From Chelsea's perspective, I had disappeared, and a second later, she was pinned against the wall.
"You bastard! Let me go!"
"Is that how you respond to someone who literally holds your life in their hands?"
My cold voice froze her movements. The harsh reality quickly sank into her mind — she, who had always escaped, was now caught.
"What are you going to do to me?"
Even in a terrible situation, she showed no sign of fear. I was slightly impressed by that.
I ignored her question.
"What's your name?"
"Why do you want to know?"
Despite her predicament, Chelsea still refused to yield. I sighed helplessly and released her.
Once free, she glared at me warily.
"What do you want?"
"I don't care that you tried to rob me. But I can help you make money."
"What do you mean?"
Chelsea's guard went up even higher as she stared at me. Who in their right mind would help someone who just tried to rob them? Without answering, I pulled out two small gold coins — the currency of this kingdom.
Chelsea's eyes sparkled at the sight of them. The amount I held was enough to pay for her mother's treatment for an entire year.
"If you help me, these two coins are yours."
"What do you need?"
"It's not difficult. I just need you to show me around the city."
At my request, she looked at me as if I were an idiot. I ignored the look.
"Do you agree?"
"How do I know you'll keep your word?"
"I can swear in the name of the Goddess. Will that be enough?"
Chelsea hesitated for a moment, but eventually, she nodded.
"Good. My name is Zeref. What's yours?"
"Anji."
Chelsea replied flatly. I stepped closer and extended my hand for a handshake.
Seeing my clean, pale hand, Chelsea glanced at her own filthy one and hesitated. I ignored her hesitation and grabbed her hand, shaking it firmly.
"Pleasure working with you, Anji."
After that, we started walking. She walked ahead of me, explaining the different areas and their purposes. We wandered around for an hour before she said she wanted to leave.
Before she left, I tossed her the gold coins and told her to meet me at my inn the next day. Then she departed while I headed to the inn I had mentioned. I booked a room, entered it, and collapsed onto the bed.
'Looks like the first step went well.'
I knew I couldn't just barge into her life and become part of it. I had to take my time and slowly make her accept me. Opening her heart to me wouldn't be easy.
A week later ~~~~~
Right now, I was sitting on a small hill near the city, with Chelsea sitting beside me. Over the past week, I had slowly begun to earn her trust. At this point, we could be considered friends.
"Hey, who are you, really?"
During this quiet moment, Chelsea suddenly asked me.
"What do you mean?" (Zeref)
"I'm sure you're a noble. No matter how you try to hide it, I can tell you're highly educated. But you don't care about my status or my filthy appearance. Why have you helped me this much?"
Chelsea turned toward me, her blue eyes filled with questions. I was silent for a moment before answering.
"You're right. I am a noble. I came here because there's something I must do. And the reason I'm paying you so much is because I like your eyes."
"Huh?"
Chelsea let out a surprised sound.
"The first time I saw you, I could see it in your eyes — pride, strength, and an unshakable belief in yourself. I like that look. That's why I decided I wanted you as my friend."
"You don't care about my status?"
"Why should I?"
As I said that, I removed the mask from my face and lowered my hood. My black hair flowed in the wind, and my face glowed in the light.
Seeing my face for the first time, I noticed a faint blush creep across her cheeks before quickly disappearing. In this life, my appearance was quite the advantage.
"This is the first time I've ever had a friend. I'm really happy."
As I spoke, I moved closer and wrapped my arm around her shoulder. The moment I touched her, she pushed my hand away.
"W-what are you doing?"
She shouted with a flushed face, and I looked at her innocently.
"We're both guys, aren't we? Why are you screaming like a girl?"
"N-never mind!"
With that, she bolted away from me. Watching her run, I shook my head, stood up, stretched my body — and vanished.
POV: Chelsea
'Damn it… why did he do that?'
Right now, I was running back home. Zeref, that idiot — how could he not realize that I'm a girl?
I stopped and turned around. I could no longer see him.
'Maybe I shouldn't have pushed him away… It wasn't entirely his fault, after all.'
Thinking about Zeref, I sighed inwardly. A week ago, when I saw someone walking toward the slums, I thought I might be able to rob them.
But who would've thought I'd end up being captured instead? At that moment, I thought my life was over. I was terrified thinking my mother would be left alone… but fate had other plans.