By the Grace of the Gods (LN) - Volume 9 - Chapter SS1

Bonus Short Stories

A Conversation Between Two Masters

One cold night at the Bamboo Forest laundry shop in Gimul, the two night guards Ox and Fey were on watch, with most of the employees having returned to the dorms.

Having patrolled his assigned route, Ox returned to the break room. “Mm... Oh, hi, Fey. That was fast.”

“I’m good at moving in the dark, you know. It’s all clear outside.”

“Same for inside the shop. Let’s take a breather before our next patrol,” Ox announced.

They each sat down to rest, and silence filled the air.

“There’s been quite a spike of crime in this city lately,” Ox said, trying to break the ice.

“Yes... It was a lot friendlier when I first came here.”

“Of course, it still got me a job anyway...”

The pair explored a few topics of casual conversation, each followed by a period of silence.

Finally, Ox decided to break the ice. “Fey, may I ask you a weird question?”

“‘Weird’?”

“Most people would take offense to it.”

“I won’t know until you ask, will I? I wouldn’t be offended by most things, though.”

“Forgive me for being intrusive, but how did you make a living in your homeland? I was told you served in the military, but I have a feeling that isn’t the case.”

“What makes you think that?”

“I made a decent name for myself as a gladiator, until I lost my arm. While most of my battles were fought in the arena, I suspect my winning streaks inconvenienced some spectators. It wasn’t uncommon to have attackers lurking in dark street corners. I see faint traits in your demeanor and movements—Lilyn’s as well—traits I’ve only witnessed in those who live in the shadows.”

“I see...that explains why you’ve been acting strange lately. Force of habit is a powerful thing.”

“So I was right. But I only ask to confirm that you are an ally to our boss. He has all but given me a brand new arm; I owe an innumerable debt to him. I don’t mean to be intrusive, I just want to ensure his own happiness.”

“I suppose my story isn’t much different... We served a losing nation, albeit off the books. After our country was destroyed in the war, we had wandered here, ready to live in hiding, when he took us in. He treats us no differently than anyone else, and doesn’t really pry into our past. Nonetheless, we owe him a great deal.”

“Glad to hear. It does sound like he knows what you two have done...”

“He saw right through us, same as you did. Right when we met, even. The master of the business guild made the same presumption before him, so you’re the third one to figure it out, Ox. Can’t say it’s all that encouraging as a former assassin to have that many people put two and two together.”

“I can’t defeat him in a contest of swords. My lack of stamina was a factor, but I was still a well-known gladiator with several championships under my belt.”

“There’s your first mistake—treating him as a normal kid.”

“Touché. At any rate, I think our time would be better spent minding the shop. I suspect he’ll be returning soon,”

“Let’s take a look into how things are on the streets. I’m sure he’ll ask.”

“We’ll discuss it with him, then. Along with ideas for how to keep the shop safe, of course.”

Perhaps the conversation had slightly closed the distance between them. Ox and Fey returned to their casual conversing, which lasted longer and seemed more comfortable for both parties now.