[Salvos] Side Story 7: Rachel II

Side Story 7: Rachel II

“...DO you think it’ll come here?”

“Perhaps. Or maybe not. Regardless, we have other things to worry about.”

“That’s why I’m worried. Because of this damn company war, all our—”

Sophia tried to tune out the conversations she heard as she stalked through the lobby of the Valiant Dreamers Company’s headquarters. The atmosphere was one of dread. Not a moment passed where someone didn't mention the company war with the Iron Champions or the Primeval Demon in Nixa. The hopelessness was palpable.

She sighed as she trudged her way up the stairs, leaving the hall with a platter of food in hand. Even walking felt wearisome to the young woman. It was like with every step she took, her feet sank into nonexistent mud. I’m a [Centinel Hunter]. A Gold Ranked adventurer at a young age. And here I am, doing nothing.

It upsetted Sophia. Her mood was dour, even as she pushed the door to the room open.

“Rachel, I brought your favorite—”

The young woman came to a halt at the doorway. She glanced around the room, squinting.

“Rachel? Where are you?”

She stepped into the messy bedroom. The bed was ruffled, its blanket knocked off to the floor. There was a desk littered with open books, haphazardly strewn across its wooden surface. Sophia wouldn’t be so bothered by it if it hadn’t been cleaned just this morning.

Rubbing at her temples, she called out.

“Rachel. I know you’re in here. If you don’t want to have your lunch, I can eat it for you, you know?”

There was a giggle. A figure appeared from behind Sophia. The young woman turned around, rolling her eyes.

“I can hear—”

She paused.

“Rachel?”

“Ta-da!”

The little girl held out something in her hand. It was a doll, about the same size as Princess. It was sewn entirely by hand, slightly haphazardly so. But Sophia recognized what it was… kind of. The crown on its head, and the fancy suit it wore were dead giveaways to what it was meant to be.

“Look what I made! It’s Prince!”

She beamed as she held the doll out, swinging its tiny hands. Sophia narrowed her eyes as Rachel ran round her, holding Prince up into the air.

“He’s here to save the day— where is my Princess?”

Rachel put on a fake manly voice. Sophia watched as the girl plopped the doll onto the bed, making it stand on its hips.

“I see you’ve got a new toy. Did Cless buy it for you?”

“Prince is not a toy. And no, no one bought him for me.”

Sophia raised a brow as Rachel continued.

“I made Prince myself.”

“You did?” Who taught you how to sew?”

“I did!”

The girl spoke matter-of-factly, making Prince punch the air.

“You were telling me how [Rogues] had to have good hand-eye coordina-thing, right?”

Sophia nodded.

“I did. Especially if you want to fight like Ms Salvos.”

“Well, since you won’t actually let me practice with a knife, I thought I’d pick up sewing to help me train it. Cless said so.”

“Oh, Cless…”

While what he said wasn’t actually false, Sophia knew the real reason behind it. Cless was one of her best friends, and she knew just how lazy he could be, especially when he was trying to study or learn from one of his magical tomes.

He probably told Rachel to pick up sewing to distract the little girl. Sophia had asked him to help out with looking after Rachel, since Sophia was struggling doing it on her own while still carrying out her adventurer duties to the company.

The little girl grabbed Princess from under the fallen sheets, raising the other doll’s hand.

“Help me, Prince! The evil [Cultist] has trapped me—”

“Come on, Rachel. Your food’s going to grow cold.”

She pouted, before putting her dolls down.

“Fineee.”

She dragged her feet across the wooden floor as Sophia settled the plate onto the table. The little girl plopped herself onto the chair and began to scarf down on her meal. Sophia sat on the bed, right next to the two dolls.

The young woman held up both dolls, comparing the quality of the stitchwork. She had to admit, Rachel did a good job with copying Princess to make Prince. Sophia glanced up only when she heard voices escaping down the hallway.

“...why doesn’t Hadrian just pull back? This is utterly foolish of him.”

“His father should have never retired. If they run into the Primeval Demon in Nixa—”

Rachel blinked, looking over at the crack on the doorway.

“What are they talking about?”

Sophia bit her lower lip.

“Adult stuff. It’s fine, Rachel.”

She tried to wave a hand off, but the little girl was dubious.

“It’s about that meanie Ms Salvos spoke about, isn’t it?”

“It… is.”

Sophia nodded. Rachel had been briefed about what was going on with the Primeval Demon back when Salvos had visited. The silver-haired woman— and now a Diamond Rank adventurer, much to the surprise of Sophia, yet excitement of Rachel— brought terrible news to the entire city.

A Level 150 Demon had amassed an army, and it had defeated Salvos, Edithe, and Daniel in Vamont. It was such a powerful enemy— how could anyone have defeated it? It was common knowledge that Spirits and Demons were stronger than their actual levels. And to best just a Primeval Demon, Sophia was certain that the strength of multiple Elites would be needed.

That’s not including the fact that it’d grow stronger with time. The Watcher himself would have to get involved.

Yet, Rachel was confident of something. Even after delivering such grave news, Salvos had told the little girl that it was not a problem. Whether it was a lie or Salvos actually believed it— Sophia didn’t know. But Rachel believed it, and that was all that mattered.

“Don’t you worry, Salvos will come here and save us!”

The girl chewed as she spoke. Sophia rolled her eyes.

“Eat with your mouth closed, Rachel. You remember your manners, don’t you?”

“Of course I do! I’m a Princess, after all.”

Rachel huffed, and Sophia sighed. The young woman turned her gaze towards the window, seeing light seep in from the outside. It was bright out— Sophia had thought it was evening for whatever reason, but it was still afternoon.

She waited for the little girl to finish her meal before speaking out again.

“How’re your studies going, Rachel? Have you been reading up on all the things I asked you to?”

“I, uhm…”

Rachel hesitated. Sophia raised a brow.

“You haven’t, have you?”

“N-no…”

The young woman walked up to her, grabbing the empty plate, cleaning up any leftover crumbs from the wooden desk.

“You know you have to study if you want to become an adventurer. If you don’t, you’ll—”

“I’ll be eaten by monsters twice my level, I know, I know.”

Rachel shifted uncomfortably on her seat, before standing up.

“I just— I just want a little break!”

“You’ve already had a break. You were playing with your dolls just earlier.”

“They’re not just dolls. They’re Prince and Princess! And that’s not a break, I was just playing with them!”

She crossed her arms, pouting.

“Everyday with you since Salvos left is just study, study, study. Can’t I just relax for a week? I want to go outside and play!”

Sophia blinked. She opened her mouth, then she caught herself. That was true. Ever since the news of the Primeval Demon spread through Viechester, everyone had been tense. Sophia wasn’t even sure if she left the premises of the Valiant Dreamers’ headquarters once this month. Let alone Rachel, who was under Sophia’s supervision.

“I’m bored. I want to do something else.”

Rachel harrumphed. Normally, Sophia would’ve reprimanded the girl for how she was acting. But today, Sophia decided against it. Everybody was already on edge these days. There was no reason for Sophia to make it worse by upsetting Rachel.

“Fine.”

Sophia stood up, and Rachel blinked.

“Really?”

“Yeah. Let’s go for a walk around the city. Leave this stuffy place. It’s not even evening, after all.”

“Yay! But wait—”

Rachel paused, tilting her head back.

“Where should we even go?”

Sophia couldn’t help but laugh.

—--

“Why is it so empty?”

Rachel stared at the empty streets of Viechester, her eyes settling on the city square. It wasn’t… deserted, per se. But the previously bustling city had become, well, emptier.

There were only a few [Traders] walking around, bringing their wares with them, as the lone adventurers passed by. Most people remained indoors. Or others have left. They evacuated in a panic when Vamont had been razed to the ground.

Sure, the Primeval Demon left the Sunmere Republic entirely. But no one was going to take a risk and go back to a smaller city when they could afford to live somewhere safer. So, the previously vibrant and lively Viechester— in addition to what happened with the company war— was now a husk of its former self.

Sophia had wanted a change of scenery by leaving the Valiant Dreamers headquarters. But now that she was outside… she realized things were no different.

“We should leave. We should have left months—”

A couple argued as they passed Sophia and Rachel. The young woman pursed her lips.

“Come on, Rachel. Let’s visit the temple.”

The girl blinked. Then she excitedly nodded.

“I wonder how William is doing?”

They reached the Sanctum of Elements, climbing up its tall steps to only pause by its entrance. There was a long line of people dressed in dirty clothing— not rags, just unkempt— waiting and queuing up to enter. Sophia frowned.

“What’s this about?”

“This is where the needy and the hungry come to be fed.”

A voice answered her. An elderly woman appeared from behind a pillar— a [Priestess] approached them, smiling warmly.

“Welcome to the Sanctum of Elements. I am Lenore. What can I do for you today?”

“We’re here to see William!”

Rachel exclaimed. She made a beard shape with her hands.

“He’s old and scraggly. But he’s very nice!”

Sophia drew her lips into a thin line at the description. Rachel wasn’t really wrong by calling William old, but fact was, Lenore looked like she was about three decades William’s senior.

The young woman bowed respectfully, speaking over Rachel.

“Please. We are not here in need of anything. We simply wish to see him.”

“I take it you are his friends?”

Lenore cocked a brow.

To be perfectly honest, Sophia wasn’t the most familiar with William. She had known of William through Edithe, but most of her interactions with him came only over the past year, through Rachel. The little girl really liked the ‘funny wrinkly man,’ so Sophia had often brought Rachel to the temple quite a few times. Not so often recently as things were quite different now. It was obvious by the long queue for food at the entrance of the temple.

Sophia nodded.

“We are his friends.”

“Very well. I shall bring him out to you. Just wait here.”

Lenore disappeared back into the temple as Sophia and Rachel took in the gilded entryway and pillars made of white marble. The Sanctum of Elements was known for its lavish spending and greed, so Sophia was surprised they were doing such charitable acts. It truly spelled out just how awful things were right now.

Rachel’s eyes almost seemed to glaze over the long line of starving people queuing up for food, choosing instead to admire the flashy decorations of the temple. Then she narrowed her eyes as she spotted someone in the crowd. She hurriedly tugged at Sophia’s shirt, pointing at a rather thin man.

“That’s— I know him!”

“You do?”

Sophia blinked, looking in the direction the girl pointed out. The man was dressed in blue robes and a pointed hat, with a long wooden staff resting on his shoulder. He was probably in his mid thirties— twice as old as Sophia who was only 17— and he was already balding with flecks of gray in his hair.

“That’s the wonderful sorcerer Ashton! I’ve seen his magic over a hundred times in market street!”

The young woman wrinkled her brows.

“Wait, he’s a street performer?”

“Yep! The way he makes those birds appear out of his sleeves— that’s magic I’ve never seen anyone do before! But why is he here?”

Rachel frowned. Sophia knew the reason. Street performers depended on, well, having an audience to perform for. And since Viechester wasn’t nearly as crowded as it was just a year ago… well, business must’ve been bad for Asthon.

The little girl shuffled her feet, then took a step forward.

“I’ll go ask him.”

“Wait, Rachel—”

Sophia raised her hand, but Rachel had already taken off. The young woman didn’t want to cause a scene, so she calmly walked after the little girl. Rachel was already in the middle of a conversation with Ashton when she got there.

“But… why can’t you just perform more?”

“Alas, young miss, I don’t think I shall be performing anytime soon.”

“Why?”

Ashton smiled ruefully, then turned to Sophia who walked up behind Rachel.

“Is this your younger sister, Miss…?”

“Sophia.”

The young woman nodded.

“I apologize for her bothering you. I’m her… guardian.”

“Ah, of course. My mistake for assuming. And it is no bother. I am simply pleased to know that I have fans left in the city. I had thought I was all but forgotten now.”

“Don’t say that!”

Rachel pouted. Ashton chuckled.

“At least I have this precious little flower who remembers me.”

“I’m not a flower. I’m Rachel.”

Sophia smiled, placing a hand on the little girl’s shoulder.

“It’s a metaphor, Rachel. He’s complimenting you.”

Rachel huffed, crossing her arms. Then she looked up at Ashton.

“If you’re in need of food, why don’t you just become an adventurer?”

“Ah, you see, I am not actually a [Sorcerer], young miss. I am but a [Beast Tamer] with a handful of tricks up his sleeve.”

“You are?”

She blinked. The man nodded, smiling.

“How else did you think I conjured my little birdies out of thin air? I needed a little bit of cooperation from my feathered friends.”

“Woah.”

Rachel stared at him, genuinely surprised by this revelation. Then she grew excited.

“Wait, so, can I say hello to your birds?”

Ashton shook his head.

“Unfortunately, I had to let them go, or they’d starve with me.”

The little girl froze. She tried to work her mouth, but Sophia spotted a figure approach from behind.

“H—”

“Let’s go, Rachel, William is here.”

The young women led Rachel away, bowing slightly to Ashton.

“It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr Ashton.”

“Same to you, Ms Sophia. Take care of that girl you have there. It is rare to have a pure soul in dreadful times like the present. It is all-too-normal for us older folks to be sullied by the gravity of war and death. But children? They deserve happiness and joy.”

Sophia paused. Then she nodded.

“I will.”

Ashton smiled. Before his face contorted. It seemed like his cheerful demeanor vanished— a facade for Rachel. Now, he looked weary and tired, growing older by the second.

“William!”

Rachel ran up to the [Priest] who lowered himself, spreading his arms wide.

“My dear Rachel, it has been a while since we last saw each other.”

“Hello William.”

Sophia shook his hand, greeting him more formally than the girl.

“Sophia, I am glad to see that you’re fine.”

He patted her on the shoulder. Then he ushered them further into the temple.

“Come. Let us head inside. Where we’ll be able to speak more freely and relax ourselves.”

Rachel nodded eagerly as they headed indoors. But Rachel paused, glancing back at Ashton once more.

“Is something wrong, Rachel?”

“It’s nothing. I was just thinking…”

She trailed off, before following after the two adults. The [Priest] spoke gently.

“What were you thinking about?”

“So many bad things have been happening lately. So many bad guys keep showing up. And because of that, so many people are hurting.”

Sophia exchanged a confused look with William. Where did this come from? their gazes seemed to ask each other. William nodded.

“Why, yes. It is truly perilous times, but there is no need to worry, Rachel. Night always comes before the day. Things will be normal again.”

“Will it?”

And for a moment, there was a dark look on Rachel’s face. Sophia furrowed her brows, before remembering the history behind Rachel. The little girl’s background with her father. She was always so happy and joyous these days, that it was easy to forget how Rachel was when she first arrived at the Valiant Dreamers Company.

A daughter who was abused by her father. A girl almost sacrificed by [Cultists]. She wouldn’t talk to anyone but Salvos. Even Edithe struggled with getting her to open up. Let alone how long it took Sophia to form her current bond with the little girl.

Sophia opened her mouth at the same time as William. Both had wisdom to impart Rachel. They wanted to cheer her up somehow. But the little girl had words of her own to say.

“Maybe things won’t be nice again. Maybe this is just how things are now. Because bad things happen.”

Rachel stopped, closing her eyes. Then she snapped them open, pumping a fist.

“And that is why I’ll become big and strong! I will beat up any bad guys before they can make any bad things happen! I will be just like Salvos— a [Hero] Princess!”

Sophia eyed the little girl. She felt her lips curling up slightly at the idealism of Rachel, even during this tough period. But when the girl continued, Sophia’s eyes widened.

“And I won’t be alone! You’ll help me, right, Ms Sophia? We’ll be strong together and save so many lives as adventurers!”

The young woman paused. She stared at Rachel as she hurried after William, who was smiling, leading Rachel further into the temple. The little girl was punching the air, like she was fighting invisible assassins trying to sneak up on her.

She glanced back at Sophia who stood a few steps behind them.

“Are you coming, Ms Sophia?”

“Right.”

Sophia nodded, taking a deep breath.

“I’m coming.”

Author's Note:

3,000 words. Did you guys notice how Rachel is using more and more of Salvos' mannerisms? But she doesn't only think about Salvos. That's what I dislike about some novels I've read in the past. When all the minor characters can talk about is the main character. It makes the world feel limited. Like all that matters is the MC. I dislike that.

Rachel admires Salvos, but of course she'd think of Sophia too. After all, Sophia is practically her acting mother at this point. Salvos is just the quirky aunt who visits from time to time.

I like writing about Rachel. 

Gib thoughts!