Game Master in Another World

The next few days went by without much happening; the only thing that was slightly odd was that more people seemed to be wearing clothing similar to Juliana's. Also, when Juliana walked through the streets, she was met by adoring fans trying to shake her hand. Juliana deflected all praise towards her god each time.

On the third day since the battle, as instructed, we met with Lady Evelyn in her ornate office.

“First, I wanted to thank you officially for your help in defending our city. Your amazing efforts resulted in a resounding victory with a comparatively limited number of casualties. And for the reward, I have been authorised to pay you ten thousand gold coins. Due to the large amount of currency, we will provide most of it in gems or items of your choosing. Does this seem acceptable?”

I quickly took control of Juliana before she could deny the reward.

“Yes, that sounds perfect, thank you,” I replied.

“Great. Now for your next assignment: you will be joining a raiding party into Forlinth territory. We need you to help chase the retreating Forlinth army and ensure they never recover.”

“As far as I’m aware, my contract ended when we finished defending the city,” I replied, worried.

“I’m fully aware, but I’m hoping you will sign a new contract. This can likely end the war once and for all; we can finally have peace,” Lady Evelyn responded.

I let Juliana have control back, her expression shifting in a heartbeat.

“I’d be delighted to help you achieve peace,” she said without hesitation.

Lady Evelyn nodded.

Of course Juliana chose that option; her good alignment wouldn’t allow her to refuse.

I took back control, my expression becoming neutral again.

“We need to discuss the reward, though. After this raid, we need to eliminate poverty from this city. I would like my reward to go towards vocational training for the poor, and any orphans must be placed into orphanages that we will inspect.”

“Certainly. If you achieve peace, we can definitely arrange that for you,” Lady Evelyn replied.

“No, not when you achieve peace, but after the mission is completed—that is, when we have returned from the campaign, regardless of success.”

I wasn’t going to accept a nebulous goal for our reward that would tie us indefinitely to their army.

“Okay, I think I can make that work,” Lady Evelyn said, pulling out a piece of paper and starting to write.

Within a few minutes, Lady Evelyn had drawn up the contract and presented it to us. I checked the wording; it matched our terms. At least she was not trying to be sly and have us sign something different from what we had discussed.

I signed Juliana’s name on the contract. This would help achieve her goal of improving the living standards of the most vulnerable.

“Great. Please meet the raiders at the North Gate tomorrow morning. Bring enough supplies for a journey that will last several months.”

“What about the current reward that is owed?” I asked.

“Well, we don’t have it ready yet, but it will be ready by the time you return.”

I sighed. They had likely held it back to ensure we didn’t abandon the mission.

“Okay, please ensure we can receive it as soon as we return.”

Lady Evelyn smiled. “That should be fine. Best of luck with your mission. I’m hopeful you will finally see an end to this horrible war.”

I released control back to Juliana as we got up to leave.

“Thank you for always being willing to look after the poor and disadvantaged,” Juliana said with a warm smile.

Lady Evelyn smiled back. “Not a problem, for we always have to look after the people who need it most.”

Only when we managed to give them something in return. I doubted they would have agreed to it if we hadn’t asked.

Juliana and Toby headed back into the street. It was a fine, sunny summer's day; repairs to the damage were still ongoing, but the general mood of the city was joyous.

“Would you like to get some food?” Juliana asked Toby.

“Yes, please,” Toby replied.

They no longer had their guards from earlier, as the main battle was now done, so Juliana felt a lot freer.

We headed into the market district where most of the street vendors were located. The streets were full of people still celebrating; the crowds were singing and dancing.

The stalls all looked busy, with many customers queuing up for each.

“What would you like, Toby?” Juliana asked.

“I would love a fried doughnut and a beef skewer,” Toby replied excitedly.

We found a stall selling beef skewers. There was a long queue, so Juliana stood at the back with Toby.

The man we queued behind looked back and saw Juliana. He did a double-take, his jaw dropping.

“Juliana, the angel of Freyton City?” he asked.

“I am Juliana, and I guess an angel for my god,” Juliana responded, her serene smile fixed in place.

“I can’t have the disciple of the nameless god wait. Please take my place in the queue.”

Several others motioned them forward.

“But I should queue too; I do not deserve special treatment,” Juliana said, staying at the back.

“No, to have you queue would do a disservice to what you have done for us. Please move to the front.”

Juliana reluctantly moved forward.

The woman at the front pulled out her purse. “Please let me have the honour of paying for your food,” she said.

Realising the hopelessness of refusing, Juliana conceded with a nod.

The vendor, an older man, looked at Juliana, seemingly starstruck.

“May I have two beef skewers, please?” Juliana asked.

The vendor handed over the skewers promptly, and the woman behind us paid.

“Thank you, both of you. You are too kind,” Juliana said as we moved away.

Then, I heard a chant rise from the queue: “Praise be to the nameless god, for his mercy knows no bounds.”

I had become a pantheon within this city rather rapidly; there was no stopping it now. I really needed to ensure Juliana never let my name slip.

The purchase of the doughnut went much the same way, once again resulting in Juliana not needing to pay. It seemed money became unnecessary for the basics when you were famous enough.

We walked around the market some more, looking at numerous other stalls and their wares. Most stalls had similar products: basic clothing, food, and trinkets.

Toby found a vendor selling what looked like silver rings; he dragged Juliana over to have a look.

The merchant, a man with a grey beard wearing a purple cloak, greeted them as they approached.

“Welcome, Angel of Freyton City, and page. Let me know if you see anything of interest.”

As Juliana and Toby looked over the silver rings, one piece stuck out to me—a gold band set with a black opal. It looked incredibly familiar.

I took control of Juliana and pointed at the black opal ring. “What do you know about this piece?” I asked.

The vendor picked it up and inspected it closely. “It has the name Illara engraved in it. Quite fine work, but because it bears someone’s name, most people don't seem to be interested in it.”

I staggered and forgot to breathe for a moment. Toby looked up at me, worried.

“Juliana, what is the matter? You seem to be crying.”

I forced myself to regain my composure. “Sorry, the ring brought back some long-lost memories.”

“How much for it?” I asked.

The vendor inspected me closely. “I think five gold will cover it.”

I realised this was far too much for the ring; the vendor had likely noticed my personal connection and was taking advantage, but I did not care.

“Deal,” I said, handing over the coins.

I took the ring, slipping it onto Juliana’s index finger.

“I must go home now,” I said to Toby through my tears.

I released control to Juliana quickly, before I lost myself anymore. As we walked back to the inn, Juliana looked closely at the ring with curiosity, turning it over and taking a closer look at the engraving on the inside.

Juliana then whispered, “Did this Illara mean something to you?”

I took back control briefly. “Yes. She was my wife.”

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