Just a Porter
The next day at dawn.
As I opened the inn door, a chill wind brushed past my face. The sky was still dim, and the streets were dotted with houses where lanterns flickered here and there. Even at this early hour, merchants were already pulling carts toward the market, porters loading baggage onto horses, and knights patrolling the dawn streets—everyone hustling to start their day.
'Even if I got smacked on the back of the head, the world keeps turning...' I let out a weary sigh and began walking slowly down the road.
Until now, my life had been all about taking care of my disciples; I had none of my own. But things were different now. From here on out, I had to learn how to live for myself. The days of earning, devoting, and giving everything away... were over.
Last night, I'd hurriedly registered at the Adventure Guild. Beginner parties, odd jobs—it didn't matter. I needed money right now. I'd bent over backward dressing up those kids, and I was barely scraping by for even a month's living expenses. I thought once they really took off, we'd hit the big time and live the good life. People had started recognizing them lately, and just when I figured the path was clear, the capital's massive bard guild, Partita Guild, swooped in like a fishing line and snatched them away. They sweet-talked them perfectly.
And the kids fell for it so easily... No, what was the point of blaming them now? It was my fault for not seeing people clearly.
"Haa..."
I had nothing to my name but these shabby clothes—but even so, I'd muster the strength to keep going.
"Anyway, time to head to work, you rascal."
Suddenly dropped into this otherworld one day, now an orphan starting over. Here we go.
It was about an hour's walk to the Adventure Guild on the outskirts of the old town. As I strolled along, the sky gradually lightened, and the streets grew busier.
That was when it happened.
Clatter, clatter-clunk.
A luxurious carriage adorned with ornate silver fittings suddenly halted right in front of me. The kind of massive coach nobles would ride in. It stopped exactly in front of me. Then the curtain over the carriage window parted.
"Where you off to so early in the morning?"
A haughty voice. It was Maribel. Flanking her were Lilfrea and Clara. Lilfrea stared out the opposite window with a blank expression, avoiding my gaze, while Clara shrank back awkwardly, glancing my way.
"H-Hello, Teacher..."
Her greeting sounded extremely uncomfortable. Maribel, on the other hand, continued shamelessly with a relaxed attitude and leisurely expression.
For a moment, I wondered. 'Maybe... they're here to come back?'
A flicker of hope crossed my mind. My face brightened without me realizing, and my voice softened.
"Where are you girls headed? D-Did you come looking for me?"
"Looking for you? Why would we?"
Maribel crossed her arms and smirked. There wasn't a shred of lingering attachment in her eyes.
Ah... Even the tiniest sliver of expectation crumbled to dust and scattered.
I quickly turned my head and muttered, "N-No, it's nothing... Take care."
"Hold on."
Maribel pressed. "Apologize for yesterday—threatening to tie us up with rope."
"...What?"
"How could you say something so harsh? It hurt my feelings. Lilfrea, Clara—you were shocked too, right?"
Lilfrea glanced at me, then silently nodded instead of answering. Clara bit her lip with a hesitant look before reluctantly nodding.
"Yeah..."
Seeing that, I let out a deep sigh. Fine. I'd raised them too softly. I'd coddled them so much they wouldn't even lift a finger, and now they all thought they were princesses. The result? They threw tantrums at the slightest discomfort, whined, and acted like the world revolved around them.
'To think they'd end up this clueless after I propped them up like that...'
To these girls, I was just a maid. And a maid... was someone you could replace without a second thought anytime.
What I'd raised wasn't disciples—it was my own illusions. The fantasy that because I'd poured everything into them, they'd only have eyes for me, only need me, only trust me.
Reality, now that the illusion had shattered, was grim and pathetic.
"When the kids I gave everything for betray me and leave, can't a guy say something like that?"
I wasn't backing down. Seeing them act so brazenly after ditching me sparked a surge of defiance.
"You girls should be the ones apologizing."
"What? Betray?"
"Stabbing me in the back, no gratitude... Not even a hint of remorse? At least have some basic manners."
"Gratitude? Backstab? Oh, that's hilarious."
Maribel shot Lilfrea a look with an incredulous expression.
"Lil, hear that? We lack gratitude, apparently. Thinks he did it all himself."
Lilfrea, who had been silent, turned her head. Clear, icy pale-purple eyes. Her beauty was truly at its peak... She stared at me impassively and spoke flatly.
"That's your problem. We sang the songs. We shone on stage. We'd have made it here without you."
"Lilfrea..."
That one line left me speechless for a moment. It felt like my very existence was being denied. Hearing venom from her low, beautiful voice hit even harder.
"Partita spotting us proves it. If you were really that capable, you'd have gotten an offer too. But no one came for you. That's your answer."
Clara chimed in cautiously. "T-Teacher... please stop. It's all in the past now..."
It's only been a day? You betrayed me and bolted yesterday.
Her tone was careful, but she thought the same. A placating voice, but it cut deep. I was getting pissed.
Heat bubbled up inside me. Blood rushed to my head, my vision shook. My face burned.
"Teacher, weren't you acting like you were a star just because you hung around stars? Kinda arrogant, don't you think?"
Maribel sneered. A hollow laugh escaped my lips.
"Yeah, I was arrogant. Haha... hahaha."
"Clara, close the window. No point talking more. He won't listen."
"Okay..."
Clara gingerly grasped the curtain. As a final murmur, she whispered, "Sorry, Teacher... You'll do great..."
That irked me more. Pretending to be nice while saying shitty things, acting concerned to the end.
The curtain slowly closed. Through the gap, I caught Lilfrea's face. She shook her head coldly, her gaze saying 'hopeless guy.'
I bit my lower lip. 'Fuck...'
Swish.
The curtain fully drew shut, hiding the carriage interior. Better this way. If it'd stayed open, I might've unleashed a torrent of curses. Maybe dumped all the words I'd held back.
'They're geniuses at grating on my nerves.'
I never knew they were like this. Only realized once they became strangers.
That was when it happened.
A familiar, grating voice from behind. "Hey, if you're done, move it. Blocking the road for what?"
It was the knight captain who'd slammed me into the inn wall yesterday. Towering in iron armor trimmed with silver. He sauntered up, smirking with one corner of his mouth.
"Don't get so mad. Pray for their success. God only blesses the broad-minded. Be petty, and even God turns away."
Tap, tap. He lightly patted my cheek a couple times. Casual banmal from the start. Dismissing me because I'd flown off weakly yesterday.
'This bastard...'
I almost grabbed his arm and flipped him. But I held back. I'd probably lose in a fight, so I'd let it slide this once. Wanted to grab his nape and smash him into the mud...
I bit my lip hard and sighed. "Don't... show your face in front of me again."
The firmest tone I could muster. I turned and walked away.
As I did, mocking laughter from the knights behind me. I caught the captain's name in their chatter.
'...Rock, huh?'
Yeah, laugh it up. This humiliation... I'll pay it back someday. Might take a lifetime, but if the chance comes, I'll settle it. Unless this is the end of our paths.
A short while later.
The spacious first-floor lobby of the Adventure Guild.
"...Han Seru? You're really Han Seru?"
A burly dwarf with a bushy beard and tiger-like fierce eyes blinked in surprise. He was the leader of the party I was joining today.
"Yes, that's me."
He stared at my Eastern features like they were alien, then tilted his head. "No wonder the name sounded odd... Not from around these parts, eh?"
"Yes, from a far-off land at the eastern edge."
I gave a vague answer and followed him. The party I was joining was already fully assembled; I just needed to sign on.
The room buzzed with adventurers chatting and consultations at the counter.
The dwarf warrior leading me was short but bulky and rugged. Looked strong. Thick leather gloves on both hands, bushy brown beard flowing from his chin. His short legs strode powerfully; he seemed solid.
His look screamed seasoned veteran warrior... but joining a beginner adventurer party suggested his guild experience wasn't that long. Still, he seemed reliable.
"You're skinny—got the strength?"
He glanced back, eyeing me up and down suspiciously.
I replied lightly. "I manage with technique. Back in the day, I carried three people's gear alone. Slung over both shoulders, strapped to my back, balanced on my head, held in both hands... walked five hours steady no problem."
I threw in a little exaggeration. He burst out laughing.
"Talk's cheap and shiny. Fine, we've got a mountain of baggage today. Show me. But if you wobble, you're out on the spot!"
My role in the party today wasn't swordsman, mage, archer, or healer...
I was the porter.
"Got a greenhorn female bard joining our party today too. Ears'll feast, so the load'll feel light. Let's hit the road pumped!"