Chapter 49: Which Seele Was This Again

The mental image that flashed through Chen’s mind was so utterly absurd she couldn’t even begin to process it.

Seele?

The Seele she knew—the one from her memories of the game, the quiet storm with eyes like sharpened steel who always let her scythe do the talking—had become…

a public speaker?

A rabble-rousing orator giving impassioned speeches to a crowd in a dingy Underworld bar?

Chen pictured it: a young man named Seele, perhaps standing on an overturned barrel, a manuscript clutched in one hand as he commanded the attention of the room.

The entire concept was so wildly out of character it bordered on sacrilege.

Wasn’t this a bit too much of a stylistic departure?!

“That’s right!

A speech!” another little girl, this one wearing a pair of oversized goggles, nodded so vigorously it threatened to send her eyewear flying.

“Brother Seele is the best speaker!

Sometimes he gets a little too excited and starts cussing, but… everyone loves listening to him!”

“Yeah, yeah,” the girl with the pigtails chimed in, her voice full of admiration.

“Brother Seele talks about how the villains in the Overworld bully us, and all the things Wildfire is doing.

He says we have to unite, that we can’t just keep hiding down here… Even Lord Hook thinks it’s a bit noisy sometimes, but all the other grown-ups say Brother Seele is right!”

Chen felt a distinct cracking sound emanate from the foundations of her worldview.

She raised a hand—Bronya’s slender, gloved hand—and pressed it to her forehead, trying to physically force the new information into her brain.

‘Calm down, Chen, calm down…’she coached herself.’In a gender-swapped world, anything is possible.

So what if Seele is a passionate orator now?’

A shiver ran down her spine.

It seemed… it wasn’t entirely impossible, was it?

After all, while the original Seele was a woman of few words, her drive and conviction were second to none.

If you took that burning intensity and channeled it into linguistic charisma instead of combat… it was almost plausible.

It was just that the method of expression was a universe apart!

She shook her head, trying to banish the image of a Seele in a tailored suit, gesturing wildly as he delivered a fiery speech.

Regardless of the absurdity, this presented an opportunity—a chance to observe, and perhaps even approach, this world’s Seele in a controlled, public setting.

It was infinitely safer than just showing up unannounced.

“A speech, huh…” Chen worked hard to smooth her features into an expression of casual normality, even managing to inject a hint of genuine curiosity.

“I never would have guessed.

So, when does he usually give them?

If we went over there now, would we be able to see him?”

Hook tilted her head, her brow furrowed in thought.

“Hmm… I’m not too sure.

Sometimes Brother Seele’s speeches just happen all of a sudden.

Other times, he has Sister Luka and the others tell everyone in advance.

I haven’t heard any announcements today, though… Maybe he’s just resting at the bar?”

“I see,” Chen nodded, then offered Hook what she hoped was a kind and amiable smile.

“Thank you for the information, Lord Hook.

It’s been very helpful.

In return…”

She patted the pockets of the fine Silvermane Guard uniform she was wearing, only to find them empty.

After a brief, awkward pause, an idea sparked.

Her fingers brushed against something small and metallic she’d tucked away earlier.

She retrieved the small insignia she’d unclipped from the waist of her uniform.

It was a simple, snowflake-shaped silver ornament—unassuming, but with the unmistakable gleam of fine craftsmanship.

“This is for you, Lord Hook.

Consider it… a token between fellow adventurers.”

She held the insignia out to Hook.

“Perhaps, one day, I’ll need to ask for help from the great Lord Pitch-Black Hook herself.”

Hook took the small metal snowflake, her eyes widening instantly.

She traced its delicate edges with a finger, her expression a mixture of awe and the hesitant thought, ‘This looks expensive.’

“R-Really?

For me?

But…”

“Of course,” Chen affirmed, then leaned in, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper.

“However, this is a secret between us.

Don’t tell anyone else I was looking for Seele just yet, alright?

This is… a requirement for a high-level adventure mission!”

“A high-level adventure mission!”

Hook’s eyes lit up like twin supernovas.

She immediately clutched the insignia tightly in her small hand and nodded with the utmost gravity.

“Lord Hook understands!

A secret mission!

Don’t worry, Sister Ya Ya, we of the Moles are the best at keeping secrets!”

Watching Hook and the other little Moles puff out their chests and swear their allegiance, Chen couldn’t help but smile.

She waved, bidding the small troupe farewell.

Chen had only taken a dozen steps down the alley when her boots screeched to a halt against the grimy cobblestones.

Wait a second… In her haste to gather intel and indulge in a little prank, she had forgotten the most crucial step!

She spun around on her heel and, under the thoroughly confused gazes of Hook and the other Moles, rushed back with long, purposeful strides.

Before Hook could even form a question as to why “Sister Ya Ya” had returned, a pair of elegant, gloved hands reached out… and gently pinched both of her soft, slightly chubby cheeks.

“Mmm… Si-Sister Ya Ya?” Hook’s words came out as a muffled squeak.

Her big eyes were wide with bewilderment as she instinctively tried to pull back, a motion that only made her look more comical.

“I almost forgot,” Chen said, a bright, triumphant smile spreading across her face, the very picture of a successful prankster.

Her fingers registered the uniquely warm and soft texture of a child’s skin.

At the exact same moment, a triumphant [Ding!] echoed in the private space of her mind.

The previously grayed-out icon for “Hook” flared to life, now fully lit and accessible.

“This is… hmm, an adventurer’s blessing for the brave Lord Hook!” Chen declared with theatrical flair.

“A pinch on the cheeks for good luck in all your future endeavors!”

Before Hook could fully process the words, Chen quickly released her.

She gave the little girl’s slightly reddened cheek a final, gentle pat, then turned without a shred of hesitation and, this time, truly hurried away.

Only the sound of her light footsteps and a final, airy phrase drifted back to them.

“Thanks for the info, Lord Hook!

See you next time!”

Hook was left standing frozen in place, her hands covering her cheeks as a deep blush slowly crept up her face.

It was impossible to tell if it was from embarrassment, anger, or a confusing mix of both.

“L-Lord Hook… your face…”

“Sister Ya Ya is so naughty!

She actually pinched Lord Hook’s face!”

“But… an adventurer’s blessing sounds so cool!”

The little Moles clustered around their leader, chattering away.

Finally snapping out of her daze, Hook stomped her foot in frustration.

“Wh-what blessing!

She just wanted to pinch my face!

That Sister Ya Ya… is really weird!”

Meanwhile, on the other side of the alley corner, Chen—still wearing Bronya’s face—was admiring the brightly lit icon of Hook in her system interface.

A smug, utterly content smile spread across her borrowed features.

Alright, preparation complete.

Now, it was time to go meet the great orator, Seele.

She could only hope the reality of the scene wouldn’t be too shocking.

Filled with a complex cocktail of curiosity and apprehension, she advanced toward the bar once more.

[Elysian’s Note:

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