Chapter 38: Blue Empire
"T‑There’s no need for medicine, my lord! They’ll grit their teeth and survive!" The armed man’s voice shook as he shouted.
What’s he after? We can’t accept too much or we’ll land in serious trouble. Slavery’s practically fashionable these days—so I’ve heard. Nobles don’t even bother hiding their urge to own people behind the "maid" excuse anymore.
Although he saw genuine sympathy in Jett’s eyes, forty years of hard living pushed the veteran back to his old instincts. He would rather shoulder the cost himself than owe this noble stranger.
Unaware of the man’s turmoil, Jett cocked his head. "Why?"
The grizzled fighter clenched his jaw, dropped to one knee, and closed his eyes. The old line I’d better keep my mouth shut or dig my own grave rang in his ears. Jett found the response odd, but he tried to meet the man halfway.
Back on Earth, they’d smell a rat if a stranger tried slipping over coin. Same vibe here, I guess. If I insist on taking nothing, he’ll just get even antsier. Better charge something harmless.*
"I’m lost," Jett said, hands in his pockets. "So you’re going to give me every scrap of information you have about where we are and how this world works. Imagine I literally dropped in from another dimension and know zilch. Now stand up."
"Yes, my lord." The man exhaled in relief and rose.
"Name?"
"Roberto."
"Good. Take the rest of the men and follow me." Jett raised his voice so Mia could hear. "Mia—heal everyone."