Transferred to an SSS-rank Production Class

Metea, the cherished daughter of Gorgon, the city’s wealthiest man, possessed a kind nature unlike her father. It was thanks to her kindness that Atera, suddenly thrust into the outside world, managed to survive.

Discovering Atera collapsed on the beach, Metea secretly brought her to the mansion. The servants, who adored Metea’s gentle nature, aided her in this endeavor.

“…Paran?”

“Are you feeling better now?”

Under Metea’s care, Atera soon regained her health.

During Atera’s stay at the mansion, the two girls grew as close as sisters. Metea cherished Atera for her affectionate nature and enthusiasm in everything she did. Atera, in turn, treasured Metea, who always showed genuine care for her.

Though it became increasingly difficult to keep Atera hidden from the family, necessitating her departure from the mansion, their friendship remained unchanged. The two maintained contact through their own secret methods.

“But one day, Metea suddenly told you not to visit or contact her anymore, and unilaterally cut off communication?”

“Yes. She only left a message saying she’d contact me later.”

Atera nodded, standing before the mansion. Her eyebrows drooped as she recalled the bewildering feelings of that time.

Metea, who had promised to reach out first, remained silent to this day.

At first, Atera waited for Metea without question. But now, after so much time had passed, Atera was quite resigned.

Metea, as the daughter of a wealthy family, must have countless more interesting and precious things than someone like her. She might have already forgotten the time they spent together.

“Still, I want to believe in her one last time.”

“Atera…”

“Galatea was imprisoned in a building owned by the Shipowners’ Association. Metea might know something.”

It was said that Gorgon greatly cherished his thoughtful and intelligent daughter. Sometimes he even shared secrets unknown to his sons, so it was worth a try.

“So, how are you going to contact Metea?”

“There’s a bird Metea raises in the mansion’s garden. We can use that bird.”

Determined eyes shone through her tangled hair.

Cha Taeyang lifted Atera and sneaked to the back of the mansion.

‘Atera, if you ever want to see me, just call for Pipi. Pipi is sensitive to mana and can detect your telepathy. We may be parting now, but as long as Pipi is here, we can meet anytime.’

Recalling Metea’s words, Atera gripped Taeyang’s shoulder tightly. Taeyang gently patted Atera’s back.

“We can meet again anytime.”

Atera murmured, as if reassuring herself. Let’s believe in Metea, and in myself for believing in her.

“Is this far enough?”

Taeyang set Atera down near a shrub. Atera nodded. Clasping her hands as if in prayer, Atera called for Pipi.

“Pipi, are you there?”

“Metea! Pipi!”

“It’s me, Atera!”

The two girls perked up their ears, waiting for Pipi. Pipi always came flying like a bullet at the sound of Atera’s telepathy. Any moment now…

But contrary to their expectations, Pipi didn’t appear. Greatly disappointed, Atera called for Pipi again with the desperation of grasping at straws, but to no avail.

Atera spoke, trying to maintain a calm voice.

“I guess Metea has forgotten about me. Well, it has been years…”

“Shh, Atera.”

“Taeyang?”

“Little Mr. Kim, listen carefully. Can’t you hear that sound?”

Atera closed her eyes tightly, focusing on the surrounding sounds.

Clang. Something collided in the distance. Clatter! This time, it was a bit louder.

Cha Taeyang pointed somewhere.

“There, over there! Let’s go check it out!”

“Huh?”

“Hurry!”

Cha Taeyang pulled Atera’s arm and ran. Atera had no choice but to follow Taeyang towards the source of the sound. The first thing they saw was the mansion’s pride, a large zelkova tree. And hanging from it was…

“Pipi!”

Squeak! A bird trapped in a locked cage fluttered its wings.

A bird, pure white from head to toe except for its indigo tail feathers, was confined in the cage.

Hearing the familiar voice, Pipi let out a cry.

“Who did this to you…”

Atera struggled to unlock the cage, but it was beyond her strength. Cha Taeyang smiled and gently moved Atera aside.

“Leave this to me.”

There was no need to fiddle with the lock. Taeyang simply bent the cage bars apart. As if it had been waiting for this moment, Pipi escaped from the cage and flew to perch on Atera’s shoulder.

The small bird playfully nibbled on Atera’s earlobe and then extended one of its legs to her.

“Ah, here, here!”

Atera tied the prepared note to Pipi’s leg.

“Please, Pipi. Take this to Metea. You understand, right?”

The white bird spread its wings and flew into the mansion. Taeyang and Atera sat in the shade of the zelkova tree, waiting for Metea’s reply.

“Metea hadn’t forgotten about me after all.”

“It was worth believing.”

“Yes. I’m glad I trusted her.”

Soon after, Pipi returned with a blue ribbon tied around its leg.

Pipi landed on top of Atera’s head. Taeyang untied the ribbon from Pipi’s leg.

Atera tilted her head upon seeing the message written on the ribbon. Unlike Metea’s usually beautiful handwriting, this was hastily scrawled as if she had been chased.

“Come to the western side door right now. I’ll send someone.”

“Really? That’s great!”

“And she says we absolutely must not show our faces. I wonder why?”

All of Metea’s servants should know her face. It was strange. But Metea wouldn’t ask this without reason.

The two moved to the location Metea mentioned, their heads covered with a blanket from Cha Taeyang’s inventory.

A woman with brown hair streaked with white was waiting for them.

“Beka!”

“Atera, you really came.”

Beka, Metea’s nanny, had always been kind to Atera as well. As Atera brightened and threw herself into Beka’s arms, Beka embraced her in return.

“Shh, follow me quietly.”

After glancing around, Beka ushered the two into the mansion. Throughout guiding Taeyang and Atera, Beka remained on edge, worried about encountering anyone.

Atera, who had been obediently following Beka’s lead, sensed something amiss and tugged on Beka’s sleeve.

“Beka, this isn’t the way to Metea’s room.”

“Many things have changed since you left, dear.”

As they neared their destination, Atera couldn’t hide her bewilderment.

Originally, Metea had practically occupied the entire east annex, the most luxurious part of the mansion. But Beka was leading them to the farthest place from the east annex. This was…

“Why is Metea locked in the tower? This is where servants who committed serious offenses are sent, isn’t it?”

“Quiet! If the master learns of your presence, the mansion will be turned upside down.”

“The master?”

“Let’s talk when we reach the young miss’s quarters.”

With downcast eyes, Beka led the two girls to the top of the tower. An eerie atmosphere permeated the entire tower, which was partially covered in ivy.

Though it seemed more habitable now that Metea resided there, it was nowhere near the east annex. After all, wasn’t this originally a place to confine criminals?

“Why is Metea in a place like this…”

Finally, they reached the top of the tower. A golden-haired girl with piercing eyes was waiting for them. Pipi, who had been perched on Atera’s head, flew to the blonde girl.

“Atera, why did you come back? I told you not to come.”

“Metea, Metea. Why are you in a place like this, looking like this?”

Atera’s eyes welled up with tears at the sight of Metea. Her golden hair, once flowing and fragrant with perfumed oil, had been cut short. Instead of clothes made from exotic silk, she wore rough fabric.

Metea remained unmoved by this sight.

Standing in the center of the chilly room, Metea asked:

“You shouldn’t be here. Go back quickly.”

“We’re investigating the missing sea people.”

“Taeyang, introduce yourself! It’s your first time meeting her!”

Before Taeyang could speak, Metea, who had swiftly noticed he was a player, stood in front of Atera. Taeyang flinched at her protective gesture, reminiscent of a mother shielding her child.

“Why is a player with Atera?”

“I’m Cha Taeyang. You must be Metea?”

“I asked what your purpose is.”

“I don’t have any particular purpose. I’m just here to see a friend’s friend.”

Atera gently pushed Metea aside. Surprised, Metea blinked her large eyes.

“That’s right, Taeyang is my friend. So you don’t need to be so wary.”

“It seems we have a lot to talk about.”

The three girls sat down in the room at the top of the tower and began to catch up on everything they had missed.

Metea knew more than they expected. And she had never forgotten Atera for a moment.

“So, your father confined you here?”

“Yes. Because I opposed the auction he hosts.”

“Auction?”

“Twice a year, a black market opens in Shella. And on that night, a secret auction is held, primarily organized by the Shipowners’ Association.”

While following Gorgon around, Metea learned about the secret auction. And not long after, she also heard about the sea people.

The intelligent Metea easily noticed that Atera was of sea people descent. The eyes of the sea person Gorgon had shown her as a precious birthday gift were identical to Atera’s.

“It was disgusting. Buying and selling people. And kidnapping children at that!”

“So you…”

“Yes. I thought it would be safer for you outside the mansion, in case my father discovered your existence.”

With a resolute expression, Metea grasped Atera’s hands.

“Run away, Atera. Another auction will be held soon. I’ll help you, so hurry and leave Shella.”

Taeyang bit her lip at Metea’s next words.

The auction, which had been halted by the Avenger’s advent, was about to resume.

The Shipowners’ Association, only briefly deterred by the sea’s curse, had decided to restart the secret auction.

“All the kidnapped sea people are in the hands of the Shipowners’ Association.”

To fuel people’s greed, the Shipowners’ Association only offers sea people at the auction twice a year.

One at a time. Connoisseurs from all over the country flock to obtain these rare, luxurious “items”.

Metea lowered her head.

“I tried everything to interfere with the auction, but it was useless. I only provoked my father’s anger. He said he won’t let me out of here until I change my mind.”

So at least let me save you.

Reading Metea’s mind, Taeyang placed her hand over their clasped hands.

“I will protect Atera.”

“You?”

“Before being a player, I am this child’s friend. I intend to save all of Atera’s kin as well. So tell us. When will that auction be held?”

Their eyes met.

After silently gazing into Taeyang’s eyes for a while, Metea spoke.

“On the longest day of the year. The auction begins at midnight on that day.”

“Thank you.”

“Seek out Minerva of Cloud Trading Company. I’ll write you a letter of introduction.”

Metea hesitated before adding:

“Please. Save the sea people. And… stop the Shipowners’ Association from committing further crimes.”

“Of course!”

The three determined girls clasped hands and smiled. In Taeyang’s crescent-eyed smile, Metea and Atera were reflected.

You’ve grown up so much. The goblin jingled silently, feeling pleased.