The girl who fell from the polar star - Chapter 2: Contract

Stella stood brooding in the quiet, empty store. Though it was morning outside, she was in as gloomy a mood as she could be.

She’d killed a man. Impulsively, in the heat of the moment; one flick of her wrist and he was dead. It was a shame. He could have been interesting in some way. Now she would never know.

To truly become a human, she would need to learn many things, some of which that man might have been able to teach her. After all, even the lowliest scum of the earth were still human; they had tales to tell, and unique takes on life to share. She should have given him a chance.

‘Quit mopin’ around and cheer up, eh? Don’t leave me talkin’ to myself here!’

“I hate to interrupt your monologue, but . . .”

“It’s not a monologue!”

“I was just thinking. It’s going to be hard, living like a human. But well, I can’t sit around doing nothing—not when my own body is this unreliable. I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me . . .”

Humans are fragile things. Stella was safe enough for now, with her Magic Crystal, but if a moment’s distraction allowed someone to pierce her heart, or smash her head in, she’d be dead in an instant. In fact, with her body, any kind of injury could lead to death. She needed to be extra careful.

‘But you ’ave me, eh?’

“That’s reassuring,” Stella said with a giggle, “but I can’t depend on others for everything.”

‘But anyway, you sure lettin’ ’im deal with the corpses is a good idea? Is ’e smart enough to know where to dump ’em, eh?’

“They’re just dead meat now. I don’t care where he dumps them. They’ll live inside me, that’s what matters,” she said. “My, how poetic. I should try my hand at poetry one day. This is just the inspiration I need to compose a masterpiece on the impermanence of all things.”

She supposed some part of her was sad; yet this sadness did not affect her. They were dead, and she wasn’t. That was all that mattered.

She had ordered the thug Beck to clean up the room and dispose of the bodies. He was also going to report the incident to the Stock Company as a triple suicide. According to him, notifying the city guard wasn’t necessary; they were the guard of the mayor, and wouldn’t lift a finger in the name of the law. Taxes and protection money were collected by gangs, each in its own territory, and the mayor got a share of the proceeds. The real law was the law of the gangs. And, like any good law, there were consequences for breaking it. In Glenn’s case, they were such that death had seemed the best option.

‘Keke, yer one to talk, eh! You used to ’ate that kind of nonsense!’

“Well, I want to understand it. Don’t you? Maybe I’m asking too much of a bird.”

‘I’d rather stay sane, eh? I’ll pass.’

“Suit yourself. But enough about that. What do I do now, with no money, almost no food, and nowhere to run? Sitting around is not an option. I’ll get endlessly assaulted by debt collectors. And my new pet thug seems incapable of much more than being a meat shield. Not to mention that annoying bird . . .”

‘Who are you callin’ annoying, eh!’ Clever said, flying around noisily.

“You know I’m right,” she quipped.

Stella reached for another sip of lukewarm coffee. She had helped herself to some grinds she’d found lying on a shelf (nothing wrong with that; she was the owner now), as well as washed and changed into fresh clothes.

“This tastes awful.”

She put down the cup with a grimace. It tasted absolutely awful, which annoyed her to no end. It didn’t seem to be the coffee’s fault—this tongue wasn’t accustomed to the taste. I need to fix that as soon as possible. Stella was, and had always been, very serious about coffee.

‘It’s cold, what did ya expect?’

“So it is.”

‘What you gonna do now, eh, Master? Make a run for it? I can ’elp.’

From Clever’s face—which Stella could read to some extent, though birds aren’t known for their facial expressiveness—it was a serious offer.

“I’m not strong enough to walk long distances,” she said. “The best plan would be to sort out the debt and reopen the store, but I have nothing to sell, and the store has no reputation to speak of.” She sighed. “I need to think.”

She looked around the store. There were but a few groceries and common household items, all under a thin film of dust. Clearly, business hadn’t been going well. She couldn’t resupply without money, and she couldn’t take a loan as a child—nobody would trust her.

But what if I sell something new? Something that only I can make, that would suit the people of this town . . .

While she was thinking, Beck returned to the store, pale as a ghost.

“Welcome back.”

“T-Thank you, ma’am.”

Stella chuckled. “Don’t be so nervous. You’re an adult—a man at that—and I’m half your age. How can I rely on you if you can’t even look me in the eye?”

She grinned at him. He jerked his back straight. After all she had done to inspire fear in him, he no longer seemed willing to resist. I can give him some work now, she thought, although I’m not sure he’ll do it well.

‘Yer an unlucky fella, eh, lady-killer? This catch’ll be the end of ya!’

“D-Did that bird just talk?!”

Yes, and not for the first time. But I suppose you had more pressing concerns. Beck stared at Clever, doubting his own eyes.

‘A talkin’ bird or three, no big deal, eh? Forget about that—’ave some fun! While you can! Keke!’

“Dammit! You know what, whatever!” Beck dropped to his butt. His spiked brown hair, once his pride and joy, wilted sadly on his head.

“Beck.”

“. . . What?”

“Tell me more about your previous owner.”

“I—I don’t know anything. I just did what I was told.” He waved dismissively.

She should have made herself more clear. “I didn’t ask you to talk back. Just spit out everything you know. Surely, even a Beck like you can understand that?” Stella jabbed him in the forehead.

Beck jumped to his feet and started talking.

The Stock Company—the company behind the scam on Stella’s father—was led by a man called Leroy Stock. They were in a turf war with the Palpud Union in the West District of Peasbury. Like the other gangs, they boasted their own guard and had a hand in every business, from moneylending, human trafficking, and drug dealing, to establishments like taverns and gambling dens and brothels, all the way to the weapon trade and mercenary deployment. With generous bribes they had won the favor of the Georgia Family, the major power keeping all five districts together. In plain and simple terms, they were bad people.

“So that’s how it is.”

“Look, for your own good, you should get the hell out of this place. Even if you kill me, you’ll still have the debt. And whatever magic tricks you’ve got up your sleeve, you can’t go up against the Stock Company.”

“I don’t have to. We just have to come to an agreement. Lead the way, Beck—time to pitch my new product.”

“Were you listening?! You’ll get us both killed!”

The gangs did not abide treachery. Or insolence, for that matter. Beck and Stella would both pay.

‘Give up, pal! This one only listens to ’er own advice! Keke!’

“That I do. Let’s go, then, and fast—human life is short, and there’s no time to waste.”

Begrudgingly, Beck took them to an especially dangerous area of Peasbury. The thugs loitering here were all underlings of the Stock Company, and each took a long, suspicious look at Stella as she went past. Without Beck, she wouldn’t have lasted five seconds before being kidnapped or assaulted. Good thing I spared him.

The main office of the company was in a magnificent, lavish mansion fit for a noble. Stella saw ten men at the gate, but she knew there were more. Maybe ten more hiding, and more armed mercenaries inside. This place is well defended. If the Stock Company could afford this, they were very powerful indeed.

“Who the fuck are you?” asked one of the guards. He looked ready to draw his sword, but didn’t. Beck and a little girl. We’re not enough of a threat yet.

“Uhm, I’m Beck, one of the collectors. And ma’am—I mean, the kid here, she insists on seeing Mr. Leroy about her debt.”

“Huh? You stupid or something? Mr. Leroy is busy. He’s got no time for you and your toddler. Now get lost, or I’ll kill you!”

Well, he’s forcing my hand. Stella stepped before the man. “Excuse me. Can I have a word? It won’t take long, I promise. Here, you can have this.” She showed him her Magic Crystal.

“Hmm, what’s that? Something valuable?” He looked closer, liked what he saw, and laughed. Then, taking the crystal from her, he said, “Why didn’t you say so earlier, huh? Aye, I can give him a message—”

Stella took a step back.

“W-What’s going on?!”

The crystal emitted a black light and started to absorb something from the man—something not unlike steam. He tried to fling it away, but it was stuck to his hand. Growing more desperate, he tried to pry it loose—but it was all in vain.

“Oh my, you’re in trouble. You see, that crystal is sucking the life force out of you. Unless you drop it soon, it’ll eat away at your lifespan.”

“Y-You little—” He turned to the other guards in a panic. “Don’t just stand there! Help me—and gut that brat!”

They drew their weapons and closed in.

“Come any closer to him and you’ll meet the same fate. Oh, and if you kill me—that crystal might go berserk and suck the lives out of everyone in the area. So do be careful. Or don’t, if you don’t believe me.” Stella smirked.

The men immediately stopped on their tracks and started scrambling away from their friend. No doubt, they had felt it—a sudden languor of the body, as soon as they had gotten too close. And then they knew, by instinct rather than reason, that they’d best stay away. It seems humans are sensitive to these things.

“C-Come on, do something!” the guard pleaded.

“You have one minute left to live—unless you agree to help me. Just nod, and I’ll let you go. I’ll even return your precious years. Well? What do you say?”

“Yes! Yes, damn it! I’ll do whatever you want, just please make it stop!” He dropped to his knees, on the verge of tears.

Stella kindly took the crystal off his hands. The black light dwindled and faded, and the white steam that had been stolen from him drifted back inside.

“I’m glad you understand,” she said with an impish giggle. “No more time to waste, then. Take me to your boss.”

“W-What the heck did you do to me?”

“Want to find out? I can do it again.”

“N-No. Got it. I’ll take you to the boss, just like I said. But let me hear your business first.”

“Absolutely not. Why must I say it twice? That’s just a waste of time and breath.” She smiled and gestured for him to lead the way.

Clever stroked the man’s head with his feathers, comforting him.

Led by the poor guard, Stella and Beck entered Leroy’s office. A ring of mercenaries surrounded the room, no doubt because of her little scene outside. In the center, atop an extravagant chair, sat a man with a retinue of young women around him. This could only be Leroy Stock. A brawny, balding man, he looked like the perfect person to lead a pack of thugs. He must also be a talented businessman, she thought, or else he’d never have brought his company this far. She padded toward him.

Leroy dismissed the women and, puffing on his cigar, looked down at Stella. Looking at his rough hands, she saw a ring set with a huge gemstone that shone with dazzling light. He’s got terrible taste, that’s clear.

“Look who came to visit. Glenn’s daughter from Glenn’s General Store, if I’m not mistaken,” he said. “You didn’t have to come; my men would have come to you. Is this about the debt? I’m informed you’re in arrears . . .”

“Yes, your men have kindly paid me a visit. I can’t pay without money, though, so I came to negotiate instead. As it happens, my parents died in an unfortunate accident just this morning.”

“I’m sorry to hear it. Well, as it happens, one of my men also died this morning. Did something happen?”

Leroy’s words were polite, but there was a murderous intensity in his eyes. He knew something was up, but not what. His eyes fell upon Stella’s Magic Crystal. So he’s heard about my threat. Yet he had agreed to meet with her—to save face, no doubt. A man in his line of work couldn’t afford to let a child trample on his pride.

“Yes,” she said. “A most unfortunate accident.”

“I see. Well, that’s not uncommon around here.”

Leroy gestured to a maidservant, who promptly brought Stella a chair. Sit, and then we’ll talk, he seemed to be saying. She complied, and sipped from the drink the maidservant offered her. No poison. “This juice tastes great.”

“I’m glad it’s to your liking. It’s a favorite among highborn ladies.” He shifted his tone. “So you say you didn’t come to repay the debt but to negotiate. We’re both busy, you and I—so let’s get straight to it.”

“Yes. Like I said, my parents have both died, and that store is all I have to my name. I can’t hope to repay the debt like this, so I thought of an alternative. I can give you something, if you’ll call us even.”

“That’s a very bold offer, miss. Let’s see if you can back it up.” He jerked his chin for her to continue.

“Mr. Leroy, you sell a dangerous substance—one that turns people into lifeless husks. And the Church’s issued a ban on it. I heard all about it from Beck.”

“Tch. You snitched to the girl? Lousy rat!” said a mercenary, reaching for his weapon.

It was an open secret, but one best left unmentioned. With the Astral Church’s ban on the drug, Leroy’s company couldn’t sell it openly without challenging the Church’s authority—and that would force the Inquisition to step in.

“N-No, please!” Beck said. “Boss, she threatened me, I . . .”

He scrambled over to Stella’s side, shrieking. My trusty shield. I’m so proud. Clever tensed up.

“No need to rush,” Leroy said to the mercenary. “The rat ain’t going anywhere. Go on, girl.”

“I can brew an elixir that will breathe life back into these lifeless husks. And I’m sure a business visionary such as yourself can see the potential in this.”

Stella drained her glass and tapped it for more. After a moment’s hesitation, the maidservant started refilling it with the purple liquid. As she waited, Stella raised her Magic Crystal for all to see; it cast an eerie purple glow.

“All I need is this and some ordinary water. And I mean to prove it.” She giggled. “I’ll sell the elixir to your company, and your company only. In exchange, you’ll erase my debt and tell your men to leave me alone. Those are my terms.”

Leroy studied her. “I find that hard to believe. Let’s get on with that proof, then. I will not have you mocking me.”

“But of course. Do you have a subject I can use?”

“Fetch me someone,” he commanded. “One of them up for disposal.”

His men brought in a semiconscious husk of a man—a longtime user of Leroy’s drug. Despite his sorry state, though, the man could hardly complain; he had tasted pleasures out of this world. Stella owed him nothing, but she would do this for her own sake. Let’s bring you back to hell.

Stella transformed the water in a glass and gave it to Leroy, who ordered it poured down the husk’s throat. Nothing happened at first, but as they waited, the man painfully awakened from his stupor. He was in great pain, Stella knew, but it would subside—along with the cravings—as long as he kept drinking her elixir.

Leroy regarded the man with interest. “It seems to be working, I’ll give you that. We were going to dump this one, but . . . can it really turn him back?”

“If you continue treating him with my elixir, he’ll go back to normal. Try it for a week and see for yourself,” Stella said. “You can decide how much to charge for it—it’s nothing to me. I’ll have Beck deliver it to you.”

It was fair to assume that the high society had access to Leroy’s drug—maybe not only in this town but in the whole continent. Sooner or later, they would suffer the aftereffects; all Leroy had to do then was offer the elixir at a high price. They would gladly take it. And, after full recovery, some fools would inevitably return to their addiction. By controlling both sides of this cycle, Leroy could make a fortune.

And by the look on his face, that was exactly what he was thinking.

“I don’t have to take your offer. I could lock you up, force you to work day and night.”

“Could you, now?”

“I don’t see why n—”

Stella raised her Magic Crystal. The blood drained from Leroy’s face, and cold sweat trickled down his brow. He could smell danger. His nose is not so bad after all.

Of course, if she used this to unleash mass murder, she would die. Which was why she was negotiating instead.

“Because if you try, I’ll simply set this off,” she said. “I want a normal human life. And if I can’t have it, I have no reason to live—but I won’t go down alone.”

An effective threat, but no more than a bluff. Should things get out of hand, she intended to cause a distraction and escape with Clever’s help—while putting Beck between her and danger.

Leroy pondered, then gave a deep, decisive nod. “Very well. You’ll give me exclusive rights to purchase your elixir, and I’ll erase your debt and never inconvenience you again. You have the word of Leroy Stock, miss.”

She giggled. “You humans are so understanding.”

“That said—your store is in my turf. I won’t ask you for protection money, but my turf, my rules. Never forget that. Betray me, and you’ll pay in blood.”

“Wow, you look so fierce,” Stella said, giggling. “But of course. This calls for a contract, don’t you think? Humans love their contracts. I’ve always wanted to sign one.” Stella’s eyes were sparkling, like a child’s when asking her mother for a toy. The perfect picture of innocence—if not for the warped smile on her lips.

“If you insist.” He turned to his men. “You heard her.”

They brought the contract. Stella and Leroy signed it, officializing their agreement.

“All done. And we each keep a copy, right? A fascinating practice, really. No need for bloodshed at the negotiating table.” Stella laughed, shaking back and forth.

A hint of fear crossed Leroy’s eyes. He whispered, “Are you really ten years old? You’re not a witch, are you?”

“A witch? Please. I’m Stella, Glenn’s daughter. A tender and unfortunate girl of ten who survived when the rest of my family died. So be careful with me. I’m very fragile. And you don’t want me to break.”

Stella smiled, a wicked, bewitching smile, and slowly stood up. She was done here.

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Source: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n4468cs/2/