My Cheat Skill Lets Me Copy Powers....But only if i kill-Chapter 14: Bonds And Blades

Chapter 13: Bonds and Blades

Renji sat at the small wooden table in his room at the inn, the dim lantern light flickering against the walls. Across from him, the two rescued girls sat close together on the bed, watching him with soft but expectant gazes.

The loot from the goblin cave was spread across the table—silver coins, jewelry, small trinkets, and even a few potions.

He exhaled, rubbing his chin. Not a bad haul.

It wasn't just about the money—he was also assessing his financial situation.

A new sword from the blacksmith would cost 50 silver. He needed to make sure he had enough left over for supplies after buying it.

But before anything else...

He glanced at the girls. "So. You got names?"

The silver-haired girl was the first to speak. Her voice was quiet but clear.

"I'm Elara."

The auburn-haired girl followed hesitantly. "I'm Lena."

Renji nodded. "Elara. Lena." He leaned back in his chair. "So... what do you want to do now?"

The two exchanged a glance before clinging to his arms again, pressing their faces into his sleeves.

"We... want to stay with you," Elara murmured.

Lena nodded. "You saved us. We don't have anywhere else to go."

Renji exhaled slowly. He had seen this coming.

They had nowhere to return to. They had been taken by goblins, likely assuming they were going to die. Now, he was their only anchor in this world.

He didn't mind them staying. But... was this really the best decision for them?

He studied their expressions—soft, pleading, but also determined.

They weren't just clinging to him out of fear.

They had chosen him.

"...Fine," he said at last. "You can stay."

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The reaction was instant.

Elara hugged him tightly, her body pressing against his side, while Lena did the same on his other arm.

"Thank you," Elara whispered.

Lena smiled, her grip firm. "We won't be a burden. Promise."

Renji sighed, but a small smirk tugged at his lips.

Looks like he wasn't going to be alone anytime soon.

The next morning, after a quick meal at the inn, Renji met up with Kiera at the Guild Hall to split the treasure.

Kiera leaned against the counter, arms crossed, her tail flicking as she watched him approach—with Elara and Lena clinging to his arms as usual.

Kiera raised an eyebrow. "Wow. You really can't shake them, huh?"

Renji ignored her. He placed half the silver coins and valuables onto the counter.

"Your share."

Kiera's ears twitched. "Huh. Thought you might try to cheat me."

Renji smirked. "Not my style."

Kiera took her cut, flipping a coin between her fingers. "Well, you're already a better partner than most of the idiots I've worked with."

She glanced at Elara and Lena again, her golden eyes narrowing slightly before she looked away.

Renji noticed. Jealous?

No, more like annoyed.

Still, he didn't bring it up.

After leaving the Guild, Renji made his way to the blacksmith's forge with Elara and Lena still clinging to him.

The blacksmith, a burly man named Garron, glanced up as they entered. "Ah. Back already?"

Renji nodded. "I've got the coin."

Garron smirked. "Good. Because this beauty isn't waiting around forever."

He reached behind the counter and placed the curved alloy sword onto the table.

Renji gripped the hilt, feeling its perfect weight in his hand. It was light but strong, made for speed and precision.

He swung it experimentally. Smooth. Balanced. Deadly.

"Fifty silver," Garron reminded him.

Renji counted out the money, placing it on the counter.

Garron nodded, satisfied. "Pleasure doin' business with you."

Elara and Lena watched in awe as Renji sheathed his new weapon.

"It suits you," Elara murmured.

Lena nodded. "You look even cooler now."

Renji chuckled. "Glad you approve."

After securing his new weapon, Renji turned his attention to the next priority—getting Elara and Lena some decent clothes.

Their current outfits were torn and dirty, remnants of what they wore before being captured.

He led them through the market district, stopping by a clothing shop run by a kind-looking older woman.

Elara and Lena hesitated at first, but Renji motioned toward the racks. "Pick whatever you like."

Their eyes lit up as they browsed, running their hands over soft fabric and elegant designs.

Elara picked out a simple but elegant silver and white outfit—a tunic and fitted pants.

Lena chose a red and black ensemble, slightly looser but comfortable.

Renji paid for both.

Then they stopped by a small cosmetics stall, where the girls picked out light makeup and perfume.

"Never thought I'd be buying perfume in another world," Renji muttered.

Elara smiled. "We want to look nice."

Lena giggled. "For you."

Renji sighed. What have I gotten myself into?

By the time they finished shopping, it was late afternoon. Renji took them to a local tavern, treating them to a proper meal.

They sat in a quiet booth, enjoying warm roast meat, fresh bread, and a light wine.

Elara and Lena stayed close to him, their eyes full of quiet admiration.

Kiera sat at another table nearby, watching them with a frown as she idly swirled her drink.

Renji noticed.

She's definitely jealous.

But of what? The attention? The fact that he had chosen to take these girls in?

He didn't dwell on it.

By the time they returned to the inn, the moon was high, and exhaustion was settling into his bones.

He entered his room, setting down his sword.

Then he turned—only to find Elara and Lena already sitting on his bed.

Renji sighed. "You're staying in my room, aren't you?"

Elara nodded. "Of course."

Lena clung to his arm. "We feel safer with you."

Renji ran a hand through his hair. "There's only one bed."

Elara blinked. "So?"

Lena tilted her head. "You don't want us here?"

Renji hesitated. He wasn't heartless. After everything they had been through, he understood why they didn't want to be alone.

"...Fine," he muttered. "Just don't take all the blanket."

The girls smiled before climbing under the covers beside him.

As Renji lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, he could feel Elara curled against one side and Lena on the other.

He sighed, closing his eyes.

He was too tired to fight it.

From outside the room, Kiera watched from the hall, arms crossed, her tail twitching in irritation.

"...Tch."

Then she turned and walked away.