Chapter 49: Pure, Unadulterated Stupidity
“Let’s go.” Anse patted Brat.
If his strength was strong enough, he would certainly intervene, regardless of good and evil, because these slavers were all walking experience.
But when the risk and benefit were not proportional, it was time to weigh it carefully.
He had just taken a step when a faint mana fluctuation came from his backpack, growing stronger and stronger.
‘Eh, what thing?’
The backpack was very light and didn’t hold too many things; the worthless ones had been left in the inn room.
He set down the backpack and opened it, immediately stunned—it was the magic contract Dorothea had given him.
Dorothea was the old mage who had sold him the spell storing ring and protective cloak on credit.
Unfolding the magic contract, the front content hadn’t changed, but a thin mana light line appeared on the back, pointing straight to… his left side.
“Clara, come quickly, there’s a ship here.”
A shout came from beside his ear, and his expression changed as he flipped over the magic contract—the target needing rescue was clearly Clara!
‘A magic contract has this effect too?’
He looked up and saw a red-haired youth leading a little girl quickly over.
The little girl was really small, wearing a red cloak, carrying a blue backpack, with a fair little face, pointed little ears, big eyes, looking no more than four or five years old.
The strangest thing was her eyes, one blue and one purple, like two shining gems.
‘This… almost got tricked.’
The magic contract clearly said Clara was a professional, but didn’t mention her age.
He focused his mind on the girl, and the dice quickly popped up her information.
【Clara, Elf, Level 1 Sorcerer】
‘She really is a professional?!’
Such a young professional was too abnormal; at least Anse couldn’t comprehend it at all.
At this moment, the red-haired youth squeezed over, scanned the area, and slightly frowned at the crowd filling the deck.
The bearded man lit up upon seeing the little girl, leaped down from the ship’s rail, and reached the two in a few steps:
“Going to Paros? A few spots left, setting sail soon—come aboard first.”
A crew member jumped down, roughly shoved the crowd aside, grabbed a rope ladder for him, signaled the red-haired youth to go up, and reached out to pick up the little girl.
“No need!” The red-haired youth’s face turned cold as he shielded the little girl behind him.
The crew member paused and looked to the bearded man.
“He just wants to help you.” The bearded man waved it off, looking hearty. “We run this route year-round; conditions are a bit rough, but absolutely safe.
If you’re willing to add a little money, I can arrange a better cabin for you, more comfortable.”
The red-haired youth’s expression softened; seeing the bearded man’s sincerity, he was quite tempted.
Anse could tell something was about to go wrong—the red-haired youth had arrived late and didn’t know many details.
He touched the protective cloak that had blocked a blade for him, and Dorothea’s aged face involuntarily appeared in his mind.
“Clara!” He quickly approached, giving Brat and the other an eye signal at the same time.
The red-haired youth and bearded man were startled, turning to see the spellcaster-dressed Anse, their expressions different.
“Who are you? How do you know Clara’s name?” The little girl’s voice still carried a childish tone.
Anse walked to her side and crouched down: “Dorothea sent me.”
“Ah, is it Auntie?” Clara looked delighted.
“Mm.” Anse had no idea what their relationship was; he just needed to get her away. “I booked a room at Moon Shadow Kui Ling—come with me.”
“Okay!”
“Wait.” The red-haired youth blocked in front of Clara, vigilant. “We don’t know you.”
“You’re so dumb, Kafka.” Clara pushed the youth hard but couldn’t budge him, then huffed and ran to Anse’s side, pouting. “You can’t even tell good guys from bad guys—he’s a good guy; they’re the bad ones.”
The red-haired youth’s expression changed drastically; he drew his short sword with a shing, turning to face the bearded man with a grave look.
He knew Clara had the ability to discern good and evil alignments since childhood; her “bad guys” meant evil alignment humans.
The atmosphere at the scene immediately became delicate.
The people still boarding stopped, scattering, leaving a large empty space by the ship’s rail.
Those already aboard looked uneasy, some confused, others realizing belatedly.
Anse was speechless—this red-haired youth’s reaction was too intense; why not just leave?
The bearded man’s expression stiffened, unwilling in his heart—this little girl was worth more than everyone on the ship, and he trusted his own judgment.
But he didn’t dare break cover on the spot—not out of fear, but worry that if they exposed their identity and it spread, win or lose, they couldn’t do this again.
Cutting off their income, the boss would tear him apart.
“Haha… kids are so cute. Uncle may look a bit fierce, but I’m a good guy.” He laughed heartily, acting completely unconcerned.
“If you’re not going, fine.” He waved. “Pull up the rope ladder—we have enough…”
The bearded man and crew returned to the deck, gradually pulling up the rope ladders, looking ready to set sail.
The surrounding people relaxed at this, many starting to grumble and sigh again.
“Come with me.” Anse glanced at the red-haired youth.
“This…” Kafka leaned in, lowering his voice. “Are they slavers? So brazen in broad daylight without hiding—nobody does anything?”
“If you want to play hero, go ahead alone.” Anse picked up Clara and walked off.
Since they dared to be so open, they must have backing—maybe even ties with Silver Scale Bay officials.
Even if he wanted to intervene, he couldn’t charge in alone; they had dozens of crew, and even a paladin would call for backup first. Better to leave for now and spread the word.
Kafka caught up; he still didn’t fully trust Anse and wanted to take Clara.
Just as he opened his mouth, Anse shoved the magic contract in his face—Dorothea Zaitkin’s signature clear as day.
Kafka wanted a closer look, but Anse put it away.
“What smells so good?” Clara lay on Anse’s shoulder, her little nose twitching.
“You haven’t eaten?”
Kafka gave a dry laugh: “No.”
Anse pulled out the remaining three oatmeal cookies from his backpack, giving one to Clara and two to Kafka.
Clara ate while humming contentedly, clearly pleased with the oatmeal cookie’s taste.
“How did you two escape?” Anse kept walking straight to Moon Shadow Kui Ling.
“By ship—Sea Tower District and Manorborn District haven’t fallen yet; merchant ships are docking…” Kafka said between bites.
The merchant ships he mentioned were armed ones from Cormyr, Moonsea, and Waterdeep; they didn’t go beyond Dragon Bridge, dropping supplies at Sea Tower District, picking up people, and heading back.
The goods were all bought by the grand duke, of course; evacuating people was incidental—at least a hundred gold coins per person, only to Silver Scale Bay or Fishman Village, profiting hugely.
Turns out, except Baldur’s Gate getting hit, everyone else was making a fortune.
“How come just you two? Clara… her parents?” Anse subtly watched the girl’s expression and saw no sadness or oddity.
“I’ve never met Clara’s parents; she’s always lived with my mentor.” Kafka explained. “Mentor sent a message dissolving the mage tower, told me to find a chance to quietly bring her to Silver Scale Bay.”
Anse stopped, staring fixedly at Kafka:
【Kafka, Human, Level 3 Wizard（School of Divination）, Level 1 Rogue】
“What’s wrong?” Kafka was puzzled.
“Nothing.” Anse hadn’t expected this seemingly low-EQ youth to be a Level 3 wizard.
He mulled over the word “divination,” suddenly feeling this encounter might not be coincidence.
But he wasn’t a wizard, knew no divination school spells, and couldn’t analyze or understand the arcana.
Thanks to Mao Xian Ni Zai Na Li, Book Friend 20190124165609900, and Shan Hai Fang Cun Jian for the rewards.
Sun Elves
Sun Elves, also called gold elves or Ar’Tel’Quessir, are known for their arrogance and conceit.
Many of them believe themselves the chosen of Corellon, and other races（or even other elf subraces）fall short in skill, purpose, and refinement. They proudly call themselves “high elves”; in fact, many of the world’s great（and sometimes even terrifying）achievements are this race’s responsibility.
When reviewing and emphasizing their glorious history, sun elves always uphold the “elves first” principle—other races’ achievements, no matter how intriguing, excellent, heroic, or notable, are inherently inferior to elven ones. This attitude has strained their relations with other elves, even viewing them as symbols of elven cultural decline or weakening. Some sun elves reject this mindset, but it doesn’t change the widespread image of sun elf arrogance among Faerun people.
In fact, most sun elves also have strong compassion and are steady, excellent fighters, but these virtues are often overshadowed by their arrogance.
Sun elves have bronze skin. Their eyes are black or metallic gold or silver, and their hair is black, metallic copper, or golden.
