Chapter 12: An Uncertain Fate
It all made sense, given the circumstances. Honestly, Damien was more grateful they had even helped him when they found him in such a vulnerable state.
"However, the clothes you were wearing were clearly not something a commoner could afford, even if they were unfamiliar to us. That raised suspicion that you might be a noble from a faraway country, so they called me—since I've studied various languages—to come and verify your identity."
The clothes… Damien realized Theo was referring to his school uniform. It was just a standard school uniform with a buttoned collar, nothing fancy, but compared to everyday clothes, it was sturdier and better made. Since it was almost brand new, it probably looked more expensive than it actually was.
"And, well, you know the rest. I convinced them you were an Earthian—a person from another world—and now, I've been entrusted with your care!"
Theo's excitement spiked again at the mention of "being entrusted with Damien's care," almost as if he were saying, I've caught you! It was a little frightening.
"Uh, so… what would've happened if I hadn't been recognized as someone from another world?" Damien asked nervously.
"If that had been the case, then as a foreigner with no one to vouch for you, you would've been sentenced to one year of forced labor. After that, you'd be released as a third-class citizen," Theo explained nonchalantly.
Damien paled at the thought. There was no way he could survive forced labor in a place where he couldn't even understand the language. He struggled enough with foreign language back at earth, so learning the local language here wasn't going to be any easier either.
Damien couldn't help but think that he probably wouldn't have survived a year of forced labor. Even if he did, the term "third-class citizen" didn't inspire any hope for a good future.
"Uh, by the way, what exactly is a third-class citizen?" Damien asked, dreading the answer.
"It's a semi-slave class," Theo replied nonchalantly.
I knew it, Damien thought grimly.
"So… am I safe from that fate now?" Damien asked, trying to confirm.
"Of course! I've gotten you now!" Theo said with a grin, using the word "gotten" so casually that it made Damien uneasy.
Still, Damien figured that being under Theo's care had to be better than being a semi-slave. Theo seemed like the type who would at least treat a pet well.
"I'm very grateful for your help in saving me," Damien said, trying to stay polite.
"No, no, I'm just happy I could be of service to you!" Theo's cheerful tone only made the situation more unsettling, now that Damien had seen his more eccentric side.
What exactly did Theo plan to do with him? Damien couldn't help but wonder, a chill creeping up his spine.
"So, what will I be expected to do now that I'm under your care?" Damien asked, half-jokingly hoping he wouldn't hear something outrageous.
"Well, well, you must be tired today. Let's leave that discussion for another day," Theo replied, pushing off the conversation. It made Damien even more anxious.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone