Popular NPC in a Gender-Reversed Game

• "No, what is this... how?"

From beyond the symbol, a voice filled with confusion echoed. Just as I recognized my opponent, they must have recognized me as well. After all, it hadn’t been long since we last met, so we would have at least recognized each other's voice.

However, it was still surprising to suddenly hear that voice through their communication network.

• "How... how did you get in touch?"

"Well, I guess I got lucky and acquired it."

• "........."

After that, there was a brief silence. Honestly, there wasn't much to say. I had simply used a means of contact when I had it available—no real purpose behind it. Of course, there were a mountain of questions I could ask, but I didn't expect them to answer any of them.@@novelbin@@

Still, as I pondered what to say next, a rather good guess came to mind.

"Are you living near the Luren Kingdom? Right?"

• "What do you mean by that?"

The faction leader quietly asked. His tone was calm, but it was clear that some agitation was slipping through. Perhaps it was the fact that I couldn't see him, but that nervousness felt even more evident.

As I spoke, I began to organize my thoughts.

"It seemed strange when I thought about it."

The unknown thief was one thing; I could understand that. They said they were struggling with their living conditions, and to them, a ruined kingdom would be like a treasure trove. After all, sometimes even otherworldly beings drop valuable items when they die.

But why was there a faction leader involved? To gather some spare change, why would a high-ranking figure like a faction leader need to be there? Even the thief said something about coming out due to the commotion.

• "You’re sharper than I expected. I thought you were just some fool living in the forest."

• "What’s the point of hiding it now? Besides, even if I knew, could knights really invade this place?"

• "Since it’s come to this, let’s introduce ourselves. You’re Yor, right?"

• "How could I not? The 3rd, 4th, and 5th faction leaders all know you. I didn’t recognize you last time since it was our first time meeting in person. But after thinking it over, all your traits matched."

• "Anyway, nice to meet you. I’m Ijolde. I’m quite busy, so can I hang up now? This communication network takes quite a bit of effort, you know?"

• "…You're sharper than I expected. Do you have a good sense?"

• "The 3rd and 5th faction leaders seem to like you, but I’m different. You’re not planning to join Remegaton, are you?"

• "I can’t just leave a useless manifester around. If you keep getting in the way... next time, I’ll really eliminate you."

• "Well, if it’s like that... there’s nothing to be done. We’ll just have to spill blood."