To survive the life he lived after Grandma Han and his parents died, he had to do a lot of adjustment with how he handled the world and other people.

The harsh realities of life were something he faced from as young as he was seven years old, and he knew early on that without money or power, he would suffer.

He had to capture people's moods, even the subtle signs, and at the same time, he learned how to act in a way he normally wouldn't, just so he could pass the day in peace.

As much of a mini gangster he had been when he was small, he was actually a chameleon as soon as he entered the 'professional' world.

The number of times he gritted his teeth through the unfairness, the discrimination, and the insults in the past two decades could be more than what many people went through their whole lives.

There were times when he wondered why he was fighting so hard. Why didn't he just let it go? Why didn't he just punch the head chef in the face? Why didn't he just pour the soup over the customer's head?

But he did endure regardless, simply because he knew someone like him could not be choosy.

His source of happiness was his food, especially making delicious ones, and especially making new tastes. Without a job, a kitchen, or a bit of money, he'd be stuck with stale bread and empty gruel.

Anyway, socializing and pretending were useful skills he honed through what felt like life and death, and he'd use them even in another world.

At present, the adventurers were staring at him. "Role playing? What does that mean?"

"It's hard to explain," Finn said. "Well, do you guys know anyone with some disguise capabilities?"

"I wouldn't say an expert, but she is pretty good."

Compared to mercenaries who did spy missions, adventurers really didn't have much specialty in that. Fortunately, there was someone who knew something, and that was enough.

"Take me to her, please."

As for why he had to go in disguise, it was because he was entering a powerful person's base. He didn't know what could happen.

He might even have to steal something or someone, and he didn't want to become a wanted man who couldn't set foot in Lotus Town after this!

The two escorted him to the person's house, which was in a mid-tier neighborhood a few blocks from the palace. Finn looked at the side and at the two, who were following whatever whims he decided to do.

For a moment, he wondered why they had so much time on their hands until he realized they were genuinely just worried for him.

His heart warmed. Growing up, the number of real friends he ever had was not so many. There simply wasn't much of a chance to make genuine relationships, considering he was trying to barrel through so many obstacles. It was more likely to find business partners who'd stab you in the back when you were no longer useful.

Now, at a time when he was on the verge of breaking down, he could still smile because he was no longer alone.

He couldn't help but chuckle, wrapping his arms around each of their shoulders as they walked, surprising them both.

"I'm glad to have come," he said. And he meant coming to this world.

…

The disguise expert's house was a townhouse not too far from the Guild Hall. It was also not far from the palace, which was in the opposite direction from the hall, which meant she was quite well off.

He whistled when he saw her house, which was also quite well-maintained, even compared to the neighbors.

"Her name is Leez. She is the go-to person whenever a local adventurer wants to have some temporary modifications in their appearance."

It wasn't needed particularly often for adventurers, and the most common case for them was when someone needed a wig after his hair was ruined (or disappeared) during a fight or a wayward spell.

According to Leiah, the most exciting client Leez had was when someone had to change appearances because they received an investigation mission to a noble's infidelity.

"She's the daughter of a merchant, but she separated to live independently," Leiah explained.

Finn looked at the half-elf. "You admire her."

Leiah blinked, looking at him, nodding after a moment. "Well."

Also, a merchant? He could make use of this network even more, but this was not the time for a business proposal, so he only took note of it

Marcus was already at the door by this time, knocking. "Oiii! Leeezzz! Open up~!!"

Marcus was quite noisy, and the two teammates found themselves turning away a bit, covering their faces, as if it would dissociate with him somehow.

Fortunately, the house's door really opened, revealing a curvaceous redhead in her early 30s. She looked annoyed at Marcus, and then sparkled at the sight of Leiah. And when she saw Finn, she almost squealed.

"Oh my, who is this handsome young man?" she asked as if she wasn't just a few years older than him.

"This is our new friend, he's joining the adventurer's team soon," Leiah said with a gentle smile as she greeted Leez. "We're helping him out on a mission, which happens to need your expertise."

"Oh? Then how can I help?"

Leiah had no idea, and neither did Marcus, so they could only look at Finn to explain.

Finn nodded. "May I see your items? I'd like to rent a few things."

…

Leiah, Leez, and Marcus chatted in the living room while they waited for him to finish. Finn asked to be alone and said he'd go out when he's done.

"Where'd you find him? He's really handsome, isn't he?" Leez mumbled, and her eyes sparkled when she saw Leiah blush.

"Ohmy… is our snobbish princess finally captured?!"

Leiah flushed red, and she awkwardly looked in the direction of the door where Finn was. "Stop talking!"

"Anyway, how have you been?" the female merchant asked, a smirk not leaving her face. "You've been very busy with your missions. Well, your aura is much clearer now, I guess you've been training well."

Leiah nodded. "Yeah, we found a good place to grind."

Marcus liked this topic and hyped up. "You don't know Leez, we can rest well, eat well, and relax—while in the middle of the danger zone!"

The more Leez heard, the more confused she was. She was curious, sure, but this claim was a bit 'out there,' right?

Leiah was nodding with a light smile on her face, but that could just mean that she thought Marcus was being silly.

It was around here that the door finally opened, and they gaped at the unfamiliar person who went out of the room Finn had been in. Rather, seeing the stranger, they started doubting whether they had been monitoring the right door at all.

The new person had light brown hair and had an arrogant air about him. He also had freckles on his face that they'd have recognized if they knew him.

They flinched and stood up, looking guardedly at him. "Who are you?"

The man saw their reaction and gave a handsome grin—one that was so bright and characteristic that it refreshed their memories. "Yo!"

"F-Finn?!"

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