Chapter 16:
Two days before Ronan told Bibi that he needed money, he received a letter from his younger sister, Ezette.
To my brother,
Brother, forgive me for sending a letter after such a long time. I will explain why I couldn’t write sooner below, but first, I’ll tell you about Mother’s condition.
Her illness has worsened over the past week. Fortunately, if we switch to a new medicine, she can endure it. But the medicine is extremely expensive. I know you’re in a difficult situation right now, so I couldn’t ask for more money.
That’s why, a few days ago, I tried to earn money by joining mercenary groups or guilds. Yes, because of that, I couldn’t write to you. To be honest, I completely failed in finding work. The master of the Benete guild blocked everything, so I couldn’t do anything.
The only ways to earn money without falling into the Benete master’s schemes were: either disguise myself using the necklace and get a job, or marry the Viscount of Benete. Using the necklace is risky, because it brings curses to those around me, so I couldn’t use it recklessly.
Time was running out, so I couldn’t tell you beforehand. Please forgive my hasty decision.
I think I’ll have to marry the Viscount of Benete in a week… If I had known it would come to this, I should have married earlier. I’m sorry for telling you so late. There was no time to consult with you and make a decision.
I hope you won’t blame yourself. This is entirely my choice. Thank you as always, Brother.
—Ezette, who will always love her brother
As soon as Ronan finished reading the letter, he clenched his fists, cursing the Benete family.
The Viscount of Benete was an old man who had bought his title with money, a despicable person who leered at Ezette.
Ezette had only shown small kindness to the man out of respect, but he misinterpreted it as a deep affection for him and began to cling to her.
“A poor girl like you, yet showing kindness without caring about a man’s money! You’re a true woman who understands hearts!”
He constantly harassed her with such nonsense. First, he pressured her to marry quickly, and then he even prevented her from engaging in any economic activity.
Ronan felt a surge of uncontrollable anger but had no way to express it. He also had no solution for this situation.
Once a prestigious family that had even slain dragons, the Philaxis family now only had its name left. The necklace obtained from killing a dragon was blamed for bringing a curse on the family.
Each member began obsessively gambling, indulging in pleasure, and luxury, gradually going mad.
“No necklaces. Absolutely not.”
He didn’t necessarily believe in the necklace’s curse, but he couldn’t stand by if his sister used it.
Yet, what’s the difference between her using the necklace or being sold to that old man?
Ronan stared at the letter with empty eyes. If he had power, that old man couldn’t touch Ezette. Or at least, if he had enough money, he could have avoided the Viscount’s interference.
His superior approached him, noticing his expression. Pretending to be friendly, he clapped Ronan on the shoulder with an irritating grin.
“Hey, our poor guy. Looks like you need money again.”
“…….”
“Not answering?”
Ronan remained silent, folding the letter and trying to leave.
“Hey, don’t ignore me! That’s why you’re so uneducated. Sit, I have a good story for you.”
Ronan ignored him and kept walking forward.
“Hey! I said sit. You need money, right? I’ll tell you something good.”
Hearing the word “money,” Ronan stopped. His stiff face turned toward the man.
“This is practically top secret, but I know a way to make a big haul. Want to try?”
“I’ll go.”
“Hey, man… don’t act like that. Nah, today I’ll make an exception. Listen carefully. It’s worth 1,500 gold.”
Ronan could not move further. The mention of money froze him in place. His superior winked and smiled mischievously.
“You know the season when sea monsters appear, right? That one that comes once every twenty years—Ketaklos? People think it’s easy because it ends fast, but that’s all a lie. There’s a reason it gets killed quickly.”
“Get to the point.”
“…Phew. Should I hit you? Fine, I’ll give it straight. The only time you can strike that thing is when it’s eating. Its appetite is incredible; once it has food in its mouth, it focuses on that and nothing else.”
“…….”
“But it’s picky. It won’t eat a weakling. Only a paladin-level person can feed it. You understand?”
“So, you mean we’re the sacrifice?”
“Yes. But what I’m suggesting isn’t just to be a sacrifice. Come closer.”
Ronan did not move closer. The man raised his fist as if to strike, then lowered it again. Leaning closer, he whispered to Ronan.
“I really want this promotion. If I’m the hero who kills that monster, I get promoted that very day.”
The man glanced around and lowered his posture.
“So here’s the deal: when I signal, jump from the ship. I’ll give you 1,700 gold.”
The vile offer made Ronan tighten his jaw. That amount would buy the new medicine and still leave enough for Ezette to live comfortably for several years.
Ronan couldn’t choose so easily.
It wasn’t that he valued his life; in fact, he didn’t care much for it. Yet he hesitated for a reason.
Giving his life for only a few years of money seemed unfair when he cared so much about his family.
“If that old man hears I’m dead, he’ll harass Ezette even more.”
The only reason he had been able to prevent the marriage so far was thanks to being a paladin.
Thinking of Ezette, alone with their mother, he couldn’t answer lightly.
The man continued to persuade him impatiently.
“In the Empire, those who become sacrifices get 1,500 gold. I’m offering 200 more. 1,500 or 1,700—your choice. You have no connections, and your paladin career ends in ten years anyway.”
Unlike priests whose power is based solely on piety, the paladin society is full of corruption.
Everything the man said was correct. Even if Ronan endured now, in five years he could lose his position, and it wouldn’t be surprising.
The man clicked his tongue at Ronan’s hesitation.
“I’ll give you a week. Think it over.”
The man left. Ronan stood still, staring into emptiness.
Should he sacrifice his life for Ezette’s peace, or find another way to prevent her marriage? He had to choose.
“But there’s no other way to make this much money.”
After hearing the proposal, Ronan left to go to work. Outside, there was nothing to see—only the darkness of despair.
Then, he made eye contact with Bibi, strolling through the market.
He remembered her promise to help.
Maybe she can help me.
Ronan hesitated. He had few options and had to seize any opportunity.
That very day, meeting Bibi, he began writing a letter. Even then, he didn’t expect her help—but he had to try everything he could.
So he knelt before Bibi.
“I need money.”
At Ezette’s words, I froze for a moment.
Did I hear that correctly?
But she did not retract her statement and stared firmly at me. I realized I hadn’t misheard.
I racked my brain to understand her urgency.
Was it because her mother’s condition had worsened? Or because my interference disrupted her ability to earn money in the original story?
A bit surprising, but I had no reason not to help her.
“How much do you need?”
A small ripple passed through Ezette’s eyes, as if she hadn’t expected me to give money so easily.
“500 gold.”
“Fine. I’ll send it as soon as I return home today. Give me your address.”
Ezette’s eyes widened in surprise at how quickly it was resolved.
“…You’re not going to ask why I need this much?”
“No. Not really curious.”
She wasn’t the type to squander money. I thought giving her a portion of my wealth would be enough.
“Is money all you need? Then let’s sit for a while.”
Kindly, she had already ordered food. I glanced at the table, distracted by the desserts.
Is that an iced Americano? And cheesecake?
Sorry for the timing, but I got caught up in the coffee and dessert. I hadn’t eaten properly since being hospitalized due to indigestion.
I picked up the drink with trembling hands.
It was indeed an iced Americano. The caffeine coursed through me, and my eyes instantly lit up.
Ah, this is life.
I drank while signaling Ezette, who had yet to sit. After a few glances, she finally took a seat.
“Since you’re leaving soon, I know it’s hard to repay me. So consider this payment for escorting you to Teheran Island instead.”
She offered to accompany me on the ship. Absolutely unacceptable—she had work here.
“Just take it. Think of it as payment for helping with the stowaway.”
“But…”
Ezette avoided my gaze, uncomfortable receiving a large sum.
“If you’re that bothered, can I ask a favor?”
“Anything.”
“It’s not urgent, just something small for later.”
She licked her lips, planting a seed.
“As I said before, can we meet here again at 9 a.m. on the day of the stowaway?”
“Agreed.”
“Don’t worry, it’s not illegal.”
“Even if it is, it’s fine.”
Wow. Truly a bold heroine. I cut the cake and smiled wryly.
“Is that okay for a paladin?”
“If it means surviving, what can’t one do?”
I didn’t think I’d hear that in person. I stole a glance at Ezette’s bitter smile while eating cake.
“So, that’s all for the favor?”
“…Yes. It’s enough.”
“Anything urgent to do right now?”
“No.”
Good. I clapped once.
“Then let’s sit and enjoy ourselves for a bit. Don’t waste this.”
Being with her made me comfortable and whetted my appetite. I felt a bit of fatigue leave.
I looked at her brightly, trying to be playful. It had been so long since I’d acted like this with another girl.
Ezette hesitated, then softly said:
“Just a little, I’ll eat before leaving.”
Yes! I cheered silently and offered her plate.
“I ate all the cake, sorry. Want something else? I’ll buy it.”
“I’m fine.”
She tried to appear fine, but I knew she liked sweets and had a healthy appetite.
I winked and stood.
“Then I’ll order everything I want. Let’s eat together.”
Being with someone who eats a lot means you can order as much as you want—perfect opportunity to taste every cake here.
Indeed, the heroine. I clapped, looking at the now-empty plate.
“You really do eat well, don’t you?”
A bit disappointed. If I stayed, I could have gone cake-hopping with her.
We chatted lightly while eating. Ezette was more sarcastic than I expected.
Clatter—she put down her fork like tossing it.
“I feel like I’m going to die. No more sugar for me.”
A friend who could joke under a deadpan expression. I thought it’d be nice to stay friends.
She looked emptily at the empty plate. I interpreted her words freely as harmless exaggeration.
“Want more? Should I buy more?”
“No, enough. Actually, too much already.”
She furrowed her right eye slightly—she really looked full.
“Then… shall we go?”
Seeing her eat well made me happy. I left the café in high spirits.
“Ah, today was fun. Too bad there won’t be a next time.”
Next time, there’d be little opportunity, and the atmosphere wouldn’t be playful. I waved my hand happily.
“If you need anything else, tell me right away. Use me while you can, understand?”
“I’m already satisfied.”
She said that to the end. Ezette joked easily but didn’t take gifts lightly.
“Eh, boring. Alright, go on in.”
“……Please.”
A very brief rest in hell. I stretched fully. My body still ached, but I felt good.
Alright, back to hell we go.
Before taking the carriage, I saw a nearby flower shop and bought a bouquet. I didn’t want Kidd to complain later that the flowers were too meager.
