“Money? I can give you as much as you want. If you want to escape this wretched place quickly, that is. But…”
Theron reclined against the plush sofa and spoke.
“Why me? There must be plenty of people who would pay handsomely for that information aside from me.”
He was only a successor of ten years old.
Who among the rulers would refuse an existence akin to treasure that could grant them control over the entirety of the Arion Kingdom if they could just get their hands on it?
The Empire’s Information Department had been searching high and low with fiery determination but hadn’t found anything so far because other nations were also looking for their own successors.
With each side holding the other back, how could anyone find it easily?
“Tell me why you came specifically to the Empire.”
Lucy swallowed hard at Theron’s lethargic tone.
This was the most crucial moment.
Even though he seemed to view everything as bothersome, his sharp gaze told her that failing to persuade this Crown Prince would ruin everything.
Not only might she not receive payment, but there was a real possibility of being captured and tortured right here.
Though she had brought along some tough guild guards, how could they compare to the might of the Empire?
It was merely a means to try not to appear too frightened.
‘Of course, if my gathered intel is correct, I won’t suffer torture…’
But one could never be sure about such things.
Keeping up her smile while trying to hide her pounding heart, Lucy declared boldly:
“Because the Empire has the most money. Why would we deal with weaklings when someone who can pay top dollar is right here?”
“Hmm… And?”
“Because you’re the strongest at this moment. Selling info to random nobodies would likely result in them getting robbed anyway.”
“And?”
“Because it’s objectively the safest option.”
“Safest? Why’s that?”
“It’s the belief that a highly esteemed Crown Prince like yourself wouldn’t oppress a lowly informer like me.”
“Belief… So you’ve investigated me, have you?”
“If you see it as my desperate struggle to survive, I’d appreciate your understanding.”
At Lucy’s fawning smile, Theron nodded silently before crossing his legs and leaning back even further.
His completely unpersuaded demeanor made Lucy feel cold sweat trickling down her back.
‘Hmm, tougher than I heard. Is this act or reality?’
People naturally become more arrogant with higher authority, so Theron’s attitude could be considered normal in that sense.
According to collected information, the Imperial Crown Prince was fair, cared for his subordinates, possessed good character, and was practically perfect.
On top of that, being a Master meant his combat skills were also exceptional.
A superhuman worthy of becoming heir to the massive Empire.
What was the truth behind these rumors?
Despite having a parched mouth, Lucy dared not drink the tea in front of her.
This was a critical meeting concerning the fate of the guild after all.
She couldn’t afford to show any weakness.
Maintaining her professional sales smile was making her jaw muscles ache terribly.
Her entire body groaned under the strain of maintaining proper posture.
Skipping meals earlier out of precaution now threatened to betray her with audible stomach growls.
Still, she maintained her composure out of pride for leading one of the world’s top information guilds.
“Hmm… I think it’s not a bad answer. However, personally evaluating every situation makes my shoulders heavy.”
At that moment, an aura exploded from Theron’s entire body.
“!”
The oppressive pressure of the aura crushed Lucy’s breath.
Facing Theron’s piercing blue eyes, she didn’t dare make a sound.
“I’ll ask one last time. Why did you choose me?”
“…”
Lucy realized instinctively that giving an unsatisfactory answer now would cost her life.
That wasn’t all – the continued existence of White Crow might be in jeopardy.
His deep blue eyes filled her with genuine fear.
So this was what a successor of the continent looked like.
Perhaps she had been overly optimistic.
Regretting now was futile.
With her dry lips trembling, Lucy exhaled painfully.
“Haa… Uh, to repay a favor.”
“Favor? Whose favor?”
“Y, Yama… No, Sir Allen’s favor.”
“Hmm, elaborate…”
“I cannot say more. Take my head if you don’t believe me.”
Daring to interrupt the Crown Prince, Lucy managed a faint smile.
“In this line of work, trust is more precious than life itself.”
“…”
Theron stared intently at Lucy.
How long did his soul-piercing gaze last?
Just before she lost consciousness from being unable to withstand the Master’s pressure, the suffocating aura vanished like magic.
“I apologize for my rudeness until now.”
Already Theron had discarded his arrogant attitude, regarding Lucy seriously with a grave expression.
Catching her breath, she noticed the change in him from moments ago.
“Aren’t you curious anymore?”
“I am curious. However, didn’t you say it yourself? That trust is more precious than life. I can’t harm someone valuable for a mere curiosity.”
“That may be so…”
Would he really value the life of a mere informer?
‘There’s no way.’
Not diminishing Theron’s character, but simply stating objective fact – there were countless pieces of information far more valuable than a single person’s life.
As someone leading an information guild, Lucy knew this well.
Thus, she realized.
Theron’s attitude changed undoubtedly because Allen’s name was mentioned.
‘Is Allen truly such an important figure? To earn deep trust from the Crown Prince…’
Upon returning, she would need to raise Allen’s ranking further.
Beyond being a battlefield hero, receiving the Crown Prince’s trust warranted the highest rating possible.
Thinking back, it was fortunate their previous encounter with Allen ended amicably.
Exhaling in relief, Lucy received Theron’s bright smile.
“Well then, let’s proceed with the deal, shall we? Tell me what you want. If it’s within my power, I’ll provide it.”
“… Yes.”
Lucy wiped away her thoughts and smiled.
Having passed the test, it was now time for business.
She needed to extract as much as possible from the formidable figure before her.
***
Once, the easternmost nation renowned for trade – the Arion Kingdom.
Among its cities, Sabri located at the southeasternmost tip was famous for its dazzling emerald sea, one of the world’s three great coastlines.
This was where the kingdom’s successor was hiding.
“Wow, the air is great here.”
Slap-
The pleasant sound of waves washed over their ears like sweet whispers.
Come to think of it, this was the first time seeing the ocean since coming to this world.
“Isn’t that right? If we have time, let’s go swimming before we leave?”
“Don’t talk nonsense. Let’s finish quickly and head back. You’re already thinking about playing?”
I gave Earl a disapproving look and smacked his head.
“Ow! What’s wrong with enjoying this beautiful blue sea? Commander’s emotions are dried up.”
“Alright then. If you want to play so badly, I’ll personally bury you. Come here.”
“Ah! Run away!”
Throwing punches at the grumbling Earl caused him to flee using Blink.
Really wanting to play that much, huh?
Though it was a joke, still…
I admit my mood lifted somewhat watching all these people enjoy themselves while I worked hard…
A bitter smile formed as I thought this when a voice reached me from the side.
“How about taking a short break? It’s important to relax the tension sometimes.”
Lucy Florea of the White Crow Guild, also the true identity of the branch chief we met previously.
“Ho ho!”
Such perfect timing.
When did they get so familiar?
Frowning and assuming an aggressive stance, Earl used Blink again to create distance.
Sigh, will need to loosen up a bit once the job is done quickly.
“You two have quite the relationship.”
“Looks good, doesn’t it? Just that he’s completely taken advantage of.”
“I only have stiff people around me, so I envy relationships like yours.”
“Hmph… Even I don’t like those rigid connections much.”
Earl maintains this attitude despite repeated beatings because he knows I don’t truly dislike him – we’ve spent enough time together to understand each other without words.
“By the way, when did you go from branch chief to guild master?”
My bone-filled joke made Lucy chuckle softly.
“You already knew yet tease so harshly.”
“I prefer the old man appearance. Who would’ve thought the guild master was there?”
Currently, Lucy appeared as a rather young woman for a guild master.
Perhaps in her 30s?
Her black hair reaching her shoulders, green eyes, and delicate build were beautiful enough to evoke protective instincts.
Though compared to my disciples or Black Wolf, she fell slightly short.
“Let’s hurry up and go. I want to return to the Empire quickly.”
“Our seafood dishes here are famous. We can eat before moving.”
“No time fo-”
“Oi! Seafood! Can’t afford it back in the Empire! Let’s go quick!”
The suddenly approaching Earl grabbed Lucy and dragged her off while sending me a pleading look.
With that childish face, I couldn’t help but sigh.
“… Haa. Can’t be helped. We’ll eat and then move immediately.”
“Yes! Lead the way quick!”
“Please don’t drag me…”
Watching the two quickly disappear, I shook my head.
Rich guy saying he can’t afford it? Truly varied excuses.
“Not going?”
Black Wolf standing beside me looked at me steadily.
“Yeah, let’s go. Move.”
Right, better to think positively.
There’s a saying “Even Geumgang Mountain looks better after eating.”
Since I’m hungry anyway, can’t be helped.
“…?”
“? What is it.”
While slowly moving through the crowds of tourists, I blinked at Black Wolf staring at me.
“Speak.”
“… Nevermind.”
After briefly moving her lips, Black Wolf looked forward again.
Huh? When I don’t understand what this one’s thinking, there’s a method.
Whether it’s a racial trait of beastfolk or not, their ears and tails can’t be hidden.
“…?”
Her drooping ears and motionless tail revealed disappointment.
Looking closely, she was fidgeting with her hands.
Could she possibly want to hold my hand?
“Tch.”
Following Black Wolf’s gaze, I saw Earl holding Lucy’s wrist.
Confirmed.
This one wanted to hold my hand.
Getting resurrected seems to have increased her clinginess.
Something that could just be said verbally…
Too embarrassing to say it outright?
Then holding hands feels somewhat weird too.
If I did it casually, maybe it wouldn’t matter, but now with this situation, I feel awkward too.
Wavering between grabbing or not, I looked forward when Black Wolf muttered while alternating her gaze between me and Lucy.
“New girl?”
“… Don’t say strange things.”
“But the look…”
Before she could utter more nonsense, I grabbed her hand.
Softer than her ears but still pleasantly squishy, it transmitted warm comfort.
“… Spoiled brat.”
“… Losing.”
Glancing sideways, her ears perked up as if nothing happened earlier.
Seeing her quietly wagging tail, I thought to myself:
Turns out she has a cute side too.
