Chapter 20: 20
Hanette smiled leisurely as she put down the paddle. She had secretly brought the money she had been saving just in case. Though she hadn’t planned on necessarily helping Zion, she found herself holding the paddle anyway.
‘Hmm… I might regret this, but… I can’t help it.’
Hanette glanced at the necklace around her neck with a bitter look. Zion had bought it for her, hoping it would bring her happiness. Regardless of its price, the sincerity behind it made her want to accept it, even if just a little.
‘If it weren’t for this necklace, I’d probably have bought it myself.’
This necklace, costing 30 gold coins, wasn’t worth that much in reality, maybe just 1 gold coin at best. But now it didn’t matter. Since Zion had given her something, she felt she should return the favor somewhat.
“5, 4… Oh! 270! 270 gold coins bid!”
Hanette tapped the paddle, deep in thought. Zion hadn’t bid because he lacked the funds, but the competitor had waited and bid late, now raising the bid by smaller increments. This indicated they were nearing their limit or were hesitant about the price.
‘If I push harder, I can win.’
Hanette raised her paddle with conviction. If she was going to do this, she wanted to see it through. It would be embarrassing to step in and still lose the item.
“7, 6… 280! 280 gold coins bid!”
“Hanette, you don’t have to go this far…”
“Be quiet. I’m concentrating.”
Hanette muttered, keeping her focus on the auctioneer. She couldn’t afford to show any hesitation now. She needed to pressure the opponent and secure the win.
“4, 3… Oh! 290… Ah! 300! 300 gold coins bid!”
Hanette quickly raised her paddle with a cold stare. She had to keep the pressure on, showing that she had more money to spend and that the competitor’s efforts were futile.
“3, 2, 1… 310… Oh! 320! This is the most intense bidding today!”
Zion couldn’t take his eyes off Hanette, buried in tension. He hadn’t expected her to spend money for him. It wasn’t easy for her to save money secretly, so why was she doing this now?
“2, 1, 0… 320! Sold for 320 gold coins! Congratulations and thank you to the winning bidder!”
“Phew…”
Hanette sighed in relief, leaning back and turning to Zion with a teasing smile.
“Someone must be very happy. Their fiancée even covers their shortfall.”
“… Hanette. 80 gold coins is a lot. I could have given up. Why step in?”
“If you receive something, you should give something back, right? It’s funny that you spent 30 gold coins on this necklace, but it was a little endearing, so I let it slide.”
Zion watched Hanette in silence. Her orange hair gleamed, and her light brown eyes seemed to sparkle softly. The smile on her lips wasn’t mocking but seemed to convey relief and resolve.
“It wasn’t a gift expecting repayment.”
“I know. There’s a reason. I can feel a bit of sincerity.”
“…”
Zion had given the gift to align with Freed’s intentions, but he had chosen it carefully and tried to imbue it with meaning based on superstition. Spending 30 gold coins was a bit extravagant, but the holy magic embedded in it justified the price. Hanette had no one she could trust at the moment.
“I won’t ask you to repay it or use it as leverage. Just… keep being yourself. That’s enough.”
Hanette felt a strange sense of regret but didn’t let it hold her back. She had done it because she wanted to, and it ended up helping Zion. Though part of her savings was gone, she felt more at ease now.
“… This isn’t like you.”
“Do you think so? Maybe we’re starting to understand each other.”
“You might regret it.”
“Yeah, I already do. But what can I do? It’s done.”
“You have your own needs.”
“Today was just a bit much. I’m not rich, but I’m not destitute either.”
Zion couldn’t find the words. She had collected that money while acting like a rogue and facing criticism. Though the method wasn’t righteous, she had been determined. And now he had made her spend some of it on him, which made him feel a bit guilty.
“You’ve done something out of character too… Let’s call it even. Okay?”
“… You mean the gift?”
“The gift, and your actions. They were a bit surprising. I couldn’t even thank you properly.”
“Phew… Are you really thankful?”
“Haha! Would you be thankful if you were me? Spending 30 gold coins on something like this?”
“I was almost moved, but now you’re back to your old self.”
“Oh, keep being moved. I was pretty generous.”
Zion chuckled, watching the demon gloves being taken away. Once the auction was over, he would pay and receive the item. He was ready to go to the hidden location of Exceed Rain and retrieve it.
‘… I should repay her.’
Zion didn’t intend to hinder Hanette’s plans, only help. This world needed to follow its predetermined end, with the protagonist, heroine, and some powerful individuals at the center.
‘I need to set a date. Maybe two days will do.’
Duke Adelaira’s Mansion, Head’s Room
Robbenz checked his schedule for the next day while sipping tea. As the head of a noble family, he had to manage relations with other families and often meet with the king and royal family. Especially as the head of a Duke’s house, he had to lead subordinate nobles and compete with other Dukes to expand his influence at court.
This constant busyness meant delegating household matters to his wife and the steward.
“Finally, a moment to breathe.”
“You’re tired, aren’t you? Why not go to bed early tonight?”
Yenid asked, tidying the papers scattered on the table. She knew better than anyone how hard Robbenz worked. His efforts were for both the family and herself, so she supported him diligently.
“No. Being older, I find it harder to sleep deeply. It’s better to go to bed late.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I must be until I step down as head. If I falter, so does the family.”
Yenid held her tongue, not knowing which of their children Robbenz considered for the next head. She hoped it would be one of her children, but one was already in a precarious position, so she pinned her hopes on the other.
“… Aren’t you curious? Who I think the next head should be.”
“It’s not up to me, so I can only watch.”
“It’s not difficult to guess. Among my children, only one truly stands out.”
“I hope that outstanding one is my child.”
“Haha… Acting modest?”
Yenid knew the options were limited. She just worried about unforeseen circumstances preventing her son from becoming head.
“So… how’s Hanette these days?”
“It’s hard to say.”
“Is something wrong?”
“No, not that. It’s just… there’s been no progress.”
Yenid had been observing Zion and Hanette for any noticeable changes. Initially, they grew closer, but now they seemed stuck in an ambiguous relationship.
“That’s all? Don’t push too hard. They’re young, and love doesn’t happen overnight.”
“Yes, I know. I just… worry they won’t progress further.”
She had hoped for more when Hanette and Zion went out together or when Hanette brought him food. But they hadn’t gone beyond that, only appearing to tiptoe around each other. If this was part of courtship, it was understandable, but from her perspective, it felt too slow.
“It’s fine. They’re doing well enough. The engagement period is a bit long, but they’ll get there.”
“Maybe I’m just being sensitive?”
“You’re worried because of Hanette. Neither of us expected things to turn out like this.”
Things were progressing better than expected, making Robbenz and Yenid focus more on the couple, their anxious hearts leading the way. Hanette had become more gentle and calm, and they hoped this relationship wouldn’t break.
“Hmm… What about sending them somewhere else for a bit?”
“You mean together?”
“Yes. Here, they might be too shy with so many people around.”
“… That’s possible.”
Zion and Hanette were newly engaged. Though they had grown somewhat closer, they might still be self-conscious around others. Providing them a space where they could be alone might hasten their relationship.
“It’s worth discussing with Marquis Laird. What do you think?”
“Yes, that sounds good.”
“Better to settle it quickly. Let’s arrange a meeting for tomorrow or the next day.”
Marquis Laird’s Mansion, Study
Zion returned home alone and went straight to Freed. Freed wasn’t initially concerned about Zion’s visit but was surprised by what he heard. Especially after Zion demonstrated the truth, Freed couldn’t help but feel pleased.
“… So you spent the money I gave you on that?”
“Yes. I’m sorry.”
“It wasn’t the best use, but… I’ll let it go this time.”
Freed could understand Zion’s mindset. He and Rien never compared their other children to Zion, but Zion might have felt pressured. His two older brothers were highly talented, while Zion had yet to achieve anything. So, he used all the money to awaken his magic.
“There’s… something else.”
“Speak.”
“Could you lend me some money?”
“Is it urgent?”
“I borrowed money from my fiancée…”
“What? You borrowed from your fiancée?”
Freed raised his voice, eyes wide. Zion could have asked his siblings or him. Involving Hanette in money matters could anger Duke Adelaira.
“I’m sorry. She offered directly, and I couldn’t stop her.”
“She offered directly? Explain.”
“There was an item I wanted at the auction, but I was short on funds. My fiancée stepped in to help.”
“…”
Freed initially wanted to scold Zion but was struck by another thought. Hanette, known for her indulgence in alcohol and gambling, wouldn’t have spare money. So if she was willing to lend Zion money, it suggested she saw him favorably. Was she viewing the marriage positively?