Chapter 55
“…My family, why my family! What are you curious about!”
“Just curious if they’re doing well? Do you have siblings? If you don’t tell me, I’ll find out myself.”
“Just tell me what you want first!”
He couldn’t bring himself to raise his voice, so he shouted, muffling his sound as if shoving the words inward.
Cecilia grinned at his desperate face. It seemed the opponent was finally willing to have a proper conversation, so she should humor him.
Cecilia held out a small pouch.
“Open it.”
He snatched the pouch with wary eyes fixed on Cecilia and opened it. His eyes went wide.
“G-Gold coins? Why…… this?”
“It’s yours. If you just do as I ask.”
“…….”
“How long do you plan to work as a Holy Knight? You aren’t doing it just for the honor, are you?”
Cecilia watched Jamie’s constantly changing expression.
“Honestly, it can’t be very enjoyable to work while catering to the whims of nobles.”
“…You expect me to quit being a Holy Knight for just this money?”
“I’ll give you more. If you just do what I tell you.”
“How much more?”
“Ten times.”
The gold coins he held now were already his one year’s salary. Ten times that would be a full ten years’ worth.
If he got that kind of money all at once, his life would change. Things he could do, no, things he had to do with that money, flashed wildly through Jamie’s mind.
Jamie’s Adam’s apple bobbed significantly.
“You won’t lose anything. It won’t be difficult either. You just need to stand guard, the way you’ve been doing mindlessly all this time, a little more cleverly.”
Cecilia tapped her own head.
“There must be places that make you wonder what you’re guarding, or why you’re told to guard this room for no good reason.”
“…And so?”
“Among those places, there will be a room where the Indulgence is stored.”
“The Indulgence?”
“Ah, you don’t know.”
Cecilia poked the gold coin pouch. Fearing she was trying to take it back, Jamie snatched it away. Cecilia snickered at his childish action.
“A ledger where any sin can be forgiven if you just write your name. Anyone can buy that right if they pay the money.”
“…Is something like that really possible?”
“Do you think it is?”
“…….”
“Whether you believe it or not is your freedom. Either way, I need that ledger.”
“Why? To write your name? Because you committed a great sin?”
“It would be your name you’d want to write, wouldn’t it? You’re the one who committed a despicable sin, after all. Especially when you tried to ruin the life of an innocent colleague.”
“No, I……!”
“Enough, just do the job I give you. That’s the only way to change your life.”
Jamie looked down at the pouch of gold coins in his hand.
He was an easy person to read. Everything he was thinking was entirely visible on his face. The agony that had filled it gradually subsided, and stubborn determination filled the empty space.
Cecilia watched the scene like the director of a one-man play, smiling with satisfaction.
“……When do I need to bring it to you?”
Just as I thought he’d ask.
“Within a week.”
“I’ll do it.”
“Good, I’ll trust you. But if things go wrong, you know what happens, right?”
“W-What do you mean…….”
Cecilia smiled sweetly and closed the distance. Jamie tried to back away, but he was already pressed against the wall.
Cecilia beckoned with a finger, as if inviting him closer, and Jamie, entranced, bent his waist toward her.
Cecilia whispered secretly.
“I truly want your family to be happy and safe, you see?”
“…….”
“You won’t put me, or your family… in danger, will you?”
Jamie’s face turned white.
It was strange. She was a woman like a flower. Not just beautiful, but seemingly so delicate that she looked like she’d snap if twisted in one’s hand.
Yet, a strange sense of intimidation emanated from her.
Was it because of those mystical grayish-purple eyes? Her beautiful but sharp gaze felt as if it would carve him out. It felt like facing the leader of a hardened, back-alley gang, not an elegant lady.
“……Don’t worry. I will certainly succeed.”
“Be sure to keep it a secret. Don’t foolishly give it away, or spread rumors that a colleague you trust is helping you.”
Cecilia patted Jamie’s shoulder.
Was it normal that he didn’t feel thrilled by the touch, but rather terrified that she might be about to squeeze his neck?
“If you do, you’ll really die.”
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