Chapter 34
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 34
Chapter Title: Debt
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Get up.
Ugh!?
Blanche opened her eyes at the sudden voice.
But as she tried to rise, she had to grimace in agony.
There wasnt a single part of her body that didnt hurt.
That man who appeared out of nowhere had ruined everything because of the interference.
Right. Where was Marco?!
Hes already gone.
When she looked up, a portly man was gazing down at her.
It was Tristan Ruelverta, the noble who made no effort to hide his arrogant demeanor.
...
You must still find it hard to move. You took Marcos magic head-on, after all.
Her body had no strength left in it.
Only then did she realize she was collapsed on the floor.
Blanche asked.
......Did I lose?
Yes. You lost to him.
She had already reverted to her human form.
Even with her superhuman regenerative abilities, she hadnt fully recovered.
The magic that had once coldly flowed through her body was completely depleted.
Just as Tristan said.
She had been defeated.
Blanche hung her head.
To think such a monster existed...
Marco, the captain of the Imperial Guard.
He had blocked Blanches attacks as if they were nothing.
No matter what she did, nothing worked.
In the past, she had lived by assassination.
The number of targets she had eliminated was countless.
Especially in one-on-one combat, she had absolute confidence that she wouldnt lose to anyoneand she never had.
There was no opponent she couldnt take down.
But Blanche had lost.
Twice in one day, no less.
Blanche clutched her shoulders.
If she didnt, she felt like she would crumble.
The trembling wouldnt stop.
She sat there on the cold floor, forced to taste utter helplessness.
...I died twice.
Blanche had never fought without staking her life.
For an assassin, defeat meant death.
Every battle for her had always been a fight to the death.
And today, she had lost.
Yet... she was still alive.
Why am I still alive...?
Didnt you want to live?
Blanche looked up.
Tristan was staring at her.
I thought you wanted to live. Was I wrong?
How much do you even know about me?
I know.
?
Tristan continued calmly.
I know what kind of person you are.
His gaze seemed to pierce right through her entirely, so she couldnt meet his eyes directly.
You say something so arrogant so casually?
Im just stating facts.
His tone was filled with unshakable conviction.
Come to think of it, the old Tristan had been like this.
An arrogant boy steeped in elitism and dogmatism.
At the very least, thats how she had seen him.
But looking at his expression now, for some reason, it made Blanche angry.
...No. Tristan, you dont know anything.
Blanche bit her lip.
How much I hate you.
I know.
How much I want to kill you.
I know that too.
How much I despise you.
I know all of it.
No! No! What do you know?! You dont know a damn thing! Because if you really knew me that well!
The taste of blood spread in her mouth.
You would have killed me... Im your obstacle, after all.
Blanche covered her face with both hands.
While she had been unconscious, Tristan must have had several chances.
If he had killed her then, she surely would have met her end.
But for some reason, he hadnt.
Blanche steeled herself.
Kill me now. Otherwise...
She looked at him.
Ill come after your life again.
Tristan sighed.
Then he slowly approached her.
Kneeling on one knee, he looked her right in the eye and said.
I know. I know youll come after me again.
?!
But I wont die.
Tristan stared straight into Blanches eyes.
With a gaze that seemed to peer into her very soul.
Im confident of that.
......
He tossed something to her.
It was a torn coat.
His own coat from the earlier battle was equally tattered.
Put this on and get up already. You should be able to now.
This is...... Ugh?!
The moment Blanche tilted her head in confusion, she realized she was nearly naked.
The clothes she had been wearing hadnt survived the battle unscathed either.
The outfit Bella had bought her for once was ruined.
She felt utterly dejected.
But Tristan, showing no pity whatsoever, curtly added.
Go home already. But how long do you think you can keep dodging payment?
......Payment?
What the hell was this man talking about?
What do you mean?
Right. I didnt mention the amount. By my estimate, its at least five billion Kael.
So what have you been talking about this whole time?
Repair costs.
Repair costs...?
Yes.
Tristan gestured around them.
More precisely, at the rooftop of the department store, now in ruins.
Thanks to you going all out, the garden Id just set up on the rooftop is a mess.
What?! No, that was...
You dont plan on just walking away after trashing someone elses property like this, do you?
Property? What is this place... Wait, dont tell me this is yours?!
Thats right. I acquired it recently.
Tristan said it as casually as if hed bought a trinket at the market.
Just how far did this rich bastards wealth extend?
He held out his palm to her.
So, when are you paying? Five billion Kael.
Thats...! Of course I dont have that kind of money!
I know. I didnt expect you to. Your bodys at least useful, so pay with that.
W-What...? Useful?! What the hell are you saying?!
Blanche flinched and covered her body.
The scraps of coat werent nearly enough to cover her.
A-Are you insulting me?!
Wouldnt you like to?
No, I wouldnt!
Then Ill just bill your lady.
?!
Blanches face drained of color.
She knew the state of the dukes household finances well enough.
If Bella found out, she might even cover the debt for her.
But...
That... wont do.
Why not?
Dont tell the young lady. This is my responsibility, no matter what.
Blanche gritted her teeth.
The situation was just too humiliating.
She had ended up in debt to the man she hated most.
How the hell was she supposed to live from now on?
Ill pay that money...
Good. In that case...
Tristan extended his hand.
Help me up.
Why should I!
Fifty thousand Kael.
He beckoned her over.
With an utterly relaxed attitude.
Come on, help me up.
Please evacuate in an orderly manner.
Following the staffs instructions, the nobles were exiting the department store one by one.
Wendy and Bella sat on a bench outside.
What the heck is going on...
Bella stared incredulously at the top of the department store.
Sure enough, smoke was rising from there.
About thirty minutes ago, theyd been told there was an explosion of unknown cause on the rooftop and evacuated outside.
There didnt seem to be any casualties, but ending their rare shopping trip like this wasnt great.
But those knights in red armor...
It was a scene that didnt fit.
As far as Bella knew, there was only one knight order in the country that wore red armor.
But there was no reason for them to be here.
They were always stationed at the imperial palace.
S-Somethings weird...
Then, Wendy, who had been silent beside her, finally spoke.
The Count still hasnt come out...
Huh?
E-Everyone else seems to be out, b-but I dont see the Count... D-Do you think something happened...?
Tears welled up in Wendys slightly quivering eyes.
Bella wiped Wendys eyes with her sleeve.
Wendy, dont worry. Nothing happened to the Count.
B-But...
Theres no way anything would happen to that guy. Hes probably off somewhere flashing his money and acting all high and mighty.
I hope thats the case... B-Blanche... I mean, Lady Bellas group hasnt come out yet either...? Are you okay...?
Shes tough as nails, so no worries.
Blanche had become the duke familys guard knight at a young age.
She had been strong from the moment she first set foot in the household.
Superior to others, with outstanding talent.
Thats why she had been appointed as Bellas personal guard over the other knights.
But...
Leaving me like this makes you unqualified as a guard knight.
As Bella crossed and uncrossed her legs in growing anxiety, Wendy suddenly jumped to her feet.
Th-The Count!
Sure enough, Tristan was approaching from over there.
But he wasnt alone.
A young woman was supporting him.
The moment Bella recognized the womans face, she couldnt help but cry out in surprise.
Blanche!
Y-Young lady...!
Blanches eyes widened upon spotting Bella.
What took you so long? I was worried.
Its...
Blanche averted her gaze, looking flustered.
As if shed been seen in something she shouldnt have.
Bella crossed her arms and scrutinized her face.
...
Something had definitely happened.
And why are you two together? Whats with your clothes? Are you hurt? Answer me, Blanche.
The truth is...
Under Bellas interrogation, Blanche floundered, hyper-aware of Tristan beside her, hesitating before she spoke.
......He saved me.