Chapter 295: Pulling Together
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 295: Pulling Together
Across the desolate wilderness, six exceptionally ornate carriages maintained a perfect single-file formation, racing like the wind and kicking up plumes of dust.
At Muen’s request, the convoy had avoided the smooth main roads. Instead, relying on the Pink Bear’s familiarity with the terrain, they had plunged into the remote, untrodden forests and hills.
Though the group had their doubts, Muen was the one funding the entire expedition, so naturally, no one voiced any objections.
Beyond their confusion, however, the passengers couldn't help but marvel at the ride.
Despite the rugged, treacherous mountain paths, the carriages moved as fast as they would at full tilt on level ground. Furthermore, those inside barely felt a hint of vibration.
It seemed the faint golden runes etched onto the carriages were far more than mere decoration.
Is this the power of money?
I love it. I absolutely love it.
...
"D-Damn it... is being rich that great? Can you be that arrogant just because you have money? I... sooner or later, I’m going to be richer than that guy!"
Inside her carriage, Ariel buried her head deep into a large, soft sofa. Feeling the luxurious silk against her skin and the uncanny stability of the carriage despite its high speed, a strange sense of grief and indignation welled up in her heart.
She gnashed her sharp little canines and gripped the blanket tight with both hands, as if she were ravaging that detestable guy himself. Subconsciously, she opened her mouth to take a bite.
But then, realizing she couldn't possibly afford to pay for it if she broke it... she sheepishly pulled back.
"Ariel..."
"Right, cultivation! Since I can't beat him in wealth, I can't lose in other areas. Now that no one’s bothering me, it’s the perfect time to train!"
Ariel sat up abruptly and pumped her fist with a look of grim determination.
She was a woman who aspired to build a Crystal Palace; how could she let a little setback like this bring her down?
"Ariel..."
"...But I just broke through a minor stage. Dry cultivation won't do much right now. It’s better to have a real fight to consolidate my strength."
At that thought, Ariel deflated again. She turned to look at the scenery blurring past the window.
"It’s so strange. In a wasteland like this, why haven't we run into any magical beasts? The main roads have people to maintain them and drive beasts away, but surely they don't have that here too?"
"Ariel..."
"Oh well, even if I don't run into any beasts, I can still meditate. I need to get my mental state in top shape before we reach the Holy City."
"A! RI! EL!"
The other girl slammed her hands on the table and stood up, her face puffed with annoyance.
"If you keep acting like this, I’m going to stop talking to you!"
"Ugh..."
Hearing that, Ariel—who had been desperately trying to talk about anything else—could no longer ignore the girl’s call. She slowly turned her head, though she didn't dare meet Liya’s eyes. Fidgeting with her fingers, she whispered:
"S-Sorry. I was wrong, Liya."
"Why are you apologizing?"
"I... I took the money you gave me and used it to place a bet. And I lost."
"So that’s why you’ve been acting so weird this whole way?"
"Mmhmm..."
Ariel lowered her head, her hands clutching her thighs tightly as she muttered, "I’m really, really sorry..."
"..."
Liya watched Ariel quietly. The girl’s eyes were no longer bright with mischief, and her usual roguish smile was gone; she looked like a dejected child who had done something wrong. Liya wasn't angry.
She let out a soft sigh, suddenly leaned over, and pulled Ariel into a hug.
"I told you, why are you apologizing? Ariel didn't do anything wrong."
"But... your money..."
"Ariel was just trying to make more money, right? I know. You’ve always been like this—whenever the odds are better than fifty percent, you choose to gamble. You used to win all the time, but no one wins forever. It’s only natural that you lost this time. Why would I blame you for that?"
"Liya..."
Feeling that warmth and softness, Ariel’s eyes grew red. She reached out to wrap her arms around Liya’s slender waist and sniffled.
"You’re so good to me."
"I’m your childhood sweetheart. If I’m not good to you, who will be?"
"Damn it, if this keeps up, I’ll never be able to leave you."
Ariel breathed in the girl’s enchanting scent and couldn't help but nuzzle against her.
"...That’s not true."
Liya looked down at Ariel, stroking her hair. Her eyes flickered slightly as she whispered in a voice so faint it was barely a murmur:
"Ariel is so strong; she’d be fine without anyone. It’s a useless person like me who wouldn't be able to do anything if I left Ariel."
"Hmm? Liya, what did you say?"
"...Nothing."
...
"Alright."
After a brief embrace, Liya pushed Ariel back up. She stared at Ariel with her large, adorable eyes and asked nervously:
"Now, can you tell me exactly how much you bet?"
"...Actually, it wasn't that much. It was just... everything..." Ariel said haltingly.
"Everything?"
"No, no, no! I don't mean everything you gave me before. I didn't touch the money meant for your supplies."
Ariel lowered her head again, her voice like the buzzing of a mosquito.
"I mean... everything I had for buying materials, maintaining my weapons, and... food."
Over this period, Liya had lent her quite a bit of money, but Ariel hadn't spent it all.
She had split the money into two portions. She knew the Pay Homage to the Sage Ceremony was approaching, and Liya would definitely need to buy supplies for emergencies.
Given Liya’s personality, she would surely give Ariel every cent she had to support her.
That was why Ariel had set that portion aside. She had hoped that if she won the bet, she could give Liya even more. But she hadn't expected...
"Don't worry, Liya! This money is definitely enough for you!"
Ariel hurriedly pulled out all her remaining cash and laid it out in front of Liya.
The scattered bills were wrinkled, looking as though they had been counted many times, but together, they still made a decent sum.
Liya didn't take them. She just gave the money a silent glance before looking straight at Ariel.
"This is definitely enough for me. But... what about you, Ariel?"
"Me? I’m fine. The most expensive parts are already behind me. I won't need much from here on."
"Liar. You just said you don't even have money to maintain your weapons. Don't you treasure that sword of yours more than anything?"
"..."
Ariel lowered her head again, silent.
"Take this money and use it."
Liya gently pushed the money back.
"Ariel has always needed money more than me, hasn't she?"
"But..."
Ariel looked up, about to protest, but she suddenly froze.
She realized that the pile of money Liya had pushed back was significantly larger than before.
"T-This... Liya, where did you get this money?"
"Hmph, don't underestimate a future Saintess’s secret stash."
Liya gave a playful wink.
"I figured you were reckless with money and that this day would come eventually. So, I started saving up a long time ago. A critical moment like this is exactly what it’s for, isn't it?"
"Liya..."
Ariel’s eyes grew red with emotion once more.
You little liar.
What secret stash? Even if you had one, it would have been emptied during my last few financial crises.
This has to be money Liya earned recently through her own hard work!
The thought of Liya working so hard only for Ariel to squander the money so easily made Ariel feel like a deadbeat living off a young girl.
No, this won't do. How can I ever truly win Liya’s heart if I keep being this pathetic?
"Liya!"
Ariel grabbed both of Liya’s hands, her voice filled with absolute resolve.
"I will make sure you become the Saintess. Trust me. I will!"
"Mhm, me too."
Liya squeezed Ariel’s hands back and nodded firmly, her cute face full of determination.
"I’ve always believed in you, Ariel. That’s why I’ll always support you unconditionally. Please don't worry about this, okay? If you weren't so stubborn, I wouldn't even consider this a loan. Besides, it’s just money. How could it ever compare to the bond we share?"
"Liya..."
Gazing into Liya’s crystal-clear, pure eyes and hearing her sincere words, Ariel felt a wave of warmth wash through her. Her anxiety and irritation gradually settled into peace.
She was right. How could their deep affection and unbreakable bond be shaken by something so trivial?
She had simply tripped once. As long as she kept working hard, she would eventually come riding on seven-colored clouds to capture Liya’s heart!
"But..."
As Ariel’s hand reached for the bills on the table, she hesitated again, asking worriedly:
"If you give all of this to me, what will you do?"
"..."
Liya was silent for a few seconds. Then, she tilted her head slightly and gave a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry. I have a way."