Chapter 297: Intentional and Unintentional
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 297: Intentional and Unintentional
“You’re saying you want to... borrow money?”
Inside the private carriage, Muen looked at the girl who had paid him a solitary visit in the dead of night, his expression turning peculiar.
“Right now?”
“Yes.”
Liya kept her head down, her small face buried so deep in her chest it seemed she might disappear into herself. Her voice was as faint as a mosquito’s buzz; had the surroundings not been so deathly silent, Muen would have barely heard her.
“Why?” Muen asked, puzzled.
Back at the restaurant, he had been the one to offer her money, only to be flatly rejected because of her pride and personal boundaries.
Yet here she was, taking the initiative to ask for a loan?
Something wasn't right. The salary he paid his private musician was hardly meager. Had she blown through it all already?
What could have happened? Liya didn't seem like the type to spend recklessly.
“Be... because...”
Liya recounted the entire situation from start to finish.
After listening, Muen leaned back against the sofa, a look of "unexpected but entirely logical" crossing his face.
“Of course... it’s Ariel again.”
“But I didn't expect her to turn into such a degenerate gambler. She actually bet it all and lost more than half?”
“No wonder that scene earlier felt so familiar.”
Something like this had happened before, hadn't it? Had Ariel learned nothing?
Actually, if he put himself in her shoes—thinking with the logic of a non-gambler—betting on his loss would have been the rational choice.
His growth was, in the eyes of outsiders, truly incomprehensible. After all, most people didn't have "harmonious and friendly" exchanges with Evil Gods on a regular basis. Before he had crushed those third-year students, even Muen hadn't realized how easily he could defeat those hothouse flowers.
Even now, many likely believed his former reputation as a playboy was merely a calculated disguise.
“Still... it shouldn't have come to the point where you felt forced to come here and borrow money,” Muen said with a touch of helplessness.
The girl before him kept her head bowed, her fingers tightly clutching the hem of her skirt. From her posture alone, he could tell how much resolve this had taken.
This wasn't just about her pride; it was about her lifelong effort to achieve results through her own hard work rather than relying on others.
But now, she was overturning her own efforts and negating her own principles.
“Because...” Liya whispered, “Ariel snuck out to hunt magical beasts.”
“What?”
Muen was shocked. He pulled back the curtain and glanced out at the pitch-black wilderness.
“Now?”
“Yes,” Liya nodded. “I think she wants to gather more materials before we reach Arielze so she can sell them there for a profit.”
“...That is beyond ridiculous.”
Muen covered his face and groaned. “The route Pink Bear chose is relatively safe. Combined with the intimidating aura of the Dragon-blood Horses, there aren't any particularly powerful or valuable magical beasts around here. Even if she hunts all night, how much can she possibly make in two days? It probably wouldn't even cover the cost of two of my meals.”
“...”
“But wait, that’s still not right. If it were anyone else, I’d be certain, but this is that Ariel we’re talking about.”
Muen’s expression suddenly turned solemn. He crossed his fingers under his chin and stared intently at the girl.
“Liya, as the person closest to her, you should know best. Ariel is someone who creates miracles. For anyone else, earning that much in two days would be impossible, but for her, I’m quite certain she can pull it off.”
She was the Destined Protagonist, after all. Even if she stumbled upon some rare beast and became an overnight millionaire, Muen wouldn't be surprised.
“Besides, this is Ariel’s own mess. Why are you...”
“...”
Liya stared into the void, the image of Ariel disappearing into the darkness flickering before her eyes.
At that moment, she had wanted to call out to her.
It was so late. So dark. So dangerous.
There were a thousand reasons to talk Ariel out of it, but in the end, she hadn't said a word.
Because...
“This is the only thing I can do,” Liya answered softly.
She could have spoken up, but she didn't have the money herself.
She could have asked to go along, but Ariel would have refused, citing her lack of combat ability.
She could have said that Ariel didn't need to push herself so hard, that she could become the Saintess through her own hard work.
But she knew that was impossible.
Without Ariel, she could never become the Saintess.
From beginning to end, she was nothing more than a parasite clinging to Ariel.
Without Ariel, she was nothing.
She felt wretched and despicable.
“Is that so?”
Muen watched Liya.
Though her face was still obscured, he could sense the emotions radiating from her. Emotions that... shouldn't belong to a future Saintess.
“I think I understand what you mean.”
“Then...”
Liya finally looked up. Her tear-filled eyes were brimming with anxiety, and her pretty, delicate face was tight with tension.
That timid, vulnerable look was like a sucker punch to Muen’s heart—a blow no man could withstand. No one could say no to something that precious.
But...
Muen lowered his hands and tapped the table lightly, his voice firm.
“I won't lend you the money.”
“Thank—wait, what?”
Liya had been about to jump for joy, but Muen’s answer hit her like a physical wall. Her happy expression froze instantly. It was clear she hadn't expected a rejection.
“Wh... why?”
“Isn't it obvious? I’m the wicked son of a Great Noble,” Muen said, rubbing his chin as he studied Liya’s cute face. He gave a sudden, mischievous grin. “Interest-free loans are a one-time offer in my book. You turned it down before, so the offer is off the table now.”
“Then... you... you mean...”
Liya’s eyes widened as she stared at Muen. Looking at that wicked smile, her mind flashed back to what had happened over a month ago.
Recalling that heart-pounding moment, Liya’s cheeks flushed crimson, and a faint wisp of steam seemed to rise from her forehead.
Could... could it be...
“N-No!”
Liya covered her face, twisting her body in agitation. “That kind of thing... it’s not allowed! Even if we’re the only two in the carriage, even if I can’t run away, even if the carriage is soundproofed and screaming won't help... that kind of thing is still forbidden!”
“...What kind of weird plot are you imagining?”
Muen watched Liya’s sudden "struggle" with a look of utter speechlessness. “If I really had designs on you, I would have made my move a month ago. Why would I wait until now?”
Muen snapped his fingers, and the chest Ariel had delivered earlier—a sight Liya knew well—appeared on the table.
He opened it, revealing the remaining cash—about half of the original amount after deducting Liya’s salary—and pushed it toward her.
“Here. Take it.”
Liya peeked through the gaps in her fingers, looking at the money in confusion. A dazed, innocent expression crossed her face.
“Wh... why? Didn't you say you wouldn't lend it?”
“I’m not lending it,” Muen said, crossing his legs with a smile. “I’m investing.”
“Huh? Investing?”
Liya was stunned, her mind struggling to keep up. “What do you mean?”
“It’s simple. The Liya Angel sitting before me right now is just an ordinary girl, right?”
“Yes,” Liya nodded softly.
“But being an ordinary girl now doesn't mean you’ll be one in the future.”
Muen continued, “To put it simply, I’ve taken an interest in your future. I believe you’ll become someone incredible, so I’m helping you now. In exchange, you’ll have to help me in the future.”
“The future?”
Liya was startled.
Could it be...
Does Muen Campbell know she’s a Saintess Candidate?
But that was impossible. Her status was a closely guarded secret; no one should know except for the Church and Ariel.
Besides... based on his past behavior, he didn't act like someone who knew. Who would hire a Saintess Candidate to play music for them!
Liya cautiously studied Muen’s expression, trying to find a hidden motive, but all she saw was a clean, handsome smile.
“So, what do you think? It might seem unreasonable to trade five hundred thousand for the help of a future powerhouse, but aren't you desperate for money right now?”
Muen’s lips curled into a villainous smirk. “Accept it quickly. I can’t wait to take advantage of this deal.”
“...”
Liya didn't nod immediately. She stared at Muen with a complex expression. After a long silence, she bit her lip and asked softly:
“Wh... why?”
“Hmm?”
“Why do you think I’ll become someone incredible?”
“Isn't it obvious?” Muen replied as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “Because you’re excellent.”
“I... I’m not.”
Liya’s voice suddenly rose, but she quickly realized her rudeness and lowered her head, murmuring, “I... I’m not excellent at all.”
“...”
Muen narrowed his eyes. That feeling—the one that shouldn't belong to a future Saintess—surfaced again.
Was it... an inferiority complex?
“That’s strange. Why do you think you’re not excellent, Liya?” Muen asked.
“Because... look at me. I can’t compare to Ariel in anything. Without her, I can’t do anything. How could someone like me be considered excellent?” Liya whispered.
“Ariel is an outlier. You shouldn't compare yourself to her. Anyone who compares themselves to a freak of nature like that is going to lose their confidence.”
“But...”
“No buts.”
Muen sighed. “Liya, have you noticed something?”
“Wh... what?”
“Why were you chosen for this list in the first place?”
“Huh?”
“Think about it. Look at the people on this list. Setting aside Ariel and Senior Fanny, who are the top of their years, I’ve talked to the others. Whether it’s Senior Vicky, Senior Aaron, or Senior Marshall, their strength is at the absolute peak for their level. Even me... considering Professor Prang set a rule that we could be challenged, yet the list hasn't changed at all, it’s clear that overall strength was a vital criterion for selection.”
“What... what does that prove?”
“You’re so slow, Liya. Haven't you realized it yet?”
Looking at the dazed girl, Muen sighed again. “Let me ask you, Liya... are you strong?”
“I...”
Liya started to answer but froze. The words caught in her throat.
Was she strong?
Of course not.
She had never been good at fighting. That was why she had hidden her face and stayed out of sight after Professor Prang announced the challenge rule.
So... that meant...
“See? Even without the biggest advantage—combat strength—you were still chosen for the list. Doesn't that prove that in other areas, you possess an excellence that none of us can match?”
Muen smiled. “Have a little more confidence, Liya Angel. I’m not the only one who has noticed how remarkable you are.”
“And your future help and friendship are certainly worth more than a mere five hundred thousand.”
“...”
Liya stared at Muen, lost in thought. For some reason, she found his smile incredibly radiant.
She... was excellent?
Her heart fluttered nervously, and she quickly looked down again, falling into silence.
...
“So... what’s your answer?”
Seeing the girl fall silent again with her head bowed, as if frightened by his words, Muen started to feel anxious.
Had he overdone it? Or was the money too little?
Trying to buy a future Saintess’s help for only five hundred thousand was, admittedly, a bit of a lowball offer.
“Should I add another five hundred thousand?”
“...No, that’s not necessary.”
Liya suddenly reached out and placed her hand on the chest, shaking her head vigorously, though she still didn't look up. “This is enough. I accept your investment. B-but...”
“But?”
“The word 'help' is too broad. Could... could you be more specific?” Liya asked hesitantly.
“Fair enough...”
He really had been too greedy, hadn't he? Trying to take advantage of someone in a crisis usually backfired.
Muen rubbed his chin. “How about this? The five hundred thousand stays the same, but the condition changes to a single promise.”
“A promise?”
“Right. In exchange for this money, you must do one thing for me in the future when I need it.”
“One thing...”
“Of course, it won't be anything unreasonable.”
Seeing Liya hesitate, Muen quickly added, “It will be something you are definitely capable of, something that doesn't violate your status or position, and something that doesn't go against your moral compass. If it violates any of those three points, you can refuse.”
“How about it? Deal?”
Muen held out his hand, waiting for a response.
“...”
Another long silence followed. Just as Muen thought she would refuse, Liya suddenly looked up at him, then immediately buried her face in her chest again.
She moved so fast Muen didn't even catch her expression.
Finally, she slowly raised her slender, fair hand and placed it in Muen’s palm, giving it a light squeeze.
“Then... I swear it in the name of the Goddess.”
“...Alright.”
Muen squeezed her hand back, smiling. “In the name of the Goddess.”
...
After Liya left.
Muen looked at the empty table, his perfect smile vanishing instantly, replaced by the wicked grin of a successful schemer.
“Heh, I got my 'Get Out of Jail Free' card. Nice!”
When Ariel had suddenly challenged him earlier that day, he had been a bit panicked. Even with his own cheats, he didn't feel confident going head-to-head with the original novel’s protagonist.
But things were different now.
With his relationship with Liya and that promise, as long as she stood in the way, Ariel wouldn't be able to actually kill him, no matter what happened.
After all, he wasn't planning on stealing her girl anymore, and he didn't have any life-or-death conflicts with her.
Even if fate was a bitch, it couldn't just manufacture a reason for them to kill each other out of thin air.
To neutralize a stroke of bad luck so easily...
“Come to think of it...”
Muen crossed his legs, recalling his flawless performance. He couldn't help but think smugly, Am I some kind of legendary genius?
...
Liya stepped out of the carriage.
Feeling the cold night wind, she suddenly crouched down, burying her head between her knees.
Only then did the crimson flush—one that was different from her usual shyness—spread across her face like ink in water, staining her neck a deep red.
In the stillness of the night, Liya hugged her knees.
Muen’s words were still echoing in her mind.
She had never heard anyone say those things to her. To everyone else, she was just Ariel’s sidekick—useless and invisible.
So why did Muen Campbell... always find such a unique perspective?
She remembered when the list was first announced.
When she and even Ariel had lost hope, he was the only one who had looked at her with that brilliant smile and said: Don't worry. You’ve worked hard. You can do it.
...
Why?
Muen Campbell, why do you always believe in me so much?
And why are you so good to me, always finding ways to help me?
Could it be...
“No, no, no!”
“He has a girlfriend! And a fiancée!”
“And he said it himself, it’s not like that.”
Liya dismissed the dangerous thought, looking down and absentmindedly plucking at the innocent grass.
“But why did he make me give such a strange promise? What could that 'one thing' be?”
“Could it be... that kind of thing?!”
“Oh, Liya Angel, you’re a future Saintess! How can you think such shameless things?”
The more she thought, the hotter her face became. Eventually, she decided to stop thinking altogether, resting her head on her knees as she gazed at the distant starlight.
The stars... they reminded her of that guy’s smile.
Liya touched her chest, whispering unconsciously, “My heart... it feels so restless.”
...
“Look, Master!”
In the middle of a dense, dark forest, Ariel—her face splattered with magical beast blood—excitedly held up a shimmering crystal to the starlight.
“I actually found such a pure core inside that low-level beast! I’m so lucky!”
“You are indeed lucky. A core of this purity is worth at least fifty thousand Emiels.”
“That’s great!”
Ariel carefully tucked the core away. Glancing at the first light of dawn on the horizon, she began to hum a little tune, her steps light as she started the journey back.
“Just wait for me, Liya. I’m going to give you a real surprise this time.”