Chapter 195 - Mix feelings and guilt

Even now Hazel remembered Aile say, "That old lady said she would help solve a problem in return for the item Sheridan's Blessing. If her first prediction is correct, then perhaps I can help both you and Sara sooner." She and the others were against such a risky move. After all, that old lady was dangerous, it seemed better to avoid her. Yet he was adamant about finding out.

Hazel realized that he made a hard promise to keep, and the responsibility is hard to bear. Knowing full well that he has been risking his life. She also knew that had she known about it before, she might have done something to herself if it meant Sara would be protected. 'So Aile did this for me.' She muttered, 'I will give you two months, please do not make me leave you. I am sorry I am being selfish... sorry Sara... and sorry Aile for not stopping you from taking risks. I do not want to leave now that I have finally found happiness.'

She also sent a message to him to be careful. She made sure to use the names of the people in the previous harem meeting as a reminder for Aile to not go overboard and risk his life. As more people have and will be waiting for him.

Hazel could not stop him to risk his life, and this was good enough reminder for him to be cautious. She knew she was being selfish and putting herself first, and it felt weird.

On the one side, Hazel was happy knowing of a possible future with him and Sara, as Aile had told her. On the other side, she felt remorse. Her being alive was a risk to both Sara and Aile, and if anything happens to them, she would feel guilty. She did not want to distract him by telling him she knows about Sara and her problem or make him stop.

She was still mad that she did not get the opportunity to explain everything to Sara, she had so much to say to her. Sighing, she only hoped that Aile delivers on this promise. She was going to be angry at him once he solves the problem. In the meantime, she had a lot on her plate to get busy with.

***

Back in Fort Bot, there was a large group of people standing in line to the entrance of a hall. What was surprising was that they were all young men and eagerly waiting for the opening of the door. Everyone holding a ticket in their hand showing off to the group of less influential and less wealthy people. The people without tickets stood there watching the group with tickets enviously, mostly young men that gritted their teeth. The smug group of nobles and some affluent people were acting high and mighty. Some, fanning themselves with the ticket, while others, looking down on those observing them. To the joy of the group, the door to the hall was opened. Everyone eagerly looked at the entrance.

While some of the more prominent nobles looked at each other smiling and nodding at each other. These were rivals in the city that rarely got on the same page. Always finding a reason or another to disagree with each other and take minor victories. However, today they were in some sort of agreement. Clearly having some plan that was necessary to team up with each other. The place they were getting into was a once in a month opportunity that they all sought to be a part of. This was a gathering organized by Sara and Sophie to loot the nobles of their money. Every month their hard-earned cash was spent to get a ticket and the rest inside.

The hall came to be due to the idea of Sara. Once Sara and Sophie arrived here, they did not have a reason to wear masks. After all, they had the backing of a powerful financial force with enough military power in the town.

With veils, they explored the town. However, their beauty had attracted many, and it was no longer fun for them to get out. They were followed by people, constantly trying to court them. While their protector would stop them from approaching, it was nevertheless annoying. One day, being annoyed by the pests and having to forget her money to buy sweets, Sara was angry.

She just wanted to charge these people from looking at her and annoying her enough to forget her money. Sara was ready to make one of them an example to push the rest away. She was thinking of looting them publically or embarrassing them. Then Sara realized that it would only cause problems. Sara would get a brief moment of satisfaction, and then perhaps she would end up more annoyed later. She could not just take their money without giving them something in return. Aile had taught her, money without giving something back is stealing. However, selling a rock for a million gold coin was good business, especially if it had a bit of sparkle.

Seeing how they were all walking lifeless and looking more and more like money bags to her, she decided to come up with a legal way to loot them. Her goal was to hire all the people that sell sweets to work in the castle for her, so she can have them without having to go through the horde of idiots. She laughed internally, they would be funding her effort, so that she does not see them, she agreed to herself that it was indeed great poetic justice.

They also needed to pay extra for wasting her time all this time. So an idea brewed on her head. She analyzed it with Sophie, and they made some improvements. After finalizing it, they wanted to involve Star Merchant Union with them. So that no one greeds for them once they succeeded, and with a strong backing, they would start their plan. A week later, they were ready.

The next time she was out, Sara talked with Sophie loudly about how she was interested to see people demonstrate their talent. She also mentioned how much she despised people throwing money away and wasting her time.