A Grin and a Gold Coin ( 212 )

Javier sighed, rubbing the back of his head as he looked at the two young girls. "You both really stealing?"

The older girl lowered her head in shame, tears brimming in her eyes. "We... we were hungry... and... we don't have money," she stammered.

Javier turned to the big man. "How much is the meat they stole?"

The man crossed his arms, his stern gaze flickering between Javier and the girls. "Around 5 silver," he replied.

At this, Liana's eyes widened slightly. She knew 5 silver wasn't a fortune, but it was the equivalent of a month's wages for a maid in the Armand household.

Javier nodded thoughtfully before reaching into his pocket. "Can I pay for them?"

The big man hesitated. "I'm sorry, young noble, but please understand—rules are rules. If we let this go, others might think it's fine to steal too."

"But aren't we, as humans, supposed to help each other when we can?"