A Dangerous Invitation

The reason they hadn't touched his face was obvious—because they planned to continue using Jis to collect money in the future.

No one would entrust their goods to a wounded tout, after all.

"Hmmm."

Jis anxiously awaited a decision as Amy's enigmatic gaze bore into him.

"Alright. I'll go get changed. Wait here."

Jis lifted his head in surprise. He hadn't expected her to agree so easily.

On the other hand, Tess was displeased.

Following behind Amy, she spoke up, believing her friend was still upset about Shirone.

"What's your plan? You really trust that guy?"

"Trust him or not, what does it matter? I just want to get some fresh air. I'll be back soon."

As a final-year student at the Magic Academy who could even utilize Schema, Amy had little to fear. However, Tess worried that this might drive a wedge between Amy and Shirone.

"Come on, just wait a little longer."

"No thanks. Shirone can do whatever he wants. Rian must be starving. How long are we supposed to sit around doing nothing? This is better, actually. I'll eat outside, so you two can have a nice, quiet dinner together."

After disappearing into her room, Amy emerged ten minutes later dressed in her outdoor attire.

"Jis, right? Let's go."

"Huh? Oh, uh, yeah."

Jis was dazed from the moment Amy descended the stairs in her sleek black dress.

Tess warned him.

"Just take a quick walk and come back. If you're late, we're coming to find you."

That warning was meant for Jis as much as it was for Amy.

"Haha! Got it. Oh, and Rian, don't give Shirone anything when he gets back. Let him starve for all I care."

Rian raised his hand in mock surrender with a forced smile, and with that, Amy left with Jis.

As the atmosphere turned chilly, Tess let out a sigh.

"Ugh, how did things turn out like this? The mood was great just a while ago."

"If you're that worried, I can follow them."

Tess had considered it, but she shook her head.

"No… Amy's still a girl. She probably felt awkward in front of us and just wanted some space. If we follow her and she finds out, she'll be mortified. Let's just wait for Shirone."

Rian, standing by the window, watched as the carriage carrying Amy disappeared into the starry night.

Jis sat opposite Amy in the carriage, unable to suppress his excitement even as they started moving. The fact that she had actually gotten into the carriage meant his plan was already eighty percent successful.

"This place is a nature park, even in Galliant. Too bad we didn't come during the day. The scenery here is—"

Jis kept talking, barely pausing for breath.

He prattled on, listing every minor detail, as if trying to prove he was a local. Some things were so trivial that even he wondered why he was saying them.

Did Amy really care whether the park's store owner had run off with a widow?

Amy didn't respond. She simply gazed out the window at the passing nightscape, lost in thought.

She wasn't even registering his words.

"…And over there—"

Realizing this, Jis stopped talking.

If he was being honest, he was just happy to sit across from Amy and look at her. The slight chill in her expression was nothing like the fiery anger she had shown earlier in the day.

Even if they were just a bunch of thugs, he doubted even Falcoa would dare harm a noblewoman. But when he saw the glint in their eyes, clouded with intoxication, he couldn't be sure. Maybe he should turn back now.

But if he did, what would happen to his little sister…?

Amy suddenly spoke.

"This is taking a while. How far are we going?"

Jis flinched at the unexpectedly sharp question.

"O-oh, uh… it's a bit far. But it's the best place in Galliant! You'll see when we get there."

"Really? The best place? And the boss who beat you to a pulp is the one taking you there?"

Jis's heart dropped.

'She knew?'

Then why had she gotten in the carriage? Why hadn't she said anything until now?

"Well, you see…"

"No need to make something up. I can tell just by looking at you. You were scared and begged for mercy. Only an idiot wouldn't have figured it out. Just keep your head straight—this is the last time I'll let you fool me."

"You're letting me fool you?"

"Yeah. I don't know why you're playing the sacrificial lamb, but this is your chance to get out of this life. I'm helping you because I pity you."

Jis's face burned red.

"What? You pity me?"

"Of course. What, do you think I admire you?"

"You… damn it…"

"You threw the gold coins, didn't you?"

Jis stiffened.

Back then, he had lost all control. He had been beaten to the brink of death by Falcoa. The trauma of that moment still clung to him.

Amy gave a bitter smile.

"Guys like you don't last long in this business. People who have too much to protect just end up getting used and discarded."

"Tch, and what would you know? You were born into wealth and luxury as a noble."

"…You're not wrong, but I know more than you think. At least I made it to the top."

Jis bit his lip.

No matter how much he tried to assert himself, he could never match the weight behind her words.

"Are you pitying me?"

"Yes."

"I don't want your damn pity. Never."

"Then get out of this place. This might be the last chance you ever get."

Jis hung his head low.

Amy was right. If not for her pity, he and his sister would already be living in hell.

"Tch."

Amy heard Jis click his tongue but turned her attention back to the window.

The night sea stretched endlessly before them.

"…It's not just pity."

"What?"

"The way you threw the gold coins. Whatever you do, you need that kind of nerve. If you were just another back-alley thug, I wouldn't have stepped into this carriage."

Jis averted his gaze.

"Damn it. First you insult me, then you praise me? This is why I hate nobles. One minute they mock you, the next they try to console you. So self-righteous."

Amy propped her chin on her hand and smirked.

"Oh, Shirone? But he's a commoner. He probably understood your feelings better than anyone."

Jis's eyes widened.

"What? A commoner?"

At first, he thought she was joking.

Why would a noble girl take a trip with a lower-class man? It made no sense.

"Yeah, a commoner. Does that matter? Or does it?"

"But… wasn't he your partner? This is a couple's trip, isn't it? You can't fool my eyes."

Amy let out a hollow laugh.

"Yeah, he's my partner. My partner who left me on an island and disappeared somewhere."

She smiled, but Jis could sense the complicated emotions swirling behind her eyes.

'Damn it.'

He should have just taken the gold and left. Then none of this would be happening.

And now, because of a stranger, he was leading her straight into danger.