Chapter 16 - A Mansion Too Big

Following Ramon and the others, I was led to what they casually called their "place." But the moment we arrived, I stopped in my tracks.

"So… when you guys said 'place,' you actually meant this **mansion**?" I asked, staring at the enormous structure before me.

This time, the usually silent Silver responded.

"I know, it's small compared to our Clan Palace where my father resides."

I blinked. **Small?**

"Hold on… I meant _huge_," I corrected myself.

If Silver thinks this is small, does that mean he's some sort of royalty? Even if the Radon Clan holds noble status among the elves, calling this _small_ seems ridiculous. Even the king we met wouldn't call this place small.

Ramon chuckled. "Well, I'm glad you like it. We've been so busy that we barely stay here. His Majesty gifted it to us."

Then, as if it were nothing, he handed me a pouch.

"Here, you'll need money to get by in the city."

I glanced at the heavy bag full of coins and immediately pushed it back toward him.

"Ramon, I appreciate the thought, but I can't accept this," I said. _This is way too much._

Ramon crossed his arms. "Then how exactly do you plan to eat or live?"

"I'll figure something out," I replied. "But taking free money doesn't sit right with me."

Ramon smiled. "Alright, I'll talk to His Majesty about finding you a role. For now, just keep it. Return it to me when you earn enough."

I sighed, knowing he wasn't going to take no for an answer.

### **Their Next Move**

"What do you mean by _when I earn enough_? Are you guys leaving already?" I asked.

Emma crossed her arms. "I hate to admit it, but you saw how we struggled against that minotaur. Now that we've received the blessing, we need to train."

Ramon nodded. "Exactly. We decided that after informing His Majesty, we'll gather supplies and start training in a different dungeon."

I wanted to argue. They'd just come out of a dungeon, fought for their lives, and were already planning to head back into danger. It was already night—surely, they needed rest.

But before I could protest, Ramon patted my shoulder.

"Don't worry. We'll be fine. We're used to this."

And with that, they left.

### **Alone in the Mansion**

I stood there, watching the large doors close behind them.

Now, I was alone.

The mansion was eerily silent, with only two guards stationed at the front gate. Inside, not a single maid or servant to be found.

Stepping into the dimly lit interior, I took in the lavish guest area at the entrance—large couches, a fancy table in the center, and two grand staircases leading upstairs. But with only the moonlight streaming in, I couldn't see much beyond that.

I placed the pouch of money on the table and collapsed onto the couch.

Today had been... _a lot_.

I wasn't even sure how long I had been inside the dungeon, but everything that had happened—from the summoning to meeting the goddess—was catching up to me.

I stared up at the ceiling.

_"I just hope I still have my sanity when I finally return to Earth."_