Chapter 10 : A Crying Girl

Henwel offers us 500 gold coins. Henwel says, "I kept this money locked away until now. I had hope that someone would come and lift the curse of the city. And when the person does, I will give this reward to the person." I say, "We can't accept this, Mr. Henwel. I had no intention of coming here. It just happened to be in the way to our destination. This city endured pain for so long. Now I can't leave the city with this much money. So, use this money for the city's development. If you can give some money to Roleier and help him. If he didn't report what he saw that night, Meleona would have done something more horrifying later on." Henwel says, "I'll accept your kindness, Mr. Ryu. I assure you, this money will be well spent for this city in your name." I smile and say, "It's time for us to continue our journey. Farewell, Mr. Henwel." Mr. Henwel says, "Stay for the day, Mr. Ryu. You can leave in the morning." I say, "No, Mr. Henwel. People are still suffering in Eldenroot Vale. We have to depart now." Mr. Henwel says, "Alright, Mr. Ryu. I know very well how suffering feels. Have a safe journey, Mr. Ryu. Please come back to this city one day. We will show our appreciation and hospitality properly." "We will, Mr. Henwel." I say with a smile.

Atnoon, we depart from Dorncrest City. After a couple of hours, Ella says, "My lord, I have a question." I say, "Sure. Say it." Ella asks, "Are there more Demon King worshipers like Meleona?" I sigh and reply, "I hate to say it, but yes, there is. Black magic is more destructive than any other magic. Worshiping the Demon King is the only way." 

- "And why do they need that type of destruction? I don't understand why Meleona wanted to destroy a city that gave her a home." 

- "Her purpose may be fulfilling her sick desire. Psychopaths possess that kind of sick mentality. Or maybeshe was ordered to do that by the demon king." 

- "Was she obliged to do anything the demon king orders?"

- "If she gave her loyalty to the demon king in order to receive twisted powers, then yes, she had no choice but to obey the demon king's orders."

Adriana asks, "Why do those cowards depend on black magic that much? If you want something, fight for it. Why take such a cowardly path?" I say, "Everyone is not powerful, Adriana. Some don't have the sense of pride or humanity." 

Ella says, "My lord, please take a look." Adriana and I come near Ella and look forward. A child wearing a grey robe is standing in the road. Ella, stop the carriage in front of that child. A human girl around 8-10 years old. Her eyes are watery. 

She comes near Ella and says with a crying voice, "Please help us. My mother is sick. Please take her to the nearest city. Please help her." Ella asks, "Where is she?" "She is at home. It's near that big tree. She can't walk. Please come with me and help her." The girl says with a crying voice. 

Adriana says, "She can't even act properly." I say, "What are you expecting from a child? She is still learning." 

- "I am sure we are not the first target. She surely is doing this for a year or two. She should have been an expert on this." 

- "Give her some credit, Adriana. Look at her. Torned-up old robes, her watery eyes, her messy hair, and her emotional voice. She is focusing on every single detail. You should respect a child actor. Not every child is capable of good acting."

- "As you say, my lord. But I am disappointed in her acting. Does anyone fall for her crappy acting?"

- "Look at Ella; she is already sold."

- "Uh! What can I say? Ella is very kind and dumb at the same time."

Ella and that girl are shocked hearing our conversation. The girl says with a shuddering voice, "I am telling the truth. My mother is sick. She needs help." I say to Adriana, "See what she did with her voice? Pure talent." Adriana says, "Pardon me, my lord. But that's fear. She will now use emotional blackmail." 

Ella says, "My lord, I think the child is telling the truth." The girl says with a shuddering voice, "If you don't believe me, I don't need your help. I'll request anyone else." Adriana says, "She can't even play the emotional blackmail part." I say, "But she is trying her best." The girl was about to run away, and Adriana says with a rageful voice, "If you dare to move a muscle, I will rip your head off." The girl stops instantly and shivers. 

We get off from Carriage and come to the girl. She is shivering with fear. She says, "Please let me go." I bend down a little and say, "You tried your best to play your part. Now, let us play the next part. We are supposed to go with you and fall in a trap, right? Let's do that." The girl says with a shuddering voice, "But why would you do that? Just let me go. I won't ever bother you again." Adriana says, "Listen, my lord is being entertained by this. So do what he says. Otherwise...." I stop Adriana and say, "Adriana, don't scare her that much; she will faint. And you, child, if you return without any travelers, you will get punished, right? So, take us with you. I want to see what happens next." Ella says, "My Lord, is she really...?" Adriana says, "Yes, Ella. And don't question my lord's judgment. And you pathetic child actress, answer my lord's question and obey his order." The girl says in a hurry, "Yes, they will beat me. Come, I will show you the way." I say, "That's a good girl. By the way, don't take Adriana's word seriously. You are doing great as a child actress. You will be better at acting in a few months." The girl looks at me with a strange expression. Is it fear mixed with shock? Adriana says, "My lord complimented you. Yet I haven't heard any gratitude from you, child." The girl says in a hurry, "Thank you very much, sir." I say with a smile, "You are welcome, child. I am Ryu. What is your name, child?" The girl is hesitating. Adriana says, "Say anything but your true name, then there will be nothing to bury in your grave." Wow! That's cold! That girl says in a hurry, "Mina Moonveil." Ella says, "Why are you threatening the poor child, Adriana? She had her reason for doing this kind of work." Adriana replies, "Who knows how many travelers lost their valuable belongings, even their lives, just to help this so-called poor child?. Their kindness was returned as betrayal. And knowing all that, I'll still be nice to her? Never! And if this pathetic creature shows any bit of disrespect to my lord. I will decrease her height." 

I say with a smile to Mina, "That's a pretty name, Miss Moonveil. Nice to meet you." Adriana makes a sound with a closed mouth, "Humm...." Mina says in a hurry, "Nice to meet you too." "Now lead the way to your traps, Miss Moonveil." I say with a smile.