SBTSML

forty-five.

Is the temple of Hisaya a heaven of corruption?

Only after receiving five gold coins did the paladin hand Edward over, and I shuddered at the thought of him.

Five gold coins were equivalent to the annual salary of commoners.

I should have known when he took Boris's bribe.

I was dumbfounded that I had to pay twice as much as I expected.

Still, it was fortunate that Edward got out safely.

Edward bowed again and again, as though he were very thankful for my help.

"Thank you for your help, Young Miss. I will definitely pay you back later."

"When is later?"

When I asked back coldy at those words, Edward was bewildered and only blinked.

I laughed innocently, as if I had never asked such a fierce question.

"Hehe. I'm kidding. Actually, I was there earlier. The chapel."

"Pardon?"

Edward asked back when spoke.

He was kicked out for breaking into a place where only priests could enter, but I was fine, so he seemed surprised.

I explained with a shrug.

"I got lost while playing hide-and-seek with my friend. I got out before I got caught."

"I see..."

"I helped you because you looked troubled."

"You're very kind. Thank you very much."

Edward smiled bitterly and expressed his gratitude again.

I looked at his appearance. His clothes were wrinkled here and there because the paladin was rough.

Moreover, his face was shabbier compared to the last time I saw him.

You must have had a hard time getting here since it snowed.

"First of all, we need to treat Jacques. It's not good to have a scar."

"It's all right. You've been so considerate, and I don't want to be a nuisance..."

"It might be pretty bad because of what the person used earlier. It'll be better to know how it is."

Besides, I have a lot to talk to you about.

Edward nodded helplessly as I suggested several times.

"I'll be indebted to you, then."

Upon returning to my quarters, May went out without a word and then peeped anxiously at Jacques and Edward.

"Where else did you meet him?"

"During a stroll near the temple. Actually, I was lost, but Mr. Edward helped me."

"Pardon? You said you got lost? Are you hurt anywhere?"

May stared at my condition with her eyes wide open at my words.

May is overprotective.

I shook my head.

"There's no place where I'm hurt. But Jacques got hurt. Please treat him. I need to talk to Mr. Edward, so please bring me some simple food."

"Understood."

May left the room with Jacques in her arms. I advised Edward to sit down.

After a while, May served bread and soup. Edward stared at the food and muttered.