BELLE’s P.O.V

“What are you doing?!”

The world seems to stop for a minute, even the people that’s running to escape stopped.

I was just looking at Hendrick the whole time.

Hendrick ran towards the door while holding me.

Everyone seems surprised, I don’t know which part of the events they’re surprised about, it’s either because I almost died or it’s because of Hendrick, or because no one tried to save me?

He kept running while I’m still in his arms.

Did he just save me?

I looked around, each corner of the place was in chaos.

We were about to reach the door when a big piece of wood fell from the roof.

“Watch out!”

Hendrick immediately changed direction and ran towards the window instead.

It’s so fast, the body seems accustomed to such situations.

But why is he here? What is he doing here?

It continued to run, regardless of the falling pieces of wood from the roof of the area.

Now I just also noticed that the whole place shovel is made of wood, just added accessories to the place to make it look nice.

Looks like I was fooled.

"Hold on tight!" he says.

My grip on him tightened as we got out. What I expected to be noisy and chaotic outside was different.

The outside of the building is quiet, people walk casually and there is no trace of chaos. What does that mean?

I looked back at the building where we had come from and I was surprised at what I saw. The appearance of the building when I entered is still the same right now.

What does that mean? Is it some kind of magic?

I looked at Hendrick, looking for an answer but it would only be directed at his pace which was now a bit slow.

Am I just imagining everything?

Hendrick later puts me to a bench near the fountain. It was opposite the building where I was staying.

"Stay here."

Then it ran back to the building.

I would have liked to ask here but it turned out right away.

Suddenly my knee softened. It seemed like I was just there to realize what had happened, I was about to die!

Even sitting I could feel the weakness of my knees. It just seemed to cross my mind that I was about to die a while ago. I never thought I would experience something like this today, why do I always seem to almost die in this world?

Is it because I tried to change my destiny?

But I just don't want to die! I just want to live, so why does it have to happen to me?

My hand clung to my heart, it’s beating fast and I could not calm down.

Again, I looked back at the building I had just left, it still looked the same. What happened to the people who took the lead in going out? To people scrambling just to escape the chaos inside?

It looks so peaceful, you don’t know that there is a commotion going on inside, even noise from those shouting inside is not heard. Isn't there a fire inside ?!

I looked around me, people were just passing the building.

I tried to calm myself down, my body was weak so I shouldn't send in like this, maybe I'll just get worse.

I'm really grateful to Hendrick and he came, otherwise I might have been double killed. It never crossed my mind that I would die for the second time in this place because from the moment I realized that I was destined to die, I forced myself to run away and avoid that death.

That's why I'm working on a way not to die, then this death is the one that tries to approach me ?!

Oh please, give me justice!

“Am I that bad in my past life?" Wait, whose past life am I talking about again?

To me from Earth or to Belle's body? I'm confused.

Hendrick came to my mind, I don't know if I will wait for him to come back here or I will leave, because he didn't tell me to wait here or leave.

He left suddenly.

But I wonder why I have to wait for him, maybe not anymore. Another thing is that he might not come back here because he is busy fighting or whatever.

I thought for a few more minutes before I decided to just leave, I still have something to do and I don't need his help with that. Maybe I’ll just thank him next time when we meet again.

Even though I was still a little weak, I had to find a new place to stay. I took what I was carrying by my side-

Wait.

I turned to my side, the pouch containing my money and some I had brought was no longer there.

Oh my

I left it inside! Goodness gracious!

I get back to sitting. I let out a sigh, it looked like I really had to wait for Henrdick, even though there was no guarantee that he would return.

I'm really unlucky. What a thing to start my day.

“ARE YOU ALRIGHT?”

Hendrick later returned.

He handed me the bottle he was carrying. I looked at its contents, it was water.

I nodded here before glancing at his whole being.

As I often see him he is wearing his black cloak, because his cloak was opened a little, I can see the inside of it. On his right side, there are small pouches hanging and to his left side, there is a thing that looks like a small knife.

I look down at his shoes, they are wearing what is typically worn by men in this area, I look back at his face, there is a scar on his cheek but instead of being ugly it seems to have added even more to his appeal.

It took what was on his side, when it was taken out I realized it was a bottle, like the one he gave me but bigger, it gnawed the flesh.

I stared at his adams apple, man look at those, he can be a commercial model… yummy…

I opened the bottle and drank from it while still looking at his face but I almost spit my drink when our eyes met.

*cough

“What’s wrong?” His eyebrows met.

I shook my head.

I can't tell him what I'm thinking!

I turned my gaze to my hand. Embarrassing!

Later someone else came dressed like him. Do they have a uniform?

They talked. I wanted to ask what was going on inside and why no noise was heard from there, or why it didn’t seem true that I had seen earlier that there were people coming out but I was embarrassed.

They were inches away from me so I couldn't hear them. I had to wait a few more minutes before Hendrick returned.

When he returned, he brought a loaf of bread and handed it to me.

"Thank you."

Only now do I remember that I haven't had breakfast yet, at the same time I took my first bite and my stomach started to growl.

Hendrick and his companions suddenly turned to me, embarrassed, I just smiled at them and continued eating the bread.

A few moments away Hendrick left again and said that I will wait for him wherever I am now, bored Man I am still waiting because i don't know anyone here in this place and i also don't have money that i could have used to find a new to forever or I could have used it to find a new place to stay or to find a horse to go home to rent a chariot to go home.

Not long after, Hendrick came again, this time with his two friends, Bora and Josh.

"Hello my lady!" said Josh before bowing to pay his respects.

I almost forgot that I am a noble here in this place.

"Hi mister Josh, how are you?"

“I’m good, my lady! You look good today! ”

I smiled at what it said. He's good at flattery.

"Anyway, why are you here?" I ask him.

"We're on a mission." Josh couldn't answer because Henrick spoke instead.

"Oh…" Come to think of it, are they the ones I saw last night?

"Where are you going?"

I looked up at Hendrick, is he talking to me?

Why is he calling me like that when he’s so kind when we first met at our house that night?

I have a name though.

"I'm looking for someone." I answered.

"Alone?"

“Well, yeah…” I was hesitant to tell the truth because the tone of the question was different.

“My lady, why are you going out alone? What if something happens to you? ” Josh asked worriedly.

I thought about that too, but I had nothing else to look forward to, and another thing, if I didn't do it I would feel like I was accepting my fate as well.

I just shrugged instead.

As I looked at Josh I seemed to hear someone sigh.

“Do you want us to accompany you, my lady?”

My gaze landed on Bora, this is the first time he talked since we first met a while ago. I scanned his face and he looked serious.

“If that’s alright?” I don’t have anything on me right now so I badly need their help.

“I’ll just take you home.” Hendrick interrupted.

“No!” I immediately said.

He can’t! I can’t go home empty handed!

Hendrick moved his eyebrows, as if he had something to say.

“I mean… I can’t go home yet, I don’t want to come back again because I have a weak body.” I lied.

I need to lie because this is a matter of life and death! This is my first step to my goal and I can’t keep this waiting. Especially now that I don’t have a single penny left, who knows when I can ask May for another penny I can use.

Hendrick looked unamused. He must be doubting every single word I said.

“Oh, you’re right my lady.” Thankfully, Josh took the bait.

“I know, right?” I looked at Hendrick. Please help me!

After a moment, he let out a heavy sigh.

“Only in one condition.” He looked straight into my eyes.

I felt a little awkward but of course I need to do anything. Knowing Hendrick, he will do everything to send me home.

I waited for his next words.

“Only if one of us will accompany you when you go out.”

Oh.

I couldn’t answer for a moment but well, I think there’s nothing wrong with them accompanying me when I go to that place.

“Sure.” I told him.

Hendrick looked suspicious for a moment but when he started to pack his things, I knew he accepted my lies.

Hendrick and his friends let me tag along with them, while walking, I told them what happened to my money and they all looked shocked.

“First, you almost died and now you’re telling us that you don’t have anything other than yourself?” Josh freaks out.

Hendrick scoffs. What’s wrong with him?

“Well, yeah.” I shrugged. I can’t do anything about it now.

“Unbelievable.” Josh said.

“YOU WILL STAY HERE WHILE YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO DO IN THIS PLACE.” Hendrick said as soon as we get to the place they’re staying.

“Yes, thank you.” I looked around, this place looks like a barracks.

Everyone greeted Hendrick and the other two as soon as they entered the door. They must be someone important here.

Hendrick lent me a chair beside him and gave me food. It looks like a stew.

“Thank you.” I thanked him again.

He just nodded and asked the man serving a meal for him. Josh sat beside him while Bora went straight to his room.

“Enjoy your food my lady- oops, Belle!” Josh shouted.

While we’re walking, I told them that they can just call me Belle when we’re outside because it’s a little uncomfortable with me. In the first place, I’m not the lady that they served and whenever they call me that I feel like there’s a wall between us.

“Just eat.” Hendrick said. What’s with his attitude, really?

We were eating when someone sat beside me.

“Hello beautiful.”

I looked at him and saw a teenage looking man with brown hair. His face is pretty but isn’t my type. My Hendrick is way prettier than him. Oh forget it.

“Uhm, hi?”

He smiled widely.

“Do you mind if-”

“Yes, I mind.”

The man couldn’t finish what he was about to say when Hendrick butted in.

We automatically turned our heads towards his direction and gave him a questioning look.

BELLE’s P.O.V

Hendrick and I met each other’s eyes.

He looked at me seriously before moving his gaze to the man next to me.

"Yo, bro!" He said to Hendriick.

Do they know each other? The man seems to know him.

But Hendrick seemed dissatisfied, his gaze sharpened.

Hendrick didn’t utter any more words but the man seems to have realized something.

"Okay okay!" He seems reluctant to say so.

He left the seat but turned his gaze to me and smiled.

"Let's meet again, miss beautiful." He said before leaving.

I followed him with my gaze until he was seated at one of the tables who gathers in this place, that table looked crowded. They look happy though.

I looked back at Hendrick, why did he show such an attitude to the man even though he was not doing anything wrong.

I would have liked to ask it but he’s now focused on his food.

I looked around, it wasn't awkward and the atmosphere around was just okay but it didn't seem like people were comfortable approaching Hendrick. Why is it?

Instead of asking too many questions, I continued eating.

After dinner, Hendrick looked for a room I could use even just for temporarily.

"Oh My Hendrick, there's no vacant room right now." Said by the man who gave us food.

Again, Hendrick's eyebrows met.

“What do you mean there’s no vacant room when we have a lot of rooms here? ”

Hendrick's conversation was very scratchy. He’s giving a not-so-pleased-by-what’s-happening vibes.

"Yes, the case is that many of our colleagues came because their clients withdrew from the mission."

I stared at Hendrick, it looks like I can't be here.

"Is there no other place to stay?" His gaze turned to me.

“What do you plan to do when you don’t have anything other than yourself?” Ouch.

“I mean, I can cook, clean, do the laundry…”

"In exchange on the roof to sleep?"

"Yeah."

Hendrick looked unamazed.

I just wanted not to be a burden, he helped me enough and we can’t do anything regarding the current situation.

Hendrick looked stressed.

Later on he said, "You can stay in my room."

What?

“No, I’m okay anywhere!” I said. Shooking my head.

I couldn’t imagine staying in his room, his room will surely smell like him!

I was getting embarrassed thinking that we will share a room. I’ve never shared a room with a man even before in my past life! Oh goodness.

"E-ehem, I mean, you don't have to do that."

He didn’t answer me.

We just stared at each other for a couple of minutes before he stood up and said, “Let’s go, I’ll take you there.”

You don’t really have to do it!

Was what I wanted to say but I couldn’t bring myself to, instead of arguing with him, I followed him and we went to the second floor. At the end of the hallway was a door with his name on it.

The door was made of wood, as well as the whole place.

Hendrick opened the door and gestured to me to come in.

I slowly stepped in. As soon as I went inside, I roamed my eyes to his room.

Everything looks plain, from his bed to the interior of his room. There’s just a small table near his bed, a pair of chairs and a cabinet. On the corner of the room was a door, I bet that’s the bathroom. Anything else, oh, there’s nothing else. That’s it.

"You have a nice room."

Our eyes met. He stared at me. I don’t know if he’s offended or something but for sure he doesn’t like what I said.

I laughed.

"I'm telling the truth though."

"Yeah sure."

I roamed around, there’s a window in front of the bed. I looked over the window and was amazed by what I saw.

“Wow! You can see the whole place here ?! ” I exclaimed, totally amazed.

He didn’t answer.

From where I am, I can see the place where I stayed last night and the center of the village. I can also see the road that I take when I get here. I’ve never seen something like this, even before I came to this world. My room was located underground so neither sunlight nor a good scene could be seen, but it wasn't that bad. I still remembered when I role-played that I was a vampire but I was scolded because I used too much ketchup.

“Wow. This is cool.” My eyes feel like they are shining by the scenery.

"Cool?" Hendrick asked.

I turned my head and saw him still standing near the door.

"I mean, it's amazing." Then I smiled.

Hendrick sat on the chair beside the bed while I sat on the bed. His bed was a bit soft for a mercenary but not as soft as mine.

Come to think of it, I was just left in a room with a man.

I glanced at Hendrick, he was sitting there as if thinking.

"Why?" It's a question.

I shook my head in response.

When you look from a distance, Hendrick was handsome, but he was even more handsome when you’re near him. At first sight, he looks rude, I can't deny that I also feel like he’s really rude when we first met.

Especially that night, I couldn't see his face very well, first of all, why is it that there is no electricity here, there is magic in this world, but they can't make electricity, but it's really good that there isn’t mosquitoes here, so even without an electric fan you won't be bitten by it, the air around is also cold so you don't even need aircon.

The trees and plants that May planted in the yard added a huge amount to the cold weather. Thanks to May.

Let’s go back to Hendrick, from face to body he surely looked manly. The types that I like. Kidding. Seriously, where did I get this courage?

He really can be a commercial model, if he was just born on Earth and entered showbiz it’s sure that many people will support him, especially the young people, after all, there is no need to change his face, actors who undergo surgery will still look inferior to him.

I'm also sure that he will have a lot of relationships if he enters showbiz, maybe women will be the first to flirt and court him. Come to think of it, how many people like him here?

It's impossible not to, I mean, look at his face, he has thin lips, a sharp nose, long eyelashes and is very macho.

"It's rude." Suddenly he says.

"What?" What does he mean?

He stared at me and later moved his face slightly closer to my direction before speaking.

"It's rude to stare at someone." Oh!

I don't know but I laughed at what he said, I didn't notice that I was staring at him too much.

"I'm just admiring the beauty."

His eyebrows met. Apparently, he doesn't believe what I said.

"I'm telling the truth." I said smiling.

He just shrugged but he’s still looking at me.

I thought my answer to him was not good but just a few minutes later I saw the small lift of a part of his lip.

Got him.

"You're handsome."

"Stop it."

I don't know where I got the courage to say that but to think that Hendrick smiled was funny and even more so the man's handsomeness rose as he smiled. I'm so insecure with him! From any angle, you will not see the weakness of the man, even if it is only visual in a band and there is nothing else he will do, he will definitely become famous, maybe he will become even more famous among his groupmates.

No one next to or close to the man can really avoid being insecure to him . I'm also beautiful though, I mean, the owner of this body Belle, if I become an actress my role will suit those who become angels in the movie. The good and kind hearted figure, those kinds of faces but Hendrick was different.

Eventually the man stood up, and approached the seemingly cabinet on the side. He grabbed a large bag before starting to fold the clothes.

"Why are you packing your clothes?" I asked him, is he leaving?

I thought he’s staying here?

Hendrick looked confused.

"You probably didn't think we would sleep next to each other in the same room, did you?"

I was stunned. For a moment my mind seems to stop working.

“Don’t tell me, you actually do?”

“I-i didn’t!”

Embarrassed, I bowed.

"You're blushing."

I glanced at him, only to see his amused face. Stop teasing me!

"W-whatever."

I turned my gaze to the other things. Why’s he making fun of me!

I decided to look at the window again.

Let’s forget what happened!

I was calming myself when I saw a familiar face outside.

His hair is the color green, he had a bag with him and he’s wearing a green dress.

“Is that…” I looked closely, I narrowed my eyes thinking that I could see what I was looking at better.

He’s walking towards the forest near the border of the village. I wasn’t certain if it’s really him until he pulled something outside his bag.

"That's him!" I shouted as soon as I saw what he pulled from his bag.

I immediately turned around and ran towards the door.

"Where are you going?"

Oops

I almost forgot about Hendrick!

"I saw the person that I need to talk to here in this village." Is all I said before running to meet that man.

"Wait!" I heard him shout.

"I'll come back later!"

"Hey!"

I ran towards the door, I also didn't hesitate to run up the stairs.

"My lady?" I met Joseph when I got to the lounge of the place.

"Hi!" I waved my hand but I’m still running.

When I got outside, I looked for the direction I saw that man.

“What’s with this dress!” Disgusted, I lifted a small part of my dress to lighten it and not be a hindrance to my running. Then I quickly ran to the place where the man I was looking for was.

"I need to talk to him."

The people around me had a look of astonishment on their faces but I just ran straight.

I was close to the place where I had seen him before but I could no longer look at him.

“Where did he go?” When I got to the place I stopped chasing my breath.

I rolled my eyes around but there was no trace of anything related to him.

“Did I lose him?” I frustratedly sigh.

I straighten my body, still catching my breath.

I rubbed my forehead, it was full of sweat.

"I ran hard just to catch up with you, just to lose you."

I let out a deep sigh.

Unfortunately, it would have been my chance to talk to him.

I looked around again. "He really isn't."

It looks like I just need to go to his store, I have no choice since I didn't reach him here.

"It's a pity I ran." It’s really disappointing.

Since I didn't see him either, I decided to go back.

While back I saw for myself how simple this place is. If I were on Earth, I would compare this place to the countryside. Things are so simple around, kids are playing seemingly traditional games in this area.

The surroundings are full of shopping stalls, whether food or furniture. People were smiling, as if it was fun to live here.

Suddenly the trouble that happened earlier in the place where I was staying came to my mind, until now I still can't forget it, I can't ask Hendrick because it looks like he won't answer me.

"Sorry!" I was surprised when someone ran into my side. When I looked at it, it turned out to be a child holding a loaf of bread.

"All right." I answer here.

The child's appearance is not the same as those in this area. From the clothes and the shape of his face, it looks like his ethnicity is different.

"Where is your parent?" I ask him.

It did not speak but it pointed to a man. My eyes widened at what I saw, what the boy pointed out was none other than Hendrick.

He already has a child ?!

BELLE's P.O.V

I just stand where I am while looking at Hendrick. Shock was written all over my face. He was talking to some men not far away from me.

I just lost sight of him when the boy next to me touched me.

"You're pretty." He says.

"A-ah, thank you." I answered with a glint of awkwardness. I don’t know how to properly approach the child!

I stared at the child beside me, him and Hendrick don't have the same look. The boy's facial features are different and so are Hendrick's. Maybe he inherited it from his mother…

I don’t know why my chest suddenly seemed to tighten. The child’s now a grown up, it just means that Hendrick and the mother of the child have been in a relationship for a long time.

I looked at Hendrick again, I was shocked to see him looking at me.

His face is serious and his eyebrows meet slightly.

I looked back at the child as it suddenly ran in Hendrick's direction while I was just standing and unable to move my body.

Hendrick stepped forward, maybe to meet his son…

I looked at him sadly, I couldn’t describe the feeling I’m having right now, I seemed disappointed or whatever. I couldn't think of what would happen next so I just decided to leave that place, and why May didn’t tell me about it? She said that she knew Hendrick for a long time so it’s impossible that she doesn’t know about his son.

Is his wife pretty? I suddenly felt insecure, how is it to be liked by Hendrick?

It suddenly occurred to me that I was staying in his room, but if he already had a child, why did he let me stay in his room?

Now that I know she has a child, it is difficult for me to stay there anymore. I'd better just find a new place to stay or I'd better just go home to the mansion. I can’t stand staying in his room when I know that he has a lover and they even had a son. It seems like nothing good has happened to me ever since I came to this place.

I decided to leave but when I took a step I was surprised to see that the boy did not go to Hendrick.

Hendrick just kept walking in my direction. The boy ran straight after Hendrick, my forehead furrowed.

I peeked where the child had gone and saw that he went to another person.

Wait…

I thought he’s Hendrick’s child?

Why did he go there and who’re those people?

I didn't realize that Hendrick was close to me.

“Where did you go?” He asked with his forehead still furrowed.

I looked at him, surprised.

Why did the boy pass him?

I turned my gaze back to the child, now he was smiling and holding the hand of the woman and the man.

Don’t tell me…

I looked at Hendrick, his face looks like he’s wondering, when realization hits me, I laughed hard.

"What's wrong with you?"

I couldn't answer his question, I still couldn't help but to laugh.

As I laughed, Hendrick was just there, staring at me, confused.

It seems that a thorn in my chest wasn’t there anymore. All my fears suddenly disappeared.

"Silly me!" I exclaimed.

The man's face was even more confused, when he still didn't get an answer from me, he sighed.

"Sorry!" I said between my laughs. I couldn’t stop laughing, but at the same time, what happened just made me realize something. I’m falling for this man.

I stared at his face, I couldn’t help but smile at him. One of his eyebrows rose.

"Where are you going?" I asked with a smile.

"I asked you first." He sounded a little irritated.

I explained to him what happened and why I hurried earlier to leave. He understood this but told me that next time I need to go with him or just tell him beforehand.

"Okay, sorry again."

Later on, he invited me to a restaurant just near us. When I entered the place my eyes roamed around, I was amazed by the atmosphere . The things here are really amazing, it’s also my first time seeing them since there’s nothing like that on Earth.

“Why are we eating here? It looks expensive. ” I whispered to him as we sat down.

"You may not be comfortable if we eat at other places." Hendrick says.

At first I didn’t understand but I remembered who Belle really was. Although Belle is not really considered noble, there’s still some who view her as one. Poor her.

I tried to think if Belle had already eaten in this place but I didn't remember anything, it just meant that I was the one who had the first experience and not Belle, who was the original owner of this body.

Don't worry Belle, I’ll eat for you.

Later on, a man served our meal. There's a beef steak, just a sight and it will make you very hungry, then it was followed by a few plates of dessert. A piece of cake and a variety of fruits.

“Wow! So many!" I couldn’t help but admire the food.

Ever since I came here, there’s just one meal available every time and even when I was still on Earth. Seriously, I get to experience many things here.

We started eating, it was so delicious! I almost forgot who I am.

The food tastes great but isn't it very expensive?

What's Hendrick's job again, isn't he a mercenary?

Are mercenaries paid well?

What has happened since we met here came to my mind, don't people know what Hendrick's job really is? I mean, he seems welcomed here and a lot of people came to talk to him. He seemed friendly to be honest.

I really don’t know much more about Hendrick.

We ate peacefully and decided to leave afterwards as well. According to Hendrick, it's easy to pinpoint the place I'm looking for because this village is not that big.

After I told him all the details I knew, he led me to the place where I was looking.

We made many detours and passed houses before we found what I was looking for.

I looked at the place, the green exterior design and some plants outside helped me distinguish this place.

This is it.

I confronted Hendrick.

"Just wait for me here."

He didn't complain and just nodded.

I went up and opened the door. The quiet surroundings opened up to me.

"Hi!" On the side smiling came out the person I was looking for.

It’s him.

According to the comic, he will become the most famous artist in this world.

Looking at him, he sure has the exact appearance from the comic. Since this year isn't really the start of the comic then that just means that I still have time to gather my party, that's why I'm risking my life coming here.

If I'm not mistaken, the comic will start its story two years from now. Thanks to that, I still have time to secure my life so from the time that the comic starts going, I can just go somewhere where I can live peacefully.

"How may I help you?" The man said.

"Hi! I have something to offer." I said straightforwardly.

The man in front of me looks confused.

"What do you mean?"

I looked around, there was a small wooden table at the corner of the room.

"Should we sit there?" I pointed to the table.

"Oh yeah! Sure! Have a seat dear customer."

We sat down, facing each other.

"May I know what you meant to say?" He asked as soon as we settled down.

I smiled at him.

"I'd like to be your benefactor."

Hansel Craig was the first one to have the title of "The Greatest Artist" because of his works. He isn't your typical artist, he sure draws greater than anyone but what picked the interest of the people in this world was his incredible talent of doing realistic drawings. To the point that you will doubt yourself if you're looking on a canvas or not.

Hansel was smart so I'm sure he will understand what I'm saying.

His eyebrows met.

"I'm sorry young lady but, you will be my benefactor?" He slowly asked.

I nodded.

"That's what I said."

He shook his head.

"B-but why? Why would you support someone like me?"

"I just saw a potential in you." I lied.

I couldn't tell him that I knew he would become famous one day because of his art.

"No…like…"

Looks like he couldn't understand why I suddenly told him that I'll be his benefactor. Looks like I will have a hard time pursuing him. Then I don't have another choice.

"Hansel." I called him.

He looked shocked.

"You know me?"

I nodded. The confusion in his eyes strengthened.

"I knew you like painting."

Hansel's confused face became darker.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

This is one of the reasons why Hansel bloomed later in the novel. He always avoids what he wants because he thinks that painting will not benefit him anything, well, I can’t blame him since this world doesn’t give much opportunities to those in the field of arts.

That’s why they don’t pay much but Hansel will one day be famous because of his art. If I remember correctly, he drew a canvas for the princess that immediately took a liking to his work, the princess even promoted his work, and that made him famous.

That event opened a lot of opportunities to him and to other artists.

“I’ll buy everything you need, you just have to paint one time.”

Hansel didn’t answer, he just continued looking at me seriously.

“Once is enough for me.”

“I’ll stay away from you if you want, but that’s after you finish the painting.”

“Why do you want me to paint so much? Have you seen me paint before?”

I shook my head.

“Then why do you want to be a benefactor of someone you haven’t even seen its work?”

“I know you can do the work better than anyone.”

He didn’t answer.

He’s been staring at me since earlier.

“I’ll give you time to think about it, I’ll come back again.”

It looks like I have to do a different approach to let him agree. This is driving me crazy, I don’t know what to say, I never had this conversation with anyone even in my past life, it’s so hard to be an introvert!

I stood up, I was about to open the door when Hendrick came in.

“What’s taking you so long?”

“Ah, I’m done.” I said as I turned my gaze to Hansel.

He’s still sitting in that exact position when we talked.

“Let’s go.”

Hendrick held the door and let’s me pass first, but we stopped when Hansel spoke.

“Wait.”

Hendrick and I both looked at him. He’s now at our back standing with his head down.

“I-i…just have to paint one time r-right?” He met my gaze after he said that.

I nodded. “Yes.”

It took him a while to answer.

“Then, what will I get if I agree?”

My face remained the same but my soul was rejoicing. Yes! He finally agreed!

“We can talk about that while we’re discussing the contract.” I smiled at him.

Hansel and I talked again for the second time, he closed his store so that we could talk peacefully.

Hendrick didn’t agree when I asked him to wait for me outside this time and Hansel gave him permission to roam around so that’s what he did. Hendrick was looking at the plants while Hansel and I were talking about the contract.

Hansel looked hesitant at first, he thinks that the contract is purely beneficial to him only. I just lied about wanting to see him grow and achieved what he deserved. I also told him my name that I forgot to do earlier because I just remembered that it's proper etiquette here to introduce yourself first. I’m so dumb.

After a long talk with Hansel, he finally signed the contract that I made earlier before we decided to come here.

“So, I’ll see you soon?”

Hansel nodded.

He thanked me once again before we left the place.

Hendrick looked curious the whole time but didn’t ask about it. One point for him!

We decided to go where we’re staying, Hendrick thought that I might’ve been tired. It’s true though.

We ate first at the lounge. Hendrick told me that he had something to do and that he will stay in another room so I went to his room first to rest. I immediately lay on his bed. It's really nice to have met Hendrick here, I feel like a lot has happened since I came here. Who would’ve thought that I almost died again?

But the most important part is that Hansel agreed to my proposal. I felt relieved.

My plans started to move. I sigh. I closed my eyes.

That night, I slept really well.