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.

BELLE’s P.O.V

“May, I’m tired…”

May looked at me with disgusto.

“You’re the reason for that.”

I couldn’t move my body. Is this some kind of side effect?

The next morning after we met Hansel, I thanked Hendrick for his help and told him that I needed to go home. He didn’t ask for more instead, he helped me to get a carriage that will bring me home. Thanks to him I didn’t have to walk for about half an hour anymore like last time. I arrived home safely but I couldn’t move my body.

“It’s coming now…” I mumbled, referring to body pain.

May just continued brushing my hair while I’m laying down the bed.

“What happened to you there that caused you so much pain right now?”

I sigh.

Thinking about what happened while I’m still at that village reminds me not to do it again. If only I had someone who could help me when something bad happened in the near future, I wouldn’t do it.

Looking back in the comic, there’s no one who helped Belle when she was sentenced and punished by the male lead, and because of that her death came faster.

I shook my head. I don’t want that to happen to me.

I told May the whole story, I expected her to be mad because I almost died but this is what she said.

“At least you made it back alive.”

Hay… She’s making my blood boil to be honest.

If only I didn’t need her, I would throw her away, let her be eaten by some wild animals-

“Stop thinking of torturing me.” She said,

“Okay, okay.” I laughed. I was just kidding. I couldn't afford to lose her.

“Anyways, what happened to that grandma?” I suddenly remembered the reason why she couldn’t accompany me.

“She’s okay, she’s getting healthier because of the medicine I gave her.”

“That’s good to hear.”

We stayed like that for a couple of hours.

When it’s time for snacks, May have to go to the kitchen so I took that time to plan my next move. I got a paper and a pen, sat down on my small table and took a deep breath. I was ready to plan when I realized something.

“I don’t have money to buy what he needs!”

I went back to lying down. I’m really hopeless.

“Argh!” What should I do?

If only that accident didn’t happen then I would have enough money to support Hansel.

“Oh my gosh.” Another problem again! Should I just kill myself?

What if I didn’t die because of the male lead but died because of the problems? Do I have this kind of life back on Earth? I don’t think so. I only experience these things here…

“I really want to just rest…”

“Do you know that she cheated on the exam to be the top 1?”

“Oh my, really?”

“Yes! She even tells stories that Kurt likes her.”

“What?! How delusional must she be?!”

“I know right?”

I was walking in the hallway, everyone seemed to be talking about me.

I didn’t do such a thing! I wouldn’t do that!

“Here’s what’s worse, everyone was saying that she used her body to get the cheat sheet that’s why she passed the university exam!”

Everyone gasped.

What are they saying? I didn’t do that!

Where do they even get those stories? Why don’t they ask me directly?

I looked at them but that was the worst decision I’ve ever made.

Everyone was looking at me as if I was a criminal, they were laughing while giving me a suspicious look. What did I do to them?

Suddenly, a black smoke appeared.

I felt like I was being eaten by it.

When I opened my eyes, I was in a dark place. Where am I?

“Hello? Where Am I!?”

There’s no one answering.

I tried to walk, but I didn’t know if I was really walking. I can’t feel the ground. Looks like I was floating, but where?

Why am I here?

“Is anybody there?!”

Still, no one’s answering.

Slowly, the place felt cold. I hugged myself. Where Am I…

“You should just die the moment you were born.” A voice from a man echoed.

I searched where the voice was coming from. Who’s that?!

“Just give her what she needs to survive, but you can just let her die if you want.” It’s coming from a woman this time.

“Who are you!?”

I started running. Their voices came from different directions. Where are they?

“She’s a disgrace to our family.”

“Should we just kill her?”

What?

“Who are you!? Why do you want to kill me?!”

No one’s answering. I kept on running. This place is so dark that even my own body’s hard to see.

What’s happening here…

I was running when my head suddenly started spinning.

“Ouch!” I touched where it’s hurting.

It started to hurt everywhere!

Stop… please…

I used my two hands to stop the pain but I couldn’t, as time went on the pain intensified…

I want to cry, but why can’t I cry?!

“Please… stop…”

It hurts so bad I want to collapse…

“Let’s just kill her.”

“She’s of no use to us.”

“This girl is bad luck, let’s kill her.”

“Let’s kill her.”

“Please…”

My ears started to ring.

I couldn’t take this anymore…

I want to die… Please just kill me!

“MY LADY?”

Gasped!

“What’s wrong my lady?”

I looked around. I’m alive?

“May?” I called the woman in front of me.

“Yes my lady, this is me, May. Did something happen?” She asks.

So it’s just a dream.

“My lady, you’re sweating.”

I touched my forehead, what’s with this sweat.

May gave me a towel and helped me wipe my sweat.

“Nightmare?”

I nodded.

What’s my dream about again?

I forgot…

I was still breathing heavily, May stayed beside me and helped me calm down.

Since I couldn’t move my body freely, I just stayed on my bed until I’m fully okay.

I tried to remember what my dream was about but I couldn’t get even a small hint other than I knew it was terrifying.

When I finally calmed down, May told me that she had to go back to the kitchen. As I lay on my bed, I kept thinking about my dream, what was that to cause me this much sweat?

“MY LADY, HERE’S YOUR SNACKS.”

I opened my eyes because someone’s calling for me.

Oh, I didn’t realize that I fell asleep again. I tried to move my body, thankfully the pain’s gone a little.

“What did you make this time?” I sat on the bed.

May brought food on the bed.

“You can eat here since you’re not feeling well.” She said as she prepared the small table.

“Wow, that’s actually touching. Should I cry now?” I ask sarcastically.

May rolled her eyes, it made me laugh.

“Thank you for the food.”

She made pudding for our snacks.

“This is delicious.”

“Thanks.”

Come think of it… May cooks delicious foods, what if we use her talent to make money?

“May?”

She paid a glance at me.

“Have you ever thought of selling foods, like the desserts that you made?”

“What do you mean?”

I ate the last piece after I answered.

“I mean, we can sell foods that you’re making to earn money, right?”

She stopped eating. Looks like she’s thinking.

“I think it’ll be difficult to earn by that.”

“Why?”

“My lady, who will buy the food that I make here? Do you think there’s a sane person who will buy it?”

What does she mean?

“Why not?”

“Don’t tell me you even forgot what outsiders call this place?”

I stared at her. This place mean our house?

When I didn’t answer, May shook her head in disbelief.

“This place was called “The Cursed Land” by the outsiders.”

What?!

My eyebrows met.

“Why would they call this land that? This isn’t a cursed land!” I exclaimed.

“For you, my lady.”

May explained the reason for that title.

“So, you’re saying that people couldn’t come near this house because of some belief that if you come here, you will be cursed with eternal misfortune?”

She nodded.

“That’s insane…” I couldn’t believe what I just discovered.

“Why would people spread such rumors?”

May just shrugged and started eating again.

“But why do you need money?” She asked.

I explained to her what my plan was since I trust her. From how I will support Hansel and its benefit to me. May listened carefully while eating, then told me she couldn’t give me money. I know…

It’s really hard to be poor. If only my parents would support me!

After we ate, I told her that I’ll rest at the veranda.

“Hayyy…”

What should I do? I couldn’t delay Hansel’s painting materials, who knows if someone would support him instead of me. I couldn’t afford to lose him, he’s the one whom I can reach right now. If I lose him, I’ll have a hard time looking for someone else that’s still reachable.

“Let’s think…What can I do right now?”

I still couldn’t get the mana stone, I still have to wait for Hansel’s painting to sell for a massive amount of money, then I’ll use that money to prepare for my departure here, that’s the only way for me to reach the North.

I visualize the things that’s near me.

There is furniture that I can sell…

“No. That’s the last thing I will do.” I still believe in the saying that selling your house furniture will bring you bad luck so we should choose another option.

Let’s think of another possible way.

Selling our home made foods will not be the best option either. I can’t work either because of this weak body.

I spent my afternoon thinking of a way to earn money.

I listed some things that I can try such as selling information to invent something that wasn’t here in this world or sell the herbs that May grows herself.

“Or should I just sell May?”

“I heard that.” Oops…

“I’m just kidding.” I laughed at her reaction.

I didn’t know she was here.

May entered while holding a brown pouch.

“What’s that?”

She didn’t answer, instead, she put it on the table.

I heard something clattered from the pouch.

I looked at May, she’s just staring at me.

“Dude what’s that?” I asked her.

Stop staring at me and tell me already!

May opened the pouch and I was dazzled by what’s inside.

“Money!?”

She nodded.

“Where did you get this?”

She didn’t answer.

“May?” I asked again.

Still, she didn’t answer.

My eyes widened.

“Don’t tell me you stole this!”

She shook her head.

“Of course not.” Her eyebrows met.

“Then why don’t you tell me already where’d you get this huge amount of money?”

She puffed her cheeks.

“Hendrick.”

Hendrick?

“He gave you money?”

“Yes.”

“But why?”

Why would Hendrick give May this much money?

Oh!

“Hendrick has a debt to you and this is his payment, right?” I smiled at her.

She’s really a genius, who would’ve thought that she would lend someone money and will get it in times like this, when I badly need it.

“I’m touched, May…” I pretend to cry.

You’re so kind!

“Then, will you lend me this money?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“No, I mean, Hendrick doesn’t have debt with me.”

My eyebrows met once again.

Then why does Hendrick give her this much money?

“Could you please explain before I get mad?”

Jesus, just tell me already, May! My head’s hurting!

“He lent me that.”

Oh. Then that’s it.

“Hendrick lent you this money, am I correct?”

She nodded.

“Oh, okay, but how do we pay this?”

This isn’t just a small amount of money and we don’t have anything right now, even a job, so how are we going to pay this?

“It’s not us.”

Huh?

I looked at her. What is she saying all of a sudden?

“It’s not us.” she repeated.

“What the heck are you talking about, May?”

“It’s not us who will pay.”

“What, then who?” We will not pay for this? How is that possible when she’s the one who borrowed this money?

“It’s you.”

“...”

“I lent it, under your name…my lady…”