Chapter 36: Paul Had Witnessed It All
Ten minutes later, Kailun emerged from behind the tree with Ella in tow. He now held a special contract in his hand.
“After a serious discussion with Shopkeeper Ella, I’ve come to understand that this was all a misunderstanding. The blame lies solely with those two individuals. As a gesture of apology, I’m willing to invest ten thousand gold coins in Shopkeeper Ella’s business to help her expand.”
His announcement stunned everyone present. The mention of ten thousand gold coins sent shockwaves through the courtyard.
Captain Loston’s jaw dropped. One minute he was demanding Ella’s execution, and the next he was declaring her innocent. Did Kailun think the kingdom’s laws were a noble’s plaything?
Oh, right, they were. Never mind.
Loston shrank back, pretending he hadn’t heard anything.
Philip was equally astonished. In his opinion, Ella’s shop wasn’t worth even a tenth of that amount.
Captivated by Kailun’s words, no one noticed the black choker now adorning Ella’s neck.
Ella, seeing the envious gazes directed at her, wanted to cry. This devil’s words were nothing but empty promises.
The ten thousand gold coins were a mere illusion. He had used this verbal agreement to seize ninety-eight percent of her “shares,” leaving her with a measly two percent as a living allowance.
Her future was now completely under his control, and she was reduced to a slave-like pet. The thought of her bleak future brought tears to her eyes.
She glared at Kailun’s back with resentment, like a puppy that hadn’t been fed in days.
Kailun ignored her gaze and handed the contract to Carol. “This is the contract I signed with Ella. It’s yours now.”
He decided to give Carol the profits he would extract from Ella, a small compensation for sparing her life.
Carol opened the scroll, her eyes widening as she read the terms. She quickly shoved it back into his hands. “This is too valuable. I can’t accept it. Being by your side and having food to eat is all I need.”
“Are you sure? You deserve this.”
She shook her head firmly, her burgundy eyes filled with gratitude and adoration.
His actions had made her feel truly valued. This sense of belonging gave her life meaning, and a powerful emotion blossomed within her.
“Alright, then I’ll give you a necklace. It suits you perfectly. Don’t refuse this time.”
He put away the contract and crouched before her, retrieving a white necklace from his pocket. He gently fastened it around her neck.
Carol was the Master of Magic. This magic amplifier was the perfect tool for her.
Ella, her sharp eyes recognizing the necklace, gasped. It was her magic amplifier, the one he had taken from her just ten minutes ago.
This despicable devil was giving away her possessions to another woman!
[Ella’s favorability towards you continues to decline. Current favorability: -80.]
[Carol’s admiration for you has grown. Current favorability: 92.]
Ella’s declining favorability was expected. It had been fluctuating wildly over the past ten minutes. However, Carol’s rapid increase surprised him.
What if, just what if, he could obtain Carol’s future power right now… To hell with the kingdom, to hell with Princess Hilna! A true hero’s goal should be world peace!
He tucked the necklace into Carol’s collar and stood up, patting her head affectionately.
[Paul’s hatred towards you has intensified as he witnesses his aunt’s red eyes and berates himself for his powerlessness. Current favorability: -60.]
Oh, right, he almost forgot about Paul. Since he was so eager to watch, Kailun decided to give him a show.
He wrapped his arm around Ella’s slender waist and announced, “Listen up, everyone! From now on, Shopkeeper Ella will be a loyal partner of the Kate family. All workers will be paid fair wages. There will be no more wage theft or abuse. Working hours will also be reduced to ensure a reasonable workload. Philip will explain the details…”
His words eased the fear and suspicion in the women’s eyes. For those struggling to survive, anyone who could help them earn more money, even a devil, was a savior.
[Paul wants to chop off your hands after witnessing your indecent behavior towards his aunt. Favorability -5.]
[Paul envies your hands as he witnesses you rubbing your elbow against his aunt’s chest. Favorability -5.]
[Paul faints from jealousy after witnessing you pinching his aunt’s cheek and making her cry. Favorability -5.]
Kailun clicked his tongue in annoyance as Paul finally passed out.
Both Ella and Paul were too weak. One surrendered at the mere mention of execution, while the other fainted from jealousy after witnessing a bit of harmless flirting.
Unable to harvest any more leeks, he leaned closer to Ella and whispered, “Come to my manor sometime. We’ll discuss our future partnership. Oh, and your niece is with me, so you don’t have to worry about finding her. One last thing, keep this matter to yourself. And this scroll, consider it a protective charm for my pet.”
He discreetly slipped a self-defense scroll into her hand and released her.
“You…” Ella wanted to curse him for imprisoning her niece, but his mischievous smile silenced her. Her anger dissolved into a whimper. “Woof…”
“Sob… sob… sob…”
The adult’s spirit crumbled once more. She sank to the ground, weeping softly.
Loston, seeing her distress, wanted to comfort her.
How could Kailun be so cruel to such a beautiful woman? Was he a monster?
“Cry all you want. It won’t change anything. The good times are yet to come.” Kailun offered a “kind” word of comfort.
As he predicted, his words stopped her tears.
However, the light in her eyes had vanished, replaced by a dark emptiness.
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