Every time I came to the city to buy things, the shopkeepers would show a subtle expression when they saw the money. They didn’t refuse it, but there was always a brief pause—like hesitation or confusion. Still, they always accepted it without question and didn’t look closely.

  I had a lot of money left today, so besides the items on the list, I bought two knives—one for Nox, and one for myself. Luma liked beautiful things, so I picked a delicate necklace for her.

  Carrying bags in both hands, I started the walk home.

  ——

  As I walked down the street, I saw a man curled up in a corner.

  He was an adult, with filthy, loose clothes hanging on him. Around him were many used syringes. His right hand was black, the metal structure exposed, wires coiled around his wrist—that was... a prosthetic.

  He kept muttering, “Money… money…”

  I stopped walking.

  —Did he need money?

  I still had plenty, so I took some out and placed it beside him.

  Just as I was about to turn and leave—suddenly—

  The man sprang up!

  From the look in his eyes, he wanted to grab my hand, shouting, “More… money!”

  But…

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  It was strange.

  His movements were so slow.

  So slow it felt unfamiliar.

  Nox’s punches were so fast I had to focus all my attention just to barely react. But this man—his movements were much slower. Like a shadow moving through water.

  My body moved faster than my mind. I shifted slightly, guided his hand along with mine—

  And…

  The man crashed heavily to the ground, rolled twice, and stopped.

  I stood where I was, watching him, waiting for him to get up.

  If it were Nox, that kind of move wouldn’t hurt him at all.

  …But this man didn’t move.

  His eyes lost focus.

  Had he fainted?

  So weak... He probably couldn’t even take a single punch from Nox.

  Also, why did he need money so badly?

  ——

  When I got home, Nox and Luma were both very happy.

  Nox picked up the knife, examined it, gave it a light flick, and the blade traced a cold arc under the light. “Good knife, Vera.”

  Luma took the necklace and turned it under the lamp. The crystal caught the light and shimmered faintly. She smiled and patted my head: “It’s beautiful. Thank you, Vera.”

  I felt a little happy.

  Then I told them about the man I met in the city.

  Nox’s expression changed slightly.

  Just for a moment.

  Then he returned to normal, reached out and patted my head. “You did well, Vera.”

  So… it’s okay?

  ——

  That night, before bed, Nox and Luma came into my room.

  Nox sat on the edge of the bed, his tone calm: “Tonight, let me tell you a story.”