Chapter 1: The Debt Collector
“Miss Foster, last year you borrowed one hundred thalers from the Church. According to the term you signed, including the donation, you must repay nine thalers on time every month. You already defaulted once last month. This time, no matter what, you must—”
Leon stood before the door of the inn room, reading from the IOU in his hand, when he suddenly heard a sob. He paused, lifted his face, and looked at the woman standing in the doorway. “Miss Foster, are you listening?”
“Sir Delegate Officer, I feel deeply ashamed for being in arrears on my debt to the Church. But I truly can’t take out the money right now…”
The young woman sniffled as she took out a handkerchief and wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. “My mother back home fell seriously ill. The money at home was squandered by my father on gambling. My younger brother is only twelve—he finally managed to get into the parish school in town, but we can’t afford the food and lodging fees. That priest there has a bad reputation; they say he abuses children who can’t pay… So I’ve been working myself to the bone and scraping together loans just to barely keep the family alive. Last month, a letter came from home, and more creditors showed up at the door. I had no choice but to send all the money I had back. I beg you to show mercy and give me one more extension. Next time! Next time I will definitely pay!”
After finishing, the girl raised her tear-filled eyes to look at Leon, trying to gauge his reaction.
However, Leon was not moved by her pitiful act. He merely nodded calmly. “Oh, go on. I’m listening.”
“You don’t believe me?” The girl sensed his indifference.
“Your situation is sympathetic, but I don’t understand—if you’re really so strapped for cash, why are you renting an inn room that costs ten thalers a month? There should be plenty of more affordable places in Hamel Town.”
Leon’s gaze passed over the woman’s shoulder and into the room. This room at the Dream Moon Inn was furnished quite elegantly: