Chapter 40: Gacha Wheel
"It’s the core from the Shadow Wraith," Azel said evenly, placing the shimmering fragment on the table. Its faint glow illuminated the room in soft hues of pale blue, like moonlight frozen in crystal form. "It was a Rank 4 monster, so you can use it to grow stronger."
Lorraine’s eyes widened, her breath hitching slightly.
The mere mention of a Rank 4 monster was enough to stir any mage’s ambitions — it was no small feat to slay such a creature, much less offer its core so freely.
Her hands trembled slightly, and her beautiful face twisted with unease.
"Why..." she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why are you being so nice?"
Azel raised an eyebrow but didn’t speak.
He simply watched her as she wrestled with her words.
It would be a waste to talk to her right now.
"To me and my father," she continued, her tone quivering, "you’ve done so much already. Is there... is there something you want?"
Silence lingered between them, broken only by Lilia’s faint humming as she played absentmindedly with Azel’s sleeve.
Lorraine, emboldened by his lack of response, pressed forward.
"You gave us extra money. You helped us when it was our job to protect you. You saved the town, booked this inn, and even now you hand me something priceless. I’m grateful — gods know I am but what do you want from us?"