Chapter 152: Bet
"Princess, I should be going now. I have escorted you to your friends." Shido turned and said to Princess Renner.
"...I see." Princess Renner looked a bit disappointed when Shido said that he needed to go now, but she couldn't do anything about it since his job was done. "Climb, can you give Acheval-san his reward." She continued and shifted her eyes at Climb who was beside Shido.
"Yes, Princess Renner." Climb gave a respectful nod, reaching for a pouch fastened to his waist. He turned to Shido and extended the bag toward him. "Acheval-san, here's the payment for escorting Princess Renner to E-Rantel. Please accept it."
Shido accepted the pouch without hesitation. He needed money if he wanted to establish himself properly in E-Rantel, so there was no reason to turn it down.
"Thank you Climb, I had fun during our travel." Shido let out a small smile and said his thanks to Climb since he could gather many information from Climb.
Climb shook his head lightly. "No, I should be the one thanking you. You saved the Princess. I also enjoyed traveling together with you." His expression turned thoughtful for a moment before he added, "Why don't you become the Princess's personal guard? You're strong, and honestly... I'd feel more at ease knowing she had someone like you by her side."
Though a part of Climb felt a sting at the thought of not being the sole protector of Princess Renner, his respect for Shido's strength and his devotion to Renner's safety outweighed his pride.
Princess Renner, standing nearby, had heard Climb's suggestion, and her eyes immediately lit up with excitement and hope. But Shido's reply dimmed that light.
"I'm really sorry," Shido said with a bitter smile, "but there are still things I need to do." He noticed the subtle shift in Renner's expression. His rejection had clearly disappointed her.
"I-I see..." Renner replied softly. But after a brief pause, she managed to lift her gaze and offer him a gentle smile. "Still, if you ever change your mind... you're always welcome to become my guard."
She said it with grace, doing her best to hide her disappointment, not wanting to burden him or make things awkward. But the lingering hope in her voice was unmistakable.