Translator: CinderTL
"That's correct," Theresa replied with a candid nod to Roland's inquiry.
"So, Mr. Roland, would you be willing to undertake this commission with me?"
This proposal furrowed Roland's brow, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts.
The scene of Theresa's massacre of mercenaries and adventurers remained vivid in his memory.
Though she claimed this power was granted by a God, allowing her to perceive others' pasts and discern good from evil, it was ultimately just her word.
He couldn't rule out the possibility that she was deceiving him.
Yet, upon further reflection, Roland dismissed this suspicion.
Since his arrival in this world, his only true enemies were Marco and the mastermind behind the Church of Truth.
Marco was likely still imprisoned in the manor's dungeon.
As for the Church of Truth's influential figure...
Roland wasn't one to underestimate himself, but if they truly intended to eliminate him, they wouldn't need to resort to such elaborate schemes, using the pretext of exterminating demonic beasts.
Then...
Roland glanced at the silver-haired woman before him, a hint of confusion in his eyes.
Is she inviting me to slay demonic beasts merely to repay a debt? Or is it possible...
That the demonic beasts there are too powerful, and she wants to use me as bait?
As Roland pondered these possibilities, Theresa noticed his silence. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, and she took a deep breath, as if steeling herself for a difficult decision. She spoke slowly, her voice measured.
"Mr. Roland, if you're not satisfied with the reward distribution, I... I can..."
She gripped the parchment tightly, her voice strained.
"I can give you the entire reward, if you'll just leave me enough copper coins to cover my lodging at the inn."
"Huh?"
Roland raised an eyebrow at her words.
Seeing the genuine embarrassment on her face, he blurted out the same question he'd asked Theresa:
"Miss Theresa, are you really that short on money?"
Of course, Roland didn't mean any disrespect; he was simply puzzled.
In his view, with Theresa's skills and the number of commissions she took on, she should at least be able to live comfortably, even if not in the lavish style of a noble.
Moreover...
His gaze swept over Theresa's outfit, which was identical to the one she'd worn during their previous meeting.
Though she had a new cloak, the leather armor beneath was visibly patched in several places.
This hardly seemed like the attire of someone who squandered their wealth.
How could someone like her be short on money?
"Ahem."
Seeing Roland's perplexed expression and confirming he wasn't mocking her, Theresa cleared her throat awkwardly and explained in a low voice:
"Mr. Roland, my financial situation is indeed rather tight."
"But if you truly need this commission, I can..."
"That won't be necessary," Roland said, waving his hand dismissively before Theresa could finish.
For him, hunting demonic beasts had never been about the money. It was about fulfilling the requirements to become a Knight's Squire.
Besides, he wasn't short on funds.
Darco's hidden stash still had some left, not to mention Colin, the wealthy merchant who could "drop gold coins" at any moment. Roland was confident that as long as the sum wasn't excessive, the merchant, who was eager to win him over, wouldn't refuse.
Faced with Theresa's repeated concessions, Roland had already decided to accompany her on the mission.
This wasn't because he'd let his guard down after a few kind words, but rather after careful consideration.
With his current strength, even if Theresa had ulterior motives, she posed no threat whatsoever.
The same held true even if they encountered aberrant demonic creatures.
Back in Pine Wood Town, he and Theresa had to join forces and fight with all their might to slay a single Winged Kobold.
Now, having become a Warrior and Juggler, and mastering Fire Arrow, he could easily handle three or four such aberrant creatures simultaneously, provided they didn't swarm him.
With this in mind, Roland spoke up.
"Miss Theresa, I do need this mission, but the reward isn't necessary. As for other requests—oh, could I see the specific details of the mission first?"
Seeing that Roland didn't ask for any compensation, Theresa visibly relaxed.
Though still somewhat puzzled, she handed him the parchment.
Roland took the parchment and examined it carefully.
The format of the commission was identical to the ones he had accepted in Pine Wood Town, bearing three distinct red stamps.
"Retrieve stolen goods from the Demonic Beast Camp. Commission deadline: fifteen days. Reward determined by the number of demonic beasts encountered and the quantity of goods recovered. Difficulty: 3."
"The difficulty isn't high—in fact, it's rather straightforward," Roland murmured, nodding slightly after confirming the parchment's completeness.
Returning the parchment, he felt a burning hunger in his stomach. Glancing at the darkening sky, he suggested, "Miss Theresa, it's getting late. Why don't we discuss this further tomorrow morning before setting out?"
"That's fine, but..." Theresa carefully stowed the parchment away. "Mr. Roland, are you sure you don't need any compensation?"
"Of course not."
Seeing her persistent inquiries about payment, Roland's lips twitched involuntarily.
"In that case, I'll take my leave now." Theresa bowed again and turned to leave.
Noticing she was heading in the opposite direction from Mist Creek Town, Roland couldn't help but ask, "Miss Theresa, aren't you returning to town?"
"Miss Theresa, aren't you going back to town to rest?"
"Uh..."
Theresa stopped, hesitating for a moment before replying softly, "I don't have enough coins to pay for a room at the inn, so I was planning to camp somewhere secluded."
"Huh?"
Roland frowned slightly.
Could someone as powerful as her really be in such dire straits?
He stroked the hilt of his sword at his waist, pondering for a moment before speaking.
"My friend's father runs a tavern. If you don't mind, you could come back with me and stay for the night. That way, we can set off together in the morning without wasting any time. What do you think?"
"Th-that might not be appropriate..."
Though Theresa's words were hesitant, her eyes clearly brightened, revealing a hint of anticipation.
"Don't worry," Roland said, bundling up the long-handled weapon on the ground and tossing it onto Black Wind's back. "I won't charge you anything."
Hearing this, Theresa's eyes lit up, and she immediately bowed deeply.
"Then thank you very much, Mr. Roland."
And so, the two of them, accompanied by their horse, set off along the quiet path toward Mist Creek Town.
Roland walked ahead, occasionally glancing back at Theresa, who followed silently behind, his eyebrows slightly raised.
Roland extended the invitation not out of pure kindness, but to seize the opportunity to observe the enigmatic silver-haired woman more closely, wary of any potential issues.
Especially...
Why was she so destitute she couldn't even afford a room at the inn?
This question lingered persistently in Roland's mind.
However, he soon found the answer.
By late night, the Forest's Breath tavern was deserted, leaving only Peyton, Roland, and Theresa in the main hall.
Yet despite the lack of patrons, Gary in the kitchen remained frantically busy.
"Mr. Gary, another pork chop, please!"
Theresa gracefully sliced the food on her plate into small pieces, then devoured them at an astonishing speed.
Her chewing and swallowing motions flowed seamlessly.
Despite her rapid consumption, she maintained impeccable manners, her every gesture exuding the refined elegance of a noble.
To an uninformed observer, she might have appeared to be a young lady from a wealthy family enjoying a late supper.
"Good heavens..."
Peyton tiptoed over to Roland's side.
The initial awe at Theresa's beauty had long vanished, replaced by a growing reverence for the silver-haired woman's astonishing appetite.
"Kid, how long has your friend been starving?"
"I... I don't know."
(End of the Chapter)