The fifteen-year-old Blood Emperor, upon his ascension, immediately demonstrated an iron-fisted approach; first, his imperial brothers died unexpectedly, and the empress also died of unknown causes, then he used the knight order to kill all nobles capable of resistance.
After establishing a centralized system, he issued a series of policies, stripping many loyal nobles of their titles if they were deemed useless, but allowing commoners to rise in rank and status if they possessed talent.
The Felt family was one of the noble families that declined because of the Blood Emperor, but there were quite a few such cases.
The key issue was that the Felt couple, lacking sources of income, still wished to maintain their former dignified lifestyle, so they began borrowing money everywhere, including from high-interest loan organizations.
Ai Xue could only drop out of the Imperial Magic Academy; instead of becoming an adventurer, she chose a more dangerous and faster-paying profession.
But this kind of debt was a bottomless pit; for nearly three years, she had to repay money every month, gradually becoming overwhelmed.
If it weren't for her two younger sisters, she would have left this home long ago.
Now, the debt collectors had found her workplace, and it was highly likely that her companions would be implicated; perhaps it was time for her to make a decision.
For the sake of discreet conversation, the two sat down at a table.
Ai Xue spoke first, "I haven't seen you here before; you must be a new worker here."
Sig nodded; he had no intention of hiding this matter. "I am Ilay, a traveler from E-Rantel."
"Then why are you doing a worker's job? If you're not desperately short of money, becoming an adventurer would be more convenient," Ai Xue asked, puzzled.
"For certain reasons, I cannot show my true face, and adventurers have too many rules and restrictions, making it inconvenient to act. Being a worker is more suitable."
Sig said helplessly, "Can we talk about business now? Asking too many questions doesn't seem like a worker's style."
"To be honest, your eavesdropping behavior troubles me. Family shame should not be aired, and I have no intention of hiring a worker," Ai Xue said expressionlessly, radiating a doll-like coldness.
What Ai Xue said was true; the matter hadn't reached that extent. After repaying a portion of the money, she just needed to take her sisters and leave; such parents should have been abandoned long ago.
She also had no money to pay for compensation. This rookie in front of her probably didn't even know what a worker was, yet he wanted to play the hero saving the beauty. Did he think he was a justice-bringer? It was simply ridiculous.
"Even if you die alone while on a mission, you don't care if your parents sell your sisters?"
"What are you saying! No, how do you know I have sisters?" Ai Xue's expression turned to terror, and her voice grew much louder due to her agitation.
There happened to be few people around, so no one noticed the abnormality here.
Sig suddenly changed the subject and said calmly, "I am a magic caster. I can cast up to the fifth tier, and although there are activation conditions, they are not harsh."
Ai Xue activated her innate ability in disbelief, her eyes glowing with blue light. Her innate ability was the Eye of Truth, similar to Fluder's, allowing her to discern the highest tier of magic a magic caster could use.
"Sixth..."
Ai Xue suddenly felt unable to speak. She also covered her mouth with her hand at this moment.
Sig let out a soft sound of surprise, crossing his fingers on the table. "So that's your innate ability. I apologize for deceiving you, but I didn't do it intentionally."
"No... no problem, Lord Ilay, why would a great person like you want to help me?" Ai Xue stammered.
"This is not free help; there will still be a fee."
"But I have nothing and no equivalent items to pay with. If Lord Ilay agrees, could I pay in installments?"
Ai Xue knew that from her position, she had no right to set terms. Before a sixth-tier magic caster, she was utterly insignificant. Even though she had reached the third tier early, she knew she had no possibility of further advancement.
"First, answer the previous question. My innate ability allows me to see a person's fate trajectory, which is how I knew you have a sister."
"Predicting the future!" Ai Xue exclaimed in surprise.
This kind of innate ability must rank among the top few in the entire world. How powerful was the person in front of her!
Sig shook his head. "No, it's just being able to see possible outcomes. The specific details cannot be seen, just as I don't know your innate ability."
Hearing this explanation, Ai Xue's pressure eased slightly, but she still clearly knew that the person in front of her was not someone she could offend. "Then what is Lord Ilay's purpose in helping me?"
Of course, it's to amass wealth, gain a good reputation, and establish a persona. Otherwise, is it for charity?
Sig said in a deep voice, with a hint of pity in his tone, "Although I am not a justice-bringer, I still cannot bear to see a tragedy unfold before my eyes. You can consider me someone who likes to meddle."
"How could I! I would never think that."
Ai Xue bit her lip, seemingly having made a significant decision. "If my end is destined to be a tragic death with nothing, then I hope at least I can save my sisters' lives. For that, I am willing to offer my all! Please accept my request!"
"Don't you doubt what I said?"
Sig himself was somewhat disbelieving at how smoothly things were progressing. In fact, he was a bit unconfident in his acting skills, as he was deceiving a stranger he had just met, and without anyone else's assistance. He had initially thought that installment payments would suffice.
Ai Xue's smile was a bit bitter, but more so respectful. "Lord Ilay is a sixth-tier magic caster. If it weren't for your compassion, how would I get a chance to escape this quagmire? Refusing would be too ungracious."
Saying that, he felt a little ashamed. In truth, such emotions were not abundant; Sig was more relieved that his goal had been achieved.
"Is this young lady the client?"
Lupusregina approached silently, seemingly having used invisibility magic, startling Ai Xue, whose face paled a few shades. "Excuse me, who are you?"
"I am Mr. Ilay's companion, Reqi, and this is my sister, Nabe. We just booked a room and found out it was open for business! We're so happy!"
"I am Ai Xue Ifu Lir Felt. It's a pleasure to meet you both." Ai Xue bowed respectfully.
Before admiring their beauty, she absolutely could not neglect Lord Ilay's companions. First impressions were very important, and she was grateful for the etiquette she had learned as a noble.
Lupusregina smiled very happily, "So it's Miss Ai Xue. It's a pleasure to meet you."