In a noble gathering area of a certain Empire region, many ancient buildings stood, but most were empty, clearly abandoned, with only one of them still lit.
Ai Xue clutched her staff, "Mr. Ilay, this is far enough."
"Don't you want me to go in with you? You're going to take your sister away; they might try to stop you, and it would be bad if a dispute arose."
After pressing for the treasury's location, Sig left two people to handle the aftermath and immediately informed the anxiously waiting Ai Xue. Hearing that she wanted to go home and take her sister away, he followed along.
Ai Xue was surprised that the matter was resolved so quickly, but more than that, she felt relieved; she was finally going to be free.
Presumably, after such an incident, her father would be furious. The Felt family's reputation would be completely ruined, and no one would dare to lend him money again.
But that was none of her business. It was time for her parents to taste the bitterness of paying off their own debts.
"You've already helped me enough, please let me handle this family scandal myself."
Seeing this, Sig did not insist and waited alone outside the door.
Before long, a fierce quarrel erupted from inside the door, followed by the sound of something heavy falling.
Ai Xue shouted loudly, "From now on, I am leaving this place. I have already had the butler distribute the severance pay for the servants. From now on, you two should take care of yourselves."
Her father's exasperated voice came through, "Ai Xue, who do you think you are, to have the life you have now?!"
"Ai Xue, I even bought you a necklace. Let's continue to live well as a family. Why must you leave? You are too heartless, and you even want to take your sister," her mother said, sobbing.
The two of them knew how miserable they would be without an income, so their attitudes quickly softened.
"I have already entrusted someone to resolve the debt issue. As long as you don't borrow money again, you can survive, but I cannot leave my sister behind. Take care of yourselves."
At the thought of her sister being sold, Ai Xue felt no more pity. She slammed the door shut with a bang, her attitude resolute.
Two little blonde girls, about five or six years old, each held one of her hands. "Sister, let's leave together."
"Yes, let's go together." Ai Xue's expression softened, and a hint of a smile appeared on her lips.
Sig watched this heartwarming scene and murmured, "Family affection… Lupusregina, why didn't you say anything when you arrived?"
Lupusregina emerged from the darkness. "As expected, nothing can be hidden from Lord Sig. Should this subordinate deal with those humans? They feel like a lot of trouble to keep around."
Although she didn't understand why he wanted to help this human girl, since she was someone Lord Sig wanted to help, she had to eliminate any future problems.
Sig said coldly, "However, let those servants go. Killing all of them might attract attention. Act after they leave."
After thinking about it, making those two disappear was indeed the best method, to avoid any further incidents.
Lupusregina revealed her fangs. "As you command!"
The night's slaughter was not yet over.
The location was again the Singing Apple Pavilion, but unlike last time, Ai Xue was not alone this time; her companions had also come with her.
The leader, Heckland, was a man in his twenties, with common blonde hair and blue eyes. He had an ordinary appearance and always wore a relaxed smile. Overall, he was quite popular with the opposite sex, but he was already taken.
Imina was a woman with ears that resembled an elf's, but only half the length. She had a very slender build and indeed had half-forest elf blood, making her a half-elf.
The last person was named Roberdyck, wearing full plate armor, with holy symbols visible everywhere on his body. He looked to be in his thirties and was the elder of the team.
Lupusregina exaggeratedly said, "Ai Xue, did you bring your companions to fight me?"
"How could that be, Miss Reqi? They insisted on coming along!"
Ai Xue's mental state seemed much better; she was full of vitality, and her eyes held something called hope.
"That's good. If you break the contract, Mr. Ilay will be angry." Lupusregina's expression suddenly turned serious, and a hint of cruelty flashed in her eyes.
Imina involuntarily took a step back. Her sixth sense told her that this woman was absolutely not to be trifled with. Besides her beautiful appearance, her strength was definitely formidable.
Ai Xue said no more and immediately offered her thanks, "Thank you, Mr. Ilay, for your help. I am here today to pay the reward."
Sig tapped the table with his finger and slowly said, "There's no need to rush."
Ai Xue shook her head. "I must fulfill my promise."
To be honest, Ai Xue herself had no value, so taking her life was useless. As for monetary compensation, he had already received it; although it wasn't a huge amount, it was enough for use. Ainz had even happily messaged him about it this morning.
"Mr. Ilay, may I interject?" Heckland said with an apologetic smile.
"Leader…" Ai Xue tried to stop him but couldn't. Sig raised his hand, signaling the other party to continue. "What does Leader Heckland wish to say?"
"Mr. Ilay doesn't seem interested in Ai Xue's life. Although we know this is very shameless, she is our precious companion. We truly cannot bear to see her, after finally escaping her family, lose everything again. Could you give us some time to gather the reward?"
After Heckland finished speaking, he looked at Sig with a sincere expression and bowed to him. The other two also did the same.
"Everyone, please don't do this. I was the one who proposed it." Ai Xue's face was full of guilt. As an adventurer, it was extremely rare for anyone to be so responsible towards her. How could she still ask for help with the payment?
Her decision to offer everything was made after careful consideration: first, Ilay's strength was indeed formidable; second, she considered that sacrificing herself could save her sister, and her companions would not be burdened by her. This was simply the best outcome; everyone could live a happy life.
Sig assumed a thoughtful expression. "I am currently seeking revenge on a demonic dragon. If you truly wish to give a reward, then please help me keep an eye out for any information."
"May I ask what kind of dragon it is?"
Heckland searched his memories. Dragons were the strongest creatures in the world, and due to their power, they were often considered evil enemies. The last enemy of the Thirteen Heroes was a dragon known as a Divine Dragon.
If that were the case, then the adventurer status was probably just a front. A Fifth-Tier Magic Caster's target being a dragon made much more sense.
Because the final enemies of heroes are usually dragons, just like the stories of heroes slaying dragons.
Little stars appeared in Ai Xue's eyes. Lord Ilay was indeed a heroic existence.