"Do you want to build trust?"
My voice came out low… but it carried everything raging inside me.
I slowly turned toward Snow Master, as if even that movement required a decision.
My heart wasn't just beating…
It was slamming against my chest, as if trying to escape this place.
My thoughts collided, clashed, searched for an opening…
For space—any space—at any cost.
Snow Master raised his eyes toward me.
His gaze was as cold as ever…
But this time, there was something else in it.
Interest?
Or curiosity?
"You want the secret space?" he asked calmly, as if it were something trivial.
"Yes."
I didn't hesitate.
I couldn't.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
He paused.
Just a moment—but it felt longer than it should.
Then he said:
"Sorry… we can't afford your cost."
"My cost…"
I muttered, forcing the words out.
"I think what you mean is… whether I have something worth betting on."
"You can't blame us."
I lifted my head slightly and stared at him.
