I heard from Mac that you once worked in a noble household—that you're educated and experienced in business." I spoke with a serious expression.
"None of us have any experience in business. We can't even read or write," I continued. Roberto stared back at me with an unreadable face. "All our lives, we've begged on the streets. Fate has given me—no, all of us—a single chance to change our lives. To live with respect. To eat as much as we want."
"Grandpa, I don't know what you want to do, but for me, begging is no longer an option. And I think everyone here feels the same. People see us as less than human. I won't live like that. I'll live a life of respect, no matter what it takes."
Inside my mind, Will he take the emotional bait?
Roberto finally spoke, his voice calm and flat.
"I don't know who you're working for. But what if he betrays you? What happens to everyone here then?"
"He won't," I replied immediately.
"On what basis?" Roberto asked. "Even blood brothers betray and kill each other for money and power."
I smiled anxiously. "This person can be trusted."
"You're naïve, Loid," Roberto said. "You're not just risking yourself—you're endangering everyone."
I met his gaze, unflinching.
"You can trust him completely. I can't tell you the reason, but I swear on my life that he won't betray us."
I paused.
"Now it depends on you. Will you work with us or not?"
Inside, Loid wondered, I know he doesn't want to work for anyone. But I need someone educated—someone trustworthy. He looks emotionless, but he has a heart. I've seen it. Will this plan work?
Roberto remained silent for a long moment. Then he sighed.
"I'm getting older faster than I thought. I don't know how useful I'll be—but for now, let's work together."
A smile broke across Loid's face.
"Thank you for accepting my untrustworthy offer."
When Roberto's decision was announced, everyone burst into smiles.
The joy, though brief, was real.
After a while, I gathered everyone again. My face was serious, and they listened carefully.
"At midnight, we're doing big business. We'll be selling a large stock of salt. The payment will be huge—but so is the risk. Tonight, we must work carefully and together. Once the deal is done, we won't stay in this city anymore. We'll leave with new identities and travel the world with dignity. After tonight, no one will ever look down on us again."
The words sank in.
Silence followed.
Then Roberto spoke calmly, steadying everyone's hearts.
"Without taking a step forward, you gain nothing—no food, no money, no success, no respect. You must learn to move forward."
The tension eased.
"If anyone doesn't want to do this," I said, "raise your hand now."
No one did.
Every face was filled with resolve.
I explained the plan.
After that, I told everyone to rest.
Later, Hasami and I went to the street market to observe.
On the way, she asked quietly,
"Loid… will we succeed tonight?"
He answered without hesitation.
"Yes, we will."
We watched Dov Dakin's shop for a long time. Many men were keeping watch, pretending to be ordinary passersby.
I told Dov about the trade tonight, I thought. Can he really pull it off?
I sent Hasami back to the alley. She didn't argue—she simply obeyed.
Afterward, I went to a quiet alley and opened the system.
A translucent blue screen appeared before my eyes.
[SYSTEM OPENED]
Points Available: 1,170
I navigated through the menu.
[Shop → Food Items]
Full stomachs mean steady minds, I reminded myself.
I selected the item.
Butter Bread ×6
[Confirm Purchase?]
Cost: 12 Points
"…Confirm."
[Purchase Successful]
Points Remaining: 1,158
Six warm loaves appeared quietly in my hands.
I closed the system.
[SYSTEM CLOSED]
When I returned, I handed the bread to everyone.
It was delicious, and smiles spread instantly.
Moneru cried as she ate.
"It's so tasty!" she sobbed.
Everyone ate happily.
As the beggars around us fell asleep, I told our group to rest as well.
Only Mac and Moneru managed to sleep. The rest of us stayed awake, waiting.
Then midnight arrived.
Hasami woke Mac and Moneru.
When I looked at them, something felt different.
Mac's usual carefree grin was gone.
Moneru's eyes were wide and alert, clutching her clothes tightly.
Roberto stood nearby, his face already serious. Hasami was the same—calm and focused.
Arim, however, looked nervous. His fingers twitched slightly.
That was expected.
This was no small gamble.
I have to make this plan successful, no matter what, I thought.
Then a memory surfaced.
When I had finished explaining the plan earlier, Roberto had spoken.
"Will this really work?" he asked, his voice low.
I had met his eyes, my expression serious.
"Yes. It will."
Roberto stared at me for a long moment.
Then he said quietly,
"If this fails, we will suffer."
"I know," I replied.
Another pause.
"Then don't hesitate," Roberto said.
"If something goes wrong… choose survival over pride."
I nodded.
"I will."
Back in the present, the cold night air brushed against my skin.
I took a deep breath.
"Everyone," I said softly, "this is the last moment to turn back."
No one moved.
No one spoke.
Their silence was their answer.
"Good," I continued.
"Then remember—stick to the plan. No improvisation unless absolutely necessary."
"Let's move then."