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"Hm?"
Hearing the voice, Eve instinctively turned her head.
A handsome man with black hair, black eyes, and an air of nobility filled her view.
She blinked, then simply shook her head. "Not interested. Please don't bother me."
"Don't be like that."
Edgar smiled. "From where I'm standing, you're about to run into some serious trouble. You might need a little help."
"No. Please stop talking to me."
"You're really cold, huh."
Edgar's gaze grew more focused. "Let me introduce myself. My name is Edgar."
"If you ever need help, just ask."
"Of course, there's a price."
"..."
Eve hesitated, then shook her head again.
She had no idea why this man was saying such strange things, but right now she really didn't want to deal with him.
At that moment, the demi-human waitress brought over a bowl of meat soup and several pieces of bread.
Eve dropped the conversation and immediately began wolfing down the food at high speed.
"Haha, buddy, I gotta hand it to you."A drunk at a nearby table gave Edgar a thumbs up. "Flirting with a girl while your wives are right there. That's real guts."
Eve couldn't help it; she sneaked a glance at Edgar and the girls with him.
All of them… his wives?
So he's a noble among humans too.
"Haha, more is always better."
Edgar's laugh sounded perfectly genuine.
Eve's eyelid twitched.
Alright. Even among nobles this man was a whole other level. A shameless playboy, through and through.
"What's this? Starting to take an interest in me?"
Noticing her look, Edgar spoke in a deep voice. "In that case, don't hesitate to ask for help next."
Eve was about to answer when countless magic bullets blasted through the tavern wall and rained toward them.
"Master, watch out!"
The star spirit tensed, lifting both hands as bright magic gathered in front of her.
Crack. Crack. Crack.
Wooden walls surged upward from the floor and blocked the barrage. Explosions thudded against the makeshift barrier, smoke rising.
At the same time, Eve reacted as well. She raised a hand and formed a magic shield, blocking the incoming spells one by one.
She shot a wary look at Edgar. "You're with them?"
"Don't misunderstand. I'm just a passerby who happens to know a bit."
Edgar shrugged. "So? Need my help?"
"I can tell your mana is almost gone. You're barely standing, right?"
"No, I don't need… ngh."
Eve tried to refuse, but her magic suddenly faltered.
The next second, a poisoned arrow shot toward her and buried itself in her thigh.
Her strength drained instantly.
It's over.
I'm going to die.
Wait.
That man is still here.
Grabbing hold of her last shred of hope, she forced the words through clenched teeth. "H… help me."
"Deal."
Edgar snapped his fingers and smiled.
"Master, your way of recruiting new followers is really direct."
Mine sighed as she watched.
"It works, doesn't it?"
Edgar turned toward the noise.
Heavy footsteps pounded the floor.
Several burly, snarling minotaurs charged into the wrecked tavern.
They were clearly the ones chasing Eve.
"Haha, finally got her."
"Heh, catching this black-winged woman cost us a lot of effort."
"We're rich now. Time to live the good life."
Edgar looked at them calmly. "Akame. They're yours."
"Yes, Master."
Akame nodded. Murasame slid from its sheath, its black blade radiating a chilling hunger.
The sword had changed since before. Technological secrets of the Imperial Arms had long ago been cracked in Akame's world. Although the materials still limited mass production, all of Edgar's followers had received upgraded versions.
In Edgar's view, Murasame's one-strike kill could now affect even top-tier demons.
"You weak humans plan to get in our way?"
"Looking to die."
The minotaurs laughed coldly and charged.
Each step landed like a collapsing mountain, shaking the ground.
Anyone capable of hunting a potential demon lord wasn't weak.
But the next moment, a streak of crimson flashed and vanished.
In that brief instant, everyone felt as though a sharp red arc swept cleanly across the minotaurs' bodies.
Akame's figure had already appeared outside the tavern entrance, sliding her blade back into its sheath.
Click… splatter.
The moment Murasame fully seated itself, blood erupted behind her.
Every minotaur collapsed in a spreading pool of red.
"Th… this…"
Eve, collapsed on the floor, was completely stunned.
She never imagined Akame's strength could be that terrifying.
"Not bad, Akame. Your progress is fast."
"It's all because of Master's gifts."
Akame lowered her head, cheeks slightly pink.
Thinking about the way she became stronger always left her a little flustered.
"That's because you work hard too."
Edgar laughed and lifted the helpless Eve with one arm. "Come on. Let's find a place to stay."
Adventurer's Inn
Edgar placed Eve on the bed and removed her black cloak, finally revealing her full appearance.
Silky black hair flowed down her back. Her ears were adorably pointed like an elf's.
The collar of her black outfit had to be loosened slightly just to accommodate her… dangerous curves.
A pair of long black wings extended from her back, powerful and striking in contrast to her delicate features.
Her long, smooth legs glimmered faintly under the lamplight.
Edgar's fingers twitched as he fought down the surge of heat in his blood.
The prey was already in the trap. No need to rush.
"Master, I'll heal her."
The star spirit stepped forward and pulled out the poisoned arrow. She cast a healing spell first, leaving not even a scratch, then fed Eve a vial of antidote.
Strength quickly returned to Eve's body.
She shyly pulled her legs together and gave them all a small nod. "Thank you… for saving me."
"No need to be so formal."
Edgar smiled. "After all, it was a fair trade. Are you ready?"
"Ready… for what?"
Eve blinked.
"The price."
Edgar gave her a half-amused look. "You didn't forget what I said, did you?"
"Or are you planning to skip out on your debt?"
Eve finally remembered.
Right. He did say there was a price.
Oh no…
She anxiously curled a lock of hair around her finger.
What do I do?He saved my life. It's only right he asks for something in return.
But she didn't even have a single coin.
And she still had huge trouble hanging over her.
She took a deep breath and looked at Edgar with guilt. "Mr. Edgar… I don't have any money right now. Could I pay you back later? I swear, one day I will repay your kindness."
"No need to make it complicated."
Edgar said calmly, "I don't want money."
"From the beginning, all I wanted was for you to become my follower."
"..."
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