It was an old woman. Her face reflected tiredness, and her hair reflected lack of lustrous. Just by a single look, anyone could guess that the woman was really lifeless. Her eyes were full of sadness, evoking pity from the passersby. The woman's clothes were really old... her slippers were at their limit.
With a hopeful voice, she asked, "Are you Ms. Alexandra? They said that you work at a lower price."
Alexandra gave her blank look, yawning as the woman approached near her.
"My image is really bad, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is," whispered Jenni.
"What did you say?"
"Nothing! I was just thinking about how high today's temperature. It would be great if I could wear light clothes. My brother says I look really good in light clothes."
"Huh? What are you saying? No one wants to see ugly figure in those clothes. Besides, you should have worn your 'spongy' clothes, maybe someone would feel some pity and praise you. Also, your brother needs to get his eyes checked up."
"You! You fucking bitch! You are one who needs to get her brain checked!"
"Miss... are you the right... person?"
The old woman asked again.
Sighing, Alexandra nodded, "Yes, I am. Tell me, what do I need to do for you?"
The old woman's face brightened a bit. She took out a photo from her dirty pouch and handed it to Alexandra, who hesitantly took it from her hands.
It was a photo of a young man, probably her grandson. Alexandra examined the person's features for a moment and turned towards the old woman.
"Is he missing?" asked Alexandra.
The old woman nodded, "Yes, this is my grandson. He has gone missing for at least two years now. I-I... have... been searching for him everyday since... the day... he went missing. When I asked the knights to help me... they s-said that maybe... he left because... he didn't want... to take care... of his old g-grandmother... but he isn't like that..." Tears streamed down her face as she quavered.
Jenni immediately went to her side and rubbed her back soothingly.
"Don't worry, grandma. Everything will be alright," Jenni said.
Alexandra asked, "What about the adventurers? Did they refuse as well?"
The old woman wiped the tears with back of her hand.
"T-they... s-s-said... they won't work for... a meagre amount. T-they need... at least fifty coins..."
"You told us that you have been trying to find him since the day he went missing, right? How many times have you to the guild? I haven't seen you before." Alexandra frowned at the old woman. She poached the guild's clients by staying outside the guild everyday... and she had never seen this woman until today. Then, how could her words be true?
The old woman eyes trembled for a moment. But this small reaction was immediately caught by Alexandra. She turned towards Jenni and pulled her towards her. She ordered, "Let's go, disciple. We are not doing anything for her."
"But—"
"Let's go."
Ignoring the old woman's pleas, Alexandra started pulling Jenni with her. This old woman was suspicious. Working for her might not be a good idea.
'A human's guilt can never be hidden. Even if a person hides it until his death, it would someday be revealed into the world. Then again, I can see the old woman's guilt written completely all over face.'
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The old woman swayed constantly as she made her way back to her home. Her face was full of despair. She never thought the orange haired girl would be so perceptive. Now, how would she get her grandson back?
When she reached at the gate of her house, she saw someone standing. It was the bald man, who kidnapped her grandson and forced her to deceive that girl. Her eyes reddened as she thought of her pitiful grandson.
"Old hag, did you do your job?" asked the bald man. He wanted revenge. No one had ever disrespected him like that after he became Madam Rose's subordinate. Thinking about that woman's actions, he trembled with anger.
The old woman shook her head and said, "N-no... she refused..." Tears started streaming down her face as she spoke.
He sneered, "Tch! Old hag, you are useless! That grandson of yours would suffer because of your failure."
"No! No! I am the one who should be punished! Not him! It was my mistake!" She kneeled down in front of him, rubbing her nose on the ground. These men were very cruel. Before they took her grandson, they hit him mercilessly. No matter how much she begged, they ignored her, beating her grandson to the brink of death. She didn't want that to be repeated.
"Fuck off! I don't care about your grandson! You failed and so your grandson would be punished! Now get lost!" He kicked the old woman, making her skull hit the ground with a sickening thud. Blood accumulated rapidly beneath her head.
Stepping on her back, the bald man left, leaving the old woman's bloody figure on the ground.
He should find someone else to do the job. But still, he was confused. Shouldn't woman be someone kind of a 'hero' type, jumping at the opportunity to help the old hag? Then, why did she refuse her? Was the woman really that observative?
It didn't matter. He would definitely get his revenge. That damn woman would be begging for his forgiveness. Yet, a chill ran down his spine when he recalled that woman's eyes. They looked... dead as if she was a... corpse.