CHAPTER 80: BLOOD TAINTED BY ENVY

"So, you know about the Archangel Michael? Looks like his name is popular around here," Nolan thought to himself.

"Okay, whatever you say," he added aloud. "And the sword, I’ll keep it clean and bring it back to you."

"Yeah, please do," Lucan said. "When you return, that should be the first thing you do."

"Alright," Nolan replied. He started to rise. "Now, my money, let me leave."

"What’s this?" Lucan said, sliding a heavy bag across the desk. "Take it. Thirteen million gold coins. It should fill the bag."

Nolan pulled the strings open, his eyes widening at the glittering gold. "Wow..." he muttered.

Then a thought crossed his mind. "Wait. Instead of paying for the rescued women to stay at the inn for a year, it’s better if I get them a house."

"You mean the women you saved from the Goblin King?" Lucan asked.

"Yes," Nolan said with a nod. "A house with fourteen rooms."

Lucan leaned back. "Do you want it luxurious, something fit for nobles, or just a normal home?"

"Something classic," Nolan replied. "Even if it leans toward noble."

"In that case, you’ll need about one million gold coins."

Nolan immediately counted out the sum and placed it on the table. "Here. Use this."

"Good," Lucan said with approval. "I’ll call someone. The house should be ready by tomorrow."

"Perfect. I’ll be heading home now," Nolan replied, standing up and leaving the Adventurer’s Guild.

Out on the street, children laughed and played. Vendors stood side by side, calling out to customers, their stalls bright with goods. Nolan took it all in.

"Wow. This place is lively. And just look at how much money I’ve made. Life really is turning out great," he thought. "All I need now is a business... or maybe I don’t. What do I even want? I’m piling up too much money. And tomorrow, when I head to the Empire, there’ll be the tournament. Winning it means a hundred million gold coins. That’s massive. What am I even going to use all that for?"

As he walked, a man in a dark cloak brushed past him, bumping into his shoulder.

Nolan turned, frowning. "Weird. He didn’t even apologize. What’s his problem?" he muttered before shaking his head and heading for the mansion.

Inside, Celia and Linda rushed at him, throwing their arms around him. "Master, you’re back!" they cried.

"Yeah, I’m back," Nolan said with a small smile.

The rescued women soon gathered as well, each proudly showing off the dresses they’d been given.

"They suit you all," Nolan said warmly.

"Thank you!" they answered in unison.

"You might feel uncomfortable here," Nolan said, "but it’s fine. I already arranged for a house. By tomorrow it should be ready, and you’ll all live there for the meantime."

Relief and joy spread across their faces. Then Lyra stepped forward.

"Nolan, I know you just returned, but I think it’s time we head back to Aria’s inn—Mira mother’s inn," she said.

"I just got back. I wanted some rest," Nolan sighed.

"Let’s go," Lyra pressed.

"Master, you just got back. Are you going out again already?" Linda asked.

"Yes, I am," Nolan replied as he followed Lyra out.

"What could be the reason you told me to follow you?" Nolan muttered under his breath.

"She’s going to be in danger again," he thought. "I placed a mark on her so I’d know when something threatens her life. And now it’s reacting."

Lyra’s eyes narrowed. "The one who placed the curse on Aria... it was that man across the street.

They passed through the gate and headed for Aria’s inn.

As they stepped inside, Aria greeted them with a warm smile. "Hey! Good to see you actually came back. I knew you couldn’t resist my food."

"No, that’s not why we’re here," Nolan said firmly. "Maybe another time we’ll come to eat, but right now we need to talk."

"Yes, it’s important," Lyra added.

Aria frowned, sensing the seriousness in their voices. She quickly led them to a quiet corner, away from the customers. "What’s going on? Why do you both look so serious?"

Lyra exhaled slowly. "The person who cursed you... is the one we just saw running outside."

Aria’s eyes widened. "Impossible. That’s not true. How could you even know that?"

"I traced it," Lyra said calmly. "I followed the magic back to its source. The one who placed that curse was a sorcerer. He admitted it himself—and it was the truth."

Aria’s face paled. "I... I didn’t expect this. It’s the owner, isn’t it?"

"Yes. It’s him," Lyra confirmed.

Nolan stepped forward. "Do you know him? Did you do anything that would make him want to kill you?"

Aria shook her head. "No. Never. He’s... he’s my brother. He runs an inn across the street from mine. We’ve always been in competition."

Nolan’s eyes narrowed. "So it really is your brother who wants you dead?"

Aria’s voice trembled as she nodded. "Yes. My business rivals his, and he’s been jealous for years. But I never thought he’d go this far."

"But your own brother wants to take you out—for that stupid reason? He wants to end you just because of competition?" Nolan said, his tone sharp with disbelief.

Aria lowered her gaze, but before she could answer, Nolan’s expression darkened. "And it looks like he’s about to do it again."

Lyra’s eyes glowed faintly as she spread her senses. "Yes... he is. Around his inn right now, I can feel another presence. A sorcerer—stronger than the last one. At this very moment, he’s preparing an incantation. He’s trying to cast a curse on you again. A much more powerful one this time."

Aria’s voice trembled. "Then... what am I supposed to do?"

"Don’t worry," Nolan said firmly, his voice like steel. "Leave it to us."

Just then, a familiar voice interrupted. "Hey, Mom? What are you doing here?"

Aria turned in shock as Mira her daughter stepped in. "There’s work here that needs to be dealt with," she said calmly. Then her eyes flicked to Nolan. "Oh... you’re with Nolan? Since when did he return?"