“Seven keys in total,” I said to Lisa as she sat on a wooden bench.

We spent the day by either running away or searching whenever possible.

“You hold this.” The keys jingled when I presented it to her.

“Why?” She glanced up at me. She was wallowed by the setting sun, her beauty raised several times.

“I think you can guard these keys very well.” I transferred the keys to her with an approving nod. “I can't guarantee its safety when I'm home.”

She inspected the keys for a few moments before putting it inside her vest. “Does your mansion lack guards? I can lend you some of my people.”

“T-that's not it...” Just how rich are you, exactly?

Were people was something that you could even lend? I couldn't comprehend how wealthy people see things, and I doubt I would even if I became rich.

Fighting the endless hoard of students was avoided for now, and we found seven keys, a good day so far.

But doing this for a week is kinda...

Well, no use complaining.

I inhaled the warm air of spring with a smile, appeased by our work. “Well, see you tomorrow.”

“Already?” She said. I wonder why, but she straightened her posture like what I said was surprising.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“Yeah, I mean, we can't find keys with this little sunlight.” I was tired, but in a good mood, so maybe I faced her with a loosened expression.

“That's right...” Now she was looking perplexed, grasping her chest with her palm.

She bent her head to one side, her brows crossed. “Why...?”

“What do you mean why? It's how this world works. If you want an answer, asked the highest god of creation.” I laughed at her childlike question and shrugged my shoulder.

I earned three gold, avoided the fight against the student, found keys, man, I am lucky this day!

In the first week of this month, I managed to collect enough money to pay the tuition fee of Claire, if that was not the gods smiling at me!

“All right,” Lisa announced. “I shall be expecting you tomorrow.” She whirled around majestically and begun walking.

“Take care, Lisa.” The delighted me said something that otherwise I wouldn't say even if I am tortured. All was because of how happy am I right now.

Her head was quick to turn. Surprised, Lisa widened her pupils, and after that, she proceeded to stride again.

When it was my turn to leave, I heard a small voice that came from behind.

“T-take care, too.” She said, almost whispering. I didn't reply, nor did I looked in her direction. But I had this feeling that she was gazing at me right now... Surely that was not the case, right?

-

My day went on as usual. I ate at the shop, traveled to the dark streets of the slum.

Now spending my time inside my house along with the newly bought candle.

The tiny fire cast giant shadows of my hand. I was writing something, a letter. On a blank expensive sheet that I rarely use, I caressed it with a quill soaked in ink, scribbling the thoughts and lie that I was about to send my sister.

Dear Claire,

I am very happy to hear that you are fine in the school. If I can, I will give my thanks to your friends, but since I cannot, please tell them that I am thankful for them. I hope you enjoy what you do inside the academy, enjoy your life as a student, that would make me delighted. Do not worry since I am doing well here. The duke is kind and generous. In fact, I am writing this letter to you because I can finally send you your tuition fee. Working here is very fun. I can sleep properly and they feed me well. I cannot think of something that is better than this. In the time you are receiving this, I already have my salary and sending another money for your expenses. Please use it whatever and whenever you like, ask me if there is something you want early so I can prepare the money. Do well in your study, that is the only thing that I ask of you, and knowing you well, I know that you are at the top of your class. Always eat your vegetables and do not leave anything on your plate.

Yours truly, Elric.

Sigh. This would do. I placed the paper inside the enveloped and sealed it with red wax. Just two more years Claire, I swear I'll become rich by serving powerful nobles.

I didn't have any assignment today, and probably even at the end of the week since we didn't have class.

A yawn escaped from me unintentionally. It was a rare moment where I could sleep early, and I did just that.