Chapter 56: The price of bread
by Afuhfuihgs
“Huff… pant…”
A child ran through the dark alley, her breath coming in ragged gasps, but she didn’t slow down.
The alleyways twisted and turned like a maze, their dilapidated state a testament to the empire’s long history. They must have been bustling thoroughfares once, but now, an eerie silence hung in the air.
Though the paths were similar, the child knew her way, having navigated them countless times. She knew exactly where she was.
‘I have to be faster.’
The sound of pursuing footsteps spurred her on. She’d tried losing them, taking twists and turns, but it was no use.
Anxious, she turned down a path she usually avoided. She’d been warned about this area, but she had no choice. It was better than being caught.
“Gasp… pant…”
Her breath came in short bursts, her legs heavy. She’d be caught soon. She gritted her teeth and pushed on.
The filth and grime of the alley gradually lessened, the path becoming cleaner, far beyond the standards of where she lived. Why was this place considered dangerous? It seemed like a good place to…settle down.
She turned a corner, hoping to lose her pursuer, and
collided with someone, stumbling and falling.
“Eek!”
Her backside hit the ground with a thud, her legs too weak to stand. She looked up at the person she’d bumped into.
A girl with light pink hair and beautiful, sparkling eyes, clearly not a resident of this area.
“Is something the matter, miss?”
Multiple footsteps echoed from behind. A group of large, burly men emerged, dwarfing the girl she’d bumped into. The girl spoke,
“Who are you? I haven’t seen you around here.”
“Still new around here, eh, Sis?”
A man with a scar across his face sneered. He chuckled, then fell silent when the girl didn’t respond.
“Would you mind coming with us for a moment?”
The girl extended her hand. What would happen if she refused? The child fidgeted nervously, her eyes darting around. Despite the crowd, an unsettling silence filled the air.
“Hey! Don’t touch my stuff!”
A voice. All eyes turned.
“Wh…who’s there?!”
“Sis! What is that?!”
The men tensed, their reaction surprising, considering their size. The child turned, curious, and her eyes met…it.
Huff… huff—
A figure emerged from the shadows, their ragged breathing echoing in the dimly lit alley.
The square bag on their head looked comical, but
the glowing red eyes peering through the ripped opening were anything but. In that moment, it was a monster.
The figure stepped into the light, revealing a pair of large clubs, gripped tightly in each hand, their surfaces crumbling under the pressure. Long fur swayed in the breeze, sprouting from its back and shoulders.
The child felt a surge of fear. The monster seemed ready to drag her into the darkness. Even the familiar path behind her seemed like a portal to another world.
A single ray of sunlight pierced through the alley, creating a barrier between them and the encroaching darkness. The nightmare creature wouldn’t dare cross it. They all watched, their breaths held, as the light held its ground.
Step. Step.—
The monster stepped into the light, defying all logic.
“Gasp…”
The child stared in disbelief, her eyes widening as she realized what…or rather who it was.
“What the… It’s just a kid.”
One of the men spoke, and the child realized he was right.
It was just a small child with a paper bag over their head.
****
“How dare you call me a ‘kid.’ You want to die?”
I glared at them, trying to adjust to the sudden brightness after stumbling through the dark alleys. The sunlight stung my eyes. I could see a narrow alley, filled with a group of shady-looking men, their bodies emanating a foul odor.
I pointed my weapons at them—my parasol and the baguette.
Dual-wielding. I was twice as powerful now. These thugs were no match for me.
“Is this kid your friend? Why don’t you come over here and have a chat with us?”
The scarred man, oblivious to the danger, taunted me. His scar was hideous. I didn’t bother responding. Instead, I ignited my baguette, a fiery glow emanating from it. The men’s eyes widened.
“Magic? Impressive for a kid.”
“Hee hee, she’d be quite useful if we…trained her.”
They didn’t seem to sense the danger, laughing amongst themselves. I frowned and swung the flaming baguette, its texture surprisingly solid now, unlike the crumbling mess from earlier.
Rumble—
The casual swing cleanly sliced through the alley wall, bricks tumbling down along the smooth cut.
“Wh…what kind of magic is that?!”
“We have to…capture her, no matter the cost.”
Their expressions changed from amusement to shock and awe, exactly the reaction I’d wanted. I smirked, enjoying their fear.
“That sword aura…”
The woman at the front muttered, her eyes narrowed. She looked familiar. Pink hair, a stark contrast to the rough-looking men.
‘Student Council.’
Why did that thought come to mind? The pink-haired girl from the academy gate, the student council member… This girl had the same hair color. Not that it mattered.
“Haaam… I’m getting bored. Are you coming to me, or should I come to you?”
I yawned dramatically, sizing them up. A few of the men hesitated, then stepped forward. I’d just have to take down one or two as an example, and the rest would surrender. It was a perfect plan.
“Stand down.”
Just as I was about to incinerate one of them, the pink-haired woman spoke. The men immediately obeyed, retreating.
“I’ll handle this. The rest of you, go back.”
“But, Sis…”
“Don’t make me say it again.”
The men reluctantly retreated, glancing back nervously. I almost applauded their pathetic display, holding up my baguette in mock salute.
“You have guts, facing me alone.”
My heart pounded. This was what I’d been waiting for. All I had to do was subdue her and make her surrender. My baguette glowed brighter, eager for…violence.
Then, the woman spoke calmly,
“We meet again. Though this is the first time I’ve seen you with a bread bag over your head.”
Her words made me freeze. I realized I’d been right. It was the pink-haired girl from the student council. I’d been planning to teach her a lesson for ignoring me…
“Wh…wh…what are you talking about…?”
I instinctively touched my face. The paper bag was securely in place. How did she know? She was dangerous.
“There’s no need to be so defensive. That technique…looks like something Duke Estelle would use.”
I gripped the baguette tighter, understanding dawning. D*mn it, Father! He’d get an earful when I got back. I smiled menacingly beneath the bag.
“I’ve never heard of such a technique. Nice try, but it won’t work.”
“Really? Well, it doesn’t matter.”
The pink-haired girl turned away.
“I’ll take my leave then. I apologize for interrupting you. I’ll make it up to you another time.”
“Wait! Where are you going?!”
I called after her, but she didn’t stop. She wasn’t my target anyway. I looked at the spot where they’d been standing, my gaze settling on a small figure huddled on the ground.
“Are you…okay?”
“Oh, yes…th…thank you…”
A pair of watery eyes looked up at me. She was quite cute, despite her ragged appearance.
“You seem fine. Now then, how are you going to pay for my bread?”
“Wh…what? I…I…”
The little girl trembled, her legs shaking so badly she seemed unable to run. I felt a pang of sympathy.
“Sob…p…please…don’t hurt me…”
I steeled myself. I wasn’t prejudiced against commoners. Or children. But she wasn’t an exception. I grabbed her as she tried to apologize and slink away.
“That’s not a proper apology!”
“Aaaaaah?!”
I lifted her shirt without hesitation.
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