Chapter 107
After the Carnival festival came to a close, the city center of Lohas quickly returned to its usual state.
During the festival, everyone, regardless of age, gender, or social class, dressed up extravagantly and enjoyed themselves, often falling into the illusion of equality.
But once the glittering excitement of the festival faded, everything that had been temporarily hidden by its heat returned in sharper, clearer form than before.
So it was not at all surprising that the bakery owner, who had seemed endlessly kind during the festival, now shot them wary looks.
“Is the bread all that matters?”
Although she was annoyed, the bakery was renowned for its bread—so good that it couldn’t compare to what hotels offered.
Suppressing her irritation, Katya finished paying and, holding the warm bag of bread close to her chest, approached the figure lingering behind her.
“What do you want? I only came out under the pretense of running an errand. Just say it quickly.”
“What do I want…? You’ve really gotten arrogant, haven’t you?”
Timmy, dressed in a surprisingly decent delivery uniform, gave Katya’s maid outfit a fierce look.
“I even borrowed this outfit because I knew I’d be meeting a noble girl.”
“It looks like you stole it. Are you aware of that?”
No matter how well one dressed, whether in a delivery uniform or a hotel maid outfit, the characteristic stench of the slums could not be hidden.
No wonder the bakery owner was glaring at them so disapprovingly.
They didn’t have the luxury to stand around chatting, not knowing where Anubis agents might be watching.
Katya turned toward the hotel, and Timmy followed at a distance.
“You’re unbelievable. I heard rumors, but I never thought you’d actually work under him—”
“Did you sneak down there just to tell me you’re disgusted with me? Try putting that effort into something productive.”
“Well… anyway, forget that. You must have your own reasons.”
Surprisingly compliant, Timmy’s attitude made Katya glance at him suspiciously.
“So what is it that you want? If it’s money, you already sent me some last time. And don’t think of using me to pull some stupid stunt—I’m working in Anubis’s den right now—”
“Who doesn’t know that? Do you think I’d put your adorable little sister in danger?”
The more he said, the more suspicious it seemed.
Katya braced herself for whatever scheme Timmy had in mind as he kept rambling.
“Now that I think about it, maybe getting money from him through you isn’t so bad. It’s pocket change compared to our father’s ransom, but if we think of it as claiming insurance, it’s fine.”
“Just say what you want.”
“You know about the Hamelin incident, right? Recently, a noble boy survived. Wow, even with all his nails gone, he lived—those guys are nasty, really…”
“Is there anyone in the Empire who doesn’t know that story?”
“While you were living comfortably, do you know what happened in our neighborhood?”
“Hamelin appeared here too? Too bad, but it only kidnaps noble kids, doesn’t it?”
“A noble girl without nails.”
Katya, who had remained indifferent, froze.
Without thinking, she spun around and glared at Timmy.
Timmy stopped in his tracks as well, grinning smugly. A vulgar grin.
“What the hell did you do this time?”
“What do you mean? She was clearly a noble kid. She couldn’t even remember how she ended up there, so—”
“Shut up, you idiot! What ridiculous scheme have you pulled this time?!”
Katya’s anger flared.
If they had actually kidnapped a noble child trying to imitate Hamelin, it wouldn’t end with just jail time. Nobles would never forgive anyone touching their own.
Moreover, Lohas’ noble social circle was closely connected with Anubis.
The slums could be wiped out overnight.
Katya clenched the bread in her arms tightly to avoid crushing it.
“Who doesn’t know Hamelin is operating in the East…?! Who would believe that a kid kidnapped there was found here, in the middle of the slums, not even in the capital?”
“Who wouldn’t know that? But weird or not, it’s true. And the kid even has a letter that looks like it was written by Hamelin. The police will verify handwriting later.”
Timmy continued speaking, using terms he must have overheard somewhere. Though cocky, this time it didn’t feel like a lie, and Katya hesitated.
“Are you saying that kid was found in our neighborhood…?”
“Exactly. Remember the park? The little street rascals found her right in the middle.”
The so-called park of the slums was just the big trash heap in the center of the neighborhood.
So Hamelin’s second victim was found there…
“Where is she now?”
“For now, she’s at our house. Surprisingly, she adapted well, maybe because her noble head is empty.”
“If that’s true, go report her to the guard immediately. That should solve it.”
“Why should I?”
“What…?”
“We did all the work clearing the trash to take care of her. At least we deserve some credit. Otherwise, she’d have died buried in garbage—and a noble girl at that.”
Katya glared at Timmy, who was smirking proudly.
“What exactly are you planning?”
“You know how Hamelin offered rewards to anyone finding the kids he took? That little girl staying at our house probably has a big bounty on her. But as you know, no matter how much we nagged the nobles, they wouldn’t give a single coin.”
“…”
“For matters like this, you need an expert. And you’re working under those guys, right? Help us out.”
So this was what he wanted.
Katya’s heart raced, but she tried to keep calm.
“I don’t know what you mean by ‘help.’”
“Do you think I’m stupid enough to believe you got that job for nothing? Surely you’ve gotten close to some of them. That pretty girl you serve—rumor has it, she’s someone important’s daughter.”
Katya gritted her teeth at his vulgar tone.
“Watch your words if you don’t want to end up dead quietly.”
Timmy’s expression changed. He lunged and grabbed her wrist with a rough grip, making Katya frown hard and nearly scream.
“After licking that brat’s boots, she thinks she’s really part of Anubis. You idiot girl, no matter how proud you are, you’re just a rat in the slums. You’re disposable to them. How long do you think you can last without us?”
“Let go of me.”
Aware of the people around them, Timmy released her wrist.
Katya immediately turned and began walking quickly.
“Don’t be mad. I’m not asking you to scam anyone. If it goes well, it benefits both them and us.”
Timmy, still chattering, stopped near the hotel. He clearly didn’t dare come any closer.
“Think carefully, alright? I’ll wait for your answer. Our poor little sister deserves some indulgence too.”
If he truly cared about his siblings, he would’ve worked some manual labor by now.
Katya rushed silently to the hotel without answering.
She couldn’t remember how she got from the lobby to the penthouse.
The late-morning penthouse was calm and peaceful.
Katya headed straight to the kitchen and placed the bag of bread on the table.
“Katya.”
“…Huh!”
Katya jumped, startling Nina slightly.
“Sorry, did I scare you?”
“…No, no. I was just lost in thought. Weren’t you going to the library earlier? You came back early. Finished the book already? Amazing, really.”
Katya, awkwardly laughing, poured out her words incoherently. Nina stared at her for a moment.
“I didn’t go to read.”
Nina had gone to the library to look for Messi. She had heard he would be there, though she didn’t fully trust it.
“Really? Then why…?”
“More importantly, Katya, you’ve bruised yourself here.”
