chapter 18
“Ready is really smart and capable,”
He praised me again in that pleasantly soothing voice.
‘…Wait, did he notice?’
I thought maybe he had sensed something strange.
‘This man is the leader, after all… his intuition is probably incredibly sharp.’
So, I forced a carefree, childlike smile and nodded as if I knew nothing at all.
“Thank you! My dad always told me that when I go outside, I should first be suspicious of the world. That I can’t trust anyone.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. Especially kids who seem to have money—they could be kidnapped, suffer all sorts of unspeakable horrors, and never make it back to their fathers alive.”
I tightened my fists and focused my gaze like a child who had been sternly warned a hundred times.
‘Do I really have to act like this at my mental age…?’
Even though I felt a bit silly, I knew that if I raised even the slightest suspicion, I could be exploited.
‘Especially since this man treats the emperor almost like a god…’
I let out a long breath.
“So, when you have money, you have to be extra careful.”
“Your father taught you well.”
“Yes! My dad is amazing!”
My eyes sparkled, and the Count chuckled lightly.
“Indeed.”
He patted my head once and nodded.
“Now, let’s settle the accounts.”
The Count said.
In the end, after including the 148th round’s participation fee, I ended up with 66% of the total prize after a 1% fee—a total of 264 million gold out of 400 million!
Of course, after taxes, I was left with 237.6 million gold.
The winner took my advice and requested temporary protection from Conisa.
Specifically, she would be under temporary guardianship.
Later, I would connect her with a trustworthy mercenary company, help build a house, and establish a foundation.
He even willingly paid 10% of what he received to ensure the family could be safely brought to Conisa.
Honestly, that was more than necessary for simple protection and assistance, but thankfully, the winner took my advice seriously.
‘Even if I gave away this much, our family could live comfortably for five generations.’
How they’d use the money to earn more was up to them.
‘…At least my conscience is clear.’
I thought as I nibbled on a cookie.
‘So…’
Why couldn’t I leave yet?
“Sir, I need to go home now.”
“Ah, yes, yes.”
He laughed softly, lost in thought as he held me on his lap.
“The bank account is set up, and the money is in. Planning to buy a house with this?”
“Yes! And I’ll hire people for Dad. I’ll even hire a chef to make delicious food. And… I’ll sell things so that Dad can be rich even after I’m gone!”
“Sell things?”
“Yes. I have a good eye, just like Dad. I’ll invest!”
“You know difficult words, huh?”
“I’ve seen Dad do it sometimes. He stacks a bunch of documents on his desk.”
I spread my arms wide, and he seemed to think for a moment before nodding.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
He tapped the chair rhythmically a few more times.
Then, the Count stood.
“Alright, I’ll escort you home now.”
“Sir?”
“Yes. Since we met like this, isn’t it fate? I should personally protect you.”
No, that’s okay. I can go alone! Even just lending me a carriage would be enough!
Suppressing my instinct to resist, I smiled brightly.
“Yay! I’m so happy you’re taking me!”
“That’s good to hear,” he said.
With tears in my eyes, I went down to the first floor with him.
Bam!
“Hey!”
Bang!
“You idiot!”
Thud!
“You little brat!”
The terrifying sounds coming from below froze me.
Even the Count, holding me, narrowed his eyes and pressed slightly on my head.
‘What is that? I can’t see!’
I struggled but realized it wasn’t Dad, and stopped moving.
Being a child’s height was frustrating—I couldn’t see a thing!
“What’s going on?”
“Oh, sir. One of our guests lost money and got upset… during the game, a wolf knocked over a glass. He lost money and now…”
One of the employees whispered.
‘Wolf?’
I spun my head around. The Count patted my back.
“This isn’t a sight you want to see.”
“…But the animal isn’t hurt, right?”
“…Hmm.”
I struggled, and the Count finally set me down.
Turning around, I saw a shocking scene.
A man was beating a baby wolf until it was covered in blood.
As if he couldn’t contain his anger.
“…This is too much.”
I gasped.
How could someone do that to a helpless animal?
Fuming, I stepped forward.
“Hey, stop that!”
My throat ached after raising my voice.
“What are you doing? This is just an animal! It doesn’t know anything…”
“Huh? What’s that supposed to mean? Do you know how much money I lost because of this thing? 500 gold! 500 gold!”
“No, why blame it for something you did wrong?”
“This little bastard spilled the glass and ruined my luck…!”
What nonsense.
I stared at him in disbelief as he huffed and let out a derisive laugh.
“Who does this brat think he is? Get lost!”
He was completely unreasonable.
His face was red, maybe from drinking.
‘Smells like alcohol.’
I frowned and sighed.
“Fine. I’ll buy this animal. Happy now?”
“What? Hahaha, you’re going to buy this beast?”
“Yes.”
“Fine, buy it! I’ll sell you this disobedient thing! Give me 500 gold and take it!”
He probably assumed I couldn’t pay, laughing at the idea. I narrowed my eyes.
Unbelievable.
“Then get lost! Or I’ll skin it alive and stuff it!”
“Crazy man.”
I couldn’t help but curse.
I’ve heard some people are only strong against the weak, but this was pathetic.
“What…?”
“Old men throwing tantrums. How are they so different from Dad? I don’t want to be like that when I grow old. Pathetic…”
“What… did you just say? Do you know who I am?!”
“No, you drunken lunatic!”
I took the heavy cloth bag the Count had given me and threw it at him.
“500—all in cash, you fatso!”
It was the money I had set aside to show Dad as proof of my lottery winnings.
‘I can’t really take the winning slip…’
I’d figure out how to get just one later. After all, the magical paper would lose its effect once the period ended.
Oops.
But I had to finish what I came to say.
“What the….”
The man stepped toward me.
“Kyah!”
I screamed sharply.
A crowd’s attention immediately turned toward us.
