Chapter 1 Chapter 138

Volume 1 + Chapter 138: Andai

“What? Don’t want to agree?”

Leah looked calmly at the dragon before her, her voice low, carrying an undeniable pressure as she instinctively asked.

How could the dragon dare to show any sign of disagreement at this moment? Her heart tightened, and she hurriedly nodded, almost without hesitation. After all, it was only two months. Two months of humiliation in exchange for her life—how could such a trade not be worthwhile?

But unease still lingered in her heart. Leah’s strength was truly too terrifying, and she herself felt deep fear. Not only did Leah demand these two months of humiliation, but she also wanted her dragon eyes, dragon heart, and dragon bones…

Once these things were handed over, even something non-lethal like dragon eyes, her life would truly have no guarantee left, not even the possibility of survival.

“I agree, of course I agree.”

The dragon hurriedly bowed her head, her tone full of deference and compromise. “Not just two months, for as long as you are happy, any length of time is fine.”

Her voice was kept very low, afraid that even a hint of resistance would be detected by Leah.

“Alright, then you come back with me. By the way, do dragons all have human forms?”

Leah asked casually, her voice still cool, her scrutinizing gaze not leaving the dragon.

“Yes, of course we do.”

The dragon answered softly, a trace of hesitation in her tone. “It’s just… I can’t change into a human form right now, because…”

She paused, lowering her voice as if something difficult to say was on her mind.

Her tone shifted, carrying a touch of helplessness. “If I transform into a human shape now, it would be a bit awkward…”

Listening to her explanation, Leah nodded, seeming to understand, apparently unconcerned with these details.

“The clothing issue is easy to solve,” Leah said lightly. “I just don’t know your name yet.”

“My name is Andai.”

The dragon gave a brief self-introduction, her voice low. Introducing herself to a human made her feel she had utterly disgraced the dragon race.

Hearing the dragon’s name, Leah paused for a moment, then nodded gently.

In truth, she wasn’t very interested in this dragon’s name, one could even say she wasn’t particularly curious.

She remembered it merely out of courtesy.

Her thoughts now were more focused on another question—when exactly would her bonus be issued.

By the time Leah and Mira finished all the formalities and finally set off on the return journey, arriving back at the empire’s capital, the sky had gradually darkened, the evening afterglow spilling over the land.

“I really didn’t think getting those fifty gold coins would involve so many troublesome procedures?”

Leah seemed puzzled, her brow slightly furrowed, a hint of helplessness at the corner of her mouth. Clearly, she had subdued the dragon; the other party should just hand over the money. Why did everything have to be so complicated?

But the pile of procedures before her gave her a headache. From application to payment, every step was filled with complex processes, those taxes, deductions, and various unknown fees. In the end, what she would probably receive was around forty gold coins at most.

What angered her more was that these procedures were just preparatory work. This part alone would take three to four working days. After that, there would be a lengthy review and disbursement process, expected to take at least another seven working days or more.

For Leah, who was just starting out, all this gave her a profound lesson in the complexity of society.

“That’s how it is. Collecting money is often done briskly, but when it’s time for them to pay out, that’s another story.”

Mira chuckled softly, a comforting glint in her eyes as she looked at Leah’s thoroughly frustrated expression.

She understood in her heart that today’s troubles might be a good opportunity for Leah, letting her recognize early on the complexity and harshness of society. After all, this child was straightforward and simple, not very cunning.

Mira paused for a moment before speaking slowly: “If you’re really anxious to buy that house, I can lend you the money. You can pay me back once your bonus comes through. No interest, how about that?”

To be honest, given Leah’s current strength, Mira paying fifty gold coins out of her own pocket was an insignificant amount. But she also understood that Leah had a strong sense of pride. If she gave it to her outright, this child would definitely refuse.

Therefore, Mira deliberately chose the reason for a loan, hoping Leah would accept.

After all, if she didn’t do this, Leah would probably not accept her help because of her own pride.

To be honest, the interest generated by fifty gold coins in a single day was also quite substantial.

For an ordinary person living in a city with a relatively low cost of living, the interest from fifty gold coins would be enough for them to live idly without working.

“No…”

Leah insisted, though her resolve wavered somewhat. She still wasn’t very willing to accept Mira’s kindness.

She didn’t want to owe others too much, especially since Mira was her superior.

Mira’s eyes, however, became even gentler. She said lightly, “But if you don’t buy the house quickly, someone else might snatch it up first.”

Hearing this, Leah’s heart stirred, and she immediately stopped walking.

A trace of anxiety appeared on her face. She was genuinely worried that the little courtyard would be taken by Vivian. After all, compared to Vivian, who had been the church’s Holy Maiden for many years, the gap in financial resources was not small.

“Let’s decide on this for now. I’ll bring you the money tomorrow, and then we’ll go buy that little courtyard.”

Leah finally compromised. Her inner anxiety and Mira’s persistence made her make the decision.

Hearing this, Mira smiled slightly, her gaze encouraging. “Although I don’t understand why you’re so fond of that little courtyard, I support you, Leah. I support your own ideas.”

Her voice was soft yet firm, carrying a quiet support.

“Um… Master, are you short of money?”

Andai, who had been silently following the two, finally spoke up.

Leah had found her a set of clothes. Although the chest area was still rather empty because there was no undergarment, it was definitely better than just wearing a pair of panties.

To be honest, she originally didn’t dare to initiate conversation with Leah, afraid she might say something wrong and upset her, leading Leah to give her another over-the-shoulder throw and slam her to the ground…

“Don’t call me Master. Call me Leah.”

“I am a bit short, but that shouldn’t have anything to do with you, right?”

“Um… If you don’t mind, I have some gold coins here. You can use them first.”

As she spoke, Andai took out a heavy-looking coin purse and respectfully presented it to Leah with both hands.

“Where did you get so many gold coins? 

“They get caught in the gaps between my scales when I’m sleeping and naturally fall off when I transform.”