Fallen off the Cliff by My Lover After Becoming a Hero

"..."

The Marquis fell silent, and Renathras beside her didn't utter a word either. Damian's complaints were as effective as whispering into a storm; the negotiation had fully tipped in favor of the siren captain.

"In that case, would you mind revealing the method you use to acquire humans?"

"Absolutely not. That's classified information," the captain retorted curtly.

Renathras seemed as if he wanted to argue, but even he knew the effort was futile.

So... does this mean I won't be sold off immediately?

From their conversation, I caught the faintest glimmer of hope. It was enough to reignite my will to survive.

"It seems I have no other choice," the Marquis finally conceded with a shrug. "It is, after all, a fair price."

"Marquis, are you sure—?"

"It's fine, Damian. This is a private deal between the Marquis and the captain. Sir Pock won't hold you accountable for this."

Renathras gave Damian a wry smile, and the goblin slumped in resignation, his head drooping as if to admit defeat.

"Renathras, how soon can we prepare the funds?"

"If I reach out to a few associates nearby, we should be able to gather the amount by tomorrow."

"Good. In that case..."

Adjusting the cylindrical case slung over her shoulder, the Marquis spoke with a calm authority that had lost some of its earlier edge:

"Tomorrow evening, at the same time—does that work for you?"

"As expected of the Marquis. I enjoy dealing with decisive people," the captain replied with a grin.

The two clasped hands, sealing the deal. With the agreement finalized, they turned to leave.

But just as the group began moving, the Marquis subtly turned her head, her lips moving ever so slightly.

Renathras, always keenly aware, gave a small nod.

Then he pivoted, his blood-red eyes cutting through the darkness like twin daggers.

Renathras's gaze pierced the iron bars of countless cages before locking squarely onto me.

"...!"

He left me with a knowing, almost sinister smile before turning to follow the others out of the warehouse.

Ha... ha... ha...

The air felt heavy in my lungs, and my chest heaved uncontrollably. My legs gave out, and I collapsed to my knees. Only when they disappeared from sight did the tension release its grip on me. My breaths turned ragged, interspersed with violent coughing.

"Renee-nya!"

A voice I didn't expect called out. Before I could process it, warmth enveloped my right hand.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..."

Her voice was trembling, her hands gripping mine tightly.

She was shaking, tears streaming from her eyes—a picture of someone utterly ravaged by fear.

Not that I had any right to judge. I had barely managed to hold myself together moments ago.

"Let go."

I pulled my hand back, my voice cold and cutting as I glared at her.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"I... earlier, you..."

Her stammering response only deepened my confusion.

I couldn't make sense of her at all. She always acted like a fool, either with a clueless smile or flinching at every shadow—what was she even trying to achieve?

"What exactly are you after?"

Once again, she looked like she wanted to get closer to me.

Without another glance, I turned my back to her.

"Renee—"

"Go back."

Every single person who tried to get close to me—pretending to care, pretending to mean something—they were all the same.

"But—"

"I said, go back."

That prince, her—someone who would even betray me to follow him...

You have to die here.

Damn it. Damn it all!

"I should have—"

"I told you, don't come near me—cough, cough, cough!"

My voice exploded louder than I intended, the words spilling out in an angry shout.

"...Alright."

Her shoulders quaked as she lowered her head. Slowly, she turned away.

What was that expression on her face?

Why did she look hurt?

The one who was hurt was me. The one staring fear in the face was me.

No one else stood by my side.

And I couldn't trust anyone.

...Not even my childhood friend. If I couldn't trust someone like him, then in this monstrous world filled with inhuman creatures, who else could I rely on?

No one but myself.

Cough, cough...

No, I couldn't afford to dwell on these thoughts right now.

"Less than a day left..."

I stared at the sixteen tally marks scratched into the wall. Clenching my teeth, I forced my resolve to harden.

I will survive.