Anahita had lifted her head, staring at the enormous statue with a wandering gaze. The lantern light slid across the white stone surface, and its shadow lay over the street like a heavy burden.
With a voice tinged with confusion, she said,
"Why would they build such a huge and expensive statue in a city where people can't even afford bread?"
Lioran, too, couldn't take his eyes off the statue. The calm yet imposing expression of the stone man had caught his attention.
In a cold, brief voice, he asked,
"Whose statue is that?"
Zubi glanced up at the top of the statue—at that flawless, artificial face.
"That's Duke Jinf Orestal. They built it this year… supposed to be him when he was younger."
He paused for a moment. The corner of his lips curled into a faint, bitter smile before he added,
"But he doesn't look anything like that statue."
When Anahita heard Zubi's words, her gaze locked onto the stone face of Jinf's statue. Her teeth clenched tightly.
"So that bastard is Jinf… Not only did he legalize slavery, he even built himself a statue to show off his power." Her voice trembled with anger. "If I ever find that damned son of a bitch, I'll punch his face a thousand times… until even his own mother wouldn't recognize him."
Rage surged through her. Her shoulders had gone stiff, and it was obvious she was barely holding herself back. Then suddenly she turned toward Lioran and shouted,
"Lioran! Knock that bastard's statue's head clean off!"
Lioran merely tilted his head slightly. His eyes were still fixed on the statue. In the same cold, controlled voice, he said,
"Not now."
That single sentence was enough.
Anahita slammed a hard punch onto Lioran's head.
"You cowardly bastard! You've got no guts at all!"
Lioran's teeth clenched together. The vein along his jaw stood out sharply. He took a deep breath, as if forcing the anger back down into his chest.
"You damned spirit… you do realize it's dinner time, right? If you don't get any food tonight… then maybe you'll learn how to talk to me properly."
The color drained from Anahita's face. Her eyes trembled as she suddenly lunged forward. Grabbing Lioran by the collar with both hands, she shook him, trying to stifle her sobs. Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke in a broken voice.
"No… no… you can't do that! You said I could celebrate tonight… that I could buy whatever I wanted. please keep your word, you cruel, heartless, crazy bastard."
Lioran's jaw tightened again. His teeth ground together harder. Without hesitation, he drove a solid punch into Anahita's head.
"You damn spirit… instead of begging properly, you're still insulting me."
....
A few minutes later, Lioran stood inside a shabby inn. Most of the chairs were empty. Zubi and Goba stood on either side of him.
Anahita floated behind Lioran. The mark from Lioran's punch was still visible on her head, yet she didn't seem to care at all. With a mischievous grin, she gently began massaging Lioran's shoulders with both hands.
"Lord Lioran… if you want, I can massage your head too. We've traveled a long way—you must be tired. Just let me take control of your body… you go get some rest."
Ignoring her completely, Lioran stepped forward. Without even turning around, he replied coldly,
"You damned spirit… did you really think you could fool me with that?"
For a brief moment, irritation flashed across Anahita's face. But it quickly disappeared as she forced another smile onto her lips.
"No, you misunderstood… I'm sorry about what I said earlier. The truth is, I only said those things out of jealousy…"
She let out a short laugh before continuing,
"Yeah… jealousy. Because you're such a smart, kind, and cool guy. And your eyes are really beautiful."
Lioran sat down at the table with Zubi and Goba. He only gave Anahita a brief, cold glance.
"It doesn't matter what you say now. I'm eating all the food tonight."
That was the last straw.
Anahita could no longer keep up the act. Her smile vanished as she suddenly lunged at Lioran. From behind, she clawed at his face and shouted furiously,
"You damned devil! You can't do this to me! Did you forget the amazing technique I found for you? You told me yourself that tonight I could eat whatever I wanted! Now give me control of your body, you shameless bastard!"
Anahita was still muttering under her breath when an old woman slowly approached the table. Her gray hair hung messily over her shoulders, and deep wrinkles lined her face, twisted with a sharp scowl.
In a cold, mocking tone, she said,
"Zubi… I told you not to come here until you've paid off your debts. And now you've even brought guests with you."
All eyes turned toward the woman.
Startled, Zubi jumped to his feet. His chair scraped slightly backward as he snapped back in irritation,
"Hey, you greedy old hag, watch your mouth! Are you trying to embarrass me in front of my guests? I told you I'd pay my debts!"
The old woman stepped closer, her eyes flashing with anger.
"You little bastard, I told you not to call me an old hag. And that debt of yours? It's five gold coins now—two months of your salary. When exactly are you planning to pay it?"
Seeing the woman's anger, Goba's mouth hung half open in fear and shock. He barely even dared to breathe.
Lioran, unmoving, simply stared at the woman with that same cold, emotionless gaze—as if silently weighing everything.
Anahita had stopped hitting Lioran. She hovered in the air for a moment, staring at the old woman with curiosity.
"I think this old lady's pretty sensitive about her age…"
Zubi had neither an answer nor any money. All he could do was clench his teeth in frustration. After a few seconds, he took a deep breath, straightened himself a little, and spoke in a quieter voice.
"Please… just this once—"
He hadn't even finished when Lioran's voice cut in.
"Bring food and drinks for everyone. Don't worry—I'll cover the bill."
The old woman paused. Then her entire demeanor suddenly changed. She turned toward Lioran, clasped her hands together, and smiled warmly.
"Of course. Please wait a moment. Your food will be ready soon."
Anahita raised her eyebrows in surprise.
"Huh… that greedy old hag just did a complete one-eighty."
Zubi, who had been glaring at the old woman only moments ago, looked away from her and toward Lioran. Embarrassed that his guest had to step in for him, he lowered his head.
Lioran seemed to understand exactly why he looked upset.
"It's fine. Lift your head. I don't have any money either."
Anahita blinked, as if suddenly remembering something.
"Wait… you're right. We never sold those crystals we collected."
Zubi and Goba both stared at him in confusion. Zubi asked,
"If you don't have money… how are you planning to pay?"
"Simple," Lioran replied immediately. "I'll use Goba's money."
Goba froze the moment he heard his name. He stared blankly for a few seconds, then slowly pointed at his own chest.
"Me? You mean me, my lord?"
Lioran frowned slightly.
"Yeah, you idiot. Is there another Goba here? Hurry up—hand over your money pouch."
Goba's voice trembled with fear.
"O-of course, my lord. I'll treat you… but why do you need the pouch?"
Lioran sighed.
"I don't have any money on me. Give me the pouch. In return, I'll pay for your dinner tonight too."
Goba smiled, reached into his pocket, and pulled out the pouch. He held it out toward Lioran.
"Of course, my lord… I'd be honored."
Zubi stared at the scene in disbelief. His gaze shifted back and forth between the pouch and Goba's face.
Goba still had a smile on his face.
And Zubi thought to himself,
'Idiot… that's your own money.'
Lioran took the money pouch from his hand.
"Good. You should be happy I'm treating you."
He loosened the string and glanced inside. Most of it was silver coins, with a few dull, worn copper ones mixed in. Without showing any particular reaction, Lioran tied the pouch shut again.
Anahita rested a hand on Lioran's shoulder, staring at the coins with a mischievous smile.
"Wow… wow… I knew you were a nasty little devil, but I didn't know you were a thief too."
Lioran slipped the pouch into his pocket, then fixed his cold gaze on Anahita's grinning face.
"You damned spirit… you still haven't learned any manners."
Only then did Anahita realize she had insulted him without thinking. She quickly raised both hands in front of her and waved them hurriedly.
"No—no, you misunderstood! That was a compliment. I meant… good job."
Suddenly, her gaze snapped toward a corner of the inn. The old woman was slowly approaching with a large tray piled high with food.
In that instant, Anahita's face lit up. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. She immediately placed both hands on Lioran's head and started shaking him.
"The food! Our food is here! Give me control of the body—come on! Hurry up! Hurry up! Hurry up! Hurry up!"
She kept repeating it nonstop.