Would the protagonist ever lack money?

Of course.

In many of the overlord protagonist novels Moen had read in his previous life, the issue of resources was always a hurdle the protagonist had to face in the early stages.

In fact, many protagonists remained overshadowed by poverty throughout their stories. This was because the narrative of a spectacular comeback often necessitated that their identity—at least initially—couldn't be excessively noble or privileged.

Take Ariel for example. Before rising to triumph over her disdainful siblings, her status was that of a lowly illegitimate child. Her adeptness at “dog-eat-dog” tactics now stemmed from the survivalist skills she’d honed during her earlier years.

Even as the first-in-line heir to an earlship now, the large and prosperous Earl family has many individuals eyeing her position. Unlike Moen, she doesn't have the full support of the Earl family at her back.

And even if she *did* receive the Earl family’s full support, it might not be enough to sustain her expenses.

Because the so-called overpowered protagonist archetype naturally follows a high-end trajectory, burning through resources at ten or even a hundred times the rate of normal individuals to achieve nearly invincible prowess in their tier and unparalleled potential.

Take Ariel, for instance—magic itself is famously expensive, often referred to as a “noble pastime.”

But the *ancient magic* she’s studying? That’s an entirely different beast. Many of the materials required for ancient magic have become exceedingly rare in the present day, and their prices are frighteningly astronomical. At this point, it’s less about burning money and more akin to straight-up throwing it away without hesitation.

Still, for a capable overlord female protagonist, such resource obstacles are supposed to be surmountable without too much difficulty.

For example, in the original story, Ariel did experience a period of financial struggle. However, with guidance from her spirit-form mentor, she managed to overcome it by crafting numerous ancient magic scrolls and unique magical artifacts, selling them on the black market, and even employing some “dog-eat-dog” strategies to bridge her resource gaps.

Devouring every opportunity and resource she encountered, akin to a gluttonous beast, and transforming them into a part of her strength—this, after all, is the hallmark of an overlord protagonist.

So why has this time deviated from expectations?

If memory serves, her prior financial struggles stemmed from the closure of the black market. This time…

Wait—could it also be due to the black market shutting down?

A bolt of realization struck through Moen’s mind, instantly clearing up his thoughts.

Don’t ask why Ariel’s artifacts can only be sold on the black market. Another characteristic of a overlord protagonist is that many of the things they possess cannot see the light of day—at least not before they’ve grown powerful enough.

Thus, in the original storyline during the academy arc, most of Ariel’s resources came from selling artifacts on the black market, scavenging hidden treasures, or employing some “dog-eat-dog” tactics in unforeseen events.

The black market…

Just a few days ago, before the arrival of the "Moon of Silence” event, quite a few noble masters had been forcibly conscripted by His Majesty the Emperor, plunging the entire city into martial law. Naturally, the black market couldn’t operate under such conditions.

As for the “dog-eat-dog” strategies…

If Ariel had successfully stolen the ancient dragon’s heart blood earlier, she wouldn’t have needed to worry about money for quite some time.

But the ancient dragon’s heart blood… had been stolen by Moen.

And even the “Moon of Silence” incident, which originally *wasn’t even part of the storyline*, could be traced back to Moen’s influence.

“So that means… in the end, after everything… the root cause of it all… is…”

Me?

Moen froze, utterly bewildered.

What kind of cosmic misfortune was this? Was he some ultimate scapegoat, a tragic bystander caught in the storm only by his little butterfly wings had inadvertently stirred? And in the end, all of those repercussions landed squarely on Ariel’s face?

As the realization settled, an uncontrollable wave of guilt rose in Moen’s heart.

Was this the infamous protagonist gravitational pull?

It attracts *everything*! How irresistible.

“But… something still doesn’t add up.”

Moen snapped out of his daze and turned to Lea. “Even now, Ariel shouldn’t be so desperate for money. After all, didn’t I give her a million not long ago?”

Moen remembered how, in a moment of excitement after being enlightened by Ariel, he had handed over that substantial sum to her.

Even if she was throwing cash around recklessly, surely it would still take a while to burn through a million coins, right?

It hasn’t even been *that* long!

“This… this is all your fault!”

Surprisingly, Lea’s reaction to this was not one of gratitude but rather an indignant glare as she pouted and angrily accused him.

“My fault?” Moen raised an eyebrow, perplexed. “What exactly did I do?”

“Ariel has been acting really strange lately.” Lea’s eyes turned slightly misty as she explained, “Every night, she just stares at the million you gave her, mumbling things like, ‘I won’t let your scheme succeed,’ and ‘I refuse to be corrupted by a mere million.’ Sometimes she says, ‘No amount of money can shake my resolve.’

“Despite having so much money at her disposal, she hasn’t spent a single coin. Instead, she’s been living even more frugally… almost as if she’s become obsessed!”

“…”

Moen was momentarily speechless before raising a hand to his forehead with a bitter smile.

Ah, so that’s what it was. The ever-stubborn protagonist still didn’t trust him and was reluctant to casually accept his goodwill.

The million he’d casually handed to her had ended up arousing her suspicions instead.

Sure enough, as a former arrogant antagonist who had troubled her so much, he wasn’t going to win her forgiveness that easily.

“So… was your motivation for sneaking out to play music for money just to help Ariel through this tough patch?”

“… Mm-hmm.”

Lea gently nodded and said, “Ariel probably spent all her money on something, though I have no idea what. I can tell she’s getting stronger every day… but, I mean… she’s surviving on nothing but black bread! If she keeps eating like this, her body won’t be able to handle it.”

Lea pursed her lips and added worriedly, “At this rate, her breast really won’t grow properly.”

“…”

Looking at Lea, brimming with concern for her childhood friend, Moen was at a loss for words for a moment.

What was this? Life is hard, so the childhood sweetheart resorts to street performances?

The plot was veering off course in the most bizarre way.

“But, Lea…”

Moen sighed deeply, studying the girl who had been speaking while keeping her head down. He softly asked, “If you’re out here trying to help Ariel, what about yourself?”

“Huh?”

Lea looked up, her expression puzzled.

“Your studies,” Moen clarified seriously. “What about your studies?”

Because, as a Life Church Candidate Saintess undergoing trials, Lea’s education wasn’t limited to the regular academy courses.

Her saintly training, too, could not lag behind.

Especially now, with the Sanctification Ceremony to determine the position of the Saintess fast approaching, this was no time for her to slack.

Ariel’s madness when it came to burning through resources to grow stronger during this period was likely also for the sake of aiding Lea in some capacity.

But paradoxically, this drive to support Lea had only led to the one who should be focusing on her studies secretly sneaking out to earn money because of her concern for Ariel.

“My studies… won’t suffer,” Lea murmured, tugging at her fingers. “I only sneak out at night. There’s still plenty of time during the day.”

“Then, with studying during the day and earning money at night, when do you rest?”

“T-that… that’s fine.”

Lea paused, offering a reassuring and delicate smile. “Actually, the Light of Harmony spell can soothe exhaustion. Really, I can handle it!”

“…”

Moen looked at her, his gaze shimmering slightly.

There’s no way that’s fine.

The Light of Harmony might be able to alleviate physical fatigue, but it couldn’t comfort the profound weariness of the spirit.

As someone who frequently tempered his mind in the Black Book, Moen understood better than anyone just how unbearable spiritual dryness could be compared to mere physical fatigue.

This won’t do. Whether out of guilt to Ariel or for some other reason, he had to step in to help.

With this resolve in mind, Moen instinctively reached for his storage device.

However, Lea noticed his actions immediately and hurriedly exclaimed, “Just so we're clear, I… I won’t accept your charity or your disgusting money, okay!”

“…This isn’t charity; it’s gratitude for saving me earlier.”

“And I already told you, I didn’t actually save you! Besides…”

Lea lightly touched the bracelet on her wrist and said in a lowered voice, “…the money you gave me before is enough. Though it’s hard, I still want to rely on my own effort to earn what I need.

“After all, this is the first time I’ve genuinely helped Ariel on my own.”

“…”

Moen found himself gazing into the girl’s eyes once more.

Clear, bright, tender, and brimming with unshakable exhaustion—yet still… so resolute.

So, had she absorbed Ariel’s stubbornness through their long years together, or was it that this outwardly fragile Saintess candidate was actually naturally this way?

In that case…

“Lea, I’ll soon be heading back to the academy.”

“Huh?”

Lea tilted her head, bewildered as to why Moen was suddenly saying such an out-of-place comment.

“For a true noble, music appreciation is a mandatory subject.”

“Unfortunately, at Santa Maria College, which is renowned for its magic, there isn’t a dedicated course for music appreciation.”

“So…”

Moen extended a hand toward Lea, smiling as he asked, “Lea, could I hire you as my personal musician with a salary befitting your illustrious talents as a performer?”

…

…

“Personal musician?”

After a brief moment of blankness, Lea's eyes widened. She instinctively crossed her arms to guard her ample chest and took a step back, looking at Moen warily.

“You… what do you actually want?”

As she spoke, her face, which had barely just calmed down from her earlier flustered state, turned a deep, peach-pink shade once again. Stammering, she continued nervously, “Don’t tell me… Don’t tell me what Ariel said was right! You’re planning to use this as an excuse to lure me somewhere secluded so you can do those kinds of monstrous things to me?

“You’re going to do this and that… and force me into all sorts of shameful positions?! And then you’ll… Ugh…

“No! Absolutely not! I’ll never, never let you get your way! I… I am…”

“…”

Watching Lea’s over-the-top response, Moen’s lips twitched helplessly.

What the hell had Ariel been telling this pure-hearted girl!?

"Lea, I already told you, it's at the academy."

Moen explained helplessly, "Under the shroud of the Grand Arcane Rites, how could I possibly do anything improper to you?

If I really did, with just one scream, you'd summon Professor Pulan, and he'd tear me to shreds in moments.

Besides, if you're still worried, I can settle your wages on a per-event basis. The moment you feel I have any untoward thoughts about you, you can terminate this arrangement at will."

"But…"

"No buts," Moen cut her off, his tone decisive.

Seeing the conflicted girl before him, Moen knew that if they continued, she'd come up with an endless list of reasons to refuse. So, he suddenly grinned mischievously, unveiling his long-prepared trump card:

"Lea, you wouldn't want Ariel to know you're doing this behind her back, now would you?"

"Ah…"

Lea's petite body trembled, and she let out a soft cry of despair. Her cute rabbit-like red eyes, glowing with indignation, glared at Moen.

"Y-You… despicable."

"Call me despicable if you must."

Feeling triumphant, Moen relished in his victory. He casually raised a hand, a teasing smile on his face, and asked, "So, what's your decision?"

"..."

It felt like an eternity.

Who knew what kind of mental gymnastics were happening in that conflicted little head of hers? After prolonged silence and much prompting from Moen, Lea's gaze flickered, her lips quivered, and finally, slowly but surely, she extended her hand.

Yet just as her fair and delicate palm was about to make contact, Lea suddenly shot a piercing gaze at Moen and seriously questioned:

"Moen Campbell... you—you're not trying to woo me, are you?"

"Pfthh—"

Moen nearly spat out a mouthful of blood, utterly stunned.

"Where did you get *that* idea from?"

"Ariel told me," Lea replied, tilting her head and speaking earnestly. "She said, when a man is suddenly overly nice to you and goes out of his way to offer you help, it means he wants to court you."

"Ariel told me to stay far away from people like that."

"..."

Ariel, seriously, what kind of nonsense have you been filling her head with!?

Is this the power of a skilled schemer? She’s already preemptively safeguarding Lea before she even make her move!

Moen let out a gentle sigh and took a good look at the girl in front of him.

Pure and sweet features, a flawless and beautiful complexion. Coupled with her rare, top-tier figure, any man would struggle to resist such allure.

Moreover, considering her future status as a saintess, how many men in the world could truly turn away from her?

And yet, judging by the timeline, while Ariel had already started scheming behind the scenes, Lea's feelings for Ariel should still be at the innocent and platonic childhood-friend stage.

After all, her pivotal emotional turning point—that pivotal Holy Baptism ceremony which would shape her destiny as a saintess—had yet to take place.

In other words, there was still some wiggle room to "pry."

But…

Should Moen actually dare to cross that line, forget about asking for forgiveness—he'd probably be hunted down and annihilated by a very furious the overlord protagonist.

"Don’t worry."

Moen looked at Lea, his smile pure and sincere.

"I absolutely don’t have any such intentions towards you."

"Really?"

"More genuine than pearls."

"Promise me."

"I promise."

"You better not be lying to me."

"I swear upon the Goddess herself!"

Moen stood tall, puffed up his chest, and raised four fingers on one hand in a solemn gesture. He declared with utmost seriousness,

"If I ever even think about wooing you, Lea, may I be hacked to pieces by a woodcutter and die a gruesome death!"

"..."

Lea stood there, staring at Moen with her head slightly tilted, her cute gaze moving up and down his face as if assessing the truth in his words.

After what felt like an eternity—and just as Moen's composure was about to crack—Lea suddenly broke into a radiant smile. The flickering candlelight of the restaurant paled in comparison to her dazzling expression.

"Alright then. You don’t seem as worse as Ariel says. I’ll trust you this once."

She took Moen’s hand and gave it a playful shake.

"Let’s get along, Mr. Employer."

"Yes, let’s get along, Miss Musician."

Moen responded with a faint smile.

And so, as their hands touched, an unspoken yet significant agreement was silently forged between the two of them, amidst the calm yet romantic ambiance of the restaurant.

…