That day, dawn had barely broken when Sophia woke.
She rose quickly, drew a basin of clear water from the well outside, and began to groom herself carefully.
Kana’s home offered no lavish breakfast. Sophia nibbled a bite of stale bread—that was her morning meal.
Afterward, she leaned against the windowsill, gazing toward the village entrance.
Time slipped by gently. The sky brightened from pale dawn to full daylight. The clouds above drifted away on the breeze. Yet Sophia felt not the slightest impatience.
The one she longed for…
Ah—her god in her heart! He would come for her today.
When Kana rose and saw Sophia by the window, she paused in surprise, then smiled faintly.
As the sun climbed high in the sky, a carriage finally rolled into peaceful Light Village.
At the first clip-clop of hooves, Sophia’s pulse quickened. She grew eager, almost impatient.
But now, at this moment, she felt intensely nervous.
She stepped back from the window and returned inside.
Seated on a small wooden chair, she strained to catch every sound from outside.
The hoofbeats drew closer. Her heart hammered against her ribs. When they stopped, her heartbeat roared louder.
Then came cheerful shouts…
Teresia!
Only Teresia would be so reckless.
Sure enough, the door burst open. Holy Lady Teresia charged in like a whirlwind!
She hugged Kana warmly, then rushed to Sophia, grabbing her arm. "Time to meet Derek!" she declared, dragging Sophia out before she could react.
When Sophia steadied herself, she stood before the carriage.
A coldly beautiful youth stepped down with elegant grace. The scene felt like a dream. Heat flushed her cheeks as she stared, dazed.
Snapping back to her senses, she realized her rudeness and lowered her head slightly.
Silence felt impolite, so…
"U-um… G-good day, Young Master Derek…" she murmured.
Had the village not been so quiet, Derek might not have heard her whisper.
After speaking, Sophia cringed inwardly, shyness deepening.
…
Back at the auction house, dim lighting had hidden Sophia’s true appearance beneath grime and frailty.
Now cleansed, Derek saw the delicate beauty of her childhood:
Flaxen hair gleamed softly. Porcelain skin glowed.
Her petite nose was perfect. Almond-shaped eyes, the color of polished jade, sparkled beneath long lashes.
Nervously, she bit her plump, dewy lower lip—a hint of future allure.
But now, standing awkwardly before him, she radiated only modest charm.
*So this is the real Sophia?* Derek thought, stunned. *So shy? So… normal? Amazing!*
His surprise mirrored his shock upon discovering Teresia’s true nature—but reversed.
Unlike the "corrupted" Holy Lady, this Sophia stood untouched by ruin.
Players called her "The Bank-Breaker." The "bank-breaker" part came from gold-draining strategies to win her favor. But why "wench," not "maiden" or "lady"?
Because her *Fate* persona was… well…
Recall the game dialogue:
*"Oho~ Such a handsome lad~ Here for potions? Or… other… services~?"*
*"Want to learn alchemy? Sneak into my room tonight. I’ll teach you… hands-on~"*
*"Ah~ Sweet boy~ Let big sister show you *secret* alchemy. Trust me—you’ll be… *addicted*~"*
Her half-lidded smile, the lazy stretch revealing curves… all voiced by a sultry VA.
Then the game would *helpfully* pop up:
**[Sophia offers private alchemy lessons. Accept?]**
The choice was obvious.
R18 players were "eager learners." Who’d refuse self-improvement?
Then came the aftermath:
**[Blinding sunlight slaps your face. You force open gritty eyes. A crowd jeers, pointing at you sprawled on the street. Strange potion lingers on your lips. Your memories? Gone. Your gold? Gone.]**
Trigger this scene, and your wallet emptied instantly.
(He knew. Don’t ask how.)
*Wait—he fell for it?!*
*Impossible!*
*That fool Leon Lancelot did. Not the brilliant Derek!*
In refined terms: Game-Sophia was a "jade lotus in a murky pond"—though the "lotus" was barely visible.
To truly win this seductive elder sister? Players had to "break the bank" legitimately.
Difficulty spiked. But *Fate* players were stubborn.
Thus, "The Bank-Breaker" was born.
Yet now… no seductress stood before him. Only a flustered girl.
*Sweet!* Derek cheered inwardly.
*This rich patroness seems easy to handle~*
*My bank account is secure!*
He longed to grab her hands, chat warmly—but Derek’s natural "social barrier" held him back. For future goodwill, he stayed composed.
He nodded politely at her bow, calm and dignified.
Seeing his attention—and his grace toward her blunder—Sophia swelled with gratitude and excitement.
Glancing up at his handsome face, her breath hitched. Her fingers twisted in her skirt hem.
She seemed more nervous… but inwardly:
*Sweet!* Sophia cheered.
*My god seems so approachable~*
*My… *impure* wish might come true!*
She ached to rush forward, clutch his hands, and pour out her devotion.
But they’d just met. Such boldness would scare him. For a beautiful future with her god, she stifled the urge.
