In a classroom at the Magic Academy.

Shea propped her cheek on one hand, her expression utterly blank, watching the bald teacher on the podium animatedly lecture about the empire’s history.

But Shea ignored it all. Right now, she’d rather dump a trash can on that pervert’s head than learn anything.

“So handsome! Lord Silver, my Lord Silver, take me away with you～”

Nina kissed the photos with a lovesick grin, especially the close-up titled *The Hunter Under the Moonlight*.

That embarrassing name was all Nina’s idea.

“Why do you look so unhappy, little Shea?”

“I’m happy. I’m joyful. I’m practically floating to heaven right now.”

Shea’s tone was flat, robotic—zero trace of actual joy.

Sadly, Nina’s single-track mind missed the sarcasm entirely. She clutched the photos, gushing wildly.

“Thank you so much, little Shea! Without you, I’d never have seen Lord Silver’s heroic figure.”

“No need to thank me. You’re my *best* sister, after all.”

Shea gritted her teeth on “best.”

For this cash-cow “sister’s” photos, she’d been groped by wandering hands. Eight hundred gold coins? A total rip-off.

Worse, he’d even called her flat-chested. How infuriating.

Shea’s mood today was terrible.

“But I never expected you, little Shea, to work night shifts at newspapers and as a private detective. Your photography skills are amazing!”

Nina sighed, tucking the photos away. The camera? Shea claimed it was broken—keeping it was fine. It was her dad’s anyway, worthless.

“Otherwise, how would I afford school? Steal? I don’t want to end up in court.”

Shea lied smoothly. To hide her identity, she did take legit night jobs—including the newspaper gig Nina mentioned.

City newspapers hired nocturnal beastmen to spy on celebrities, snapping photos and twisting stories for attention. Authorities turned a blind eye, ignoring all protests.

Private detective work was simpler: tailing targets, sneaking in, gathering intel. It paid a little.

Both jobs earned about a hundred gold coins monthly—maybe three or four hundred on a good month.

The real money came faster from robbing the rich to help the poor.

That showed just how massive Abel’s Spatial Ring fortune had been. And how insanely wealthy Nina’s family was.

“But be careful, little Shea. If they catch you, it’s dangerous. If things get bad, come work as my maid. Five hundred gold coins a month is great. And since you work nights often, take this alarm.”

“Thanks. I’ll think about it.”

Shea took the alarm but didn’t agree. Working under nobles felt awful thanks to her despicable little sister. Plus, five hundred coins? Nowhere near enough.

Three million gold coins—that debt meant she could only cover the interest each month, no matter how hard she worked.

The newspaper and detective gigs fit around her main job, though.

“Class dismissed, everyone.”

The lesson ended. After saying goodbye to kind-hearted Nina, Shea headed home.

“I hope that damn Hunter isn’t here.”

Just remembering last night made her scowl. She entered the room, face stern.

To her surprise, Abel sat rigidly on the sofa, posture perfect, expression grave.

“Evening, pervert uncle.”

The greeting dripped with sharpness. Abel didn’t argue—he just stood.

“I’m sorry, Shea. I didn’t know it was you.”

His apology felt sincere. Nearly a day had passed; her anger had cooled.

But she kept her stern face. Ignoring him, she went to the kitchen to cook dinner.

“Is she really that angry...”

Abel felt dejected. He’d provoked this commoner girl repeatedly yesterday. Even a clay Buddha would snap.

Maybe moving out was best. Once he had money, he’d repay the gold he’d borrowed.

He started upstairs to pack.

While he trudged, Shea’s head poked out from the kitchen. “Where are you going? Dinner’s ready. Set the table.”

“I...”

“Objections?”

“No.”

Abel was baffled. Was she still mad? Was this his last meal?

He didn’t dwell. He set the table and waited for her cooking.

The wait was short.

They sat face to face. Shea’s expression stayed cold as she carefully sliced her steak.

Abel didn’t eat. He hesitated.

“Shea, I’m sorry about that incident. Actually... for everything these past days. To make it right, ask me to do anything. Anything at all.”

Abel was honest. Shea knew—a Radiant Sun Rank Hunter’s “anything” offer was priceless outside.

He truly was a good person.

But goodness didn’t excuse being a lucky pervert.

This guy had caused chaos in just days. Shea put down her knife and fork with a sigh.

“First, you barged into the bathroom—I forgave you. Then you teased me with gold coins—I let it slide. But less than a day later, your hands were on my chest? What’s next? Sleeping in my bed soon?”

She snapped the last part crossly.

Abel flushed with embarrassment.

Honestly, sharing a bed with Shea sounded perfect to him.

But he couldn’t say that now.

So he forced the words out.

“I, Silver Hunter Abel, swear I’ll never sleep in your bed. May lightning strike me dead if I break this vow.”

His solemn oath moved Shea.

He’d said it. And it *had* been an accident. She might as well forgive him.

*Rumble...*

Thunder crashed outside as a storm broke over the gloomy sky.

The smile on Shea’s face froze.