Hearing my words, the beauty paused for a moment, then chuckled softly as she raised her wine glass.

"So you mean I have potential?"

"Of course."

After clinking glasses with her, I downed the wine in one gulp.

Refreshing. No wonder—it was something you couldn’t taste in the real world, with its own unique charm.

"You’re quite arrogant. But I like that. Still, doesn’t everything have a price?"

Price?

I frowned slightly but quickly let it go.

Even in this fictional world, relative realities existed. Wherever people gathered, transactions followed.

"So, beauty, what’s your price to buy me?"

Resting my chin on my left hand, I kept a smile while my right hand gently swirled the wine glass. Under the dim light, the liquid shifted hues subtly.

"Leveling up, farming bosses, completing quests—your choice."

"Leveling up."

A Level 27 Wind Mage’s damage output wasn’t a joke. With her, map-clearing efficiency would triple at minimum.

"Name your price. But fair warning—I’m only selling for one day."

"Heh, fine. I hate hassles. One-time offer: 100,000 gold coins. That’s all I have."

A flicker of disdain crossed the beauty’s eyes at my words, but she quickly composed herself.

"Deal."

System prompt: [Violet has sent you a trade request.]

[Yes] [No]

"Relax. Someone at my level wouldn’t scam you for a measly 100,000 gold. Besides, I’ve been bored lately—carrying people to level up builds karma."

The beauty said it casually, then proved her sincerity by displaying her gear.

Top: Kamuna’s Mage Robe (Artisan)

Weapon: Kamuna’s Flame Staff (Legendary)

All other pieces were Rare-tier equipment.

Just her weapon was worth over 3,000 RMB; the robe around 1,000.

Since the in-game gold-to-cash ratio was 1:1000, her staff alone equaled 3,000,000 gold coins. She truly had no reason to scam me for 100,000.

"Accepted."

I clicked [Yes] and entered 100,000 gold.

Just as I was about to confirm, an ill-timed voice shouted over.

"She’s a scammer! Don’t trust her!"

Glancing sideways, I spotted the girl—and a smile tugged at my lips. It was her.

System prompt: [Trade successful. You have lost 100,000 gold.]

"What a pity, little sister. You’re too late."

The beauty stood up from the table, gloating.

"Kid, she’s right—I am a scammer. I’ll take the gold. Remember: the prettier the girl, the better the liar. Don’t fall for it so easily next time, handsome."

With that, she blew me a kiss and strode off.

"Hmph—why, why?! I told you she was a scammer! Why did you click ‘Yes’?!"

The girl slammed her fists on the table, glaring at me furiously.

Flame-like red hair spilled loosely down her back, her petite frame forming an alluring curve.

Visually, she was a total beauty.

Above her head, her name and level glowed:

Alicia the Scorching, Level 17, Class: Icefire Mage

Oh? A Rare class—Icefire Mage. Perfect for my needs.

"My fault?"

"Who else’s?! Jerk! I’ve been ignored again. Damn it, damn it, damn it!"

Pounding the table wasn’t enough—now she kicked its legs. Thankfully, this was a game; system protection kept furniture intact.

"Let me clarify one thing."

I raised a hand to stop her tantrum. More and more onlookers were staring.

"Talk!"

Pouting with cheeks puffed, Alicia finally sat still—but even seated, she glared at me angrily.

Hey, missy, really? I’m the one scammed, yet you’re angrier than I am.

I didn’t say it aloud. Someone caring enough to rage for you was worth appreciating.

"Truth is, I knew she was a scammer. I was about to cancel when you startled me—and my hand jerked."

I spoke casually, as if it didn’t matter.

A tsundere like her should be easy to fool… hopefully as naive as the Guild Leader.

Bang—the table shook loudly.

"So you’re blaming me?!"

The furious missy shot up, glaring down at me.

"N-no, of course not! I’m grateful you warned me. It’s just… ah…"

I lowered my head, my expression turning despondent.

"W-what’s wrong all of a sudden? I-I didn’t bully you!"

Seeing my sorrowful face, Alicia sat back down, confused.

She forced her anger down, facing my gloom.

I slumped over the table, wiping tears from my eyes.

"Why’s a grown man crying over 100,000 gold? I-I’ll give it to you!"

The mood shifted, and Alicia tried to comfort me.

I lifted my head, shaking it as tears slid down my cheeks.

"It’s not that. This gold was half a month’s savings—hard-earned by the Guild Leader and me. We’re free players: no money, no gear. We couldn’t beat monsters alone, so we pooled everything to recruit a partner. Now we’re back to zero."

Stare—

"D-don’t look at me like that! Like a stray puppy waiting to be adopted!"

Arms crossed, Alicia turned her head away, avoiding my gaze.

! It worked—actually worked.

I hid my inner delight.

"If I can’t find a partner soon, the Guild Leader will scold me. And now the gold’s gone… what’ll I do? Maybe I should just delete my account."

"N-no way! I’ll give you the gold."

"I was so determined to help the Guild Leader claim the Emperor’s throne. But after half a month, we can’t even kill low-level mobs. No one wanted to team with us—and now our savings are stolen."

"S-stop! I get it. I understand. Just… don’t cry anymore, okay?"

Faced with my pitiful state, Alicia grew flustered.

"So I really must leave this world I love. One favor: tell the Guild Leader I still love her. If we meet again in another life…"

"…W-what are you doing?! Don’t do anything stupid!"

Panicked, Alicia leapt from her seat and hugged me from behind to hold me back.

Mmm, this feel was unexpectedly nice. She looked flat-chested, but her chest was surprisingly soft. Could she be secretly well-endowed? Worth pondering.

"Don’t stop me. Please deliver my message to the Guild Leader."

"Don’t be reckless! Eep—you’re touching where?!"

In the struggle, I turned and accidentally buried my face in her modest chest.

Alicia froze. Arms crossed, she glared at me with icy eyes.

"Hey… you’re not faking this, are you?"