The bandit leader was certain this high-level mage—who could casually cast spells—was definitely not the former type.

“Heh, so you’re just a little girl. Daring to lecture us bandits on ‘academy-style’ conduct? I’ll leave not a single bone of yours behind.”

Revealing your cards too early was a cardinal sin in negotiations.

Thinking this, the bandit leader curled the corner of his mouth. “Only one hundred gold coins? Do you really think a few coins can compensate for an entire village’s lives?”

Hearing this, the bandits froze for a moment, staring at their leader in disbelief.

To them, a single life meant less to him than a copper coin.

So why say this now?

But the one-eyed man glanced at the leader, seemed to understand, and quickly silenced his confused comrades.

“Indeed…” Sophia’s face tightened with worry. “Th-then… what do you suggest?”

A flicker of joy crossed the bandit leader’s heart, though his expression stayed calm. “Two hundred! Two hundred gold coins—or I won’t even consider releasing them.”

“B-but I don’t have two hundred…”

Sophia nervously twisted her fingers, voice trembling with panic and guilt.

The bandit leader scowled fiercely. “No exceptions. Two hundred! Or just scram—”

Before he finished, a gentle breeze lifted Sophia’s hood, revealing her exquisitely beautiful face.

Every bandit froze, utterly stunned. Unaware—or pretending not to notice—Sophia remained lost in thought about saving the villagers.

“Um… could it be a little less? I really don’t have that much…” She looked up at him with pleading eyes.

The bandit leader swallowed hard, cleared his throat. “W-well… one hundred *could* work. But you must agree to one condition!”

“One hundred is enough!? Thank goodness! Bandit sir, what is it? I’ll definitely agree!” Sophia’s face lit up as if granted a miracle, eyes shining with relief.

Staring at her pure, delicate features, a dark hunger thickened in the bandit leader’s gaze—as if a devil were clawing to break free and crush her.

Just then, the male villager’s eyes widened. “Miss Mage, don’t—*cough*!”

“Shut your mouth! Want to die now? I’ll gladly oblige!” The one-eyed man kicked his wound. Blood sprayed.

He drew his cleaver, blade raised.

“No! I already agreed! Why kill him!?” Sophia cried, glaring at the one-eyed man.

He glanced at the leader, who gave a subtle, approving nod.

“Ahem.” The bandit leader cleared his throat, drawing Sophia’s attention. “My condition: you come with us. Pay one hundred gold coins, and I release everyone.”

“Me? Why?” Sophia frowned.

The bandit leader narrowed his eyes. “If we free them, they’ll report us to the nearest city-state. What then, when Regan Empire soldiers hunt us down?”

Though barely containing his lust for this nearly trapped lamb, he watched her closely—testing her naivety.

“But how does taking *me* help?” Sophia tilted her head, a hint of confusion in her aquamarine eyes.

“You’re their savior, the Hero! With you as our hostage, they’ll think twice. Dare they alert the city lord? You die.”

Outwardly reasonable—but inwardly, he sneered.

*Saved them, so you’re their benefactor?*

*Heh. To these weak commoners, what’s a benefactor worth?*

*A few coins?*

*Only the academy would feed students such foolish ideals.*

“Um… when would you release me?” Sophia asked after a pause.

Delight flashed in his eyes. “One week. After Regan Empire patrols pass. Don’t worry—it’s just hostage duty. We won’t… *do* anything.”

The lie was thin, but he assumed a truly sheltered girl wouldn’t catch the implication.

“Um… but…”

Sophia hesitated, gaze flickering like a startled fawn.

That innocent uncertainty erased his last doubt.

*Not playing dumb to outsmart us. Truly an academy girl. Heh heh.*

He shot the one-eyed man a look. The man kicked the villager again. A shrill scream tore through the air.

“No! I agree! Just release them!” Sophia pleaded desperately.

The bandit leader grinned. “Good. Toss your wand aside. Then hand over the coins.”

Biting her rosy lip, Sophia steeled herself—dropped the wand, pulled the coin purse from her waist.

A bandit snatched the wand the moment it hit the ground.

Watching her surrender her weapon, the leader’s desire burned hotter.

“Here!” Sophia tossed the purse. Bandits fumbled to catch it, peered inside—greedy grins spreading.

“Okay. I’ll go with you. Can you release them now?” Sophia frowned.

“Wait.” The leader smirked. “To prevent resistance… we tie you up first.”

“…”

Before she could speak, bandits swarmed her, binding her wrists.

She felt their gazes grow feverish.

Pretending not to notice, she winced with flustered innocence. “It hurts… could you loosen it a bit?”