The dungeon conditions were truly grim. No sooner had the girl sat down than three or four rats scurried past her feet.

Villagers in the cell kept glancing at the quiet girl tucked in the corner. Some curious ones even tried approaching her multiple times to ask how she’d ended up here.

After all, her mannerisms were nothing like an ordinary commoner’s—more like a noble lady.

But her perpetually cold expression kept them from speaking up.

Time slipped by. When Sophia opened her eyes from a brief nap, the narrow, crumbling window showed the sky had fully darkened.

“The time is near,” Sophia murmured, watching the sun sink behind distant peaks.

An instantly grasped her meaning. It let out a cruel chuckle. “So… decided to deal with these bandits?”

Sophia stayed silent—the cell door was creaking open.

Several bandits entered, pushing a small cart. Clearly here to deliver rations.

They wouldn’t let the villagers starve, but neither would they feed them well.

Two meals a day: half a dark bread loaf and a tiny cup of water per person.

Women who’d… *served* the bandits the previous night might get slightly more. On lucky days, a few drops of raw milk might even taint their water.

“Hehe, respected Miss Magician,” one leered. “Boss sent us to ask—what’s your answer about spending the night with him?”

Their words held false politeness, but their tone dripped with mockery and lust.

Sophia said nothing, her sapphire-blue eyes fixed on them, icy cold.

Receiving no reply, the bandits clicked their tongues. A few spat toward her.

“Ungrateful bitch. One night? Hmph… Acting so pure. Bet you’d be wild in bed.”

“Hey, shut it. Boss hears this, he’ll skin us.”

“Fine, fine.” The bandit waved dismissively, then shot a venomous glare at the villagers. “Anyone who gives this bitch *anything* to eat—I’ll kill you myself.”

Seeing the crowd shrink back in fear, his ego swelled. He puffed his chest and swaggered out.

Sophia watched the door shut, her gaze sharpening to frost.

No food had been left for her—not even a crumb.

They meant to starve her into begging.

And what would she have to offer?

*Heh…*

A cold laugh echoed inwardly. She closed her eyes again, leaning against the wall.

Too early yet. She’d wait longer.

An sensed her emotions—but to its surprise, found little anger or resentment. Only profound indifference.

Unexpectedly, Sophia opened her eyes again soon after.

Not by choice. A small boy beside her had gently roused her.

“Miss… are you hungry? I have… more than half a dark bread loaf. Please, take mine to tide you over.”

He first tore a small piece from his half-loaf. But meeting Sophia’s sapphire eyes, he froze—then hastily tore another piece from his already-meager share and offered both.

Under her gaze, his voice grew hushed and reverent.

Sophia didn’t take it. She studied the boy willingly sharing his last food.

Thin, small—barely reaching her shoulder. His face smeared with dirt and filth. Most would kick him away.

Yet Sophia noticed his eyes.

*Beautiful.*

An odd word for a boy. But fitting.

Like a flawless sapphire. A treasure beyond price.

“Not… not enough? I can give you mine too! I’ll be fine tonight—more comes tomorrow!” he stammered, thinking she refused due to hunger.

Sophia shook her head. Silently, a hand hidden beneath her dark robe pointed behind him.

The boy turned. A woman rushed over, yanked him into her arms, snatched the bread, and shoved it back into his chest.

“Mom? What’s wrong?”

“Trying to get killed?! Didn’t you hear the bandits?!”

“But…”

“Worry about yourself! Don’t meddle!”

She scolded him sharply, then retreated to their corner without glancing at Sophia.

Sophia watched them go. Her eyes flickered faintly.

*Indeed… When you can barely survive, why care for others…*

*“Hehe… ‘Mom’? Hehe…”*

An’s laughter echoed suddenly in her mind. Sophia frowned. “What?”

“Nothing. Just… amusing.”

She knew this foolish dragon loved half-finished phrases, pretending to be profound.

In her eyes? Utterly idiotic.

She turned. Her sapphire eyes met the boy’s again.

His own sapphire-like gaze held quiet worry and pity.

Sophia paused—then looked away, pulling her hood lower.

Nearby whispers drifted to her ears:

“Your kid’s fearless. Lucky the bandits were gone—or he’d be flayed.”

“I know… That girl’s tragic too. Noble-born, captured… judging by their words, tonight she might…”

“Shh! Don’t speak. We can barely save ourselves. Don’t meddle.”

“…”