Even for Alte, over one hundred thousand gold coins was no small sum. Judging from his expression, that Enchanted Short Spear was clearly a weapon of great importance to him.

If she tried to run, and Alte truly pressed the matter… with the influence of the Dragon Knights Order, she’d never survive in human society. She’d be forced to become a rogue dragon, wandering desolate mountain valleys.

No internet. No games. Not even soda or chips…

No way!! Just the thought of returning to that primitive life made Favna clutch her head in despair.

Whether out of conscience or self-preservation—there was no escaping this. She’d have to admit her mistake obediently. Maybe, just maybe, he’d show mercy.

But… 120,000 gold coins.

What if that damn Captain Alte demanded she pay the debt *with her body*?

Wait—no. Captain Alte seemed upright. He wouldn’t pull a move straight out of a hentai manga.

"*Guess I’ll have to work it off…*"

At Naro City’s median wage of 300 gold coins a month? Even living on air, it’d take over thirty years.

"Mmph…" Favna gave up. Hands clasped, she murmured to the void: "I’m sorry! I really don’t have the money! Please… forgive me…"

The timid dragon turned to flee back to Naro City, pack her bags, and vanish somewhere beyond the Dragon Knights’ reach.

But the moment she stepped out of the lair, she froze.

The lair’s protective array was intact. Humans couldn’t move those boulders. So why was her money gone?

"Could… a dragon have stolen it too?"

She reopened the empty chest, scanning with magic. Sure enough—a faint trace remained.

A message.

*"My dear little sister~ Your second elder sister ran out of coin for drinks, so I ‘borrowed’ your savings~ With humans so powerful these days, robbery’s not exactly stable work~ Just a tiny loan, promise!"*

"…"

Favna nearly shattered the chest in rage.

Damn it! Do you have any idea this was your little sister’s lifeline?! Without it, do you know how miserable I am?!

Furious as she was, she had no clue where her wandering second sister had vanished. Recovering the money? Hopeless.

Before dawn broke, Favna flew nonstop toward Naro City.

Once cell signal returned, her phone buzzed.

"Who’s messaging at this hour?"

Claws gripping the phone, she saw Alte’s name. His tone was casual:

"Miss Favna, aren’t we queuing up for a game tonight?"

Sent minutes ago—he was still awake. Seeing the "read" receipt, he added:

"Let’s set the 120,000 gold debt aside. If you’re truly short on funds, I can introduce you to work."

*You’re offering me a job?* she thought bitterly. *Why not just wipe the debt?*

…A foolish hope. They were strangers. Why would he?

Yet his nonchalance stirred something deep in the dragon who’d never known friendship.

Shifting to human form, she flew slowly and typed:

"I will repay you. I have no intention of running. Please don’t worry—I’ll come discuss it tomorrow."

Her solemn message left Alte—fresh off work, grinding a raid instance at 4 a.m.—thoroughly baffled.

"Why does Favna seem so worked up?"

"Bro, sleep already! It’s 4 a.m.!" Philo snapped, yanking the power cord.

The Dragon Knight let out a heart-wrenching wail: "MY GEAR’S STILL IN THE LOOT POOL!!"

---

The next day, at the Dragon Knights Barracks.

Alte waited, curious what "trick" the little dragon girl had planned. He was certain she couldn’t pay 120,000 gold.

But instead of Favna, an old friend arrived.

"Long time no see," said a black-haired man, plopping beside him. "Found your contract dragon yet?"

"A few leads. Dragons are elusive. I’m not rushing…" Alte paused, smirking. "What about you, Prince Abel? Weren’t you just married? Why visit your old classmate now?"

Rumors had shaken the empire: the prince infamous for his silver-haired obsession had married—a black-haired catgirl under 140cm. Envy burned.

"Didn’t you vow to *only* marry silver-haired girls? So… you ended up eating your words?"

"Sigh~ Complicated. Just treat the rumors as nonsense."

Abel slumped into the sofa, exhausted. "So? Why aren’t you with your wife?"

"Don’t even ask." Abel clutched his chest. "On our wedding night, I promised to work my whole life for her happiness…"

"Sounds great. Why sigh?"

Alte rolled his eyes at the humblebrag. "Can’t satisfy her?"

"Get lost! My Radiant Sun Tier strength’s no joke! That tiny catgirl? I could pin her with one hand and make her meow."

"If you keep bragging about married bliss, I’ll kick you out. Spit it out."

Abel cleared his throat, mimicking a soft voice:

*"Silly Husky~ Just do your best. I’m already happy. Don’t stress. I have hands and feet… if trouble comes… I’ll run away on my own."*

"Pfft!!"

Alte burst out laughing.