Of course, I can’t blame him. Even someone as clever as me couldn’t catch that mosquito, so how could he possibly catch it? And he called me stupid, too. Hmph!

But what Elina didn’t expect was for Ryan to plant a foot against the wall and flip backward, snatching the mosquito—which still hadn’t reacted—in his palm midair.

“All right, hurry up and go. I’m going to sleep, so don’t bother me.” After crushing the mosquito, Ryan didn’t even seem to mind the mess. He brushed himself off, lay down on the cardboard, and waved her away.

Only then did Elina react. She looked at the blood on the back of the boy’s head, the wounds all over his body, and finally his ragged clothes, soaked by the rain. She asked hesitantly, “You’re sleeping here?”

“Where else? Did you think I could live in a big house like you noble ladies? I just got to this city and was planning to take the Elemental Awakening Ceremony, but someone robbed me, and now I’ve got nowhere to stay. So I’m staying here. Anyway, don’t stick your nose into other people’s business. Hurry up and go.” Ryan smiled breezily, as if this whole tragedy hadn’t upset him in the slightest.

Elina furrowed her brows slightly and bit down hard on her pink lip. Her little hands had gone pale from clenching them so tightly. That very morning, she’d said she wanted all of Frank’s people to be happy. Yet by nightfall, that promise had already been thrown back in her face. She knew it wasn’t her fault—so long as people still had desires, wicked acts like this would never stop.

All she could do was help these poor, unfortunate people as much as she was able. And when she got back, she’d tell Mom they needed to tighten security in the city. Making sure things like this happened less often was something she could do, at least.

But in the end, she was still too weak. She had no authority to make decisions at all. Maybe only when she became a Ninth Rank big shot would she have the power to pass judgment between good and evil. Still, since she’d run into him today, she’d find a way to make it up to him.

Of course, she wasn’t a saint. She knew saving all mankind wasn’t something a supporting character like her could do.

Elina sighed and rummaged through the pocket of her cotton skirt. It was completely empty. She patted her little head. Oh no—she’d spent her money buying food for Caro.

But the others should be back to look for her soon. She’d wait here a little while.

“Noble lady, what are you still standing around here for? I’m not exactly a person of high status. If people saw you hanging around somewhere like this with me, it wouldn’t do your reputation any good.” Seeing that Elina was still standing there, Ryan waved her on.

Just then, Eve and Caro’s voices came from nearby. “Elina?! Are you in the alley?”

Elina breathed a sigh of relief. They were finally here! She hurried out and asked, “Eve, do you have any money on you?”

“Yeah, I’ve got five silver coins. I didn’t bring much with me. What do you need them for?” Eve asked, puzzled.

“Um... there’s a boy over there who isn’t doing so well...” Elina hesitated, but decided to tell the truth.

After all, her identity was rather sensitive. If she kept it secret and Eve and the others found out, it might only put the boy in danger.

Eve looked at Elina and sighed. She said nothing, just handed her the five silver coins. Her princess was simply kindhearted—that was a good thing, and Eve shouldn’t try to stop her. Still, when they got back, she’d have Her Highness Alaya give Elina a talking-to. She was a princess, not a god. She couldn’t save everyone.

.......