Saintess? Not Anymore! I'd Rather be a Destroyer-Chapter 262 - 248: Beggar

"Hmm, so why are we just sitting here?" Aurianna wondered, glancing around at the group. Her gaze lingered on Peter, who seemed more tense than usual.

Peter sighed. "I wanted to ask for your help."

"My help? I’m sure you’re capable of handling whatever may come your way." Aurianna chuckled, though she studied his face, sensing something was amiss.

"Not this time," he replied, his tone heavy.

Aurianna’s smile faded. "What do you mean, Peter?"

Shuwi leaned in, curious. "Yeah, what’s going on?"

Peter exhaled slowly. "Remember, we were supposed to rescue Princess Penelope, the demon princess from the Gitus Empire, from the Flonkong organization?"

Shuwi nodded. "I remember. You said it was a simple mission—we’d just buy her from them."

"That’s what I thought too," Peter admitted, clenching his fists. "But the situation has changed. The princess of Uraikya, the Promised Land, wants to buy her as well. Not as a slave, but as... meat supplements."

A stunned silence fell over the group.

"What the hell? That’s insane!" Elena burst out. "Aren’t they the same race? And isn’t the princess of Uraikya the daughter of a Saintess?"

Peter shrugged. "Do you think other races care about harming their own? Let’s not be naive here, Elena."

Elena frowned, falling quiet. "Alright," she muttered reluctantly.

"Then we just bid a higher price for her," Christopher suggested, folding his arms. "Lets outbid them."

Peter shook his head. "I already tried that. From the information I’ve gathered, the princess of Uraikya has more influence and power than I anticipated. I even added my own funds, but it seems they’ve been given holy weapons as part of the exchange, so my offer wasn’t accepted."

Shuwi gasped. "Holy weapons for one person? Is she insane? Those are world treasures!"

Peter’s brows creased. "My reaction exactly. I can’t imagine why she’d go to such extremes."

"Maybe," Aurianna interjected thoughtfully, "there’s something in Penelope’s body that would transfer to her if she... consumed her."

Bartholom frowned. "Can you explain, Aurianna?"

Aurianna raised an eyebrow. "Eating someone to gain a skill. You’re unfamiliar with this?"

Panz’s gaze darted to Aurianna, wary. ’How does she know about that? The way she said it with such confidence is concerning,’ he thought nervously, but kept silent.

Aurianna shrugged. "I’m certain Princess Penelope has a rare skill that the Uraikya princess desperately wants. Probably something powerful enough to warrant giving up holy weapons."

"An interesting theory," Peter murmured, considering her words. "You may be right."

"So what do we do? They could kill her anytime!" Panz’s voice was tinged with urgency.

Peter nodded grimly. "I want us to head to the auction house this evening."

"But the main event doesn’t start for another three days," Nae pointed out, frowning.

Peter shook his head. "That’s just the second auction. The real one, where the high-status bidders gather, happens first. Tickets were... not cheap," he sighed.

"How much?" Aurianna asked, raising an eyebrow.

"One magic coin per ticket," Peter replied.

A collective gasp echoed as everyone processed the price.

"Yep, that’s expensive. But I managed to secure tickets for all of us—and for your people, too, Aurianna."

"My people? Why include them?" Aurianna asked, her curiosity piqued.

Peter gave a sly smile. "I want you to work with us. We have similar goals after all."

Aurianna crossed her arms. "Similar? I doubt it."

"Help us out, and I’ll make sure you avoid any, let’s say, ’legal repercussions’ that might come your way." Peter’s smirk widened. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

She scoffed. "Why would I need that?"

"You were planning to raid the Flonkong Organization, weren’t you?" he asked, watching her reaction closely. Seeing the flicker in her eyes, he knew he was right.

"Damn that time magic of yours," Aurianna muttered, rolling her eyes.

Peter chuckled. "It’s quite handy, you know." Though he thought privately, ’Oddly, I can never see her future directly. I had to gather this by watching others around her.’

"So what’s the plan?" she asked, her interest piqued.

"I’ll make you our main distraction," Peter explained. "You’ll keep their eyes on you while we secure Princess Penelope."

Aurianna shrugged. "Not a bad offer. I guess I’ll accept."

"Just her?" Elena’s eyes widened. "Isn’t that dangerous?"

"She’ll be fine," Batholem said reassuringly.

Nae tilted her head, studying Aurianna with a hint of doubt. "You put a lot of trust in her."

"Yes, I do," Peter replied with confidence.

"So, when and where should we meet?" Aurianna asked, ready for the details.

"At our current hotel, where you also stay," Peter replied. "Meet us around 9 p.m. Five carriages will escort us from there. The location is a secret, and the drivers are special couriers of the Flonkong Organization."

"Alright, then," Aurianna said with a nod.

_______

After savoring the last bite of the cake Batholem had bought her, Aurianna watched him head off, leaving her alone in the bustling Heaha streets. She strolled through the lively streets, her gaze wandering over the stalls and people around her, until something unusual caught her eye.

Ahead, she saw Juvin crouched beside a beggar boy, pressing a small gold coin into the child’s hand. The boy’s face lit up as he thanked Juvin, then darted off down the street with joy.

Aurianna approached, her expression cold. "What’s the point of giving that child money?" she asked, her voice edged with skepticism.

Juvin turned to face her, with his usual calm yet enthusiastic expression. "If I can help them in any way, I shall."

Aurianna folded her arms. "And will you feed him tomorrow? Or the day after that? Giving him that much money just invites trouble." She pointed toward a group of beggars nearby, their eyes fixed on Juvin with envious looks. "Can’t you see those prying eyes?"

Juvin glanced around, noting the gazes, but his expression didn’t falter. Aurianna continued, "Will you protect that child and his friend from all those who’ll go after him for that coin?"

Juvin met her gaze steadily. "If that’s what’s needed, I would. But right now, I have other priorities like our mission. I told the boy to get a good place to stay for the time being."

Aurianna scoffed, shaking her head. "Using a bit more sense wouldn’t hurt, Juvin. Your ’kindness’ won’t change anything. All it does is cause trouble for that little beggar and yourself."

"I can take care of myself," he replied gently. "But... thanks for worrying about me."

Aurianna looked away, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Who said I was worried about you?" she snapped, trying to hide her embarrassment.

Juvin smiled. "Even if it’s just for tonight, that boy and his friends will have a warm bed and full bellies. It’s something, at least. I know giving them just one coin won’t change much of their lives. But if they use it well they can make a better future for themselves. And don’t worry, nothing will happen to them. I made sure of that."