Chapter 11: Worried about Lillian

“I told you, you can go by yourself.” Ian said.

“No way, I’m kinda scared to face Aetherina alone.” Lilian clung to Ian’s clothes, not letting him leave.

“Then what am I supposed to do there? Be a third wheel?” Ian asked.

“I don’t care, you have to come with me. I’ll even pay you extra.” Lilian pulled out her final move, trying to convince Ian to join her.

Hearing the mention of extra pay, Ian was clearly tempted.

He asked tentatively, “How much extra?”

After hearing Ian’s response, Lilian let go of his clothes and started fidgeting with her fingers, calculating like a schoolkid.

“One gold coin?” Lilian said weakly.

At the mention of one gold coin, Ian’s heart raced.

He had to admit he was tempted.

When he worked as Veronica’s butler, he only earned three gold coins a month.

If he’d known Lilian was this generous, he would’ve switched sides ages ago.

But seeing Lilian’s expression, it didn’t seem like she’d hit her limit yet.

So, to squeeze out more, he said, “Nah, forget it.”

Ian started walking toward the door again.

“Don’t go! Two gold coins?” Lilian’s tone grew anxious.

But she didn’t see Ian stop.

She hurriedly shouted, “Three gold coins, no more!”

Finally, Ian stopped.

He turned around and said, “Well done, Second Young Miss. Your sincerity has won me over.”

Truth be told, Ian hadn’t always been so fixated on money.

The five gold coins Lilian paid him monthly were enough to cover his debts.

Besides, helping her win Aetherina was already his job as her hired strategist.

But ever since his bloodline was activated by the system, he’d developed a peculiar obsession with gold coins.

That’s why he kept pushing to drain Lilian’s little treasury.

Going near Aetherina might be risky, especially since the item she was looking for was in his possession.

But for the gold coins, Ian agreed to Lilian’s proposal.

Seeing Ian finally agree to go with her to find Aetherina, Lilian bounced in place, brimming with joy.

Watching her cheerful antics, Ian couldn’t help but think, “This silly girl would probably help count the money if someone sold her out.”

“Let’s go then.” Lilian, a bit out of breath from hopping around, said.

Suddenly, as if remembering something, Lilian asked Ian, “By the way, do you know where Aetherina is right now?”

Crap, he’d been so focused on misleading Veronica that he completely forgot about this.

What now? Contact Veronica to ask for Aetherina’s location? But what if Veronica caught on?

“I don’t know.” Ian answered honestly after a moment’s thought.

“Ugh, looks like the great and mighty Lilian has to step in.” Seeing Ian didn’t know, Lilian put her hands on her hips, puffing up proudly.

She pulled out her communicator and made a call. “Hello, I want all the info on Aetherina within ten minutes.”

After hanging up, Lilian raised an eyebrow at Ian, as if fishing for praise.

Just a few minutes later, a file was sent to her communicator.

Watching Lilian’s move, Ian felt the gap between people.

With just one call, Lilian got Aetherina’s info.

“So Aetherina’s at the plaza in front of the teaching building?” Lilian said to Ian, reading the text on her communicator.

“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go.” Ian said.

Ian and Lilian headed toward the plaza of Saint Roland Magic Academy.

Before long, they reached the area near the plaza and spotted Aetherina from afar.

To Ian’s surprise, there were two other figures beside Aetherina.

As they got closer, Ian finally recognized who they were.

They were Princess Sophia of the Kingdom and Princess Flora of the Elves.

“Didn’t expect those two to beat us to it.” Ian thought, relieved. “Good thing Lilian dragged me along. With her naive nature, those two would’ve run circles around her.”

Aetherina looked at the approaching duo, feeling a strange familiarity with Ian, though she couldn’t recall any interactions with him.

She spoke slowly, “And you are?”

At Aetherina’s words, Lilian visibly tensed, staring blankly at Ian beside her.

Ian sighed and stepped forward. “Hello, I’m Ian, and this is Lilian from the Saintess family.”

Aetherina nodded at Ian’s introduction and introduced herself. “Hello, I’m Aetherina.”

“May I ask why you’re looking for me?”

Ian asked, “I heard you lost something, is that right?”

“Yes, that’s true. But how did you know?” Aetherina tilted her head, puzzled.

Ian had prepared for this question. “It was Lady Veronica from the Saintess family who told us.”

“Second Young Miss Lilian heard about it and was eager to help you find your lost item.”

Aetherina nodded at Ian’s words, glancing at Lilian with a smile. “But I might not need your help.”

Ian didn’t panic, saying calmly, “More people, more power. Doesn’t that increase the chances of finding it?”

“Or is that item not important to you, Aetherina?”

Aetherina pondered Ian’s words for a moment.

Before she could respond, someone else spoke up.

A girl with long golden hair, strikingly beautiful features, pointed ears, and a white-and-green dress spoke. “I don’t think it’s necessary. With me here, I can help Aetherina find her lost item.”

“Even Princess Sophia can head back.”

Beside Aetherina, Sophia, with vibrant red hair, heard Flora’s words and raised her head proudly. “I am chosen by the Phoenix God. With me here, you all can go home. I’ll definitely return the pearl to Aetherina.”

“You’re still like this, Princess Sophia. Honestly, I’m a bit worried your chuuni attitude might slow us down in finding Aetherina’s pearl.” Flora covered her mouth, smiling, looking at Sophia like she was a child.

“Enough, stop arguing.” Aetherina, tired of their bickering, stepped in.

“Ian’s right—more people means more strength, and that pearl is very important to me.”

“So, I’d appreciate everyone’s help in searching for it.”

Hearing Aetherina’s words, Ian felt his suspicions about her were spot-on.

Wasn’t this classic “charm everyone” talk? Keeping both sides happy while shifting the topic.

Flora smiled elegantly. “Aetherina’s business is my business. How could it be trouble?”

“I shall lend my aid.” Sophia, not to be outdone by Flora, declared.

“I… I’ll help too.” Lilian timidly stood beside Ian.

Hearing Lilian’s lack of confidence, Ian worried about her chances of winning Aetherina over.

“So, do any of you know where to look?” Ian asked, pointing out the current problem.

“Well… not really.” Flora said, slightly embarrassed.

The others hesitated, saying nothing.