Chapter 14: The Power of Gold Coins

“Did you remember what I told you?”

“Mm-hm, I remember.”

“Yiluo, you won’t suddenly sell me, right?”

“Idiot, of course not.”

“You’ll be back soon?”

“Mm-hm, I’ll be quick.”

“Alright…”

“But still, don’t take any risks.”

“Don’t worry, I’m very capable.”

In the luxurious inn room, Coco peeked out from under the blankets with a pitiful expression, her two cat ears drooping low as she finally agreed to Yiluo’s request to go out for a while.

After comforting Coco, Yiluo did not choose the front door.

Instead, she leapt straight out of the third-floor window of the hotel.

As she fell, Yiluo held down her skirt, feeling the chilly wind rush beneath it, silently sighing.

Even though the maid outfit allowed her legs to move more freely, preventing exposure was something that constantly demanded attention.

Yiluo looked up at the sky.

The moon was hidden behind layers of dark clouds, making the entire town unusually dim.

“Well, perfect.”

“A dark, windy night — perfect for killing and arson.”

With her soft murmur, her figure disappeared into the alley.

Yiluo easily forced open the window of the clothing shop.

After fumbling around a bit, she weighed the coin pouch in her hand — not counting silver, there were already seven gold coins.

In the darkness, she looked up at the store full of dazzling, neatly displayed clothes.

“What a pity.”

But since they had dared to harbor wicked thoughts toward her and Coco, this was what they deserved.

Flames flickered in the night, breaking the town’s usual calm.

The countless handmade, luxurious garments became the best fuel for the fire.

By this time, Yiluo had already reached the other side of town.

Every city had one or more taverns offering cheap beer and affordable food to adventurers, mercenaries, and young men and women seeking entertainment.

Taverns were also the main places that provided opportunities — most urgent or low-priced jobs were found there.

This town, located on an important route, was no exception.

Tonight, the tavern welcomed an unusual guest — a young, beautiful maid.

Yes, it was Yiluo.

As she entered, the noisy atmosphere noticeably quieted.

Most people paused their drinks to observe the beautiful maid, guessing her purpose.

The drunk young men even whistled and playfully invited her to drink with them.

Yiluo’s expression remained cold as she ignored the rude invitations and stopped at one of the tables.

She slapped her palm down on it heavily.

Bang—!

The tavern fell silent.

Some were intimidated by her icy, arrogant aura, while others eagerly awaited a scene.

“Oh, beautiful maid lady, I am the owner of this tavern, Welt Kerry.

May I ask what brings you here?”

The owner was a young man with long golden hair and a carefree expression, though he showed some restraint before Yiluo.

He had influence locally and believed he judged people well.

Yiluo’s sharp gaze alone made him hesitate — anyone who could cultivate such a maid must not be someone to offend.

Yiluo glanced at Welt and spoke proudly.

“My master needs a guide who is both skilled and experienced to lead the way to Green Barrier.”

Green City was the outermost city of the Elva Empire, famous for its towering walls.

Supported by the Green Barrier, it had resisted several fierce demi-human assaults in recent years.

At her words, the tavern buzzed again.

Many were eager — the journey from town to the Green Barrier took only four or five days and was simple work for local adventurers and mercenary groups.

“Beautiful maid lady, I, Luson, am perfect for this job!

The bandits around here run away as soon as they see me!”

Before Welt could speak, a bald giant nearly two meters tall stood up, lifting his massive one-and-a-half-meter cleaver with pride.

Welt looked at Yiluo, curious how she would respond.

Yiluo glanced at the giant Luson and shook her head.

“You would scare my master.

And your strength is not up to standard.”

The tavern crowd became even more excited.

Some even snickered at Luson’s appearance.

Luson grew angry.

“I am a second-rank warrior!

Even a third-rank warrior would—”

Before he finished, his right hand trembled with numbness and pain.

Clang—

His giant blade flew out of his hand and was pinned to the wall—by a fork.

A fork Yiluo had casually picked up from the table and thrown.

Silence.

Absolute silence.

Everyone imagined what would happen if they were pinned by that fork instead.

“Laugh! Why aren’t you laughing now!”

“I, Luson, accept the words of such a strong lady!”

He glared at those who mocked him, retrieved his blade, respectfully saluted Yiluo, then returned to drink.

Welt hurried to speak politely.

“Maid lady, it may be difficult to find someone who meets your requirements here.

But please, this way — I’ll introduce someone to you.

A fourth-rank warrior.”

Yiluo nodded.

Welt exhaled in relief and then shouted to the tavern:

“To celebrate the arrival of such a strong and beautiful maid, I am honored!

Tonight, one free cup of Marl ale for everyone — and drinks are 20% off!”

Cheers erupted.

“Miss, this way please.”

Yiluo followed him to a dim corner where a man around thirty sat gloomily with a wine glass.

“Hey, my friend!

Perk up — this lady is both beautiful and strong!”

The man sighed.

“I saw her strength.

Even I’d be useless to her.”

“Better to sit here and drink.”

Welt introduced him.

“This is my friend Jack — a proper gold-rank adventurer, fourth-rank warrior, famous at the Green Barrier Adventurer Association.

No one here fits your requirements better…

He’s just been down lately because his girlfriend and his money ran off.”

Jack scoffed.

“Oh please, Welt.

Women don’t bring me money — they take the savings I risked my life for!”

Cling—

A shining gold coin rose into the air before Jack, then dropped into Yiluo’s hand.

“Oh my god, a gold coin!

Apologize, you idiot!” Welt smacked Jack on the head.

Jack froze, then suddenly stood up straight, all traces of drunkenness gone.

“Jack Williams.

Fourth-rank senior warrior.

Gold-rank adventurer.

Fifteen years in the Green Barrier — no one knows it better.

At your service, my lady.”

Yiluo nearly laughed at how fast he changed faces but held back.

“My master does not like beards.”

With a whoosh, Jack’s sheathed dagger shot out.

A blur of blade light — and his beard fell cleanly to the ground.

“As a temporary guide, my master wants you dressed formally.”

Welt stepped in.

“I’ll handle that!”

“Tomorrow morning at six.

A luxury carriage at the Blessing Inn.

Can you do that?”

Jack puffed out his chest.

“Rest assured — the finest carriage in town.”

Yiluo tossed him a gold coin.

“Jack, alcohol cannot heal heartbreak — but gold coins can.”

“Another coin after we arrive safely at the Green Barrier.”

Jack bit the coin, eyes lighting up.

“Of course! Gold coins can heal everything!”

“Boss! Drinks for the whole tavern are on me tonight!”

Another gold coin hit the counter.

Welt yelled to the tavern:

“Everyone! Drinks tonight are paid for by this beautiful lady!”

Cheers filled the room again.

Yiluo quietly left the lively tavern.

She had wasted enough time — Coco was still waiting for her at the inn…