Colliver asked in astonishment, "That's right. What about it?"
The world was ridiculously small, Renard thought.
Scum Renard had been kicked out of Constantinople Academy and sent home for reflection because he'd spied on a girl named Ariel while she was bathing. Not only had her suitors beaten him black and blue, they'd stripped him naked and paraded him through the streets.
Those suitors had considerable influence. They'd used their connections to have him sent back to Saint Brieuc Fortress. Could all of this really be such a coincidence?
Renard looked Colliver over again, growing suspicious. Could the beautiful girl from his memories really be this fellow's daughter?
"How many gold coins do you send her each year?" he asked.
"Ten gold coins. Why?" Colliver's expression turned despondent. "If I hadn't just sent her the money, would I be in such dire straits?"
"Then she probably isn't." Renard felt a little relieved. The Ariel he remembered wore gold and silver, and her outfit alone must have been worth dozens of gold coins—far beyond what an old mercenary could afford to provide.
Besides, ten gold coins a year would only cover her tuition. Colliver's daughter must be having a pretty miserable time.
Thinking of this, Renard decided he ought to help her when he went to Constantinople Academy. A beautiful girl shouldn't have to suffer.
Whenever Renard thought of the words "Constantinople Academy," he couldn't help feeling scornful.
It claimed to be the finest institution on the continent, but in truth, it was little more than a place where nobles went to polish their credentials. Commoners who genuinely wanted an education were turned away at its high walls. Even the few poor souls lucky enough to get in became laughingstocks, mocked and bullied by everyone.
And nobles like him were no