"I came at just the right time."
Yan Huan took his hand off the helm, a faint sadness in his eyes.
"Looks like Penacony still can't do without the Nameless."
Inside a luxurious cabin aboard the airship.
Jade stood with her back to the girl behind her, gazing out the window with a faint smile.
"Welcome to the Jade Pawnshop, Fleeting Starlight Branch."
"Miss Samuel, I've kept you waiting."
"I imagine you contributed quite a bit to everything happening aboard this ship."
"No, it was simply what I should have done." Firefly lowered her head modestly.
Jade turned around and looked at the shy girl before her.
"Then, Miss Samuel, what do you want? And what are you willing to pay for it?"
The room fell utterly silent.
Firefly's voice rang out, firm and resolute.
"I want to live."
"For that wish, I'm willing to stake everything I have."
"Everything you have?" Jade could not help frowning at that answer.
"Yes. Everything." Firefly's gaze was unwavering.
"..."
Jade took a deep breath. After a long silence, she slowly turned away.
"Miss Samuel, please leave."
"I don't think you understand what pawn means."
"What do you mean?" Firefly's delicate brows drew together.
"I mean exactly what I said." Jade looked at the people trapped on kites outside the airship and spoke in a low voice.
"I can feel your powerful desire to survive. It burns like a blazing flame. But in return, you have nothing of equal value to offer as collateral."
"..." Firefly pressed her lips together.
"I see."
Firefly looked at Jade's back and said in disappointment.
"So a pawnshop where wishes can be granted through collateral... it was all just a mysterious act."
Jade turned back to look at Firefly.
"That's quite a harsh accusation. Still, it's