To be fair, 10,000 gold pounds was an absurdly low price for a Marionette like Hell Admiral. Cattleya was practically giving him away.
After all, the bounty on Ludwell in Loen alone was 55,000 pounds!
Klein could buy him for 10,000 pounds, turn around, and make at least 40,000 gold pounds.
Yet he hesitated. It wasn't that he couldn't afford it, but that he was trying to work out why Cattleya was being so generous.
He soon picked up on the worry beneath her offer from the color of her emotions and her subtle movements.
She's afraid of Mr. Fool's punishment, so she wants to get on good terms with me, his "blessed," and have me help lessen it?
Or is she just testing the waters?
No, I can't encourage this. What would become of Mr. Fool's authority? It's a matter of principle, definitely not because I don't have enough money.
With that thought, Klein looked into Cattleya's mysterious eyes and said pointedly, "I need to think about it. Some decisions deserve careful consideration, or you might regret them."
Cattleya's lips moved soundlessly. Only after a long pause did she put Hell Admiral away and say in a complicated tone, "You're right..."
She was just about to take her leave, disappointed, when Klein stopped her and added, "I hope we can complete this transaction after Monday's gathering."
That means I'll survive until next Monday? He's confident of it... He just doesn't want to take advantage of me? Cattleya's eyes lit up as she caught his meaning. She turned back and said solemnly, "All right."
After seeing Cattleya off, her steps noticeably lighter, Klein was about to return to the washroom. Then his gaze froze. At some point, a familiar figure had appeared by the window, her back to him. She