Chapter 10
. Will You Take That Opportunity?
Though he didn’t answer her question, the man politely asked for her understanding. Even though her own question had been ignored, Chanellica wasn’t too upset.
She just hadn’t known this temple was that kind of place. For somewhere supposedly off-limits, there wasn’t a single sign out front. Not even a notice saying entry was prohibited. A line across the door, a rope to block the entrance—something like that might have made her hesitate. Not that it would’ve stopped her, given her personality.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know this place was restricted.”
Chanellica decided to just be honest.
“I wanted to see a god, so I just entered the nearest temple I could find.”
“You just walked in?”
“Yes. The door was open.”
At her words, the man’s expression subtly shifted.
“Then… are you the one in charge of this temple?”
“…Yes, I am.”
“Am I going to be punished?”
The man looked at the woman standing before him. A young woman, maybe in her late teens or early twenties at most.
“Technically, yes…”
His words trailed off. He noticed her slender arms trembling slightly.
Suddenly, the man said something even he hadn’t expected.
“Since you didn’t know, I’ll let it slide just for today.”
“Really?”
“But on one condition—you must not tell anyone you were here.”
“Of course! I won’t say a word!”
Chanellica responded brightly. Her voice, full of life, was pleasant to hear, the man thought.
“Well then—”
Grrrrgle.
Before he could finish speaking, a thunderous sound echoed through the quiet temple.
“……”
Chanellica’s eyes darted around awkwardly.
Unmistakably, that noise had come from her stomach. She’d heard that hungry people’s stomachs make strange sounds, but she hadn’t expected it to be that loud.
All she’d had today was some bread she bought from a bakery after leaving the Cartel mansion that morning. She’d skipped every meal since, driven by the single-minded goal of reaching this temple.
Still, she hadn’t even realized she was hungry—until now.
“Are you hungry?”
Chanellica wanted to deny it. Say the sound didn’t come from her, that it was from outside—don’t misunderstand, please!
But denial would be pointless. The man’s eyes were already filled with sympathy as he looked at her.
To be pitied by such a handsome man…
She felt her dignity shatter like a cracker underfoot. But in that moment, an idea struck her. As soon as she recognized the sympathy in his eyes, Chanellica sensed an opportunity.
“Ah… Yes, actually…”
She lowered her head, speaking in the most pitiful voice she could muster.
She quickly reminded herself of her circumstances. She had lost everything Rod had given her. She was nothing but a penniless polymorphed hatchling. With no place to stay tonight, she might have to hide and sleep on the floor of this temple.
This was the perfect chance to get help!
Chanellica decided to take advantage of the man’s sympathy.
“That’s why I came into the temple…”
She made her voice as small and sorrowful as possible.
“You came in because you were hungry?”
“Yes. I was pickpocketed today, so I don’t have anything on me.”
“Oh…”
“My family’s far away, out in the provinces, and I’m completely broke right now…”
“I see.”
“That’s why I came. Most temples offer warm meals to the lost or needy. I didn’t know this one was off-limits…”
She was debating whether to squeeze out a tear when—
“I’ll take you to a restaurant.”
“W-What? Oh, no! I couldn’t possibly impose like that, especially not after you’ve already shown me such kindness!”
She frantically waved her hands in refusal—pretending to decline, of course. Inwardly, she was cheering.
“Don’t worry about it.”
The man’s warm voice rang in her ears.
“You may not have met a god, but you did meet me.”
The place he took her to was a small eatery in the nearby village. So small and rundown it didn’t even have a sign—most people wouldn’t even realize it was a restaurant. Inside, there were about five tables. There were no customers, only someone near the counter—presumably the owner—who welcomed them warmly.
“Do you come here often?”
Chanellica asked as she sat at the outermost table.
“No, this is my first time. Since you came from that place, I thought it’d be best to avoid attracting attention.”
“Oh, I see.”
“I hope you’ll forgive me for not taking you somewhere nicer.”
“Not at all. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.”
That’s what she said, but she was also starting to suspect that he might not have much money. His clothes looked like those of an ordinary commoner—someone who lived day to day.
It had been too dark to see clearly on the way here, but now that they were inside, she could properly see his face. His golden hair, his pale skin…
He was stunning. So handsome it was almost blinding.
There really are a lot of good-looking men in the human world.
Suddenly, another face overlapped with his—Derwin’s.
Are you skipping dinner again tonight?
“Please, eat.”
The food arrived. A large grilled fish, bread, and salad. When they came in, the man had told the owner to prepare the restaurant’s best and most luxurious meal. It didn’t look luxurious, but the savory aroma made Chanellica’s mouth water.
She began eating. As soon as the food hit her tongue, it was like fireworks went off in her head. Not quite as good as the meals at the Cartel mansion, but when you’re starving, anything tastes divine.
“Does it suit your taste?”
“Yes! It’s amazing!”
The man smiled faintly at her enthusiastic reply.
“I’m glad to hear it.”
“Please, have some too! You didn’t just order for me, did you?”
“I ate just before I went to the temple. But if you’re still hungry, I’ll order more.”
He really was a good guy. How could someone be this kind? Good face, good manners, good heart—the only thing lacking was status and clothing.
This man…
“You’re too handsome. It’s a waste, honestly.”
“Pardon?”
“…Huh?”
Suddenly, awkward silence.
“Did you just say something… to me?”
“…You heard that?”
“Yes.”
It was an unfortunate side effect of her habit of thinking out loud. Her thoughts had escaped her mouth.
She felt her face burn with embarrassment. She quickly lifted her cup and drank water to buy time, then composed herself.
“I guess I said what I was thinking. You really are handsome.”
“Ah…”
“I know it’s rude to say something like this when we just met, but… it feels like a waste, so I had to tell you. If you used your looks right, you could really improve your situation.”
“Used… my looks?”
“I don’t mean anything bad by it! I just mean… if you caught the eye of a rich or noble lady, you might land a good job or something.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Chanellica winced. She’d spoken too bluntly. It came off as nosy and presumptive—especially when she didn’t even know the guy. She’d basically implied his situation was poor.
“Um…”
She glanced at him nervously.
“I said something I should’ve kept to myself. I’m sorry if I offended you.”
She closed her eyes, bowed her head, and looked up again. Fortunately, his face showed no signs of annoyance.
“And what about you, miss?”
“…Sorry?”
“Don’t you think the same way? About catching the eye of a rich or powerful man and gaining status?”
His tone was polite, but something about his words felt sharp. Still, his face remained calm.
Chanellica couldn’t read him.
Was that a genuine question? A jab in return? Was he mocking her way of thinking?
“…That would be nice, I guess. But I know my place.”
Not yes, not no—but I can’t.
“You’re very handsome, sir. But I don’t think I’m pretty enough for something like that.”
Of course, that wasn’t what she truly thought.
Chanellica was quite confident in her looks. But in this situation, she had no choice but to downplay herself and flatter the other party—to escape this awkward conversation.
But the man seemed to think otherwise.
“You’re plenty beautiful, miss.”
“…Thank you. That’s kind of you to say. But not to the extent you mentioned.”
At this point, Chanellica felt like she was on the road to becoming Queen of Humility, cobbling together any words she could find.
“And if such an opportunity did come to you—”
The man clearly wasn’t ready to drop the subject.
“—would you take it?”
Chanellica blinked in confusion. His expression was serious.
She must’ve really messed up her wording earlier. Did he think she was some social climber? Was he about to report her for sneaking into the temple?
“Oh… that kind of opportunity…”
Apparently, her earlier vague response hadn’t been enough.
In the end, she decided to put an end to it with the truth.
“That kind of opportunity doesn’t exist for me.”
It was time to be firm.
“I already have someone.”
“Ah.”
Finally, the man’s previously unwavering expression shifted. But Chanellica couldn’t decipher what that change meant.
Was he flustered? Disappointed? Upset he didn’t get the answer he wanted?
Either way, she felt like she’d won this dragging conversation. The man bowed his head.
“I apologize. You have a husband.”
“Uh… no, not yet. But I do have someone I’ve promised a future with.”
Strictly speaking, he wasn’t a person, but a dragon.
“And does he know you’re in such a difficult situation right now?”
