[07 — Greed]

"Snnffhh!!!"

Ahh... money. Oh, sweet curse.

How can something smell so good and yet be so disgustingly delightful?

I slap the pouch beside me, already knowing what I'll find.

The sound of the clinking coins sends shivers down my spine. It's like the clash of metal is the only voice I ever need to hear again.

You are the lullaby before the cradle—the holy trumpet heralding the arrival of joy.

How graceful is your presence.

How mournful is your absence.

A thousand coins may fall to my left, ten thousand to my right, and I will not only be struck, I will be buried under your blessing.

Each coin is an heir. One that rips my heart every time it leaves home.

I cry when I think it might never return; that it might find a better place and I'll have to replace it with its kind.

But I never forget the joy you once gave me, for the glory reflected on your golden shell is immense.

I ask you: how many have you seen die?

How many have you seen kill?

How many castles have fallen because of you?

And how much blood ha—

"Oi! Markus! What the hell are you doing just standing there?!"

Argh! How dare she interrupt my prayer?

I slap the pouch again.

"Don't worry, sweetheart. That troglodyte will never understand your true value."

"Move your ass already!!!"

"I'm coming, you damn hag!"

"What was with that nasty face you were making back there? Don't tell me you were staring at my thighs..."

"Your thighs? Do I really look that desperate? You think I'd go after just any garbage?"

"What did you just say?! Ha... That's why you're gonna die single. Not that I care. Let's go already, we need to find Dan. If we take too long, we'll end up camping out here."

"Don't need you rushing me."

Now that she mentioned it... Maria really does have a fine pair of legs.

What a waste that she's too profitable for me to risk messing it up just for a bit of fun. But maybe... just a little wouldn't hurt—

"Urgh! Disgusting. I can see the drool from here."

"P-pff... You?! Don't flatter yourself, woman."

"I'm not flattering myself, just stating the obvious... And what the hell is that? You, of all people, walking around with a book? That's gotta be a bad joke."

"A book in my hand, yes, that's what you're seeing. And clearly, you don't understand the value of money or know anything about trends. Don't you recognize this cover? This book's being sold everywhere! Everyone's heard of it."

"Everyone? Your delusions are as sharp as ever. Since when can you even read?"

"W-what was that?! Say that again, I dare you!"

"Hahahaha! Next time, think twice before bragging, dumbass."

Even with the alley packed, she weaved through it without bumping into a single person.

Tch... Her personality's garbage, but I have to admit: her reflexes are sharp.

Dan was just up ahead, that ridiculous bald head of his reflecting the sun like a damn mirror. If I'm not careful, I might mistake it for a giant gold ball.

"How long are you gonna keep daydreaming?"

"…These bastards..."

Well... I guess this group isn't all that bad.

For now.