C128
"Hey! Stop!”
Shirone took a step and shouted.
Gamose looked back at Shirone with a ridiculous expression. He wondered just which guy didn't know anything jumped out rashly, but it is actually a boy that was still in his teens, and he even held a basket in both hands.
"What's up with you, kid? Where did this brat come from?"
"Please let go of that woman. Everyone is watching, and guard will be here soon."
“Puhahaha! Guard? Do you even know who I am?"
"What difference does it make if I know who you are? If you keep doing this, I'll personally go and call for guards."
“Hmm….”
When Gamose loosened his grip, the woman quickly slipped away and hid behind Shirone. He was just a boy, but among the many people in the crowd, Shirone was the only person she could rely on.
"Please save me. This man was trying to..."
Gamose frowned and approached.
"What a miserable thing, you're making me annoyed. Hey, kid, I'm a trader here on Galliant Island. That woman stole my things. She tried to steal fine porcelain and broke it.”
"Huh? Ceramic?”
Shirone blinked. If the man's words are true, then the woman standing behind him would be a thief.
In the end, it was said that he tried to get compensation with her body because she tried to stole something, it was an ambiguous situation to take someone's side.
"That's right. Of course, I did ask for her body on the premise of the ceramic. But since she broke my stuff, shouldn't I be compensated in some way? If you call the guards, the one who's going to get arrested is her."
When Shirone turned around, the woman who met his eyes hurriedly averted her gaze.
“Is what he said true?”
"Yes, I'm sorry. But I really needed that ceramic. I really am."
"Hahaha! There's no case in the world where someone absolutely needs a ceramic. If you need something, it's money. I was just trying to help you make money. You see, kid? It's not good to get involved with women like her. Of course, unless you're looking for a companion for the night. Isn't that right, folks?"
The onlookers burst out laughing along with Gamose. It wasn't a particularly funny situation, but it was because the tension that had been overlapped with various factors was relieved at once.
“It looks like you came to hang out with your friends, so why not scram and cook some delicious food. This is what happens when you carelessly interfere in the affairs of adults.”
The woman waved Shirone's arm and pleaded.
"Please don't leave. I don't know what that man will do if you leave."
"Why don't you just confess? If you talk to guard, it'll be resolved."
"I absolutely can't. That man has a tight grip on this island. Please believe me."
“How much does the ceramic cost?”
"I don't know the exact price, but it's probably around 50 silver."
Shirone was lost in thought. It's not difficult for him to shell out 50 silver for a woman. But is it really right to pay compensation just because he has money? He thought that just as he had no right to judge someone else's sins, he also had no right to pardon someone else's sins.
Shirone made a decision and approached Gamose.
"I'll compensate for the ceramic instead. So please let this woman go."
Gamose narrowed his eyes in surprise. Of course, 50 silver is not a lot of money for nobles. But what could be the motive for him to protect the woman even against his powerful position on Galliant?
"Ahh, I see you want to take her for yourself? But well, where would a kid like you get such a beauty for 50 silver?”
Shirone's brow narrowed. He was uncomfortable with Gamose's words, who only saw things from a lustful perspective.
"I don't think like that. Do people think everyone is like you?"
"Then why are you stepping in? This woman is a thief. You could just hand her over to the guard and she’ll be fine."
"Whatever this woman did, it's not my place to judge. Nevertheless, the reason I'm willing to use 50 silver is because I think she shouldn't pay a greater price for the crime she committed. If you plan to do something more to this woman, please accept this money and let her go."
The woman who heard Shirone's words lit up her eyes as if she had realized something. Gamose, on the other hand, snorted at her. He only pay 50 silver, so what's the point of thinking so complicated?
"Here, 50 silvers. Now, please let the woman go."
Gamose stared at the silver coin on Shirone's palm.
To be honest, he couldn't feel good about this situation. The woman was too precious to let go, and he disliked Shirone's attitude.
From his point of view, it looked like an ignorant kid who lost his senses over the beauty of the woman.
"There's no need for money. I've got plenty. But I do have one condition."
"Condition? What is it?”
"I know you're a gallant man who sacrifices for a woman. Then, can you apologize to me on her behalf? I mean, bow your head to me in front of everyone."
The attention of the onlookers was focused on Shirone. It was uncommon for someone to accept humiliation for another, but Shirone stepped forward without hesitation.
"Alright. If that's what it takes for you to forgive her, I'll apologize."
"Don't just talk, bow down. I want a very sincere apology."
Tags:
Infinite Mage (Novel)
