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“Sister…” The word triggered something in Fiat, who, barely conscious, suddenly mustered all his remaining strength. “Do not hurt my sister!” he pleaded weakly.

“I won’t hurt her,” Yaeger assured casually, tossing him aside like a rag doll. “Come to think of it, you guys are really big on bluffing,” she mused, reflecting on the empty boasts of Zamas and Fiat, who were not as formidable as they claimed, especially compared to Yasa empowered by [Warlock Markings].

“My sister, you can’t hurt…” Fiat’s energy completely drained after his outburst. He lay on the ground, weak and mumbling incoherently, like a sick dog.

“Aurora has such a great brother. How lucky,” Yaeger remarked, aware of Fiat’s sister and even her address. ‘The genius enchanter Aurora and her bounty hunter brother, Fiat. Known in Jade City, yet not particularly remarkable to players,’ she thought, shaking her head lightly.

These siblings were central to a lesser-known questline. It revolved around the genius enchanter Aurora, who had become deathly ill five years ago. Her brother, Fiat, turned to bounty hunting, risking his life by killing others to afford her medical fees. The player’s mission in this quest was straightforward yet challenging: find a competent doctor for Aurora or procure special medicine for her.

The only reward for completing this quest was the siblings’ favorability. Fiat had exhausted all his earnings on Aurora’s medical bills, leaving them in such dire poverty that even rats would find their home uninviting. Players widely regarded this mission as the most unrewarding, given its demanding nature and lack of substantial rewards.

Yaeger, in her previous life, had shown no interest in this quest, seeing it as a futile effort for minimal gain. Many players had embarked on this mission, only to abandon it due to its difficulty.

The challenge lay in finding a competent doctor or special medicine in a world where most ailments could be healed by Priests. Aurora’s unique condition was immune to the powers of Priests, making the quest even more daunting.

Doctors were not highly regarded in this world due to the effectiveness of Priest healing, making competent medical practitioners a rarity. Players who were well-connected with the royal family stood a chance of finding a solution, but for most, the task was nearly impossible.

Recognizing the quest’s impracticality in relation to its difficulty, players deemed it utterly pointless. However, the current Yaeger saw an opportunity in this mission. She didn’t need to search for doctors or medicine; she could solve Aurora’s problem herself.

By doing so, she could gain a master engraver, a valuable asset, without any cost. Engravers, akin to enchanters in other games, were rare in Jade City, especially those with mastery in their craft. Securing Aurora’s loyalty as a master engraver presented a lucrative opportunity for Yaeger, one she was determined to seize.

Yaeger conjured several glowing green needles and casually threw them at Fiat. The needles transformed into pure energy, rapidly healing his body. Gradually, Fiat regained consciousness, astonished to find his wounds mostly healed.

“You… Healed me?” Fiat rose to his feet, his eyes wide with disbelief and a desperate longing, like a starving wolf eyeing a lamb.

“Yes, it’s me,” Yaeger replied calmly, arms crossed.

Overcome with remorse and realizing the gravity of his actions, Fiat suddenly knelt before Yaeger, his voice filled with regret. “Princess, it’s my fault, it’s my bad! I shouldn’t have accepted this bounty!” he exclaimed, striking himself in self-reproach.

Yaeger watched, her lips twitching slightly at the dramatic turn of events.

‘What is he trying to do?’ Yaeger wondered, observing Fiat’s unexpected behavior.

“Are you crazy?” she asked, her voice laced with incredulity.

“No, I’m punishing myself to apologize to you!” Fiat replied, slapping himself once more. In his eyes, the Black-hearted Princess before him was akin to a deity, a savior who could rescue his sister. He viewed this encounter as a critical opportunity, one he was desperate not to squander. Apologizing was his priority, even if it meant extreme self-harm, all to gain her forgiveness.

“Who issued the bounty?” Yaeger asked, choosing not to reveal her knowledge of his sister’s illness immediately. It was a strategic move to gain leverage by letting him plead for help.

Fiat divulged everything, almost revealing the entire background of those involved. “Viscount Yelu? What a petty man. I only kicked him once. I’ll deal with him later,” Yaeger commented nonchalantly, unfazed by the number of enemies she had amassed.

Fiat, both shocked and impressed, realized she was indeed the Empire’s scourge, unafraid to confront high-ranking nobles.

“Lucky for you, I’m feeling generous today. I won’t kill you,” Yaeger dismissed him dismissively, like shooing away a stray dog.

“Wait… Wait, [Princess], I have a request!” Fiat called out, seeing her about to leave. He couldn’t let this miraculous chance escape. After years of fruitless searching for a cure for his sister, he was convinced of Yaeger’s healing prowess and was prepared to do anything for her assistance.

“Heh,” Yaeger smirked, looking down at him. “You dare ask for my help after your earlier attempt on my life? Do you have no shame?”

Fiat felt a cold shiver run down his spine, realizing the audacity of his request. Despite his intentions to kill her, she had spared his life, an act of remarkable leniency. His shamelessness knew no bounds, but his desperation left him no choice but to beg.

“[Princess], please, I implore you to use your extraordinary healing skills to cure my sister! I will dedicate my life to serving you if you do,” he pleaded, slamming his hand on the ground, shattering the tile with a crisp sound.

“Alright, since you’re so earnest, I’ll make an exception and help your sister,” Yaeger finally relented, finding his sincerity sufficient. Fiat’s reaction was one of unbridled joy, jumping up and celebrating the unexpected turn of events.