Chapter 7. You Want Me to Go on a Date?
From outside the carriage, the sharp sound of a blade being drawn rang out.
It was so clear that even from inside, I could feel the threat.
Peering out into the darkness, I couldn’t make out much—only that five or six masked men had surrounded Commander Raenon.
“N-no…!”
I didn’t know what was going on or who they were, but I couldn’t let the person who helped me get hurt.
With that single thought, I rushed to throw open the door—
“Do not come out.”
No matter how hard I pushed, the door wouldn’t budge. It seemed Raenon had locked it from the outside.
“Who are you?”
His calm voice rang through the silence.
At the same time, a faint glow began to emanate from his sword.
“H-hand over the woman inside the carriage!”
Even as they shouted, the attackers instinctively stepped back, clearly intimidated by the light.
“State your identities. Until then, I will not comply.”
“If you hand her over, we won’t cause trouble…!”
Their voices sounded strained—almost pleading.
…Wait. “Her”?
Did they know who I was?
I didn’t need to think long.
There was only one person who could have sent them.
“Ah, that crazy psycho bastard—seriously.”
They were definitely Pelliot’s knights.
They must have caught up while I was delayed at the doctor’s.
But we had already left his territory. They had no right to stop a carriage in another lord’s land, especially while armed. That’s why they couldn’t reveal themselves.
Still—this wasn’t the time to think!
“Judging by the way you hold your swords, you seem well-trained.”
Raenon let out a short scoff and spoke coldly.
“An unidentified lady versus a group of unidentified armed men. There’s no need to state who the weaker party is.”
“This has nothing to do with you. It would be wise not to get involved with someone suspicious.”
Their tone was firm, but Raenon remained unfazed.
Instead, he extended his sword forward.
The blade gleamed beautifully, yet dangerously, right before their eyes.
“Whether she is suspicious or not—that is for me to decide.”
I pounded on the door.
“Please open it!”
If they heard that the marriage contract had burned, they’d run immediately!
Pelliot definitely wouldn’t have told them that!
Without that contract, they had no authority over me anymore.
There was no need to fight!
“I’ll handle it—!”
Just then—
Ding-dong!
「‘Compliment King of This Area’ excitedly purchases 100 shares.」
「Because of you, it’s raining—heart attackㅠㅠ」
“…Huh?”
The system window popped up out of nowhere.
And suddenly, Winard’s words echoed in my head:
To survive, you must sell more shares than anyone else.
My throat went dry.
…If I don’t become the protagonist, I’ll be erased.
Thinking that, my mind shifted gears instantly.
Based on everything so far, that “Compliment King” bought shares whenever Raenon looked cool.
Which meant—
they were watching right now.
I inhaled deeply, puffing my cheeks—
and screamed at the top of my lungs.
“AAAAH! HELP ME!”
“Pathetic. You’re not even worthy of being called knights.”
As if my scream were a signal, Raenon’s voice dropped with anger.
The attackers hesitated.
“W-wait—!”
Too late.
His blade flashed.
“B-block him!”
They rushed him all at once—
but no one could stop him.
Each swing of his sword drew a graceful arc of silver light through the darkness.
“AAAGH!”
Cries of pain echoed.
Dust flew. The carriage shook from impacts.
Despite being outnumbered, Raenon moved effortlessly, dodging attacks and taking them down one by one.
Not a trace of strain showed.
Every movement was elegant—like a painting.
Then—
Ding-dong. Ding-dong. Ding-dong.
Shares started selling again.
Yes! This is it!
I pressed myself against the window, trying not to miss a single moment.
But he was too fast to follow.
All I could see was the silver glow of his blade painting the darkness.
“…Ugh.”
Eventually, the attackers scrambled to their feet and fled on horseback.
The sound of hooves faded into the distance.
“It’s alright now.”
The door opened.
Stepping outside, I saw Raenon sheathing his sword.
Not even his hair was out of place.
He looked as if he had simply brushed off some dust.
Ding-dong!
「400 shares sold. Total: 2,600 shares.」
Yes!
“Commander!”
I bowed deeply.
“Thank you… so much!”
It worked!
My first successful plan!
My heart pounded with excitement.
“It’s safe now. You have nothing to worry about.”
Then his expression turned serious.
“May I ask… why you are being pursued?”
My words caught in my throat.
I had expected this—but I still didn’t know what to say.
“I-I’m not suspicious! Please believe me!”
In the end, that was all I could say.
“I have reasons I can’t explain right now, but I will tell you someday!”
If Pelliot found out Raenon helped me, it would be trouble.
It was better he didn’t know who I was.
Protect my precious source of shares!
“I understand. I won’t ask further.”
He stepped closer and spoke quietly.
“You said you have a safe place in Aurea. Are you certain… it’s safe?”
“…What?”
He pointed toward the direction the attackers fled.
“That’s the opposite direction from where they came.”
“…Then…”
“If you follow this road, you’ll reach Aurea. They were likely waiting because they expected you to pass through.”
“….”
“So I ask again. Is it truly safe?”
Only then did I realize.
They might be heading to my brother’s estate.
And Pelliot—
wouldn’t hesitate to tear it apart.
“….”
I bit my lip.
But Raenon seemed to have expected this.
“There is a Holy Knights’ residence not far from Aurea. Let’s go to the temple nearby.”
“…A temple?”
“Yes. It belongs to the Ecretus Holy Knights. Only those I permit can enter, and it’s guarded by knights.”
“I-I…”
I hesitated.
Then—
Ding-dong!
「‘Compliment King’ happily purchases 100 shares.」
「Newlyweds.」
“YES!”
I nodded immediately.
“Plans are meant to change!”
Raenon smiled gently.
“Then we’ll head to the residence.”
Soon, we arrived.
A massive white marble structure rose into the dawn.
It was breathtaking.
“Wow…”
So this was the headquarters of the Ecretus Holy Knights.
Inside, everything was even more magnificent.
Eventually, we reached a smaller building—a temple.
Priests greeted us.
“Welcome, Commander.”
I was led to a large, clean room.
“You may use anything here freely,” Raenon said kindly. “Please rest.”
After he left, I collapsed onto the bed.
Food arrived—lavish and plentiful.
I devoured it.
Then came a hot bath and clean clothes.
“Ahhh…”
But even lying in comfort—
my mind wouldn’t rest.
“My life depends on these shares…?”
It was hard to accept.
But I couldn’t escape it.
“How many do I even need to sell?!”
The system gave no clear answer.
And the more I thought about it, the angrier I got.
“If I fail, I get erased?! Seriously?!”
I clenched my fists.
“Why not just let me live as an extra?!”
No answer came.
Eventually, exhaustion took over.
When I woke again, it was late afternoon.
“…What do I do now?”
As I sighed—
Knock knock.
“May I come in?”
“Yes.”
Raenon entered.
“Did you rest well?”
“Yes…!”
But my voice lacked energy.
He studied my face carefully.
Then—
“The weather is nice today. Would you like some fresh air?”
“…Ah.”
“There’s a lake nearby. A walk might help your mood. I’ll accompany you.”
It was kind—but I wasn’t in the mood.
I was about to decline—
Ding-dong!
「‘Compliment King’ is extremely excited and purchases 1,000 shares!」
「A date?! I can’t resist!!!!」
WHAT?! 1,000?!
“THANK YOU!!!”
I shouted and bowed instantly.
“I’d love to go!”
My heart raced.
“Let’s go now…!”
Raenon blinked in surprise, then smiled awkwardly.
“I’m glad you’re feeling better.”
Another ding-dong rang out.
I clenched my fist secretly.
A walk?
No.
This was a golden opportunity.
Alright.
I’m going to make this the best “date” ever.
