Agnes's eyes went wide with horror at what she'd just said.
Her hand flew up to cover her mouth.
"No one. I didn't mean..." She stammered, stepping back from me quickly, creating distance. "It's nothing, Master Jin. I misspoke. I wasn't thinking clearly—"
"Really?"
The single word stopped her retreat.
She bit down on her lower lip, hard, her hands twisting together in front of her.
The silence stretched between us.
I waited, keeping my expression open. Not pushing. Just... waiting.
Finally, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.
"It's... it's about my mother."
I frowned slightly. "Your mother?"
She nodded, still not meeting my eyes. "T-The healers... Yes, the healers threatened that if I don't pay them on time, they won't treat her anymore. The treatments are expensive, and if I leave here, if I lose this position..." Her voice cracked. "I won't be able to afford them. And she'll die."
I blinked.
Then blinked again.
