"An, did something happen? You look positively radiant."
"Hm? Ah, it's nothing. I just had an unexpected stroke of luck this morning."
"Hee, I'm jealous. Lili had a bit of a rough time yesterday."
"Rough time? What happened?"
"Oh, just the usual. It wasn't anything serious, so you don't need to worry about it."
"Hmm, if you say so."
At Lili's answer, the man simply nodded in understanding.
That was the extent of his interference.
He never pried into her personal affairs without permission.
Lili was satisfied with this boundary.
They got along in moderation, and used each other in moderation.
They faced each other in moderation, and stepped back in moderation.
They trusted each other in moderation, and remained wary in moderation.
That was the nature of the relationship between them.
To an outsider, it might seem like nothing more than a cold, cynical arrangement, yet within that space, there existed an undeniable, firm sense of trust.
However, that trust was warped in various ways, skewed by one side's measured goodwill and the other's fragile sense of frustration.
And for good reason.
There was no way a contradiction—where one offered one-sided kindness while the other merely leaned on it without expectation—could be entirely without problems.
Even so, neither of them questioned their dynamic.
One simply thought, with a carefree optimism, that the other would eventually open up.
The other simply lacked the courage to take a single step forward.
And so, their relationship had continued in this twisted fashion.
It was surely a bond destined for eventual ruin.
But for now, at the very least, both were moderately satisfied with this distorted arrangement.
Perhaps that was why Lili was able to smile with a glimmer of genuine happiness, even if only in this small way.
"By the way—I know I'm the one who suggested it, so maybe I shouldn't be asking—but are you really sure it's okay to give Lili this much?"
"Of course. A contract, whether spoken or written, is a contract. If I were to break such a thing, I couldn't call myself a Magus."
Besides, most of my own share was already spent on things I needed before I could even think about it.
With those words, the man brushed off Lili's cautious concern with a bright, effortless laugh.
Reassured by his smile, Lili relaxed and obediently accepted her share.
Between the magic stones, drop items, and miscellaneous loot, it totaled approximately 1.2 million valis.
For Lili, who primarily operated as a supporter around the upper floors, it was a staggering sum—the kind of money she would normally never see.
A look of pure satisfaction naturally spread across her lips.
As expected, money possessed a truly devilish charm.
She felt so blissful in the moment that she wondered if she could somehow break through the limits of her level through sheer happiness.
"Ufufu, money... it's real money! To earn such a huge amount all at once... It was terribly exhausting, but as expected, the income is incredibly sweet when I'm with you, An. If possible, I'd love for this to happen more often. Do you have any plans to head back down anytime soon?"
"Nope. The commission is finished, my business with you is done, and I unexpectedly got the item I wanted. It's time for me to get back to my main profession."
"Your main profession? Come to think of it, you mentioned you were a mage, right?"
"More precisely, a Magus. But it's essentially the same line of work, so it doesn't make much difference."
"Ah, I'm so jealous. Unlike Lili, who has to run herself ragged just to earn a little at a time, you can make a fortune simply because you possess talents far superior to everyone else's. I'm so envious I could turn green."
"You really think so?"
"Of course."
She meant it.
Unlike her own insignificant self, Lili genuinely envied this strong, exceptional man who was special in a way no one else was.
If only I had that kind of talent... or even a fraction of a fraction of it...
If I could be reborn in the next life as someone like him...
Maybe then, Lili's pathetic life would be a little different.
She truly believed that.
"Then how about this? Why not work as my assistant?"
"Your assistant? Is there something specific you want Lili to do?"
"It's not that. I want to hire you for the talent you possess, as a person."
The man's sudden proposal left Lili speechless.
A brief silence fell between them.
However, her answer was already decided.
"It's a rare and generous offer, but I'll have to decline."
"Why? I'm willing to offer very favorable terms."
Despite his repeated, regretful insistence, Lili simply shook her head.
Lili trusted the man.
However, that trust was strictly professional—a temporary bond formed for a specific task.
As a short-term partner, he was an excellent companion, but to go further—to bind their fates and walk the same path together—was still far too much for her to handle.
And for good reason.
Lili had not yet shown the man her lowest depths, and similarly, the man had not let Lili into his inner sanctum.
They had established a relationship while keeping a careful distance. In such a state, even if the other person invited her to step forward, she couldn't simply accept.
For a timid coward like Lili, it was an impossible leap.
The memory of their first meeting still lingered, and he still frightened her.
That was why she refused.
Because it was the only choice she felt she could make.
"I'm truly grateful you asked... but unlike what you might think, Lili probably wouldn't be of much help to you."
"I'm the one who decides that, aren't I?"
"Lili knows Lili best."
"Hmm..."
The man frowned slightly at her refusal.
That small reaction sent a jolt of fear through Lili.
She worried he might suddenly snap and hurt her, or that this moment would permanently sever the fragile thread of trust they had built.
"Well, fine. I wasn't trying to force you. If you're still hesitant, it can't be helped."
"Thank you for understanding, An."
Fortunately, the man respected her decision.
As his frown vanished and he smiled, it seemed as though he was being considerate of her anxiety.
Or perhaps...
"I'm not withdrawing the offer entirely. If you ever change your mind, contact me. I'll make sure you're well taken care of."
"Hehe, I doubt that day will ever come. But if it does, I'll look forward to working with you again, An."
"Yeah, yeah."
And so, their conversation came to an end.
At least for today.
He won't retaliate later just because I turned him down, right? Ah, I'm so anxious. I really should have volunteered to take a smaller cut of the pay. Still, since we've said our goodbyes, we won't have to see each other for a while. I should focus on other things in the meantime.
Starting tonight, it's time for an all-night marathon! Ah, where should I even begin?
Lili departed to store her earnings in her secret vault, and the man returned to his shop to resume his work.
For a while, there would be no more stories involving the two of them.
"Adventurer! Adventurer! White-haired adventurer!"
"Hm?"
However, for Lili, her story was only just beginning.