Chapter 103: A God-Slayer Maid for 500 Euros
In a small shop on the streets of Athens, two God-Slayers and a Heretic God sat together. Erica and Liliana sat reservedly on the side, keeping silent. This was a conversation between "kings," and it was not their place to speak. When there were outsiders, they strictly adhered to their roles, maintaining decorum.
The local Athenian magician was sitting on pins and needles. He wanted to leave but didn't dare to. Instead, he sat upright, focusing on keeping his presence as inconspicuous as possible.
Athena, on the other hand, had no desire to speak. Being near a God-Slayer made her uncomfortable. Heretic Gods would rather enthusiastically mingle with ordinary people than spend time with a God-Slayer. If not for Roy's powers, which altered his essence, Athena's pride would never have allowed her to tolerate proximity to someone she considered "reeking of stench."
"Madame, regarding the money I paid on your behalf earlier..."
Roy, with the air of a money-minded merchant, brought up the unseemly topic of "money" shortly after ordering a few drinks.
Raising the topic of finances with any other Campione would have been pointless, but this approach worked with Madame Aisha. Without hesitation, Roy aimed straight for her Achilles' heel.
"Ahh—money. I will definitely pay you back later, sir. But I'm a bit strapped for cash right now, and I don't even have a penny on me. Once I find a job in a few days, I'll return the money... Oh, by the way, sir, you know my name, but I don't know yours. That seems a bit unfair."
Madame Aisha flushed slightly, though her brown skin made the redness less noticeable.
"Roy Crowley. That's my name. I became one of your kin a little over a year ago after slaying a god."
Roy introduced himself. Even the reclusive Eastern Cult Leader had learned his name during this year, yet Madame Aisha didn't seem to know. It appeared she hadn't been in the modern world recently but had spent the past year in ancient times.
"By the way, the stall owner you affected with your authority won't be able to work today because of it. To compensate him, I paid 500 euros on your behalf. That means you owe me 500 euros. Given your current circumstances, you'll likely have to work here in Athens. But with Greece's economy in poor shape recently, earning 500 euros through odd jobs could take you at least a month."
Roy spoke like a miserly accountant, meticulously calculating every cent with Madame Aisha.
"One month..."
Madame Aisha froze at his words, then forced a dry laugh. "…Well, although it's a bit long, if Mr. Roy can wait a month for me…"
"I wouldn't mind waiting, Madame Aisha. But the people of Athens might suffer. I'm well aware of your authority's uncontrollability. If you stay in Athens for a month, the citizens might face a miserable fate.
"…Or do you plan to use your authority to raise funds from ordinary people? With the effects of your authority, I'm sure your fanatical believers would gladly hand over all their family assets. But Greece is already in dire straits. The government just declared bankruptcy not long ago. When your authority fades, those poor citizens who donated everything to you will be left destitute, unable to support even their families. You wouldn't want to see such a scene, would you, as the kind person you are?" (T/N: Wow)
Roy's tone was filled with a saint-like compassion. Under the influence of his The Face of God, he appeared to be a savior lamenting the world's suffering.
The local magician from Athens nodded fervently. Allowing Madame Aisha to stay in Athens for a month? That would spell doom for the city. Magicians knew the terrifying nature of Madame Aisha all too well—she was a walking disaster more fearsome than any Heretic God.
"Mr. Roy, how could you say that about me? I'm really upset now~~~"
Madame Aisha's face turned red as she pouted and flailed her hands like an indignant kitten.
"But I'm speaking the truth."
"Hmm…"
One sentence was enough to deflate her protest.
"I don't want this either. I wish I could control my authorities properly, but I just can't."
Madame Aisha lowered her head, her tone filled with sorrow.
Someone as gentle and kind-hearted as her was ill-suited to be a Campione. If fate had been kinder, she might have become a Devil King who saved people from suffering, akin to a saint. But destiny had played a cruel joke, giving her uncontrollable authorities that turned her into a walking calamity feared by all.
"So, I have a suggestion. I wonder if you would consider it, Madame Aisha?"
At this moment, Roy finally revealed his hidden intentions.
"Mr. Roy, being able to befriend a Heretic God makes you my idol! Please, say whatever is on your mind."
Madame Aisha responded cheerfully and without hesitation.
"It's only fair to repay debts, but your current condition doesn't seem ideal for earning money. So, how about this? You can work for me. The pay will be generous enough for you to quickly repay the 500 euros you owe me, and you'll also be able to save for your next adventure. I know you love traveling and exploring. What do you think of this idea?
"...If you work by my side, the effects of your Queen's Curse, which mostly affects your daily life, can be nullified by my own powers, just like what happened earlier. If your Fairy's Corridor acts up, I, as a Campione, am unafraid. This way, you won't trouble anyone."
Roy's tone was smooth and persuasive, much like a wolf charming Little Red Riding Hood.
No one else in the shop said a word. Erica, Liliana, and the Athenian magician all knew that Roy was slyly manipulating Madame Aisha. Athena, too, glanced at Roy, her amber eyes full of approval. In the goddess's view, this was a display of wisdom...
Madame Aisha was also aware that Roy was attempting to deceive her, but her personality made her indifferent to such matters. Roy had calculated this perfectly to take advantage of her nature.
"Mr. Roy, how do you know me so well? Were you waiting for me here all along, planning something?"
Madame Aisha crossed her arms over her chest, feigning fear, while her beautiful face carried an expression of mock alarm as she shrank back.
"I have no interest in a 150-year-old woman." (T/N: Really? What about your 200 year old adopted Chinese sister?)
Roy responded thoughtlessly, without considering his words.
As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized his mistake. Raising his left hand in surrender, he silently braced for the consequences. (T/N: Not the right hand because he keeps that in his pocket for charging Holy Right)
As expected, Athena shot him a glare, and Madame Aisha exclaimed in embarrassment and anger, "...I am not 150 years old! I'm a beautiful 17-year-old girl this year!"
"I misspoke," Roy quickly apologized, setting aside any notion of maintaining his dignity as a man.
"Your suggestion isn't bad, but what exactly would I be doing?"
Madame Aisha swiftly collected herself and leaned forward curiously.
Roy's proposal had struck a chord with her. He had already demonstrated how to neutralize the authority that caused her the most trouble. This was the primary reason she often lived in isolation and avoided interaction with others—the authority that turned people into her fanatics.
If this authority could be nullified, she could live a more ordinary life, interact with others, and earn travel funds legally and reasonably. It was exactly what she had longed for.
"I recall that you used to work as a maid. Do you still have those skills?"
Madame Aisha's eyes lit up as she said excitedly, "...You want me to be a maid? That's absolutely fine! I've always been an excellent maid!"
She spoke with great pride, showing no sign of considering the role of a maid to be beneath her. Instead, she regarded the position as honorable, as becoming a maid had been a turning point in her life.
Madame Aisha had been a low-caste Indian 150 years ago. Born into a caste that was akin to slavery, her life was filled with hardship. However, she had been fortunate to become a maid for an English noble family. This had allowed her to escape India's harsh conditions at the time. The noble family treated her well, taught her to read and write, and helped her leave illiteracy behind due to her low caste.
After becoming a Campione, she had even worked as a maid for Marquis Voban. It was during this time that she managed to outwit both the Marquis and the Eastern Cult Leader, who had been confronting him.
For this reason, she had no qualms about becoming another Campione's maid.
Roy chuckled but refrained from saying much else. With his ability to look back into the past, he knew exactly how skilled Madame Aisha was as a maid. While she wasn't bad, she was far from exceptional—more of an average maid.
Still, being able to trick a God-Slayer into becoming his maid for just 500 euros might make Roy the most cunning businessman in the world.