Chapter 11

In the image of currency values:

- Small copper coin = 10 yen

- Large copper coin = 100 yen

- Small silver coin = 1000 yen

- Large silver coin = 10,000 yen

- Small gold coin = 100,000 yen

- Large gold coin = 1,000,000 yen

It's like, "Sir, it's a problem if you give me a gold coin in a place like my humble shop."

Coins larger than a small gold coin are distant from commoners and are typically handled by nobles, officials, and major merchants.

"I can cook and eat as much as I want when I get home. We are farmers, so we have plenty of ingredients. Please don't worry and eat as much as you like."

The young Hakim was a bit hesitant, so I exuded a strong aura of not giving in.

"Then, I'll accept your hospitality without reservation."

I took a little of Ethan's bento, and the three of us ate together.

"The bento is delicious," Hakim praised. Then, while munching on the bento, he lowered his eyebrows and asked, "Can I have some water?"

"Because you have to carry the water barrels on a pole, right? Our place is at least four kilometers away. Rather, how much do you need to earn in a day to be able to eat without skipping meals?"

Hakim, who seemed embarrassed to be worried about by a younger girl, blushed and answered.

"One cup is three small copper coins, but I can't eat unless I sell at least fifty cups. But, it's not that my parents are being mean to me."

One hundred and fifty small copper coins. That means one small silver coin and five large copper coins.

"I see... I'll ask my father about the water."

"Thanks. This water and this bento were delicious. And..."

Hakim took out a neatly folded red ribbon from his pocket.

"I found it in the bushes before."

"Oh! That's my favorite ribbon. You picked it up for me. Thank you."

"No problem. It's my pleasure."

We put away the bento boxes and parted with smiles. Ethan, who had been silent for a while, said, "He's suspicious."

"Why? He doesn't seem suspicious. He works hard, doesn't he?"

"Why does he know that the ribbon is Alesia's? If he knew, he could have given it to you when he sold you water before."

"Maybe he forgot about the ribbon? Or maybe he asked around for different people?"

"Alesia, you trust anyone so easily. He might be a bad person."

We were holding hands, but I stopped walking involuntarily.

"A bad person? Are you saying he might kill us?"

"Not that far..."

(I'm talking about someone like me in my past life, who could kill hundreds of people without hesitation due to an overwhelming power difference.)

When I fell silent, Ethan panicked.

"What I mean is, Alesia, you... trust people too easily... I'm worried."

I couldn't help but stroke Ethan's cheek.

"Thank you for worrying about me."

"Stop it. Don't treat me like a baby!"

"Oh, sorry. Hehe. But, you shouldn't say such things about Hakim when you don't know anything about him."

"Sorry. I'm sorry."

That night, while the two families were having dinner, I talked about Hakim. He needs to earn one small silver coin and five large copper coins to avoid skipping dinner.

"Selling water doesn't require much capital, but the profit is thin."

"At thirteen, you're at the age where you eat more than adults."

Father and Mother said sadly.

Uncle Nathan and Aunt Benita looked gloomy.

"Ethan, when we were in Alesia's family, we were almost starving to death. Poor families can quickly run out of food if something happens."

"That's right. If Uncle Ciro hadn't taken you in, you wouldn't be alive now."

Ethan looked dejected.

"Ciro, it's okay to talk about Alesia. Ethan is old enough to keep secrets. But, don't say anything unnecessary outside."

Father thought for a moment and then said,

"If I'm going to talk, I'll do it. Okay, Alesia?"

Everyone looked at me.

It's too late if Ethan does something outside without knowing anything. It's about time.

"Okay. I'm sure Ethan will keep the secret."

Father then told the whole story, starting from when I was a baby.

"If Alesia's power is known, you won't be able to live a normal life. You might be taken away by important people. So, can you keep it a secret, Ethan?"

"Uncle Ciro, was it really a good idea to come here? The neighbors are suspicious because it started raining as soon as Alesia moved in!"

"Don't worry. It's raining in other areas too. So, it's less likely to be suspected here. Since moving here, Alesia spends two days a week sleeping in a carriage."

Ethan looked puzzled.

"If it rained only around here every night, it would be suspicious. So, Alesia spends two days a week sleeping in a covered carriage. My father and Uncle Ciro take turns driving the carriage around the capital at night or just before dawn."

"That's so sad, Alesia."

I know it's troublesome because of me. But, Father and Mother value their farming work. My rain is useful for the farm. I thought about leaving home, but I can't bear to part with these kind and good parents. My parents would also suffer if I left at nine years old.

"I'm researching in the library. I haven't figured anything out yet."

Ethan stood up from his chair with an angry face and declared.

"I can protect Alesia too! I can keep Alesia's secret!"

Ethan, you're such a sweet kid.

"So, I was thinking, could we have Hakim work for us? He only works during the day, so he won't see the rain. Father and Uncle Ciro, you say you need more hands, but you don't hire anyone. Is it because of me?"

"Alesia..."

Memories of my past life resurfaced, and I couldn't help but speak in a tearful voice.

"Father, listen. It's painful for me to ignore Hakim's hard work to protect myself. I feel guilty for the trouble you and Mother are going through for me. But, is it really impossible? Can we have him work only during the day?"

"Okay, okay, don't cry. Alesia, you're so kind."

Father, who doesn't know about my past life, patted my head.

(Father, I'm not really the kind person you think I am... I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Father.)

I feel so guilty about everything. But, it's so painful to think that I can help a single boy but end up burdening the adults around me. My adult heart finally broke down and cried.