A wave of disappointment washed over me. This must be what betrayal feels like.
“Here, it’s all yours.”
“All of it?”
“Yes. Every bit of it.”
She handed over the wad of cash, which was so thick it felt daunting to accept.
“How much is this?”
“Three million won in cash. The fraudulent employee was dismissed immediately.”
“Th-three million!”
I took the money from her, held it up high, and then began counting it out on the ground, bill by bill. There were exactly three hundred notes. It was a sum I could scarcely have earned by going without food and working tirelessly for three years.
‘Isn’t there usually a reward up to twenty percent?’
While it was truly precious money, one must repay what they receive. I separated about fifty notes and tried to hand them to the girl.
“Here.”
“What is this?”
“A reward.”
I attempted to give her the money, but she lifted her hand too high for me to reach. It was a clear refusal of the money.
“You don’t need to give me a reward.”
“Why not?”
“Because, thanks to you, we caught a wrongdoer.”
She seemed content because a wrongdoer was caught, meaning she was happy to have legally punished someone. No wonder she had raced to the trading post.
Was she delighted about finding someone new to torment? A shiver ran down my spine at the thought of her malicious nature.
“Then, should I buy you a meal?”
“A meal?”
“Yes. I’ll get you something tasty.”
There was something I had always longed to eat if I ever had the money. It was so delicious that feeding it to the girl might even reduce her harassment.
“Hmmm… Maybe I’ll let you treat me just for today.”
“Great! It’s the most delicious thing in the world!”
How long had it been since I had one of those? Just the thought made my mouth water.
“Sigh…”
I lingered in front of a famous burger chain. I couldn’t believe I was about to walk into such a fancy place. Was it okay to indulge in this luxury just because I had money now?
Feeling conflicted, I paced back and forth.
“Aren’t you going in?”
“I-I’m going in.”
With a gentle push, I opened the gleaming glass door and stepped inside. It was a weekday morning, so there weren’t many people around. I glanced around the restaurant and then settled into a chair in the farthest corner.
Due to my distinct ears and tail, I drew curious looks wherever I went.
“Have you had a lot of burgers before?”
“Y-yes. Loads.”
In truth, this was my first time in this life, but I didn’t want to seem inexperienced. Determined not to appear naive, I confidently raised my hand.
“Ex-excuse me!”
Several customers munching on burgers glanced my way, but no staff approached. Wasn’t this how you ordered?
Confused, I looked around helplessly.
“You have to order at the counter.”
“Oh?”
Remembering that chain restaurants usually required ordering at the counter, I felt a flush of embarrassment as people began to snicker around me.
“Uaa~~ Look at those drooping ears. So cute.”
“Yeah, but why’s she dressed like that?”
“She’s a beast-kin kid. Some of them like that animal look.”
Their whispers weren’t meant for my ears, but my heightened hearing caught everything. Most of them were mocking my awkwardness.
“Ugh—”
Was I really unable to even order a burger? As my self-esteem took a nosedive, the girl tapped my shoulder.
“Shall I order for you? They have a shrimp patty burger that’s really good.”
“Yes, please…”
Unable to lift my head, I just laid it on the table. After a while, she returned, holding a piece of paper with a number on it.
“I-I know this. You go get it when the number matches.”
Trying to make up for my earlier mistake, I hastily explained the receipt’s purpose. Surprised that I knew the answer, her eyes widened.
“Wow, you know quite a bit, huh?”
“Yes. I remembered this.”
With this, I wouldn’t seem like a burger novice. Relieved, I exhaled deeply.
“Then, will you go get the burger when it’s ready?”
“Me…?”
“Yes, you.”
To collect the burger, I’d have to talk to someone at the counter. The idea of interacting with someone in such a sophisticated place felt daunting.
“I-I don’t want to…”
I confessed immediately.