The Yellow-Haired Villain in Soaring Phoenix’s Novels Also Desires Happiness - Chapter 293



71. Regaining Composure

In the desolate mountains and fields, six exceptionally ornate carriages maintained a remarkably orderly line, speeding along and stirring up clouds of dust.

At Mu En’s request, the convoy did not take the smooth main road but, guided by the pink bear’s familiarity with the terrain, plunged into the extremely remote wild forest.

Although the others were puzzled by this, since the entire convoy was funded by Mu En, naturally, no one dared to voice their concerns.

Yet amidst their confusion, they couldn’t help but marvel.

On such a rugged and difficult mountain path, the speed of the carriages was not only on par with full-speed travel on flat ground, but those inside the carriages felt hardly any vibrations at all.

It seemed those faint golden patterns on the carriage were not merely decorative.

Is this the power of wealth?

I love it.

…

“How… how infuriating! Is being rich so impressive? Can you just be so arrogant because you have money? I… I will one day be richer than that guy!”

Inside the carriage, Ariel buried her head forcefully into the large, soft sofa, feeling the comfortable touch of the luxurious silk and the smoothness that made her forget they were racing at full speed, a wave of inexplicable anger swelling in her heart.

She ground her sharp little tiger teeth, gripping the blanket as if she were tearing apart that detestable guy, instinctively opening her mouth to bite down.

But thinking about how she couldn’t afford to damage her current self… she sheepishly pulled her neck back.

“Ariel…”

“Right, training! Since I can’t compete with him in wealth, I can’t lose in other areas. Now that no one is bothering me, it’s the perfect time to train!”

Ariel suddenly sat up, her gaze resolute as she waved her fist.

She was determined to establish a crystal palace; how could she be defeated by such a minor setback?

“Ariel…”

“…But I just leveled up a little, and now practicing aimlessly won’t be very useful. To solidify my strength, I should really engage in some real combat.”

Thinking of this, Ariel deflated again, turning to look out at the rapidly retreating scenery:

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“How strange, in such a desolate place, why haven’t I encountered any magical beasts? The main road has dedicated personnel to maintain it and drive away magical beasts; surely, there can’t be any here.”

“Ariel…”

“Oh, well, even if I don’t encounter any magical beasts, I can still meditate. I need to keep my spirits up before heading to the Holy City.”

“A!ri!el!”

The girl suddenly slammed her hands on the table and stood up, her cheeks puffed with anger:

“If you keep this up, I won’t talk to you anymore!”

“Wuwu…”

Hearing this, Ariel, who had been dodging the topic, could no longer ignore the girl’s call. She slowly turned her head but didn’t dare to meet Lia’s eyes. Fidgeting with her fingers, she whispered:

“I’m… I’m sorry, Lia.”

“Why are you apologizing?”

“I… I took the money you gave me and used it to gamble, and I lost.”

“So that’s why you’ve been acting so strange all this way?”

“Um…”

Ariel lowered her head, gripping her thighs tightly, mumbling:

“I’m really, really sorry…”

“…”

Lia quietly watched Ariel, whose once lively brows and eyes were now downcast, her lips no longer carrying that carefree smile, looking like a child who had done something wrong. Yet, she didn’t feel angry.

She sighed softly, suddenly leaning over and wrapping her arms around Ariel.

“I told you, why apologize? Ariel didn’t do anything wrong.”

“But… your money…”

“Ariel was just trying to make some money, right? I know that. You’ve always been like this. When the odds of something exceed fifty percent, you often choose to gamble. You used to win, but no one can win all the time, so it’s only normal that you lost this time. How could I blame you?”

“Lia…”

Feeling that warmth and softness, Ariel’s eyes turned slightly red as she reached out to wrap her arms around Lia’s slim waist, sniffing back her tears:

“You’re so good to me.”

“I’m your childhood friend. If I don’t treat you well, who will?”

“Darn it, at this rate, I won’t be able to live without you.”

Ariel inhaled the girl’s enchanting scent, unable to resist rubbing against her.

“…That’s not true.”

Lia looked down at Ariel, stroking her head, her gaze flickering slightly, then in a very soft voice, she murmured:

“Ariel is so strong; she can manage without anyone. It’s me, the useless one, who can’t do anything without Ariel.”

“Hmm? What did you say, Lia?”

“…Nothing.”

……

“Alright.”

After a brief embrace, Lia pushed Ariel up, then widened her lovely big eyes to stare at Ariel, nervously saying:

“Now you can tell me, how much did you actually spend!”

“…Actually, it’s not that much, it’s just… all of it…” Ariel stammered.

“All of it?”

“No, no, no, I didn’t mean all the money Lia gave me before. I didn’t touch the money I was supposed to use to buy supplies for you.”

Ariel lowered her head again, mumbling:

“What I meant was, it’s all the money I originally planned to use for buying materials, maintaining weapons, and… for meals.”

During this time, Lia had borrowed quite a bit of money from her, but Ariel hadn’t spent all of it.

Instead, she had divided that portion of money into two parts, because Ariel knew that the Holy Ritual was approaching, and Lia would definitely need to buy some supplies for emergencies.

But with her personality, she would surely take out all her money to support herself.

That’s why Ariel had temporarily saved that money, originally thinking that if she won this time, she could give Lia a little more, but unexpectedly…

“Lia, don’t worry, this money is definitely enough for you to spend!”

Ariel hurriedly pulled out all the money she had left and placed it in front of Lia.

Scattered bills, some wrinkled and looking like they had been counted many times, but together, it was still a considerable amount.

However, Lia didn’t take it; she just silently glanced at it, then lifted her head, staring intently at Ariel:

“I’m sure this money is enough for me, but… what about you, Ariel?”

“Me? I’m fine, the places where I needed to spend money have already passed, I don’t really need it anymore.”

“You’re lying. You just said you didn’t even have money to maintain your weapons. Aren’t you the one who treasures your sword the most?”

“…”

Ariel lowered her head again, saying nothing.

“You should take this money and use it.”

Lia gently pushed the money back:

“All along, Ariel has needed money more than I do, right?”

“But…”

Ariel looked up, about to say something, but suddenly froze.

Because she realized that the money Lia had pushed back had actually increased quite a bit.

“Where… where did you get this money, Lia?”

“Hmph, don’t underestimate the little treasury of a future saintess.”

Lia playfully winked,

“I’ve long suspected that you spend money lavishly, so I knew this day would come, which is why I saved some up. Moments like this are just the right time to bring it out, aren’t they?”

“Liya…”

Ariel felt her eyes welling up again at the words.

Little liar.

What little treasure chest? Even if such a thing existed, it would have been emptied during her previous financial crises.

This must be money that Liya had worked hard to earn recently!

The thought of spending the money that Liya had painstakingly earned made Ariel feel like she had become a kept man, living off a young girl.

No, this won’t do. How could she continue like this? If she kept being so shameless, how could she ever win Liya’s heart completely?

“Liya!”

Ariel grasped Liya’s hands tightly, speaking with unwavering determination:

“I will definitely make you a saint. Trust me, I will!”

“Mm, me too.”

Liya also tightened her grip on Ariel’s hands and nodded vigorously, her cute face filled with resolve.

“I have always believed in Ariel, which is why I have supported you unconditionally. Please don’t worry too much about this, okay? If it weren’t for Ariel being so stubborn, I wouldn’t even consider this as lending you money. It’s just some cash, how can it compare to the deep bond we share?”

“Liya…”

Gazing into Liya’s sparkling, pure eyes and listening to her sincere words, Ariel felt her heart warm up again. The anxiety and restlessness gradually calmed.

Yes, how could the profound feelings and strong bond between them be shaken by such trivial matters?

She had simply stumbled once; as long as she continued to work hard, she would surely ride on a rainbow and capture Liya’s heart!

“But…”

As Ariel’s hand was about to touch the bills on the table, she hesitated again, worry creeping in as she asked:

“What will you do if you give me all this money?”

“…”

Liya fell silent for a few seconds, then tilted her little head slightly, revealing an incredibly reassuring smile:

“Don’t worry, I have my ways.”