Chapter 525: The Price of Beauty

Isolde let out another sigh as she glanced at the spot where the men had fallen.

“I always get annoyed when people look at me as though I’m some kind of rare commodity. It’s disgusting. That’s why I usually disguise my appearance whenever I travel.”

Alice crossed her arms and lifted her chin proudly.

“Why bother hiding your beauty because of trash like them? If anyone dares to try anything, just beat them up! It’s that simple.”

“That’s easy for you to say,” Isolde replied blankly.

“What? Are you saying I’m wrong?”

“I’m saying that not everyone enjoys solving every problem by hitting someone.”

Alice clicked her tongue, clearly unconvinced.

Meanwhile, Azrynn had been listening to their conversation with a thoughtful expression.

“Are elves really targeted by humans here?”

Isolde turned toward her.

“Of course. Elves are considered exceptionally beautiful, and their long lifespans make them even more desirable to certain people. Nobles and even members of royal families are willing to pay enormous sums to acquire them.”

Her expression darkened slightly.

“As a result, elves are frequently hunted and sold into slavery. Some people see them as nothing more than valuable possessions, something they can buy, collect, or show off to others.”

Azrynn fell silent for a moment.

Although she had heard stories about humans treating other races poorly, hearing Isolde explain it so casually made the situation feel much more real.

“So that’s why those men looked at me that way,” she murmured.

“Most likely,” Isolde replied. “Your appearance would attract plenty of attention, especially from people who have never seen an elf before. Unfortunately, not all of that attention will be harmless.”

Azrynn lowered her gaze, her fingers unconsciously brushing against the daggers at her waist.

“I see…”

“Don’t worry too much about it,” Alice said confidently, waving a hand dismissively. “As long as you’re with us, anyone who tries to capture you will regret it.”

She paused, then grinned.

“Besides, if they really want to sell someone, they should try selling Adam instead. I’m sure someone out there would pay a fortune for a walking disaster like him.”

“Why am I suddenly involved?” Adam asked from beside the campfire.

“Because you’re a walking disaster.”

“That’s a terrible reason.”

“It’s a perfectly good reason.”

Adam stared at her for a moment before shaking his head.

“I’m starting to think those bandits weren’t the most troublesome people I’ve encountered tonight.”

“Glad you finally understand,” Isolde muttered.

Lilith rested her chin on her hand, the campfire’s glow reflecting in her crimson eyes as she watched the flames dance.

“But isn’t that fascinating?” she said with a faint smile. “Humans possess a kind of greed that seems to have no limit. Sometimes it even surpasses the demons they call evil.”

Isolde let out a quiet hum.

“Demons aren’t much different.”

She poked at the firewood with a stick before continuing.

“They enslave those weaker than themselves too. It happens often enough in demon society.”

She paused briefly.

“But not as frequently as humans do.”

Lilith raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms, her chest lifting noticeably.

“That’s an interesting comparison.”

“It isn’t a compliment to demons,” Isolde replied. “The difference is mostly in motive.”

Azrynn listened quietly, her ears twitching as the fire crackled.

“What do you mean?”

Isolde looked into the flames.

“Many demons see domination as proof of strength. If they conquer someone, they consider it the natural order.”

She glanced toward Azrynn.

“Humans, on the other hand, often turn everything into a commodity.”

“Beauty. Long lifespans. Rare bloodlines. Magical talent.”

“If they think it has value, someone will eventually try to put a price on it.”

Lilith smiled faintly, pointing her right hand at her own lovely face.

“So greed wears a prettier face.”

“Sometimes,” Isolde answered. “And that’s exactly what makes it more dangerous.”

Silence settled over the camp for a moment.

Ignis, who had been happily chewing another piece of candy, blinked and looked between them.

“Huh!”

She held up the sweet in her hand as if afraid it would be taken.

“I’m glad no one’s trying to sell my candy.”

Alice snorted at Ignis’s manner, reminiscent of a ravenous lizard.

“With the way you eat, there wouldn’t be any left to sell.”

Ignis gasped dramatically and immediately stuffed the candy into her mouth.

“Evidence destroyed.”

Adam watched the exchange and chuckled.

“See? This is the kind of greed I’m willing to tolerate.”

Ignis puffed out her cheeks proudly.

“Candy greed is the best kind of greed.”

“Well, whatever,” Adam said with a shrug. “I don’t really care about any of this. Humans, demons, or whatever other races exist in this world, as long as they don’t come looking for trouble with me, I’ll leave them alone.”

He leaned back slightly, glancing toward Azrynn.

“But that reminds me. What about you, Azrynn? Are you really sure you want to bring your people out of the Wasteland?”

Azrynn thought for a moment, then nodded firmly.

“My decision hasn’t changed.”

She looked up at the night sky, her expression softening as she thought about her village.

“My people have lived in the Wasteland for a long time. Although we’ve managed to survive there, I know many of them are curious about the world beyond it. They want to see what lies beyond the land they’ve always called home.”

She smiled faintly.

“And if that’s what they want, then I’ll help make it happen.”

Adam, who heard that, felt relieved because Azrynn was still standing by her decision.

“Even if it means getting involved in conflicts with humans or other races?” he asked.

Azrynn nodded without hesitation.

“Even then. I know the outside world isn’t as peaceful as some of them might imagine. There will probably be people who look down on us, and others who might even try to exploit us.”

Her fingers briefly tightened around the fabric of her clothes.

“But that doesn’t mean we should spend our entire lives hiding in the Wasteland. I don’t want my people to remain there simply because we’re afraid of what might happen outside.”

She turned toward Adam, meeting his gaze.

“If conflicts arise, we’ll face them together. I’ll do everything I can to protect my people and help them adapt to the outside world.”

Adam remained quiet for a moment before giving a small nod.

“I see. Well, as long as you’ve thought it through, I won’t stop you.”

He smiled faintly.

“Besides, if anyone tries to cause trouble for your people, you can always let me know.”

Azrynn’s eyes widened slightly before a warm smile spread across her face.

“Thank you, Adam.”

“Don’t mention it. Just make sure your people don’t drag me into too much trouble.”

Azrynn giggled softly.

“I’ll try my best.”

“Somehow, that answer doesn’t reassure me at all,” Adam muttered.

Alice laughed from her spot near the fire, while Lilith watched the exchange with an amused smile.

For now, at least, the night remained peaceful.