Chapter 160: Negotiation? Nope

[A few weeks ago]Hades and Fiona—Luna’s grandmother—were walking through the garden, while Luna remained inside the mansion, resting and chatting with Diana.

They already had a chat about Luna’s present and possible future and Hades had assured her that he would take care of the girl regardless of whatever happens.

"The family you belong to will surely provide you with any resource or support you might ever need. And besides, Rinne is a young phoenix who could even sacrifice herself for you. So, there is nothing special I can offer."

Hades was caught off guard by the sudden change in topic, but he quickly replied, "It’s more than enough. Just letting me inside and accepting me is already more than I could ask for."

Even knowing that he might one day endanger Luna’s identity as a phoenix, Fiona had shown kindness to him—and even given her blessing. To Hades, that alone meant the world.

But then Fiona smiled faintly. "Well, take this."

With a flick of her fingers, a patch of grass rose from the ground, floating lightly in the air before settling into Hades’ hands.

He looked at it in confusion. "This?"

"Every morning, I walk through this garden," Fiona explained. "Because of that, this grass has grown into the finest herb you’ll find anywhere. Grind it into a paste or eat it directly—even the gravest wound will heal."

As Hades held it, the weight of the simple-looking grass seemed to grow heavier in his palm. Who would have thought that the very ground he had been walking on held such a treasure?

And she was giving it to him just like that? Hades was confused.

Fiona leaned closer with a playful glint in her eye. "Don’t sell it, or I’ll be mad."

....

"Sorry, Miss Fiona." Hades gave a wry smile as he pulled out the very same grass he had been gifted, placing it carefully on the counter for the receptionist.

The woman’s eyes widened in shock as the herb gave off a faint glow.

"Would you allow me to have this assessed?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Hades gave a small nod, and the woman hurried into the office behind the counter.

By now, curious gazes had already turned toward him.

And that was exactly what he wanted.

More than ten minutes passed before the door swung open again. Two figures emerged—one was the brunette receptionist, the other an elderly woman with white hair, her face carrying a look of alarm.

The old woman slammed her palm onto the counter, lifting the glowing herb in her other hand. Her voice cut through the hall like a blade.

"Where in the world did you get this?"

Judging by the way the guild members stared—shock plain on their faces—it was clear this woman held quite the reputation here.

Hades smiled softly. "It’s not from here, so don’t bother searching for it."

Of course, he had no intention of revealing that the one who gave it to him was a living legend.

The old woman groaned, adjusting her glasses. "Fine then... sell it to me. Five thousand gold coins should be enough."
te task manager could continue tending to the other adventurers waiting in line.

Dozens of eyes were still glued to him, whispers and curious stares prickling at his back. Yet Hades paid them no mind.

This was exactly what he wanted.

It was his way of drawing that thief out of hiding.

°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you are enjoying the story so far, please let me know.