Seeing that the other party had actually stopped, Audrey's eyes widened in disbelief.
A moment later, as if grasping at a lifeline, she cried out repeatedly,
"King of Radiance, more exalted than the sun!" (Ancient Elvish) x3
In response, the crimson glow in the steel golem's eyes flickered a few times before turning green.
At the same time, it withdrew the rune greatsword from her neck.
"A foolish slave, but at least you know to revere the great King." (Ancient Elvish)
The golem narrowed its glowing eyes and examined Audrey more closely.
"Was it that careless one who marked you? Hmph… those people never take inferior human slaves seriously. They often forget to brand them." (Ancient Elvish)
As it spoke, the golem raised the rune greatsword once more—
and swung it down at Audrey.
Startled, Audrey shut her eyes tightly.
But the expected pain never came.
Instead, she felt a sudden coolness across her chest, followed by a spreading warmth.
Then the guardian's voice sounded again,
"The branding is complete. Leave immediately. Slaves are not permitted here." (Ancient Elvish)
Trembling, Audrey slowly opened her eyes.
All she saw was ruin.
The terrifying guardian was already gone.
Only then did she realize—
her clothes had been cut open across the chest, including her undergarments, exposing her body.
And on her chest, there was now a delicate mark glowing faint green.
Two sacred trees entwined together, and beneath them, an elf raising a sword while wearing a crown.
Audrey, who only knew of elves as a concept, could not understand what it meant.
She quickly clutched her torn clothes shut, covering herself, and relying on vague memories, hurriedly fled the ruins.
By the afternoon, Mozo glanced at the clock inside the library.
After placing a bookmark in his book, he closed it.
He planned to borrow it.
It was a very clear and practical book on finance. He felt it might be useful for his future career.
Just as he was about to pack up and leave, he noticed someone approaching him quickly.
Audrey.
The girl he had run into that morning.
…Is she coming for me?
No, probably just a coincidence.
And please don't let it be me.
Audrey was one of the most famous beauties in the Flower Faculty.
Though a commoner, her future was likely already decided.
Most likely, she would marry into a mid-level noble family as a concubine, or become the legal wife of a lower noble.
Either way, for a commoner girl, her life was already a great success.
But someone like her—
Mozo knew very well he should never get too involved.
Especially in a campus overflowing with hormone-driven idiots.
Otherwise, trouble would be endless.
Unfortunately, reality had other plans.
The Tulip of the Flower Faculty walked straight up to him.
She placed both hands on the table, clearly wanting to say something, yet unsure how to begin.
After hesitating, she finally spoke carefully,
"May I ask… would you have the time to accompany me to a café? The Rose Pavilion, just outside the university?"
The moment those words were spoken, the surrounding students widened their eyes in shock.
The Rose Pavilion café was famously a dating spot.
Its business practically relied on couples from the university.
What was happening today?
First, the Rose of the Flower Faculty had been "taken," which was understandable given the noble involved.
But now even the Tulip?
And by such an ordinary guy?
Even the noble young master who had just come down from the third floor looked over with interest.
But the Rose, Anna, who was holding his arm, seemed lost in thought and did not glance over.
Mozo, as the person involved, felt both confused and deeply troubled.
No matter how this turned out, his peaceful life was probably over for a while.
After a moment of thought, he decided to refuse.
But just before speaking, he noticed the deep anxiety and unease in Audrey's eyes.
He hesitated.
Then gave a self-deprecating smile and said,
"Miss Hepburn, may I ask… is this about an academic matter you wish to discuss?"
A minor character like him… yet still unable to ignore this.
Audrey was not foolish.
After a brief pause, she immediately picked up on his intent and replied smoothly,
"Yes, that's correct. Since it may involve your academic work, please allow me to offer coffee and refreshments as an apology."
The surrounding students visibly relaxed.
Mozo nodded in satisfaction and added,
"I'm willing, of course. However, if it truly relates to my academic work, I would expect a certain level of monetary compensation."
Perfect.
Now his image was that of a money-minded, uninterested-in-romance poor student.
That should reduce unnecessary suspicion.
But in Audrey's ears, his words carried a completely different meaning.
So… you really did encounter the same kind of occult phenomenon I mentioned.
If I want more information, I need to prepare sufficient payment or something of equal value.
With that thought, Audrey began calculating what she could offer.
An elven ruin.
A guardian that was clearly not low-level.
Could she even afford the price for whatever secrets were involved?
But this might concern her life.
Could she afford to walk away?
After thinking it through, Audrey clenched her clothes, feeling both despair and humiliation.
The only valuable thing she had… and something that might satisfy him…
was her untouched body, which she had carefully preserved for a better future.
Her original plan had been to rely on both her beauty and her identity as a Beyonder to marry into a mid-level noble family as a proper wife.
She had worked hard to maintain that image.
But now…
she seemed to have no other choice.
The most terrifying thing about the occult was the unknown.
And now she bore such a strange mark on her body.
Raising her head with resolve, she said seriously,
"I will prepare a reward that satisfies you."
Her expression made Mozo suspicious.
…Did Miss Hepburn misunderstand something?