Chapter 329: An Offer.

Kael blinked, glancing toward Nora before looking back at Zora.

Well, that was unexpected.

He hadn’t anticipated the situation unfolding this way. One moment, Zora had been glaring at him as though she wanted to tear him apart, and the next, Nora had unleashed an even more terrifying aura and practically forced her to apologize.

The entire exchange had happened so quickly that Kael barely had time to react.

He sighed inwardly. What a troublesome pair of sisters.

To be fair, he could understand where Zora was coming from. If he’d been in her position, he probably wouldn’t have been particularly pleased either.

Imagine returning home only to discover that Lyra was showing some extremely precious family treasure to a complete stranger, something their family had protected for generations, something that held enormous sentimental and practical value.

And then imagine Lyra casually announcing that she intended to give that treasure away because she believed the stranger was some kind of destined hero.

Kael’s expression turned strange.

Yeah... I’d probably be pretty pissed too.

In fact, he’d most likely want to beat the stranger as well. So from that perspective, Zora’s reaction wasn’t entirely unreasonable, she was simply trying to protect something precious to her race. And considering everything the Automatons had suffered, Kael could understand why she’d be especially sensitive about the Prime Ore.

However...

That doesn’t mean he appreciate being called a scammer. After all, he hadn’t done anything to deserve that accusation, and while he could understand Zora’s feelings, that didn’t mean he was obligated to simply accept being insulted. Especially when she’d gone as far as releasing her aura at him.

Kael wasn’t particularly interested in starting a conflict, but he also wasn’t the kind of person who enjoyed being treated like a criminal for no reason.

He was just about to speak when Nora suddenly stepped forward.

"Great One."

Kael paused. "Hm?"

Nora’s expression had returned to its usual composed appearance, but there was now a trace of apology in her eyes.

"I’m deeply sorry for my sister’s behavior." She lowered her head slightly. "She acted out of ignorance, and I hope you won’t hold her words against us."

Kael looked at her.

"Well..."

Before he could finish, Nora raised her hand. The Prime Ore, which had previously been resting within the compartment in her chest, was now held carefully in her palm.

Kael’s eyes flickered.

Wait...

Nora extended the strange metallic orb toward him.

"Please accept this."

Kael froze.

"...What?"

Nora continued. "Consider it a token of apology for my sister’s behavior." She paused. "And also a symbol of our race’s sincerity toward you."

Kael stared at the Prime Ore, then at Nora.

Seriously?

He was beginning to wonder whether this woman had any real grasp of how valuable the treasure in her hand actually was. Of course, he already knew she’d been willing to give it to him, she’d made that much clear earlier. But after Zora’s reaction, he’d assumed she might reconsider, maybe it would remind her of the item’s true value.

Yet despite everything, Nora was still offering it.

Kael opened his mouth.

"Nora, are you sure about this?"

Nora nodded. "Absolutely."

He frowned slightly. "But your sister—"

"Zora’s feelings are understandable." Nora glanced briefly toward her younger sister. "However, this is my decision."

Zora’s expression darkened. "Sis..."

Nora didn’t respond. Instead, she turned her attention back to Kael.

"Great One, please don’t misunderstand." Her voice softened. "I’m not forcing myself to give you this treasure."

Kael remained silent.

Nora continued. "This decision comes entirely from my own heart. Mother entrusted me with a mission before sending us away." Her expression grew solemn. "To find the person who could help our race. And now, after so many years, I’ve finally found you."

Kael listened quietly.

"Naturally, I intend to fulfill Mother’s final instructions to the best of my ability." Nora smiled faintly. "If giving you the Prime Ore can be of assistance, then I see no reason to hesitate."

Kael’s eyes narrowed slightly. He could tell she was being sincere, at least, nothing about her expression suggested otherwise. Still, something continued to nag at him.

"Nora."

"Yes, Great One?"

"You understand that accepting this doesn’t necessarily mean I’ve agreed to help you, right?"

The question caused Zora’s expression to sour even further. Nora, however, didn’t seem offended in the slightest. Instead, she nodded.

"Of course."

Kael blinked. "...You do?"

"Yes." Nora smiled. "Whether or not you eventually choose to help us is entirely your decision."

Kael stared at her.

She continued. "I won’t force you to make a promise simply because I’ve offered you something." Her expression grew earnest. "Mother believed you would be able to help us, but that doesn’t mean I have the right to dictate your actions. If you decide to assist us in the future, I would be deeply grateful."

"And if I don’t?"

Nora was silent for a brief moment, then smiled again.

"Then I will respect your decision."

Kael raised an eyebrow. Nora continued, "Of course, I sincerely hope that won’t be the case." A faint trace of sadness colored her voice. "But I understand that what we’re asking of you isn’t something that can be decided lightly, so please, don’t feel pressured and accept this as a gift."

Kael remained silent, studying her expression for several seconds. His gaze drifted back to the Spirit Mine. Well, he wasn’t going to pretend he wasn’t tempted. And if she was genuinely willing to give it to him without attaching any conditions...

Then refusing would just be foolish.

Of course, he wasn’t going to forget what Nora had told him. If he eventually became strong enough to help the Automatons without placing himself or his family in unnecessary danger, he’d certainly consider it. After all, he wasn’t someone who enjoyed owing favors. But that was a matter for the future.

For now, Kael smiled faintly.

"Alright, then." He extended his hand. "If you’re really sure about this, I’ll accept it with thanks."

Nora’s eyes brightened. "Of course, Great One."

She carefully placed the Prime Ore into his palm. He didn’t attempt to investigate it further on the spot, there would be plenty of time for that later, and simply stored it away in his Inventory.

Meanwhile, Nora watched the Prime Ore disappear without showing the slightest trace of regret. If anything, she seemed genuinely pleased.

Zora, however, was an entirely different story. Her eyes widened when she saw the treasure vanish, and for a moment, she looked as though she wanted to say something, her mouth even opened slightly. However, after glancing toward Nora, she eventually closed it again, her fists tightening at her sides.

Kael noticed the reaction but chose to let it go. There was no reason to complicate matters further.

After a brief moment, Kael rose from the sofa.

"Well, I guess I’ll be going now."

Nora looked at him. "Already, Great One?"

Kael nodded.

"Yeah." He glanced toward the enormous window overlooking the city. "I’ve already spent much more time here than I originally planned. Thanks for the gift."

Nora smiled. "You’re most welcome, Great One."

Kael nodded and began moving toward the door. However, before he could take more than a few steps, Nora suddenly spoke.

"Great One."

Kael paused and turned back.

Nora had also risen from her seat. There was a slightly different expression on her face now. Although she still appeared respectful, the solemnity that had accompanied their earlier conversation was gradually giving way to something more professional.

"There’s one more thing I’d like to discuss with you."

Kael raised an eyebrow. Another thing? He was beginning to wonder whether he’d actually make it out of the Spectre Guild today. Still, he didn’t immediately refuse.

"What is it?"

Nora hesitated briefly before continuing. "This time, however, I’d like to make something clear. I’m not speaking to you as a member of the Automaton race. Nor am I making this request on behalf of my people. Instead, I’m speaking to you as the Guild Master of the Spectre Guild."

Kael’s eyes flickered.

Oh?

Nora continued. "I have a proposal I’d like you to consider." She paused. "Of course, I understand you’ve already spent a considerable amount of time here today. So if you’re willing to spare me a little more of it, I’d appreciate the chance to explain my offer."

Kael studied her expression, considering for a moment what to do. However, his curiosity quickly got the better of him.

The Spectre Guild was one of the most technologically advanced organizations in the Southern Safe Zone, and now that he knew the true identities of its leaders, his interest in the Guild had grown considerably. More importantly, Nora had already demonstrated that she possessed resources and knowledge far beyond what he’d initially imagined. If she wanted to discuss a potential arrangement with him, there was a good chance it would be worth hearing out.

Well, listening doesn’t cost anything.

Kael smiled faintly.

"Alright." He returned to his seat. "I’m all ears, then."