Chapter 53: Keep your promise

Late at night.

Ophelia, unable to catch Aisha for answers, slumped on her bed, glancing at Charis across the room.

Charis was fiddling with her new piggy bank, inspecting it thoroughly.

“Hope you don’t eat my money.”

Satisfied, Charis reached into her chest, pulling out the warm gold coin, carefully slipping it into the piggy bank’s slot.

Clink.

The coin spun inside, echoing crisply.
Charis pressed her ear to it, shaking it to ensure the coin was safe.

“Phew… still there.”

Seeing Charis’s seriousness about money, Ophelia couldn’t help but tease.

“It’s not like it’ll vanish—there’s no teleportation array inside.”

“What if?
It’s my pocket money—I need to keep it safe.”

“Sure, sure.”

Ophelia was speechless.
She knew dragons loved treasure, but Charis’s reaction was over the top.

‘She’s so young and already money-obsessed—will someone trick her with cash later?
I need to figure out her mindset.’

Ophelia resolved, bringing up tomorrow’s business.

“Charis, starting tomorrow, mind your image.
It’s not orientation yet, but visiting the academy early is necessary.”

“You’re taking me to visit?”

“I’m a teacher, and we need a photo for your file.
Act human—no tail, even with Aisha’s disguise potion.
No slacking.”

Ophelia nagged, knowing dragons’ value made them a target for envy.

“Fine, I won’t slack.
I’ll stick to you, clinging to your leg—happy?”

“So dramatic.
Rest up tonight—lights out soon.”

Ophelia held out her right hand, demanding something.

“Rest is rest—what’re you asking for?”
Charis played dumb, hiding her tail behind her.

“I gave you pocket money—not for free.
Put down the tin, let me hug your tail to sleep.”

“Ugh… fine.”

Seeing Ophelia hadn’t forgotten, Charis sighed, handing over her tail and placing the piggy bank on the nightstand.

Her tail in Ophelia’s hands, Charis lay on her side, feeling it gently held, something soft brushing its tip!

“A dragon’s tail is unique—soft and pointy here.
What if I bit it?”
Ophelia mused, noting the white tip and gray scales faintly whitening.

“You wild beast!
Thinking of biting my tail!”
Charis turned, glaring, hoping it was a joke.

“Kidding—I’m not into dragon meat.”
Ophelia chuckled, pinching the tail and pulling it to her chest.

‘She better sleep peacefully like this.’

Charis closed her eyes as the lights dimmed, the quiet night soothing her senses.

“First time selling your tail for money—how’s it feel?”

Ophelia’s sudden question made Charis fake sleep, acting aloof—a smart move.

“Oh, asleep?
Guess I’ll get comfy, starting here.”

Ophelia tapped the tail’s tip, not too stimulating, but Charis’s face twitched, brows easing then tensing.

Like a feather tickling her palm, Charis couldn’t hold it, opening her eyes.

‘She won’t let me sleep unless I answer!’

“You’re crossing the line with my tail!”
Charis turned, cheeks puffed, dropping the act.

“Knew you weren’t asleep.
Just wanted to chat.”

Ophelia’s tone softened, releasing the tail.

‘Huh?
She let go?
What’s her deal?’

Charis felt like Ophelia paid for a service but lost interest in the main act, switching to chat.

“I don’t want to chat—costs extra.”

“Greedy, huh?
I’ll buy your school supplies tomorrow—good enough?”

“Fine… deal.”

“Alright, tell me—what’s Aisha’s reward really about?”
Ophelia’s tone showed she cared deeply.

“A potion-brewing pot.
School’s her plan too—she said I’d learn potion-making, and she’ll teach me herself.”

“She’s teaching you herself… that’s it?”

“Yup—hey, what’re you doing!”

Charis’s waist was suddenly wrapped by Ophelia’s arms, her body pressing close, hips to hips!

“Too far!
You hugged my tail—my body’s off-limits!”

“Can’t money fix it?
You said so—name your price after.”

Ophelia’s arms locked around Charis’s waist, set on this sleeping position.

‘No way!
No amount of money justifies this—I want to live pure!’

Charis believed greed had limits.
She could be greedy but rational—selling her tail was already top-tier, her body was a no-go!

“Let me rephrase!
Some things money can’t buy!”

“Oh, you get that?
How about strength, then?”

“We’re civilized—who’s wrestling with you?
That’s just surrendering!”

“Then tell me your stance on money.
Satisfy me, and I’ll let go.”

Ophelia grinned, already holding Charis tight.

‘Ugh, she won’t let go tonight unless I explain.’

“I think… money doesn’t work for everything.
I sell my skills, not my body!
I regret letting you have my tail!”

Charis wasn’t sure it’d work, with Ophelia still holding her.

“Not bad—you’re self-aware.
No need to worry you’ll be swindled with cash.”

Ophelia suddenly let go, freeing Charis without forcing the hug.

“You really let me go?”
Charis’s eyes widened, free at last.

“What, am I that untrustworthy?”
Ophelia countered.

“Kinda… wait, don’t reach—I’m not done!”

“Speak.”

Ophelia raised her hand, waiting for something sensible, preferably respectful.

“If you don’t hug my tail, will you take back the coin?”

“Ha?
You’re worried about that?
I never take back what I promise.”

“Then… I regret it, but I’ll keep my word—you can hug my tail.”

“Pretty honorable.
You just can’t part with the coin, huh?”

“I can’t, but I have principles.
I promised, so I’ll do it.”

Charis blushed—pocket money for one night’s humiliation wasn’t bad.
Ophelia would tire of it eventually.

Seeing Charis’s reluctant look, Ophelia felt a surge of joy, but she let go, gently touching her cheek.

“What now?”
Charis flinched, startled, expecting a pinch.

“From now on, I dry your hair—no backing out or letting others do it.”

Ophelia’s red eyes were serious.

“Huh?
Got it…”

‘Is Ophelia jealous?
It’s just hair-drying.’