PVMC 59

“You said you’d never abandon me, Aria. You said you’d stay by my side forever.” Aria Renesti — a nameless background extra in the story. ‘Actually, that’s perfect!’ She may not be important in the original story, but at least she’s a noble. Sure, she doesn’t have much money… but she’s beautiful! It’s better to live quietly than to get dragged into the drama of the main plot. But then, something unexpected happens. **** * Bank: Bengsti Bank * Amount: 20 billion Marni * Repayment due: within 180 days of this notice “…Damn it.” Well, there’s no choice now. ‘Fine. If it’s come to this, I’ll see it through to the end.’ She decides to pay off all the debt, rebuild her family’s trading company, and then hand everything over to a capable helper before quietly disappearing. A peaceful “puppet boss” ending! Except… the helper she finds turns out to be *a psychopath who mu*dered his own father.* — “You said you’d never leave me, Aria. That you’d stay with me for life.” “…My work here is done, Mathias.” “I’m not done yet.” She’s achieved her goal. She should be free to leave now. But he grabs her hand. “You caught a wild dog, remember?” “…What?” “If you put a leash on it, you have to keep holding it until it dies.” “…Will I ever be able to leave?” *(Illustration: Yuo)*