After finishing the al, Arthur leaned back in his chair, rubbing his slightly protruding belly with a satisfied sigh.
"That was a good al," he admitted, his voice carrying a hint of relaxation. "Oh, by the way, how much did it cost?"
Jasmine's expression faltered slightly. She averted her gaze, scratching her cheek with a sheepish grin.
Arthur narrowed his eyes. Seeing that grin, an uneasy feeling settled in his chest.
"Don't tell —"
"It was… one silver coin," she said, her voice trailing off as if hoping he hadn't heard her.
Arthur froze, his face imdiately falling into his hands. "One silver coin?" His tone was filled with exasperation as he dragged his hands down his face.
"I just gave you two silver coins so you'd stop leeching off for the next week! And now you're telling you already spent half of it… on one al?"
Jasmine puffed up her cheeks in mock indignation. "Hey! Don't act like I went and blew it on sothing frivolous like a shiny dress or sparkly shoes. I bought food! Food for you, I might add!"
Arthur shot her an incredulous look. "Screw that! If I'd known it cost one full silver coin, you think I would've let you buy it? Do you have any idea how broke I am right now? I'm practically counting bronze coins to survive!"
He gestured dramatically at the empty plates in front of them. "And besides, let's not forget—who ate most of this food? It wasn't ! I barely got a portion while you inhaled the rest like so bottomless pit."
Jasmine crossed her arms, a look of feigned offence on her face. "Bottomless pit? That's so rude! I am not so glutton."
Arthur stared at her flatly. "Really? Then explain to how you managed to eat all the bread, all the at, and sohow all the soup before I even got a second helping."
She opened her mouth to retort but closed it again, clearly having no defense. Instead, she muttered under her breath, "I'm a growing girl, okay? I need energy…"
Arthur pinched the bridge of his nose, shaking his head. "A growing girl? Jasmine. You're just—just—ugh! Forget it." He leaned back in his chair, throwing his arms up in surrender. "I'm dood. You're going to bankrupt ."
Jasmine tilted her head, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. "If I'm going to bankrupt you, shouldn't that motivate you to make more money? Think of it as… inspiration!"
Arthur groaned, slumping forward to rest his forehead on the table. "Inspiration, she says. More like an ongoing nightmare…"
She leaned over and patted him on the back. "Don't worry, Arthur. As soon as I find my parents, my dad will pay you back tenfold!"
He shot her a sceptical glance. "Oh really? When will that happen"
Jasmine grinned, leaning back with her arms crossed. "Who knows, whenever you take there. Maybe you should start taking around you in the forest, teach a skill or two so I can start earning my own money. Then I wouldn't need to pester you, and I will just pay you back now."
Arthur snorted, unable to hold back a laugh. "Yeah, sure. I should take you to the forest, have those thieves co running to fetch you, and I'll just die in the crossfire. Sounds like a solid plan."
Jasmine burst into laughter, raising her hands in surrender. "Alright, alright! Point taken. I'll try to tone it down next ti… but seriously, admit it—the food was worth it, wasn't it?"
Arthur eyed the empty plates with an exaggerated sigh as if mourning his wallet. "Fine. It was good," he admitted begrudgingly, tapping his fingers on the table. "But you're still not getting another silver coin from for at least a month. Maybe two."
Jasmine pouted, her lower lip jutting out as she leaned forward, resting her chin on her hands. "What? No coins for a month? Co on, Arthur, that's cruel. How am I ant to survive!"
"I am not sure, but sort yourself out." Arthur quipped, pointing a finger at her. "You love food too much. Do you know how much you ate just now? That wasn't a normal portion for one person. That was a week's worth of rations for a family!"
Jasmine tilted her head, looking genuinely contemplative. "Huh… really? Well, I an, it's not my fault it was so delicious. If anything, you should bla the innkeeper for making such amazing food."
Arthur pinched the bridge of his nose, shaking his head in disbelief. "Sure, bla the innkeeper. That'll totally make the silver coin magically reappear in my pouch."
Jasmine leaned back in her chair, grinning mischievously. "You could always make it back by doing another auction."
Arthur glared at her, his eyes narrowing. "Do you think I just magically get items to sell in my auction? In case you didn't know, let clue you in Jasmine, whenever I'm getting items I'm in danger! I risk my life to earn money, whilst you just sit back and leech off of ."
Jasmine gasped, clutching her chest as if he'd just insulted her honour. "Arthur! How could you think so little of ? I'd never just sit back. I'd be cheering you on from the sidelines, but you aren't taking with you."
Arthur rolled his eyes, but the corners of his mouth twitched upward. "Oh, how generous of you. Your moral support is so valuable."
"It is!" Jasmine said, her tone completely sincere. "I'm your good luck charm, rember? Without , you'd be… well, less lucky." Read new chapters at empire
Arthur shook his head, his laughter bubbling up despite himself. But as he leaned back in his chair, his expression softened, and a faint whisper escaped his lips. "You're not Neko."
Jasmine blinked, tilting her head like a confused puppy. "What did you say?" She leaned closer, her elbows resting on the table as she squinted at him, trying to catch his muttered words.
Arthur quickly waved his hand dismissively. "I said whatever! Just—just leave alone for a few minutes while I figure out whether to stop being your sugar daddy or gamble on the slim chance you're actually royalty and not so kind of master scamr."
Jasmine's lips curled into a triumphant grin. "Oh, so you're betting on being royalty then? That's a smart move, Arthur. I'm definitely worth the risk."
Arthur groaned, rubbing his temples. "See? This is what I an. You're shaless. Do you even hear yourself? You've officially promoted from unwilling sponsor to a full-on gambling addict."
"Addict?" Jasmine placed a hand dramatically over her heart, feigning hurt. "Please, I'm a sure bet. You'll thank when you're sitting pretty in so extravagant palace, sipping tea served by butlers because of ."
"Right," Arthur deadpanned.
Jasmine reached for the last crumbs on the plate, popping them into her mouth with a contented hum.
"Mmm, so good…"
Arthur folded his arms, his glare half-serious. "You know, for soone who's supposedly royalty, you sure don't act like it."
"Pfft, who needs stiff royal manners when you've got charm like mine?" Jasmine shot back, flashing him a playful smile. "Besides, shouldn't I be rewarded for my impeccable taste in food?"
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