CH 26.2

“Did you say you came from far away because you have a business with the Phoenix bank? You must not have time. I’ll tell them the situation and ask them to assist you.”

I locked my arm around Rumdrax’s to the blocked entrance and approached the guard.

“Mister.”

“This isn’t a place to play, kid.”

The guard, who suffered from handling many people, said exhaustedly.

His shirt, which was probably neat when he went to work in the morning, was wrinkled, and his hair, which would have been neatly swept over with pomade oil, was sticking out.

I could tell how much he must have suffered all day. As I was thinking how pitiful his day was, I told him again.

“Mister, my grandfather has a business to do with the bank.”

“Ha… Do you see the line? You should go to the back and stand in the line there.”

Any security guard would have said the same thing.

That’s why I prepared for it.

“Mister, look here.”

I searched my pocket and held out a gold coin.

“Kid?”

“Do you see the old man standing behind me? This grandfather is a relative of my grandmother’s brother. He has a lot of money. He has a business with the Phoenix Bank and has to return to the estate.”

The security guard nodded with his eyes fixed on the gold coin.

“So your grandmother’s brother…… Anyway, you are saying that he has a very urgent business.”

The guard snatched the gold coin into his pocket.

“But as you could see, a lot of people are waiting like you. I’ll put you in the middle.”

I knew one or two gold pieces wouldn’t do. Still, I was relieved that he didn’t get angry, saying not to look down at him.

‘There’s nothing money couldn’t solve.’

I held out two more gold coins.

“I told you he is in a hurry.”

The guard quickly snatched the two gold coins and looked around. Then, the security guard whispered, realizing that no one was watching him.

“Just be quick.”

Oh, it was faster than I thought.

I put back two gold coins that I was about to give to them back in my pocket in case the guard refused to let us in, and I bowed.

“Thank you, mister.”

This country was all rotten. It was bitter truth, but thanks to it, I could get my revenge easier– so should I say it was a sad thing?

I turned around and beckoned to Rumdrax.

“You’re very clever, little girl.”

Rumdrax whispered to me and nodded at the guard who opened the door.

People roared as we entered the door.

“We came first!”

My ears stung, but I ignored it.

It was the guard’s job to calm the angry mobs. Maybe he would suffer to the point where he wanted to throw away the gold coins he received from me.

The Phoenix bank was quite different from the outside.

“It’s big and nice.”

“Yes, it’s nice.”

Rumdrax and I walked into a corner.

Unlike what I heard outside, there were not many people in the bank, so I felt at ease.

Rumdrax stood on one side of the bank. He had been quiet since he entered the bank. He seemed to be concentrating on getting inspiration or something.

I looked around the bank.

There was only a bored lady, waiting for her turn.

I got bored because there was nothing special.

It was the moment when I was thinking about how long I had to wait and considering going home first.

“I told you to leave!”

There was a loud noise at the bank’s corner window.

***

Fiona was blind. There was nothing she couldn’t do in her daily life because she had lived for more than 60 years without seeing– but only Fiona thought so.

Compared to other countries, the kingdom was more disabled-friendly for people like Fiona. Basically, the people’s understanding of those with disabilities was high.

“Are you visually impaired, Ma’am? Please, to this window.”

A friendly voice bank clerk helped Fiona. Fiona followed her with a gracious smile. On their way to the window, the two talked.

“You will be attended here. I’ll be on my way.”

The guide handed Fiona over to the teller and moved away. Fiona explained to the teller why she had visited the bank.

“I see. Your Majesty gave you a special grant to celebrate your birthday this year. So you’re here to apply for disability benefits?”

Fiona nodded.

The kingdom’s system for the disabled was excellent. Most of the systems that would be the backbone of the domain were created by The late Queen Violeta, while King Carmine would occasionally dispense them to the people to show his mercy.

Fiona would be happy to receive any amount. Thinking that she could go grocery shopping for a long time, she even hummed.

“You look happy, Ma’am.”

By the time she arrived at the window, Fiona was happy. Even the explanations sounded pleasant to her ears.

But something came after.

“Ma’am. It’s a rule. You have to sign the papers.”

After the explanation, the atmosphere changed when the bank teller handed out the documents to be filled out.

The teller snapped at Fiona.

Fiona, who had lived without harming others, was overwhelmed by the voice of a young man who was angry like a fire.

“Well, I-I can’t see very well. And I didn’t learn how to write…….”

“That’s your problem! Here are the papers and the pen.”

The teller spread the paper before Fiona and forced a pen into her hand.

“Write your name.”

The heartless teller sat down. Fiona was at a loss and said nervously.

“Can you write my name instead?”

Fiona asked the teller carefully.

“Look here, Ma’am. Who are you trying to fool? You have to write it yourself. Didn’t you hear me?”