It wasn't that Judas was completely indifferent toward money.
He understood its value well enough... what it could buy, what it could protect, and how easily a lack of it could become a burden.
But after receiving billions of valis directly from Freya, the concept of money had quietly lost its urgency.
Because Judas had already become one of the wealthiest individuals in the entire world.
Compared to that, charging others for his healing services, as Loki had so casually suggested, never even crossed his mind. It felt unnecessary... almost petty.
'Am I already the richest person in the world?'
The thought surfaced unbidden, lingering for a brief moment before fading.
Of course, the title of the richest individual actually belonged to Alfia... someone who possessed a staggering forty billion valis tucked away in her account.
But Judas didn't know that.
And even if he did, he likely wouldn't have cared much either.
"Hey! Hey! Don't leave your beautiful goddess alone!"
Loki complained as she and Lefiya followed closely behind Judas and Rose.
After several minutes of walking... while the city slowly recovered from the plant monster incident... they passed through a particular part of town.
It was then that Judas caught fragments of conversation from the surrounding city folk.
"It seems kind of noisy here."
Loki commented, raising a brow as her ears twitched.
"The thing is... a young girl took care of a monster. I saw it with my own eyes... it was amazing!"
A middle-aged woman said excitedly as she gossiped with another housewife.
It was the kind of chatter that cropped up among civilians who rarely ever saw adventurers in action.
"An adventurer girl... she had red eyes and white hair, like a bunny rabbit. Her name... is Belle Cranel."
Hearing that name, Judas couldn't help but smile faintly.
'Looks like she's starting to gain some attention.'
Her achievement likely wouldn't spread too far... this incident would overshadow most individual feats... but it was still a start.
Judas noticed a group of children playing nearby.
"It's me... Belle Cranel! The Little Hero!"
One of them shouted proudly, swinging a wooden stick through the air.
'Little Hero? She's getting nicknames already?'
Judas mused.
"Belle Cranel, huh? Silence's niece."
Loki thought aloud, rubbing her chin thoughtfully.
Eventually, they arrived at a shelter crowded with injured people.
Judas's gaze shifted as he spotted Airmid in the distance, along with several members of the Dian Cecht Familia, all busy tending to the wounded.
"Here, Airmid. I brought help."
Rose called out to the silver-haired healer.
When Airmid lifted her head and saw Judas, she nodded immediately.
"That's more than enough help... no, I think he's the best help I could ask for right now."
She said with a tired sigh, followed by a look of clear relief.
"I'll be heading off now. Thank you for all your help."
Rose bowed politely, her gaze lingering on Judas for a moment before she turned and left.
"My mind's a bit exhausted from using healing magic too much. If you can take over for a while, I'd appreciate it."
Airmid said, meeting Judas's purple eyes.
"No problem."
Judas nodded and extended his hand, activating his healing magic.
Seeing this, Airmid couldn't help but let out a long exhale.
'I know he's not a healer... but seeing this makes me want to compete with him.'
She was known as Orario's greatest healer, yet honestly, she felt her title might be in danger.
Once Judas finished, Airmid made sure to express her gratitude.
...
"Judas? Is that you?"
A familiar voice rang out.
When Judas turned, he saw Belle running toward him, waving enthusiastically with a bright smile.
"Belle? Looks like you got caught up in this incident too."
He said, noticing the bandages wrapped around her forehead and arm.
"You did pretty well for yourself, huh? Little Hero."
He added with a grin.
"Hehe... you know about that? That's embarrassing!"
Belle laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of her head as her cheeks reddened.
Lefiya, watching from the side, stared at Belle with an inquisitive gaze, her eyes narrowing almost imperceptibly.
'Hmm? Who is this girl?'
She studied the white-haired adventurer more closely... the way she spoke so freely, the ease in her tone, and the familiarity in her posture.
'Talking so casually with Judas...'
The thought left an unpleasant knot in her chest, one she couldn't quite explain.
"Judas... Loki... Lefiya..."
Another feminine voice reached them.
Just behind Belle stood Ais, walking toward them with a small nod.
"Miss Ais! You were here the whole time!"
Lefiya exclaimed as she hurried over.
"Listen, Miss Ais! You're never going to guess what I just did!"
Lefiya excitedly recounted her battle with the plant creature, emphasizing her use of concurrent chanting.
When she finished, Ais smiled.
"You did great, Lefiya. You've gotten stronger."
The praise hit Lefiya like divine judgment.
For the amber-haired elf, it felt as if she had ascended to heaven. Being acknowledged by her idol sent her straight into her own little world.
"What about you, Belle? What's your story? You beat one of those plant creatures, right?"
Judas asked, genuinely curious.
He had heard bits and pieces from the crowd, but he wanted to hear it from her directly.
"Ah... well... I didn't actually defeat it by myself. I had a lot of help—I only landed the final blow."
Belle replied modestly, twirling a strand of her hair.
"Even so," Judas said with a nod. "Those creatures were at least level 4. Tione and Tiona struggled without their weapons. Even with help, killing one is impressive."
"That's right," Ais added. "You should be more proud of yourself. You're amazing, Belle."
Belle's face lit up at their words.
At that moment, Lefiya snapped out of her daze.
Seeing Belle smile... and hearing her praised by both Judas and Ais... sparked an unexpected twinge of jealousy in her chest.
'For some reason, I don't like it.'
That smile, in particular, annoyed her.
Like an irritating feeling that wouldn't go away.
Like a younger sibling who was clearly the favorite.
...
While the group was mid-conversation, Loki suddenly bumped into a familiar twin-tailed goddess.
"Well, well, well~ if it isn't Miss Poverty Goddess herself."
A vein popped on Hestia's forehead.
"W-Who are you calling poor, you flat-chested red-haired monkey?!"
Hestia snapped, jabbing a finger into Loki's chest.
"Who are you calling flat, huh?! You loli with oversized boobs!"
Loki shot back, her face twisting in anger.
"Look at this cutting board talking! Your chest is perfect for slicing vegetables—why don't you try it? Oh wait! You probably already have!"
Hestia retorted, her twin-tails shaking.
The air between them crackled as the two goddesses leaned closer, foreheads nearly touching.
"You... piece of %#%!"
Loki growled through clenched teeth.
"Oh? Hit a nerve? Careful, Loki.yell any louder and your chest might disappear entirely!"
"Oh wait... it's already too late."
Hestia added, gasping theatrically with her hands on her cheeks.
Their argument quickly drew attention, whispers spreading among the onlookers.
But since the ones arguing were goddesses, no one dared interfere.
Judas, standing a short distance away, let out a quiet sigh and shook his head.
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