The Speedrun Manual of Miss Witch - Chapter 26

In the end, Ciel couldn’t bring herself to ask Amy for a loan.

Instead, she was pulled inside for morning tea, sampled some desserts, and chatted for nearly an hour before making her departure.

Although her visit was brief, Amy seemed thoroughly delighted. She only looked a bit dejected when Ciel mentioned leaving, but her smile returned when Ciel promised to come by again sometime.

What an easily pleased girl.

Still, Ciel did manage to glean some useful information indirectly—specifically about Amy’s savings.

Currently, Amy had about 30 su pounds saved up. Despite receiving a weekly allowance of 5 su pounds, she spent money so freely that she hadn’t been able to save much.

Hearing about Amy’s weekly allowance, Ciel couldn’t help but reflect on the disparity between their lives.

Lichie worked herself to the bone in the factory, toiling nearly 14 hours a day, and her weekly salary was only 11 shillings.

Meanwhile, Amy’s weekly allowance was nearly nine times Lichie’s weekly salary, which was truly remarkable.

After asking Amy for directions to 15 Sir’s Bridge, Ciel left her house and headed to Avena’s residence.

Passing through a district lined with embassies, the area ahead opened up significantly. The estates here weren’t just villas—they were full-fledged manors. The gardens and lawns between the houses and their iron gates were larger than Amy’s entire property.

This Avena… her family seems even wealthier than I imagined.

Ciel stopped in front of number 15. After showing the insignia Avena had given her to the armed guards at the gate, she was escorted into the manor and asked to wait in the reception room beside the main hall.

A short while later, Avena, dressed in the same uniform and boots she had worn the night before, pushed open the door and entered. She looked at Ciel, who stood up to greet her.

“Miss Ciel, we meet again.” After closing the door to the reception room, Avena sat across from Ciel and said expressionlessly, “I’m about to head to the police department. You almost missed me.”

Facing the emotionless Avena, Ciel felt her moral hesitation vanish. At least she didn’t feel guilty about what she was about to ask.

“You mentioned I could come to you for a favor.” Ciel didn’t waste any time and got straight to the point.

“Who do you want to kill?” Avena seemed to have already guessed the reason for Ciel’s visit and was similarly direct. “If it’s just some thugs, I can take care of it for you.”

Avena pulled out a small black notebook and a fountain pen from her breast pocket, appearing ready to jot something down.

Ciel: “I want to borrow money.”

Avena: “……”

Avena’s body visibly stiffened, as if her brain needed a moment to process what she’d just heard.

After a long pause, she finally looked up at Ciel. Confirming that this wasn’t a joke, she asked, “How much?”

“As much as you’re willing to lend.” Ciel thought for a moment and added, “Preferably in gold pounds.”

“You’re trying to go into hiding?” Avena’s expression finally showed a hint of confusion. “I can arrange a safe place for you.”

Avena had done some research on Ciel’s background the previous night. If Ciel was planning to flee with her sister, it would be like a fish disappearing into the ocean—nearly impossible to track.

“No, I just want money,” Ciel said, offering a partial truth. “I want to visit Deton Manor.”

Then why only gold pounds?

Forget it…

Avena didn’t press further. She excused herself briefly and left the reception room. About ten minutes later, she returned carrying a small yet plump silk pouch.

“There are 75 gold pounds in here,” Avena placed the pouch in front of Ciel and said, “The mystical material I acquired yesterday was only a half-portion. It’s not a primary ingredient, nor is it a finished potion or tied to any ritual or formula. It would sell for around 50 gold pounds at Deton Manor.”

“The other 25 gold pounds are a personal loan from me. Pay it back whenever you like.”

Thud—

The hefty pouch of coins landed in front of Ciel, and Avena loosened the drawstring. The gleaming golden coins inside shone so brightly that Ciel instinctively leaned back.

Gold… so much gold…

When Avena placed the heavy pouch of coins into Ciel’s hands, her breathing grew unsteady.

It was the first time she had ever seen so much money…

Though the bag weighed no more than 600 grams, to Ciel, it felt as heavy as a ton.

“Don’t you want to count it?” Avena asked.

“No need.” Ciel placed the pouch into her satchel and, after taking a moment to calm herself, looked at Avena. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Avena gently shook her head before adding, “If there’s nothing urgent, I’d advise against visiting me again this month, Miss Ciel.”

“The contract we signed puts me at a significant disadvantage. To ensure my thoughts aren’t overly influenced by the contract, we should communicate via letters instead.”

“No problem,” Ciel agreed readily.

After all, once the simulation ends, you won’t even remember the contract.

Ciel stood up and was about to leave for Deton Manor when she suddenly remembered something. She turned back to Avena.

“Miss Avena, do you have any spare sacks lying around?”

To Ciel, 75 gold pounds was indeed a significant amount.

But if she had to spend 1 Fate Point to exchange for those 75 gold pounds, it would still feel like a waste.

Gold pounds could be earned again, but once her Fate Points were used up, she’d no longer be able to enter simulations.

If possible, she wanted to earn more gold pounds—perhaps by visiting a bank.

“By the way, I have another question.” Ciel thought for a moment and continued to ask, “Do banks employ transcendents as guards?”

Avena: “……”

Avena: “What?”

For a moment, she struggled to keep up with Ciel’s train of thought.

First asking for a sack, then inquiring about transcendent guards at banks… Do you realize you’re talking to a police officer right now?

“Are you planning to rob a bank?” Avena’s expression grew serious as she warned, “Major banks are generally controlled by powerful families. These families have intricate networks and extensive influence. If a transcendent bank robbery were to occur, you’d likely be apprehended by the end of the same evening.”

“I’m just asking. Why would I rob a bank? I’m not suicidal.” Ciel waved her hand and explained with a smile, “I’m just curious.”

After some thought, Avena nodded. That made sense.

Miss Ciel was always careful and meticulous. Although she had only recently become a transcendent, she likely wouldn’t do anything so reckless.

“Miss Ciel, are you planning to go to Deton Manor next? If so, you might want to reconsider,” Avena said. “Deton Manor operates on a membership invitation system, and you’ll need three guarantors to vouch for you. With only me as your guarantor, it won’t be enough.”

“If Miss Ciel can find two more guarantors, I’d be willing to vouch for you.”

Ciel: “Oh? Alright then. Thanks.”

So… straight to robbing a bank after all?

A few minutes later, Ciel was carrying a sack nearly half her size as she made her way toward the city center.

The city center was the financial hub, teeming with major banks, merchant guilds, and insurance companies.

Ciel decided that with about ten minutes left in the simulation, she would hit it big with a single heist!