The Holy Kingdom of Essa. Back in my school days, it was often touted as the city of devout religious fervor. It was shrouded in mysterious tales of wonder and awe, stories that spoke of its divine descent from the heavens or its creation through the fiery purification of a benevolent dragon. Amusing anecdotes for children, perhaps, but not for me. I had little love for fairy tales, especially in a world where magic had become so accessible.

As I observed the figure in white robes and her entourage approaching me, I couldn't help but feel that this was all an act of sorts. A deliberate attempt to maintain an aura of solemnity. If they aimed to intimidate me, they'd need to try much harder. I was willing to bet my right leg that they were here to request a loan to fund their ambitious endeavors.

"I presume you are the representative of the Holy Kingdom?" I inquired as the figure raised her robes, revealing a young girl with a small, freckled face and round, shimmering black eyes that caught the reflected lights of the guest house.

"My father wishes to extend his apologies for not being able to attend in person, esteemed creditor," the figure spoke with elegance and composure. "The ongoing conflict demands his presence in Essa at all times."

"Quite understandable. As the leader of such a significant domain, it's no surprise," I replied with a chuckle. "Shall we proceed with the meal? I've prepared a cuisine that I believe will remind you of home, though I gather that home may not be in its finest state, is it?"

The holy woman seemed taken aback by my casual demeanor, but she lowered her head, a silent acknowledgment of the debt her family owed me. I might not recall the exact sum, but one thing my father had taught me was to always remember those who owed you.…

…

Entering the dining hall, I couldn't help but be amazed by the meticulous work my staff had put into its transformation. It was evident that they had received word of the Holy Land's representative's impending visit and sought to create an atmosphere reminiscent of her homeland. The walls were adorned with artworks and sculptures, each carefully selected to evoke a sense of nostalgia for the visitor. Being a creditor for an extended period had afforded me the opportunity to amass various assets, including art and property. I recalled the tearful elderly lady who had surrendered the keys to her estate when she failed to repay her loan with interest. Rumor had it that she had taken her own life a few weeks later, but such matters didn't concern me. What I remembered most vividly was her grandsons taking up the responsibility of clearing her outstanding debts.

"This is quite impressive, creditor," the woman's gentle voice interrupted my reverie. "These pieces of art and sculpture are thought to have been lost in time.”

"They were lost because they are now my property," I stated plainly, taking a seat at the dining table. "You can always buy them back, but I'm not certain if your father can afford it. Your father, as the grand pontiff of the kingdom, must contend with several rebellions from rival sects. It's a costly endeavor, if you ask me."

"It is, creditor; that's why I'm here," the woman replied gently, raising her hand and instructing her entourage to exit the dining hall. The door closed with a faint thud.

"Well, I'm quite flexible with terms. I don't have the exact figures at the moment, but I'm sure we can come to an agreement," I offered. "Tell me straight, how much do you need?"

"My father will communicate the precise amount later, creditor, but we also require the support of your private contractors," the woman said, her tone growing serious. "We are being pushed back by these blasphemous sects, and despite our faith—"

"Those faithful are now lying dead on the floor, choking on their own blood," I finished the sentence for her. "In times of war, it's hardly surprising. Given the wealth of your kingdom, I can only imagine that these sects have powerful backers, perhaps even fellow creditors." I snorted, irritated at the prospect of clashing with another creditor, though it wasn't my first time. The offer had better be worth it.

"Anyway, I'm willing to listen. I've noticed that you've been diligently paying your monthly dues. What are you willing to offer? Also, you understand that I'll be tripling the interest, right? My contractors aren't lenient, and their fees are rather steep. I suppose they take after their boss." I chuckled, but the woman stood up and retrieved something from her robe, placing a sealed scroll on the dining table. It crackled with a faint hint of lightning.

"What is this? Some ancient prophecy you expect me to care about?"

"It's one of the few Lights of Essa," the woman interjected. "In modern terms, you could equate it to a nuclear bomb."

"I've heard of those," I began, my voice a mixture of incredulity and caution. "Wouldn't you be needing such a formidable weapon more than ever in these turbulent times? The sheer energy unleashed by one of these devices could obliterate this entire estate in the blink of an eye. Are you daring to bring it here, holy woman? Even if you were to eliminate me, you'd gain nothing. Rest assured, I've made provisions to ensure my assets remain inaccessible, even in death."

"That is not my intention, esteemed creditor," the holy woman interjected calmly, her lips curving into a small, enigmatic smile. "Consider this scroll a downpayment, a gesture of goodwill from my father. He believes you might find this item quite valuable in the future."

"Well, he might have a point there," I admitted begrudgingly. "A Light of Essa could serve as a potent deterrent against those who might consider defaulting on their debts. However, I must emphasize that it only covers a fraction of the interest. Given the current direction of our negotiations, I anticipate that your father will be requesting a rather substantial sum."

"He is well aware of that fact, esteemed creditor," she replied with unwavering determination. "Which is why..."

Without warning, the woman proceeded to unfasten the belt that held her robes together, allowing the garment to cascade gracefully to the floor. What emerged from beneath was a figure that could rival the princess in terms of allure. Her skin, smooth and unblemished, seemed to emit a soft, subtle radiance as it caught the ambient light in the dining hall. A white bra encased her supple breasts, which swayed ever so slightly, and her gaze remained fixed upon me, a mix of resolve and flustered vulnerability in her eyes.

"I... I will cover that interest, esteemed creditor," she declared with a quiver in her voice. "You will have your way with me, and in return, my father's kingdom will have the support it desperately requires." I couldn't contain my frustration any longer, and my voice erupted in anger, causing her to flinch visibly.

"Oh, for heaven's sake! What is it with daughters offering themselves as payment? You're certainly not the first to make such an indecent proposal, holy woman!"