That night, the cabaret where Norton exchanged other people's wallets for a few more coins to survive, witnessed how the past returned to twist his destiny.

In front of him, like an echo of his worst mistake, was that noblewoman, a stave from the mine, whose jewel he had stolen years ago. offering something unusual in lieu of retaliation: an "honest" job as a personal servant. Norton needed no words to understand that this offer was nothing more than revenge disguised as generosity, a power play designed to break his pride.

The days that followed only reinforced that bitter certainty. The gold chains and precious stones hung from his body as a constant reminder of his position, while the nobleman insisted on dressing him as another piece in his collection. That night, as a new ring was fitted, the brilliance of the jewels clashed with the darkness of Norton's scars, reminders of a mine that nearly buried him alive.

"Is this supposed to buy my loyalty?" Norton growled, his fists clenched and his teeth gritted, trying hard not to look away.*

The woman looked at him with a mixture of irony and something softer, something she didn't seem to fully understand. A slightly distracted smile appeared on his lips as he responded

"Your loyalty, Norton, is not for sale. We both know that." His voice no longer had the edge it had before; There was something warmer, almost absent of the original malice. "Besides, it's not like you don't like gold...gold suits you"

Norton looked at her, bewildered. That smile was not the same one that sought revenge. There was something different in his tone, in his gestures. Was it just a whim, or was he forgetting why all this had started?

Norton looked away, fighting a mixture of anger and resignation. As much as he hated to admit it, the gold chains were soft to the touch, and hunger no longer tormented him. But at what price? Reluctantly, he accepted the luxury that he despised so much and that, deep down, he longed for.