Thud, thud, thud!
A wooden sword bounced several times on the ground before settling down.
“All right, that's it for today, Xueyue. Take a break. I'll go prepare dinner,” Albert said, setting down his wooden sword and glancing at Chu Xueyue, who had collapsed onto the ground.
“Got it. Thanks for the hard work.” Chu Xueyue pushed himself off the ground with effort, his breaths coming in heavy gasps.
During this time, aside from learning this world's written language at home, Xueyue had also been practicing his Battle Aura with Albert. Occasionally, they would venture out to explore the city, where Albert explained this world's common knowledge to him. There was no room to be a country bumpkin—especially when Xueyue aimed to keep his transmigration secret. The less he drew attention to himself, the better.
“Ah...” Xueyue let out a heavy sigh. Why was Albert still single when he was clearly the epitome of a warm-hearted man?
Over these past few days, Xueyue had observed that Albert was polite to everyone, unfailingly kind and considerate, not to mention good-looking. He owned a decent house, even if it was on the outskirts of the city, and he was still young with a promising future ahead of him.
Could it be that he was pining for the queen who’d already... well, moved on with someone else? What a waste that would be. Even with his existence blurred by the world's will, Albert should still be able to find a girlfriend, right? At most, she wouldn’t realize his true identity.
Well, I’ll worry about that later. When the time comes, I'll set him up with someone. I should probably get a girlfriend first, though, Xueyue thought wryly.
Picking up the wooden sword, Xueyue placed it back where it belonged before deciding to take a bath. He needed to rinse off the sweat from his training session anyway, and there was still some time before dinner.
— — —
After dinner, it was Xueyue's turn to wash the dishes.
Honestly, the dishwashing liquid in this world was astoundingly convenient. At first, Xueyue had worried about how people here managed without the modern comforts of Earth, but many aspects of daily life had been touched by the innovations of former Heroes. Though the grander changes might not be immediately visible, the little conveniences here and there were a pleasant surprise.
As Xueyue finished cleaning up, his attention fell on two slips of paper lying on the table in front of Albert. They seemed to have something written on them—he could make out the word "admission," so maybe they were tickets of some sort?
“Albert, what’s this?” Xueyue asked, pointing at the two pieces of paper. “Are these tickets for something?”
“Yep. These are admission passes for a pre-enrollment tour at the school my sister attends. The shopkeeper gave them to me when I was buying groceries today and suggested I check it out. It’s a good opportunity since you've never visited any schools here. I figured we could go together tomorrow,” Albert explained, holding up the tickets with a smile.
“But why would a shopkeeper give these to you when neither of us is school-age anymore? You don’t even have kids. Isn't it kind of useless?”
Albert's dazzling smile remained undiminished. “Beats me.”
All right, then. Even with his identity obscured, Albert’s sunny demeanor certainly couldn’t be eclipsed. Is this what they mean by the power of a smile? The ability to win over hearts effortlessly?
“Well, I guess it's a good opportunity. Though, since it's your sister's school, aren’t you worried that someone might recognize you? You’re kind of a big deal among young people here, aren’t you?”
“No need to worry. As far as they're concerned, I’m already dead.” Albert smiled nonchalantly as he laid out the passes. “Besides, my sister studies in the nobles’ district, and the passes we’ve got only allow access to the commoners’ area. We won’t be anywhere near each other tomorrow.”
Oh, so that's how it works. Idol worship, the rise and fall of fame... Add to that the world's will actively erasing traces of Albert, and it did seem unlikely anyone would recognize him. But... Just thinking about how much I’ve been relying on him lately—it’s like I’m being fully supported by him.
“Well, thanks in advance! Sorry to keep making you spend money on me,” Xueyue said sheepishly.
“It’s no trouble at all. I have more money than I know what to do with, honestly,” Albert said with a carefree shrug. “At this rate, I’ll probably never run out, even in this lifetime.”
Wow, what an extravagant display of wealth! The sheer opulence practically radiated from him. Honestly, Albert didn’t just seem to glow—he shone like a golden beacon.
“How much money do you even have, Albert?”
“No idea. Between my sister’s dowry, my savings for a future wife, my pension for retirement, and even my funeral costs, I could take care of several people and still not make a dent. Guess I’m set for life.”
Xueyue sank to his knees dramatically, holding his head as he exclaimed, “I surrender to your might, Albert! I’ll leave my life in your hands from now on!”
Albert stared at him in confusion, visibly startled. “What was that just now?”
“Oh, uh—nothing big. Back home, it’s just a habit we have when we’re faced with overwhelming wealth. You hear statements like that and your legs just give way, that's all. Don’t pay it any mind.” Xueyue smoothly stood up and dusted himself off.
“Your homeland sure has some strange customs,” Albert said with a gentle laugh. “But here, it’s different. You don’t need to worry about things like that anymore. Just take your time adjusting.”
Xueyue’s cheeks flushed red in embarrassment. Is there anything this man doesn’t handle with warmth? Honestly, though—why doesn’t he have a girlfriend?
