Arknightcraft Modpack
Chapter 534: Using Public Authority for Private Gain, Huh?
"I think we might not need to go through all that trouble. Now that you've already dealt with those Umbrella members, if you want to meet your protection target… speaking directly with Mr. Wei might actually be a good option."
Lin Yuxia's mouth twitched slightly. She had absolutely no doubt that Santiago would really go and break someone out of jail. He was exactly the type to act on a whim—she had already seen that clearly from their previous encounters.
"And didn't you agree earlier to trade with Lungmen? With that relationship in place, I think it'll be much easier for you to achieve what you want."
Honestly, she didn't want to get dragged into any more bizarre situations. The sooner the deal was done, the sooner she could relax—at the very least, she wouldn't have to keep dealing with this guy.
"Hm… that actually makes sense. In that case…"
Steven rubbed his chin and thought it over. Forcing things with unconventional methods when communication would suffice did seem unnecessary. Besides, he wasn't particularly in a rush to get Mostima back. He had come to Lungmen mainly as a tourist, everything else was just incidental.
Having reached that conclusion, Steven's tone softened. If Centaurea had been there, she would have immediately guessed what he was about to say next.
"Let's go eat first."
Just as Lin Yuxia was bracing herself for another outrageous decision, Santiago's answer turned out to be… unexpectedly normal.
"You… just want to go eat?"
She looked at him uncertainly, seeking confirmation. It wasn't that she feared he was lying—she just worried he'd start playing with his pile of questionable bombs once they got to a restaurant.
"What else? If you've got the time, you could show me around Lungmen. I'm just here for tourism anyway. As a local, you should know what places are fun, right?"
Steven rested his hands behind his head, casually meeting her gaze. Things had settled down for now, and he didn't expect any sudden surprises.
As for calling Centaurea… she was probably still sleeping soundly on her bed. He had no idea why that little white horse could sleep so much—he half-suspected she snuck off to do something mysterious at night.
Rather than disturb her beauty sleep, he might as well scout around first. Then when she was free, he could bring her along and save time.
"…There's nothing particularly fun in Lungmen. At least… If there's one, I wouldn't know."
This time, Steven's question genuinely stumped Lin Yuxia. Although she was the Rat King's daughter and started higher than most, she had spent most of her childhood in the slums.
Even later, when she was arranged to attend school, she had neither the time nor the energy for leisure. So despite being a native of Lungmen, she had no idea which places counted as "fun."
"…Hm, that can't be right. Let me put it another way… what's a place that makes you feel happy just by being there? You must have an answer for that, right?"
Steven turned to look at the girl beside him in surprise. He really hadn't expected that someone dressed stylishly and exuding such a refined aura would know absolutely nothing about entertainment in her own hometown.
She didn't look like a shut-in either… which left only one possibility…. she was a workaholic.
"Shopping for clothes, grabbing late-night snacks at the night market—those are common in any city. I don't think they count as 'fun,' and they probably wouldn't match what you're looking for."
Fortunately, Lin Yuxia wasn't as eccentric as Steven. She still had the usual interests most girls had. It was just that she felt those options didn't quite meet his expectations.
"But if you really want somewhere to pass the time, I do have a place I can recommend."
Looking at the boy her father had assigned her to protect, she already understood after what had just happened—he didn't need her protection at all. At most, she was there to monitor him and prevent him from causing another huge commotion in Lungmen.
Which meant that accompanying Santiago for a casual outing could reasonably count as part of her duties. No one would have grounds to criticize her for it.
And since Santiago seemed willing to follow her recommendation… perhaps she could take this chance to indulge in a small personal desire.
As long as she made sure he behaved until the trade began, it didn't matter where they went, right?
"Where is it? I'll say this first—I'm not going anywhere that involves shopping. Accompanying girls shopping is pure torture. I'm not a masochist."
Steven only made one demand. He didn't really care where they went—as long as it was fun. Honestly, if Lin Yuxia suddenly suggested assassinating Wei Yenwu, he'd probably follow along enthusiastically.
"Well… it might not suit you. But you were the one who asked me, so I can only take you there."
For once, Lin Yuxia sounded slightly less confident, yet she still led the curious Steven away from the abandoned factory.
Soon enough, Steven discovered what kind of place she meant by "not suitable."
After following her to the central district of Lungmen, he looked up at the magnificent building before him—constructed in traditional Yan style. After confirming the name displayed above the entrance really was that of a museum, he turned to meet the gaze of the girl beside him, whose eyes were brimming with undisguised delight.
Pressing his lips together, Steven half-narrowed his eyes and smiled at her. Anyone could tell she simply wanted to come herself—it explained her expression perfectly.
"Isn't this… using public duty for private gain?"
"Of course not. You're the one who chose to follow me, aren't you? Besides, it might not be boring. You can experience centuries of Yan's history and art. And if you have money, you can even participate in the auction afterward. I heard there are quite a few good items this time."
Lin Yuxia flatly denied his accusation. Even if it was true, as long as she refused to admit it, no one could do anything about it.
"An auction? Oh—that reminds me of something."
Steven suddenly remembered he had promised someone a commission. He slapped his forehead lightly, then cast a slightly mischievous look at the girl beside him.
"Accompanying you to boost my cultural and artistic literacy isn't impossible… but afterward, you'll have to do me a favor."
With such a convenient tool person right here, it would be a waste not to use her.
<+>
Note: Character Illustration is in this Google Drive:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iuyfwNVFHzIi9H4rWNT_lAm7jTSiah_M
<+>
<+>
<+>
<+>
<+>
Tn: I updated the story daily, but if you want to see more chapter of this story ahead of time, please go to my Patreon.
Latest Chapter: Chapter 617: A Bold Guess[1]
Link: https://www.patreon.com/Thatsnakegirl/posts/arknightcraft-160680628[2]
[1] https://www.patreon.com/Thatsnakegirl/posts/arknightcraft-160680628
[2] https://www.patreon.com/Thatsnakegirl/posts/arknightcraft-160680628