Note: This chapter is very unimportant and unrelated to the story; I only added it as a change of pace instead of torturing poor Arthur every time.
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After a single day of rest, I woke up early in the morning… specifically at a quarter to five.
I wanted to be ready for training, so I headed toward the kitchen.
Of course, they had told me I could treat this place as my home—and I didn't refuse. Who says no to free hospitality?
When I opened the fridge, I found nothing. It was completely empty.
I sighed, closed the door, and decided to head to the nearby village to buy some supplies.
"You woke up early, I see."
I turned toward the voice… and nearly choked. Heat crawled up my face.
Celestia stood there in sleepwear—strikingly revealing, showing most of her body's curves… her generous curves. Very generous.
I forced myself to regain composure—I had never been in a situation like this and had no idea how to react.
So, awkwardly, I said:
"Good morning, Lady Celestia. Yes… I woke up early since I slept too much. I'm heading to the nearby village to buy some supplies."
"Supplies?"
She walked to the fridge, opened the door, and found nothing. She placed a hand on her face and exhaled.
Then she said:
"Wait for me. I'll come with you. I have something to do there as well."
I nodded.
I put on the clothes the system suggested: simple black pants and a white shirt that fit me perfectly. Then I wore a wristwatch, tied my hair into a bun, and grabbed a mask, a cap, and sunglasses to hide my face.
Sure, there were advanced tools that could alter facial features—but they were ridiculously expensive.
And if I bought one from the International Bank, I'd be discovered instantly.
So I settled for the disguise style used by kidnappers and creeps who stalk people.
When I came downstairs, I saw Celestia wearing loose jeans and a shiny black shirt that highlighted her figure. Her hair was styled sleekly and attractively.
When she saw me, she raised an eyebrow:
"Are you some kind of celebrity to hide your face like that?"
"Trust me… this is for the best."
As we stepped outside, she pulled out a strangely shaped key and tapped it—summoning a beautifully designed motorcycle.
When she saw my amazed expression, she smiled:
"What do you think? Beautiful, right?"
I surprised her with the excitement in my voice:
"Yes… it's really amazing."
I climbed behind her, gripping the rear handle, and then we sped off at incredible speed.
My eyes sparkled the entire ride.
It took less than three minutes to reach the village. We were stopped for inspection, but thanks to Celestia's identity, it didn't take long.
We began shopping for necessities. I chose everything, and she simply watched. After filling two baskets, we headed to the cashier.
The wait was boring enough that I asked her to teach me how to use the phone.
And when I tried to pay… she beat me to it.
I didn't refuse—I was actually relieved. It erased a bit of the guilt of spending "stolen" money.
We exited the store, and the sun was already high. It was nearly 9 AM.
I looked at her and asked:
"So… what do you want to do now? You said you had work here."
She answered with slight annoyance:
"Indeed… while you were shopping, I went to the office and picked up the papers I needed. You didn't notice my absence—too busy with your… odd way of choosing vegetables."
I coughed awkwardly:
"Oh… sorry. It's an old habit. I used to do it to avoid being scammed while shopping."
She shivered a bit and began fidgeting with her hands, as if regretting mentioning something that reminded me of my miserable past.
Then she said:
"Let's go back. We need to wake up those lazy ones."
The ride back was awkwardly silent. Neither of us knew what to say.
When we entered the house, the twins greeted us—they had just woken up, and they were thrilled to see me.
I greeted them with a bright smile, which made both Roselyn and Celestia blush.
I headed to the kitchen, and everyone followed, curious about what I would cook.
I placed the ingredients on the table and began:
Soaking vegetables.
Peeling potatoes.
Cutting them with precision…
When I was a bodyguard, I was trained in cooking, cleaning, and countless tasks. So I was skilled.
Learning to cook had another reason… I never trusted anyone to cook for me.
Everyone watched my movements.
My cutting technique—no stabbing or chopping, just long precise slices—caught their attention. Every motion was deliberate.
I heated the oil and checked its temperature.
Roselyn asked in surprise:
"Since when do we have a temperature gauge?"
No one answered… the children were mesmerized by my hands, and the women kept shifting their eyes between my face and my movements—genuine admiration in every glance.
When I finished, I went to set the table, but it was already prepared.
I nodded in appreciation and returned to the kitchen to bring the pots.
The meal was hearty:
• A beef steak
• Potatoes chopped and mashed into a sauce-like consistency
• Toasted bread
A perfect meal.
Everyone ate happily… but I kept watching the twins interact with their sister.
Sadness crept into my heart.
I placed my fork down… and stared at my plate.
I remembered my own sister.
While she was unconscious… I was here eating, as if nothing was wrong.
Ding—
[Body Synchronization Rate: 57.18%]
Celestia noticed my distress and said:
"If you keep thinking like this… you'll never reach anything. You must move forward, Arthur—stop thinking and blaming yourself.
This? You think it's a luxury? No… it's a beginning.
After we finish eating, we'll start training.
We will shape you… prepare you to become a student worthy of entering the academy.
Look ahead, Arthur—not at yesterday's regrets.
Everything has its time… even regret. But not now."
I didn't respond.
I simply raised my head and met her gaze.
There was no visible warmth in her eyes… but there was something else. Something I understood.
We held each other's gaze—maybe understanding, maybe recognition… no one knew.
And anyone who saw us, with our cold faces and stern expressions, would think:
"What's wrong with them? Do they hate each other that much?"
That was exactly what Roselyn was thinking…
and what anyone else would think if they saw that scene.
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