"Ding!"
[ You have changed the course of Fate once again ]
[ Luck Points +200 ]
---
[ Name: Egon Novos ]
[ Species: Human ]
[ True Name: He Who Devours The Reality ]
[ Rank: Journeyman ]
[ Soul Cores: Gaizar (1st Order) ]
[ Main Skills: Serenity's Touch (Lv. 3) ]
[ Auxiliary Skills: None ]
[ Traits: Envy, The Omniscient Viewpoint ]
[ Luck Points: 2,700 ]
---
Egon glanced at his stats, satisfied with what he had achieved.
Serenity's Touch had already reached level 3. With some more training and practical use, it would eventually evolve further.
However, he knew he couldn't always rely on just this main skill to survive, especially not against stronger Soul Evolvers.
For example, If he ever tried to touch someone like Noella, she might just slit his throat on the spot.
After all, not everyone tolerated being touched by strangers.
For this reason, he decided it was time to chase his second lucky encounter, one that was originally meant for the protagonist.
Now that his position as the mansion's accountant was secure and his slave status removed, he was finally free to do whatever he pleased.
He could pursue those encounters and begin preparing for the troubles that were sure to come.
Yes, there would be major invasions soon. And they would be enough to shake the entire kingdom he was now a part of.
After all, how else was the protagonist supposed to steal the spotlight from everyone else? In the novel, he always emerged victorious with that flashy sword style he learned from an old master who followed the Dao of the Sword.
If Egon remembered correctly, that old master in beggar appearance was supposed to visit Vienna's cosmetic shop either today or tomorrow.
He couldn't recall the exact date, but unless the butterfly effect had altered events too drastically, the master should still appear.
It was simply impossible to remember all those minor details with the kind of useless brain he had.
So for now, all he could do was wait patiently.
Just before noon, Egon accompanied Vienna in her carriage on the way to her shop in the market district.
However, as they traveled along the busy streets, passersby cast strange glances in their direction. Most of the attention came from the mismatched appearance of the couple sitting so closely together.
Egon's skin was slightly darker, his physique thin from long-term malnourishment, and a noticeable burnt scar stretched across his cheek. Even though he wore a nearly tailored black shirt and pants, they couldn't hide the reality of his harsh past. No matter how he dressed, his rough appearance stood out.
In stark contrast, Vienna was shining like a peach blossom in spring. She was stunning, seductive, and radiated the grace of nobility.
The two of them together simply didn't match.
Noticing the whispers and disdain aimed at Egon, Vienna gently took his hand and held it with care.
She looked him in the eye and spoke with warmth:
"You don't need to feel bad, Egon. To me, you're the most beautiful person in the world. And I don't intend to leave you, no matter what anyone says. Not even if my family tries to force me. You hear that, darling?"
Egon nodded calmly on the outside, but deep down he couldn't believe her words. He knew better.
'If only this were your true self, Vienna. Then, I might have believed you. Loved you truly. At least tried to. But this is not the real you. You're just a brainwashed puppet.'
'Still, I won't reject this version of you, even if it's a fake. Because you will help me reach my goals. Even if your affection is fake, I'll accept it. Because I'm that desperate... desperate to feel someone's love.'
He kept those thoughts buried in silence, the sorrow in his heart too deep to show on his face.
The carriage came to a stop in front of a large, square-shaped building. Its walls were polished white, smooth and clean under the midday sun. A bold sign hung above the entrance, written in elegant calligraphy: "Floral Garden."
The shop's name alone caught Egon's attention. Floral Garden sounded feminine, which made sense since it was clearly a shop specialized for women only.
And it was massive.
He couldn't help but admire the structure. But more than the building, his admiration went toward the woman standing beside him.
Whatever her personality might be, there was no denying it: Vienna knew how to run a business.
"Let's go inside, Egon," she said, stepping forward gracefully. "From today, you'll be in charge of checking this shop's accounts. You don't need to come often though. Just a routine check when you have time."
She held the door open for him as they entered the building.
"This isn't our only shop, by the way. We have a few more scattered around this city... and some in nearby cities as well," she added with a hint of pride. "I don't always have the time to visit all of them, so one of my trusted friends manages the others."
Egon nodded, suppressing a faint scoff. He had heard of this so-called "trusted friend" before. From what he recalled, the person was a male, though some would describe him more accurately as a boy-lady.
He was charming, sly, and seemingly loyal on the outside.
But Egon knew better.
This so-called friend wasn't loyal at all. In fact, he was quietly bleeding Vienna's resources, siphoning money and betraying her trust right under her nose.
She'll find out eventually. When she does, it'll hurt her. It was obvious.
Still, in the original timeline, Archon had exposed that friend without a shred of concern for Vienna's feelings.
He didn't care about how devastated she'd be.
Vienna had been broken back then. Not because of the betrayal itself, but because the one person she thought would stand by her through it all had tossed her heart aside like it meant nothing.
Archon never cared about her. He wanted her to stay alone, vulnerable, and dependent on him... forever.
"How will I handle it, when that time comes?" Egon wondered. "Will I let her fall apart, or catch her when she's collapsing?"
Only time would tell.
Just then, a human woman from behind the counter eyed him cautiously and asked, "Madam, who is this... 'gentleman'?" Her words were carefully chosen.
Vienna didn't respond immediately. Instead, she smiled and clapped her hands, signaling everyone to gather.
"Everyone, gather around! I have someone to introduce to you," she said warmly.
The employees: ten men and ten women, all neatly dressed and trained, left their tasks and assembled quickly. The room buzzed with quiet curiosity as they formed a semi-circle near the front.
Standing proudly beside Egon, Vienna turned to them with a radiant expression.
"This young man beside me is Egon. From today onward, he will be handling the accounts of the Floral Garden and some of my other businesses. I expect you all to give him your full cooperation and respect."