Chapter 140

“The message I saw in the simulation was more chaotic than I imagined.”

I had thought that being a Count would imply a respectable status and a considerable fortune, but that was merely my misunderstanding.

“I don’t want to eat this!”

“Aida, there are many people outside who are starving because they have even less than this. You shouldn’t complain.”

Aida, my younger sister, threw the bread aside and burst into tears, while our father, Count Bradley Somerset, sternly chastised her.

I glanced at the food placed before me, thinking that the dining scene in a noble household might resemble that of an ordinary family.

On the table lay a thin, unidentifiable soup and bread that resembled rocks in hardness.

Certainly, these were not appetizing dishes for even a child.

Resolving to eat, I attempted to dip the bread into the soup, but just as I broke it apart—

Crack!

Did I just hear the sound of wood splintering?

Aivana sat across from Xia’er, her right elbow resting on the table, her palm supporting her cheek, watching Xia’er eat slowly despite being very hungry.

Xia’er ate quickly, but with a deliberate pace, making the sight pleasing to the eye. Just watching Xia’er eat made one feel more inclined to eat themselves.

Despite the lack of any noble etiquette, there was no discomfort, only a sense of ease and grace.

Aivana took the opportunity while Xia’er was eating to survey the now somewhat empty kitchen and the connected living room, looking around.

Is this… where Xia’er lived before?

Xia’er came from the Clock Tower Lane District, but the harsh environment seemed to have little impact on her… she didn’t look like someone from the lower strata at all.

Although Aivana had no intention of discriminating against those from lower backgrounds, Xia’er’s demeanor still left her somewhat amazed.

After Xia’er finished eating, Aivana looked at her and asked, “There’s still some time until the banquet. Do you have any plans for the rest of the day?”

Xia’er put down her utensils, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and after some thought, replied, “I’ll go to the Salvation Goddess Religion and then visit my sister and Adelle, Amy to give them a safe word.”

For the remainder of the day, Xia’er didn’t have any special plans. Besides going to offer something to the goddess, she planned to visit her family and friends to ensure their safety.

“After we finish giving them a safe word, let’s go buy a set of formal wear.”

Aivana looked at Xia’er’s dress and said, “You don’t have a proper set of formal wear.”

Aivana originally wanted to say “clothes,” as Xia’er’s clothes seemed to her like mere rags used to cover the body.

This wasn’t an exaggeration; Aivana felt Xia’er should wear nicer clothes to look cuter, rather than just using them as garments.

After all, looking good usually makes one feel better too.

“Buy formal wear?”

Xia’er looked at Aivana and asked, “For the banquet?”

“Yes.”

Aivana nodded.

“Okay.”

Xia’er didn’t refuse. After all, she only had a few sets of clothes, and except for the expensive school uniform, the others were faded from washing.

When she went to formal events like Derton Manor before, she wore Aivana’s clothes, which were slightly larger and not quite fitting.

Now, Xia’er didn’t worry about Su Pound anymore. With the help of the first-tier potion and replication ritual, she could find Tara in the simulation to get what she needed, so she was confident in acquiring them.

Even the remaining potions could be entrusted to Aivana to sell for cash, making it easier for her to move around.

“I thought you’d refuse.”

Aivana was slightly surprised when Xia’er agreed so readily.

But thinking about it, Xia’er always spent money recklessly. Whether it was thousands or hundreds of pounds, she would spend it all quickly and then borrow from Aivana.

This spending behavior didn’t seem like that of a young girl but rather like that of a desperado with no tomorrow, trying to squander all their wealth before death.

Thinking this, Aivana couldn’t help but remind Xia’er, “Xia’er, you need to save some money.”

“Save money?”

Xia’er, after drinking some black tea, asked in confusion, “Why?”

To be honest, Xia’er had no intention of saving money.

Whether it was gambling on horses, betting, or even murder, she could make money quickly. If needed, she could handle it in the simulation. She currently had no intention of saving money.

“Are you collecting potions?”

Aivana didn’t answer Xia’er’s question but asked in return.

This was easy to guess since almost no one bought potions in bulk.

“Yes.”

Xia’er nodded. She hadn’t hidden this fact; she indeed intended to collect potions.

“If you want to collect all the potions, you’ll need to save up enough money.”

Aivana pretended to think for a moment and then said mysteriously, “About ten thousand Su Pounds or so.”

“How much?”

Upon hearing this number, Xia’er initially thought she had heard wrong. After hesitating, she asked, “Fourth tier?”

Aivana seemed pleased with Xia’er’s shocked expression and continued happily, “First tier.”

“What route?”

At this point, Xia’er was thoroughly confused. There were a few rare routes, but she never expected the price to be so exorbitant.

This was first-tier! The darkest Derton Manor only sold it for 800 Su Pounds.

Here, Aivana stopped teasing and explained, “The ‘Performer’ potion and route cost at most 1,000 Su Pounds, but purchasing requires conditions.”

“One of the conditions is that it’s only sold to nobles—this means you need to donate or bribe at least a baron title.”

“Currently, donating a title costs around ten thousand pounds or more… provided someone is willing to accept the money and mention your name to the queen.”

“The ‘Performer’ route is actually controlled by the royal family? You need to buy a noble title to get it?”

Xia’er proposed several possibilities, asking tentatively.

“You might not know how to obtain the ‘Performer’ potion.”

Aivana shook her head and said, “Even I can hardly get it.”

Next, Aivana patiently explained the ways to obtain the ‘Performer’ potion to Xia’er. After listening, Xia’er fell silent.

This was indeed difficult…

To get the ‘Performer’ potion and replication ritual from the royal family was extremely challenging.

The first condition was that you must be a noble.

The second, you need to pass the royal music theory and instrument tests. Upon passing all the tests, if the royal family deems you have completed the replication ritual, they will issue a certificate.

With this certificate, you gain the qualification to purchase the potion, but you can only buy one bottle and must take it under royal supervision.

This was one of the hardest potions to obtain through known routes, but for Xia’er, it wasn’t entirely impossible.

All she needed was to spend Mortality Points to raise her music theory and performance skills to at least Lv.3, then study in the simulation for some time—probably less than a month—to complete the test.

As for ten thousand pounds… getting it in the simulation was relatively simple. Xia’er had many ways to do this.

“I understand.”

Xia’er nodded and said, “I’ll start saving money.”

After finishing the meal, Xia’er tidied up her clothes and appearance, then went out with Aivana.

At this moment, Aivana still had some time, so she could accompany Xia’er for a bit longer.

As they walked side by side toward the Salvation Goddess Religion, Aivana seemed to want to find a topic and asked, “What are you going to do at the Salvation Goddess Religion?”

“Donate some money.”

Xia’er replied.

In both reality and the simulation, Xia’er had already tricked the Salvation Goddess Religion many times. Given this was a world with extraordinary abilities, it wasn’t surprising for the goddess to exist.

To avoid divine punishment, Xia’er still planned to donate some money to buy peace of mind.

After all, there might be many opportunities to trick the Salvation Goddess Religion in the future.

After crossing the North-South Stone Street, Xia’er and Aivana stood at the church entrance. However, when they reached the stairs, Aivana stopped and let Xia’er enter alone.

Given Aivana’s special identity, to avoid misunderstandings, she didn’t enter the church with Xia’er.

Once inside the Clock Tower Church, Xia’er didn’t linger. After putting two 10-pound bills into the collection box, she bowed toward the statue and silently muttered, “I’m sorry for any past offenses.”

After finishing everything, Xia’er turned to leave but soon heard a familiar voice behind her.

“Only if your heart is sufficiently devout can the goddess possibly bless you, child.”

Hearing this gentle voice, Xia’er turned and saw a familiar silver-haired figure.

High Priestess Yulis.

At this moment, the church was empty, and High Priestess Yulis sat smiling on a long bench, watching Xia’er. Hearing Xia’er’s footsteps stop, she continued, “Does this believer have any concerns?”

“Sorry, I’m not a believer.”

“I can also hear your wishes.”

Yulis revealed a friendly smile, extending her right hand toward Xia’er.

“Don’t worry, the private prayer room is just for us two girls; no one will disturb us.”

As if to dispel Xia’er’s concerns, Yulis explained.

Her explanation only reminded Xia’er of the time she had been brought to the private prayer room and tricked into touching her face all night.

Xia’er’s mouth twitched as she said, “No, thank you. I have very important things to do later and won’t have the time.”

“I see… May your affairs go smoothly, and may the Goddess bless you.”

After hearing Xia’er’s words, Yulis did not persist, merely offering some well-wishing before watching Xia’er leave.

However, after Xia’er’s footsteps faded away, a hint of confusion appeared on Yulis’ face.

Strange… Why did that girl sound a bit resentful? As if I’ve done something to her.

Do I know her?

Though, Yulis did remember the girl’s voice and scent, so she could recognize her next time they met.

Perhaps it was just Yulis’ imagination, but she felt the girl seemed somewhat unstable.

Yulis shook off her thoughts, not taking it too seriously. Just as she stood up and walked down the long corridor, a figure blocked her path.

“Bishop.”

Yulis slightly bowed her head, respectfully addressing the figure.

“There is a highest emergency situation.”

The figure, completely shrouded in white robes and a white mask, spoke without any emotion, “We need to return to the church.”

Highest emergency situation?

Yulis was slightly taken aback.

She had never heard the term before, but it was easy to guess the danger involved.

“Yes, Bishop. I’ll immediately arrange the handover work,” Yulis replied.

“No need, just come with me directly.”

The masked bishop slowly continued, his tone flat yet insistent.

Originally planning to remind her sister about safety during the handover, Yulis could only nod and follow the bishop to the back door, where they boarded a carriage heading to the church.

…

“Visit your family and friends yourself, I won’t bother you anymore.”

Aivana glanced at her pocket watch and then looked at Xia’er, saying, “I need to prepare for the banquet… At four, remember.”

“Alright.”

Not long after leaving the Salvation Goddess Religion, Aivana bid farewell to Xia’er.

She knew Xia’er was going to meet his family, although she had already met Xia’er’s sister, the meeting wasn’t very formal.

Now, she hadn’t prepared how to introduce herself to Xia’er’s sister, so she decided to hold off for now.

Aivana got into the carriage heading back to the manor, while Xia’er found another carriage, his destination being Gem Avenue.

It was already ten in the morning, and he had slept longer than usual, but the upside was that his energy had recovered significantly.

If he could continue receiving Aivana’s healing, Xia’er felt confident he could fully recover his mental state.

But he also needed to consider Aivana’s mental resilience… He would talk to her later to discuss the best treatment plan.

Soon, the carriage stopped in front of the “Crystal” jewelry store on Gem Avenue. Xia’er got out and saw Lichi wiping the glass counter inside the store.

This time, Xia’er didn’t just stand outside; he walked straight into the jewelry store and opened the door.

“W-welcome to ‘Crystal.’”

Lichi quickly turned around, hurriedly putting on the mask hanging around her neck when she realized someone was there.

But soon, she felt a sudden impact at her waist, as if something ran up from behind and hugged her.

“Little Xia’er?”

Almost instantly, these words slipped out of Lichi’s mouth. When she turned her head, she indeed saw a familiar smiling face.

No one else had ever hugged her like this except her sister.

“Why are you here?”

Lichi’s voice held a hint of surprise, but quickly she lowered her voice, pointing at the manager behind the counter with a serious expression and whispered, “I’m still on duty…”

“It’s fine…”

Xia’er let go and smiled at Lichi, looking towards the manager and said, “Miss Aivana asked me to bring Lichi along.”

“Go ahead.”

The manager nodded, maintaining his serious demeanor without further comment.

Then, Xia’er pulled Lichi’s hand and walked out of the jewelry store, standing by the gradually bustling Gem Avenue.

“Did Miss Aivana really call for you?”

Lichi blinked at Xia’er, curiously asking.

“No, I lied to her.”

Xia’er shook his head with a smile.

“What if she finds out?”

Lichi pinched Xia’er’s cheek lightly, giving him a small scolding.

“She won’t find out.”

Xia’er seemed indifferent.

After all, the manager was once Aivana’s maid and was currently helping Aivana oversee the store.

Moreover, whether Aivana had called Lichi or not, the manager couldn’t verify it. Even if he did check, Aivana would likely cooperate first and ask him later.

Now, the relationship between Aivana and Xia’er was something others couldn’t easily imagine.

Picking a nice-looking café, Xia’er was about to take his sister inside when he suddenly remembered something and stopped, turning to a vendor selling dried yellowfin cod by the roadside and asked, “Have you eaten?”

This fried fish, crispy and delicious, was a classic street food in Borough City, commonly found in Clock Tower Lane District due to its affordability and high protein content.

However, besides fried fish and roasted potatoes, there weren’t many other delicacies available on the street.

“Not yet.”

Lichi shook her head, walking up to the vendor with a smile and ordering, “Two pieces of fried fish.”

The fish sizzled in the oil pot. Lichi looked at Xia’er and asked, “Have you been busy lately? You haven’t sent any letters.”

“Yes, quite busy. I’ve been learning a new language and reading a lot.”

Xia’er nodded, then asked, “How is your sister? How’s everything recently? I went home and found that you cleaned up.”

“Yeah…”

Lichi nodded, saying, “I went to clean up while passing by the church.”

Even though the lease was almost up, it was still their home for a long time.

Whether it was Lichi or Xia’er, whenever they had free time or important matters, they would naturally choose that place.

“The church… I went there earlier and donated some money, praying for the Goddess’s blessing.”

Xia’er responded.

“Aren’t you an atheist? Why start praying to the Goddess now?”

Lichi asked curiously.

“Life is hard-earned, so we should beg the Goddess to look after us.”

Xia’er was very open, having spent a lot of money on various wishes.

“Haha…”

Lichi laughed and rubbed Xia’er’s head, then said, “Little Xia’er, try not to go to Clock Tower Lane District recently.”

“Why?”

Xia’er took the grilled fish wrapped in paper from the vendor, handed it to Lichi, and asked, “Is something happening there?”

Lichi hesitated for a moment and said, “Recently, several workers have died in different factories… Some because of dehydration syndrome, but many due to overwork.”

“Now, many workers are very angry, even the Blackwater Party dares not collect protection fees. It’s better to stay away from Clock Tower Lane District for now.”

Overwork deaths… Workers…

This isn’t…

Xia’er recalled what he had seen in the simulation.

In the simulation, she was a clerk handling a case involving workers suing the factory owner. The trial ruled the factory owner innocent, with Baron Hastings as the judge.

But that happened on July 21st, and it was only July 2nd. So, the events must have started brewing much earlier.

Xia’er felt a sense of unease in her heart.

But this was just a regular worker protest; the nobles and wealthy merchants in An Su should have ample experience dealing with such situations. Besides, Aivana’s assets were related to gem mining, so it shouldn’t involve her.

After biting into the crispy fried fish, Xia’er struggled to swallow the fragrant piece.

It wasn’t because it tasted bad, but rather because she had already eaten quite a bit.

“Alright, I won’t go to Clock Tower Lane District anymore.”

Lichi and Xia’er continued chatting for a while. After learning that Xia’er was doing well, Lichi felt relieved.

Especially since Xia’er had resumed studying, which surprised Lichi, as she had always planned to make sure Xia’er went to university regardless of the hardship.

Now, Xia’er was clearly working towards her own goals, and it sounded like she had a good relationship with Miss Aivana.

If not for the great disparity in their social statuses, she would have liked to personally thank Miss Aivana for taking care of her sister.

Later, Xia’er would visit other friends to ensure they were safe. After spending about an hour with Lichi, he saw her back to the jewelry store and bid her farewell.

Watching Xia’er’s back, Lichi felt a warm sense of pride.

Unconsciously, the little sister who used to follow her had grown into someone capable of taking care of herself.

She wasn’t worried about Xia’er encountering dangers outside; with Xia’er’s cautious nature, she wouldn’t put herself in harm’s way.

Instead, Lichi worried that her sister might use her cunning in illegal ways—after all, she had heard that some people studied law just to exploit loopholes.

But her sister probably wouldn’t… right?

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