Noble Indulgence and the Antidote Deal
Just drop off the antidote for the Vesnia boys and catch up on my overdue novels.
Since it’d been ages since my last vacation, unless the author had gone on hiatus, there had to be a decent backlog built up.
Knock knock.
“Young master, it’s Aurora.”
I was mulling over whether to take a nap right there when a familiar voice—one I hadn’t heard in a while—drifted in.
“Yeah.”
Slide.
Aurora entered carrying what anyone could see were expensive-looking pastries and a teapot.
“I heard you hadn’t eaten yet, so I brought some snacks.”
“Oh, thanks.”
I’d been starving anyway, and this timing was perfect.
“Even if you’re hungry now, the head chef is preparing a full meal with extra care, so just hold out until dinner.”
“Nah, don’t worry about it. I showed up out of the blue.”
Besides, if I couldn’t skip a single meal, I’d be no better than a beast.
“Also, the family head sent word that he’ll join us for dinner tonight.”
“Didn’t he say he had plans and would be late?”
“He canceled them and is heading out soon.”
“No need to go that far.”
Anyone would think the emperor himself had arrived.
I’ve really become the center of this household.
Back in the day, they wouldn’t have cared if I was alive or dead. The world truly rewards merit.
“Then he’ll definitely be back before dinner.”
“Planning to head out somewhere?”
“Yeah, I’ve got to deliver something. Prep a horse for me. I’ll leave in ten minutes.”
“You could take the carriage…”
“Nah, I wanna go alone and quietly. Sightsee a bit too.”
The location was classified; rolling up in a carriage would be troll-level stupidity.
“Understood. I’ll have it ready.”
“Oh, and don’t touch these pastries. I’ll eat them when I get back.”
Snacks were essential for an all-nighter with novels anyway.
If they clear them now, they’ll just have to bring more later. Annoying.
Doing the same thing twice was the most inefficient waste in the world.
“Yes. And what about your clothes?”
“Not an official event, so something comfortable.”
“I’ll prepare them right away.”
Aurora memorized all my requests and left the room.
Bringing clothes, food… Nobles really have it made.
No wonder they turned lazy and complacent.
If I could live like this forever, I couldn’t imagine greater happiness.
Just maintain what you’re given.
It seems simple, but damn if it isn’t hard.
“I put together this outfit—how’s it look?”
“Looks good. I’ll dress myself, so just handle the rest outside.”
“Yes, I’ll wait out there.”
Regular nobles even had help dressing, but that felt a step too far.
I get it for women’s dresses, but otherwise? No thanks.
Next thing you know, they’d be spoon-feeding you.
“Anyway, nice clothes.”
The outfit Aurora had left on the dresser felt worlds apart just by touch.
Soft yet luxurious fabric, refined design.
No wonder the military-issue stuff felt like garbage.
“Ahh.”
The moment I slipped my arms in, the top hugged me like it was made for me.
Luxury items earned their name for a reason.
This is clothing fit for me. I suffered too long in cheap crap that didn’t fit.
Dread of returning already crept in, but I shoved it aside, left the mansion, and mounted up.
No end to the extravagance—even the horse feels different.
The army ones were rugged; this one could handle some clumsy mounting without fuss.
Even as a slave, aim for the lord’s house.
I gripped the well-maintained reins, passed the mansion gates, and hit the road.
This thing shows the location, right?
I headed to a secluded spot and pulled the magic tool from my bag.
“An arrow too, huh.”
Just follow it.
Not too far, hopefully?
Vesnia had to be within the capital.
Oh right, grab the item first.
“Shop.”
◈ General Goods
Swordsmanship Manual
Recipe Book
Food
That was under general goods, right?
I nearly tapped food by reflex but pulled back.
-Vocal Enhancement Pills (1 pill) 10p
-High-Calorie Capsule Rations (30-pack) 10p
…
-Super Focus Glasses 30p
-Emergency Medical Kit 50p
“Some interesting new stuff.”
I scanned the unfamiliar items, figuring something useful might pop up.
◈ For officers, voice is power and weapon. Boosts volume, persuasiveness, and conviction for 10 minutes.
◈ Higher rank means more responsibility and paperwork. Eye strain skyrockets! Protect your eyes with these glasses.
“Hmm, neither’s bad.”
The vocal pills seemed handy for key moments.
“Super Focus Glasses… the name’s so corny.”
Crusty, even past rustic.
“Manages fatigue, but do I need it?”
Sleep was the real best fix.
Better save for another strength potion.
While at it, strength potion prices…
-Strength Potion 400p
-Stamina Potion 100p
-Wisdom Potion 50p
“Dizzying.”
400 points.
Doubled from the 200p one last time.
Medical kit leaves 260. Need 140 more.
Opportunities for points existed, of course.
Landing op success should net a haul.
From experience, extra points hinged on two factors.
Op importance and my performance.
Landing op topped all prior missions.
Performance? Recon risking life—solid.
Barring failure, at least 300.
Easy on paper.
Try it yourself.
Warzone stroll to Nampo and back wasn’t human.
“Life’s tough.”
Emergency Medical Kit acquired.
Shop closed after buying the kit.
They wanted antidote, so this should do.
Kit contents: coveted antidote, bandages for quick wound healing, painkillers.
Pretty solid.
Pricey drawback, but three items softened it.
Save the rest for later.
I separated the antidote and followed the magic tool.
Thirty minutes post-mansion.
Arrow vanished before an unexpected shop.
“Here…?”
Arubion
Spot I’d met Eden at multiple times.
Checked next door, but arrow reappeared on move—confirmed.
So I’ve been in Vesnia turf all along?
Chills; goosebumps rose.
“Anyway… let’s go in.”
Suppressing tension, I opened the tavern door.
“When the hell does this war end?”
“My son says it’ll drag on.”
“Speaking of, how’s Pelcop doing? Healthy?”
“Don’t ask. Saw him on leave—fatter. Heard Oclo Trading stuffs him good.”
Corner uncles’ beer talk hit my ears naturally.
Why so proud?
Wanted to cover their tab, but no headspace now.
“Welcome! Alone?”
Lost on direction, male staff spotted me.
“Yes.”
“This way, then.”
Followed inside.
“Sit in the room; I’ll bring the menu.”
Soundproofed room from Eden visits.
Alone, but stuck here—they know who I am.
Not common face, but instant recognition surprised.
“Yes, I’ll wait.”
Slide.
Staff shut door after seating.
Soon after.
Door opened; heavy-lipsticked middle-aged woman entered.
“First time, yet you found us well.”
“Not my first.”
“Hoho, true. You’ve visited. Only glimpsed from afar—honored to chat now.”
First sight for me; not her.
“I’m Nadia of Vesnia. Hope we meet often.”
“Palan Oclo.”
Shook her offered hand briefly.
This woman… different.
Middle-aged look, but grip revealed no openings—top-tier.
“Straight to business: the item?”
“Yes. The antidote that saved my life back then.”
Placed separated vial on table.
“This… thank you for swift delivery.”
“Not free, so no worries. Now, the info.”
“Hoho, no need to fret. Vesnia honors promises absolutely.”
“Ahem, I know.”
Tried hiding anxiety; failed.
Damn poker face is brutal.
I controlled decently.
Problem: everyone I met read me too well.
“Verbal’s fine, but report better?”
“Yes, that’d be ideal.”
“I’ll fetch it—wait a moment.”
No prep? She rose and left.
Why so nervous?
Normal to be.
Earth terms: dealing with top mafia.
At least no backstab vibe. Lucky.
No reason or need anyway.
Just me shaking.