NOVEL NEXT Chapter 49
49
As Roy was about to start eating, a burst of golden light flickered before his eyes, and the long-absent panel changed.
[Ding! Congratulations on reversing others’ opinions of you, enhancing your social value. Keep up the good work!]
[Prestige +1000]
[Title]:
[Reformed]: The nobles of the Lionheart Kingdom now see you as a reformed noble young master, an elegant, reserved man who nonetheless does not lack courage and responsibility. The Lionheart Kingdom’s nobility will generally have a better impression of you.
Oh? Four digits?!
They gave so many prestige points at once? It seems I can finally enter the lottery!
Roy pondered, now that he was a noble, shouldn’t he be properly European when drawing cards?
As for the title, washing away [Wastrel Young Master] is a good thing.
Not to mention anything else, just removing the [Wastrel Young Master] debuff that repels women makes Roy very satisfied.
It seems that as long as you make achievements, you can change social evaluations, earn prestige, and get titles.
Going forward, could I possibly become a prominent figure in the kingdom?
Well, the future is uncertain, but being able to wash away the infamy is already quite good.
To think that a simple fight would bring such an unexpected joy, Ryan really gave me a nice gift.
With his mood greatly improved, Roy picked up his knife and fork, ready to feast.
At that moment, a light and polite knock sounded at the door.
“Master, may I come in?”
“Come in.”
Entering the room was the familiar blonde silhouette of Roy, but Alice immediately glared at him: “Master! What are you doing?”
Roy held a fork with a knife, looking a bit dazed: “Let’s eat!”
“Your wounds haven’t been bandaged, and you haven’t changed into clean clothes… I guess I’ll have to help you.”
When Alice entered, she was holding a plate of gauze and herbs, as well as a clean change of clothes. It was clear she had come prepared.
However, Roy was very casual: “No need.”
“It’s just some minor flesh wounds, nothing to worry about.”
Roy, covered in blood, looked at her with a shocked expression, but in reality, it was just a small cut, and he didn’t have the mood to eat.
But Alice didn’t think so.
Seeing the boy not take his injuries seriously, the girl immediately crossed her arms, her eyes cold, using a low, emotionless tone: “Master, this is unacceptable.”
“If you don’t listen, I’ll have to tell the old lord that you’re indulging in gluttony while completely disregarding your life and dignity as a noble.”
Roy was taken aback.
Good grief, I’m just eating and you’re saying I’m willing to risk my life and reputation for it!
You say Alice can’t talk, but sometimes she’s as tough as steel, and sometimes she’s as sharp as a blade.
Facing the girl’s seemingly cold gaze, but actually, caring eyes, Roy finally relented.
“Okay, I’ll do as you say.”
Alice nodded in satisfaction: “Good, please, Master, take off your clothes first.”
“Yes… yes?” Roy felt something was off.
But Alice just looked at him with clear eyes, her expression serious: “Yes.”
“Can’t you take it off?”
“Can’t you leave it on.”
“Alright.”
It seems Alice is a pure and straightforward girl, even if the original work shows her having feelings for those girls, she shouldn’t have that kind of thought. I’m just thinking too much.
Only being stared at by a young girl like that, Roy was actually a bit embarrassed.
In just a few seconds, Roy took off his tattered clothes, exposing his solid and fit body to the girl.
Alone in the room, with the girl looking at him, Roy felt a bit tense.
Unlike Roy’s tension, Alice approached him and gently used an alcohol swab to wipe away the small bloodstains on his body.
The unique cold and stimulating sensation of the alcohol made Roy’s wounds suddenly sting again, and he couldn’t help but take a sharp breath.
“Ahh——”
“Sorry, I’ll be gentler.”
Alice’s movements became even gentler, but her speed remained steady, expertly wiping away each wound with precision.
The disinfectant and the scent of the poppy mixed together, making Roy’s nose itch.
Roy could see a strand of crystal clear sweat trickling down the girl’s forehead, nearly grazing her eye corner. Yet, her pale blue eyes did not waver, not even for an instant.
Roy couldn’t help but feel a bit sentimental.
It was just a minor wound; was such focus really necessary?
He reached out, wiping the fragrant sweat from her forehead, brushing aside that strand of golden hair.
“Master? Please don’t move.”
“Just take your time, my injury isn’t severe.”
But as soon as he spoke, Alice trembled slightly, bowing her head.
“Master is really kind, comforting Alice even though he’s the one who’s hurt.”
“But, Alice has made such a kind master…”
At this point, Alice closed her eyes, biting her lip unwillingly.
It was all because of her that the master got involved in the conflict with Ryan. It was all because of her that the master got hurt by Ryan.
If only she had the same power as the scarlet princess, none of this would have happened.
The girl reopened her eyes, and the bloody marks on that robust body suddenly came into view, causing her heart to ache.
She extended a fingertip, as careful and tender as a devout believer touching the statue of a deity.
“Does it hurt?”
A faint shimmer filled Alice’s clear eyes.
Roy couldn’t help but give a wry smile.
“Such a minor wound is nothing. Besides, it was Ryan who started it, not Alice’s fault.”
“But…”
Seeing Alice about to blame herself again, Roy quickly pinched her soft, tender little face.
It felt soft and fluffy, like a little cotton ball, making a cute whimpering sound under Roy’s touch.
Alice was good in every way, just too prone to self-doubt and self-blame.
Of course, this was because she had been at the bottom of society for a long time, unloved.
She was like an ugly duckling, unaware of the vast world waiting for her to soar.
“There are no ‘buts’. If I say it’s not your fault, then it’s not your fault.”
“Um, I’m, I’m sorry…” the girl mumbled, her eyes squinting.
“And besides, didn’t Alice help me too?”
“Eh?”
“Haven’t you noticed?”
Roy let go of the girl’s cheek with a chuckle, tapping her forehead lightly: “You’re already extraordinary.”
“Do you remember the light from before? That was you who emitted it!”
Upon hearing Roy’s words, Alice came to a realization as if awakening from a dream.
“A transcendent? Does that mean I’m like the master and the princess now?”
She could never forget the scene where Charlotte stood valiantly in front of Roy, making all the dandies including Ryan bow their heads in awe.
She thought she could only ever hide behind Roy, watching him get hurt, but if she also had that kind of power, maybe one day, she could do the same as Charlotte!
She wanted to become the strength for her master.
“But, I remember that the bloodline of the transcendent is also hierarchical, I probably can’t surpass the master and the princess,” Alice suddenly thought of this and couldn’t help feeling a bit downhearted.
Roy couldn’t help but laugh at the spot.
Silly child, in the future, you are the Chosen Saintess, the Dawn Swordmaiden, the strongest Holy Knight of Viseya, and your master here is still counting on riding your coattails!
Roy ruffled the girl’s hair, trying to hold back his laughter yet with absolute certainty: “Don’t worry, just work hard, and your achievements will not be less than Charlotte’s.”
Even though she didn’t know where her master’s confidence came from, Alice regained her confidence from his encouragement, her tone gradually firming: “I will!”