The very first morning back home had brought some unavoidable accidents.

No matter. On the second day, Vinny, with nothing unexpected, slept straight till noon. Maybe he’d gone slack the way students do the moment vacation starts when they get home, or maybe it was that Elusha’s Notebook had drained him—he’d spent the last two days pouring most of his energy into digesting it.

Vinny slept until he woke naturally, opened his eyes, and then—sprang upright on the bed in a blink.

Same as ever: the dashing, elegant scourge of Camella’s capital had once again been awakened by his own handsomeness. Ah, well. Can’t be helped.

He raked a hand through his hair and went to the old mirror in his room—the one with a chipped edge—to tidy himself up.

“Hm??” Staring at the blue-haired young man in the glass, Vinny knit his brows.

Why did he feel a little different than usual? Oh no—don’t tell him he’d gotten even more handsome??

For once, this wasn’t Vinny shooting the breeze. He genuinely felt that, looking in the mirror today, his skin and looks had climbed yet another tier.

He didn’t need to guess; obviously this was tied to what Elusha had said about awakening the remaining, dormant share of his bloodline.

The dramatic improvement to his formerly atrocious skin had been inseparable from that awakening; every transformation since had ceaselessly refined his skin and features. “A radiant complexion hides a hundred flaws,” and all that.

After he turned back into Vinny last night, his skin seemed to have reached another step-change. If before he’d only counted as “delicate,” now he looked... exquisitely refined.

The Facilis blood really was nourishing.

Vinny touched his cheek. The only downside was he kept feeling that if this kept improving, he’d end up looking way too girly.

No—honestly, even now he already had that distinct “innate feminine saint physique” vibe going on.

Still, so what? The strong don’t whine about circumstances. And since he owed the glow-up to the Facilis blood, he couldn’t praise it while it improved him and then curse it for going too far.

He’d probably hit the limit of what the Facilis blood could refine anyway. So he’d look a bit femme—whatever. If you’re good-looking enough, you can drag the aura back with what you wear.

Once he had money later, he’d throw on something properly masculine. With this face, the handsomeness would only go up from there.

Ah, well—what can he say when he’s this suave?

Beyond looks and skin, Vinny kept thinking about what boosts he’d gained—and what new abilities—after fully awakening the Facilis blood.

Had his Saint Light and sacred favor leveled up? Or was it showing up in the density of his magic?

He was curious—but he couldn’t exactly run tests right now.

“Vinny, are you awake?” Just as he was preening in the mirror, Shicodale’s careful voice sounded from outside the door.

“Mhm, I’m up already, Lord Dale.” Dressed and ready, Vinny opened the door and stepped out to find Shicodale outside, tied into an apron made from some scrap cloth patched all over—no idea where he’d found it.

When he came back last night, Vinny had, inevitably, left one gap in his cover—and Shicodale had caught the lingering trace of Vanessa’s scent on him.

Luckily, it was just Shicodale who knew. Vinny only had to say that he’d been in the palace that day, that he hadn’t brought his own shampoo or perfume from home and had used a palace shampoo whose scent just happened to be like that—and the question was deflected.

As for the last time? He’d been trying something new, and had just so happened to buy the same shampoo the Kingdom of Camella used.

That also explained why the maid in the palace smelled so much like Vinny had.

Shicodale mulled it over for a long time, turned it this way and that, and felt... that did sound about right?

And so, the matter was dropped.

“Lord Dale, and this is?”

“Ah—there didn’t seem to be a cooking apron at Vinny’s place, so I found a piece of unused cloth, washed it, and used it as an apron. You said I could use things freely, so I...” Shicodale’s voice went small, like he was afraid Vinny would blame him.

“Mhm. Right. This won’t do,” Vinny said, looking him up and down.

“Eh? So you really can’t just use this cloth for an apron? I’m sorry, Vinny, I—”

“That’s not what I meant. I mean—you don’t have many proper clothes besides your uniform, do you?” Vinny said.

Of course he didn’t. Thinking back, at the Academy, the clothes he saw on Shicodale most often were that school uniform—and only one set at that. As for everyday wear... not none, but pitifully few.

You can’t exactly pack extra outfits when you’re fleeing for your life.

It was really too sad. When other people went home on break in their Carillian Academy uniforms, it was a kind of triumphal announcement. When Shicodale wore his uniform, he wasn’t announcing anything to anyone—he simply had nothing else to wear.

Carillian Academy’s uniforms were excellent quality—the special fabric could somewhat resist blades and had a little elemental resistance; the warmth went without saying.

You could say the Academy uniform and student card together were worth more than everything else Shicodale owned, put together.

But you can’t just cling to one outfit, can you? Even if elves’ bodies are hard to dirty.

“Eh? That’s... it’s fine,” Shicodale shook his head.

“Did you cook this morning? Is there food left in the house?” Vinny asked.

“Oh—that was ingredients I bought with the money you gave me last night,” Shicodale said.

“...I didn’t tell you to use that money to buy food. That was your pay /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ for cooking for me these days,” Vinny said, exasperated.

“But the day we arrived in the capital, I noticed the market here in Camella has so many things,” Shicodale said, beaming with innocent delight. “I figured we don’t need to eat out—that’d cost you too much. You were getting tired of those few dishes I made at Carillian Academy. With so much variety in Camella’s markets, I can definitely make new things for you to try!”

“Fine. As long as you’re happy. Pack up in a bit—we’re heading out to buy you a few outfits,” Vinny said, shaking his head.

Pure goodwill without any angle or scheme is a heart-piercing finisher.

Shicodale could be hopelessly naive and inexperienced in some moments—but for pure goodness and guileless innocence, a certain white-haired, short, scheming nut didn’t hold a candle.

“Eh? No need, Vinny. Don’t waste money.”

“I said we’re doing it.”

“Vinny...”

“Tch. What’s this, kid—you planning to sing against the capital’s notorious rake??” Vinny pulled a put-out face. “This is Camella’s capital—this young master’s turf. Ask around—this young master’s word is law. You get me??”

“If this young master wants to buy you clothes, that’s this young master’s freedom. Not your call. All right, downstairs for breakfast—drop it.”

“But... Vinny, you don’t really have money.”

“What’s with the buts? You actually believed the nonsense I feed you on the regular? The Student Council paid plenty. I just didn’t mention it. Clothes money? Pocket change,” Vinny snorted.

Shicodale pressed his lips together.

Even he couldn’t quite fool himself with that one.

[Virtue +30.]

[Current Virtue: 7914.]

“Thank you, Vinny.”

“What are you thanking me for? Didn’t this young master just say it? I’m forcing these on you,” Vinny shot him a look.

After breakfast, with a black cloth bag in hand, the two headed for a clothier in the capital.

As a metropolis, Camella’s capital had both affordable, people-friendly stores and the high-end houses that sold what was fashionable among nobles and the ultra-rich.

—Before proceeding, new term:

Huavo Trading Company — Aesphyra’s family commercial guild; operates chain retailers from budget to luxury.

Mhm. Whether the affordable stores or the high-end ones, they all belonged to the Huavo Trading Company brand.

That’s right—Aesphyra’s family chain.

He hadn’t expected it—he wouldn’t see Aesphyra this break, yet her family’s chains were everywhere.

At a time like this, Vinny actually started missing Aesphyra. If that white-haired short stack were around, they could at least “swipe” her as a big discount card while shopping.

Probably the only time Vinny missed Aesphyra was for things like this.

Vinny entered a Huavo budget clothier. Compared to the luxury houses selling what nobles wore, the affordable shop’s décor was much simpler.

Of course, only in comparison. Plenty of details were crafted with refinement and taste, and the setting was pleasant. As expected of the deep-pocketed Huavo Trading Company.

“Honored sir, welcome.” The greeter glanced up mid-greeting and froze at the sight of Vinny.

Vinny was notorious in Camella’s capital; many had seen and knew him. Those who didn’t know him had at least heard the name.

Then the greeter noticed the black, long cloth bag Vinny carried. What was that for? What was inside??

What was this rake planning now??

“Don’t just gape, and don’t make this complicated. I’m here to pick clothes for someone,” Vinny said, frowning—he had no time to waste.

“Ah—oh. I see. Of course.” The greeter wiped cold sweat. If the capital’s rake had come to make trouble, he’d be in for it.

From the man’s tone, he hated hassle—so he probably wasn’t here to cause it.

And hadn’t some rumors said he’d gotten into Carillian Academy?

The greeter also noticed Vinny and Shicodale’s Carillian Academy uniforms.

“May I ask—are the clothes for this young lady?” the greeter asked.

“Brother, what young lady?” Vinny frowned. “He’s a boy. There are two guys here, period.”

“Ah??” Only then did the greeter notice Shicodale’s Adam’s apple—and those sharp elven ears.

An elf??

He was startled—but that did make things click.

“Do you have suitable clothes for him? Nothing too stuffy,” Vinny asked.

“We do. Let me show you a few styles,” the greeter said, leading the way.

Before long, Vinny had picked three outfits for Shicodale. All menswear, technically, but leaning neutral—short shirts with hot-pants and the like.

He sent Shicodale to change; when he came out and said the sizes fit, Vinny paid, and the two left the shop.

The greeter stared after them in a daze, feeling foggy.

They just... left? That was awfully clean and quick.

That ill-reputed Vinny had really only come to buy clothes? So normal it was hard to believe.

“Do you like them?” Vinny asked from ahead, black long bag in hand.

“I—I do.” In his new clothes, with two more folded in his hands, Shicodale felt warm through and through—even if their quality was far from the silks and gowns he’d worn as a Moon Elf prince. The warmth on his body reached his heart.

These were clothes Vinny bought for him—hehe~

Shicodale hadn’t wanted Vinny to spend on him, but now that Vinny had—he couldn’t hide the joy in his chest.

“Good.” Vinny saw the irrepressible delight in Shicodale’s eyes, turned his head aside, and the corner of his mouth ticked up.

Maybe Shicodale just had a way of making people feel better.

Being with this guileless little elf boy—like a small pet—was deeply relaxing. He felt himself soaked in that pure, uncontrived emotion whenever they were together.

It was the exact opposite of Aesphyra. Same white hair—but around that short, scheming nut, Vinny had to stay on guard every second, or he’d trip into one of her verbal snares and be coaxed into spilling something.

“All right—your turn to keep me company next,” Vinny said.

“Eh? Where are we going?” Shicodale had noticed the black long cloth bag when they left, but hadn’t asked. “Not going home?”

“Home? To do what? Please. It’s summer break—sitting at home every day is way too boring. Come on, Lord Dale, I’m taking you somewhere fun.”

“Somewhere... fun?” Shicodale tilted his head, puzzled.

Then Vinny led him to a fishmonger and bought small fish and shrimp.

“Are those for us to eat?” Shicodale asked.

“Mhm—but not for us.” Vinny glanced at Shicodale’s totally blank look.

One after the other, they passed through the capital’s towering gate and headed for the outskirts.

What they didn’t know was that, out in a dense stand of trees, a few glints of sight were already fixed on them in silence.

Vinny came to a lakeshore, looked at the green water, and didn’t like the spot. He switched places several times before finding one barely satisfactory.

“Lord Dale, give me a hand—bait the spot for me. I’m going to start fishing. We’re having fish soup tonight,” Vinny said, setting up the rod, rubbing his hands together in excitement.

“Eh? You’re going fishing, Vinny?”

“What, you can’t tell? This young master is a veteran angler. I don’t come home empty-netted,” Vinny said, baiting the water.

Then he settled by the bank and fixed his gaze on the surface.

For Vinny, fishing saved on living expenses and scratched the itch of the hunt—two birds with one stone.

While both their attention rested on the water, a few shadows skimmed through the trees on the far shore.

“Eh?” Shicodale suddenly lifted his head, sensing something. But because his attention had been all on the lake with Vinny just before, even his keen senses only picked up a strange wind skimming the surface.

Was it his imagination? Why did the wind nearby feel... off?

“Don’t space out, Lord Dale—we’re hauling in a lot of fish today!” Vinny called just as he was about to probe further.

“Don’t stare at the woods. I know these groves like the back of my hand—only those nameless rabbits and foxes with meat tough as leather. One bite and it’s all bone and no meat,” Vinny griped.

(—Aesphyra’s character art is almost done!)