CHAPTER 28: GOLDEN PLATE’S

"It’s fine, there’s no need to apologize," Nolan said calmly. "They already found out anyway."

Indeed, every adventurer was silent. No one made a noise. Some quietly walked out of the guild building, while others continued their work as if nothing had happened.

"Please place it on the table," Ella instructed Nolan.

He picked up the King Golem cores and set them down carefully. Ella examined them closely. "They’re in very good condition... except this one is a little smashed," she said.

"Oh, that," Nolan replied with a small grin. "I punched it... I tried to hold back, though. In a way, I don’t think it’s even going to break completely."

Ella and Celia laughed.

"Master, you’re the greatest," Celia said warmly.

"I told her," Ella added. "Everything is worth about 500,000 coins."

"Good," Nolan replied. Ella went and packed the coins—500,000 gold coins—and handed them to Nolan.

"Wow... I’m rich! Getting wealthier and wealthier," Nolan murmured to himself. Maybe this money is enough to buy a house so we can live...

As he murmured, he noticed girls entering the Adventurer’s Guild from the streets, all adoring someone. Nolan turned to look and saw a young man, about 22 years old, strikingly handsome, with long hair flowing like a lady’s, and a gentle, calm presence. Girls surrounded him as he walked into the guild.

"Who the hell is that brat?" Nolan muttered.

"That’s a prince," Lucan said quietly. "His name is Alaric Evandor, the second crown prince of Sindra."

"I hate this dude," Nolan said with a frown.

"Why?" Lucan asked.

"Well... let’s just say I hate playboys. They’re capable of getting every single girl," Nolan replied.

Lucan started laughing.

"Oh shit... I accidentally said that out loud," Nolan thought, facepalming in his mind as he watched Lucan laugh.

Alaric was now walking directly toward Nolan, approaching the receptionist desk. What is he doing here? Nolan wondered.

"Hi there," Alaric said, his voice gentle and calm.

Nolan looked at him, unsure. Is he talking to me? Even if he is... I think I’ll just ignore him, Nolan decided, turning his gaze away.

"It’s good to see you. See you, Prince. Did you come to get a quest?" Lucan asked.

"Well, don’t worry about that," Alaric replied. "I was told by someone that there’s a powerful adventurer who defeated Golems, and I rushed right over to see him. I already know it’s him—from that city over there. Hey, can I know your name?" Alaric asked Nolan.

"Well... no. I’m not the one you think you’re looking for. I’m Rank E," Nolan said casually.

Alaric raised his hand to his mouth and smiled. "Well, a Rank E would never be able to wear that suit you’re wearing," he said with amusement.

Nolan glanced at him, frowning slightly. He’s so charming... I don’t like people who are this charming, especially boys. They can take your girls at any time, Nolan thought.

Memories from his previous world flashed through his mind. The first time he had ever talked to a girl about wanting to date her, back in high school, she had laughed at him and said it was disgusting—that he wasn’t attractive at all. Meanwhile, in the same class, a boy named Darren was dating three girls at once. When Darren asked out Nolan’s crush, even though he was already dating the others, she accepted him instantly. That had been the day Nolan decided he hated pretty boys.

"Please, I’m just here to know—who was that swan person who defeated the King Golem? And... oh, is that your companion?" Alaric asked, stepping forward and gently taking Celia’s hand.

Celia’s face immediately turned bright red. Nolan noticed her blush and quickly pushed Alaric’s hand away.

"Get away from her! I am Nolan Thorn," he said firmly.

"Oh, good! I’m also an adventurer, just like you," Alaric said, unfazed. "He is the tanker of the team, Garad. She is the mage of the party, Nymera, a demi-human."

Nymera stepped closer. She had striking white ears, an attractive figure, large breasts, and wore boots that emphasized her presence.

"Nice to meet you," Nymera said, stretching out her hand toward Nolan. He raised his hand and shook hers.

Wow... she is beautiful, Nolan thought. Celia noticed immediately and frowned.

Nymera then looked at Celia and smiled warmly. "And this is Seraphina, a knight like myself."

"Nice to meet you, Seraphina," Celia said politely.

"Yeah," Nolan replied quietly, still distracted by Nymera.

"Hey, stop staring so much," Linda said, nudging Nolan.

Nolan blinked, realizing he had been caught staring at Nymera’s chest. Nemira laughed softly. "Nolan... maybe move your face a little?"

"Oh... sorry," he muttered, quickly looking away.

Alaric stepped forward, a mischievous grin on his face. "I’m going to give you something amazing. Something amusing. Something everyone will want."

"Really? What’s that?" Nolan asked cautiously, eyeing him.

Alaric waved his hand, gesturing to the beautiful women in his party and the girls still trailing behind him. Nolan’s eyes widened. This guy is truly my rival, he thought. He’s got everything—and everyone following him.

"I want to make you part of my party," Alaric said earnestly. "Join me, and I can also give you... company. Please."

Nolan paused, looking Alaric up and down. "I’m going to have to decline. You and I... we could never get along."

"Why is that?" Alaric asked, scratching the back of his head.

Lucan moved closer to Nolan, a serious tone in his voice. "He is a good fighter

Nolan thought about the flashy aura, the charm, the way everything Alaric did seemed captivating. Glam, glam... everything about him is glam, he mused silently.

Lukan added, pointing at Nolan, "No matter how you see him, he’s not weak. He’s a Rank A adventurer—a sword master already. A Golden Plate adventurer."

Nolan blinked, shocked. "Huh?"

"Well, anyways," Nolan said finally, brushing past him. "I think I’m going to have to pass."

Celia and Linda moved forward together, following him closely. "Excuse me! Excuse me!" they called to Alaric as they trailed behind Nolan.