Chapter 48: The Scoundrel Of The Hero Family (1)
Alcohol, gambling, and women.
These three elements, known as the Three Sins, constituted what made up a scoundrel.
Mom, Im going to become a scoundrel when I grow up!
If your child ever spouted such nonsense, just encourage them to get familiar with the above three elements, and that would be the end of it.
However, what Shiron wanted was not to actually become a scoundrel but to reduce his reputation by decreasing the NPCs affection towards him.
Shiron has been dining alone for about a month at one of the main houses dining rooms.
Hmm
Shiron gazed hungrily at the meat in front of him before reaching for the knife and fork.
Without exerting much effort, the meat was easily sliced. When he pricked a perfectly cut piece with his fork, the juices oozed out.
The herbs sprinkled to remove any gamey smell were prominent, yet they didnt overshadow the meats distinct aroma.
The wild, robust flavor combined with the spicy seasonings was so delicious that it naturally brought a smile to ones face. However, Shiron clenched his teeth and held back the emerging smile.
Sir, as you suggested last time, I changed the seasoning
Perhaps it was Shirons expression that worried the young man, who stood with his hands together and looked extremely tense.
In front of Shiron was the man who, in 10 years, would oversee all the cooking in the mansion, [Top Chef Hurst].
Though currently still a young man with youthful features, his cooking skills were as good as the head chefs, even just after finishing his apprenticeship.
The aroma is fine. Its good, but
Unfortunately for Hurst, Shiron hadnt arranged this meeting to compliment him.
The taste is really
really?
Dog-like.
Shiron, having decided to reduce Hursts affection, naturally didnt have anything nice to say.
I clearly asked for it to be slightly more cooked, didnt I?
Shiron showed Hurst the cross-section of the meat and pressed down on it with his finger.
Look at this blood. The meat is so undercooked; it might just come alive.
Though the pink hue was appetizing, and the clear juices flowed out, Shiron insisted the meat was undercooked.
Im Im sorry. Its due to my lack of practice.
Without even verifying Shirons claim, Hurst deeply bowed his head in apology. Shiron, acting indifferent, poured wine over the meat.
The once appetizing meat became stained purple, and checking if it was properly cooked became impossible.
Shiron took a sip of the remaining wine in his glass.
Prepare it again and bring it. Right now.
Yes!
Hurst rushed out of the dining room as if he were on fire while the mansions maids cleared the table, unable to hide their discomfort.
Shiron left them to their tasks and took out a notebook and pen from his pocket.
[Messing with perfectly fine food]
A private study room located on the second floor of the main building.
Shiron relocated for his next mischievous act.
Flowers were blooming all around the mansion, and the open windows were tickled by a warm wind on ones cheeks.
Ah, the important part here is the Empire Year 322. It was when the local lords of Bemir region united to form a city-state
On such a good day for outings, Shiron was attending a class that couldnt be considered particularly entertaining.
In fact, saying he was attending class was inaccurate.
Shiron wasnt even remotely interested in what the woman teaching the class was saying. He was letting it all go in one ear and out the other.
Th, therefore, the Litrisha Empire, which was dominant in the southern region, increased its military budget, leading to small conflicts that persist to this day making it a disputed area
While it seemed absurd to waste time on an uninteresting lesson, the scenario might change if the person in front of him was an NPC who could be influenced.
[Part-time Instructor Ekidna]
Ekidna, an NPC commonly found in the Academy area, was a graduate student, a kind of modern-day indentured servant, 10 years ago at the beginning of the original story.
Shiron had no proper way to approach her due to her young age, but getting her to come to him was surprisingly easy.
He sent a letter directly to her supervising professor saying, Id like to hire one of your students as a tutor. The professor was more than welcoming.
As a result, for about a month, Shiron tried to keep decreasing her favorability towards him.
Shiron stared at Ekidna, who was writing something on the blackboard.
She looked like the very definition of a socially awkward person.
With unkempt purple hair, prominent dark circles under her eyes, and clothes that, at best, could be described as vintage, she looked quite pitiable.
Her simple, unembellished white blouse had frayed edges, and the skirt she chose to wear wasnt properly ironed, standing out with noticeable wrinkles.
Her plain appearance, combined with her tense demeanor, reminded one of a term: awkward, gloomy girl.
She often glanced towards Shiron, who seemed uninterested in the lesson.
Excuse me
After a while, Ekidna, who looked as gloomy as a caricature, turned to Shiron with what seemed like determination.
Si, Sir, is my class not entertaining to you? If you find it boring, maybe we should end for today
While Ekidna was desperately trying to find an escape, Shiron mockingly replied.
Do you think your class is interesting?
No, no.
Then continue.
Okay
Ekidna, with drooping shoulders, resumed writing on the board. She seemed even gloomier as if her favorability was visibly dropping.
Yawn.
Ekidna frowned at the loud yawn coming from behind.
That brat Why is he doing this to me!
She sighed deeply, thinking about how she ended up in this situation.
I shouldve known when the salary was suspiciously high
She regretted accepting this job, even if it was to tutor a nobles child. She couldnt quit because she got the job through her professors recommendation.
Ekidna sneakily looked at Shiron.
The boy, leaning on his chair, was just staring out the window. In front of him, there were no writing tools, only a single reference book.
Ekidna gritted her teeth at his nonchalant behavior.
Grind.
This damn kid Its not like hes teasing me! If hes going to be like this, he should just fire me!
Hey.
Obviously, Shiron heard her.
Stunned by her mistake, Ekidna looked back.
Yes, yes?!
Youve stopped writing. Youre not being paid to slack off.
No, Im not!
Ekidna felt her self-esteem shrinking.
When the class finally ended, Ekidna felt liberated. But that feeling quickly faded.
The boy approached her with a smile as she was stretching.
Okay, good job with todays lesson. See you tomorrow.
If you dont come, youre dead.
Answer.
Yes, yes
After the interaction, Shiron, having completed the favorability mission, watched Ekidna leave and then prepared to move to the next location.
In an alley of the commercial district.
Jackson, who had a bad habit, wondered what was going on.
Whats with that guy
He came across a young boy who, at a glance, looked like the young master from a wealthy family, wandering alone in the alley.
The boy wore immaculate clothing and had shiny accessories all over. Around his waist, a purse jingled and swung.
Even though the security in the Imperial Capital is good, its surprising to see him so defenseless right before my eyes.
A cunning smile appeared on Jacksons lips. However, it faded quickly.
But how could that kid make it here safely?
Suddenly, he had a thought.
From the Central Street, where patrols regularly moved, to this deserted place, one would have had to walk quite a distance. There were some dangerous folks in this distance, and it would have been impossible to make it here without bumping into them.
Is it a trap set by those punks?
Jackson quickly suppressed his intention to snatch something. After all, pickpocketing was a job where you had to choose your target wisely. Having seen many seniors lose their arms after aiming for the purse of a powerful martial artist, he walked past the boy with his eyes narrowed, trying to appear nonchalant.
However.
Hey. Stop.
Huh?
Yeah, you. Brown seaweed-haired guy. Stand right there.
The boy who had passed by now called out to Jackson.
Jackson turned his stiff head and pointed at himself with a finger.
Arent you the pickpocket Jackson? Why arent you doing anything?
For a moment, Jackson couldnt understand what the boy was saying. Was he seriously asking why Jackson didnt rob him? A forced laugh escaped from the bewildered Jackson.
Hah! Do you think Im mad? Why would I rob someone suspicious like you?!
Whatever, I dont have time. Just take the money for the snacks first.
The boy, named Shiron, approached, swung his purse, and then threw it to Jackson. This was the fifth purse.
When Jackson, still shocked, accepted the purse,
Smack-!
Shiron, like a tiger, lunged and slapped Jacksons cheek.
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