Delicate, Yet Shamelessly Freeloading [Quick Transmigration] Chapter 94

Chapter 94: The Child from the Pay-to-Win Parenting Game (11)

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The young master of the Count’s household, though dressed in an ordinary robe, wore one made of silk—so thin it was nearly transparent, like a cicada’s wing clinging to a tree. Smooth and delicate.

 

He had little strength when walking; just two or three laps left him exhausted. Yet he clamped his legs around others with surprising force.

 

His soft thighs pressed tightly together, gripping Ared’s hand like it was a lifeline—as if the moment he let go, he would fall to the ground. His hands instinctively reached up as well, locking around Ared’s neck.

 

A delicate fragrance coiled around him like silk threads. Even though he was a knight of the Holy Court, trained only to resist poisonous herbs, Ared couldn’t withstand this. His vision began to blur, time became unreal, and space distorted.

 

Sweat soaked through the back of his linen shirt, making him look even more worn out and disheveled than Shui Que struggling to walk during practice.

 

【Baby, look up, please! That’s not your personal manservant! You vile knight, let go of my baby now!】


【Those thighs look so soft, and the grip so tight… Let me have a bite…】


【I bet baby clings to the blanket in his sleep… so… mmm…】


【Me! Me! I’ll wash the blanket Shui Shui clung to all night—don’t throw it away!】


【Wash it? Yeah right… I’m too embarrassed to expose you.】


【Old man! Old man! Where are you? Do something, will you? Are you dead?!】


【The streamer logged off two minutes ago, I can’t with this. You arranged a walking practice for the little bird, and now you’re not supervising? Do you know how dangerous rehab is? That wild man’s hands are between the baby’s legs! Happy now, you cold, heartless guardian?!】

 

Shui Que squirmed a little, and the man finally snapped out of it. He adjusted his grip, placing a firm hand behind Shui Que’s knees to steady him.

 

Shui Que frowned in dissatisfaction and scolded his servant, “Why can’t you even hold me properly today? I almost fell.”

 

Even though the floor was layered with thick goose-down carpets, falling from this height would still hurt.

 

Shui Que lifted his gaze to look at Ared. That handsome face seemed to be suppressing a storm of emotions.

 

He realized he had misunderstood…

 

“I thought you were Leon,” Shui Que said quietly, finally understanding.

 

He instinctively wanted to apologize and had just started saying, “Sor—” before recalling his role. Immediately, he shifted back into his proud young master persona.

 

Crossing his arms, cheeks puffed out, he declared, “Right… Right! Why didn’t you say anything when you arrived? I mistook you for someone else—it’s all your fault!”

 

The tall knight said nothing.

 

Ared was already the captain of the Holy Court Knights’ cavalry, a rank that even noble lords of the kingdom had to show respect to.

 

Yet, when faced with Shui Que, he still replied humbly, “My apologies, young master. I was momentarily distracted. I offer you my sincerest regards.”

 

Shui Que remembered his face—he was, after all, an important NPC when he had chosen his career path. “Sir Knight, your name is Ared, right?”

 

Ared nodded. “Yes, young master.”

 

Shui Que: “Then carry me down to the little garden for afternoon tea, Ared?”

 

It was clearly a command, but not one that annoyed people, because Shui Que’s voice was soft and gentle. When he spoke in Tuvan, the ending tones felt like he was pouting.

 

Even just calling his name sounded nice.

 

Ared’s ears turned red. “It would be my honor, young master.”

 

He said it as solemnly as if he had just accepted a divine mission.

 

…

 

White lace cloth was spread over the low round table. One of the armchairs had a soft cushion placed on it, and Ared, following instructions, carefully set Shui Que down.

 

Leon had instructed the kitchen to prepare desserts and was currently brewing black tea. As he considered how much sugar to add, he saw Ared approaching with the young master in his arms. His hands paused for a moment, but his expression quickly returned to the submissive obedience expected of a servant.

 

A three-tiered stand sat in the center of the round table. The bottom tier held hearty meat pies, the middle had cranberry scones, and the top was filled with fruit tarts.

 

Sparkling jams and cream were served in small jars so that the host and guests could spread according to their preferences.

 

Every pastry on the entire stand had been made to Shui Que’s tastes—no one else’s preferences had been considered.

 

Guan He returned after handling some matters and was greeted with a harmonious scene.

 

The knight, a guest from far away, was awkwardly trying to spread jam onto a meat pie for Shui Que, layering it thick and topping it with a little honey.

 

Because of their vows of abstinence, the Holy Court Knights led very modest lives. Outside of festival banquets, their daily meals consisted only of coarse bread and meat, with very little seasoning.

 

Afternoon tea simply didn’t exist. Knights had to be ready to depart at any moment. While traveling, they might eat only twice a day, and hurriedly at that—just enough to stay full.

 

Shui Que, however, ate with visible satisfaction, lips stained with bright maple syrup. The young knight pulled out a handkerchief from his breast pocket and, in a low and somewhat nervous voice, said, “Sir, there’s syrup at the corner of your lips. May I…?”

 

He gripped the handkerchief tightly. Before he could finish his sentence, the young master had already raised his chin haughtily, signaling Ared to wipe his lips for him.

 

With great pride, Shui Que smiled and said, “Your honor.”

 

It was, by all standards, a terribly rude gesture.

 

But Ared had only ever seen this kind of expression on the purebred cats kept by the Duchess.

 

Holding the handkerchief delicately, he carefully wiped the syrup from Shui Que’s lips.

 

A cold gaze swept across. Ared looked up to find the personal servant brewing a new pot of black tea, head bowed.

 

A trick of the light? Ared wondered, uncertain.

 

“Isn’t this my handkerchief?” Shui Que asked curiously. It was a plain white square, embroidered with an iris and a small bird.

 

The iris was the Louis family crest.

 

He asked bluntly, completely unaware that he had just exposed the knight’s secret thoughts. “It’s been two or three years. Why do you still have it?”

 

It was the very one Shui Que had slipped to Ared while passing a message at the White Swan Inn. It looked like it had been preserved perfectly—still clean and pristine.

 

Ared grew too nervous to speak properly. After a pause, he mumbled, “Mm.”

 

“I never had the chance to return it…”

 

He bowed his head as he spoke, claiming he would give it back—yet his fingers still gripped the corner of the cloth tightly.

 

Shui Que didn’t seem to care. “If you like it, you can keep it.”

 

He had plenty of identical ones, after all.

 

Every day, when the servants dressed him, they folded one neatly into his pocket.

 

Ared solemnly replied, “Thank you.”

 

Shui Que gave him another look, thinking this man was quite odd.

 

Why wasn’t he even a little upset after being deliberately ordered around like that…?

 

Shui Que couldn’t see the NPC Favorability stat and could only comfort himself, thinking maybe this man secretly disliked him but wasn’t showing it.

 

【NPC Ared’s current Favorability toward character [Shui Que]: 75】

 

Guan He looked on in surprise. “I didn’t expect that knight to be so sentimental.”

 

【What kind of affection was he thinking of…】


【Old man, don’t tell me you think he’s just trying to be good bros with that pure and pretty little bird?】


【Wait, is the streamer actually straight? Can’t tell from this. I thought everyone playing this game was…】

 

Guan He had already mapped out Shui Que’s future. Aside from those scumbags in the circus, the other NPCs were all decent.


According to the career path he planned, Shui Que would eventually join the Holy Court Knights. This knight senior could play the role of a mentor and a loyal brother-in-arms. That priest from the church seemed quite skilled in healing magic—he could serve as Shui Que’s personal healer. As for the two stepbrothers, the one in business and politics could handle logistics, while the one who also joined the Holy Court Knights could act as a coach…


Guan He nodded to himself. With this setup, Shui Que would surely earn the title of “the bravest knight in Alantia.”

 

Shui Que, still unsteady on his feet, had no idea the player had arranged such a bright future for him.

 

【Branch mission of the development route triggered—】


【Obtain recommendation letters from three of the following: Dean of Castro Monastery, Chief Chaplain of the Hospital, Church Priest, Holy Court Knight Commander, Mayor of City Hall, or Kingdom Circuit Judge, and enter the Knight House of Virginia Academy to begin training.】


【Recommendation Letters Collected (0/3) – In Progress】

 

Castro City was the second-largest city in the Kingdom of Tuva, with both secular and religious powers entrenched. The Virginia Academy, as the most important training institution for talent, was the result of various factions wrestling for control and co-investing in its creation. The entire academy was built on five departments: Literature, Theology, Law, Medicine, and Knight Training, and continuously produced elites for Tuva.

 

If not for Shui Que’s congenital condition, as a noble’s descendant, he should have enrolled at sixteen.


Enrollment quotas at Virginia Academy had been steadily increasing in recent years. They were now even accepting commoners with special talents, supposedly due to the kingdom’s planned expansion toward the Weiss Mountains.

 

But all of that was still a distant dream for the current Shui Que.

 

According to Virginia’s curriculum structure, students were placed into departments upon enrollment. The first two years involved general and elective courses, the third year began practical exposure with monasteries, churches, or knight orders, and the fourth year determined their final position. Upon graduation, they’d directly join the corresponding faction.

 

Shui Que’s age didn’t suit the general studies curriculum with incoming sixteen-year-olds. At the same time, it was rare for anyone to jump directly into the third-year level.


Still, the branch mission offered a clear path forward.

 

Three recommendation letters…


Shui Que had a stepbrother, Dorian, who worked as a city councilor and was also the head of the Castro Spice Guild. Getting the mayor’s letter wouldn’t be too difficult.

 

Guan He began calculating how to allocate Shui Que’s action points.

 

The remaining targets were a church priest named Sylvester, and a Holy Court knight commander…


Maybe he could leverage the cavalry captain’s connections?


Action Points increased.

 

Shui Que’s gaze suddenly fell on Ared.


He quietly slid a cup of black tea in front of him, rested his chin on his hand, and asked curiously, “Is life in the Holy Court Knights very hard?”

 

Shui Que looked at Ared as if he were a completely different person. Back when he was just a knight candidate, his handsome face had still looked a bit youthful. Now, though still striking, his skin had tanned several shades darker, and his features had become much sharper—exuding a natural authority, like the silent green valleys on the edges of Dockshire.

 

“It’s alright,” Ared replied. “There’s daily training, but we have plenty of rest. During missions, though, we have to stay alert for rogue threats and potential monsters. That part can be tough.”

 

“You’re amazing,” Shui Que said, sprawled across the table with his chin on his arm, eyes gazing up at Ared. “I actually want to be a Holy Court knight too… to protect everyone.”


“But I’m not very healthy,” he tilted his head, “Do you think I can?”

 

The delicate young master, speaking with that posture and such a soft, almost pleading tone, had one side of his cheek puffed up adorably.


He looked less like a brave knight or a hero, and more like the kind of character in a play meant to be rescued—a damsel in distress.

 

In all of Alantia, who’d ever heard of a princess wielding a sword to slay enemies?


Even the most fearsome dragons would be too taken with his gentleness to harm him.

 

Ared was utterly smitten and could only nod in a daze, agreeing to whatever Shui Que said without thinking.

 

Shui Que asked, “Then could you help me get a recommendation letter from the knight commander?”


Ared replied, “Sure.”

 

By the time he realized what he’d agreed to, it was already too late to back out.

 

…


“You’ve either been tricked by a devil or you’re joking. Are you serious?” The young knight commander, Ladon, nearly snapped in frustration. “Captain Ared?”

 

His iron boots stomped across the marble floor with a thunderous echo.


He wasn’t wearing his helmet. His brows were sharp, his short red-brown hair clean-cut, and his cold face looked like a dormant volcano buried under snow—calm on the surface but ready to erupt.

 

He stormed straight over and stood in front of Shui Que, towering over him and casting a shadow large enough to block out the light.

 

Ladon lowered his eyes and studied him.


Never seen someone so pale. That face—why are his eyes so huge?

 

“Ared, you’d better explain this clearly. Is this kid even of age?”


He turned to interrogate his capable subordinate.

 

Before Ared could respond, Shui Que answered in a soft voice, “I’m of age, Commander. Three weeks ago, actually.”

 

Ladon was momentarily speechless.


He pinched Shui Que’s cheek. When the boy let out a soft “Mm,” Ladon instinctively relaxed his grip and turned away, asking, “Alright, wise knight—tell me, what part of him meets the Holy Court Knight’s requirements? Or after he graduates from Virginia, which team should I assign him to?”

 

Shui Que pouted in displeasure and, unable to hold back, slapped Ladon’s hand.


That iron-like hand, struck so lightly it was barely a tap, let go.

 

“Please don’t treat him like that, Commander.”

 

Ared stepped forward and shielded Shui Que behind him.

 

Ladon glanced at him, and the young master peeked out from behind the knight.


His cheeks were slightly flushed.

 

And yet Ladon hadn’t even used any strength…


He subconsciously rubbed his fingertips.


That skin—absurdly soft. Did he use almond cream every day to wash his face?

 

Ared calmly explained, “I believe, with his build and intelligence, after training, he could qualify for Silver Serpent.”

 

The Holy Court Knight had several sub-units. Ared currently led the cavalry unit, symbolized by the griffin. The Silver Serpent represented the reconnaissance team, where knights were known for superior agility and keen observation.

 

Ared had chosen his words carefully—he didn’t directly point out Shui Que’s small size.

 

Ladon said nothing.

 

After a moment, he asked Shui Que, “Do you know thrusting footwork? One-handed thrusts?”

 

No need to bring up advanced forms like the True Cross stance or the Iron Gate—thrusting was a basic sword skill, and the footwork was elementary.


These were things noble children were expected to learn in their early knight education.

 

Ladon picked a longsword from the row of weapons nearby. He instinctively wanted to toss it, but instead paused and handed it directly to Shui Que.

 

“Show me your talent.”

 

He tried to phrase it kindly, even though he didn’t really believe something this basic could be called “talent.”

 

The longsword weighed nearly three pounds and measured a meter long. Since his coat restricted his movement, Shui Que took it off and handed the soft velvet outerwear to Ared.

 

Over his high-collared, ruffled shirt, he wore only a fitted brocade vest, cinched at the waist.

 

His trousers, cut on the bias, extended below the knees, and his calves were wrapped in light-colored wool stockings.

 

The entire outfit was snug and form-fitting, convenient for movement, but the overly intricate gold thread embroidery made him look nothing like a dueling knight. At a glance, one could tell he was a young noble who had wandered into the dueling grounds from the spectator seats.

 

Guan He had poured a flood of energy potions and strength potions into Shui Que, the four-digit Interstellar Coins flowing like water.

 

Over the past few days, Shui Que had asked Garrick and Ared to intensify his training.

 

Single-handed thrusts, lunge-and-stab steps…

 

Left foot stepping forward, the back foot following close behind—in one large stride, he launched a thrust.

 

The longsword traced a cold arc through the air.

 

Shui Que lowered the sword.

 

Sweat beaded at his temples—just a few moves had already overtaxed his stamina.

 

After all, he was still in the middle of rehabilitation, and even walking on most days was a struggle.

 

His eyes sparkled as they fixed on the commander of the Holy Court Knights.

 

“Clap clap clap—”

 

Ladon applauded.

 

“Even the ten-year-old stable boys in the Holy Court Knights could easily spot the openings and defeat you in a duel.”

 

He didn’t spare a shred of courtesy in his words.

 

Shui Que pressed his lips together, his snowy cheeks tinged pink, the heat on his face refusing to fade.

 

I-it wasn’t that bad, was it?

 

At least the player had spent potions—the strength boost was at 200%.

 

Seeing his expression, Ladon stopped mocking him and offered a concise evaluation: “Single-handed thrusts rely on the shortest distance and time to strike—so fast the enemy can’t respond.”

 

“Your arm’s too weak,” the knight commander lifted Shui Que’s arm—thin, delicate, limp and powerless. “Also, your footwork is unstable.”

 

To put it bluntly, like a kitten learning to walk.

 

“Sorry about this—”

 

Ladon was just about to persuade Shui Que and Ared to return.

 

Guan He gritted his teeth and spent Interstellar Coins on five bottles of luck potion in a row.

 

The cold-hearted Knight Commander paused and reconsidered. “Perhaps… the Holy Court Knights does have a position suitable for you.”

 

Outside, Shui Que and Ared were waiting in the carriage. Soon, a servant hurried out and handed them a recommendation letter through the window.

 

The lambskin envelope was embroidered with a purple bellflower. Shui Que, curious, opened it.

 

The letter was signed by Ladon.

 

The header indicated the name of the academy being recommended.

 

It was indeed a knight academy, and judging by the details, it seemed to be divided into various departments—each corresponding to different divisions within the Holy Court Knights.

 

Its emblem was the purple bellflower.

 

Shui Que read aloud, “Soothing Knight? What’s that?”

 

He had only ever heard of divisions like cavalry, scouts, or logistics in the Holy Court Knights.

 

The text read—

 

“Using joy, hope, assurance, and compassion to soothe or encourage Holy Knights, to ease the pain brought by travel and battle, to wipe away their blood, and to tend to their wounds.”

 

It seemed like…

 

Like a guide?

 

Shui Que had read about such roles in literary works downloaded by System 77—some of which described “sentinel and guide” dynamics.

 

It was somewhat similar—but this world didn’t follow that kind of system.

 

Or perhaps this was more like an emotional support “psychologist”?

 

Ared’s expression, however, changed drastically.

 

“No. Absolutely not.” Ared refused immediately. He grew anxious and tried to jump out of the carriage to confront Ladon. “This is inappropriate. The Holy Court Knights hasn’t assigned that position in years.”

 

Shui Que tugged him back. “Why not? I think it’s fine.”

 

It sounded like a completely useless post.

 

Shui Que’s lips curled into a mischievous smile.

 

It fit his character perfectly—right down to the floral symbol, clearly hinting he was just a decorative flower vase!

 

If he followed this development path, he’d surely fail to satisfy any ambitious player. Players naturally preferred powerful paths like the Griffin Knight. This route would feel completely unsatisfying.

 

And that was exactly the goal of this little world of his.

 

“Providing emotional support is also part of a qualified knight’s duty,” Shui Que nodded solemnly and even questioned Ared back, “What, do you think only cavalry are worthy leaders? Do you look down on the other roles?”

 

He deliberately twisted Ared’s meaning to stop him from turning back.

 

The righteous Griffin Knight was at a loss for words, unsure how to explain himself.

 

Shui Que, of course, didn’t know the historical reason behind the position’s abolishment over a century ago.

 

But Ared did. His great-grandfather had lived during that time.

 

The original purpose behind the Soothing Knights was noble. However, during its execution, it came dangerously close to violating the Holy Court Knights’s foundational vow of ascetic purity. It wasn’t long before the role was suspended and left vacant.

 

Ared clenched his fists, cold sweat forming on his back.

 

How could he explain—

 

That those young knights, under the pretense of needing comfort, might request to hold hands, kiss cheeks, or even make worse demands—all to take advantage of the delicate little noble?

 

Those young knights, full of vigorous energy even after fighting monsters and disasters, would lose all sense of restraint once they met the pure, soft-spoken Soothing Knight.

 

And within the Holy Court Knights, in adherence to the Saint’s code of chastity, even self-relief was forbidden.

 

Those rough, calloused hands—marked by swords and battles—might offer to carry things for the new “Bellflower Knight”… But in one-on-one private sessions, they might ask, “May I hold your hand…?”

 

Then clasp the young noble’s entire hand.

 

Rubbing his fingers red, reluctant to let go.

 

While camping in the wild during missions, they’d purposely pitch their tents close to his, asking if he needed help when he got up at night…

 

The night wind, mixed with the youth’s sweet, thick fragrance, would no doubt rekindle a weary knight’s morale.

 

Shui Que had no idea what Ared was thinking. “So, this role also carries a sacred mission, right?”

 

Ared’s ears turned bright red. He stammered, unable to explain, and could only nod gloomily.

 

Shui Que, having secured the letter of recommendation, looked as pleased as if he had just scored a huge bargain.

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Huge shoutout to @candycorns2 on Discord for commissioning this! The chapter will be posted regularly, show your support for Ciacia at Kofi.

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