Delicate, Yet Shamelessly Freeloading [Quick Transmigration] Chapter 98

Chapter 98: The Child from the Pay-to-Win Parenting Game (15)

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“I hope you’re just as merciful to monsters in actual combat.”

 

Ladon crossed his arms, letting out a cold snort.

 

Shui Que was effortlessly lifted by the scruff of his collar, wrinkles forming at the back of his neck.

 

Pitch-black eyes locked onto his. The voice, devoid of emotion, was simply stating a fact: “Are you planning to cling to Brian forever?”

 

It was Eldran.

 

Shui Que blinked, replying innocently, “No.”

 

“We were clearly demonstrating.”

 

He struggled a little, and Eldran relaxed his grip, letting Shui Que stand steadily on the floor.

 

The round-toed, low-heeled leather shoes tapped lightly against the ground.

 

Shui Que patted the black velvet knee-length breeches, which were slightly prone to picking up dust. His calves were snugly wrapped in white understockings.

 

The classroom was quiet.

 

Ladon, looking annoyed, gave Brian—who was lying on the ground—a kick. “I don’t think he crushed your spine, did he?”

 

“I’m really light,” Shui Que muttered in dissatisfaction.

 

Just moments ago, he was carefully asking whether he had hurt anyone, but in truth, he was the type who could be quite domineering. He could say anything he wanted, but if someone else called him heavy on purpose, he’d get angry.

 

Everyone’s gaze fell on him.

 

Indeed… he didn’t look heavy.

 

His waist was thin and slender, though his thighs, when seated, would squeeze together and show some noticeable flesh.

 

The early spring air inexplicably made people feel even more hot and irritable.

 

Brian silently pushed himself up from the floor. His hair hadn’t been trimmed for a while, and the brown strands hung down just enough to completely cover his reddened ears.

 

He kept his head down, not daring to look at Shui Que.

 

Ladon didn’t bother with them any further and told them to return to the lineup. He also scolded Eldran for leaving the group without permission and interrupting the demonstration before being called on.

 

He then casually selected two other boys of similar build to demonstrate.

 

Their movements were swift, muscle contours pressing tightly against their shirt fabric. In the blink of an eye, they had switched attack and defense positions twice.

 

This time, the result barely met Ladon’s expectations.

 

At the very least, those two seemed like they were genuinely trying to beat the hell out of each other.

 

He clapped his hands. “Find a partner for free practice.”

 

Shui Que encountered the second obstacle of the lesson.

 

No one seemed willing to partner with him.

 

He looked toward a boy standing nearby, but the other scratched the back of his head awkwardly and pretended not to notice Shui Que’s hopeful gaze, sidestepping him and turning to someone else. “Ahem, let’s practice together.”

 

Two in a row did the same.

 

Shui Que clenched his teeth.

 

Was he… being isolated?

 

Because he hadn’t performed well earlier, was he being looked down on?

 

[The foster character [Shui Que] feels lonely. Mood -1.]

 

Shui Que shuffled a few steps and tugged lightly at Brian’s sleeve, trying to sound casual. “Are we still going to practice together?”

 

The brown-haired boy gently brushed off his hand, stammering as he declined, “Sorry, I-I’m not feeling too well right now. I won’t be joining the practice.”

 

Shui Que froze.

 

His eyelids drooped like pigeon feathers, gaze fixed on the floor. His round-toed shoes bumped lightly against the ground, thudding dully.

 

[The foster character [Shui Que] Mood -1.]

 

Maybe it was because in the first three worlds, no matter what, even if he threw a tantrum, there was always someone who would cling to him like a piece of sticky gum and shamelessly coax him. Shui Que felt his temper had grown worse—he’d definitely become more spoiled.

 

Since taking on these missions, this was the first time he’d experienced such cold indifference. It made him forget that, before all of this, staying alone in the corner of the lab until nightfall was his normal.

 

Shui Que sniffled.

 

[My baby is about to shed little pearls…]


[You bunch of damn men, hurry up and comfort him!]


[Heh, we fight over the chance to have Shui Shui sit on our faces and don’t even get it—what are you all acting so high and mighty for?! I ask you, what’s the holier-than-thou act for?! Letting him sit a bit, what’s the harm!]

 

More and more people were sneaking glances in his direction.

 

Kaide finally couldn’t take it anymore. He interrupted his sparring with his assigned partner and started heading over toward Shui Que.

 

“Kaide.”

 

Suddenly, Eldran called out his name.

 

Kaide stopped in his tracks, his expression falling into dull despair as he returned to his original position.

 

Shui Que noticed it keenly—

 

The others refusing to partner with him wasn’t just because he sucked.

 

Part of it seemed to have to do with Eldran’s attitude.

 

What did that mean?

 

Did Eldran… dislike him?

 

He turned his head slightly. His maple-syrup-clear eyes reflected the tall figure standing in the corner.

 

Eldran was still dressed in black. Unlike the others, who wore only shirts and breeches for ease of movement, he wore a thin beaver fur coat over his uniform. The dark tones amplified his cold aura.

 

A space had cleared around him, probably because others had intentionally avoided the area while practicing.

 

His thin eyelids lifted, eyes black as ink—unnerving.

 

He was staring at him again.

 

Shui Que replayed everything in his mind.

 

He hadn’t even spoken to this guy before. What had he done to offend him?

 

The little young master, with a moral alignment skewed forty-to-sixty, didn’t care whether someone was a former Crown Prince or not.

 

If someone pissed him off, he’d make sure to piss them off even more.

 

So, he disliked him?

 

Fine then.

 

The low heels clacked crisply on the floor as he walked straight over.

 

Shui Que lifted his head, arms crossed over his chest, chin raised. “No one else wants to pair up with you?”

 

He sounded haughty and full of himself.

 

Eldran glanced around, the cold-blooded aura of a predator forcing the surrounding gazes to retreat.

 

His lids half-lowered, he responded quietly to Shui Que: “…Mm.”

 

Shui Que couldn’t quite figure out what he meant, but since this person clearly hated him, then no matter what, he would force this guy to partner up with him.

 

He was best at deliberately making people miserable!

 

If everyone avoided him, then he would aim for the most hated ending in Vigenaria Academy: 【The Loathed Soothing Knight】.

 

Even if the male lead maxed out his pay-to-win potential, it wouldn’t help!

 

Shui Que, with the air of bestowing a great favor, declared, “Then I’ll kindly practice with you.”

 

Eldran said, “Okay.”

 

When Shui Que restrained Eldran, he still hadn’t figured out why the man had agreed so easily.

 

“I’m going to strike back now.”

 

The man even warned him before making a move.

 

A layer of sawdust covered the floor, offering almost no cushioning effect.

 

A large, cold hand—its temperature unlike that of any human—slid behind Shui Que’s head to cushion the fall before flipping him. Still, Shui Que was so startled that he instinctively closed his eyes and gripped Eldran’s collar tightly.

 

The man was already wearing a high-collared shirt, with a bright white necktie fastened at his throat, leaving not even a trace of skin exposed. When Shui Que yanked at his collar with all his strength, the necktie came loose.

 

Shui Que’s palm seemed to brush against something hard and sharp, and it instantly turned red from the friction.

 

He wasn’t sure if it was just his imagination, but he thought he heard a stifled groan from beside his ear, repressed to the extreme, while a damp, mossy scent filled his nose.

 

Eldran withdrew his hand from behind Shui Que’s head and planted it on the floor on either side of him. In a blink, he had pushed himself up and was calmly adjusting his necktie.

 

Shui Que pressed his lips together, got up from the ground, and patted off the sawdust stuck to his clothes.

 

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw that Eldran’s hand was trembling ever so slightly as he adjusted his collar, the veins on the back of it standing out in tension.

 

“Are you alright?” Shui Que suspected something was off with him.

 

When he tried to reach out, Eldran turned his body to avoid the touch. His face darkened suddenly, terrifying in that moment.

 

Shui Que’s heart skipped in fear—it was as if he’d been locked onto by a large predator.

 

“Forget it then, I won’t practice anymore…” He grew angry too, lifting his chin as he snapped, “Why are you being so fierce?”

 

Eldran parted his lips and then closed them again, saying nothing in the end.

 

……

 

At lunchtime, it was Brian and Shui Que’s turn to take care of the dorm’s group meal for ten people.

 

There was a kitchen in the shared living room on the first floor of the residence.

 

Brian was cutting meat when he suddenly said in a soft voice, “Thank you.”

 

Shui Que was sitting on a small wooden stool trimming vegetables. He was still a little annoyed that Brian had made excuses earlier to avoid being his partner, but curiosity still prompted him to ask, “What are you thanking me for?”

 

“There were only nine people in the dorm before. Every time it was our turn, I had to handle it all by myself.” Brian’s usually flat expression curved into a faint smile. “Since you came, I’ve had someone to accompany me… I’m really happy about that.”

 

He was even more shy than Shui Que. Just saying a few words from his heart had already made his ears turn red.

 

Shui Que rinsed the cabbage in a basin of clear water. He had already trimmed most of it.

 

“But I don’t know how to cook,” he said sheepishly. “I’ll probably make a mess of the kitchen.”

 

In the past, there wasn’t the opportunity, and later, during missions, no one ever asked him to cook either.

 

Shui Que’s culinary skills were limited to just being able to cook rice.

 

“That’s alright.” Brian gave a bashful smile. “Their standards are barely high enough to make sure the stewed meat doesn’t have hair still on it.”

 

From both his demeanor and his familiarity with cooking, Brian clearly did not come from the same class as the other noble students.

 

At least, he hadn’t in the past.

 

Only now did Shui Que learn that Brian and Eldran were half-brothers.

 

But Brian was illegitimate, and his mother resembled those melodramatic Cinderella types Shui Que had read about.

 

Brian didn’t say more about his relationship with Eldran, but anyone with eyes could tell it was awkward.

 

Shui Que had never known that the basic ingredients provided by the academy’s dining hall could be turned into beef pies, baked pike with sauce, and almond milk pudding.

 

He leaned over the table to watch in fascination.

 

“My dream used to be to run a tavern,” Brian said, his face showing a gentle shyness that didn’t match his tall frame. Then he seemed to remember something and composed his expression. “But becoming a knight of the Holy Court and protecting everyone isn’t bad either.”

 

He didn’t mention a word about being a crown prince.

 

Shui Que looked at him with bright eyes. “If we ever go on campaign and have to set up camp, I want to share a tent with you.”

 

Brian: “Of course. Do you want some orange wine?”

 

He shook the orange in his hand.

 

Shui Que said, “We still have class this afternoon.”

 

Brian nodded. “Then it’s better to stay sober.”

 

……

 

It was almost prophetic.

 

The Holy Court and the royal court of Tuva jointly decided to set out for the Weiss Mountains one month after this year’s Carnival.

 

Ared, the instructor who taught swordsmanship to the knight house, announced this news at the beginning of class, then added sternly, “This march is the first offensive led by the Holy Court and the royal family against the Weiss Mountains, under the protection of the Holy Spirit.”

 

“Therefore, in addition to the sworn knights and knight candidates of the Holy Court, we will also select personnel from the academy’s third- and fourth-years—”

 

Eager eyes turned toward him.

 

Ared added, “To serve as a reserve team.”

 

The hot-blooded young men, upon hearing they would merely be the reserves, immediately looked disappointed.

 

Ared continued, “Being part of the reserve does not mean you won’t follow the main forces into the Weiss Mountains. You will serve as logistical support, following behind. You still have a chance to face magical beasts.”

 

They perked up at once.

 

Almost everyone present was a noble youth who had lived sheltered lives within ivory towers. They might have studied horsemanship and swordplay since childhood, but the number who had actually seen magical beasts could be counted on one hand. They were immersed in the heroic epics sung by bards, viewing this as a golden opportunity to make a name for themselves, treating it all far too lightly. The mere mention of battling magical beasts sent them into an overexcited frenzy.

 

Only Shui Que remembered the magician and flute player who had managed to escape from the encirclement of the Holy Court Knights, and he was deeply worried.

 

Guan He received a game system prompt.

 

[Branch Mission of the Development Route Triggered—]


[Successfully Get Selected by the Holy Court Knights and Participate in the First March Toward the Weiss Mountains (0/1)]


[Branch Mission In Progress]


[Deadline: One Day After the Carnival]


[Recommended Stats Before Then: Strength 50, Intelligence 100, Health 80]


[Current Stats: Strength 41, Intelligence 89, Health 70]

 

Guan He’s first reaction had already become: “Can I pay-to-win? Can’t your shop sell some potions? Even if not stat-boosting, what about something that boosts learning efficiency by 200%?”

 

[This game is committed to authentic character development and does not offer any cheating items during the growth process. :) We regret that we cannot assist.]

 

Guan He: “…”

 

Ared demonstrated the day’s lesson to the students, then had them practice with their partners.

 

After what had happened in the morning, the atmosphere between Shui Que and Eldran was tense. Or rather, Shui Que was sulking and giving Eldran the cold shoulder, while Eldran, though seemingly staring off into space, was actually watching Shui Que’s every move from the corner of his eye.

 

Shui Que still couldn’t find a partner.

 

The clash of swords rang out like metal striking stone, sharp and clear.

 

The others deliberately avoided the space around Shui Que and Eldran, leaving a gap around them.

 

Swords had no eyes. During swordsmanship class, partners were not casually switched. Maybe some had been willing to practice with Shui Que earlier in the morning, but now, worried about injury and intimidated by Eldran, no one dared to approach him.

 

Ared noticed the situation between the two and asked Eldran.

 

The black-haired youth was silent for a while before replying, “I’m grouped with Kaide and the others.”

 

Some practice groups had three people so they could rotate.

 

…It seemed Eldran really hated him.

 

Shui Que pouted.

 

He wasn’t planning to get along with the guy anyway.

 

His little round-toed leather shoes tapped twice against the floor. Shui Que lowered his head and murmured to Ared, “No one wants to partner with me.”

 

His brows drooped pitifully.

 

There was nothing in the world more pitiful and lovable.

 

The young men around them all turned to look, thrown off rhythm by the sight, their swords clattering and buzzing against each other.

 

After understanding the situation, Ared softened his expression and comforted him, “That’s alright. Let me practice with you.”

 

He handed a short sword to Shui Que.

 

By the end of class, Shui Que had learned a hard lesson—

 

Never practice combat with a teacher.

 

Especially not one who was overly righteous and serious, and who knew exactly what level you were at.

 

Ared didn’t go easy on him, but also didn’t want to injure Shui Que due to their difference in strength.

 

So he had Shui Que start from the very basics—sword forms and footwork—teaching hand by hand, making him repeat until he executed them flawlessly.

 

[Foster character [Shui Que]: Stamina decreasing rapidly, mood -1]


[Fatigue leads to sore muscles, health -1]


[Gained insight through sword practice, strength +1]

 

In the end, it was only when Shui Que complained that his legs were sore that Ared stopped, apologizing with concern, “Sorry, because the upcoming march is dangerous, I may have…”

 

Was he being too strict?

 

Ared looked at Shui Que with guilt.

 

Shui Que’s legs were like noodles, and he could barely lift the hand holding the sword.

 

He had been a young master carried everywhere since childhood—how could he endure such rigorous training?

 

All he wanted now was to collapse back into the bed in his castle.

 

Shui Que couldn’t walk far before his body started to give out. After a full day of training, he’d sweated a lot, but most of it was cold sweat, leaving his back sticky and his shirt clinging uncomfortably to his skin.

 

When the wind blew, his whole body trembled.

 

Guan He grew terribly worried. When Shui Que reached a deserted corner, he exchanged some points in the shop for a steaming bowl of ginger soup to prevent him from catching a cold.

 

The soft platinum-blond hair drooped loosely over his forehead, its ends still damp.

 

At this time of day, most of the students in the House were in the dining hall getting dinner. Since the dormitory didn’t have a private bathroom, Shui Que took the chance to avoid the rush and headed to the bath in the central common room to wash up first.

 

Even though he knew that after each group of people, the bathhouse water would be refreshed with a new round of hot water from the canal, Shui Que still wasn’t used to sharing a pool with others.

 

He was a neat and tidy boy, so he always tried to bathe before anyone else arrived.

 

The common room was a winding layout with five large bathing pools.

 

He hadn’t entered the outer two or three because he had already heard the sound of voices from inside as he passed through the hallway.

 

Shui Que paused at a twisting corner.

 

The inner corridor was enclosed, with no windows. Only the candle sconces on the walls burned with tallow, casting dim light, making it easy for someone to overlook the curtain at the corner.

 

Strange…

 

Had this curtain always been here?

 

Shui Que lifted the curtain. Behind it was a narrower passageway, and the steam wafting out into the corridor told him that it led to a bath.

 

He hesitated for a moment, then slowly walked in.

 

By the time he reached the end, the previously dim surroundings suddenly brightened a bit.

 

It turned out there was a hidden, even larger bathing pool here.

 

Shui Que looked up and saw that the ceiling above was fitted with a stained-glass skylight like the ones in churches. As the evening breeze blew, it suddenly began to rain. Large raindrops pelted the glass with a crisp pattering sound.

 

He stared in a daze, not noticing the massive dark shadow that had vanished beneath the surface of the pool.

 

“Get out.”

 

A flat voice, devoid of emotion.

 

From the farthest corner of the bath, where the mist rose thickly, a black-haired young man spoke suddenly.

 

Shui Que jumped in fright at his sudden voice.

 

He was sure he hadn’t seen anyone when he came in.

 

They were quite a distance apart, so Shui Que couldn’t make out Eldran’s face clearly.

 

But judging by his tone, the man’s expression definitely wasn’t friendly.

 

Dark eyes stared at the figure slowly approaching.

 

Shui Que pouted unhappily and muttered, “You’re so overbearing… this bath isn’t yours alone…”

 

But in truth, he didn’t want to share a pool with this man either. He had only come in to annoy him.

 

Eldran didn’t argue, nor did he respond.

 

He was angry—

 

So beautiful.

 

His snow-pale cheeks were flushed from the steam.

 

His eyes, misty with grievance, looked like gemstones.

Eldran didn’t blink even once.

 

Suddenly, Shui Que stopped in his tracks, his pupils shrinking.

 

Perhaps it was the spot he’d accidentally brushed earlier while grabbing his collar—now Shui Que saw the dark, glossy scales covering Eldran’s neck.

 

Even when frightened, he looked beautiful.

 

Eldran thought.

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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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