Claude sat up on his bed, the thought of the villa flashing in his mind like a beacon.
His neutral expression cracked into an eager grin he couldn't hold back.
"System," he said aloud in the empty room, "about that villa… can I move in right away?"
The familiar light flickered before him.
|╣Host's eagerness detected. Processing inquiry…╠|
Claude leaned forward, eyes glinting with excitement. "Come on, come on, tell me!"
|╣Confirmed. Villa is fully furnished, staffed, and secured. Host may relocate immediately.╠|
Claude's heart skipped. "Fully furnished and staffed? You're saying… I can just show up and live there?"
|╣Affirmative. Property is located in Edelbourg Hills District. All utilities, maintenance, and security are included under system's arrangement.╠|
Claude almost jumped to his feet.
This is insane… this isn't just a villa, this is a dream life already waiting for me!
The system's tone remained steady.
|╣Host may choose to relocate at any time. Preparations for host's arrival have been made.╠|
Claude's fists clenched with excitement, his grin wide but shaky. "Then tomorrow… I'm going to see it. My… my own villa."
Inside, his heart raced with a mix of disbelief and joy.
From a cramped dorm to a luxury villa overnight… This is really happening.
The sun had barely risen when Claude was already moving around his cramped dorm room, his face unusually serious.
One by one, he began packing the few important belongings he had.
His old worn-out bag looked pitiful against the neat stacks he was making.
He carefully folded the luxury clothes he had gotten from the system, making sure not a single crease would ruin them.
Each shirt, each jacket, carried a weight far heavier than their fabric—his new identity.
Next, he placed his polished shoes into their boxes.
He held them for a moment, admiring how pristine they looked compared to the second-hand pairs he used to wear.
These aren't just shoes… they're proof of my slow change, he thought.
He then looked around the dorm.
The tiny desk, the hard mattress, the peeling paint on the walls—it had been his home, his struggle.
And now, he was about to leave it behind.
Claude let out a long breath. "Goodbye, I guess…"
Finally, he checked everything twice, zipping his bag with care.
At the very top of his things, wrapped securely, was the Royal Celestial Edition Watch box.
This time, I'll step into my new life fully prepared, he told himself, slinging the bag over his shoulder.
Claude boarded the morning train, finding a seat by the window.
The hum of the engine and the chatter of passengers surrounded him, but his focus was elsewhere.
He rested his chin on his hand, watching the city blur past as the train picked up speed.
A villa in Edelbourg Hills… I still can't believe it. Me, living in the wealthiest district of the capital…
His lips curved into a faint smile, but then his gaze shifted to the tracks ahead.
But… taking the train to get there doesn't exactly scream "villa owner."
He leaned back, sighing quietly.
"System, don't you think it'd be more fitting if I had… let's say, a car next time?"
The system flickered before his eyes.
|╣Host's request noted. Transportation assets will be evaluated for future task rewards.╠|
Claude smirked slightly. "So you're saying it's possible, huh? Good. Because showing up to a villa in a train-ridden jacket doesn't sound very noble to me."
He closed his eyes, imagining himself behind the wheel of a luxury car, pulling up to gates that opened just for him.
The thought alone sent a thrill through his chest.
Yeah, he thought, gripping his bag tighter.
A car.
That should be next. Step by step, system… step by step, I'll become someone unrecognizable.
The train ride ended, and after a short walk through the pristine district, Claude finally stood before the towering gates of Edelbourg Hills.
The air here felt different—cleaner, sharper, and heavy with exclusivity.
The streets were lined with manicured trees, and the faint hum of luxury cars passing by made his heart pound faster.
At the villa gates, two stern-looking guards stood at attention.
The moment Claude approached, their sharp eyes locked onto him.
One of them raised a hand.
"Identification," the guard said, his tone clipped and cold.
Claude kept his calm mask, handing over the ID the system had prepared.
Inside, however, his stomach tightened.
Please, don't mess up… If something goes wrong here, I'll look like a complete fool.
The guard scanned it with his device.
Beep-
A faint beep echoed.
For a moment, silence hung heavy—then the screen flashed with confirmation.
The guard's eyes widened.
He glanced at his partner, both of them stiffening before snapping to attention.
Their once cold demeanor melted instantly into rigid respect.
"Mr. Riviere!" the guard said, bowing slightly.
His voice was no longer cold but respectful, almost nervous.
"We apologize for the earlier tone. Please, this way—your residence has been fully prepared for your arrival."
Claude blinked, hiding his relief behind a steady expression. "Good. I was expecting nothing less."
Inside, however, his heart was racing.
What the—did they just bow?
These guards who looked like they could crush me a second ago?
This identity the system gave me… it's on a whole different level.
As the gates swung open smoothly, Claude stepped forward, his neutral mask unbroken, while inside he whispered to himself:
So this is the life of someone wealthy… even the air at the gates bends to you.
Claude walked through the villa's entrance, the marble floors gleaming beneath the soft golden light.
The doors swung open wide, and immediately a line of staff greeted him with a bow.
"Welcome home, Young Master Riviere," the butler at the front said with impeccable posture.
His voice was calm, refined, and full of respect.
Claude froze for half a second.
Young Master…?
He quickly composed himself, nodding slightly as if it were expected.
"Mn. Good work."
The staff straightened with perfect timing, then the butler extended his hand.
"Allow us to guide you through your new residence, Young Master."
The tour began.
They led him through the grand living room with its chandeliers, the polished dining hall that could seat twenty, the kitchen filled with every modern luxury appliance imaginable.
Claude kept his face neutral, only giving slight nods of acknowledgment, though inside his heart was pounding wildly.
This place… it's unreal.
It doesn't even feel like I'm walking in a house—it's more like a palace!
Next was the second floor.
Rooms upon rooms—guest bedrooms, his own master suite with a balcony overlooking the city, a private library, and even a personal gym.
Each time a door opened, the staff addressed him politely:
"This is your study, Young Master."
"Here is your private spa room, Young Master."
"Your wardrobe has been prepared here, Young Master."
Claude maintained his composure, replying with short lines like, "I see," or "Well done," though internally he was reeling.
Young Master this, Young Master that…
Is this really how they address people with wealth?
Maybe it is normal…
By the time they reached the garden—a vast space with trimmed hedges, a fountain, and a pool that shimmered under the daylight—Claude's face still looked calm, but his mind was racing.
I haven't even asked the system what kind of identity it gave me… but if they're all calling me Young Master without hesitation, maybe this is just… what life is supposed to be like now?
The butler turned to him with a slight bow. "If you have any requests, Young Master, the staff will see to them immediately."
Claude gave a measured nod. "I'll keep that in mind."
Inside, though, he muttered to himself, System… just what kind of life have you pushed me into?
Claude sat down on the plush sofa in the living room, sinking into the softness that felt like it could swallow him whole.
The sheer contrast from his hard dorm bed made him sigh in relief.
But then, reality struck him. He pulled up his status window.
|╣SYSTEM STATUS╠|
[BASIC INFO]
Name: Claude Julien Riviere
Age: 18
Height: 181 cm (5'11")
Weight: 78 kg (172 lbs)
Blood Type: AB-
[ASSETS]
Funds: 10 CP
Properties:
– Royal Celestial Edition Watch (3,200,000 CP)
– Luxury Villa, Edelbourg Hills District (120,000,000 CP)
Claude scratched his head, groaning. "Damn… that train ride really ate through my CP. From 210 down to 10… I feel broke all over again."
|╣Correction: Host is in possession of assets worth over 120,000,000 CP.╠|
Claude rolled his eyes.
Yeah, yeah. Assets. But I can't eat a watch, and I can't bite into a villa.
Still, he let out a long breath of relief as his gaze drifted to the dining hall where staff were already preparing his dinner.
"At least I don't have to worry about meals anymore. With the staff here… food isn't going to be a problem."
He leaned back into the sofa, smirking faintly.
Fine, system. I'll trust you on this one. I may only have 10 CP left… but for the first time in my life, I'm not worried about eating tomorrow.
The irony made him chuckle softly.
"Poor on paper, rich in life. What a weird balance."