Russell paused and looked up at Mary, who stood by the door, arms full of books as if she had just come from the library.
Sunlight poured over her graceful figure, her blue eyes especially vivid.
"Mr. Watson, is class starting soon?"
When Russell didn't answer, she repeated the question gently.
"Sorry. I thought everyone was here already."
Russell held the door for Mary, let her through, then quietly closed it after her.
She smiled faintly and, with light steps, took a seat next to him like yesterday and placed her books on the table.
After all this, she turned back to look at Russell.
"If I hadn't arrived, why did you think everyone else was already here?"
"I thought you'd sit in the front row," Russell replied.
"But you sat here yesterday too, didn't you?"
"There's no rule saying I have to pick a certain seat," Russell countered evenly.
"Still, it's always hard to change habits." Mary smiled.
As Russell didn't respond, this round undoubtedly went to Mary. Their exchange of words naturally drew the attention of other students, but Mary seemed unbothered.
Russell was even more indifferent. In a short while, he'd picked up another 40 Malice Points for free.
If he didn't care about his reputation, he'd have stood up and announced, "Look at me! Please look at me!"
When the university professors entered to begin the lecture, the noisy atmosphere became hushed.
Russell leaned against the wall, hand propping up his chin, eyes fixed not so much on the lecturer as on his own mental control panel:
Name: Russell Watson
[Reputation: Slightly Famous (Malice gained +10%)]
[Occupation: Phantom Thief]
Skills: Stealth (C++), Climbing (C), Dexterity (C+), Scouting (C+), Alertness (C), Combat (C)
[Note: Upgradable attributes available]
[Malice Points Balance: 650 (+270)]
[Recent Gains:]
[Interaction with Mary Morstan has attracted much envy at the school; most nobles now truly hate you. +270 Malice.]
With recent upgrades, his wallet was starting to grow again.
System, we're rich now!
With some thought, Russell switched the panel mentally, opening up a blank draft sheet.
[Map Customization – Select your target]
Hmm… let's go with Timmy Roy.
Had trouble choosing a target among the unfortunate; turns out this guy had gathered all the hate already.
If I didn't steal from your home, you'd hate me for no reason, right?
[Custom Map: Roy Residence]
High-value items detected: costly jewelry, bribery records, scandalous photos.
[Map customization successful. Malice cost: 100]
[Remaining Malice Value: 550]
Russell felt a pang as 100 points vanishe, but his excitement for the reward drowned out the pain soon enough.
Wow, bribery records and scandal photos—how wild! Once these were his, we'd see if Timmy's dad could keep his job as a minister.
Jewelry? Even dogs wouldn't want that.
If he was really desperate for pocket cash, even the megaphone on Morstan's insurance papers would be dear.
And cash requests are tasteless anyway.
As the map took form, the 3D floorplan of the Roy estate appeared complete in Russell's mind, with high-value items clearly marked.
He had work ahead for the next few days.
No hasty job tonight—better to wait for the party. If he was quick, he could slip back just in time to see Timmy's face at the end.
For tonight, it was just reconnaissance and route planning.
Should he provoke the Roys via The Times, or just greet Timmy like nothing happened? Which path would earn the most Malice Points…? Hard to say. Provoking people is an art.
"Mr. Watson, why do you look… so mischievous right now?"
Suddenly, Mary's voice sounded in his ear.
"You're not planning something against Professor Thompson, are you?"
Russell snapped back to reality, coughed twice shyly.
"Really?" He touched his face, trying to look innocent. "I was just thinking about dinner."
"Come up with a new excuse at least." Mary said, helplessly.
"No, I really am thinking about dinner," Russell insisted.
Mary nodded with a knowing look—yeah, sure.
"So, are you coming to the party Saturday night?"
"Uhh…"
Here we go again. Russell frowned.
"Well, it depends on whether I have time… If I'm busy, there's nothing I can do, right?"
"So you just don't want to come?" Mary's voice suddenly cooled, sounding very far away.
"…"
"Silence isn't a good answer to tough questions, Mr. Watson."
"Sorry."
"I want an answer, not an apology."
"Parties like this… always end with dancing, right? I can't dance—I'd just embarrass myself. And I doubt anyone would want me as a partner anyway."
"Being able to dance and coming to the party are unrelated. Besides, you can't know if someone wants to be your partner unless you ask." Mary spoke lightly.
"Would Miss Morstan like to dance with me?" Russell asked, just as lightly.
Mary was silent for a moment. "Is that a question, or an invitation?"
"I suppose… it's a question?"
"In that case, I refuse to answer."
Russell lapsed into silence again.
The afternoon lecture drifted by like a soft lullaby. When the class ended, students stood up one after another; Mary packed her things, ready to leave as well.
"Well then, see you tomorrow, Mr. Watson."
"Wait, Miss Morstan."
Russell called out, as if gathering all his courage.
Mary stopped, turned back, a flicker of expectation in her eyes.
"Is something wrong? Did you want to say something?"
"I…," Russell began. He seemed about to say something, then stopped.
"Hm?" Mary smiled, turning fully.
Russell stared deep into her expectant blue eyes, took a deep breath, and confessed what he'd been wanting to say most.
"...Can I borrow your notes to copy?"
"..."