Chapter 162: Book Binding

Words : 1312 Updated : Sep 19th, 2025

Chapter 162: Book Binding Xavier was rather surprised at how the little chipmunk was reacting. Was he unaware of people’s regard for his products? While those elites wouldn’t be caught dead posting about their surely dumbfounded expressions, there had already been so many who had posted about Luca’s online store. But that’s just it. If he himself had to wonder about this idea, then what more for the little money grubber who was even new to his own body? And it seems like he was right this time. Luca had no idea. D-29 occasionally fed him reviews of his shop but never really got to the forums. As how was the little system supposed to recognize how ’Forbidden Fruits of the Final Frontier’ pertained to its Host? All this time, the little chipmunk was apparently unaware of the forums. "Eh?!" So, Ollie, the newly revitalized mop, took great pains to show Luca just how popular he actually was. Well, as a fruit vendor! In fact, when they went back to check the past posts, Jax even pointed out his comment asking about what a watermelon was! Luca kept blinking at the number of comments he was seeing everywhere! Not to mention the videos! It was the first time he had seen so many people talk about his small shop! While there were definitely many comments about the products he was sending out, most could only come from existing clients, as reviews could only be done by those who successfully purchased. Xavier watched the little chipmunk as he remembered how hard they had been looking for him. Only to realize that he wouldn’t have known for a while that people were practically clamoring for his presence. The little money-grubber’s heart felt full. For a while, he pitied himself for all the losses he had experienced before learning about his gaffe. But after seeing comments from people who praised and thanked the little fruit vendor for providing something very helpful, he thought that maybe it wasn’t so bad after all. "See? While the auction admittedly garnered a lot of money, it basically just offsets the items you sold to the common people." Xavier pointed out to Luca, who had been really bothered since earlier. "But still, we can’t keep charging like that, right? What if... What if they go bankrupt, and we won’t have any more customers for next time?" Worried the little money-grubber. It was a valid concern because if one needed to eat several times in a day, then maybe he’d end up taking someone’s entire fortune in a week! "Well, for one, I don’t think we’d be able to keep auctioning that frequently unless we come up with an explanation. Someone’s bound to ask where all these are coming from!" Kyle hollered from his seat. This was likely the concern of everyone. In fact, Ollie was just praying that his father would hold up their tradition of privacy for recommended clients. But if he didn’t, the taller brother was prepared to claim farming as his new passion if his father pushed for an answer. Thankfully, he didn’t. However, another father had been holding back since earlier as he watched his son be comforted by his friends. In fact, Butler Gary noted how the Duke was likely to bite off his cape if he continued to munch on it while trying to hold it all in. "Your Grace, maybe it’s the perfect time to suggest something?" "You think so?" Verified the father, who was unsure if he was overstepping. Butler Gary only nodded because the Duke might not make it if he didn’t speak now. So the hesitant Duke cleared his throat, attracting the attention of everyone in the room. "Ehem, about this. I may have a suggestion." "!" "Really, Papa?" Asked Luca, whose eyes brightened at the thought of a suggestion to keep his repeat customers alive! Now, it was a low blow for the father, who felt exhilarated at being called ’Papa’ in front of everyone else. While his friends had children who denied the existence of their allegedly embarrassing parents, his precious son was doing this in front of his peers. Therefore, the Duke must remain a cool and capable father in front of his son and his friends! "Actually, son, this was in relation to the Marshal suddenly summoning us—" Wha—?! Unexpectedly, his precious son rose up from the corner and rushed over. "Papa! Are we going to be arrested?!" It sounded like a thunderclap to Luca. Just the mere mention of the Marshal reminded him of how he initially wanted to clock him because they had been caught. He’s got breaking and entering, illegal experimentation, attempted assault, and worse, lying. Or, well, omission. Because he let the duchy take the blame for his corruption side hustles. Were they going to take his father?! "Arrested? Why would we be arrested?" The Duke was suddenly confused and thought that maybe the methods used to cure corruption were as dangerous as he had expected. Xavier watched all this and realized he might have looked like this before he understood the meaning of life. I’m sure we all looked stupid. Sighed the Imperial Crown Prince, who figured that it was time to bind all these different books so that everyone could at least be reading the same damn text! "Luca, can you come over for a second?" Called Xavier, who figured he needed to ask for permission because this would only depend on the little chipmunk’s level of comfort. The worried son was worried about leaving his father’s side, but it looked like Xavier had something important. Sure enough. "Hey, I think there’s a bit of misunderstanding going on. But I’m unsure if you’re ready to tell them about it." "You’re asking me about it?" Luca was surprised but then remembered they had promised. They promised to keep it a secret until the other was ready. "I don’t think you should be worried about getting arrested. And if it happens, I’ll get you out." Xavier said with a finger on his lip. "But I think you should tell them, or at least your father." "Will it be okay?" Luca asked worriedly. Xavier nodded. And we can always get rid of anyone that doesn’t think so. The little chipmunk took a deep breath as D-29 rechecked the inventory of clothes just in case something happened this time. "Uhm...well, you see..." Luca started with hesitation "The space that we all use? That thing kind of needs money to operate." Xavier’s brow shot up. Okay, he was expecting something about not being from here and being a Guide. But what was it about the space needing money? For a moment, everyone thought they understood why Luca was such a money-grubber! If they had such a space to maintain, even they would likely need to sell hair follicles for this! But then the hesitant confessor suddenly said, "I’ve been going around vacuuming up the corruption because we’ve needed to do a bit of expansion. And I really didn’t think it’d be that expensi—" Luca was word vomiting. He didn’t exactly know how to tell them that he’d been overspending and had to take everything he could get his hands on, including Xavier, the Marshal, and his Dad. Although, weirdly enough, he barely gained any CP from the Marshal. But his sudden realization was cut short by the people who had dumbfounded expressions. Including Xavier. "I’m sorry, what?" The Prince asked because he thought that this was part of that guiding that Luca talked about. But space money? "Oh, well, the space kind of recycles Corruption into Corruption Points that I use to buy things." Luca smiled awkwardly. It was then that the father, who thought he had enough backup plans, realized that he probably needed a new planet. It wasn’t going to be enough.

Chapter 162: Book Binding

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