Chapter 370: Gifts

Words : 1365 Updated : Oct 9th, 2025

Chapter 370: Gifts The number of people wanting to whack the younger guy’s back was increasing, but thankfully, they managed to stop their usual teasing. "How is it?" "Do you feel so much stronger?" "Man! Who would’ve known that was possible?!" No one, really, save for maybe Xavier, who saw it happen to Luca but never pushed for it because what he saw still haunted him every now and then. But this one? This kind of breakthrough seemed fine. Or does it have anything to do with the rating? For this was B to A. And while Luca was known to have a C-class rating, everyone with the slightest ability to feel for spiritual energy would know that something had to be wrong with that result. The fact that Luca could comfortably pilot Sid and D-29 should’ve been enough of an indicator for even the likes of Kyle would huff and puff after piloting them for a short while. And that was if he’d manage to even start the mechas prior to them becoming autonomous. So, just what was the actual rating of his chipmunk? A good question, but one that would have to wait as the prince noticed the look on Luca’s face. Hm. "What’s wrong?" asked the husband, who wasn’t sure how to feel about his expression. Luca had been a bit conflicted, but at the same time, felt like this would help everyone out by a lot. Even those who didn’t break through honestly had better-looking scans, which he would’ve been able to confirm if he had attempted to guide them. But he didn’t, for that might be something he ought to keep hidden while possible. So he mused about it. And checked his CP balance. It was admittedly going to look scary. Very scary. But at 1,369,978 CP after buying everything, maybe-maybe it would be okay. The little golden dragon had to repeatedly tell himself that all these had permanent effects and would benefit his family and friends. So, the normally money-grubby heir bit the bullet and shelled out 1,095,000 CP on top of the manuals he had bought for the guards earlier. Initially, he was prepared to buy all nine manuals for each of them, but this new addition, which he figured would be really beneficial, would require him to use more CP. The confirmation ding gnashed at his heart, and Xavier noticed how his golden eyes trembled for a beat. "Are you okay, Luca?" he asked again, only this time, the shorty looked up at him with a rounded face as he nodded. "Yes, I-I just bought a few things..." Ah. That explains the face and his drooping shoulders. "Well, what did you buy?" Luca blinked up at him, and while the shorty started looking all wilted, his little wife’s face started to bloom for some reason. Yes, and he wasn’t just saying this because he was obviously biased, but because his nose twitched, and then suddenly the color started returning to his face. Maybe it was the sudden smile or a combination of that and everything else, but Luca suddenly looked excited. "It’s a secret! I-I’ll tell you after I hand the guards a little something!" And just like that, Luca was in front of the guards with a pretty huge watermelon. Now, while they definitely loved the manuals and the pills, it looked like food would always take the cake for their favorite gifts, as one guard almost got to his knees after being told that they could share this so they could recuperate faster. In fact, Luca was initially thinking of handing over spiritual water, but remembered that that might not be a good thing, especially for Terrence, who might still be getting used to his new rating. But a watermelon feast was more than enough to have them wanting to rush outside, even carrying the recovering young man. But before anything else, the guards looked at their Young Lord before offering a proper salute and their heartfelt thanks. Had it been during ancient times, then people would’ve been swearing their organs left and right. But these people knew that their Lords had more than enough of everything. But if there was one thing that they could offer, then it would be their undying loyalty, which they swore to themselves. There was no need to announce it, much like their Young Lord has probably done countless things without even telling them. So they would just do their best. But that would be after going out there to brag about this momentous event! And brag they did for by the time these guards were done eating their hearts out and telling all sort of stories, the other staff were both in awe and pissed. They were seriously thankful, and the fact that their Young Lord informed them about the rewards meant that that might not be their last chance. It’s just that who wouldn’t be pissed when these blockheads went around bragging about it. But a few older vassals felt joy that they hadn’t felt in a while as they realized that there surely was a whole list of things to be proud of in this house. Provided they also ignore the number of times someone has almost died. Like one over-eager mechanic who was so overjoyed he didn’t get to hear the warnings. After the guards left, their loud laughter and bragging voices echoing down the corridors, Luca took a deep breath and thought, It’s probably best to start giving out the gifts now while everyone still remembers how to use them properly. And so, the little golden dragon, who looked a tad bit too excited, shocked the remaining onlookers when he began handing out twelve manuals to each person who remained seated in the room. Three for Constitution. Three for Strength. Three for Dexterity. Three for Spiritual Enhancement. The recipients froze, breaths hitching, eyes wide, mouths hanging open. Not all were present; some were still back at the daycare or holding down their shifts elsewhere. But those standing there, who received these glimmering sets, truly didn’t know what to say. Because what does one even say to this?! Not just three manuals. Not just a careful, measured reward. But the whole set. And... for what? For staying? For breathing? The Mylor couple, standing to the side, suddenly found themselves each receiving their own set, and both Marquis Osmond and Marquise Julienne stared at the manuals, then at Luca, utterly speechless. "Why...?" the Marquise finally managed, voice soft with disbelief. Technically, they were really the last to arrive and haven’t even been here for more than a few hours. In fact, if you think about it, they don’t deserve anything after causing that much of a scene while still deciding on the materials allocations that they really should’ve just handed out. But what did they have here? Luca, face flushed, tilted his head and gave a shy, earnest smile. "Obviously because we have a pact to protect each other. And I thought...well, what better way to do that than by making sure everyone’s equipped to the nines?" The couple exchanged a look—one of those long, wordless, married-people looks—before turning their gazes back to Luca, utterly astounded. Just what kind of child is this? They both wondered silently. And how, in all the stars, did our child manage to land such a friend? Speaking of their child... The shorter blonde, off to the side, was tearing up, sniffling quietly as he hugged himself to survive being overwhelmed by his emotions. Ahh...my brother really wants me to live a good life... It was like his brother knew of all his insecurities and fears and just fixed them without being asked. His heart swelled with emotion as he thought, I’ll accept them. I’ll use them well. I’ll be gracious and careful— Except, Ollie, in his usual Ollie fashion, reached straight for the Manual of Spiritual Enhancement first. After all, he had just watched everyone else use it safely. So, it should be fine, right? Right? But it was not fine. For when that "Yes" was confirmed, his whole world shifted. Oh no.

Chapter 370: Gifts

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