That night, inside the moving car.
Jack and I were heading to the airport together.
Maybe he thought we were cutting it close.
Jack's eyes wavered with unease.
"Shouldn't we arrive at least an hour early?"
I'm usually pretty sensitive about time too, but Jack seemed even more so.
"I usually get there three hours early and wait. Considering all the procedures, that's the obvious choice…"
He was still fidgeting in his seat.
"Relax, it's fine."
"…?"
"Sometimes, departure procedures are skipped."
"Why? Ah… because you're a noble?"
"Even without being a noble, it happens."
It must've been his first time in first class because Jack kept looking around restlessly.
"Wow, you could lie down in here!"
It varies by airline, of course.
Ziiiing.
On British airlines, you could lie flat with the push of a button, like a bed.
And it wasn't just about lying down. The seat was so spacious, I had more than enough room for myself.
"I wanted to at least pay for the plane ticket."
"I told you, it's fine."
"I even got my father's permission already…"
"I've already received enough gifts, though."
"…?"
"The epaulets, remember?"
"Oh."
He gave a sheepish smile.
But that reaction didn't last long, and soon Jack was lost in thought.
Maybe he felt like he'd received too much.
He looked like he was trying to find a way to repay me.
"Oh! Do you want to come to my place?"
"Your house?"
"We'll have to get a hotel in London anyway, right? Instead of that, why not stay at my place for a while? It'll save money, and…"
"Hmm."
"Would you feel uncomfortable?"
I shook my head.
"Then why?"
"Well, it's just…"
"…?"
"I've already got a place in London. I'll be living there for the next three years, so I thought it was a good idea to get it now."
Jack scratched his head at my words.
He probably couldn't quite wrap his head around our conversation.
Well, yeah.
A kid who just graduated middle school with a private office… skipping through departure procedures… buying a first-class ticket on the same day… and now, even though I'll be staying in a dorm, I've bought a weekend home?
"Wh-where exactly is this house?"
"Near the school. It's within walking distance."
"The rent there must be outrageous."
"There's no need to worry about rent."
"Why not?"
"I didn't want monthly payments, so I just bought it."
Hmm, maybe I phrased that strangely.
Judging by his expression, it seemed like I did.
"How rich is your family?"
"Who knows."
If I told him I bought it with my own money, the conversation would only get longer.
So, I just gave him an awkward smile.
"Just curious, but…"
"…?"
"Does your family, by any chance… have any interest in the arms business?"
***
Half a day later, London.
Baker was there to greet me at the airport.
He looked a bit surprised to see two of us suddenly appear.
"He's a friend."
With just that one sentence from me, he nodded.
"Shall I drop your friend off as well?"
"No, my parents will be picking me up."
Jack smiled and exchanged farewells with me.
We'd see each other again soon at school since enrollment was just around the corner.
After a light handshake, we went our separate ways.
Baker watched Jack's retreating figure before asking.
"Is your friend not bringing any luggage?"
"He came empty-handed."
"From Korea?"
"Yes."
"So he's leaving empty-handed as well?"
I nodded.
"Are you… also the same, sir?"
"Something like that."
"Ah."
It wasn't the first time, so Baker didn't seem particularly surprised.
"It's fine. I've already set up everything necessary at the house. You'll only need to buy a few changes of clothes."
As for clothes, well.
I'd be wearing my uniform every day during the week anyway.
"Shall we?"
At my words, Baker quickly stepped forward and led the way.
'It's been a while.'
The Bentley limousine, as overwhelming in size as ever.
Still, its heavy exhaust note and smooth acceleration were unmatched.
If the Bentley was this impressive, I wondered what the Bugatti would be like.
The 1938 Bugatti passed down to me by Chairman Dazai.
'Now that I think about it…'
I haven't even driven that beauty yet!
Well, I'd need a license to drive it in the first place.
While I was lost in thought about various things.
"…"
The scene outside the window became more foreign.
Was this a wealthy neighborhood?
At a glance, elegant, antique mansions lined the streets.
The car stopped in front of one that seemed particularly grand.
"This is the place."
A house for just me, and only for weekends at that.
It felt almost like a palace.
Maybe Baker sensed my reaction.
He quickly added an explanation.
"As I mentioned before… being within walking distance of the school, the area is filled with high-end properties. This one was a quick sale, so there weren't many options."
It wasn't that I wanted to complain.
I was just a little surprised.
'Well, when else would I get to live in a house like this?'
I decided to enjoy the situation.
"It's excellent."
"Oh… the inside is even more impressive."
Just as Baker said, the interior was even more splendid.
"I considered doing some interior work beforehand, but since I wasn't sure of your tastes, I simply made sure everything was thoroughly cleaned."
It was a two-story house.
Seven spacious rooms, and five more rooms that were even larger.
One unusual feature was the large fireplace and the stack of firewood.
Oh, one more thing.
The giant antler decoration above the fireplace, straight out of a movie, left quite an impression.
'That would be perfect with a rocking chair and a book, wouldn't it?'
Of course, it would.
Listening to the crackling of the fire… sipping a bit of whiskey… ah!
Though, that would have to wait until I'm of age, haha.
Baker, apparently pleased by the atmosphere, continued with a cheerful smile.
"This house has a long history, with wallpapers hand-painted by Florentine artists, and if you look down at the carpet, it's made by master craftsmen from Turkey…"
"It's magnificent."
Baker finally seemed to relax, letting out a deep breath.
"The furniture is at least two hundred years old, but rather than being worn, it has an antique charm, so I left it as is."
Just as he said, it was clear the furniture combined top-tier materials and craftsmanship.
Time had added a layer of patina, turning them into works of art.
"This house is more than enough for me."
"Thank you."
I should be the one thanking him, but why is Baker thanking me?
"Sir, it's late, so I'll take my leave now."
I glanced at the clock—midnight.
Had it gotten this late already?
I walked with Baker to the front door.
'This place is really big.'
It felt much larger than my house in Hannam-dong.
"It's a relatively safe neighborhood, but still, be sure to lock the doors properly…"
"Please go inside and rest."
"Ah, yes. I'll see you tomorrow then."
Click.
He didn't leave until he confirmed I had locked the door behind me.
Now that I think about it, Baker is quite meticulous.
Anyway.
Once Baker left, I was alone in this huge house.
'It feels a bit empty.'
I thought about turning on the record player, but suddenly, fatigue washed over me.
What is this?
I'd slept the whole flight, so I didn't expect to be tired.
After a hot shower, I barely managed to drag my drowsy body to the bed.
That's where my memory ended.
I soon fell fast asleep.
***
The next morning.
There was a sandwich in the fridge.
Judging by the long expiration date, it seemed Baker had prepared it in advance.
'How thoughtful.'
There were even various types of drinks.
Water, sparkling water, orange juice, milk, and cola.
'Everything's here, except for coffee.'
But Baker wouldn't miss that.
On the dining table, there was a coffee pot and coffee tea bags.
'Oh wow!'
The beans were Hawaiian Kona.
In the 90s, it was considered one of the top three coffees in the world, a premium variety.
'I'm really getting spoiled this morning.'
Thanks to that, I happily brewed some coffee.
The aroma gently rose as the hot water soaked the coffee grounds.
A delicious cup of coffee on a leisurely morning.
Yes, this is life!
This is the reward for living a second life!
After a relaxed breakfast, I took a shower and pulled out clothes from my backpack.
It was 9 in the morning.
'First things first, let's get my uniform tailored.'
The door was large, so naturally, the house key felt quite bulky.
I couldn't exactly carry it in my pocket.
As a result, I had to take my bag with me.
'Hmm.'
I left the house without much thought.
'But where am I supposed to find a tailor shop?'
Even if I wanted to ask for directions.
"…"
It must have been a high-end residential area because there wasn't a soul in sight.
After walking for about five minutes, I fortunately came across a flower shop.
A young lady, presumably an employee, was arranging flowers outside.
"Excuse me, could I ask you something?"
"Yes?"
She looked me up and down.
Her gaze was cautious at first, as if wondering if I was suspicious, but when our eyes met, her suspicion seemed to fade.
"I heard there's a tailor shop around here."
"There are many tailor shops. You'll find one in almost every alley."
"Oh, but I'm looking for one that specializes in Royal School uniforms…"
At that moment, her eyes lit up with interest.
"Are you a Royal School student?"
"Not yet, but…"
"Are you enrolling this year?"
"Yes, sort of."
"Wow! Congratulations!"
Just revealing that I was going to the Royal School was enough to change her expression so dramatically.
"Are you perhaps Asian royalty?"
"No, no."
"Then, nobility?"
Rather than continuing this conversation, I just wanted to know where the tailor shop was…
Perhaps she read the impatience in my eyes.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I got too curious… You see, the shop is near the school, but we rarely see students from there."
I had heard that before.
Apparently, students mostly socialized off-campus to avoid being too recognizable, even if they caused trouble.
"The tailor shop you mentioned is quite a walk from here. It's hard to explain, but would you like me to draw you a map?"
Before waiting for my response, she disappeared inside to find some paper.
I appreciated the gesture, but this level of kindness seemed a bit much.
No doubt, being a Royal School student played a part.
At any rate.
"Thank you."
Following the map she drew, I began walking.
***
'Is this the place?'
In front of a bustling shop.
Men wearing choir-like gowns were lined up outside.
They were holding large signs.
"To those who will lead the future of Britain, join the long-standing tradition."
What in the world?
Another sign read:
"From the Sophomores of the Department of Political Philosophy."
So, it seemed like seniors were out recruiting freshmen to join their clubs, like a college event.
There were quite a few clubs too.
Along with various academic groups, there were sports clubs lined up for rugby, rowing, polo, and more.
The amusing part was that they were all dressed in those black gowns with hoods.
Also, sophomores wore green ties, while juniors had red ones.
But what was this?
The seniors who had been noisily chatting moments before suddenly went silent when they spotted me.
And then, the stares began.
'Are you a new student too?'
The looks were obvious.
They were probably wondering how a non-white person had been accepted.
But one of them seemed to have figured it out.
"Isn't he the one?"
"What?"
"The one the Queen herself wrote a letter for…"
"Why would the Queen write a letter for an Asian?"
"Well, think about it. How else could an Asian get admitted without her recommendation?"
Because of the mention of the Queen's endorsement, the atmosphere around me turned cold in an instant.
TL/n -
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