Regent Hotel — this city in the southeast, the city where old Tang had agreed to meet his online friend — was among the most luxurious hotels here, part of a global chain, and five-star.
The high-level executive suites inside the hotel were expensive, decorated in a classic modern style. The sofas and chairs under the cream-colored walls were upholstered in calfskin and inlaid with semi-precious stones. Beyond the wooden beams was even a small ornamental flower garden.
The suite they were in now was a large, combined-style unit. The four-sided lighting allowed warm, golden sunlight to fill the room, dispersing the damp air and corner shadows.
All this opulence and luxury would normally make old Tang shrink back.
Not to mention in the past — even now, if old Tang had to pay for this himself he would feel his heart ache.
But Shirou had solved everything with the Visa black card gifted by that daitōryō (grand master).
When old Tang heard about Shirou's recent experiences, he was quick to shower him with praise and compliments, generously lauding the Templar Church's astonishing financial power.
In truth, Shirou had noticed that as long as the monthly spending didn't exceed a certain level, the card's balance would be automatically covered by the knight order. So he thought, why not use it? And so he booked the highest tier of combined suites for them.
"But… just the few of us staying here feels like it's a bit much, doesn't it?"
Shirou scratched his head. The suite had multiple private bedrooms with their own baths. When he walked in it felt even bigger than the Zhou estate. Along with the living room, balcony, and flower garden outside, the whole thing just felt empty.
He powered up his device and logged into the chatroom he hadn't visited in a while. A flood of 99+ unread messages flashed by—
In truth, free from material worries now, he didn't really need to go back here. He vaguely remembered it was a network of hunter contacts he'd built up before, but Shirou figured he rarely had reason to take on jobs anymore.
But lurking in a group was another matter. Like a modern instinct, no different from people never letting go of their phones.
"Ahahaha, celebrate me! This time I'm finally breaking free of the old man's claws and going to study at the Clock Tower!" declared Charlotte-ojō-sama in the group.
Even through the screen you could feel her bubbling excitement. But Shirou was sure that Charlotte only dared to act this cocky and noisy here in the group.
The old man at her home was notorious for imposing brutal coursework. Everyone in the group knew she often suffered miserably under it. Occasionally she'd get flashes of genius, like using a mercury AI to help with assignments — little tricks to get by.
The truth was likely that Charlotte had begged and pleaded to be allowed to go out, was firmly rejected, and so secretly plotted to run away from home on her own.
Shirou couldn't help but type a reminder: "I get that you want out, but the Clock Tower might not be the dreamy runaway destination you think it is."
"Oh! You traitorous butler finally dares show his face?" Charlotte also sent a grinning emoji, though Shirou couldn't tell if she was genuinely happy or just being salty.
"Listen… my grandfather even talked about that place recently. He specifically told me I should obediently inherit his position and never go to the Clock Tower. Hmph~ like I'd be such a good little girl and listen?"
She recalled the serious look on her grandfather's face.
He'd said that Westminster had suddenly announced plans to open a new Clock Tower academy and start recruiting soon. It was obviously a move to compete with the Hidden Party for the next generation in Europe, and families on the board should steer clear…
Ha! All the better.
If she got stuck in Kassel, she'd remain under the old man's control. But if she went to the Clock Tower, that was outside the Hidden Party's jurisdiction — her grandfather couldn't just march in and snatch her back.
Charlotte happily fantasized about her future. Seeing Shirou's reminder, she admitted it made some sense. She should at least forge a fake identity so her family couldn't instantly track her down…
"Good! This young lady has decided!"
"You've decided what?"
"Traitorous butler! This young lady is giving you one last chance to make amends — come study at the Clock Tower with me, yes, you, as my retainer!"
Shirou stared at the string of grinning emojis she sent, speechless. "Pardon me, ojō-sama, but may I ask your age? Have you gotten your family's approval yet for going out?"
"None of your business! Of course I'm an adult already!" Seemed he hit a nerve — she snapped back instantly.
Alright. Confirmed. Not an adult.
And mentally still a ways off.
Shirou smirked politely as he typed, "Ojō-sama, I recommend that when you execute Plan A, you also prepare Plan B and Plan C…"
"What Plan B and Plan C?" Charlotte looked confused.
"Plan B is for when you get caught sneaking out and need a way to avoid your grandfather beating you. Plan C is for when you're halfway to the Clock Tower, get exposed, and still need to avoid getting beaten. In fact you'll need Plans D and E too…"
"Oh right. Does ojō-sama need me to send some treasures over? My skills have improved a lot recently — I've hand-crafted many ancient swords with special effects. I recommend you carry one for self-defense. Even if not against enemies, it'll help against your grandfather's beating…"
So in the end it's all about me getting beaten up?!
Charlotte ground her teeth. This traitorous butler still didn't believe she could resist her grandfather… she'd remember this grudge!
At the same time she was green with envy, because it seemed like his alchemy skills had already reached the level of conceptual weapons from the Seven Kingdoms, while she, daughter of a prestigious family, still didn't know if she'd even glimpse that level in her lifetime.
Shirou casually showing off a line or two was peak humble-bragging — incomprehensible to outsiders but painfully clear to Charlotte.
It was like two small business owners chatting, one barely scraping by, swearing to someday earn millions, and then the other casually pulls out his phone showing Forbes-level wealth, saying he was just playing around…
It shattered her worldview and made her blood boil. Charlotte could almost feel smoke coming out of her ears… she was gearing up for a furious reply.
But when she looked again — he'd already gone offline.
"..."
Charlotte punched the air… no, she'd whiffed before even firing her big shot.
Damn it! Don't think you can keep looking down on me forever! Thirty years east river, thirty years west — never underestimate a girl when she's down!
Someday I'll go to the Clock Tower and at least earn the title of "prodigy"!
(End of Chapter)
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