"Nephew Lu Yinghua pays his respects to Uncle!"
In the grand mansion in Rome, Roy watched as the twelve- or thirteen-year-old boy knelt before him, performing a deep bow.
His temple twitched. Glancing at the purely Western-style furnishings around him, he momentarily wondered if the decor was wrong—or if he had somehow time-traveled to ancient China by mistake.
"Rise."
Roy gestured for Lu Yinghua to stand.
"Thank you, Uncle!"
Lu Yinghua stood up from the ground, his head slightly lowered and hands held modestly in front of him. The young master of the Lu family in Hong Kong had clearly been well-educated by Luo Hao—his humble and respectful demeanor was definitely not an act.
Being called "uncle" by a twelve or thirteen-year-old boy didn't feel particularly strange to Roy. In his previous life, he had lived for twenty-six years, an age that alone justified Lu Yinghua addressing him as such. Though Roy's current appearance suggested he was only seventeen or eighteen, his true age was far beyond that.
Fifteen years of life in the Toaru world, over two years spent in the Campione world so far, at least five years living alongside Scáthach in the Land of Shadows, and another four or five years during his journey to ancient times with Aphrodite and Aisha—if he combined the years from both lives, Roy was now well over fifty years old, roughly the same age as Aisha.
Roy also knew that from this point onward, age held little meaning for him. While Campiones still had human limits in terms of lifespan, after undergoing spiritual foundation fusion and surpassing those limits, Roy couldn't even fathom when his natural end might come. He could easily live for thousands of years, and within that vast stretch of time, he was confident he would find a way to achieve true immortality.
For someone capable of traversing infinite worlds, eternal life was hardly an unattainable miracle.
Roy's thoughts raced, but only a moment passed before he refocused and smiled at Lu Yinghua. "...Ying'er did Luo Hao send you to Europe, to Italy, for some important matter?"
Just like Luo Hao, Roy affectionately used Lu Yinghua's nickname, "Ying'er."
Lu Yinghua was secretly pleased by this. Being addressed so familiarly by Roy meant his status was acknowledged.
Hastily, Lu Yinghua carefully retrieved a letter from his robes, stepped forward, and presented it with both hands. "...This is a letter Master instructed me to deliver personally to you. I dared not delay, rushing here from China as quickly as possible. Now, my task is finally complete."
Roy accepted the letter and noticed a line of small, elegant characters: "To My Esteemed Younger Brother!"
The handwriting was bold yet refined, exuding both sharp strength and delicate grace. Though Roy had never seen Luo Hao's calligraphy before, the sheer confidence and arrogance radiating from the strokes made the author unmistakable.
Only Luo Hao could embody both the boldness of a man and the grace of a woman, seamlessly blending these contrasting traits into the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy. She alone, the unchallenged King of Wuxia, could achieve such mastery.
Given Luo Hao's status, she would never resort to modern technology, nor would she deign to visit Italy herself—such an act would be beneath her dignity as a sect leader. Hence, she commanded Lu Yinghua to deliver the message in this archaic manner, ensuring his personal presence to demonstrate her sincerity.
Roy shook his head. This sect leader truly valued her pride. Though her thoughts could be inscrutable at times, at others, they were all too easy to guess.
The envelope bore Daoist arcane seals, much like the wax seals of old, indicating that the letter had not been opened by outsiders.
Roy effortlessly shattered the seals with his own magical power and withdrew a sheet of rice paper from within. The paper carried a faint fragrance—none other than Luo Hao's natural scent.
"Seeing these words is like seeing my face."
"It has been many days since I last saw my dear brother, and I miss you dearly. I hope you will come to my humble abode on Mount Lu, where I shall prepare a grand welcome with wine and food, sweeping the bed to await your arrival!"
The letter contained only this brief message. After reading it, Roy folded the paper neatly and rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought.
Given Luo Hao's prideful nature, she wouldn't have sent a letter merely to entertain him. Most likely, she intended to repay the favor from several months ago, when he had slain the Great Sage Equal to Heaven in Kyoto.
Though Roy had taken the lead in that battle, Luo Hao, with her magnanimous temperament, would never dwell on such matters. After all, they had an agreement—since she had lost by its terms, she would never deny it.
However, the fact that Roy had granted her the opportunity to personally slay the Great Sage was undeniable. Roy didn't believe Luo Hao owed him any debt, but given her prideful nature as a leader who valued face, she had likely taken his earlier boast—giving her credit after killing the Great Sage—as a gesture of respect. Now, she probably intended to return the favor.
Thinking this, Roy chuckled and said to Lu Yinghua, "...I have read my elder sister's letter. You may return and report, Ying'er—tell her that Roy will soon visit Mount Lu for a meeting!"
After speaking, Roy couldn't help but smile wryly. This leader was truly self-absorbed—she had actually taken his casual address of "brother" seriously. Still, Roy couldn't bring himself to embarrass her by refusing.
Truth be told, the name "Roy" was his real name from his days before transmigration. Though he and Luo Hao hailed from different worlds, they were still of the same lineage, and Luo Hao was far older than him. If she insisted on calling him "brother," he could accept it.
Lu Yinghua exhaled in relief. Thankfully, his master's task was complete. If Roy had refused, he would have been stuck in an impossible position—unable to return empty-handed yet unable to pressure Roy into compliance. Now, at least, he didn't have to agonize over it.
"Understood! Yinghua will return at once to report and await Uncle's esteemed arrival in Lushan City, Jiangxi! Since few know the exact location of Master's residence, Yinghua will naturally guide you there!"
"Good, I understand. Before heading there, I'll have Erica notify you."
Roy waved dismissively.
Lu Yinghua showered him with flattery—this young man was already a master at praising Luo Hao to the heavens, so such words came naturally to him—before finally taking his leave.
He dared not linger in Italy and had to return to Mount Lu as quickly as possible to report.
"Lord Roy, are you planning a trip to China?"
Only after Lu Yinghua had left did Erica knock and enter. Though she hadn't heard the details of Roy's conversation with Lu Yinghua, her sharp mind had pieced together the gist of it.
"Prepare for departure—we leave in three days. Have Athena, Aphrodite, and Lady Aisha remain here. Only you and Lily will accompany me."
After a moment's consideration, Roy issued his orders. Neither the two goddesses nor Aisha—a fellow Campione—were suitable to meet Luo Hao. Given their temperaments, it would be a miracle if they didn't end up fighting.
"I'll make the arrangements at once, Lord Roy!"
Erica let out an enchanting laugh, her exquisite face lighting up with joy as her crimson dress accentuated her fiery passion.
At last, I can be alone with Lord Roy!
She secretly thought to herself. Though she had served Roy the longest, compared to goddesses and Campiones, her status remained somewhat awkward. Now she finally had another chance to be alone with the King—though she'd have to bring Liliana along...
***
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