"Finally, it's release day."
Nothing particularly noteworthy had happened in the days leading up to this. Lucian continued his daily routine: visiting the opera house, writing his novel, exercising, and bullying Blubberbeasts.
It's worth mentioning that Lucian could now handle more than just Blubberbeasts even Slimes were no match for him.
As for Hilichurls, however, Lucian had no intention of provoking them for the time being. After all, Hilichurls traveled in groups, and what if he accidentally stirred up a whole nest?
His current strength was enough to bully small Hilichurls, but if he encountered large Hilichurls or a Hilichurl Chieftain, he'd have no choice but to run.
You couldn't expect a modern person's physique to improve enough in just two weeks of training to overpower a muscular, fully-grown Hilichurl.
The only notable event during these two weeks was Navia's visit.
Nothing major she just came to chat with Lucian and listen to some of his stories.
Considering her quasi-mafia background, Lucian told her a story about a "tutor," replacing the seven attributes in the original with the seven elements of Teyvat for easier comprehension.
Navia loved it and even considered setting up a branch named "Vongola."
Though, finding Vision wielders of all seven elements would be quite a challenge.
But enough about that side story.
Now, two weeks had passed, and Lucian's novel was officially released today.
Lucian stood near the sales point, observing.
He wasn't well-known yet, so no one realized the original author was right beside them.
Due to his lack of fame, the initial release was limited to just one sales point each in Fontaine and Mondstadt, with only a small first print run.
However, to Lucian's surprise, there was no shortage of buyers there was already a line forming.
"Shikikan... Lucian." Charlotte's voice called out as she waved at him.
She had almost called him "Shikikan-sensei," but if she had used his pen name in front of everyone, he would've been recognized immediately.
"Charlotte? You here to buy the book too?" Lucian asked.
"No, actually, I already got my copy," Charlotte replied with a smile.
Lucian then remembered that as a well-known reporter for The Steambird, Charlotte had certain privileges.
What he didn't know was that Charlotte hadn't just bought the book today—she had gotten her hands on it as soon as the first batch was printed.
The reason so many people were buying the book today was because Charlotte, after reading it, found it quite interesting and decided to give Lucian some free publicity.
She had come today to see how effective her promotion had been.
Lucian was unaware of Charlotte's help since he didn't read The Steambird.
Charlotte, for her part, hadn't mentioned it—in her eyes, Lucian's book was genuinely worth recommending, not just out of personal favor.
The two chatted amiably.
Though they hadn't known each other long and hadn't met often, their conversations were always pleasant.
"I've been so busy lately, but I'm free today. Let me treat you to a meal," Charlotte said.
"I get it, but shouldn't I be the one treating you? A celebration for the release!" Lucian nodded.
He knew Charlotte must have been swamped these past few days.
That was also why he had chosen to set up a stall rather than mooch meals off her—after all, Charlotte had returned with news to report and surely had articles to draft.
"Hmph, I can't just let that slide. For a friend's book release, the celebration party should be on us—the Spina di Rosula," Navia interjected.
"The young lady is right," Melus chimed in.
"I brought party poppers and banners," Silver added expressionlessly, holding a stack of books in his arms. Clearly, Navia had bought more than one copy.
"Navia?"
Charlotte was surprised that Lucian had become friends with Navia.
Had it only been two weeks? How had he gotten so chummy?
Though the Spina di Rosula wasn't what it used to be, a starved camel was still bigger than a horse.
The Spina di Rosula remained Fontaine's largest civilian organization.
And Lucian had befriended the local powerhouse in just two weeks?
But... why did everyone keep insisting on treating him?
Just how long would this meal debt linger?
Lucian wasn't surprised Navia had shown up.
Back when he had joked with her, he'd said:
"Want to know the secrets of this world? Want to uncover the truth? Then go and buy it—I've written everything inside."
"Miss Charlotte, let the Spina di Rosula handle the treat this time, alright?" Navia smiled gracefully.
"Alright, alright. But next time, it's my turn," Charlotte agreed with a laugh.
The two of them had a good relationship.
Lucian naturally had no objections.
If anything, Navia was his boss—what right did he have to complain?
He was technically a member of the Spina di Rosula anyway. Was there even a difference between the organization treating him and him treating himself?
"Everyone's here?" Chenee and Frejus arrived as well.
"Mr. Lucian, my senior and I took time off just to support you."
Before Lucian could respond, Navia cut in:
"Is that so? Then as Lucian's boss, I must show some appreciation. Miss Chenee and Mr. Frejus, please join us for the celebration party."
Truthfully, Chenee had wanted to use this chance to go on a proper date with her senior.
But opportunities for everyone to gather were rare, so after some thought, the two agreed.
With that, the only person missing from Lucian's circle of acquaintances was Chiori.
But that was because Lucian and Chiori weren't close yet—she didn't even know he was writing a novel.
Before leaving, Lucian took one last glance at the line and spotted a familiar figure.
Clorinde was also in the queue.
Ignoring the etiquette of not inviting extra guests, Lucian didn't actually know her personally, so even if he noticed her, he couldn't just call her over.
Instead, he grabbed Navia's wrist and subtly gestured toward Clorinde's direction.
Navia didn't pull away from Lucian's grasp, instead following his gaze.
"Clorinde..." Navia's tone was complicated.
Thanks to Lucian, she now knew Clorinde had been silently protecting her all along.
But there was still a lingering sense of distance in her heart.
Seeing Lucian's encouraging look and recalling how coldly she had treated Clorinde all this time, Navia made up her mind and walked toward her.
Lucian nodded approvingly.
Now my wife can make up with her ex—cough—I mean, now my wife can reconcile with my other wife.
"Clorinde."
Clorinde heard someone call her name.
Turning around, she was stunned to see Navia—and Navia was smiling at her!
How many years had it been since she last saw that?
"Navia? I never thought I'd see you smile at me again."
A hint of warmth broke through Clorinde's usual aloof expression.
Hearing this, Navia felt a pang in her heart and sighed:
"It's all thanks to Lucian."
"Lucian? Who?" Clorinde was utterly confused.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice · Clorinde: About Lucian
"Hmm, he's a good person. Quite impressive."