Claude had just begun to relax when the system's light flickered again before his eyes.
|╣Host, look at yourself. Appearances matter.╠|
He blinked, raising a brow. "What do you mean, appearances matter? Are you saying I don't look the part?"
|╣Correct. The system has booked appointments across Edelbourg. Grooming, wardrobe, etiquette.╠|
Claude's jaw dropped.
"Booked… what?! Around the entire capital?!" His mind instantly went to the cost. "Wait—hold on. You don't expect me to pay for all that, right?"
|╣Worry not. The system will cover all expenses.╠|
He slumped back in relief, running a hand over his face. "Good. Because with only 210 CP in my funds, I'd be broke before stepping foot in the first shop."
The system pulsed again, its voice calm but firm.
|╣For one to be rich, acting is not enough. One must appear like it. Clothing, grooming, presence—these are weapons as important as wealth itself.╠|
Claude sat quietly, the words sinking in.
He glanced at his worn uniform hanging by the corner, the frayed edges and faded colors a sharp reminder of his reality.
He's right… no matter how well I act, if I look poor, they'll see through me.
Finally, he exhaled, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Alright, system. If I'm going to play this role, then I'll do it properly. Let's go see just how much you've planned for me."
|╣Affirmative. Preparations complete.╠|
Claude's heart beat faster at the thought. For the first time, he wasn't just imagining wealth—he was about to look the part.
***
Claude stepped into the first shop on the system's list, a luxurious salon located in one of Edelbourg's most glamorous districts.
The marble floors gleamed under crystal lights, and the faint scent of imported oils lingered in the air.
Every stylist wore perfectly tailored uniforms, their movements elegant and refined.
A receptionist greeted him with a practiced smile. "Welcome, sir. May we have your appointment name?"
Claude cleared his throat, still a little stiff. "Claude Julien Riviere."
The receptionist glanced at her tablet, and her eyes widened slightly before she immediately straightened.
"Ah—yes, sir. We've confirmed your appointment. Please, right this way."
Claude followed, sitting down in a plush leather chair before a tall mirror.
Several stylists gathered around, murmuring as they observed him.
"Such good bone structure…" one of them whispered.
"...So handsome!"
"His natural look already carries presence. But the haircut will refine it."
"Yes, let's adjust the sides, soften the bangs, and bring out his features more sharply."
Claude gave an awkward smile. "So, uh… you're saying I don't look like a mess?"
The head stylist chuckled, shaking his head.
"Not at all, sir. Your face is excellent—sharp but balanced. With the right cut, it will shine even brighter. Watch."
They set to work, combing, trimming, and styling with precision.
Claude sat quietly at first, but the system chimed in.
|╣Appearances create impressions faster than words. Let them see before they hear.╠|
Claude smirked faintly. "Guess I'll have to trust you on this one."
Minutes passed, and when they finally finished, Claude hardly recognized the reflection staring back.
He even defeated those famous idols and actors in terms of build and appearance!
His sides were neatly tapered, his bangs styled with just the right flow, and his hair carried a healthy sheen that highlighted his features.
"Perfect," the stylist declared, stepping back. "Now, people will not only look at you, they will remember you."
Claude brushed his fingers through his hair, a small smile creeping across his lips. "Not bad… not bad at all."
***
The next stop was a high-end skincare boutique.
The moment he stepped inside, attendants in pristine white uniforms greeted him warmly.
"Welcome, sir. You have an appointment for a full rejuvenation package."
Claude raised his brow. "Rejuvenation? I'm only eighteen."
They chuckled politely. "Sir, this isn't about age. It's about maintenance. Good skin is the foundation of presence."
As they led him to a treatment chair, the system chimed again.
|╣Wealth is not simply owned—it is displayed.╠|
Claude sighed as a warm towel was placed over his face. "I feel like you're turning me into some sort of display piece."
|╣Incorrect. You are being refined into an image of wealth.╠|
He chuckled under the towel. "Same thing, isn't it?"
***
Hours passed as the tour continued.
At a luxury tailor, Claude stood on a pedestal as a team of professionals circled him, measuring every inch of his body.
"His proportions are excellent. Broad shoulders, tall frame—it will carry suits perfectly."
"Dark tones will enhance his presence. Something subtle, but undeniably sharp."
"...Are hitting gym?"
Claude glanced at the system window flickering faintly in the corner of his vision.
"Do I really need all this?"
|╣Yes. Clothing does not only cover the body—it defines the role.╠|
He raised an eyebrow. "And the role is…?"
|╣A noble among nobles.╠|
Claude smirked despite himself. "You're really set on making me live dangerously, huh?"
***
By the time the final shop came—a leather goods boutique specializing in luxury watches, belts, and shoes—Claude was exhausted, but his reflection in the mirrors made him pause.
The transformation was undeniable.
Claude's reflection no longer matched the boy who had walked out of his dorm that morning.
His hair was perfectly styled, his skin radiated a healthy glow, and the tailored clothing hugged his frame as though they had been crafted solely for him.
At the final shop, the attendants worked with meticulous care, measuring his feet and noting every detail.
"His stride is steady—leather will suit him best."
"A belt to match the watch… exquisite balance."
"Polish the finish, not too loud, but refined."
Claude could only stand still, watching as they handled him with the same precision they might a high-profile heir.
Hours later, burdened with bags of luxury clothing, polished shoes, and accessories that would have been unimaginable to him just a day ago, Claude finally made his way back to his dorm.
The cramped space greeted him as always, a stark contrast to the opulence he had just experienced.
He dropped the bags by the corner and collapsed onto his narrow bed without a second thought.
Exhaustion swallowed him whole, and before he could even process everything that had happened, Claude had already fallen fast asleep.
Claude stirred awake about an hour later, the weight of fatigue still clinging to his body.
He blinked at the faint glow of his system window hovering in the air.
Out of habit, his eyes went straight to the assets section.
|╣SYSTEM STATUS╠|
[BASIC INFO]
Name: Claude Julien Riviere
Age: 18
Height: 181 cm (5'11")
Weight: 78 kg (172 lbs)
Blood Type: AB-
[ASSETS]
Funds: 210 CP
Properties: Royal Celestial Edition Watch (3,200,000 CP)
Claude frowned. "Still the same…? All those clothes, the shoes, the grooming—none of it's here?"
|╣Correction. Consumables and wearables do not register as permanent assets. They are tools to enhance your role, not property of wealth.╠|
He let out a sigh, rubbing his face.
"Figures. So no matter how expensive they are, they won't show up here… only things of real asset value count."
|╣Affirmative.╠|
Dragging himself up, Claude began carefully unpacking the items he had brought back, hanging the tailored suits in the small wardrobe, setting the polished shoes neatly in a corner, and stacking in order.
Every piece felt foreign, yet strangely fitting.
When he finally closed the wardrobe, he slumped against it with a low groan.
"Why does this feel more exhausting than my old part-time jobs…?"
He chuckled softly to himself. Despite the weariness, there was a faint warmth in his chest.
"Still… it feels good. This slow change—it's like I'm becoming someone else entirely."
Claude was still leaning against the wardrobe when the system's voice appeared again.
|╣Host, it is time to abandon all part-time jobs.╠|
Claude froze. "…What? Quit my jobs? Are you serious? That's my only way to survive!"
|╣Incorrect. Those jobs are obsolete. They consume your time, energy, and appearance. Wealth cannot be built through labor meant for survival.╠|
He clenched his fists, brows furrowing. "But if I give them up, what if this system suddenly disappears? What if I lose everything? At least with my jobs, I know I can eat tomorrow."
|╣Host lacks trust in the system.╠|
Claude bit his lip, looking away. "It's not that I don't trust… I'm just scared. I've lived poor my whole life. Letting go of my only safety net feels like jumping off a cliff."
The system responded calmly, each word deliberate.
|╣Safety nets are for those who plan to fall. The system exists so you can rise.╠|
Claude went silent.
The words hit him harder than expected.
He thought about the suits hanging in the wardrobe, the watch gleaming faintly under the dim light, and the reflection of himself in the mirror earlier that day.
"…Rise, huh." He let out a slow breath. "If I keep clinging to scraps, I'll never move forward."
|╣Correct. Quit the part-time jobs. Focus on the path to wealth.╠|
Finally, a small smile formed on his lips. "Alright then. I'll quit. If I'm going to do this, I'll give it my all."
|╣Acknowledged. Host has taken his first step away from poverty.╠|
Claude felt a weight lift from his shoulders.
The fear was still there, but now it was mixed with something stronger—resolve.