Kaidan Game Train: Abide Rule or Die!
Chapter 1194: Give Support

Chapter 1194: Chapter 1194: Give Support

After resting at the castle for two days, Xu Huo made another visit to the welfare center. After donating a batch of supplies, he took the opportunity to check on the two children before heading off to meet Lady Lily as arranged.

It was a charity auction organized by Lady Lily in collaboration with several noblewomen.

Xu Huo received a freshly printed invitation card, adorned with Lady Lily’s specially penned text that carried a trace of ambiguity.

The matter of assassinating a member of the Holy Sword Society was already considered settled.

According to the time stated on the invitation, he arrived punctually at Magnolia Castle.

Lady Lily greeted him with a polite hug, her smile coquettish as she remarked, "Ever since your last departure, there’s been no news from you, and I’ve been so worried."

"Though there were some twists and turns, all turned out well in the end," Xu Huo replied. "Additionally, I completed the task you entrusted to me. It did take me a bit longer than expected, but at least I didn’t betray your trust."

Lady Lily paused, then lightly hid her smile behind the fan he had gifted her, while her other hand adjusted the noble emblem on his chest. "You really are so stubborn. Could it be that you wouldn’t return unless the matter was completed? If you hadn’t come back, I would feel so guilty. After all, every Player is precious to Zone 011."

Two noblewomen nearby approached with ambiguous expressions, asking Lady Lily to introduce them.

Although Xu Huo wasn’t a recognized name among the lesser nobility, his past acts of generosity were significant. The noblewomen who were enthusiastic about charity knew him to some extent.

"Today is a charity auction. Mr. Xu, you must be generous with your contributions," one noblewoman said with a smile.

"Of course," Xu Huo responded courteously. "I heard this charity event was organized by you ladies, so I made sure to take stock of my assets before coming."

The noblewomen burst into laughter and promptly arranged a seat for him.

At such auctions, one would not encounter characters like Ashis Verna. Apart from matriarchs of prominent families, most attendees were lesser noble members seeking to expand their social networks.

Xu Huo also spotted Angel, who had previously been his dance partner. She was now dressed modestly in the attire of a matron, her expression showing traces of weariness.

"Are you looking at Angel?" Lady Lily leaned close to his chair and whispered, "She’s newly widowed."

Xu Huo nodded, "Did she marry a Player?"

Lady Lily lowered her head and folded her fan, speaking empathetically: "A woman, forced to marry someone she doesn’t love in order to change her family’s fate. She thought sacrificing love might bring prosperity to her family, but who knew her husband wouldn’t be capable? Not only was he incompetent, but he died early. Truly pitiful."

"Indeed, pitiful." Xu Huo agreed without much emotion.

Lady Lily raised her head again and said with melancholy, "Is it true that all men have a weakness for damsels in distress?"

Xu Huo raised his wine glass. "Isn’t compassion for the frail considered a universal human virtue?"

"So, does that mean you men have no interest in any other kind of woman?" Lady Lily said mournfully. "Ever since I took over my family, all those men who used to linger around me have disappeared. My life has lost one of its great joys."

"I believe power will make up for that lack," Xu Huo responded.

Lady Lily chuckled, her feigned sorrow vanishing completely. "Make sure to buy a few pieces of jewelry later to support me."

Xu Huo gave his assent.

The subsequent auction progressed harmoniously. To ingratiate themselves with Lady Lily and the other noblewomen, the minor nobles willingly paid steep prices for all the items auctioned that day. Xu Huo also purchased five pieces of jewelry, each at three times the starting price.

It was a fruitful evening. Lady Lily, beaming, bid farewell to the guests and hinted once again for Xu Huo to stay.

Xu Huo did not linger. On his way out, he took Angel along with him.

Angel, both surprised and flattered, got into his car. She expressed her gratitude, saying, "Mr. Xu hasn’t been back to Zone 011 for some time. I wonder if things have been going smoothly outside?"

"Being a Player certainly comes with risks," Xu Huo said casually. "Live one day at a time."

Angel’s expression grew melancholic, but after a moment, she pulled herself together and spoke earnestly: "A Player’s mental state affects their chances of survival in a dungeon. Mr. Xu, please don’t say such things lightly."

"Your husband..." Xu Huo began.

"He didn’t make it back from the instance..." Angel said somberly. "But I had already mentally prepared myself before marrying him. All Players in Zone 011 are the same. Fortunately, the government provides compensation, so life isn’t too hard for my family."

"What are your plans for the future?" Xu Huo asked.

"I haven’t decided yet," Angel said. "Someone like me won’t be accepted by upper society in the future, so I probably won’t have many opportunities to attend noble banquets. Still, I can’t go out and work either. Perhaps I’ll help with charity events and lend a hand to Lady Lily and the others. After all, these things still need to be done."

"How’s your education?" Xu Huo asked.

"Adequate enough..." Angel smiled bitterly. "Don’t let my family’s downfall fool you; I’ve learned all the basics expected of nobles. On top of that, I’ve self-studied three niche disciplines. If my family allowed me to work, finding a job wouldn’t be too difficult."

"I have a sister who doesn’t have anyone looking after her. I’d like to hire a teacher to instruct her in proper subjects," Xu Huo said. "The standard set of noble etiquette is a given, but I’d prefer for her to learn more practical things as well."

Angel looked at him in surprise. "You want to hire me as a tutor?"

"Not exactly," Xu Huo replied bluntly. "You’d only need to teach her twice a week and assign her enough homework to keep her busy."

Angel smiled softly. "You are very kind to Miss Xu. However, I doubt my family would agree."

"They’ll agree," Xu Huo assured her. After dropping her off at home, he took the opportunity to communicate his request to her husband’s family, making it clear that he intended to offer generous compensation under the pretense of charity assistance.

Angel’s family took only half a minute to deliberate before gracefully accepting the proposal.

Even Angel was surprised at how easily it was resolved. When she walked Xu Huo out, she couldn’t help but feel uneasy. "The payment you’re offering is far too generous..."

"Consider it a form of compensation for the fright you suffered at the castle the last time," Xu Huo said with a smile. "Besides, this job won’t last very long."

Angel nodded.

The two of them settled on the date for the first lesson, and Xu Huo drove off.

Upon returning to the castle, he unexpectedly found the hat-wearing Player from before loitering outside.

Avoiding him, Xu Huo entered the castle and instructed Mr. Dong to deal with the situation.

A few minutes later, Mr. Dong returned and told him that the man believed Rose Castle to still be a dungeon venue and had come to proceed with an instance.

"Does he have tickets?" Xu Huo asked. Normally, tickets should lose validity after a dungeon venue disappears, and there should no longer be any tickets issued for Rose Castle—where would he even get them?

"He might be lying. I told him to leave," Mr. Dong said.

Xu Huo nodded. "Don’t let him in tonight."