After resting for a good while, I stood up and walked far away from the city center. After giving it some thought, I decided it would be best not to look for a small apartment in the downtown area but rather on the outskirts. Since I don't need anything too big or luxurious, I could live in a small place, and the farther away from that mansion, the better.
After walking for a while, I see a small two-story building with many doors. The place seems to be a cheap apartment complex since the building doesn't appear to be in the best condition. Without thinking too much, I approach the building and spot a woman in her 30s or 40s sweeping outside.
Assuming she lives here, I walk up to her.
"Good afternoon, sorry to bother you, but I'd like to ask you a question."
When she turns around, I notice a beautiful woman with black hair and dark eyes.
"How can I help you, young man?"
"I was wondering if you know where I could find the owner of this place."
"The owner? You? What do you need them for?"
"Well, I'm looking for a place to live. I'll be starting university in a year, so it'd be best to find a cheap place to stay since I'll need to save money. That's why I'm looking for affordable housing."
The woman looks me up and down and smiles.
"Well, you're in luck, kid. You're talking to the owner right now."
I'm a little surprised but quickly regain my composure.
"Really? Well then, nice to meet you, ma'am. I'd like to know how much the apartments cost."
She eyes me up and down again, and I sense a bit of doubt in her gaze.
"Look, truth be told, there aren't many people living here. How about $200 a month?"
$200 a month? Honestly, that's incredibly cheap. I take out a total of $2,400 from my bag and hand it to her.
"I'd like to pay the rent upfront for a year."
Her eyes widen in surprise when she sees me pull out all those bills.
"You walk around with all this money in that state?"
"Sorry about how I look. I went for a run without eating breakfast, so I ended up fainting in the park."
She keeps staring at me strangely.
"Alright, fine. Let me give you the keys to your room."
"Not right now. I'll just leave the money for now. I'll come back tomorrow with my things, so you don't have to worry about that yet."
"Okay, then let me tell you—the apartments don't have much. You'll just get a small space and a bed, so don't expect anything luxurious."
The woman tosses me the key even though I told her not to.
"That's not a problem at all. Thank you for your time, ma'am."
"Call me Elena. Besides, it seems like you'll be staying here for a while, so we might as well get along."
She sends me off with a smile. Despite her suspicions, she must've realized I'm not a bad person—no one would hand over that much money and leave it with her so trustingly.
Though I didn't like that she gave me the key right away, it's best to keep it. After all, I'll have to get used to carrying it around.
I start walking away, looking for a taxi to take me back to that house. If I run again, I'll only end up even more sore than I already am. Even though my ability lets me run without getting fatigued, it doesn't take away the pain. Still, thanks to it, I'm recovering faster. But I'll need to rest since I don't know how long it'll take to fully recover.
∆∆∆∆
After some time, I arrive home. I didn't even go to buy any food, but there's probably some leftovers. If not, I can just make something simple to eat.
"We've arrived, sir."
Realizing I'm in front of the house, I step out of the taxi, pay the driver, and start walking inside the mansion. Without realizing it, I begin hearing voices coming from the backyard, but I ignore them and enter through the front gate.
Though the guards look at me with slight disgust, I pay them no mind and continue toward the main door. I don't even want to check what's happening in the back because I'm too tired. As I walk to my room, I pass the living room and notice several people sitting there. I decide to ignore them and keep walking toward my room. They all seem to be friends of my mother and father's family.
I just hope they don't call out to me—I'm exhausted. I want to take a shower and then go to sleep since it looks like tomorrow will be a long day.
I slowly climb the stairs, trying not to make noise.
"William, you're finally home?"
Damn this system! That Luck stat is completely useless. I didn't want anyone calling out to me right now—and I recognize that voice.
When I turn around, I see a woman smiling at me. But though her smile seems friendly, she's looking me up and down, and her grin grows wider.
"Oh dear, William, what happened to you?!"
Damn it! She said it so loudly that the room fell silent for a moment, and several people turned to look at me—including my parents, who seem annoyed. At least that idiot Ernesto isn't around, or his mocking face would've pissed me off even more.
"Oh wow, Auntie, I never thought you'd approach me so concerned."
My mother's sister—this might be the first time she's ever actively spoken to me. And judging by her tone, she's clearly trying to humiliate me somehow.
"Why wouldn't I worry about you? After all, you're my dear nephew, and I was a little concerned you hadn't shown up yet to the party your parents threw for Ernesto."
So they threw him another party? Yesterday, they took him to his favorite restaurant, and today they threw him a celebration.
"Really? A party? Mom and Dad didn't tell me anything since I had something important to do today. I didn't even check if they sent me a message."
I'm sure they either forgot or just didn't care—I can tell by the looks on their faces right now.
"Oh, sweetheart, don't feel bad that they didn't tell you. They must've been too busy to mention it. But tell me, what were you doing that was so important you came back in this state?"
"Oh, Auntie, I'm so glad you're so worried about me! After all, this is the first time you've ever spoken to me and shown any concern. Tell me, dear aunt, what brings about this unexpected pleasure?"
Her eyes widen in surprise at my passive-aggressiveness. I hope she's ready—two can play this game.
"Of course I'd worry about my dear nephew! We're family, and family should care for each other. But tell me, why are you avoiding the question? Were you doing something improper while you were out?"
"I wasn't doing anything weird, Auntie. I just went for a run while lost in thought and ended up tripping. That's why my clothes are dirty."
"Really? Well, you should be more careful next time you go running. Who knows what could happen?"
Damn this woman. I never liked her, even before Ernesto arrived. Now that she's clearly on his side, she's even more aggressive. At least starting tomorrow, I won't have to see them anymore.
"You should go change quickly so you can enjoy the party."
"I wouldn't want to intrude. I'm so tired that resting is the best thing for me right now."
I give her a fake smile.
"Don't you want to celebrate your brother's party? I know you turned 19 yesterday and are technically an adult now, but you should behave better with your family. Yesterday should've been your celebration, so today you should celebrate the people who were there for you."
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"*
I couldn't hold back my laughter. It's so pathetically sad that the only person in this family who remembered my birthday is the one I hate the most.
"What's so funny?"
I see her annoyed expression and stop laughing. When I glance at that damn family, I notice my parents' pale faces and my sisters looking down.
"It's nothing, Auntie. I just remembered something really funny. But you're right—since my parents and siblings celebrated my birthday yesterday, it's only fair that I celebrate them too, right?"
If it weren't for my Calm Mind ability, I would've completely lost it. Just as I'm about to keep talking, I feel a force grip my arm. Looking up, I see Diana holding onto me tightly.
"Sorry, Aunt Estela. I know you were having a lovely conversation with my dear brother, but we need to take him to change into something more presentable. If you'll excuse us."
At that moment, I'm dragged upstairs.