“Sorry, ma’am, but we’re all single. We probably don’t have any use for that potion.” Vinny spoke up before anyone else could.

“...Ma’am?” Hearing that, the woman’s grip on her pipe tightened a little, though she still kept a polite customer-service smile on her face. “Kid, ‘ma’am’... are you calling me that?”

“Yeah. There’s no one else here who could be called ma’am, is there?” Vinny said, puzzled. “The people who came are all guys, and you’re calling us kids. So out of politeness, shouldn’t we call you ma’am?”

“Oh my~ Kid, do I really look that old?” The woman’s smile didn’t change.

“Not sure. Probably not. It’s just that I feel like you’re not young anymore.” Vinny answered without thinking. He liked telling the truth. Even though the owner in that oversized witch hat looked like she was in her twenties—right in her prime—he didn’t know why. Maybe it was because her vibe and styling were too mature, and her tone carried that stereotypical ‘bad woman’ flavor. Vinny just felt her actual age was already pretty high.

After all, you couldn’t judge transcendents by their appearance. The higher the realm and the stronger the power, the harder it was to age—some even achieved a kind of eternal youth, extending their lifespan by a lot.

As long as you were strong enough, even at over a hundred years old, you could still look like you were in your twenties.

On top of that, descendants of [Sage] families lived far longer than ordinary people. For example, Facilis, who carried Blessing Angel’s blood, and Peono, who carried furious-gold giant dragon blood—though they still had a day when their lifespan ended, as long as they were strong enough, their looks almost didn’t wither at all.

Among all races, elves had the longest lifespans. For humans, if you wanted to live longer, the only way was to walk the path of transcendence.

Vinny’s instincts told him the beautiful woman who looked like someone you’d call “miss” was, in reality, already very old—old enough to be called old.

That wasn’t strange. As long as your realm was high enough... and besides, alchemists were the sort of professionals who knew how to take care of themselves. They often mixed longevity-boosting alchemy potions or supplements to keep themselves looking young.

“Clack.”

Hm??

Vinny raised an eyebrow. What was that sound just now? Or had he misheard?

“Oh, kid, that’s not quite right.” The woman smiled as she tapped the table with her pipe. “No matter what, bringing up a girl’s age is very rude, you know?”

“But ma’am, you’re not a girl anymore.” Vinny’s bewildered expression hit her like a heavy punch. It was like he had no malice—he simply didn’t understand her claim, and genuinely thought so.

The woman fell silent for a moment, slowly set down her pipe, and tapped the table again.

“Ow—?!” Vinny suddenly felt something not too heavy smack the back of his head. He stared in shock. “W-what sect’s hidden weapon just ambushed me?!”

“Vinny, what’s wrong?” Shicodale asked anxiously.

“N-no, it’s nothing. Just now... it felt like something hit the back of my head.” Vinny clutched his head and looked up—there was clearly nothing there.

“This little student, there’s an old saying: ‘The divine watch above—do not speak reckless slander.’” The woman held her pipe and chuckled.

“But I didn’t badmouth anyone. I was telling the truth.” Vinny pouted.

“...Oh my. Truly incorrigible.”

Vinny wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but he felt like the woman paused for a split second.

“No wonder you don’t have anyone, blue-haired kid. With a mouth like yours, I’d say you’re basically guaranteed that no girl will ever like you in this lifetime.” The woman on the counter exhaled a smoke ring, her tone loaded with meaning.

“Oh?” Vinny narrowed his eyes.

So we’re doing personal attacks now. We’re really doing personal attacks.

Everyone saw it—he, Vinny, was just standing here talking normally. He hadn’t provoked her at all. She was the one who insisted on starting it, picking at him first.

Then he couldn’t be blamed.

Vinny felt his desire to fight rising.

Had he been quiet for too long, to the point everyone forgot the name of the crowned mental grand mage?

“So, ma’am, does your potion even work? I’m guessing it doesn’t. If it worked, wouldn’t you have found a boyfriend ages ago? Would you still be single right now? Do you like being single, or are you single until fifty so you can collect money?” Vinny fired back sharply.

“Clack.” The same wooden [N O V E L I G H T] tremor again.

“Pfft—” Ferdi and a few card players behind him couldn’t help laughing out loud. They knew it wasn’t very polite, so they tried to hold it in—but in the end, they still couldn’t.

“Kid, a brat like you—running your mouth with zero respect and manners—wherever you go, it’s very easy to end up with a terrible stroke of bad luck.” Maybe Vinny’s line had forced her into silence, because after two or three seconds, the woman finally spoke again, her voice carrying the feeling of a smile that wasn’t a smile.

“Ma’am, are you going to tell me something I don’t already know?” Vinny wore an expression like, I’ve known that for ages.

How unlucky had he been lately? Let’s just say: those who knew, knew. Plenty of people would never see even one of these disasters in their whole life—he’d seen several in less than two semesters, and every time he was the protagonist.

Really, aside from his life, he’d almost lost everything already.

“Oh? Then do you want to change your luck?”

“Ma’am, you’re not about to sell me some kind of luck-changing magic charm or potion, are you? Thanks, ma’am, you keep it. I’m not buying health products.” Vinny waved her off.

Under the brim of her hat, another vein bulged on the beautiful woman’s forehead.

Recently, this was the second time Christine had felt a significant emotional swing—and both times it was because of these little brats. Last time, it had been because of that little ancestor Aesphyra... and fine, Aesphyra wasn’t an ordinary little brat. But now? How was some random little brat able to make her mad too??

What taboo had she offended lately??

“How’s it going? Find what you want?” Vinny ignored the woman and asked the others.

“Uh... it’s too expensive. And we don’t even know if it works.” The other card players clearly weren’t interested in the alchemy potions here.

Earlier, every one of them had shouted their misery over being single louder than the next—but if it meant pooling money to buy something, none of them wanted that. They were saving their allowance for new card boxes.

“Fine. If no one’s interested, let’s go.” Vinny waved them along—then glanced at Shicodale and saw her still staring blankly at the potions called Love at First Sight.

This kid... she’s way too pure. Don’t tell me she actually believes it?

Vinny had no choice but to walk over. But he didn’t directly tell Shicodale, These are fake, stop looking, don’t fall for it. Instead, he simply took down a bottle.

“Huh? Vinny, do you want to buy it?” Shicodale snapped back to herself and asked.

“Yeah. I do.” Vinny didn’t explain. “Let’s go.”

With that, Vinny went to the counter to pay.

Vinny... why are you buying that? Does that mean Vinny really has someone he likes??

Shicodale couldn’t help spiraling into wild thoughts.

[Virtue +80]

[Current Virtue: 1784]

“Ma’am, check out this bottle. Thanks.” Vinny set the potion on the counter.

“Oh my? Didn’t you keep saying you didn’t believe it, blue-haired kid?” Christine raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah, I don’t.” Vinny said casually. “That doesn’t stop me from buying one out of pure curiosity to keep as a collectible. Weird things are meant to be appreciated together, right?”

“Hehe, of course you can. One silver coin and five copper coins.” Christine said.

“Here.” Vinny put the money on the counter and turned to leave, but Christine called out.

“Wait a moment, little student.”

“What? Still trying to sell me health products? Ma’am, I’m really not interested.”

“Of course not. Little student, I see it’s your first time buying from my shop, so I’d like to gift you a bit of extra service—for free.” Christine smiled sweetly and subtly shifted her graceful figure.

“Huh? What extra service?” Vinny looked confused.

“Peeking at your fate.” Christine explained. “Don’t you want to know what type of fate you have?”

“Goodbye.” Hearing that, Vinny answered without even turning his head.

“Oh my. There are really people who aren’t interested in their own fate at all? Or do you not believe in that kind of thing? Or do you think I’m scamming you, and you don’t believe I have the ability?” Christine wasn’t in a hurry. She stared deeply at Vinny’s back.

“None of those.” Vinny stopped walking. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

“Oh? Then what is it?”

“What benefit is there for me in knowing whatever you call my ‘fate’?” Vinny turned and looked at Christine. “Knowing that kind of thing has zero benefit to me. If you talk me up, it might not be true. If you talk me down, it messes with my mindset—and even if it isn’t true, it might end up becoming true later.”

“...” Christine lifted her hat brim and, for once, studied Vinny seriously.

“Kid, you do have some wisdom.”

“So don’t tell me any of that. What my future looks like—I’ll go see it myself. I’ll experience it myself. I don’t want anyone telling me.” With that, Vinny walked toward the shop entrance.

“Fine. But I think you misunderstood what I meant, little student. I meant to give you a warning.”

“In the days ahead... you’d better be very careful.” Christine said, voice dripping with mystery.

“That doesn’t need you telling me.” Vinny answered without looking back.

“Vinny bro, what did that boss lady say to you?” Ferdi and the others were waiting at the door. When Vinny finally came out, they asked.

“Oho, whispering secrets? How come Vinny bro gets all the blessings?” someone teased. “What a pity... that boss lady was really pretty.”

“Yeah right. She’s wearing a witch hat that huge—did you even see what she looks like?” someone laughed.

“My instincts told me. At least her voice was great and her body was amazing! That part is definitely real!” the card player protested immediately.

“Vinny bro, why’d you buy that thing?” Ferdi couldn’t help it when he saw the potion in Vinny’s hand. “Don’t tell me you’re really planning to give this as a gift to Isatia?”

“Of course not. What are you thinking?” Vinny rolled his eyes at Ferdi. “You clearly didn’t listen in class. They said it’s something couples exchange with each other. What’s the use of me buying just one bottle? Drink it myself?”

“Alright, alright. It’s getting late today—everyone go home.” Vinny waved.

“Hey, wait. Vinny bro, I need to talk to you about something.” After most of them had left, just as Vinny and Shicodale were about to head back, Ferdi called him.

“What?” Vinny looked completely lost.

“Haha, um... Dale, can you step aside for a bit?” Ferdi shot Dale a look.

“Huh?”

Vinny had no idea what nonsense Ferdi was plotting, but he still signaled for Shicodale to wait ahead.

“Talk. What is it?” Vinny looked at Ferdi’s shifty face, helpless.

“Hehe... Vinny bro. You and I are the tightest brothers, right?” Ferdi said with a grin.

“If you keep doing this ceremonial nonsense and don’t get to the point, I’m leaving.” Vinny made to go.

“Wait, wait, wait! I’m begging you for something!”

“Tch. You’re such a pain. Say it—what is it?” Vinny said impatiently. “Just so we’re clear: if it’s too hard, I’m charging.”

“It’s not hard, it’s not hard. I just want you to give me some advice.”

“What advice?” Vinny couldn’t make sense of it. “Ferdi bro, what advice do you want from me? And have you ever listened to my advice?”

“Eh—before was before, now is now! Back then I thought everyone was just talking big. Only now do I know—Vinny bro, you’re actually insane. You even took down the Tyrel First Princess. Tsk, tsk.” Ferdi marveled.

“So what are you trying to say?” Vinny had a very bad feeling.

“Nothing. Just a small favor.” Ferdi said. “Vinny bro, you really know how to chase girls, make girls happy. I didn’t see it before. You’re a real veteran, huh?”

“Get lost. Who’s a veteran?” Vinny snapped. “Can’t you see the deep devotion in my bones?”

“Yeah, yeah, I know, Vinny bro, you’re a devoted and faithful man. So... when it matters, can you point this newbie of a brother in the right direction?”

“...What? Ferdi bro, do you have someone you like?” Vinny hesitated.

These card players were something else. On the surface, every one of them acted like they only cared about cards. Behind the scenes... one more eager than the next to stop being single.

Seriously.

“I don’t think you should be asking me.” Vinny’s expression turned strange. This was something Ferdi should be asking Aesphyra. That one was the real veteran—flirting skills MAX.

“No, no, Vinny bro, I can only count on you!”

“Fine, fine. But if you fail, don’t blame me.” Vinny asked. “Who is it? Have I met her?”

“You haven’t. You weren’t there that time.”

...What do you mean, that time he wasn’t there?

Vinny suddenly thought of the support-badge incident, and a hair-raising dread crawled up his spine.

N-no way.

That can’t be right.

This is not right at all.