LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 5: Chapter 0004– Finally Leaving The Underground Home
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Aurelia had no idea what to think, upon hearing Xylen's suggestion.
The account he had just referred to was a fund his mother had established in his name, meant as a safeguard for emergencies if anything untoward were to happen to her one day.
Although his mother had left him substantial wealth more than this—enough
to ensure a comfortable and wealthy life without ever needing to work—it had all been seized by his half-siblings. However, this particular account had remained untouched, not because they didn't want it, but because only Xylen knew it existed. Yet now…
"Bro…" she hesitated. "Brother, although I trust you and the unknown plan. But don't you think it'd be reckless to unfreeze so much money for ordinary games? What about your future? How will you live?"
She pressed, and Xylen, hearing her froze momentarily, but then his lips twitched.
"Aren't I going to marry you, anyway?" he teased, and Aurelia turned crimson red with embarrassment, unable to meet his gaze.
"You're bullying me again, brother," she mumbled in a mosquito-tiny voice, almost inaudible.
Seeing her like this, Xylen couldn't suppress his laughter.
Years ago, when his world had collapsed following his mother's death and the subsequent betrayal of his family, Aurelia's childhood promises of unwavering support and lifelong partnership had been his solace.
She would always tell him then not to think, that since heaven had taken both their mothers, she would be with him forever.
Xavier had always questioned her spirit after her demise then, always asking why she had broken her promise of a lifelong partnership, and why she had forgotten her oath of staying by his side for the next eternity to come.
Staring at Aurelia blushing like this and recalling this memory, something he doesn't wish for his most hated enemy, Xylen sighed, his amusement subsiding.
Suddenly, however;
"What… what did you just do?" he jumped back, looking down with a start.
But in response, Aurelia merely gazed back innocently.
"What?" she asked, feigning ignorance.
Xylene's mouth instantly opened and shut repeatedly, but he had no idea what to say until eventually;
"You… you brat! How dare you touch my mister P again?" he exclaimed helplessly, his face stern.
Aurelia, however, merely stuck out her tongue mischievously in response, completely unfazed by his scolding.
Xylen's heart softened instantly.
How long had he yearned for moments like this? How many times had he reminisced and wept over them?
His body quivered slightly, but outwardly, his expression remained composed until, at last, he relented.
"So…"
He drawled, his voice steady yet questioning, and Aurelia, catching his tone, instantly grew serious.
"I don't need a gaming pod, brother," she began firmly. When Xylen opened his mouth to protest, she raised her hand, cutting him off.
"This game is a waste of money. Nothing more than a distraction—a way to shut oneself off from the real world. But since you're always alone when I'm at work or school, you deserve it more than anyone else."
"I…" Xylen started, his voice faltering.
Aurelia's words were the very thought he'd also harbored back then—the reason he'd convinced Aurelia not to purchase the pod initially.
At that time, the entire world had also regarded the game as merely a novel form of entertainment. It wasn't until much later that people discovered its true potential: the ability to earn real-world currency.
The early players—those who had jumped in without hesitation had been amongst those who had become overnight millionaires. But for now, no one knew this, and as much as Xylen wished to share this secret with Aurelia, he couldn't reveal it, knowing it would only bring trouble to himself and Aurelia.
With this in mind, Xylen sighed and nodded his head, showing he understood.
"There's one more thing," Aurelia continued suddenly, her tone shifting as she hesitated. "Your siblings… when they threw us out here… they said…" She trailed off, her expression shadowed by a deep concern.
Xylen, knowing her thought instantly finished her thought with a faint smile.
"That my face must never be seen outside again, or I'll be expelled from the estate immediately?"
"I…" Aurelia's voice wavered as her fists clenched, her heart aching for him.
Yet Xylen was unaffected.
Once, such words memories would have devastated him. But after witnessing Aurelia's death in his past life and fully grasping the depth of his siblings' hatred, he had grown numb to their disdain.
His first intention was to assure Aurelia that he no longer cared, but since that wasn't the typical him, doing so would only invite more questions, so, he changed the subject.
"Didn't you say there's only one place in the city to purchase the pod, and that nearly everyone in our city is rushing to buy one?" he asked in return.
Aurelia nodded cautiously, not knowing where Xylen was headed, and he continued, "Then they likely won't return anytime soon."
"This…"
A look of realization dawned on Aurelia's face, quickly replaced by a radiant smile that seemed to come straight from her soul.
'You'll finally see the sky again… finally step outside after all these years of being locked away in this cold, dark prison,' she thought.
Without wasting another moment, Aurelia hurriedly dressed Xylen up and then placed him into his wheelchair, after a considerable effort, then pushed him toward the door.