After enjoying dinner at the 'Canary Restaurant' in town, Lex and Levto strolled leisurely along the cobblestone path, digesting their rich meal on foot.
"I've already received 8,600 soli from Mr. World, so my personal assets are quite substantial now. If I also get the 50,000 soli reward from the Navy, I can definitely be considered a wealthy man, even in Backlund."
"Hmm, I've got those two chapters of 'spiritual world anecdotes' from Miss Magician. This book is quite interesting. The author advises against making eye contact with creatures in the Spirit Realm for more than three seconds, as that's apparently considered Provocation."
"And don't show any fear or nervousness, as that will increase the predatory desires of certain creatures. What a terrible hobby."
As they passed Memorial Square, a small figure blocked Lex's path, timidly holding out a bouquet of flowers from a nearby basket and saying, "Sir, would you like to buy a bouquet?"
Lex looked down to see an eight or nine-year-old girl. Her hair was braided, and she was trying hard to sniffle back her snot. Her small face was red from the evening wind, and her not-so-thick clothes clearly weren't providing enough warmth.
"It's you?" Lex remembered this girl. When he first Transmigrated and returned to town with Bison, he met her in an alley near Memorial Square.
Only then, this little thing named Kaliena was selling fruit, not fresh flowers.
The little girl paused, then saw a faint scar beneath Lex's eye, and her small mouth dropped open, "Young Master Lex?"
Fortunately, she didn't cry this time. Lex frowned, looking at the bouquet in her hand.
"What are these? Aren't these just wildflowers you can pick anywhere outside of town?"
"How much are they worth?"
Kaliena remembered that the last time she met Lex, this Young Master, aside from his fierce expression and harsh words, was actually very kind.
After all, he bought a basket of her fruit for 1 soli and even saved her in the alley. So this time, she wasn't so scared. Hearing his words, she replied softly, "If I meet a gentleman who has a lady companion with him, I can earn 1 soli."
She sniffled, then hugged herself with her small arms to warm up.
Hmm, the little thing has ideas, selling to gentlemen with lady companions. But Lex glanced around casually; there were very few people in the square. He wondered how long it would take for this little one to sell all her flowers.
"Give me the basket." Lex extended his hand expressionlessly.
Kaliena was startled, then whispered, "Young Master Lex, you don't have to help me specifically, I..."
Before she could finish, the flower basket was already taken by Lex and handed to Levto beside him: "Children should act like children. When you're capable, then you can refuse help from adults. Until then, just accept it obediently."
He took out 1 soli and slipped it into Kaliena's hand. When he touched her small hand, he found it was as cold as ice.
But the little girl was very happy, clutching the 1 soli tightly and bowing repeatedly to Lex in thanks.
After thanking him, she was about to leave, but Lex called out, "Wait."
"Come home with me!"
Kaliena was instantly stunned.
Golden Champagne Avenue, Number 13.
Looking at the tall, open black iron gate before her, and the distant villa, Kaliena wondered if she was dreaming.
At the same time, she was so envious.
It's so big here. There must be so many rooms in the house. If our family had this many rooms, it would be great. I could have my own room and wouldn't have to squeeze in with my brothers and sisters every day.
However, that's also quite nice. Everyone squeezing together means it's not so cold in winter. The little girl nodded lightly, affirming her inner thoughts.
"Go on." Lex gently pushed the little girl from behind, then walked past her towards the villa.
Kaliena fearfully rubbed the corner of her clothes, not knowing why this Young Master had brought her to the villa. Just then, a large hand picked her up and placed her on a broad, strong shoulder.
It was that giant.
A moment later, Kaliena was tossed onto the sofa in the living room, while the Young Master and his servant had disappeared to who-knows-where.
Fortunately, not long after, she saw Lex return, and also saw him place some winter clothes next to her.
"Young Master Lex." Kaliena looked at these thick winter clothes, feeling their warmth even without wearing them.
"You can have them. These are my younger brother's clothes. He doesn't wear them anymore. They're just sitting around anyway, so they're yours."
"Really?"
Kaliena happily put on a jacket, then closed her eyes and said, "It's so warm! Wearing this, I won't be afraid of the cold at night."
She touched here and looked there, then sighed, "If only the clothes were a bit bigger, then Sister Sumei and Brother Meierqi could also wear them. Hmm, the three of us could take turns wearing them."
Lex narrowed his eyes slightly and said in a deep voice, "You wait a bit longer."
When he returned, he brought several more sets of clothes: "These are clothes that my sister and I no longer wear. Take them for your brothers and sisters."
"Also, when you go back, ask your adults if they need work? If so, find me here tomorrow."
"Work!"
Hearing this word, Kaliena was happier than if she had received any gift, nodding repeatedly: "Okay, I'll tell my mom and dad when I get back, they'll definitely be overjoyed."
"Hmm, he'll take you back." Lex pointed to Levto, "You lead the way."
"Okay!"
Since the control distance of a Marionette was only 20 meters, Lex had to secretly follow. Only after seeing Kaliena return home did he and Levto head back.
Walking on the road, Lex's mood was no longer as relaxed as it had been after dinner.
Enki Town had no factories, and commoners' work mostly consisted of odd jobs paid daily, making their income extremely unstable and their lives without any security.
They might be able to afford bread today, but tomorrow they could only rely on clear water to fill their stomachs.
And such situations were not unique to Enki Town; Tingen City, and even Backlund, the City of Prosperity, also had similar circumstances.
This was not something one or two people could change; at least, Lex couldn't think of any good solutions, which once again made him feel his own insignificance.
Just as they were about to leave Kingston Road, a scream suddenly echoed from a nearby alley, followed by a woman screaming, "Help, someone help!"
"Simon has gone mad! Simon has killed his wife and daughter!"
The piercing sound was so jarring on the quiet street, making it impossible to ignore.