Chapter 27

Chapter 27

A day later, Evan received a reply from the Backlund Oddities Newspaper, full of anticipation. When the letter was delivered into his hands, it felt like it carried a special hope and joy.

The letter was slowly opened, revealing its contents to Evan.

Dear Mr. Noah,

Hello! Your article, "Henry's Adventure," has been accepted by our Adventure Stories column. The payment rate is 15 Copper Huote per 100 words. Enclosed is payment for the portion we have received. Please send the remaining manuscript to our Adventure Stories column within three days. Upon receipt, we will settle the remaining payment.

Wishing you health and safety!

Floiust

Evan's gaze first fell on the money order in his hand, which he could cash with his ID. The amount represented his earnings. 6 Silver Keren—this was a tidy sum. Then, he looked at the article he had hastily written in a single day, totaling twenty thousand words. In his previous world, this wouldn't even meet the minimum word count for a novel to go premium on the Green River site, but in this world filled with fantasy and opportunity, it would bring him a considerable amount of Silver Keren.

"This is truly wonderful!" Evan couldn't help but exclaim, his heart overflowing with joy as if he were seeing hope for the future. Looking at the money order in his hand, Evan considered carefully. This part-time job really held great potential and could be pursued long-term. It could not only provide financial support but also allow his talents to shine in this world.

Meanwhile, at the Imperial Knight Academy, Arthur Nicholas, who had received neither letters nor financial support from Evan for three months, had just completed a challenging academy mission and returned to campus, completely exhausted.

The Imperial Knight Academy was dedicated to training capable warriors, so it naturally didn't confine students to mere book learning. From their first year, students embarked on a path of growth filled with challenges and opportunities. They diligently studied the Knight Breathing Technique and various knight combat techniques to enhance their strength while taking on tasks, starting with easy ones and moving to harder ones, to hone their skills in real combat. Simultaneously, these tasks allowed them to earn some money to cover their various expenses.

After a month away on a mission, Arthur appeared somewhat weary. Yet, he still went to the mailroom immediately upon returning to campus. It was a place filled with hope and anticipation, where every letter could bring important news or warm greetings. When Arthur entered the mailroom, his eyes eagerly scanned the envelopes pinned to the wall, his heart full of expectation. But soon, disappointment washed over him—once again, he didn't see his name. Arthur couldn't help but frown, his mind filled with confusion and loss. "Sir, have there been no letters for me these past few months? I'm Arthur Nicholas."

The one-eyed man, enjoying precious wine imported from the colonies, didn't even look up. He seemed immersed in his own world, indifferent to Arthur's inquiry.

"All letters are pinned on the wall; collect them with your identification." Arthur once again turned his gaze to the letters on the wall, carefully searching for his name. Yet, he still couldn't find a letter addressed to him. With no other choice, he left the mailroom. At the doorway, he ran into Valen Thomas walking toward him. At that moment, a brilliant, charming smile spread across Arthur's face. It was a warm smile that seemed to light up the area.

"Valen, did you just get back from a mission too?" Arthur's voice was filled with concern and curiosity.

Seeing his boyfriend, Valen Thomas's eyes also lit up, and he felt a surge of joy. He quickly stepped forward and tightly grasped Arthur's hand. Those hands conveyed warmth and affection, instantly closing the distance between them.

"Arthur, how did your mission go? You weren't injured, were you?" Valen carefully examined his lover, his eyes full of worry. He looked over Arthur's body, fearing he might have suffered any harm during the mission. Only when he saw no signs of bandages did Valen relax.

"I'm a Formal Knight; how could I possibly mess up a mission?" Arthur raised an eyebrow defiantly, his eyes brimming with confidence and pride. Before this boyfriend he had regained, Arthur knew well how to display the traits that attracted Valen. He knew that his cleanliness, resilience, pride, and refusal to admit defeat were qualities Valen admired. These traits were like a glow around him, drawing Valen's gaze.

Clean, resilient, proud, and refusing to admit defeat—this was the fifteen-year-old Arthur from memory, not the present Arthur. But as someone who had lived in noble circles for years and was no longer young, Arthur had learned to disguise himself. He knew he needed to show different facets in different settings and among different people. However, in front of Valen, he could shed those disguises and be his true self.

At this moment, Arthur appeared to Valen like a defiant little leopard, adorable and captivating. The smile in Valen's eyes deepened, profoundly drawn to Arthur's charm. He knew the person he loved possessed unique allure and worth.

"Formal Knight, huh, truly impressive. Rest well for a while. I heard that after the academy officially starts the semester, they're adding a new course for us." Valen's voice was filled with anticipation and curiosity.

Arthur couldn't help but think of the firearms that had already become widespread in the Imperial Military before his rebirth—it must be that. Arthur felt even more confident, lifting his chin with the restraint and pride of a young master. "No matter what the course is, I won't lose to anyone." Suddenly, Arthur realized they were standing in front of the mailroom and asked curiously, "By the way, why are you here?"

"I came to see if there's any mail for me. After all, I've been away from the academy for over a month." Valen had a small hobby that earned him some pocket money. However, to focus on his mission, he had already sent in his final article in advance and expressed his intention to stop writing. Valen was actually here to check if his payment had arrived.

"I see." Arthur breathed a sigh of relief. However, when he saw Valen retrieve a letter and take out a money order for twenty Silver Keren from the envelope, he felt somewhat unsettled. A surge of envy and jealousy rose in his heart, accompanied by concern over his own financial situation.

Graduates of the Imperial Knight Academy almost all entered the military, so the military provided substantial support. Tuition was only twenty Silver Keren per year, with room and board completely free. But this didn't mean students had no expenses. To advance in knightly rank, students needed medicinal baths, which were quite costly. The academy covered fifty percent, while students bore the other fifty percent. Additionally, weapon maintenance and repair, horse feeding and replacement, etc., all had to be covered by the students themselves.

Although students could take on some academy missions for reward money, it was often just enough to get by.

Arthur had been raised as a family heir and had served as the White Rose Earl for several years, accustomed to a life of luxury and extravagance. Even though he had tried to restrain his spending desires, Arthur still found himself somewhat short on funds. But to maintain his image, Arthur couldn't ask Valen for money. Thoughts racing through his mind, he soon revealed an embarrassed smile.

"Valen, do you know if there are any tasks available within the academy these days?" Arthur's voice carried a hint of expectation and longing.

Author's Note:

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