The Regressed SSS-Rank Water Mage Wants To Live a Calm Life-Chapter 36: The Damn Chatterbox!!

’Not completely powerless, though. I plan to take the day off today, not doing any tasks, my other task completion rewards have yet to be processed, after all.’

He leaned back, sinking into the couch.

’So I’ll learn how to cook today,’ he smiled. ’When I eventually meet Rita, I’ll mesmerize her with my superior cooking skills.’

Maxwell sighed.

"I guess I’ll also have to break through from the 2nd-circle, right?" He closed his eyes. "How tedious, having to remember the particular enlightenment needed to break through from the 2nd-circle. And I’ll also have to train my body to withstand the circle ascension too. Frilo better wake up soon."

Maxwell smiled, amused.

The perk of Frilo’s slumber was actually great; when Frilo eventually woke up, the amount of mana it would draw into its soul would be comparable to a 9th-circle’s. And, as his soul-link with Frilo was still active, this meant that Maxwell–

Yeah, he wouldn’t have to worry about security for the rest of his mortal life.

He stood up from where he sat, ready to begin his day. Although the feeling of living and walking around his new house without Frilo was uncomfortable. Frilo was always with him, everywhere. No matter where he went. Well, except when it was asleep.

"Just a few days," Maxwell reminded himself as he headed to the bathroom. "Just a few days and it’d be back."

Until then, Maxwell was left alone with his thoughts.

Especially this one silly thought of his that played through his mind as he showered and eventually got dressed in a casual wear of a white shirt and brown trousers that he found in his drawers. It seemed the guild had sent all his belongings to his new accommodation. That was good.

That silly thought was a simple one.

’When I eventually meet Rita, how am I going to act? Hug her immediately? That’d be too awkward. Knowing Rita, she might even punch me. Then how?’

That question birthed more questions.

’Act natural? How natural?’ He sighed. ’I know a lot about Rita, but I don’t want it to feel inorganic, like I’m using my knowledge of her character to progress our relationship. It’ll feel controlled. Like I’m still a god, wiring everything to move according to my will.’

This one thought made Maxwell genuinely pause.

He was at the front door of his house now. All dressed up and ready to head out. About 5gc lay in a small pouch that he tied to the belt on his waist. He figured it’d be enough to buy enough ingredients in the market to cook a meal for himself. Although the problem lay in figuring out what to cook and how to cook it. But he shrugged that off, deciding to just buy a cookbook on the way to the market.

"Is that what it feels like?" Maxwell asked himself in a hushed voice. "Like I’m a god, wiring everything according to my will? Where– where did that thought even come from? Is that how I feel subconsciously?"

Maxwell frowned.

"They say the mouth speaks according to the heart. I guess that’s true. I have to stop overthinking and overplanning everything."

He opened the door.

"So what if I don’t know how to act around her? Must I figure out everything to boot? Must I plan everything out? It’ll happen as it happens. I want to actually live a life. Lie in the water and trust the current of the stream to carry me along, not trying to predict the flow of the current before I jump in." Maxwell nodded. "Yes, I think that’s the difference between living and pretending to live."

Engrossed in his self-debate and sudden enlightenment, Maxwell failed to notice the figure standing just outside his door.

"Ohh, noble boy~ I was just planning to knock, haha."

Maxwell’s eyes widened immediately, and he raised his head, looking up at the unexpected visitor.

Seeing the familiar face, Maxwell’s gaze softened. And he exhaled, shoulders slumping.

"It’s you, Eithan," Maxwell said. "How did you find my new accommodation?"

Eithan’s blond bangs were combed to the side, letting his bright auburn eyes peek through. A rosy smile stretched on his lips as he chewed on the stem of a leaf, arms crossed.

The man was dressed in a plain brown t-shirt, exposing his lean biceps, and he wore black shorts that barely reached his knees. He leaned on the wooden doorframe, auburn eyes gleaming with childlike excitement.

"I got the deets from a receptionist. I had to spend thirty minutes convincing ’em that the newest S-rank is a good friend of mine, haha."

Maxwell smiled.

"And Max, ya didn’t tell me you were an S-rank now. How did ya do it? Oh, wait, don’t tell me. A lotta rumors have been floating around, I’ll say them all, then ya just nod to the ones that are right and shake ya head to the wrong ones. You know how the guys at the shared accommodation have been reacting all morning?" 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Maxwell blinked, smile fading.

The chatterbox was here. Maxwell almost groaned.

"Speaking of which, Max," Eithan’s brows lowered, "is it true you cleared the entire red valley?"

Maxwell nodded.

Eithan raised a brow, and he whistled.

"Well, would you look at that. Who knew old noble boy was a secret power house? Ever since the officiators confirmed your task, the entire Ludia has been talking about you."

At this point, Maxwell was genuinely tired of this young man who had intruded on his not-so-peaceful morning.

Maxwell walked past him, heading toward the bustling streets.

Eithan, stunned from Maxwell’s sudden leave, called out:

"Oi! Wait up! Where are ya going? That attire.... Not going on a hunt today?"

"...alone."

Eithan tilted his head, confused.

"I didn’t quite catch that. What did ya say?"

"I didn’t clear the red valley alone. I did it with the Silver Swordsman. His name is Vin."

"Ah!" Brows perked up. "Vin... I know that guy..." He held his chin, as if recalling. "I heard you cleared it with a 5th-core swordsman, but... ain’t Vin coreless?"

Maxwell was walking away at this point.

Eithan immediately braced himself and ran, following behind Maxwell.

"Wait up, Max!"

After catching up to Maxwell, Eithan took a while to catch his breath, and then he spoke:

"I’m free today, too. Not taking any commissions or going on a hunt. So, where are you headed? Mind if I join ya?"

Maxwell chuckled, gazing at Eithan.

"Do you know how to cook?"

[A/N: Please don’t forget to leave a review! It motivates me to continue writing! Also, your powerstones and Golden Tickets are highly appreciated! Please don’t forget to drop moreee~]