Chapter 17: Xie Lianhua
Clara and Conrad sat facing each other in a small carriage, silence hanging between them. Rain clouds loomed on the horizon. Clara's heart thumped rapidly - this was her first time alone with her brother in ages.
Why am I so nervous with this idiot of a brother? Clara wondered.
She stole a glance at him.
He seemed so different from before. Much calmer, smiling more, not arguing about everything. He even dressed neater now, looking almost... handsome. Must be that Xie girl's influence.
Clara felt a surge of annoyance. So some strange girl is more important than your own sisters? You really are an idiot. A big idiot.
"Clara, how is your studying going?"
"Huh... aaa... stu- it's awesome," Clara fumbled over her words.
Conrad looked at her with confusion. "Did I startle you? Sorry, I didn't mean to."
Ahhh, why have you become so nice? You always argued with me before. Did you forget?
"No... I'm fine... just got caught off-guard by your sudden question."
Conrad gave her a warm smile. "Clara, if you need any help with your studies, just tell me without worrying."
"Okay..." Clara nodded.
"Conrad..." Clara opened her mouth, but the words died in her throat.
"What? Do you want me to do something for you? I'm free today," Conrad offered.
"No... nothing."
Conrad studied her silently.
Ahhh Clara, were you always this awkward? I mean, I know I don't talk to boys much, but come on. You're acting like a total idiot in front of your brother. Idiot... idiot... idiot...
Clara berated herself internally.
"We've arrived, Clara," Conrad said in his usual tone.
"Oh... see you later, Conrad." Clara's voice carried a hint of dejection.
"Clara..." Conrad stopped her.
He walked over, took a hat, and placed it gently on her head. "You forgot your hat, my precious sister."
Conrad said it half-jokingly.
"I don't know if it's appropriate anymore... after all, you've grown up quite a bit. But you'll always be my youngest sister." Conrad pulled her into a hug.
Wh... what... are... you...
"Take care of yourself. I'll pick you up later this afternoon," Conrad told her.
Clara could only nod in response.
As Conrad left in the carriage, Clara stood there for a moment before a female voice broke through her thoughts:
"Who was that handsome guy, Clara? Aren't you going to introduce me?"
"Maya, keep your eyes off my brother. He already has a girlfriend."
"What a waste," Maya replied.
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Inside the carriage, Conrad's mind wandered through a maze of thoughts - from yesterday's incidents to his newfound power, the mystery of his immortality, and the enigmatic Anira. He released a long sigh.
One step at a time.
First, I need some way to keep track of everything. I've never written a diary before. Yes, that's it - I'll start writing in English so nobody from this world would understand it.
Second, I need to figure out my immediate goals. I still don't know why I was transferred into Conrad's body, but there must have been some hidden incident or ritual that triggered it. Then there's Anira, who calls me 'Lord.' I'm still not sure if she means me or the original Conrad.
Everything's such a mess right now. Unknown world, unknown powers, and above all, it's dangerous.
He organized his thoughts:
Primary Goals:
First, write my diary daily.
Second, find a way back to my world. From all the novels I've read, there's always a reason - I just need to find it. It must have something to do with this Brahman. But there are so many complications. The time dilation between these worlds is my biggest concern right now. If there is a time dilation then I need to figure out how much bigger that is, if not then I will be fine even if i returned after 100 years.
Conrad let out another sigh.
It'll be dangerous, but at least Anira's here. She seems trustworthy enough for now, even if just barely.
I need to become stronger, possibly stronger than her, to understand this whole transmigration business.
Before returning to my world, I want to see my sisters married and free from debt. There's our house mortgage and my education loan from SIXS bank - where Isolde works. It's not just one of Aurelius's biggest banks, but one of Freya's too.
So much to do...
I'm overthinking again...
If Anira were here, my mind might be at ease...
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Conrad sat up suddenly.
"Wait, did I just think about Anira? Am I missing her? No way, it's just that she understands me better than others, that's all-"
"Sir, we've arrived at the University entrance," the carriage driver announced.
"Yes, here's your ten sili."
"Thank you, good sir."
Conrad stood before the grand entrance of Aurealis University.
"Here I am again..."
As he started walking, a hard slap on his back pushed him forward. A tall man with a long nose and short hair stood beside him, looking like he'd stepped straight out of a novel. It was Isaac Edger, Conrad Valor's best friend.
"Con, why didn't you tell me you were coming? Wait, aren't you suspended for three days? What are you doing here?"
"Couldn't you ask that without slapping me so hard? Do you have any idea how much that hurts?" Conrad said, rubbing his back.
"Don't act tough now, Mr. Strong. Think I forgot how you threw that muscle-head Jared? I was shocked you could fight like that, and I'm your best friend! Can't believe you never told me."
"Not everything needs to be shared."
"I don't know what happened while you were away, but I like this new attitude. Hey, let's head to class together," Isaac said, gesturing excitedly toward the classroom.
"No, I'm still suspended, remember?" Seeing his friend's confused look, Conrad continued, "I'm just here to check out some books, that's all."
Isaac jumped backward. "You... books... since when?"
"Con, are you alright? Did you hit your head or something? Did you forget you're among the top ten worst students in the entire university?"
Conrad raised his hands to stop him and started walking. "Yes, yes, I've heard it already. Look, I'm busy, Isaac. I'll see you later. Have a nice class."
Isaac stood there dumbfounded as if he didn't know what to think of his friend anymore.
"So... people really do change... I think I should work hard," Isaac muttered to himself.
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"Why does everybody have to remind me how worthless I am?" Conrad muttered to himself, walking alone in the hallway that led to the university library. "Freaking Conrad, I will not forgive you. Well, you are dead so what can I say..."
After a few minutes of walking inside the granular university, Conrad found the library. A massive crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, while mahogany bookshelves three times the height of a human stretched to the walls, containing countless volumes of history, stories, and thought. The entire space sparkled under warm LED lights, reminding Conrad how this world - or maybe this country specifically - blended Victorian aesthetics with modern technology.
The floor was made of oak with beautifully cut marble inlays. A window of stained glass depicted Aurealis's first king from the monarchy era, the sight leaving Conrad somewhat mesmerized.
This is a good place to read, Conrad thought to himself. Walking towards an elderly man sitting behind a tall desk, Conrad asked, "Sir, where can I find books on the history of weaponry used in wars?"
The old man, who was reading a thick book with a deep brown cover, looked up at the young man.
"I have never seen you before... are you new to the university?"
"No sir, I'm actually in my final year. I just never got a chance to visit the library until now."
"Final year? Oh, so you must know Xie. She's a regular here."
"Yes..." Conrad felt lost for words.
"Conrad...?" A voice called from behind. Turning, his eyes met with a familiar face he had never seen before but recognized immediately.
Before him stood a woman of pastoral grace and eternal elegance. She wore a blue and white hanfu, imported from outside Aurelius, with delicate floral motifs patterned on the beautiful fabric. Her intricately designed collar and cuffs resembled the color of jasmine flowers. Her beauty could only be described as timeless and pure. Her eyes were blue like Conrad's but lighter, and her thin hair swept back gracefully. She wore a straw hat adorned with ribbon and lace. She was none other than Xie Lianhua, the girl Conrad was supposed to be dating.
Conrad looked at her in awe, his heart racing.
She's... beautiful... my heart is racing like crazy... is it me or this body's owner? I don't know, but I want her... I want this girl to be mine... I've never felt this way. Do I really love her? Love at first sight?
A certain girl's image floated in his mind briefly before disappearing.
Huh? What was that? Why did I think of her suddenly?
Conrad calmed his mind, then said, "Xie... I heard you're a regular."
Xie gave Conrad an odd look. "Conrad, can we talk for a few minutes?"
"Yes, sure..."
Watching the young couple leave the library, the man behind the desk let out a sigh.
"Being young must be nice."
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Walking side by side outside the library in a wide hallway, Xie stopped suddenly to look at Conrad.
"Conrad, I've been thinking of you for the whole week," Xie said with a hint of sadness.
"Me? Yes, sorry I didn't talk to you much this past week. I should have written you a letter," Conrad replied.
"No... not that... I just need to explain something to you."
She took a breath, closing her eyes for a few seconds before looking directly at Conrad.
"Listen Conrad, what I'm going to tell you might sound odd. You may think I'm crazy like many of the rumors about me, but I don't want to involve any innocent people anymore..."
Before Conrad could ask anything, she continued:
"Let's end our relationship here. I used you for my benefit. You can think of me as those cheap women, I don't mind. Please leave me alone for now..." Saying this, Xie turned away from Conrad.
"What? But you accepted my proposal... what happened in just a week?" Conrad grabbed her hand.
Shocked by his grip, Xie turned to look at the young man before her.
"I..."
Conrad released his grip suddenly and said, "You can go, Xie. But I won't end our relationship. Come back after a few days, and if you haven't changed your mind by then, I'll comply with your request."
"Okay..." Xie said in a low voice.
Thank you Conrad, I know you love me, but I cannot put you in danger. I cannot waste your love on a woman with such a curse...
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After Xie left, Conrad stared into the distance, lost in thought.
I can sense some fluctuations of Brahman around Xie. She's being followed. These rumors about her... I remember hearing something about how anyone who proposed to her disappeared after a month. It must be related to some Essentia. I need Anira's help with this... but I want to handle it myself as much as I can. After all, I need to get stronger too.
Conrad returned to the library and asked the elderly man, who was still reading his brown-covered book, about weapons-related texts.
"I don't think we have too many books on such topics, as Aurelius is primarily technocratic, so we tend not to focus on war. Even though we have one of the strongest armies in Freya, books on these subjects are mainly kept in combat training schools. We do have some copies, but they're very limited in terms of information."
"That's fine, I'm just looking for some information out of curiosity," Conrad said with a gentlemanly smile.
"I like your attitude toward learning. Curiosity is the best trait one can have. I think you can check the historical war section over there. You might find some books on weapons and such."
"Thank you, sir." As Conrad was about to walk away, the man stopped him.
"If you don't mind, may I ask about your relationship with Xie?"
"Is there any particular reason you want to know?"
"She's a very odd girl, always alone. As far as I know, she doesn't talk to anybody. Whenever I ask about her, people only mention strange rumors. I can see through people very well, and I know Xie is a good girl. I heard her parents and brother died. Honestly, she resembles my late daughter a bit, and I don't want anything to happen to her."
After the man finished, Conrad gave him a warm smile.
"She is my girlfriend.”