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Chapter 335 335 Eat Slowly
Chapter 335 335 Eat Slowly
Chapter 335 335 Eat Slowly
Abby nodded in agreement, and together, they exited the underground passage.
As they traversed the familiar route towards the main room, Abby broke the silence with an unexpected question, "How are you enjoying Castra City?"
Nexus, caught off guard by the inquiry, replied with a genuine smile, "I think it is an amazing place, and the people I have met here are just wonderful. Like you, amazing Abby."
Abby reciprocated the smile, her mischief evident. "Of course, Castra City has the best people you could find," she asserted proudly.
Seizing the opportunity to satisfy his growing curiosity, Nexus delved into a more serious conversation. "Abby, I am curious about something as well," he admitted, causing Abby to cast a puzzled glance his way.
"What is it?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"Well," Nexus began, choosing his words carefully, "I can see that Dracula is exceptionally powerful and proficient at what he does. However, he doesn't seem to relate well with the people. He doesn't involve himself in anything social, which is a bit peculiar given his status. I would think that someone with his abilities would be very well-known, sought after, and people would be coming to ask for his help. But since I came here, I haven't seen many," Nexus observed.
Abby, understanding the implication of Nexus's observation, explained, "For a long time now, Papa has refused to attend any events. He gets invitations, but he either fails to show up or rejects them. Not only that, my grandfather decided not to assist people with their potions. There are only a few who still come to Papa directly, just like you."
Nexus nodded in comprehension. "He must have his reasons for that," he remarked, expressing his understanding.
"Sure he does," Abby affirmed. "But only he knows what it is."
They arrived at the room, and Abby gestured for Nexus to take a seat. "Just sit. Let me check on Papa and let him know you're done. I'll bring your lunch as well," she offered before disappearing into the adjoining chamber.
Nexus, comfortably seated, responded to Abby's departure with a casual acknowledgment. "Sure, let him know we have made considerable progress," he instructed. Abby vanished into another chamber, the lingering scent of her presence still in the air.
As she navigated the confines of Dracula's dwelling, she first checked on the elderly alchemist, ensuring he was still immersed in much-needed rest.
Returning to Nexus with plates laden with steaming potatoes, Abby laid them on the table. "Papa is still resting," she informed Nexus, her eyes flickering with a playful glint. "You can start eating, though he should be up before you're done with how slow you eat," she teased, her words accompanied by a mischievous smile.
Nexus chuckled in response, dismissing her playful taunts. "I don't eat slow," he countered.
"Oh, we know you do," Abby retorted, her laughter dancing in the air.
Settling into their meal, they savored the hot potatoes bit by bit, the warmth contrasting with the cool atmosphere of the underground chamber.
Seizing the moment of shared comfort, Nexus continued their conversation. "So, how is the alchemy business in Castra City?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued by the dynamics of alchemy in the city. The absence of Dracula from active participation raised questions about who carried the mantle.
Abby, chewing thoughtfully on her potatoes, regarded Nexus with a quizzical expression. "The alchemy business?" she echoed, seeking clarity. "What do you want to know about it?"
Nexus explained his curiosity about the state of alchemy in the city, considering Dracula's apparent withdrawal from active involvement. "Master Dracula doesn't seem to be in so much business anymore. There has to be someone in charge of the business here in Castra City," Nexus observed. "I haven't really heard of many alchemists around," he added.
Abby, ever the insightful guide, enlightened Nexus about the current state of alchemy affairs in Castra City. "Well, there are many other alchemists around who are in charge of all the alchemy tasks in the city," she clarified. "Papa taught many disciples during his prime years, and now they are the ones taking care of any alchemy task that may arise in the city," she elaborated.
Nexus absorbed the information, nodding appreciatively. "That sounds just nice," he remarked, lifting another piece of potato to his mouth. "I think Master Dracula just went into early retirement," he added with a chuckle. "He seems like a very eccentric old man, and I am glad I met him."
Abby, her silent gaze fixed on Nexus, awaited the opportune moment as he prepared to enjoy his next bite. Oblivious to her impending mischief, Nexus continued his reflections. "I truly understand him," he shared. "I mean, I have seen a lot of things in this Isekai, so an old man retiring early really makes sense," he concluded, smiling at Abby before taking a bite.
However, as his teeth met the supposed potato, a distinct cracking sound echoed in the chamber. Something was amiss. Swiftly realizing that the morsel in his mouth was not a potato but a disguised rock, Nexus spat it out, turning abruptly to face Abby. "What?" he exclaimed, surprised by her audacious trick.
Abby, already laughing uproariously, scooped up her plates and dashed away from the scene, reveling in the success of her playful prank. This was one of her signature tricks – placing rocks that resembled potatoes in Nexus's food, waiting for him to unsuspectingly bite into them and then making a swift escape. Nexus, no stranger to her antics, could only shake his head in amusement. He had become accustomed to these endearing yet mischievous gestures.
"You got me, Abby!" Nexus called out, his laughter joining hers in the underground chamber. The echoes of their shared amusement filled the air.
At that very moment, Dracula wheeled his chair into the room where Nexus was regaining composure after the prank. "Master," Nexus greeted, bowing his head in a courteous acknowledgment.
"I told you, you eat slowly!" Abby's voice resounded from within the chamber, her laughter still resonating.
"Oh, don't mind my granddaughter," Dracula reassured Nexus, wheeling closer to him. "I heard you are done for today," he noted.
"Yes, I am," Nexus affirmed. "I will be coming some other time to continue."
"That's fine," Dracula replied, patting Nexus on the shoulder. "You are doing a good job," he commended. "I cannot wait for the seal to be completely off."
"Very soon, Master," Nexus assured, a genuine smile gracing his features.
"Good, good," Dracula expressed his satisfaction. "I heard the commotion from inside. Seems like Abby pulled another trick on you," Dracula observed, his tone reflecting both amusement and concern.
"Yes," Nexus confirmed, still smiling. "She placed some rocks in my meal," he explained.
"Oh dear," Dracula sighed, shaking his head and placing a hand on his forehead in mock dismay. "I am really sorry about that, Nexus," he apologized, attempting to ease any discomfort caused. "You know how Abby can be."
"It is fine, sir," Nexus reassured Dracula, his good-natured demeanor intact.
"You know, Abby's parents passed away a long time ago," Dracula shared, delving into the backstory. "Because I was so weak, she had to be homeschooled, and I think that turned her into a little prankster," he concluded