Let’s Make Saving a Habit - Chapter 9

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 9
A month had passed since I came to live at Aiden’s House.
Though considerable time had elapsed, nothing particularly noteworthy had occurred during that span.
My days consisted of mundane routines—venturing to the marketplace to procure necessities, sharing meals, and conversing with the Old Gentleman.
Perhaps that was precisely why each day felt so precious.
Yet I harbored no illusions about the permanence of this tranquility.
Rising early once more, I organized my future plans in the cozy room the Old Gentleman had prepared for me.
“It’s about time the Old Gentleman left the house again…”
As had been the case before, Aiden was a mercenary and could not remain in one place for long.
Of course, the primary reason was that he was being hunted by some faction.
Once a Mercenary Company contract concluded, he would return here sporadically.
Each time, he meticulously ensured I lacked nothing and taught me letters, proper etiquette, and countless other things.
Back then, I yearned desperately for his arrival…
But now his prolonged presence at home had become somewhat problematic.
“In a few months, Duke Papiope will select one child from the Talent Cultivation Institute for adoption.”
Before that could happen, I needed to enter the Institute and make an impression on the Duke.
Duke Papiope.
During her youth as a young noblewoman, she had eliminated all the elders and cadet branches that threatened her position, ascending to the ducal throne.
Afterward, she governed the Papiope household without any internal interference…
Perhaps because of that freedom?
She announced an unprecedented method of selecting her successor—something no other noble house would dare attempt.
Namely, she would adopt children to inherit the Papiope name.
Though there was considerable gossip and complications, in my previous timeline, such bold actions had only strengthened the Papiope family’s position.
“Regardless, I have no interest in succession disputes. My sole objective is adoption into the Papiope household.”
What I needed was merely a noble title.
To properly protect Aiden, a noble status would facilitate everything—fundraising, networking, and countless other advantages.
“The problem is… if I miss this year’s adoption, I’ll have to wait at least three more years.”
1. Admission to the Talent Cultivation Institute
2. Victory in the Adoption Selection Tournament
These two stages were necessary to be adopted by Duke Papiope.
Even if I enrolled in the Institute immediately, the timeline would be extraordinarily tight.
Yet I could not simply abandon the Old Gentleman who had cared for me without a word.
Just then, a knock sounded, and the Old Gentleman entered.
“Tania, stop sleeping and wake up—ah, you’re already awake again today.”
The Old Gentleman’s eyes met mine as I sat at my desk, and a faint smile tugged at his lips.
“I’ve prepared breakfast. Come eat.”
I tidied the scattered books on my desk and slowly made my way out.
Today’s menu was white bread toasted golden in butter, accompanied by strawberry jam.
“Oh, this looks delicious!”
Grateful for the simple meal before me, I was about to spread the jam generously on the bread when the Old Gentleman spoke with a serious expression.
“Tania, there’s something important I need to tell you.”
At the weight in his voice, I forgot the bread I was bringing to my mouth and turned to face him.
[Overlaying current viewpoint onto viewpoint 1.]
The moment I saved the viewpoint out of habit, Aiden’s low voice flowed into my ears.
“I travel throughout the Empire resolving requests. I’ve stayed here for about a month to care for you, but I can’t always remain in one place for so long.”
Ah, so he was finally leaving to handle the accumulated requests.
Fortunately, it seemed I could execute my plan to enter the Papiope Talent Development Institute without delay.
When I simply looked at Aiden without responding, he hurried to continue.
“My departure doesn’t mean I’m casting you out of this house. Tania, I want you to continue living here.”
“That means….”
“I won’t be able to visit often, but I promise to at least ensure you never go hungry.”
In my previous viewpoint, he had made me the same offer.
Those words had been like salvation to me, who lived in constant dread of when I’d be thrown out.
But in this viewpoint, it was still too early to live with him.
“Actually, there’s something I wanted to tell you too.”
“Go ahead.”
“I’m planning to enter the Papiope Talent Development Institute.”
“What?”
“I mentioned it when I first met you, but I’m thinking of taking the institute’s entrance exam soon.”
Upon hearing my plans, he asked with a darkened expression.
“…Is this place uncomfortable for you?”
“No! It’s not uncomfortable at all. I’m truly grateful for how you’ve cared for me.”
“I have no difficulty providing for you. You’re welcome to stay here as long as you wish.”
“It’s not that I dislike you. I simply don’t want to continue being a burden.”
“Tania, that place is where all the elite Abiliter in the Empire gather.”
“I’m an Abiliter too.”
“I’m not saying you couldn’t pass. I know that if you set your mind to it, you could pass immediately.”
He continued with a note of anxiety creeping into his voice.
“But that place is like a jungle. Those students there will do anything to be adopted by Papiope.”
“Wouldn’t that be when my abilities shine brightest?”
Unpredictable sudden movements? They were useless against me.
“Please trust me.”
He fell silent for a long while, as if deliberating.
The thought that it might be better for me to go there than to remain here alone without a guardian likely weighed on him as well.
At my unwavering resolve, his eyes wavered slightly.
It wasn’t as though I disliked living peacefully and harmoniously with him.
But knowing how this story ends, I couldn’t settle for the present.
He asked as if determined to change my mind by any means.
“Then what about coming with me?”
It was an absurd proposal.
No matter how capable I might be, how could I possibly take on mercenary work while accompanying a young girl who struggles to walk for even a few hours?
Whether the client would even accept it was secondary—I would undoubtedly become Aiden’s greatest vulnerability.
“Sir, I….”
Just as I was about to voice another refusal, his quiet words rendered me unable to continue.
“I don’t want to send you away. To let you go without a word like this… I’ve grown far too attached to you.”
I had always known that despite his gruff exterior, the Old Gentleman possessed a remarkably tender and affectionate heart.
Yet I never imagined that in merely a month’s time, I would come to occupy such a place within his heart.
What was I to do…?

✦ ✦ ✦
In the end, I could not refuse the Old Gentleman’s request.
Thus, I agreed to postpone my entry into the Talent Cultivation Institute until he returned from his work.
While the Old Gentleman was away, he had intended to entrust me to the Ageratum Merchant Company.
But I stubbornly refused that arrangement.
With someone else present, it would be difficult for me to move about freely outside.
Especially if I were left in their care under the guise of protection.
Once our negotiation concluded, the Old Gentleman hastily packed his belongings the very next day and set out on his journey.
Judging by his urgency, an important commission must have come in.
“The neighbor woman will bring you meals every day.”
“All three meals?”
“Yes. I’ve paid her fairly, so if you ever go hungry, seek help from Ageratum. Promise me you won’t venture far from the house—it’s dangerous. And….”
Sensing his lecture would grow lengthy, I quickly cut him off.
“Don’t worry. Despite appearances, I’ve spent quite a long time living on the streets.”
“That doesn’t change the fact that you’re a child who needs protection.”
“Hehe, I suppose that’s true.”
Being treated as a child was not particularly pleasant, yet having the Old Gentleman regard me as one felt oddly comforting.
He gazed at me for a moment as I smiled broadly, then turned away and grasped the door handle.
“…I’ll be going.”
“Oh, wait just a moment!”
I suddenly embraced him and chattered away as though seeing off a father heading to work.
“Be careful and don’t get hurt. I’ll be waiting for you.”
The Old Gentleman remained still for a moment, then wrapped his arms around me in return, holding me as though I might crumble.
“I’ll return as quickly as I can.”
Creak, thud.
Watching the door close completely behind him, I quietly curled my lips into a smile.
“He told me to stay home and wait… but time is precious. I can’t afford to do that.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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