Chapter 39
Adrian required 400 affection points to fill at level 1, Countess Priscilla only 50, and Emily just needed 10.
This was a giveaway.
Of fact, each game character had their own value and duty. Thus, the expectations for maximizing Emily’s favor differed from those for Adrian’s.
Even with everything in mind, Adrian’s efficiency was awful.
Given the amount of money spent and that he had yet to reach level 2, it appeared that maxing out his level would require milking me dry.
What system does Adrian uncover that causes him to be so sluggish?
Raising Emily’s favor did not involve looking for products, but determining his likes was extremely difficult.
Just barely increasing his bar, only to disclose something mediocre.
Whether he’s a demon or our Young Master, I guess we are all heading to hell together.
“Emily, aren’t you thirsty? Should I make you coffee again today?”
“Yes, please!”
Emily, who had been bent over cleaning a particularly unclean area, smiled at the suggestion.
She seemed to want to slack off but couldn’t express herself.
As Emily’s attitude improved and we approached the kitchen, I noticed a building hidden behind the tall woods.
I was about to walk through the front door when I came to a complete stop.
It was a modest white brick house that appeared rather old, but there were no signs of activity, raising the issue of whether it was inhabited.
It felt strangely peaceful, almost frightening, buried beneath the overgrown woods.
“Emily, what is that?”
“Huh? What? Oh, you mean the charity hospital.”
“A charity hospital?”
“Yeah. Mr. Hubert ran the hospital. He accepted incurable patients who lacked the funds for treatment or family support. People unrelated to this location, but Mr. Hubert treated them like family and gave them with a gentle death. He’s a very respected person.”
“Oh, it’s like a hospice. Have you ever gone inside?
“No. Only Mr. Hubert was allowed in there. I even volunteered to assist with nursing the patients, assuming it would be difficult for him, but he declined because it was risky with contagious people coming and going.”
Emily was eager to return to the mansion, possibly to finish her coffee fast, peeking back as she moved.
I returned my sight to the hospital.
It was dismal and silent, like a grave.
This noble family appeared to be second to none in philanthropic activities, yet everything about it seemed suspect.
Isn’t it disconcerting that individuals are dying on the estate grounds?
Frankly, who knows what happens in such a remote location?
Whether Hubert murders someone on purpose, or Adrian sneaks in to kill…
“Are there any patients right now? Is it empty?”
“Um, I haven’t seen someone come or go in years. Mr. Hubert has been quite busy, and I suppose caring for the young master and the Madam is vital. Hilda, let us leave fast. I am thirsty.”
I considered sneaking in discreetly because Adrian’s detecting bell would be silent, but Emily impatiently tapped her foot beside me.
Her yearning eyes reminded me of a kindergartener begging for a toy.
I suppose I will have to sneak into the hospital later.
Today’s drink for Emily was a condensed milk latte, which I also enjoyed.
Creating was simple, yet the sweet yet bitter flavor could entice anyone.
When I took out the coffee, milk, and condensed milk, Emily, who had her eyes wide open, wondering what I was doing, became quite interested.
I generally used a soju glass to measure the amount of milk and condensed milk, but because there was none here, I substituted a little cup that looked similar.
“Pay close attention, Emily. One and a half cups of milk, plus just over half a cup of condensed milk. Then, you pour the coffee on top and stir it. See, simple, right?”
“Making something wonderful while also teaching me how to create it. Hilda, you’re quite kind.”
She appeared moved as I demonstrated each step in detail.
It looked like she saw it as a gesture of kindness, allowing her to make it whenever she wished, but I felt a stab of guilt because I had ulterior motivations.
I taught her so she could make it for herself as the affection level rose.
After all, I’m too busy leveling up to make affection-raising things constantly.
“Ah, it’s delicious. Hilda, I have never tasted anything like this before.”
Hearing Emily speak in such a shaky voice made me feel pricks of conscience, even though I had only been thinking about how to use her.
Unable to face Emily, I avoided her gaze and reserved a bit for the Countess.
I felt the system would chastise me again, peering around the air.
I was only attempting to ease the grind by utilizing the game system, but is this such a horrible thing?
「You gifted Emily ‘Sweetly Crafted Coffee.’」
「Emily is quite happy.」
「Emily’s affection level climbed by 50.」
「Emily’s current affection level is level 3 (20/30).」
“Hilda, I’m so grateful. Is there anything I can do for you?”
「After reaching love level 3, you can ask Emily for a favor. Select one of the following.
Pulling weeds
Cleaning windows
Coffee-making
Running Errands in Town.」
So this is how you ask for favors.
If the affection level peaks, you can ask for anything from the offered possibilities.
Although the options appear basic and inconsequential, given that these are activities I do every day, they would undoubtedly be helpful.
What should I choose?
Having plenty of coffee ready would be fantastic, or I might ask Emily to buy stuff from the town to pique Adrian’s interest.
After some thinking, I made my decision.
“Emily, could you clean the windows for me?”
「How hard should she work?
Barely functions at all.
Take it easy and slowly.
Work at a moderate pace, taking regular rests.
Work tirelessly without relaxation.
Work tirelessly without relaxation.」
Wow, the system is merciless.
‘Work to the point of exhaustion’?
That seems like something to report to the labor department…
Even if I was fascinated about option 5, I couldn’t just toss a stone and hurt Emily.
She’s kind and has been a great assistance…
“Work to the point of… no, work at a moderate pace with regular breaks.”
“Leave the window cleaning to me!”
「Your request has been accepted.」
「For the following 24 hours, you will receive Emily’s experience points and gold for ‘moderately working with regular breaks on window cleaning.’」
The favor system asks someone to grind for you.
Keeping such a fantastic system hidden for so long!
Emily clenched her fists and ran away, and after a while, a ‘+1’ appeared on my experience bar at the bottom of my view, even though I had not done anything.
Is this unearned income?
The favor system allows me to play around in my room while earning experience points and gold.
Wait, it’s just Emily right now, but if the level of affection rises and I can ask additional individuals for favors, doesn’t that mean I’ll get a multiplier effect precisely proportional to the number of people?
Then there is no reason for me to work at all.
Why should I work when my ants can collect experience points and gold for me?
This game might let me get ahead without much work.
I immediately shifted into the mindset of a manager overseeing staff, arrogantly crossing and flicking my legs.
This system was a truly brutal boss.
It appeared they were timed breaks with a bell, amassing experience points for around 50 minutes before taking a 10-minute break.
The ‘+1’ occurred so frequently that it looked like it was measured with a ruler, leaving me concerned that Emily might become ill from overexertion.
Disgusted by the system’s cruelty and concerned about Emily’s fatigue, I became genuinely inquisitive about how much gold and experience points would accumulate if I worked on three subjects ‘to the point of exhaustion.’