Appetency

EIGHTEEN

   When Laurent first came into the game, he hardly cared about anything other than planning to save his life. Naturally, he never bothered to think what others perceived him as since he was already rooted in as a bad person.

But now Laurent had grown attached to his own mirror, staying there for long periods of time tending to his own appearance and barely speaking to anyone. If they entered his room, they'd see him obsess over his face and clothes and wear all sorts of jewels these days. Even the ones he had tossed out from the emperor had reappeared, making him even more striking than anyone else.

Even the system could not help but float around.

[YOU SAID YOU WERE BEAUTIFUL ALREADY.]

It turns a bright yellow.

[WHY CARE ABOUT YOURSELF NOW?]

"Because I can't stand that arrogant son of a-" Laurent took a deep breath and slammed his jewels back down the vanity. "... I just can't stand Amren. That's all."

The system went quiet for a long time before it spoke again, though the words on the screen seemed more sarcastic than its usual cold tone.

[SO YOU ARE PETTY ENOUGH TO ONE-UP HIM THROUGH BEAUTY?]

"Do not patronize me!" Laurent scoffs, going back to his mirror and working on his appearance. "Everyone in the game eventually falls for Amren not only because of his disposition and power, but with his face that helped. A little too much."

It's no secret that the general audience and players favored Amren because of his looks. Even if Laurent was titled as the most beautiful figure in the game, it doesn't help that his official role was nothing more than a rotten obstacle path for the players to get rid of. Obviously, they don't care much for him.

Laurent grooms himself slowly, looking straight at his own eyes and sees nothing but sparkling amethysts. Everything about him was too good. It makes him feel slightly upset and miss his old face, but it can't be helped. If there's even a chance to stay on top of something other than Amren, it'd have to be his looks.

Because, of course, he's a naturally petty person.

"I'm sure you already know but I've become Amren's guide. Don't worry, I'm not trying to pull any tricks. All I want is to get close enough to persuade him to give me more holy water."

The system doesn't say anything and vanishes right away. It is skeptical of his plan, but thankfully doesn't dig at it too much.

When the time came for Laurent to show Amren around, to say he was nervous and overwhelmed was an understatement. The saint was a benevolent, holy figure that gained the adoration of the masses back at their nation and even here. Having Laurent show him around really wasn't appropriate, but no one can comment when it was Amren himself who personally sent a letter for Laurent.

Many of the emperor's officials couldn't believe it and thought of Laurent to be a bad choice. After all, he wasn't someone who could watch his tongue and had a rough demeanor. Even so, it was made official and Saint Amren did not hesitate to leave his quarters right away to meet with his guide.

And now he had arrived to the Estierelli estate in a specialized carriage marked with symbols of the God, Rasmir. As usual, he was adorned in white robes with a veil still covering his face which makes Laurent roll his eyes.

By this point in the game, he should've already taken that rag off. Why bother dragging it out?

"Does he think that makes him more intimidating or something?" Laurent scoffs under his breath. "What a l-"