- How Could the Villainous Young Master Be a Saintess?

"Welcome, esteemed guests from afar, to Huawei Clothing House. Are you here to select exquisite attires? Forgive my presumptuousness, as it's your first visit, allow me to guide you." As they walked into the opulent, villa-like store, a sophisticated young woman with her hair perfectly styled approached them. Her demeanor was warm and friendly, showing no disdain despite their shabby clothing. To her, needing new clothes because theirs were tattered seemed perfectly reasonable. "Thank you, though buying new attire is just a side task. Could I trouble this beautiful lady to deliver something for me?" Aesphyra elegantly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled. "Deliver something?" The attendant looked puzzled until Aesphyra handed her an emblem from her pocket. "Please pass this emblem to your manager; he will understand." Aesphyra's voice was polite and gentle. "This is...?" The young attendant, newly employed, didn't recognize the emblem, yet its intricate design, encrusted with precious stones and the heraldry of the Galatus family, hinted at its significance. "Please wait a moment." With a nod, recognizing some semblance of its prestige, she left Winnie and Aesphyra seated, hurrying to the back. Seated at a luxurious mahogany table, Winnie and Aesphyra were served tea in fine white porcelain cups. The delicate, pleasing aroma hinted at extravagant expense, characteristic of a high-end boutique catering to distinguished patrons. The other attendants, unaware of their identities, watched intently after serving the tea, curiosity piqued. Before long, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from the back. A middle-aged man in a polished black uniform entered, his previously calm demeanor now slightly perturbed. Following him was the initial attendant. "Forgive my inhospitality for not welcoming you adequately, Miss Aesphyra." The tall man approached the silver-haired young woman, bowing deeply. The other attendants quickly followed suit, mirroring the manager's reverence. A joke it would be for them to stand indifferent when even their strict manager showed such respect, addressing the graceful silver-haired girl as 'Miss'. Only someone with true command over influential brands, a figurehead from the powerful Galatus family known across nations, could command such respect as 'Miss'. Many attendants felt a sense of fear, hoping they hadn't inadvertently offended Aesphyra — a figure whose words could decide their fates. This spectacle left Winnie silently astonished. "No worries, Manager. I didn't specifically come as a guest," Aesphyra calmly sipped her tea, her black stocking-clad legs elegantly crossed. "You might know I am enrolled at Cariliman Academy. My presence here is due to an unexpected 'surprise' during our practical assignment, leading us to lose our luggage. Passing by, I found a family shop." Her tone carried a playful edge. "Did my abrupt visit cause any inconvenience?" "Not at all, Miss Aesphyra. Everything here belongs to you. I am merely your loyal subordinate and servant. Meeting you is my utmost honor." The manager, sweating slightly under Aesphyra's teasing, replied earnestly. Assuming all goes well, she would be the future head of Galatus, his superior. Anyone with foresight would treat her with utmost respect. Rumors of her exceptional talent preceded her — top of her class at Cariliman and a source of inspiration for the family's fashion designs. The manager thought, this capable young lady undoubtedly would become the next head of Galatus. "No need to be so tense, Manager. But speaking like this isn't appropriate." Aesphyra twirled a lock of her hair playfully. "My apologies! It was thoughtless of me. You there, swiftly escort Miss Aesphyra and this esteemed gentleman to refresh themselves." He beckoned his staff. Attendants quickly ushered Winnie and Aesphyra towards the villa's bathing chambers. Standing beside Aesphyra had indeed elevated his status, as now even the manager addressed him as 'esteemed gentleman'. "Apologies for earlier, we were unaware of your distinguished identities. Please, follow me." The young attendant said apologetically to Winnie, leading the way with other attendants. "Oh, it's alright." A bit overwhelmed, Winnie found himself enveloped in a real young master's treatment, a first in his life since he usually only assumed the role verbally. Winnie and Aesphyra were led separately, with Aesphyra heading to a private bath reserved for owners of the villa. Winnie, considered Aesphyra's friend, also enjoyed exceptional treatment. The luxury of a marble bathhouse, ornamental lion-wrought fountains, plush red carpets, and a spread of fresh fruits and desserts at the hot spring's side enticed Winnie, who had endured a rough journey. Fruits and sweets, luxuries in this world, attested to Galatus' wealth—freely laid by the hot spring, an indulgence Winnie reveled in. Nothing beats enjoying free watermelon and cantaloupe in the hot spring. With such thoughts, Winnie repositioned himself on a thermal waterbed in the vast bath. Ah, this comfort! He mused, not wanting to leave forever. Call him easy to please? He retorted inwardly! After fighting battles for a lifetime, couldn't he enjoy a little luxury?! Stuffing himself with watermelon, Winnie luxuriated in the comfort. Yet, to his delight, he discovered juice at one side of the spring. Wow, wealth truly brings surprises everywhere! Winnie's joy expanded as he fetched a glass of juice. This grand bath solely for him felt overwhelmingly extravagant. He owed this indulgence to Aesphyra; it was indeed her family's venture. Besides, hadn't he saved Aesphyra, risking his own life? A small reward wasn't unreasonable, was it? Her possessions were his, after all! After basking in self-congratulatory thoughts and luxuries, Winnie emerged from the bath with half the fruits dwindled and his stomach full. Donning attire prepared by attendants, a splendid nobleman's suit of unmistakable quality now adorned him. Though he owned suits before, they were unquestionably the lowest tier among formal wear. This one, by far which he now wore was the finest, featuring intricate embellishments. Despite lacking experience, Winnie managed the fastenings thanks to prior practice. Draping an outfit of such caliber casually was highly generous! Yet, they specialized in selling attire to the aristocracy. "Sir, weary from your journey, you must be hungry. This way, please." After dressing, an attendant gestured with a gracious invitation. Oh, there's more to eat? Even after feasting on fruits in the bath, mention of a full meal reignited his appetite, as though a second stomach awaited. Under the guidance of the attendant, Winnie was led to a grand dining hall adorned with crystal chandeliers. The room featured a long table draped in a light yellow cloth, adorned with red candles, and the corridors were lined with various artistic oil paintings, creating an ambiance of elegance. Winnie noticed that Aesphyra, in her splendid attire, had already begun dining. Though women typically take their time bathing, the only reason Winnie took even longer than Aesphyra was because he spent most of his time indulging in fruits, as if he was there for a fruit feast rather than a bath. Upon entering, Winnie was instantly captivated by Aesphyra's ensemble. Her black, shoulder-baring gown contrasted sharply with her shimmering silver hair, reminiscent of a luminous moon on a pitch-black night—a radiant focal point that captured attention upon entry. Coming from a renowned family in fashion, Aesphyra's style was impeccable. In fact, she had designed many popular outfits for nobility. It's no wonder her taste was impeccable. "Winnie, still have room?" Aesphyra inquired ambiguously while gracefully cutting into her steak, locking eyes with Winnie when she spotted him. "Huh? What do you mean?" Given that they were technically in Aesphyra's domain, and before her family's staff, Winnie couldn't just engage her as casually as usual. "You didn't hold back on the fruit at the bath, did you?" Aesphyra said knowingly, her expression reading Winnie's thoughts. "You didn't set up surveillance in the bath, did you? How do you know all this?" Winnie, caught, couldn't help but retort. "Because you're just as easy to read as ever," Aesphyra replied, tilting her head playfully. "Humph." Winnie pursed his lips in mock disdain. Really? There must be something she missed here. Faced with the delicious spread before him, Winnie dismissed any urge to spar with Aesphyra further and quickly settled down to eat his steak. He recalled the exquisite steak from the gourmet restaurant with Mirexia, but this steak, crafted by Aesphyra's personal chef, had its unique savor, making it hard for Winnie to decide which was better. Each had its own charm. "Dressed in finery, you do look more presentable, Winnie—even if just barely." Aesphyra critiqued on the side. "What do you mean 'barely presentable'? I've always been handsome, okay? Like a graceful pine tree swaying in the breeze, I don't need finery to shine; rather, the clothes benefit from my charm!" Winnie boasted, patting his chest. "Aesphyra, if you offered me an endorsement fee, I wouldn't mind advocating for your family's attire." "The fee could be steep, but given our relationship, how about a 20% discount?" Winnie declared grandly, waving his hand dismissively. "A brand endorsement? Are you suggesting our clothes sell too well, and you're here to sabotage us?" Aesphyra teased. "Tch, why bring it up then? Idle compliments about my handsomeness?" Winnie objected, continuing to gnaw on his steak. While Aesphyra displayed impeccable etiquette befitting a lady, Winnie ate with gusto, amusing the attendants with his lack of restraint. "Winnie, this outfit is one I chose for you," Aesphyra chuckled. "I selected it to match your hair color, features, and usual dressing style. But since you almost lack a sense of style, it was left to my judgment." "Tch, who says I lack style? If I wanted to be stylish, it’d be easy—a mere whim, you know?" Winnie pouted, entering his usual phase of stubborn denial. "So, do I wear this tomorrow?" Winnie mumbled around a mouthful of steak, implying Aesphyra intended to loan him the clothes for a while. "Winnie, unfortunately, it's not customary here to allow people to wander around undressed. It would severely damage my family's store's reputation," Aesphyra feigned surprise. "Hey! That's not what I meant!" "Then what does Winnie mean? Your old clothes are beyond repair, so without this outfit, what would you wear?" Aesphyra giggled, resting her chin in her palm. "But this is your family's attire," Winnie muttered. "Yes, but you've worn it already." Aesphyra arched a beautiful brow. "Our store doesn’t sell used clothes as products. How about this: pay for the outfit? Sixty-eight gold pieces and three silver coins—let’s round down the silver coins as a friendly price. Thank you for your patronage~" Aesphyra tilted her head with a mischievous smile. "Si-Sixty-eight?!" Winnie exclaimed, wide-eyed. "That's robbery! How can this outfit possibly cost that much?!" "That’s not entirely fair, Winnie. While the materials might not be worth that much, the design and inspiration are priceless, don’t you think?" Aesphyra's bright smile spoke of a shrewd businesswoman. "That smile has a bit of a swindler's touch!" Winnie bantered. "So, Winnie can't afford it?" "What do you think? It might not even be a meal to you, but to me, it could buy my life!" Winnie retorted testily. "Oh? Then why did Winnie choose to wear it?" Aesphyra raised an eyebrow. "How would I know? You handed it to me, so I put it on. I thought it was just on loan." "From the look and feel, couldn't you estimate its worth before you wore it? Didn't you know in high-end boutiques like these, trial wear is separate from sale stock, and worn clothes aren’t sold?" "I..." Aesphyra’s barrage left Winnie momentarily speechless. "If you can't afford it, why act as if you're going to pay, asking this and that after you've worn it?" Aesphyra playfully mused. "Such drama." "Mmm!" Although scolded into silence, he understood Aesphyra's underlying message. Aesphyra never intended to take the clothes back. His insistence on not owing anything led him to ask absurd questions like "How long can I borrow this?" which amused her greatly. In short—did he think so little of her and the Galatus family that they couldn't afford even one outfit, leaving him, her rescuer, to bear the cost? (Looks like restoring things to how they were will take some effort...)