APTnovel Chapter 10 Bathwater with Rice
Chapter 10 Bathwater with Rice
Aaron saw Henry standing at the top of the stairs, lost in thought, his ears perked up as if listening to something.
Curious, he walked behind Henry and listened for a while.
Then I heard the sound of running water in my cochlea, probably from Aurelia and her daughter Natalie taking a shower in the bathroom upstairs.
A warm smile crept across Aaron's face.
"Would you like me to get you two bowls of rice?"
Henry was startled by what he heard and turned around to find Aaron staring straight at him, his blushing face standing out against Aaron's bronze skin.
He closed his eyes, pretended nothing had happened, and walked away quietly.
Aaron wasn't about to miss such a good opportunity to watch the fun, so he leaned over and said:
"Natalie is only thirteen years old. Don't get any funny ideas. We should wait until she's an adult next year."
Henry rolled his eyes at Aaron: "Natalie? That little girl? Don't be ridiculous. In my opinion, Lady Aurelia is a thousand times more charming than her."
Ha! Cao Cao, you traitor!
He actually likes married women, and he even has the attribute of being a widow. He has potential.
Aaron's smile grew even brighter.
However, upon closer reflection, it's not unreasonable for Henry to be attracted to Ori.
Henry is twenty-four years old this year, and is in the prime of his life.
However, compared to Natalie, the thirty-one-year-old Aurelia was closer to his age.
Moreover, Lady Aurélie was not only exceptionally beautiful, but also had an enviable figure.
Even Aaron, who is over a thousand years old, cannot guarantee that he will not be tempted.
Henry ignored Aaron and returned to his table to continue studying the forbidden book.
His beard was very thick, and his black curly hair was so long that he had to tie it back.
Aaron then realized that another three years had passed.
Henry was just eighteen when he came, and now Aurelia and her daughter Natalie have been living in the library for three years.
Aurélie's arrival relieved Henry's work pressure, and she practically took over the work of maintaining the books.
Henry continued to handle the other physical labor.
Henry, following Aaron's instructions, partitioned off a room in the hall to serve as the library's women's boudoir.
Later, a separate kitchen was built outside the building.
When Aurelia first served the steaming hot dishes on the teak table in the library, Aaron and Henry were both thrilled and in tears.
After so many years, we can finally have a hot meal.
The library, which is usually quiet, has become unusually lively.
Natalie was initially a shy girl, but after arriving at the library, it seemed that her previous constraints were suddenly broken, and she quickly unleashed her true nature and became wild.
She often went to town to play, but she would inevitably be scolded by Aurelia when she came back, so she spent most of her time in the library.
Therefore, she could only pester Henry, who was the youngest among them, to play with her.
Henry would bury himself in books whenever he had free time, finding Natalie annoying, so the two were always bickering.
But isn't this also part of the excitement?
Aaron felt incredibly warm and happy during this period.
Of course, while he was living his life, Aaron didn't neglect his serious duties either.
Natalie wasn't a compatible match and didn't particularly enjoy reading, so Aaron didn't have any demands on her.
Henry finally grasped the basics of the book "Stars, Moon, Night and Enchantment" and was able to enchant items with a low success rate.
But there is still a long way to go before we can fully master it.
On the contrary, Aurelia caught up and made remarkable progress.
She took Aaron's advice and began reading forbidden books.
Not only did he quickly read through the entire book, but his knowledge of banned books is also rapidly increasing.
However, this is also closely related to the difficulty of the two books.
"Catherine's Amorous Travels" is less of an extraordinary teaching material and more of a novel, thus its reading threshold is relatively low.
The book's protagonist, Catherine, was born during the Faith period and her surname is unknown. In the book, she claims to have "noble blood."
The book tells the story of her travels and adventures in the Holy Kingdom, and describes in great detail the abilities she relied on.
The principles, effects, usage methods, and improvement methods are all recorded in great detail.
Catherine's abilities cannot be strictly defined as extraordinary means such as witchcraft, magic, or martial arts; they are more like an innate superpower.
She can completely transform her face into that of another person, and even replicate their voice and personality.
As long as the difference in body size between the person and the target is not too great, even the person closest to them will find it difficult to tell the difference.
Catherine was particularly fond of dressing as a man, and her travelogue contains numerous descriptions of her winning the hearts of women, written in a rather stimulating manner.
Therefore, Aaron had always read this book as a BL (Boys' Love) novel.
Spring was almost over when, one afternoon, Aurelia suddenly found Aaron and returned "Catherine's Amorous Travels" to him.
Aaron was surprised to discover that Aure had mastered the forbidden book to a degree of 100%.
Aaron accepted the book, but noticed that Aure's expression was serious.
"Lady Aulet, is something on your mind?"
"Mr. Mosley, I've been wanting to thank you for a long time, but I've never had the chance."
Aaron smiled softly:
"No need to thank me. It's your arrival that made me very happy. In fact, I should thank you for helping out at the library and cooking for us. You've worked so hard."
Aurelia frowned, smiled wryly, and shook her head, saying:
"Mr. Mosley, you're always like this, so gentle, that's why I'm hesitant to thank you, afraid you might misunderstand. But... I have to say it now."
As the weather turned hotter, Aaron felt a chill descend between him and Lady Aurée.
The feeling was familiar, just like that afternoon when I listened to the radio news with Brianna.
"I understand," Aaron blurted out, a bitter feeling welling up inside him, but he still smiled. "Mrs. Aurélie, I'll listen to what you have to say."
"Thank you, Mr. Mosley. First of all, I must thank you again for saving my daughter and me from dire straits three years ago. Otherwise, our fate would have ended that winter."
Aaron nodded, accepting and bearing it.
"For the past three years, you have not only taken in my daughter and me, but also taken meticulous care of me. Mr. Mosley, although you say that you have also received our care, in truth, I am only trying to make up for the debt I feel indebted to you. I think you are well aware of this, but you have never said it out loud, and I can only be more grateful to you."
Aaron nodded again; he had indeed seen through Aurelia's thoughts.
"And also, Mr. Mosley, you've never inquired about the past of us, this mother and daughter of unknown origin, even though the danger we carry lies in our past identities and experiences. Mr. Mosley, thank you for your kindness. You must know we find it difficult to speak of this, yet we don't want to lie to our benefactor. Thank you, thank you so much!"
This time, Aaron did not nod.
Aaron was aware of what Aurelia was saying, but he had his own selfish reasons for not asking.
He didn't ask questions, and by pretending not to know, he could distance himself from the situation and avoid worrying. He didn't want to get too involved with the mother and daughter, that was all.
Aure closed her eyes, and warm tears slid down her cheeks.
As she opened her eyes with a smile, she continued:
"And about that book, I must thank you, Mr. Mosley. You must know the hatred in my heart, which is why you let me read that book and let me see the dawn of revenge."
Aaron was stunned by what he heard, then a chill ran down his spine: "Revenge?"
"Yes, I must take revenge. My husband was so honorable and loyal, yet that traitor chose to betray me. He killed my lover and my two sons. If it weren't for your help, Mr. Mosley, even my only daughter and I would have perished on the blade."
Aaron stood up in a panic, leaning forward and supporting himself on the table with his hands: "Could it be, Lady Aurelia, that you intend to...?"
"Hmm..." She nodded.
"This is dangerous."
"I know, so I'm begging you, Mr. Mosley, I implore you to take good care of my daughter and raise Natalie to adulthood."
Aaron quickly shook his head. This burden was too heavy for him to bear, and he didn't want to.
But before he could refuse, Aurelia spoke first:
"Thank you, Mr. Mosley. I thank you in advance."
Aulet bowed deeply and remained so for a long time.
Aaron's lips moved, but he remained silent.
Close your eyes, take a deep breath, then chuckle and shake your head:
"You really don't leave me any room for maneuver... Well, get up, Lady Auré."
Aurelia stood up, walked around the table, and hugged Aaron tightly, then gently kissed him on the cheek.
"Thank you, kind sir, gentle sir."
Aaron couldn't laugh.
Perhaps he should persuade Aurelia to stay, even if it's just for Natalie's sake.
However, he ultimately didn't say it aloud, because he realized that he, who knew nothing, didn't even have the right to comment.
Aaron could only...
No intervention.
Aurelia let go, and Aaron's face was covered in her tears and snot.
She smiled and said, "Well then, goodbye, Mr. Mosley."
Aaron felt a moment of disorientation: "Huh? You're leaving now?"
"Um."
"Aren't you going to say goodbye to Natalie? At least see her once."
"In that case, I'm afraid I won't be able to leave. It was a difficult decision I made."
"Well..." What should I say at this point? "Have a safe trip."
"Too cunning, Mr. Mosley, your gentleness is almost guilt-inducing."
Aaron felt a pang of melancholy.
Afterwards, Aure left in a hurry.
Aaron stood at the doorway gazing into the distance for a long time, but Aurelia never turned around.
Is it that they don't want to, or that they dare not?
Who knows?
Aaron closed the door after he could no longer see even the back of the person in the door.
Go down to the basement level and put "Catherine's Amorous Travels" back in its rightful place.
[Borrower, Serial Number III]
Name: Aurelia Capello
[Suitable for use with banned books: Catherine the Ecstasy]
[Level of Mastery: 100%]
[Borrowing date: January 7, 1573 (French calendar)]
[Return Date: May 28, 1576 (French Calendar)]
It took Aaron forty-three years to acquire his first extraordinary power.
Therefore, he never imagined that it would only take him three years to obtain his second extraordinary power.
However, for Aaron, who only frequents the library, this ability to impersonate others is probably not very useful.
Aurée left, leaving Aaron with a heavy burden.
How should I tell Natalie about this?
You're saying your mother went to seek revenge? No way! That would be transferring hatred to the next generation, which is too pitiful for Natalie.
So, saying your mother doesn't want you anymore? That won't work either, as it would inevitably leave Natalie with psychological trauma.
But no matter how you convey this message, Natalie will definitely hate Aaron.
In her mind, the reason her mother didn't take her away was precisely because of Aaron's existence.
Perhaps subconsciously she knew that Aaron was innocent, but if young Natalie wanted to vent her negative emotions, Aaron was the only target.
Benefactor turned enemy? How ironic.
Aaron shook his head.
This was the reason he was initially unwilling to grant Aurelia's request; he knew this would be the outcome.
When parents abandon their children, regardless of the reason, neither party is destined to find happiness, and it may even affect others.
Oh well, Aaron has plenty of work to do anyway. Being resented for decades isn't a big deal.
That night, the three remaining people in the library ate a cold dinner together.
Natalie asked, "Director, where is Mother?"
"She went out to run some errands," Aaron replied.
When is she coming back?
"Who knows, maybe he'll be back in a month," Aaron thought to himself, hoping so too.
"A month? That long? What happened?"
"It's something very important," Aaron said evasively.
The subsequent conversations were similar.
Natalie clearly had doubts about Aaron's answer, but probably didn't think too badly of it.
Aaron ultimately chose not to confront Natalie directly, postponing the time to face the problem by a month.
If Aure doesn't return next month, Aaron plans to postpone it for another month.
Aaron knew he was running away.
But Natalie always sensed that Aaron was just going through the motions, and at those times she would definitely make a scene.
What should Aaron say then?
Let's talk about that when the time comes.
"well……"
Aaron, lying on the bed, let out a long sigh.
About two weeks later...
Natalie was noticeably less lively than before, often standing at the library entrance, gazing blankly into the distance.
Aaron knew what Natalie was thinking, but he was powerless to help her.
He was ultimately just an outsider.
All he could do was stand in the watchtower called the "Library of Forbidden Books" and keep watch over Natalie.
The next day, Henry hurriedly came to Aaron.
"Oh no, curator, Natalie is missing!"
"She probably just went to town for fun," Aaron thought to himself, but then he noticed Henry's evasive gaze.
You're hiding something from me.
Henry lowered his eyes, as if he had become the shy boy he was six years ago again:
"That day... the day Lady Aurelia left, I overheard your conversation..."
Aaron took a deep breath of the sweltering air, closed his eyes, and only opened them after a long while:
"So, you told her everything?"
"...She had the right to know, and her pleading voice was so helpless."
Where did she go?
"I don't know. She didn't tell me she was leaving. I only found out she was leaving when I saw the things she left in the room. I searched around town several times but couldn't find her, so I came back to tell you right away."
Aaron is now powerless to even blame Henry.
Henry said Natalie had left something in the room, and Aaron immediately went to the room.
Aaron saw what Natalie had left behind.
Those were strands of beautiful orange-yellow hair, just like her mother's.
"Liar! Monster!"
A sound that did not exist seemed to travel through the void and reach Aaron's ears.
Aaron stumbled and fell backward onto the bed where the mother and daughter had lived for three years.
His mind was a complete blank; he didn't even know what kind of feelings he should have.
Aaron never expected that he would fail Lady Aurelia in the task she entrusted to him just half a month later.
"We should go find her right away!"
Henry said firmly.
Aaron stood up again: "There's simply no way to find it now."
Moreover, Aaron didn't want to leave the library.
"I will definitely bring her back!"
Henry's tone left no room for argument.
Aaron was somewhat surprised: "I don't remember you being so opinionated."
"It's time for a change."
Upon hearing this, Aaron finally realized that Henry had truly become a capable and competent man.
At this time when he should have been feeling down, Aaron was actually somewhat relieved.
Aaron remained silent, went to the registration counter, and opened the locked drawer.
He took out a heavy cloth bag and stuffed it into Henry's hands.
Even through the thick cloth, Henry should be able to tell what's inside just by touch:
"money?"
"This is what you've earned from working over the years. I originally planned to pay you back when you went to university or got married, but the timing seems pretty good now. I had someone exchange it for whole coins, seven large silver coins and fifteen small silver coins."
Henry stood there, mouth agape, tears welling in his eyes:
"Director, I thought..."
"Don't think that... Ah, Henry, there are many temptations outside. Be careful with your money. Take that book with you and review and practice."
"Um……"
"Three tasks: find Natalie, remember to return the book to me after you've fully mastered everything in it, and survive."
"Um……"
"Don't easily reveal the power you possess, but once you make a move, never hold back."
"Um……"
"Buy some nice clothes; sometimes men need to look good to support themselves more than women do."
"Um……"
"Eat properly..."
At this moment, the two had already reached the entrance of the library.
Aaron smiled and pushed Henry out the door:
"Alright, let's go."
Henry turned around, and before he knew it, tears were streaming down his face.
"curator……"
"Come on, come on, you're a man, why are you dawdling like that..."
Aaron quickly drove Henry away.
He had to hurry, or he wouldn't be able to hold back his tears.
"..."
"..."
"Actually, you can come back if you want to!"
Aaron suddenly shouted, but Henry had already disappeared at the end of the cape.
Wipe away your tears, put on a smile, exhale the pent-up breath through your nose, and then close the door.
When I turned around, the library was completely empty.
The air was so lonely it was almost noisy, and it took Aaron a while to realize what was happening:
"Ah...they're all gone..."