After the lesson ended, as Rami packed his things and prepared to leave, Prince Kane approached him with a smile. Rami noticed that Kane seemed friendlier now compared to before, when he had ignored him; now there was a noticeable change in his behavior after the Muller challenge.
"Rami, what do you think about joining us tonight at the casino?" Kane said warmly, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Some of our classmates are going, and it'll be fun."
Rami hesitated for a moment, then smiled gently, but there was some reluctance on his face. "Thank you for the invitation, Kane, but I have some things I need to take care of. Also, I need to get home."
Kane nodded in understanding, then added, "If you change your mind, ask Christoph where we'll be. It would be great to have you with us."
"I'll do that, thank you," Rami said, bidding Kane farewell as he left the hall.
Rami waved goodbye and exited the hall. The sun was beginning to set, its rosy rays painting the sky in warm colors, making the path to his new home seem less long. He finally had a home instead of living in a cramped hotel room, and the feeling of liberation was indescribable.
As he walked down the main street, a store selling phones and new devices caught his attention. He paused briefly in front of the glass window, where luxurious gadgets were enticingly displayed. His noble classmates owned the latest technologies, such as advanced nano-watches that functioned as smartphones, making him feel different for not having a similar device.
Rami did not own any phone. In the past, he could have bought an old one, but he knew that using an outdated device could expose his disguise as a noble, as he was expected to have the latest technologies like his peers. Therefore, he decided to remain without a phone until he could gather enough money to buy a modern device. He thought buying an old phone and then replacing it later would be a waste of money, especially since he was focused on saving for a house.
He entered the shop slowly, trying to resist the urge to buy. He began browsing the prices but soon realized that the modern devices available far exceeded his budget.
"Can I help you?" the seller asked with a professional smile.
Rami replied with a calm smile, "I just need some time to browse the options, thank you."
Rami took his time examining the devices in the shop but eventually decided to buy a basic computer that suited his daily needs at home. He knew that this computer would help him gain more information about this world, as the school library didn't have all the information he needed, and some of the books he required cost a lot of merit points.
After purchasing the computer, Rami continued his way to his new home, which was located in the outskirts of the capital. He couldn't buy a house in the inner city due to the exorbitant costs and the complicated procedures required for purchasing there.
Even though he could ask for help from his classmates, who were all nobles and many of whom had their families in the capital, Rami preferred to handle the situation himself.
Despite the simplicity of the house, it was hundreds of times better than the small room he had rented at the hotel. The good location of the house, near the inner city, allowed him to save some time commuting to school. Rami walked faster, unable to believe that he finally owned a home in the capital instead of living in a hotel.
When he reached the door and took the key out of his pocket, he paused for a moment in front of it, savoring the moment of personal triumph. He slowly opened the door and stepped inside.
"Finally, my own home," he said aloud with a smile, feeling the thrill of success.
---
Inside, he was greeted by the warm dinner, and the aroma of food wafting through the house made him feel hungry. He found Lily standing by the dining table, wearing a simple yet elegant dress.
"Welcome home, Rami!" Lily said excitedly. "I've prepared dinner and have been waiting for you."
Rami smiled and took a deep breath, enjoying this moment of calm. "Thank you, Lily. It looks wonderful."
They sat together around the table as Lily began to talk about her day enthusiastically. "I finished studying all the noble etiquettes! The books you gave me were much better than your teaching. I feel like I've mastered it now."
Lily suddenly stopped, looking into his eyes with a serious expression before saying, "By the way, when will you finally give me the blade?"
Rami hesitated for a moment, recalling the three vials he had stolen. He had been busy with challenges and lessons that he completely forgot about it. He looked at her thoughtfully and said, "I think the time is right now."
After dinner, they sat for a while discussing their day. Rami was enjoying Lily's conversation, but something was bothering him. Lily seemed happy, but at the same time, there was a hint of hidden sadness in her. Perhaps loneliness was starting to affect her; he had brought her with him to the capital, but she hadn't blended in as he had hoped.
Then Rami remembered the computer he had bought on his way. "By the way, Lily, I have a gift for you."
She raised her eyebrows in curiosity. "What is it?"
Rami pulled out the computer box and placed it in front of her.
Lily looked at the computer in confusion. "What is this device?"
Rami smiled; the area they lived in lacked such modern devices, and perhaps only the wealthy in upscale areas owned similar ones. If it weren't for his memories from his previous life, Rami wouldn't know anything about computers or how to use them.
"This is a computer; you can use it for learning and research," he said, explaining how to use it.
As Lily excitedly explored the programs, Rami noticed that the technology here was simpler than what it had been in his old world. Computers existed, but their programming was primitive.
After two hours of exploration, Rami remembered the vial. He got up and headed to his room, where he kept the remaining vials. He decided that tonight would be suitable for presenting it.
He returned to Lily and found her completely absorbed in the computer. "Lily, it's time to prepare."
But she surprised him with her refusal, "No, I'll postpone it."
Rami was surprised; she had always been enthusiastic about the idea of awakening. He realized that the computer had occupied her attention, so he decided to postpone the matter until tomorrow, as the awakening process required full concentration and shouldn't be rushed.