What? I Actually Reincarnated As Stepping Stone In Another World?



"Brother Arthur, are you inside?" Anna's voice emanated from outside Arthur's bedroom door.

"Hmm?" Arthur redirected his attention towards the door, his face breaking into a smile.

"Please come in, Anna."

Upon hearing Arthur's invitation, Anna cautiously turned the doorknob, allowing the door to swing open slightly, and peered into the room.

"Brother Arthur!" Anna exclaimed, momentarily taken aback by Arthur's presence, which somehow accentuated his already remarkable handsomeness.

While Arthur had always been undeniably attractive, there was an inexplicable air of difference about him today that Anna couldn't quite put her finger on.

What's more, his deep purple eyes seemed to possess an enchanting quality, as if they were beckoning her into a mesmerizing abyss, casting a captivating spell upon her.

Observing Anna's reaction, Arthur, his signature smile adorning his face, inquired, "Is something the matter, Anna?"

Anna's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she quickly composed herself in response to his question.

"Well..." She nibbled on her lower lip, mustered her courage, and entered Arthur's room, shutting the door behind her.

Leaning her back against the door, Anna wordlessly turned the lock, ensuring privacy within Arthur's room.

"Anna?" Arthur's brow furrowed with confusion and curiosity as he gazed at her.

He couldn't help but notice that Anna appeared remarkably unusual, evoking a sense of strangeness and transformation.

Anna donned a red dress, her favorite color, but Arthur couldn't help but notice that it was unlike any dress he had seen her wear before.

The neckline seemed deliberately designed to reveal a hint of her chest, and the dress clung to her waist, accentuating her curves.

A perplexed expression crossed Arthur's face as he attempted to discern what might be amiss with Anna.

Under Arthur's unwavering gaze, Anna found herself unable to meet his eyes and could only lower her head in shame.

"Are you planning to leave today?" Her voice, laced with shyness and embarrassment, resonated quite differently from her typically enthusiastic tone.

Arthur nodded, confirming her question.

"Indeed, my time here has reached its limit, and I must return to the Duke's mansion to attend to various pressing matters."

"This includes the plan we discussed earlier."

"However, it is crucial that I set the plan in motion promptly; otherwise, it may become increasingly challenging to accomplish in the future," he elaborated.

His words held truth, for he needed to make thorough preparations before departing for Arkham.

Arthur had also observed certain modifications to the plan, particularly regarding the approach to fulfilling the primary objective of subduing the three Luvic nobles.

These alterations demanded increased effort on his part.

Furthermore, he yearned to dedicate himself to rigorous physical training and honing his skills in the elemental arts, striving for mastery in both aspects.

Upon hearing Arthur's intentions, Anna clenched her teeth and swiftly reached for his hand, gently caressing the surface of his palm.

Arthur was taken aback by Anna's unexpected gesture, yet he remained still, neither resisting nor avoiding her touch.

Reading Anna's emotions, he could now surmise what she was trying to convey.

However, he desired to witness firsthand what Anna had in mind.

"Brother Arthur..." Anna's voice quivered with hesitation, while Arthur patiently awaited her next words in silence.

"Since I am going to assist you in your grand plan... could... could I make three requests?"

Her gaze met Arthur's, a mixture of embarrassment and determination in her eyes.

Upon hearing her request, Arthur's smile softened, and he gently caressed her cheek, conveying his understanding and affection.

Arthur playfully teased Anna, "So, you're asking for an upfront payment in exchange for your assistance, huh?"

Anna nodded with a hint of playfulness, affirming, "Yes, that's right!"

"As a descendant of the merchant bloodline and the future heir of the Weis Family, I request that you provide a down payment before seeking my aid!" Anna tightened her grip on Arthur's hand and spoke with determination.

Arthur chuckled warmly, fully appreciating Anna's resolute and straightforward approach, which resonated with his own preferences.

"Very well, what is your request?" He asked, his tone light and open.

"As long as it lies within my capabilities, I will fulfill it."

Anna's lips curled into a gentle smile, revealing her charm and satisfaction.

"Are you absolutely certain, Brother Arthur?" Anna started to move, wrapping her arms around Arthur's arm in a gentle embrace.

Arthur felt a slight shock at her action, but he simply nodded and replied, "Certainly!"

"As the heir of the Duke Avold Family, is it necessary for me to deceive you?" He spoke with an air of nonchalance, conveying his willingness to grant her request.

Anna tightened her hold on Arthur's arm, her voice filled with shyness as she continued, "Then, I would like to claim two of my requests now and save one for a later time. What do you think?" Anna pleaded, casting a hopeful glance at Arthur.

Arthur shrugged his shoulders, signaling his agreement without any objections.

"Of course. So, what is your request?" Arthur's curiosity was piqued by Anna's sudden change in demeanor, which he found to be rather unusual.

While Anna had always displayed bravery and assertiveness in acquiring what she desired, this particular behavior seemed out of the ordinary.

"What could have triggered this?" Arthur pondered silently, observing Anna's self-assured smile.

Anna nervously wiped her palms, her gaze fixed on Arthur as she began to speak, "Brother Arthur... My first request is..."

Arthur's attention sharpened instantly, and he froze in shock upon hearing Anna's next words.

"I want to kiss you!" Anna exclaimed with a boldness that captured Arthur's undivided attention.

"Eh?" The corner of Arthur's mouth twitched, his surprise evident as he hesitantly asked, "Is that your request?"

Anna nodded fervently, her eyes fixed on Arthur as she reaffirmed, "Yes, Brother Arthur."

"May we...?" Her pleading tone rendered Arthur unable to deny her request.

Shaking his head and sighing in resignation, Arthur realized that this moment was inevitable, even though he hadn't anticipated it happening so soon.

"Appraisal," he whispered softly, activating his appraisal ability to gain insight into the situation.

[Statistical Data]

[Name: Anna Weis]

[Title: The Only Daughter of the Weis Family's High-Level Luvic Family, an Incredibly Terrifying Talent in Trade, a Figure Who Will Shake the Human Continent with Her Talent (Future)]

[Special Title: The Only Person Who Has the Trading Talent Equal to Arthur Asvold]

[Age: 15 years old]

[Awakened Core: Water (High Level)]

[Level: One-Circle Elemental]

[Hobbies: Learning About New Knowledge, Trade, Debating...]

[Elemental Arts Mastered: Water Ball (One Star Water Elemental Art), Water Arrow (One Star Water Elemental Art), Water Bullet (One Star Water Elemental Art),...]

[Ambition: Inheriting the Weis Family, Becoming an Admirable Figure, Establishing Her Own Business, Becoming Arthur Asvold's Wife,...]

[Talent: Strong (High-Level Core Holder)]

[Love: 100%]

[Deepest Thoughts: Please Click Here]

As Arthur observed Anna's status, he couldn't help but feel a sense of surprise wash over him.

"Wow! They actually implemented this feature?" He muttered to himself, his attention focused on the title column that boldly predicted Anna's future as a figure capable of shaking the entire human continent.

Intrigued, Arthur's eyes were drawn to the latest column that promised to offer a glimpse into Anna's innermost thoughts, intensifying his curiosity even more.

"I'm quite curious about this," Arthur mused, contemplating the implications of the column.

Arthur carefully considered the potential consequences of the column, acknowledging that if it indeed revealed someone's thoughts directed towards him, it could be seen as a form of cheating, even though it was unintentional.

Arthur contemplated the possibilities of gaining insights into someone's true intentions and potential plans for him through this feature.

"However, I should inquire more about it when Arthasia wakes up later," Arthur remarked, a faint smile forming on his lips.

Just as he was about to delve deeper into the information, Anna, who was holding onto his arm, tightened her embrace.

"Brother Arthur, why are you silent?" Anna's voice carried a tinge of sadness as she lowered her head.

"Eh?" It suddenly dawned on Arthur, who realized his oversight.

He had been so caught up in his own thoughts that he had neglected to respond to her request.

"Damn it, I let my excitement get the better of me and overlooked her!" Arthur cursed inwardly, immediately lifting Anna's chin with his hand and locking eyes with her, surprise etched across her face.

"Of course not," Arthur responded, shaking his head.

"How could I refuse?" A gentle smile adorned his lips as he leaned in and tenderly kissed Anna on the lips.

"Hmmm~"

Anna was taken aback by the directness of Arthur's actions.

At first, she remained stiff and silent, but gradually, Arthur eased the kiss, guiding her through the intimate moment.

The two engaged in a passionate kiss, with Arthur taking the lead and Anna, being less experienced, surrendering easily to his advances.

Their kisses continued for two minutes, with Anna gradually growing more comfortable.

Arthur reciprocated by gradually encircling his arms around Anna's waist, pulling her closer to him.

In response, Anna mirrored his actions, wrapping her arms around Arthur as they embraced each other tenderly.

"Fuah~" The two parted from their passionate kiss, their eyes locked in a mesmerizing gaze.

Arthur could easily discern the dazed expression in Anna's eyes, accompanied by her flushed cheeks, resembling a ripe apple.

He noticed the slight panting from holding her breath during the intense kiss, which only added to the allure of her flushed countenance.

Arthur let out a soft sigh, about to utter something, when Anna abruptly snapped out of her reverie, preempting his words.

"Brother Arthur, now for my second request!" she exclaimed, interrupting him with an air of eagerness.