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



"This..." Arthur was shocked to see the dressing room door swing open, revealing Runa's stunning figure as she emerged.

"How do I look, young master?" Runa smiled beautifully, gracefully turning her body to showcase the full extent of her allure in the elegant white dress.

Arthur couldn't help but praise Runa's appearance in this moment.

Honestly, Runa was an exceptionally beautiful girl, and in his eyes, she was no less captivating than Lucia or Anna.

Now, adorned in this dress, her charm was accentuated to the utmost degree.

"Beautiful! Absolutely stunning!" Arthur praised her without hesitation, pouring out all the admiration in his heart.

The shop assistant, equally taken aback by Runa's breathtaking beauty, couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy.

Nevertheless, she maintained her professionalism and responded with a well-worded compliment.

"Absolutely splendid! This dress suits you perfectly, young lady!"

Her practiced words of praise effortlessly flowed, and Arthur could only smile in response.

"Alright, I packed up this one, and I'd like you to find me another dress in a different style but of the same quality!" Arthur stated this decisively, without a moment's hesitation, addressing the shop assistant directly.

Hearing Arthur's request, the shop assistant felt as if she had struck gold.

"Yes, sir!" Without a moment's delay, she swiftly turned around and began scouring the racks for a dress with the same excellent quality and a pattern similar to the one Runa had adorned.

Observing this, Runa offered a sweet smile and approached Arthur.

"Young master, should I remove the dress to have it properly packaged for taking it home?" Runa asked, seeking Arthur's guidance.

Arthur chuckled warmly and tenderly caressed her head.

"No! We'll continue our date with you wearing this dress!" Arthur shook his head firmly, making his stance clear.

Runa nodded in agreement, secretly delighted, as she also wanted to wear this beautiful dress for their date with her young master.

Soon enough, the shop assistant returned with five new dresses, and Arthur carefully examined each one.

These five dresses boasted different patterns and colors, yet their quality matched that of the dress Runa was currently wearing.

Without a hint of hesitation, Arthur requested that all of them be packed.

Observing this, the shop assistant couldn't help but inwardly rejoice.

These dresses were exquisitely expensive, and it was rare for anyone to have the means to purchase them.

And now, as someone purchased all the dresses without a moment's hesitation, the shop assistant was certain she would receive a substantial commission!

"Just a moment, sir!" She swiftly took the gowns to the cashier and meticulously bagged them.

Observing this, Runa slightly pursed her lips, tugging at the hem of Arthur's shirt.

"Young master... Isn't this too much?" Her concern was evident in her voice.

Although she knew her young master possessed immense wealth, she couldn't help but feel uneasy about such extravagance.

Upon hearing her words, Arthur shifted his gaze to Runa and tenderly pinched her cheek.

"Don't worry, Runa."

"This is a special day for you, and money is not a concern for me, you know?" Arthur spoke in a soothing tone, reassuring her that it was not a big deal.

His wealth and financial resources were truly extraordinary, given his current status and position.

Runa nodded in response, a small smile appearing on her lips despite her initial concerns.

Soon, the two made their way to the cashier, where the shop assistant awaited them with great delight.

"Sir, these are the dresses you've selected, and here is the total amount."

The shop assistant handed over a calculation board, causing Runa's eyes to widen in surprise.

"Young master... is this...?" She wanted to dissuade her young master from paying, feeling that the price was too high.

However, without hesitation, Arthur reached into his space pouch and retrieved several high-level crystals.

"Is this sufficient?" Arthur inquired, gazing at the shop assistant as he handed her the high-level crystal.

The shop assistant's expression froze in disbelief as she accepted the valuable crystal with trembling hands.

"Yes! Yes, it's more than enough!" Her voice quivered with astonishment, and her gaze fixed on Arthur in awe.

Observing her reaction, Arthur simply smiled and didn't pay much mind to it.

The price of the dress alone amounted to only a few hundred mid-level crystals, which was mere pocket change to Arthur.

"Just keep the rest; there is no need for change." Arthur nonchalantly waved off the shop assistant's attempt to count the remaining amount.

Upon hearing this, the shop assistant's face lit up, and she nodded eagerly.

"Thank you, sir!" She quickly expressed her gratitude and reached for a card from the main drawer of the cash register, handing it to Arthur.

"Sir! This is a special discount card for you. Please accept it!" The shop assistant knew that someone like Arthur, who casually threw around high-level crystals, wouldn't necessarily find much use for such a card.

However, the shop assistant wanted to demonstrate her goodwill and forge a connection with him.

Who knows? Perhaps this would be an opportunity for her to establish a relationship with Arthur!

Aware of her intentions, Arthur casually accepted the card.

"In that case, I appreciate it," he replied casually, offering a smile.

Without further ado, he took hold of the bundle of dresses and turned his gaze towards Runa.

"Alright, then, let's proceed." Arthur smiled warmly and invited Runa to continue their date.

Runa nodded eagerly, shedding all her shyness, and confidently intertwined her arm with Arthur's, considering herself his true companion.

The two of them strolled down to the first floor, leaving the shop assistants behind, who could only watch with envy.

"When will I ever find a partner like that..." She sighed helplessly; however, as her gaze fell upon the high-level crystal resting on her desk, her despondency dissipated, swiftly replaced by a contented smile that illuminated her face.

...

Arthur and Runa exited the shop, with Runa beaming with happiness.

In her heart, she couldn't help but wonder if this was all just a dream or a blissful reality.

Observing Runa's radiant smile, Arthur felt a deep sense of joy within himself.I think you should take a look at

"How was it? Are you pleased?" Arthur asked in a gentle tone.

"Extremely pleased!" Runa couldn't contain her excitement, her smile shining brightly as she replied.

Arthur chuckled and said, "Well, let's carry on!"

However, to Arthur's surprise, Runa suddenly hesitated, pulling back her hand slightly.

"Hm? Is there something on your mind, Runa?" Arthur asked in a gentle tone.

Blushing, Runa's face turned red, and she nervously stammered, "Young master... there's something I forgot to buy at the shop earlier."

"May I go back for a moment?"

Arthur was slightly taken aback but nodded understandingly. "Of course, let's return for a moment."

However, before Arthur could turn around, Runa sheepishly held onto his arm and whispered,

"Can I go alone? I... I need to take care of it myself." Her face grew even hotter as she uttered those words.

Observing Runa's unexpected shift in emotions, Arthur felt a hint of suspicion, but he decided not to delve into it too deeply.

After all, this was a date, and he wanted to simply enjoy the moment without overthinking.

"Alright, then I'll wait for you at that tavern over there." Arthur pointed to a small and cozy establishment where they could relax.

Runa nodded eagerly and exclaimed, "I'll be back in no time!"

With that, she swiftly made her way back to the shop.

Arthur simply smiled, entering the tavern and ordering a drink as he patiently waited for Runa's return.

After ten minutes, Arthur spotted a slightly embarrassed Runa emerging from the shop, clutching a new bundle of clothes.

He quickly settled his bill and made his way toward her.

"Is everything sorted?" Arthur smiled, his curiosity piqued as he glanced at the bundle.

Noticing her young master's inquisitive gaze, Runa instinctively hid the bundle behind her back, nodding eagerly.

"Yes, it's all taken care of! Let's go, young master!" Runa hooked her arm through Arthur's.

Amused by Runa's endearing behavior, Arthur chuckled softly and shook his head, a playful thought crossing his mind.

"Could it be that she bought underwear and is feeling shy about it?"

However, Arthur quickly dismissed that thought, understanding the importance of respecting Runa's privacy.

Soon, the two of them found themselves joyfully strolling through the town of Rozen.

They indulged in delightful meals, explored various shops, and even took their time admiring exquisite accessories.

Time flew by, and before they knew it, the sky began to darken, signaling the approaching sunset.

Noticing the fading light, Arthur turned to Runa and suggested, with a gentle tone, "It's time to bring our date to a close, Runa."

Runa, on the other hand, seemed lost in her thoughts, caught off guard by Arthur's voice.

"Ah! Yes! Right!" She nodded frantically, her face flushing red like an apple.

Concerned about her sudden change in behavior, Arthur gently placed his hand on Runa's forehead, checking for any signs of illness.

"Are you feeling unwell, Runa?" He had noticed her peculiar demeanor throughout their date, with moments of absent-mindedness or bewilderment.

Worried that she might be exhausted, he wanted to ensure her well-being.

However, Runa quickly shook her head and, with an embarrassed response, reassured him, "I'm fine, young master!"

"Please don't worry!" she exclaimed, attempting to calm Arthur's concerns.

Arthur narrowed his eyes, but soon a sense of relief washed over him.

"Alright, let's head back then!" Arthur gently took hold of Runa's hand, and the two of them walked back towards the main mansion.

...

Midnight

Arthur focused intently, meticulously writing down the plans he had prepared for Runa to carry out during his departure to Arkham.

"Ugh! I'm feeling so exhausted!" Arthur exclaimed, stretching his body and leaning back in his chair.

Having spent the entire day with Runa, he now had to take the time to document precautionary and governmental plans that he would entrust to Runa and Natasya.

"Come to think of it, I haven't had a chance to meet up with them since my return," Arthur pondered, rubbing his chin while contemplating the whereabouts of Natasya, Jack, and Alicia, whom he hadn't seen since returning from Celestria.

"Tomorrow, I'll make sure to find them!" Arthur nodded resolutely, a determination gleaming in his eyes.

He suddenly remembered something, though.

"By the way, where is that little fox?" Arthur scanned his silent and empty room, unable to locate the white fox in any of the corners.

"Could it be that it went out to explore and familiarize itself with the surroundings of the mansion?" Arthur pondered for a moment, finding the idea plausible.

As he resumed writing, his paintbrush gliding across the paper, Arthur was startled by an unexpected knock on the door, causing him to snap in surprise.

"Knock!"

Arthur's attention instinctively shifted to the door, and he inquired, "Who is it?"

Soon, a familiar voice reached his ears—a voice belonging to none other than Runa.

"Young master... may I come in?" Her voice sounded slightly different, leaving Arthur feeling perplexed.

Furthermore, Runa's peculiar behavior throughout their date stirred a sense of concern within Arthur.

"Runa? Please come in!" Arthur responded casually, granting her permission to enter.

As soon as Arthur's consent was given, the door swung open.

Observing the door opening, Arthur's eyes widened in astonishment, and the paintbrush he held slipped from his grasp.

"Ru...na?!" he exclaimed in surprise.

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Cough! R18+ for next chapter