Chapter 209: Not Ready "Maybe you should check yours before mine. I could practically hear it from here," Noah smirked. The challenge in his voice made Lola’s eyes widen fractionally before narrowing with interest. "Is that so?" "That’s so." They stayed frozen like that for several heartbeats, neither willing to retreat first, the tension between them thick enough to cut with a blade. Lola’s ruby eyes searched his face with an intensity that suggested she was reevaluating everything she thought she knew about him. Noah did not back down from the staredown; he watched her sigh before giving up. Lola pulled back slightly, though her hand remained on his chest. "Well played, Noah." Noah smiled as he watched her retreat, feeling a surge of satisfaction at holding his ground. Despite the small victory, he knew that she could have certainly maintained the staredown if she’d wanted to. As for the reason she pulled away, he wasn’t entirely sure. Lola stared at him with her ruby eyes, her expression carrying something softer than her usual playful mischief. He’s not ready yet. I don’t want to rush him into anything. He can take the win; it will help boost his confidence, she thought, warmth spreading through her chest as she watched his pleased expression. She truly believed in Noah’s potential. The transformation she had witnessed in him over the past days she had known him for was remarkable, whether it was his personality, the way he treats those around him, or the way he spoke with her. Each interaction revealed new layers of capability and confidence. He’s always getting better at everything he does. For the first time in her long life, Lola found herself experiencing something she’d never expected: she was falling in love. Not the superficial attraction of interest, but genuine emotional connection that transcended physical desire. Maybe that kiss was fate... even if it was born from necessity, she thought, her mind drifting to the moment Noah had fed her healing bread mouth-to-mouth when she’d been dying in his shop. Unlike Noah, she understood exactly how significant that first kiss was for succubi. It wasn’t just physical contact—it was the beginning of a bond that her species rarely experienced with someone from another race. He probably thinks it was just emergency medical care. If only he knew... Noah stood up from his meditation spot, brushing off his clothes with a casual gesture. "I’m going to open the shop now. The customers should be arriving soon." Lola nodded with understanding, though her eyes lingered on him with barely concealed affection. "I’ll stay in my room. I need to meditate and consolidate my new rank. Let me know if you need me." She winked with a faint smile that carried layers of meaning he was still learning to interpret. Noah shook his head with fond exasperation before heading downstairs to prepare for the evening’s business. She’s impossible. But... I’m starting to like that about her. ... An hour had passed since he opened the shop, and once again he had sold his premium items to Esta’s elite practitioners. This time he had sold a total of ten of each enhancement item, deliberately keeping one of every type for himself. Just in case I need them for emergencies. As the shopkeeper, how can I not have any of my own items with me? After fighting that mutated minotaur, Noah had realized that the temporary increase in strength could genuinely save his life and those with him in critical situations. Even if the permanent enhancement didn’t work for him anymore, the temporary boosts remained incredibly valuable for survival. Those extra attribute points could mean the difference between survival and death in a real fight. Princess Elara and Valeria were notably absent today, which surprised him since they usually arrived promptly for premium sales events. He assumed they were probably dealing with pressing kingdom business or guild responsibilities that prevented their usual shopping routine. Hopefully, everything is alright on their end. Alissa and Kip had arrived during his sales period, and unlike his other customers, they hadn’t left. The cat siblings lingered near the counter with expressions that made Noah’s heart ache slightly. They look genuinely sad. Their ears are drooping. They had obviously heard about his impending departure from either Elara or Valeria, and the news had affected them more deeply than Noah had anticipated. After talking with them for several minutes, he managed to help them feel somewhat better about the temporary separation. Noah had convinced them that he would return soon, just like he did this time. He had also explained patiently. That he wasn’t sure exactly when that will be. The uncertainty in his presence was hard for them. They’ve become somewhat attached. "Get stronger while I’m gone," he had told them with encouraging firmness. "When I come back, I want to see your progress. Maybe then I can take you with me on adventures." The siblings had nodded eagerly at this prospect, their ears perking up with renewed hope and determination. Giving them the goal had helped more than Noah thought. It gave them something to work toward rather than just waiting. Alissa had tried to negotiate staying with him to work at the shop, offering her services with the earnest look of someone who didn’t want to be separated from a valued person. But Noah had shaken his head with gentle finality. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎 "There’s only room for one assistant available, and I can’t just dismiss Lola," he explained with honest regret. "It wouldn’t be fair to her." It’s fate that brought Lola to me when she was dying. I can’t abandon that relationship for convenience. Besides, I can tell she wants to repay me for everything. She should focus on herself more. After the emotional farewells and promises of eventual reunion, Noah checked his updated status with satisfaction about his financial progress. — Host: Noah Carter Age: 28 Shop Level: 2 Daily Revenue: $355,000 (or equivalent) Current Assets: $1,903,640 Shop Points: 12,960 Attributes: Strength: 60, Vitality: 30, Intelligence: 60, Agility: 60 Skills: Swordsmanship(Level 10), Mana Control (Level 10), Aura (Level 10), Wind Manipulation (Level 9), Body Tempering (Level 8), Surviving on Ramen (Level 3), Cooking (Level 3), Finance (Level 3), Gaming (Level 3), Programming (Level 2), —