The night was cool.
After finishing her coffee, Alice left.
The bookstore had closed its doors, and as usual, William walked back to East 62nd Street with Evelyn.
Technically, William could have stayed at the dormitory. However, Evelyn was headed home, and he didn’t feel right letting her go alone late at night.
More importantly, William genuinely enjoyed the moments when he and Evelyn were alone together.
“William, what did Mr. Taylor want from you?” asked Evelyn.
Throughout the walk, William remained silent, prompting Evelyn to initiate conversation. After all, there was still some distance to cover, and it would have been awkward if neither of them spoke.
“He said he believes again,” William replied, his tone flat, revealing no emotion.
“Believes in what?”
“What I told him earlier. He’s come around to believing it again,” William said. “Did you see him when he left?”
“Yes, he seemed to be in good spirits.”
“How about you?” William asked. “How are you feeling?”
“Me?” Evelyn was taken aback by the sudden shift in topic. She quickly replied, “I’m feeling great.”
“What do you want to eat tomorrow? I’ll cook it for you.” William had once read that the way to someone’s heart was through their stomach.
“What are you planning to make?” asked Evelyn. “Did you prepare those fish sticks at home and bring them to the bookstore today?”
“Yes, did they taste alright?”
“Of course, they were delicious,” Evelyn replied. “But it’s quite a hassle for you to cook at home and bring it here, isn’t it?”
“I suppose you’re right,” William pondered for a moment, then said, “How about we set up a kitchen in the back of the bookstore? That way, I can cook there directly.”
Evelyn laughed, “William, are you here to study or to cook?”
William replied calmly, “I don’t see why they can’t coexist.” .𝘯𝘵
“Let’s not set up a kitchen in the bookstore. What if there’s a fire?” Evelyn paused, then added, “Also, you don’t need to bring food anymore. I can just eat in the cafeteria.”
She was clear about her position. She worked at the bookstore. While she appreciated William’s kindness in finding her a job and offering meals, it was starting to feel like too much. If William began cooking for her in the bookstore, it might be even more overwhelming.
“Alright,” William didn’t argue or ask why. He even wondered if he should start eating in the cafeteria too.
Evelyn didn’t continue on the topic. If William insisted on cooking for her, she might resign because of his excessive attention.
She was pleasantly overwhelmed by his kindness.
On their way, William chatted with her about neighborhood matters.
Mentioning Amy piqued Evelyn’s interest, and their conversation flowed naturally, strengthening their bond.
The next morning, just as dawn broke, Alice arrived at William’s yard with fresh produce.
“You’re up early?” William, being older, typically didn’t feel drowsy early in the morning.
“Yes, Master,” Alice replied, revealing that she had her housemaid purchase the ingredients. “I want to learn how to cook.”
For a young woman not to know how to cook felt embarrassing to her.
Especially recalling the disdain in William’s eyes, she felt ashamed.
Glancing at the ingredients she brought, William asked, “What do you want to eat?”
“What do I want to eat?” Alice’s eyes sparkled, and she listed with enthusiasm, “Barbecue ribs, mac and cheese, shrimp gumbo, fried chicken, clam chowder, Chicago-style deep dish pizza…”
“Hold on!” William couldn’t help but interrupt her. “Did you come here early in the morning just to list dishes? Or do you think I’m your personal chef?”
Alice stuck out her tongue and puffed up her cheeks, “I just wanted to learn.”
“You want to learn culinary skills now?” William raised an eyebrow, “Talk to me about this after Nathaniel is fully recovered! Stop getting distracted by other thoughts.”
“Oh!” Setting down the vegetables, Alice cautiously asked, “So, what’s for lunch today?”
“I’m going to eat at the school cafeteria. Leave the vegetables at home, and I’ll cook them tomorrow.” All William could think of was experiencing the school’s cafeteria for himself.
He had thought it through the previous night; since he was playing the part of a student, he should live like one. Skipping classes is one thing, but he felt that visiting the cafeteria was something he should do.
“The school cafeteria?” Alice opened her mouth in surprise. What’s so good about the school cafeteria food?
After tasting the dishes William made, the meals at the school cafeteria – even the Michelin-starred dishes at home – seemed less appealing.
“I’m off to class,” William said, hearing Evelyn’s footsteps. At this hour, Evelyn was heading to her classes, so he left the yard after speaking.
“William, aren’t you going to school?” Evelyn had become used to William’s truancy. At this rate, she wondered if he’d ever graduate.
“Of course, I am! Why wouldn’t I? I’m a good student,” William replied, casually cycling alongside Evelyn.
A good student?
Evelyn couldn’t connect William with the phrase ‘good student’. Was this one of his rare moments of not skipping class?
From the front of the yard, Alice watched William and Evelyn’s figures recede into the distance. She wrinkled her nose, huffed lightly, and then stepped into Nathaniel’s yard.
Given Nathaniel’s condition, which needed gradual recovery, Alice joined him in his morning exercise routine.
“Alice, you’re here early?” Nathaniel, already familiar with her, said, “This exercise routine was taught to me by William. After a few days, it really feels good.”
Alice initially just followed his routine. Yet, she soon felt an energy flowing within her, making her feel considerably refreshed.
What’s so special about this exercise? It’s magical!
Alice was now certain that William was a Soulmancer, and a very powerful one at that.
Last night, she had messaged Walker to inquire about Nelson’s identity. Walker had informed her that Nelson was a powerful magician from the Arcane Society and warned her against offending him. Walker even bragged about being a Soulmancer, hinting that he was gifted. With the presence of a senior Soulmancer like Nelson, he believed he might become an advanced Soulmancer through learning.
Poor Walker had no idea just how respectfully this “great magician” Nelson acted in William’s presence.
Alice chose not to reveal the truth. After all, William was her master. It was best not to tell Walker how formidable William was, lest he try to win William over as his master too.
After practicing with Nathaniel for a while, Alice was even more impressed by William’s abilities.
A seemingly ordinary exercise routine had hidden depths.
If the great magician Nelson was referred to as a “Master,” then William could only be described as a deity.