SSS Talent: From Trash to Tyrant Chapter 549: Coins in the Water

The silence that followed was short-lived, as Xavier broke it without hesitation.

"So what now?" he inquired again, leaning across the table with a smile that clearly indicated Trafalgar wouldn't be getting away easily. "You can't just stop mid-story and expect the rest to vanish."

Trafalgar gently placed his hand on the warm ceramic of his teacup, pausing for a moment to consider his response.

One thing was undeniably true for him.

He did care.

Perhaps not in the way Xavier was trying to frame it, or maybe not yet. However, denying it would be foolish.

"I care about her," Trafalgar stated.

That was all Xavier needed to hear. His face instantly brightened.

"See that, Barth?" he exclaimed, turning to Bartholomew as if a profound revelation had just been unveiled. "Congratulations, Bartholomew! You're gaining a brother-in-law, and not just any guy. It's Trafalgar!"

Trafalgar met his gaze with a blank expression, interjecting before the situation could escalate further.

"I value her as a friend, Xavier. Don't start envisioning a grand future based on a single statement. I haven't implied anything more than that."

Xavier dismissively waved his hand, as if minor details were irrelevant to a compelling narrative.

"But of course, a friend. That's how these things always begin."

"This guy..." Trafalgar observed him for a moment before deciding the simplest approach was to retaliate rather than defend himself.

"Vivienne will be joining the Academy soon."

Xavier, who had confidently reached for his teacup, ready to continue his speech, faltered at the name. He halfway lifted the empty cup before realizing it was devoid of liquid. He quickly set it down, though not before being noticed.

Bartholomew observed the slip.

Trafalgar noticed it too.

Despite his usual reserve, Bartholomew's curiosity was immediately piqued. "Y-you like her?"

Xavier inhaled sharply.

He choked on his own saliva.

The subsequent coughing fit was brief but intense, almost making Trafalgar regret the timing.

"Oh?" Trafalgar inquired, his voice now tinged with open amusement. "So there truly is romance in the air? You were quite bold when inquiring about my affairs. Now you're the one acting peculiar."

Xavier coughed once more, clutching his chest with a fist, and directed a weak glare at Trafalgar.

"That was a low blow."

"And asking about Cynthia in front of her brother isn't?"

"Fair point," Xavier conceded with a murmur.

Bartholomew adjusted his glasses, his gaze fixed on Xavier, his curiosity now eclipsing any embarrassment.

Xavier relinquished his attempts to evade the topic. He leaned back in his chair, raked a hand through his hair, and let out a sigh.

"Yes," he finally admitted. "She certainly catches my eye."

Trafalgar raised an eyebrow.

"Is that all?"

Xavier frowned.

"What do you expect? I'm trying to express it properly." He clicked his tongue, glancing towards the plaza below before compelling himself to continue. "Fine. I believe I like her. There. Satisfied? It feels strange, alright? I don't quite know how to articulate it."

His honesty was sufficient for Trafalgar to soften his teasing tone.

"Good luck in a few weeks," he advised. "You'll be seeing her almost daily once she arrives."

Xavier's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Since you're suddenly being so generous, tell me this: does she have any particular likes? You've spent the most time around her, after all."

That statement held a degree of truth.

Trafalgar had been in close proximity to Vivienne, largely due to Dravok and his associated circumstances. She had been a notable figure in the game even before their current predicament. However, information of that specific nature had never been available. The game provided ample details about her prowess, status, and significance, but nothing concerning her minor personal preferences.

'I honestly have no clue!

He provided Xavier with a straightforward answer.

"None at all. My understanding of her isn't as deep as you seem to imagine." He lifted his cup and finished the last of the tea. "So, you'll have to put in the effort yourself. Just try not to act like a complete weirdo, okay?"

Bartholomew nodded with great seriousness, as if receiving crucial strategic counsel.

Xavier frowned. "You both make it sound as though I'm inherently suspect."

"You are," Trafalgar stated.

"T-there is a small element of truth to that," Bartholomew added cautiously.

Xavier appeared genuinely taken aback for a mere moment before letting out a laugh and shaking his head.

As the conversation relaxed, Trafalgar's thoughts momentarily drifted. Vivienne had shown some interest in Xavier previously, or at least something akin to it. They might complement each other well if things progressed naturally. Based on Dravok's hints, a more stable influence in her life wouldn't be detrimental.

That particular thought triggered another subsequent consideration.

I haven't yet inquired about Rhosyn's precise activities. Dravok's reluctance to share hinted that any attempt to force the matter would be futile. The revelation, I surmised, would occur in due time.

Bartholomew broke the silence first.

"Shall we depart?"

By then, the ambiance at the table had quieted considerably. Our beverages were depleted. The late afternoon sun had already shifted its position across the plaza, transforming the fountain's water into fragments of shimmering gold.

After settling our expenses individually, we re-entered the bustling street.

The air outside had grown cooler, carrying the subtle hint of early evening. A gentle stream of people continued to traverse the plaza, and the fountain, now viewed up close, commanded even greater attention. Water cascaded from the mouths of sculpted figures in pristine silver rivulets, while the basin below sparkled with countless

coins.

Bartholomew noticeably, yet subtly, reduced his pace.

His attempt at nonchalance was transparent, an interest that Xavier immediately perceived.

"Do you wish to linger?" Xavier inquired.

Bartholomew hesitated, a flush creeping onto his face from being seen through.

"A-a little."

Trafalgar, observing Bartholomew's expression, interjected before the other could elaborate further.

"We can pause for a moment."

The trio moved closer to the fountain's edge.

Bartholomew produced a small bronze coin, cradling it carefully in his palms. Closing his eyes, he held a moment of reverence for the age-old tradition before tossing it into the basin. The coin glinted once in the light before being swallowed by the

water.

Xavier leaned in, a conversational gesture.

"What is your wish, Barth?"

Bartholomew's ears took on a rosy hue.

"It's a secret... though perhaps I could tell you if you truly insist."

Trafalgar swiftly intervened.

"Don't! Speaking it aloud will prevent it from coming true!"

Bartholomew readily assented, accepting this as an inviolable rule. Trafalgar reached into his pocket, withdrawing a gold coin.

The action was almost automatic, devoid of deep conviction. He held little faith in fountains, mystical beings, or the half-forgotten tales whispered to children in affluent neighborhoods. Yet, Bartholomew had participated, and Xavier was already sending a coin of his own towards the water. Thus, Trafalgar let his thumb linger on the edge of the gold piece for a brief

instant.

"Grant me time."

That was the extent of his plea.

No further thoughts materialized.

He released the coin.

It carved a bright arc through the air, vanishing beneath the surface with a near-silent splash.

Upon stepping back, he found Xavier had already completed his own toss.

Bartholomew immediately turned to him.

"And you? What was your plea?"

Xavier responded with a grin.

"Oh? You keep yours private, yet you desire mine?" He slipped both hands into his pockets. "When it manifests, you shall discover."

This enigmatic reply satisfied no one, which seemed to amuse him further. Subsequently, the trio departed from the plaza, their conversation guiding them towards the station for the mana train back to the Academy, the fountain and its quiet mysteries receding into the distance.