Episode 6

The police arrived at Mr. Suman's eatery shortly after Aldo had bested the entire Death Metal gang. They found it hard to believe, as every member of this notorious gang had been a sought-after fugitive.

Their agility had always made capturing them a daunting task, and their hideouts remained a mystery to law enforcement.

Hence, their gratitude towards Aldo, who had apprehended these troublemakers causing such anxiety among the citizens, was immense.

"Thank you so much for your help, Mr. Aldo. We have several tokens of gratitude we'd like to offer to a brave individual such as yourself. Would you consider visiting our headquarters later?" a man who seemed to be the police chief respectfully invited Aldo.

"Thank you, I'll consider it," Aldo replied.

"We'll welcome you any time you decide to come."

With that, he left, accompanied by the other officers securing the criminals.

Aldo preferred not to entangle himself with the police and state affairs too deeply, knowing the hassle it could entail, and avoided them whenever possible.

As a stream of police cars departed with the captured Death Metal gang, a sudden embrace from behind caught Aldo off guard. It was Myra, clinging to him, her actions colored with unspoken worry.

"E- eh? What are you doing?"

"Silly, why didn't you heed my advice?" Myra scolded, frustration lacing her voice.

She had pleaded with Aldo to stay out of the gang's path, yet he had ignored her warnings, fueling her frustration.

Aldo gasped, puzzled by the close proximity. The intricacies of a woman's feelings when concerned were often unknown.

"It's okay; I'm fine now," Aldo said, somewhat reluctantly stroking Myra's hair.

Aldo had a fragile heart, prone to falling in love easily, well aware of the potential pain.

Tired of heartache, he had resolved to seal his heart away.

"Please don't disturb him any further, Myra," Mr. Suman implored, fearing to offend Aldo, yet his immense gratitude outweighed his fears.

"These villains have plagued us for years, stealing our money while Myra's mother is ill in the hospital. I am deeply indebted to you, Mr. Aldo!" Mr. Suman declared, bowing deeply.

Not only Mr. Suman, but everyone in the eatery bowed their heads, overwhelming Aldo with gratitude.

"This place will finally be safe from such ruffians."

"We can't thank you enough, Brother!"

A genuine smile graced Aldo's face for the first time, receiving thanks from so many.

“To celebrate, I'm going to make special fried rice for everyone—for free!" Mr. Suman cheered, joined by the crowd's jubilant roars, except for Aldo.

"I'm sorry; I must leave soon, so I can't join..."

The room fell silent.

"W- why the rush?" Myra inquired, not ready to part with Aldo.

"I was just evicted from my lodging, so I need to find a new place before night," Aldo confessed.

Myra only then noticed Aldo's large backpack, lending credence to his reasons for leaving.

"H- how about staying at our place?" Myra hesitated.

"Are you serious?"

Aldo was incredulous at the offer, glancing at Mr. Suman, who silently nodded.

After pondering a moment, Aldo accepted the hospitality, sparing himself the hassle and expense of renting anew. He could also lend his culinary skills to Mr. Suman's business.

Myra, thrilled, clasped Aldo's hand firmly, leading him upstairs to their combined home and eatery.

"Let me show you to your room," Myra bubbled with excitement.

Aldo complied, leaving Mr. Suman to his festive culinary preparations.

Aldo heard the system's notification in his mind.

[Successful combat mission completion! Reward: 100 System Points, 100 Skill Points, 15 Charisma]

*Perfect* - Aldo mused.

"This will be your room from now on; sorry about its small size," Myra said upon arrival.

The room's decorations and belongings hinted at its previous occupation.

"Who stayed here before?" Aldo could not curb his curiosity.

Myra's bright expression dimmed at the sensitive question; sensing this, Aldo quickly apologised.

"I'm sorry, I was just curious; you don't have to answer if you'd rather not—"

"It was my older sister's."

"Eh?"

Unexpectedly, Myra chose to share.

"This was the room of my sister, who disappeared ten years ago on a school trip. We've reported it, distributed flyers, but she's yet to be found."

"The police suggested she might have died or been kidnapped and taken abroad, closing the case. Yet, we believe she's still out there..." Myra conveyed with a trace of sorrow.

Considering the Suman family's hardships, from business disturbances caused by vile gangs, their mother's illness, to the missing sister, one could hope Aldo's presence might bestow peace upon them.

"I should go help dad with the cooking; take care, Uncle!" said Myra, returning to her buoyant state.

Aldo stood stunned, "What? Uncle? Hey, I'm only 27!"

Aldo protested being called 'Uncle' at such a youthful age, though Myra ignored it, laughing softly.

"What am I thinking? She's a high school girl in her prime; I shouldn't entertain such thoughts..." Aldo sighed.

Aldo started to organize his belongings, and opening the wardrobe reveal an array of young women's clothes.

There were not only outer garments but high school uniforms and pink bras.

*Resisting temptation here will be quite the test* - Aldo contemplated ruefully.

Hastily, he shut the wardrobe, hoping to keep any inner demons at bay amidst the young lady's attire.

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