Fredrinn Firecrown: The Weakest Villain

"My lord…" Olivia tugged on his clothes.

Fredrinn gave her a sad smile. "I will be fine, Olivia. I know what kind of terrible person I was back then so it's completely normal for those people to feel afraid of me…"

"My lord, they will soon realize that you are not that same man anymore. Just continue what you were doing and everyone will gradually learn to appreciate your changes." Alice also tried to console him.

Fredrinn nodded. He then moved his gaze forward and said. "Let's find another shop."

The trio spent more than an hour walking around the streets to look for a suitable shop and just as they were about to give up, they spotted a small jade store in the corner of a quiet street.

Fredrinn brought the girls inside the store.

The place looked old, but it was still well-maintained. Only one person was looking after the store. It was an old man sitting behind the counter.

[Core Formation 7th Layer (Foundation Establishment 1st Layer)]

Fredrinn eyes flashed for a moment when he saw this information. He only saw something like this when he looked at Sir Alfred's cultivation. From the looks of it, they had similar situations.

"To what do I owe this pleasure, Lord Fredrinn?" The old man smiled at him. He didn't even look afraid even though he knew Fredrinn's identity.

"You don't seem to be afraid of me, old man." Fredrinn smiled as he walked towards the counter.

"I'm way past the age of having to worry about myself. Besides, I no longer have a reason to stay in this world for long." There was a trace of melancholy in his voice.

Fredrinn saw a portrait on the counter. It was a portrait of a young couple smiling as they embraced each other.

"What are you guys looking for?" The old man asked.

Fredrinn retracted his gaze from the portrait and answered. "A bracelet for newborns."

The old man nodded upon hearing that. "I see. Do you want an ordinary bracelet or something with magical properties?"

"It's for someone special so it should be able to nourish their bodies and protect them from harm," Fredrinn responded after some thought.

"I don't have that kind of bracelet. You should know that putting magical properties on these items requires an array maker. You should have visited the jewelry store. They should have what you are looking for." The old man shook his head.

Fredrinn was a bit disappointed to hear that. "Is that so? It seems like we have wasted your time." He forced out a smile.

Just as they were about to leave, the old owner suddenly called them back. "Wait. I remember that I have one bracelet that fits your description."

Fredrinn's ears perked up. "Really?"

The old man nodded. "Wait here. I'll go get it."

A few minutes later, he returned with an old wooden box. "Take a look and see if you like it."

Fredrinn nodded at the old man. He then opened the small wooden box, revealing a beautiful piece of blue jade bracelet. Upon closer inspection, he noticed that three special arrays were inscribed on the bracelet. Unfortunately, Fredrinn wasn't an array maker so he didn't know what those arrays were.

"So you noticed the three array inscriptions…" The old man seemed to have sensed his curious gaze. "That bracelet is inscribed with a protection array. When an attack is aimed at the wearer, it automatically creates a Qi Shield to protect the wearer from harm. It also has a body nourishing array and a spirit cleansing array. I believe you should know their effects."

Fredrinn didn't expect this little, blue jade bracelet to have such functions. "Are you really selling this to me? This looks custom-made for someone."

"It was made by my wife for our first child. She was a talented array maker and was pretty famous in the city back then. Unfortunately…" The old man's lips quivered as tears slid down his face.

"This bracelet is my last memory of her and our unborn child… I've been holding on to it for a long time, but it seems like it's time for me to give it up…"

Alice and Olivia who were standing behind him were already crying after hearing the old man's story.

"It's beautiful," Fredrinn remarked when he saw the ocean-like body of the jade bracelet.

"It is." The old man wiped his tears and nodded with a smile. "If you like it, you can take it with you."

"You're giving it to me for free?" Fredrinn was taken aback.

"I don't want money to exchange for it. I only want to give it to someone who deserves it." The old man seemed a lot more relaxed this time. His hunch back became straight and his gaze turned a notch sharper.

[Core Formation 7th Layer (Foundation Establishment 5th Layer)]

Fredrinn couldn't believe his eyes. When they first came here, this old man only had the strength of a 1st Layer Foundation Establishment martial practitioner!

'He must have felt incredibly guilty whenever he looked at this bracelet.' He sighed upon thinking about this. He realized at that moment that one's mental health was also significantly important in maintaining their cultivation.

"Then I will accept your gift, old man."

"Good!"

The two chatted for some time before the old man asked them to leave.

Fredrinn didn't want to go without giving him something in return, but the old man adamantly refused.

Before they left, Fredrinn turned around and asked. "What would you have named your child?"

The old man let out a smile and said. "Gwenaelle."

Fredrinn repeated the name in his mind. "That's a beautiful name. I like it." He muttered before he stepped out of the jade store.

After they left, the old man grabbed the faded portrait on the counter. "I feel much more relieved now, my wife. I have entrusted the bracelet you made to the perfect person. His character might be unique, but he is different from the rumors…"

Meanwhile, outside the jade store.

"I have a task for you two." Fredrinn's words made the eyes of the two ladies light up.

"What is it, my lord?"

"I want you guys to buy the best wines in each store here. The more the better." Fredrinn hadn't forgotten Sir Alfred's task. If he failed to deliver on his promise, the old librarian might kick him in the ass the next time he visits the library.

"Huh?"

"Here's the money. I'll wait for you at the carriage. Good luck!" Fredrinn handed them a sack of star coins and patted their shoulders before he walked away.