Transmigration: Step Into The World of Books And Become The Strongest!

The corner of Arthur's mouth twitched slightly before he flicked her forehead with his middle finger.

"Ouch!" Sharon groaned, rubbing the sore spot.

She shot Arthur an annoyed glare and pouted. "Why did you flick my forehead?"

Her lips quivered slightly, and teardrops welled up in the corners of her eyes, making her look irresistibly adorable.

Arthur chuckled, his tone light. "That was your punishment. Who told you to speak so disrespectfully to me?"

With that, he sighed and shook his head.

He knew his sudden change in demeanor would make Sharon suspicious, but he didn't care.

His only goal in entering this book world was to complete the tasks given to him.

As long as those were accomplished, it didn't matter if Sharon started questioning whether he was truly Aron or not.

Sharon wanted to protest, but she couldn't. Arthur was right—she had been in the wrong.

Lowering her head, she clutched the hem of her dress tightly and mumbled, "I'm sorry, Aron. Please don't be mad, okay?"

Then, she looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with a heart-meltingly sad expression.

Arthur was momentarily dazed but quickly regained his composure. He raised his right hand and gently patted her head.

"Don't worry, I'm not angry. I was just joking with you," he said lightly, rubbing the spot on her forehead where he had flicked her earlier. "Does it hurt?"

Sharon blinked, momentarily lost in thought. Since their first meeting, Aron had always been indifferent, cold, and distant toward her.

Even when she needed him, he only responded half-heartedly. Sometimes, she wondered if he even saw her as his boss.

If he did, then why did he act that way?

Despite everything, she never truly resented him. Everyone around her, including her own family, despised her.

Yet, Aron was always there. No matter how frustrating he could be, he still listened to her complaints when no one else would.

And now, the usually aloof and indifferent Aron was showing an unfamiliar tenderness. It felt so different—was she dreaming?

"Why are you spacing out? Are you sick?"

Arthur's voice snapped her back to reality.

A soft blush crept from the base of her right ear to the other, tinting her cheeks with warmth.

"I... I'm not spacing out! Humph!" Sharon huffed, turning her head away.

But Arthur could clearly see the embarrassment written all over her beautiful face.

Just as he was about to say something, a notification suddenly echoed in his mind.

"[Ding! Sharon Valura's affection increased by +5 points.]"

Arthur's expression stiffened slightly, his eyes widening in surprise.

'Her affection points increased by five?' He blinked before a pleased smile spread across his lips.

He had assumed gaining Sharon's affection would be a challenge, but it turned out to be easier than expected.

'Well, given Sharon's fate, this was bound to happen,' he muttered, rubbing his chin.

After Sharon was born, her mother passed away, leaving her to be raised by maids under the King's orders.

Her life only grew more miserable as time passed. The children of the queen and the concubines relentlessly oppressed her, ensuring she never had a moment of peace.

Despite Aron's cold demeanor in the original storyline, he was the only one who never abandoned her. He remained by her side when no one else did.

Unbeknownst to her, this led Sharon to develop a deep dependence on Aron.

Unfortunately, their story was never meant to have a happy ending—because in the end, Aron was fated to die.

Recalling the plot, he let out a small sigh and smiled wryly. 'Her fate is eerily similar to Arthur Vanitas'.'

Having inherited Arthur Vanitas' memories, he could vividly feel the years of suffering he had endured.

In a way, he and Sharon shared the same cruel fate.

Shaking off his thoughts, Arthur quickly changed the subject. "By the way, weren't you supposed to be dining with the royal family? Why did you suddenly come back?"

At his question, Sharon's expression immediately stiffened.

"That..." She opened her mouth to speak but hesitated. In the end, no words came out.

Arthur simply smiled, already knowing the answer.

According to the storyline in his memory, Sharon had been summoned to the royal dining hall by the King, only to be abruptly expelled by the Queen.

The reason? Naturally, the Queen despised her and didn't want her presence ruining their meal.

The most infuriating part was the King himself—he had called Sharon there, yet he did nothing to defend her.

In the end, she had returned feeling dejected and humiliated.

And sadly, in the original storyline, Aron never spared her a shred of sympathy. He had remained indifferent, as arrogant and distant as ever.

Of course, the real Aron and he were completely different. If Aron had acted that way, then he would have done the opposite.

With a faint smile, Arthur gently ruffled Sharon's hair. "Did they expel you?"

Sharon lowered her head, nodding quietly.

A mist of tears gathered in her eyes as she asked in a trembling voice, "Aron, do you think... I don't deserve love?"

Arthur fell silent for a moment before letting out a small chuckle.

"What are you saying, you idiot?" He flicked her forehead again.

"Ouch!" Sharon winced, tears welling up in her eyes.

She shot him an annoyed glare and was about to protest, but Arthur spoke first.

"In this world, everyone has the right to be loved. If you haven't felt it yet, it just means your chance hasn't come." His voice was soft as he patted her head gently. "Believe me, one day, someone will appear by your side and give you the love you've been waiting for."

His words made Sharon's eyes widen, her heart pounding in her chest.

'If I haven't felt it yet, it just means my chance hasn't come?' She silently repeated his words, unable to stop the warmth spreading through her.

Since childhood, she had never received affection—never even heard a kind word from those around her. Only scorn and curses, as if she were the most detestable existence in the world.

But now, for the first time, someone had spoken to her with kindness and encouragement. And that person was the only one who had always stayed by her side.

Subconsciously, the sadness and emptiness on her face faded, replaced by a rare, genuine smile.

"Aron... thank you," she murmured softly.

"[Ding! Sharon Valura's affection increased by +5 points.]"

"[Ding! Mission progress 'Help the main character (Sharon Valura) experience the warmth and care she longs for' increased by 5%.]"

The corner of Arthur's mouth: ✔

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A/N: Thank you and don't forget your support!