They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System

Chapter 413: Comparison with Carl

He was projecting again, and it left a bitter taste in his mouth.

It made him feel a quiet kind of shame.

Nnenna had at least become a friend, if nothing more, to him. And it wouldn’t be fair to her if their renewed bond was poisoned by ghosts and grief. She deserved more than to be a stand in for someone he had lost.

He remembered how he had left Lionara months ago without saying a word to her. He had been too wrapped up in his own disappointment and urgency. No farewell. No explanation. Just silence.

Arthur glanced at her again, his expression unreadable.

He didn’t know if she would forgive him this time, or if he even deserved it.

“Nnenna,” he called out.

The cold edge in his voice was still there, but dulled. Not many would notice the change, but it was there. Subtle. Almost hesitant.

Nnenna turned slightly, her face composed, polite. She wasn’t sure what to say to this unreliable friend, if he even considered her a friend. So she simply gave a small nod in greeting. Civil. Distant.

Arthur’s frown deepened, just a shade.

It wasn’t the kind of greeting she gave Carl.

Carl got smiles. Questions. The kind of warmth that made Arthur feel like an outsider even when he stood right in front of her.

What did Carl have that I don’t? The thought was bitter, uninvited.

appeared on his shoulder, dressed in pristine white, arms crossed,

said flatly. “You vanished

his expression to remain

went on. “And you’re acting

wasn’t like him to dwell. But this time,

being polite. Maybe she really didn’t care

why did that

It popped right back onto his

to be around

stunned. What

to shake the voice off, literally gave his head a sharp jolt, but before he could even recover, another version of himself appeared on

“What… are you

version didn’t answer. The first one, still in white, waved its

said proudly. “You’ve been doing better lately, haven’t you? The more good choices you

raised a brow. Was he really being lectured by a

all the seriousness in the world, “you’ve got to keep it up. Do better. Be better. That way I can stay stronger…

at nothing for a long second, unsure whether he was losing his mind, or if his conscience had just upgraded its

still perched stubbornly on his shoulder. “You don’t even exist. So why should I make you

Arthur shrugged, unfazed. “Suit yourself. Just don’t complain the next time she treats

the little guy and the other one vanished, poof, like they was never

sighed and looked up, finally snapping out of his thoughts… only to

He stood there, speechless.

Sure, he could

Somto to just leave him hanging like that. Then again, he had been here