Reincarnation of Nikola Tesla in another world-Chapter 26: its official

New novel 𝓬hapters are published on freёwebnoѵel.com.

Kim eyed the neatly folded clothes laid out on the bed. Fine silk, intricate embroidery, an absurd number of layers—he had seen noblemen wearing such things before, but now that they were meant for him? He swallowed, hesitant.

Catherine, sitting leisurely on a chair, propped her chin on her palm and smirked. "What's wrong? Too good for noble clothes now?"

Kim exhaled sharply, rolling his eyes. "No, just wondering how many servants it usually takes to put one of these on."

Catherine chuckled, standing up and stretching. "Ah, but lucky for you, I happen to be an expert in getting brats dressed."

"I'm not a brat," Kim muttered, but he didn't stop her as she stepped forward and picked up the first layer.

The process was—frustrating, to say the least. The number of belts, buttons, and additional accessories made it feel more like assembling a puzzle than getting dressed. Kim tried to manage on his own at first, fumbling with the fastenings before finally sighing and standing still as Catherine fixed everything effortlessly.

She worked with practiced ease, pulling fabric, adjusting collars, tying knots. "You're lucky you're cute," she mused, ruffling his hair when she was done.

Kim scowled, smoothing his hair back down. "Flattery will get you nowhere."

"Oh? And what about threats?" she teased.

"Still nowhere," he shot back, but there was amusement in his tone.

Dressed in fine clothing, Kim turned to the tall mirror by the bedside. He had to admit—he looked... refined. The elegant black and silver attire fit perfectly, the high collar giving him a poised air. He almost didn't recognize himself.

Yet despite his carefully maintained neutral expression, something tugged at his chest. He turned slightly, glancing back at Catherine, who was adjusting the sleeves of her own uniform.

"You don't have to come with me, right?" he asked suddenly.

Catherine raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you think that?"

Kim hesitated for just a second before saying, "Because I'd rather stay here."

Catherine blinked before breaking into laughter. "Oh? Are you getting attached to me already?"

Kim crossed his arms. "I never said that."

"You didn't have to," she grinned.

"Besides, I'm still your patient," he added with exaggerated seriousness. "I could relapse at any moment. Definitely too sick to travel."

Catherine smirked. "You were healed before you even swallowed that medicine."

Kim clicked his tongue. "You work fast."

"Head nun's orders," she shrugged. "Deemed you completely fit. No excuses."

Kim sighed dramatically but made no further protests. It wasn't that he feared what came next—it was simply that Catherine reminded him too much of someone else. His sister. A vague ache settled in his chest, but he pushed it aside.

As they reached the doorstep, Catherine suddenly crouched to his level, her expression losing its playfulness. "One last thing," she said, voice softer but firm. "Do whatever Vaqihr asks. Follow the rules. And most importantly—never, ever, ever, not in a million years, think about running away."

Kim tilted his head. "Why? What's the worst that could happen?"

Catherine's smile turned sharp. "Oh, nothing much. Just a one-way ticket to the juvenile center."

Kim blinked. "That bad, huh?"

She nodded. "That bad."

Then, before he could react, she leaned in and placed a quick kiss on his forehead.

Kim froze, his brain catching up with what just happened.

"Stay sharp, kid." Catherine gave him a wink before stepping back and waving him off. "Now go be a good little noble."

Kim sighed, straightening his collar as he turned towards the busy streets. "I regret ever letting you dress me."

Catherine's laughter followed him as he walked away.

Got it! I'll simplify the language to match a novelkiss-style flow while keeping Kim's personality sharp. Here's the revised continuation:

Kim walked toward the chariot, his steps slow as he took in the sight before him.

It was fancy.

The dark wooden frame gleamed under the sunlight, polished to perfection. Swirling engravings decorated the sides, delicate yet intricate, almost as if telling a story. Gold and silver accents lined the edges, adding a touch of wealth without being too gaudy. The wheels, reinforced with iron, bore strange symbols—magic, no doubt.

But the horses...

Two pure white stallions stood tall at the front, their coats flawless, not a single spot of another color on them. Their eyes, deep and intelligent, watched the world with an eerie calmness. These weren't ordinary horses.

Before Kim could fully admire them, a sharp voice called out.

"You there! Boy!"

Kim turned his head just as an old man in a crisp butler's uniform waved him over. His posture was stiff, proper—clearly a man who had been serving nobles for far too long.

"Come here, young master," the butler greeted with a slight bow. "I am Alphonse, servant of the Valenforth family. I will be assisting you from here on."

Before Kim could respond, the butler reached for his wrist, fastening a cold metal band around it with practiced ease.

A sharp, unnatural chill ran through his skin the moment the clasp clicked into place.

Kim immediately pulled back, eyeing the object. It was a simple black steel bracelet, unremarkable—except for the faint carvings running along its surface.

Kim's instincts flared. Without thinking, he raised his hand and activated Appraisal.

---

A faint shimmer crossed his vision as glowing text appeared.

[ Item: Slave Tracking Bracelet ]

Type: Enchanted Restraint

Effect: Tracks the wearer's location at all times. Prevents removal unless authorized.

Additional Features: Pain Induction (Inactive), Mana Restriction (Inactive).

---

Kim's expression didn't change, but his fingers twitched slightly.

Slave Tracking Bracelet?

He glanced up at the butler, who remained as composed as ever, hands neatly folded behind his back.

"I must apologize for startling you," Alphonse said smoothly, "but this is to ensure you do not attempt any... funny business."

"A precaution," Alphonse replied smoothly. "Now, if you please—Master Vaqihr is expecting you."

With a simple gesture, the butler opened the chariot door. Kim sighed but climbed in.

The door shut with a click.

Inside, Vaqihr sat with his arms crossed, lost in thought. His face was grim, like he had been dealing with something unpleasant.

Then, noticing Kim, his expression brightened, and he gave a small smile. "Ah, you're awake. How are you feeling?"

Kim leaned back, raising his wrist. "Well, I was fine before someone tagged me like an escaped criminal."

Vaqihr let out a chuckle. "Ah, that. Yes, well—can't have you running off now, can we?"

Kim rolled his eyes. "I wasn't planning to. Yet."

"Good to hear," Vaqihr said, resting his chin on his hand. "Though I have to say, you're quite an interesting one. You wake up in a locked room and within a day, you've got people wrapped around your finger. Impressive."

"I prefer to call it adapting," Kim said dryly.

Vaqihr smirked. "Smart. But let's get something clear—I brought you here for your own good."

Kim gave him a long look. "That's what all the best kidnappers say."

Vaqihr laughed. "Fair enough. But trust me—left on your own, you'd end up in trouble sooner or later."

Kim tilted his head. "Or maybe I just like trouble."

The two locked eyes for a moment before Vaqihr shook his head with an amused sigh. "You're going to be a headache, aren't you?"

Kim smirked. "Probably."

The conversation died down after that, and Kim turned his gaze outside.

As they moved past the crowded streets, the city began to change. The houses grew larger, the roads smoother. Soon, towering spires and grand estates surrounded them, marking the richer district.

And then—he saw it.

A massive tower in the distance, rising high above everything else.

Kim leaned forward slightly, eyes narrowing as he took it all in.

The Grand Wizard's Tower.

It was huge. A twisting spire of dark stone, reaching for the sky like a spear. Massive rings floated around its structure, glowing with arcane light, shifting and rotating as if following some unknown pattern. At the peak, several orbs of crackling energy circled lazily, each one radiating power.

The entrance was even more impressive.

Two massive sentinels stood at the gates— with glowing blue eyes. Their bodies were covered in golden engravings, ancient runes that pulsed softly with magic.

And just beyond the gates, a barrier shimmered—a translucent veil of light that distorted the air around it. It wasn't just a wall—it was a warning.

Kim exhaled through his nose.

"Wow," he muttered. "Talk about overkill."

Vaqihr chuckled beside him. "Like it? My father always said, 'If you're going to build a tower, make it untouchable.'"

Kim raised an eyebrow. "Looks less like a home and more like a war fortress."

"Good," Vaqihr grinned. "That means it's doing its job."