ã€ŠReborn As Nobleã€‹


 Chapter 3 Bliss Interrupted ( 3 )

    "Yoshi, yoshi¡­ such a good boy," Francesca cooed as she cradled me in her arms, gently patting my back. Her soft voice wrapped around me like a warm nket, and I felt my tiny body rxpletely.

    Ahhh, this feels good. So good.

    I gazed up at her face, her radiant beauty glowing under the warm light of the room. Her soft, wavy hair framed her delicate features, and her kind smile was enough to make me feel like I''d truly been reborn into a paradise.

    First the goddess of beauty feeds me, and now she cuddles me. This is bliss¡­ pure bliss. Ehehehe.

    My baby brain couldn''t handle the overwhelming joy. I let out a little giggle, snuggling closer to Francesca. This is it. I''ve peaked in life. No reincarnation could get better than this.

    But then, like a storm cloud appearing on a sunny day, a voice interrupted my moment of happiness.

    "Madam Francesca, may I hold him for a minute?"

    That voice¡­ NOOOOOO!!!

    I recognized that voice instantly. The kissing demon. The oni. Marita.

    My entire body tensed, and I let out a soft, panicked whimper. No! Not her! Mama, angel, goddess¡ªdon''t let her near me! Beautifuldies only! Beautifuldies ONLY!

    Francesca looked at Marita with a small smile, seemingly unaware of my internal crisis. "Ah, Marita, don''t worry about it. You can continue with your work for now."

    I froze, disbelief washing over me.

    Wait¡­ what?

    Marita blinked, her hands hovering midair. "Oh¡­ are you sure, Madam Francesca? I don''t mind holding him for a bit."

    NO! No need! No one asked you! You''re not needed here!

    Francesca waved her off gently. "Really, it''s fine. I''m enjoying this time with my little Javier. You can attend to your other tasks."

    YEEEESSS!!! Sweet victory! You heard her, kissing monster! Go away! Shoo! Shoo! Don''t let the door hit you on the way out! Ehehe! .If I could''ve pumped my fists in the air, I would have.

    Marita sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "If you say so, Madam¡­"

    She turned and left the room, though not without onest longing nce in my direction. I shivered.

    That''s right! Keep walking! Out of sight, out of mind! Ehehehe!

    Francesca chuckled softly, holding me closer as she hummed a tune. My earlier panic faded, reced by the warmfort of her embrace.

    I''m safe. I''m loved. I''m in the arms of a goddess. Life is good again.

    Francesca smiled down at me, oblivious to my inner monologue. "What''s got you so excited, little one?" she murmured, stroking my cheek.

    Oh, nothing, Francesca. Just the joy of escaping doom and returning to heaven¡ªright here in your arms.

    But deep down, I knew this wasn''t thest I''d see of Marita. The kissing monster was persistent, and she''d return eventually. For now, though, I savored every second in Francesca''s care, vowing to treasure this peace while itsted.

    --

    The room was dimly lit, bathed in the soft glow of the moon filtering through the ornate curtains. Iy in the baby crib, wide awake. The silence of the night should have been soothing¡­ but something was off.

    What is that sound?

    A soft, rhythmic pping noise echoed faintly through the room, apanied by muffled giggles and¡­ unmistakable moans.

    Wait¡­ hold on¡­

    Realization hit me like a p to the face.

    Ugh, really!? SERIOUSLY, YOU SHITTY DRIED PLUM!?

    How dare you touch my goddess there!?

    Yes, him. Lord Garius. My so-called father in this world. The man who¡ªby some iprehensible stroke of luck¡ªmanaged to marry the radiant Francesca despite being, well¡­ a dried-out plum.

    My tiny fists clenched in silent rage. That''s right, old man, you are officially the Dried Plum¡ªshriveled, boring, and utterly unworthy of my angel Francesca!

    The pping sound continued, now mixed with muffledughter. My face scrunched up in frustration.

    Get a grip! At least wait until I''m asleep before defiling the sanctity of this room! Do you think I''m like other infants who don''t understand what''s happening? Well, newssh: I KNOW. And it''s gross!

    ¡­Well, not for me. Eheheh.

    Another giggle. More noises. My tiny body wriggled in the crib, my soul screaming in suffering.

    And really? Can''t you at least wait six months before pawing at her, you lusty dried plum!? She just gave birth to me!

    ¡­Wait.

    I frowned, my baby brain doing quick calctions.

    Actually¡­ it''s been more than five months.

    ...But STILL! Have some self-control, you damn old man!

    I let out a quiet sigh, my baby lungs not yet capable of expressing the full extent of my exasperation. This is unbelievable. I''ve been reborn into a noble family, surrounded by beauty and grace, only to be subjected to this nonsense at night. Someone save me. Lithia? Liana? Anybody?

    I closed my eyes tightly, trying to block out the sounds. But my baby ears seemed to pick up every detail with unsettling rity.

    The noises eventually faded, reced by the soothing quiet of the night once more. I stared up at the crib''s canopy, feeling a mixture of irritation and resignation.

    Fine. You win this round, Dried Plum.

    With that final thought, I yawned, my baby instincts finally overriding my irritation. Sleep imed me atst, though my dreams were filled with schemes to reim my goddess from the clutches of her lusty husband.

    The soft sound of footsteps approached my crib, apanied by Francesca''s soothing voice. "Javier, wake up, honey. It''s time for mama to feed you."

    I opened my eyes slowly, greeted by the sight of Francesca leaning over me, still in her nightdress fromst night. Her hair was slightly tousled, and she had that natural glow of someone who had just woken up.

    Normally, this would be heaven.

    But then it came rushing back¡ªthe memory ofst night. The giggling, the kissing, and¡­ the pping.

    I scrunched up my tiny baby face and turned my head sharply away from her chest, refusing totch on.

    Nope. Not happening. Not until you shower first,dy. I am not risking a mouthful of dried plum residue from that crusty raisin of a man you married. Eww! Just the thought of it makes me want to gag!

    Francesca tilted her head, looking concerned. "What''s wrong, Honey bun? Why don''t you want it? Are you not hungry?"

    Hungry? Sure, I''m hungry. But not that hungry. Hygiene first, goddess. Hygiene! Cleanse yourself of that man''s existence beforeing near me.

    She gently brought me closer, trying to coax me to nurse. I squirmed, turning my head even farther away.

    No way! No drink before clean! I have standards, okay? I don''t wanna taste whatever leftovers fromst night are still lingering. Ew, ew, e!

    Francesca frowned slightly, now clearly worried. "Honey bun, are you feeling alright? You''ve never refused before¡­"

    Her warm hands held me securely as she rocked me gently, her expression softening as she tried to figure out what was wrong.

    What''s wrong? What''s wrong!? I''ll tell you what''s wrong! I thought, internally screaming. It''s that wrinkly, lusty prune of a husband you were withst night! I''m scarred for life, okay? Let me recover before shoving me into the aftermath of yourte-night escapades!

    Francesca sighed and kissed my forehead. "It''s alright, honey. Maybe you''re just not ready yet. Mama will try againter."

    Finally! I thought as sheid me back in the crib. A reprieve! Time to recover from the trauma of this so-called morning routine.

    As she walked away, I couldn''t help but let out a small, relieved sigh.

    Note to self: Start a baby protest. No feeding until Francesca enforces strict pre-nursing hygiene protocols. I may be a baby, but I refuse to live like this!

    Francesca, still holding me, sighed as she walked toward the corner of the room, where another maid waited. This one had ears perched atop her head and a tail that swayed gently behind her.

    Oh! Catfolk! My eyes widened. This world just keeps getting better. That''s so awesome!

    The maid, dressed in the usual uniform but with slits in the back for her tail, tilted her head slightly, her feline ears twitching.

    "What''s wrong, madam?" she asked, her voice soft but curious.

    Francesca shifted me slightly in her arms and frowned. "I don''t know why, but Javier doesn''t want to breastfeed this morning. He''s never refused before."

    The catfolk maid stepped closer, her tail flickingzily. "Hmm, that''s odd. May I¡­?"

    Francesca nodded, and the catfolk maid leaned in, sniffing delicately around her. Her ears twitched, and her nose wrinkled slightly before she stepped back, her expression calm but casual.

    "Perhaps, madam, you should take a shower or bath first."

    YES! Finally, someone with sense!

    Francesca''s cheeks flushed a light pink. "Oh¡­ do you think that''s it? I didn''t think it would matter¡­"

    Oh, it matters, goddess. It definitely matters. Listen to the wise catmaid and cleanse thyself!

    The catfolk maid smiled softly, her tail flicking as she added, "It''s just a suggestion, Madam. Sometimes babies can be sensitive to smells."

    Francescaughed lightly, looking both embarrassed and amused. "I suppose you might be right. I''ll take a bath and try againter."

    Thank you, cat goddess! You''ve saved the day! You''ve dared to say what I couldn''t.

    As Francesca walked off, presumably to prepare for her bath, I gazed at the catfolk maid in awe.

    Oh, wise feline maiden, I owe you my eternal gratitude. Your courage to tell the goddess what needed to be said has elevated you to hero status in my eyes. Forget marriage¡ªbe my lifelong ally!

    The catfolk maid turned her attention to me, her soft smile making my heart skip a beat. She reached down, gently adjusting the nket around me. "You''re a picky one, aren''t you, young master?"

    Picky? No, I just have standards. Big difference.@@novelbin@@

    As peace settled in the room, I let out a contented sigh. Finally, some justice in this world.

    ( End Of Chapter )

 Chapter 5 Bold Declaration ( 5 )

    As Meira held me close, I decided that one side wasn''t enough. With a tiny but determined effort, I shifted my head to the other side of her chest.

    Let''s see if this side tastes better!

    Meira gasped softly, her face turning an even brighter shade of pink. "Young master¡­ you really are persistent, aren''t you?"

    Across the room, Francesca, now fully dressed, nced back at us with an amused smile. She shook her head, her hands on her hips. "Ara, what a naughty boy you are, Javier."

    She looked at Meira with a yful glint in her eyes. "Meira, take care of him for me, alright? I''m going to have breakfast now."

    "Ehh?!" Meira''s ears twitched in panic. "Madam, wait¡ªwhat¡­ ah¡­ umm¡­ okay¡­"

    With that, Francesca walked off, leaving me alone with my flustered catfolk babysitter.

    Meira let out a long sigh but made no effort to pull me away. Instead, she adjusted her hold on me, letting me continue my ambitious exploration.

    "You know, young master," she said softly, her voice tinged with both amusement and embarrassment, "if you keep doing this, I might not get married¡­ so you''ll have to take responsibility, okay?"

    Responsibility? Wife? You? Oh, absolutely!

    I paused briefly, looking up at her with what I hoped was a mischievous yet innocent expression. Don''t worry, Meira. You''ll be my wife soon. Well¡­ once I grow up.

    Energized by my inner vow, Itched back on, ignoring her soft sighs and asional mutteredints.

    "You''re lucky you''re cute," she murmured, her golden eyes soft as she gazed at me.

    Cute? No, Meira. I''m ambitious. And when I grow up, you''ll thank me for this moment of destiny.

    As her tail brushed against my tiny feet, I felt a deep sense of aplishment. For now, I''d enjoy the warmth, thefort, and the blissful ignorance of my current age.

    But in my heart, I was already nning my future. Meira would be mine. That much, I was sure of.

    "Meira!" A soft but sharp voice called from outside the room.

    I tensed immediately, ring internally. Ugh! Who dares interrupt this perfect moment? Don''t you know my beautiful Meira is busy fulfilling her noble duty of feeding me?@@novelbin@@

    The door creaked open, and standing there was another figure¡ªa tall, elegant woman with long, silver-blonde hair and striking emerald eyes. Her pointed ears confirmed it: another elf. She carried herself with an air of quiet authority, and the stern expression on her face told me she wasn''t here to joke around.

    "Meira," she said, her voice gentle yet firm. "What are you doing?"

    Meira froze, her ears twitching nervously. "Umm¡­ umm¡­" she stammered.

    "You know we maids are not allowed to breastfeed the young master," the woman continued, her tone unyielding despite its softness.

    Oh? So she''s the maid boss around here, I thought, stilltched onto Meira. Head maid vibes, definitely. And also gorgeous. Wow, this house is packed with beauties.

    Meira panicked, trying to exin herself. "T-This was Madam Francesca''smand! I''m just¡­ following orders!"

    The elf woman, who I quickly decided was the head maid, sighed deeply. "Is that so?" She shook her head in mild disapproval. "Let''s go to the dining area. Breakfast is being served for us."

    "W-What about the young master?" Meira asked, clutching me nervously.

    "We can''t leave him here," the head maid said, her tone final. "Bring him along."

    "Yes, Miss Liana," Meira murmured obediently.

    Oh, her name''s Liana, I thought, feeling a twinge of curiosity. Another beauty. Lucky me.

    A short whileter, we arrived at the maids'' dining area. The setup was simple yet cozy, a contrast to the grandeur of the nobles'' dining hall. Liana gestured for Meira to pass me over.

    "Hand him to me," she said. "You need to eat, and I''ll watch over him while you do."

    "Y-Yes, Miss Liana," Meira said, reluctantly handing me over.

    As soon as Liana held me, I felt her gentle yet firm hands supporting me with ease. I stared up at her, marveling at her sharp yet soft features.

    An elf''s milk, huh? Let''s see if it''s any different.

    Without hesitation, I nuzzled into her chest, letting my instincts guide me.

    "Ah!" Liana let out a surprised sound, her emerald eyes widening. "Young master! What are you doing? There''s no milk here!"

    You don''t know that until I try, do you?

    Liana sighed, clearly not used to such antics. "Goodness, you''re persistent," she muttered, adjusting her hold on me to stop me from tugging at her uniform.

    As the maids ate their breakfast, I was cradled in Liana''s arms, but I wasn''t giving up. My little hands kept reaching for her neckline, trying to pull it aside.

    "Stop that," she said softly, her ears twitching as she batted my hands away. "You''re acting like a mischievous kitten."

    Kitten? More like a hungry wolf. I''m determined!

    Despite her gentle scolding, I kept trying. My persistence drew giggles from the other maids seated around the table.

    "Looks like young master is quite taken with you, Liana," one of them teased.

    Another chimed in, "Maybe he''s trying to dere his future bride!"

    Liana''s cheeks flushed slightly, though she maintained herposure. "Enough of that," she said, her tone sharp but not unkind.

    As breakfast went on, I kept my tiny hands busy, attempting to tug at her chest whenever I got the chance. Despite my best efforts, she skillfully avoided my advances.

    As Iy in the arms of the ever-graceful yet annoyingly untouchable Miss Liana, I began to feel the sting of rejection. Her poise and elegance were undeniable, but her strict attitude was a real mood killer.

    Ugh, this elf is too arrogant. She thinks she''s untouchable, huh? Fine! Time to head back to my beautiful Meira¡ªthe true second mama of my heart!

    With newfound determination, I raised my little arms toward Meira, who was seated nearby, enjoying her breakfast. I wriggled and squirmed, making my intentions clear.

    "Hmm?" Meira noticed me struggling and tilted her head, her ears twitching curiously. "Young master? What''s wrong?"

    Liana frowned slightly, holding me more securely. "He''s fine, Meira. Let him settle down."

    No! Let me go, pointy-eared prison guard! My real goal is right over there, eating her breakfast in peace. I must reunite with my catfolk goddess!

    I kept reaching out, whining softly in protest. Meira chuckled softly, setting her spoon down. "It looks like he wants me, Miss Liana."

    Liana sighed, clearly exasperated. "He''s just being fussy. Don''t indulge him."

    "Oh, but he''s such a sweet little thing," Meira said with a warm smile. "Come here, young master."

    With that, Meira reached out, and Liana reluctantly handed me over. As soon as I was back in Meira''s arms, I nestled against her with a satisfied sigh.

    "There we go," Meira cooed, her tail swishing happily behind her. "Young master just missed me, didn''t you?"

    Yes, yes I did. Now, about that milk¡­

    Meira cradled me gently, returning to her meal with one hand. Her warmth and the faint scent ofvender were enough to soothe my frustration.

    Liana, watching from her seat, let out a faint snort. "You spoil him too much, Meira. He''ll be impossible to handle at this rate."

    Meira justughed softly, her golden eyes sparkling with affection. "Oh, let him be a baby while he can. He''s so precious like this."

    Precious? More like determined. As she ate, I began to nuzzle against her again, clearly signaling my intentions.

    "Hmm? Oh, young master, not again!" Meira said, flustered butughing. "You really are persistent."

    Liana groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You''re encouraging bad habits, Meira."

    But Meira simply smiled, stroking my tiny head. "Well, if it keeps him happy, I don''t mind."

    Happy? Oh, Meira, you''re more than I could ever ask for. My second mama, my catfolk goddess. One day, I''ll make you mine¡­ once I grow up.

    For now, though, I was content to stay right where I was, nestled in her arms, dreaming of the day I could taste all the milk this world had to offer.

    ( End Of Chapter )

 Chapter 6 Tiny Hands, Big Desires ( 6 )

    As Meira finished her breakfast, I decided it was time to take things into my own tiny hands¡ªliterally. Reaching up with all the determination I could muster, I tugged at her clothes, signaling my intent.

    Meira blinked down at me, her tail swayingzily. A soft smile spread across her face. "Young master, so impatient," she said, amused.

    I gurgled in response, not because I couldn''t speak, but because my baby instincts knew it would make me look cuter. Come on, Meira, don''t make me wait.

    "Alright, alright," she chuckled. "Please wait a moment."

    She hurriedly sipped the rest of her coffee, setting the cup down with a faint clink. Then, with a graceful yet flustered motion, she began loosening her maid uniform.

    "Madam did give permission, after all," Meira murmured, her cheeks slightly pink.

    I settled infortably as she positioned me and let metch on. Finally, my second mama''s milk¡ªwell, or theck thereof. It doesn''t matter. This is bliss.

    "Slowly, young master," Meira said softly, brushing her fingers through my hair. "Don''t rush."

    I savored the moment, ncing sideways to see Miss Liana still seated nearby, her expression unreadable as she watched the scene.

    Oh? Feeling jealous, are we, Miss High-and-Mighty Elf? I smirked internally. Serves you right. Next time, when I ask for breastfeeding, don''t act so arrogant. Now I''ve got my second beautiful mama. Unlike you, stubborn elf.

    Just as I was basking in my victory, a sudden chill ran down my spine.

    "Oh! So you''re allowed to breastfeed him?" A familiar voice chimed in from behind us. "Lucky for you, Meira."

    I froze mid-suckle. That voice¡­

    Turning slightly, I caught sight of a looming figure. There she was¡ªMarita, the slobbering demon herself.

    "Ekkk!" I screamed in my mind. Not her! Anyone but her!

    Marita approached with her usual exaggerated cheer, her pudgy hands already reaching out. "Young master is so adorable!"

    Stay away! Don''t you daree near me! I grumbled internally, gripping Meira tightly like a lifeline.

    Meira looked slightly flustered but kept herposure. "Marita, please. He''s feeding right now."

    "But I haven''t held him today," Marita said with a pout. "And he''s just too cute not to cuddle."

    Liana, sensing my growing distress, stood up and gently ced a hand on Marita''s shoulder. "Let them be, Marita. The young master needs calm right now, not your enthusiasm."

    Marita pouted but stepped back. "Fine. But I''ll hold himter!"

    Over my dead body, I thought, silently thanking Liana for once.

    As Marita left the room, I rxed, settling back into Meira''s arms.

    "There, there," Meira said soothingly, stroking my head. "All better now, young master?"

    Better? Yes. But one day, I''ll make sure that kissing demon stays far, far away from me.Well...just me..ehehehe

    As I nestledfortably in Meira''s arms, my thoughts drifted to a certain someone I hadn''t seen in a while. Where''s Lithia, the dark elf? I thought. I remember her from before¡ªback when I was being assaulted by that slobbering demon Marita. She was there, so calm and graceful. Lithia, where are you? Eheheh. You can be my third mama too. Dark elves are rare, after all.

    I craned my tiny head, looking around the room with what little mobility my baby body allowed. No pointy ears, no darkplexion. Just Meira''s warm smile and Liana''s unreadable gaze.

    Meira noticed my fidgeting. "What''s wrong, young master? Are you ufortable?"

    Ufortable? No, I''m on a mission! I squirmed, trying to peek around Meira''s shoulder.

    Liana raised an eyebrow. "He''s restless. Perhaps he''s looking for someone?"

    Meiraughed softly, bouncing me gently in her arms. "Young master, are you searching for Madam Francesca? Or maybe Lord Garius?"

    Ha! As if! No offense to my goddess of a mother or that¡­ dried plum of a father, but I have someone else in mind.

    "Maybe he''s looking for Lithia," Liana added casually, sipping her tea.

    My tiny eyes lit up. Yes! Someone gets me! Where is she, Miss Liana? Stop sipping tea and tell me!

    "Oh, Lithia," Meira said, her ears twitching. "I think she''s in the garden. She mentioned wanting to check on the roses this morning."

    The garden? Great, let''s go then! No time to waste! I waved my arms excitedly, trying tomunicate my intent.

    "Look at him," Meira said with a giggle. "He really does seem to want Lithia."

    Liana sighed, setting down her cup. "You''re spoiling him too much, Meira. But fine, let''s head to the garden."

    As Meira carried me out of the room, I couldn''t help but grin inwardly. Lithia, here Ie. Prepare yourself, my third mama.

    When we arrived at the garden, there she was¡ªLithia, the dark elf, kneeling gracefully among the rose bushes. Her dark skin glowed under the morning sunlight, and her silken silver hair swayed with each movement. She was humming softly, her elegant fingers brushing over the petals.

    Oh, Lithia, you''re even more beautiful than I remembered!

    "Lithia," Meira called, walking closer. "Look who''s here to see you."

    Lithia turned, her golden eyes meeting mine. A small smile graced her lips. "Young master," she said, her voice as smooth as honey. "You look happy this morning."

    Happy? Of course, I''m happy! I found you, my dark elf goddess. You can be my third mama now. Eheheh.

    "Would you like to hold him?" Meira asked.

    Lithia tilted her head thoughtfully. "If it''s alright with you."

    Meira handed me over gently, and I found myself in Lithia''s arms. Her scent was earthy yet sweet, and her touch was cool and soothing.

    "There we go," Lithia said softly, adjusting me in her arms. "Are youfortable, young master?"

    Comfortable? I''m in heaven!

    I reached out instinctively, tugging at the fabric of her uniform. Lithia raised an eyebrow, then chuckled lightly. "Oh dear, he''s just likest time."

    Meira covered her mouth,ughing. "Madam Francesca did say he''s been¡­ curioustely."

    Liana crossed her arms, watching with a smirk. "Curious is an understatement. He''s turning into quite the handful."@@novelbin@@

    Lithia looked down at me, her eyes filled with gentle amusement. "Well, young master, I suppose I can humor you for a little while."

    Just as Lithia began to undo the top of her uniform, the soft fabric sliding slightly to reveal her wless skin, I felt victory within reach. Yes, dark elf milk¡ªoh wait, she doesn''t have milk yet, but still, I''m winning!

    But before I could even get a peek, a familiar voice rang out from behind.

    "Good morning, everyone."

    Lithia''s hands froze. She immediately straightened, adjusting her uniform. "Good morning, madam," she said, her voice respectful.

    Meira quickly stood beside her, bowing slightly. "Good morning, madam Francesca."

    Francesca?! Again?! Mama, you can go enjoy yourself with that dried plum of yours! Let me have my moment with Lithia! I squirmed in Lithia''s arms, silently protesting this intrusion.

    Francesca approached, her radiant smile lighting up the garden. Her golden hair shimmered in the morning sunlight, and her sapphire-blue eyes sparkled as she looked at me. "Javier, my little honeybun, did you miss me?"

    Miss you? Mama, you just fed me this morning! Let me enjoy my time with my new mamas in peace!

    Francesca reached out to take me from Lithia. "Thank you for watching him, Lithia," she said warmly.

    Lithia handed me over gently, though I could see a trace of hesitation in her golden eyes. No, Lithia, don''t let go! Don''t give me back! Ugh, betrayal!

    As Francesca cuddled me close, I turned my head toward Lithia, my tiny arms reaching out dramatically. Lithia! My dark elf mama,e back! This isn''t over. I will taste your milk one day¡­ even if you don''t have any yet!

    "Javier seems to really like you, Lithia," Francesca remarked with a chuckle.

    Lithia smiled politely, though there was a flicker of amusement in her eyes. "He''s very attached, madam."

    "Of course, he''s attached," Francesca said proudly. "He''s a smart boy. He knows how kind and lovely you all are."

    Smart boy? More like desperate baby. I know quality when I see it.

    With a yful kiss on my cheek, Francesca began walking back toward the mansion. "Come on, Javier. Let''s have breakfast with your papa."

    Papa?! The dried plum? No! Send me back to my dark elf goddess and catfolk angel! I groaned internally, resigned to my fate.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 9 A Sweet Morning Surprise ( 9 )

    Javier slowly stirred awake, his tiny body nestled against the soft embrace of Liana, who was still peacefully asleep. Her silver hair framed her serene face, and her gentle breathing created a calmness in the room.

    But none of that mattered to him at the moment.

    "Ehehe..." Javier''s mischievous thoughts came alive as he realized his hunger was back. And conveniently, his "meal" was right there in front of him. "Time to dig in!"

    With clumsy movements, he reached for Liana chest. His tiny hands fumbled with the fabric of her dress, pulling it aside just enough to reveal his coveted prize. Hetched on eagerly, sucking with determination.

    Liana stirred slightly, murmuring something in her sleep. Her arms instinctively cradled him closer.

    "Oh sweet... so sweet..." Javier thought, relishing the taste. "Better than milk! Yummy!"

    He switched to the other side, greedily exploring both options. "This is the life," he thought smugly, fully enjoying his meal.

    Liana eyes fluttered open. She looked down and froze for a moment, realizing what was happening. Her pale cheeks flushed a deep pink.

    "Y-young master!" she stammered, her voice flustered but still quiet to avoid startling him. "You¡­ you can''t just¡ª"

    Javier, of course, didn''t stop. If anything, he doubled down, refusing to release his grip.

    Liana sighed in defeat, her face still red.

    "Madam Francesca is going to scold me again if she finds out¡­" she muttered to herself. "Young master, you truly are persistent."

    She gently patted his back, deciding it was better to let him finish before trying to reason with him. After all, he was just a baby¡ª she reminded herself, though his oddly determined behavior often made her question that.

    That''s right, Miss Liana. Just ept it. You''re officially my number one now!

    Liana jolted when she heard Lady Francesca''s voice echo from outside her room. "Liana, are you awake? Bring Javier; I need to speak with you."

    Her eyes widened as panic set in. She nced down at Javier, who was firmlytched onto her breast, his small hands gripping her dress as if dering, You''re not going anywhere.

    "Y-young master," she whispered frantically, trying to gently pry him away. "Please let go; Madam Francesca is calling!"

    Javier''s thoughts, however, were entirely different.

    I won''t let you go. Not a chance! If you try, I''ll bite!

    He held on tighter. The sweet taste he loved so much wasn''t something he was about to give up, not even for Francesca.@@novelbin@@

    Liana sighed, utterly defeated by javier stubbornness. "What am I going to do with you, young master..." she muttered before carefully standing up, cradling him to keep his grip steady.

    As she opened the door, Francesca raised an eyebrow at the sight of Liana looking flustered and Javier nestled against her chest, his tiny form suspiciously still.

    "What''s taking you so long?" Francesca asked, her gaze briefly flicking to Javier with a knowing smile.

    "I-I apologize, Madam," Liana stammered, her blush betraying her calm demeanor.

    "The young master¡­ refuses to let go."

    Francesca''s lips curled into a soft, amused smile. "Persistent, isn''t he? Well, that''s just like his father."

    Javier mentally rolled his eyes. Don''tpare me to that dried plum!

    Francesca gently ced a hand on Liana''s shoulder. "From today onward, you and Meira are officially assigned to take care of Javier. I trust you both to handle him well. He seems¡­ quite attached to you already," she said with a smirk, clearly noting Javier''s unrelenting grip.

    Liana''s eyes widened. "Madam, are you sure? I¡ª"

    "Yes, I''m sure," Francesca interrupted, her tone leaving no room for argument. "The little one has good taste, it seems. He''s chosen his caretakers well. Just¡­ try to avoid spoiling him too much."

    Javier grinned inwardly. Oh, I''ve already won. Meira, Liana¡ªyou''re officially my team now!

    Francesca gave a final nod and left, leaving Liana standing there, holding Javier with a mix of embarrassment and eptance.

    As Liana closed the door, she looked down at Javier, who had resumed his contented sucking. "You really are something else, young master," she said with a resigned smile, sitting back down to let him finish.

    Meira entered the room, her tail swaying in its usual lively rhythm. Spotting Liana sitting with Javiertched onto her breast, she chuckled softly. "Good afternoon, Miss Liana. Looks like our young master is keeping you busy again."

    Liana sighed, a mix of annoyance and amusement evident in her tone. "Busy doesn''t even begin to describe it, Meira. I don''t know what he sees in this... I don''t even have milk to offer, yet he''s so persistent. He even switches sides as if expecting something different each time."

    Meira''s ears twitched as her softughter filled the room. "That sounds like him already¡ªquite determined, isn''t he?" She stepped closer, her tail swaying with each step.

    Liana''s face turned pink as she tried to keep herposure. "M-Meira!"

    Meira leaned in with a yful smile, teasing, "Well, he certainly seems to enjoy it, doesn''t he?" She wagged her tail again and looked at Javier, who appeared utterly content.

    Javier, in his own thoughts, was grinning ear to ear. My second mama is here! Perfect timing!

    Meira crouched beside them, brushing a strand of her long hair back. "Madam Francesca asked me to assist you, so here I am. Anything you need, just let me know." Her tone was cheerful, and she seemed genuinely excited about her role.

    "Actually," Liana began, ncing down at Javier, "you might have to take over soon. He''s insatiable, and I haven''t even had a chance to get anything else done today."

    Meira smiled knowingly. "Oh, I''m sure he''ll be happy to switch over. He seems to enjoy having options."

    Javier, however, tightened his little grip on Liana dress, silently protesting. Wait, wait! I''m not done here yet!

    Liana sighed again, stroking his head gently. "Young master, you''re quite the handful, aren''t you?"

    Meira''sughter grew louder as her tail swished behind her. "Well, Miss Liana, looks like we''ll be working together to manage him. Better get used to it!"

    As the evening sun cast its warm glow over the estate, Javier satfortably in Meira''sp, asionally switching his gaze between her and Liana. His two caretakers shared quietughs, discussing thetest household updates and their shared duties.

    "Miss Liana," Meira said with a yful tone, her tail flicking lightly. "Our young master seems quite... attached to us, doesn''t he?"

    Liana gave a soft chuckle, adjusting her posture while keeping a watchful eye on Javier. "He''s certainly unlike the other children of Lord Garius. None of them were ever this... clingy." She sighed. "It''s strange, though. Lord Garius has always been strict about keeping maids out of the direct upbringing of his children. Yet, with Javier, it''spletely different."

    Meira nodded, her tail brushing Javier''s tiny feet, earning a soft giggle from him. "It must be Lady Francesca''s influence. She''s much more hands-on than the other wives. But still, breastfeeding from us? Even though it''s just forfort¡ªthis is unheard of."

    The door creaked open, and Lithia, the dark elf maid, entered gracefully. Her silver hair shimmered under the light, and her expression was calm yet warm. She greeted them with a soft bow. "I see our young master is still keeping the two of you busy."

    Liana nced at Lithia and nodded. "You''re just in time. Lady Francesca has officially assigned you to help us. With how energetic Javier is, we could certainly use an extra hand."

    Meira grinned. "Wee to the team, Lithia. Be prepared¡ªhe''s quite weird. And very persistent."

    Javier, listening intently, gave a mental cheer. Three beautifuldies to take care of me? This is heaven! Don''t worry, my lovely maids. When I grow up, I''ll make you all my wives. Ehehe!

    Lithia approached, gently brushing her fingers over Javier''s cheek. "Such a lively baby. I''ll do my best to assist."

    Javier looked up at her, his thoughts racing. "Dark elf mama, wee aboard! Don''t worry¡ªyou''re already on my list."

    As the evening progressed, the three maids worked to manage Javier''s energy, taking turns keeping him entertained, fed, andforted. The sight of them together¡ªan elf, a catfolk, and a dark elf¡ªwas a rare yet heartwarming one in the noble household.

    This arrangement was certainly umon,but in Javier''s mind, it was perfect.

    Three mamas, three beauties, all taking care of me. Life couldn''t get better than this.Ehehe

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 10 Playing the Useless Card ( 10 )

    The soft morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, illuminating Javier''s nursery-turned-bedroom. Now three years old, Javier was no longer confined to the crib. Instead, he roamed his space freely, a cheeky grin stered on his face as he plotted his day.

    Yosh! Time to start my morning routine! Javier thought, flexing his tiny fingers. Step one: locate my future wives. Step two: ensure my daily dose of breastfeed! Ehehehe.

    As he looked around, his thoughts shifted. He''d recently been sneaking peeks at books from the library. Though Junichi had been reborn in this body, his ability to read remained intact. He had been quietly studying, learning about mana and the basics of magic. He already suspected that his siblings'' talents in the blessing ceremony might give his family a much-needed boost.

    It had been three years since I was reborn into this world as Javier De Armand. Life as a noble child was far more entertaining than my previous life, and the perks? Oh, they were heavenly.

    I sat up in bed, stretching my arms. My legs dangled off the edge as I tested the strength in them. "Yosh! I can walk now!" I said to myself with a grin. That meant I could now go looking for my maids¡ªand more importantly, their divine treasures!

    I brushed a hand through my tousled hair and gave myself a mental pat on the back. I wasn''t just any three-year-old, after all. I was a three-year-old with refined tastes, thanks to Liana, Meira, and Lithia.

    As I wandered the estate halls in search of them, I couldn''t help but overhear some maids chatting nearby.

    "Did you hear? Both Marcellus and Cedric passed their blessing ceremonies," one of them said.

    "Yes, Marcellus as a wizard and Cedric as a swordmaster! Lord Garius must be so proud. He''s been in a good moodtely," replied another.

    I rolled my eyes. Good for them, I guess. But who cares about that when there''s milk to drink?

    Shaking my head at their priorities, I continued my mission.

    "Good morning, young master," Meira chirped. "Hungry?"

    Javier tilted his head, feigning innocence. "Where''s Miss Liana?"

    Meira chuckled. "She''s helping Lady Francesca this morning. But I''m here, soe eat, young master."

    Javier pouted, crossing his arms. No Liana? No Lithia? Fine, Meira. You''re still at the top of my list!

    After a hearty breakfast, Javier slipped away, heading toward his stash of books hidden beneath a loose floorboard in his room. He pulled out a tome on mana maniption, flipping through the pages with practiced ease.

    "Control mana like breathing, huh?" he muttered, his tiny hands glowing faintly with an unstable blue hue. "Easy for me!"

    Before he could dive further into practice, the door opened again, and this time, Lithia stepped in, her darkplexion glowing softly in the sunlight. "Young master, Lady Francesca wishes to see you in the courtyard."

    Javier''s face lit up. Dark Elf Mama! Bless you, Lithia!

    As Lithia scooped him up in her arms, Javier couldn''t resist leaning into her breast. He gazed at her neckline mischievously, his inner thoughts racing. Hmm¡­ after this, it''s definitely time for my afternoon drink. Lithia, prepare yourself. Ehehehe!

    When they arrived at the courtyard, Lady Francesca stood gracefully by a fountain, her aura radiating elegance. She turned to Javier, smiling.

    "My dear Javier, even at three, you''re as lively as ever," Francesca said, her tone amused. "Have you been practicing anything interesting, young one?"

    Javier grinned innocently. "Just reading, Mama. And... can I have milk now?"

    Francescaughed softly. "Oh, Javier. Some things never change."

    Javier''s eyes darted between his mother and Lithia, wondering which of his future wives would indulge him next. As the afternoon sun shone brightly, the young master plotted his next move.

    Breastfeed might be a must, but mastering manaes next. Let''s conquer one goal at a time, starting with my lovely mamas!

    Javier sat with a mischievous grin, carefully concealing his true thoughts behind the mask of an innocent, clueless three-year-old.

    Hehehe, no one will ever know I''ve already cracked the basics of magic. Reading heavy books, understanding mana flow, and even practicing spells in secret? That''s for me and me alone. I''ll keep pretending to be the useless third son. Less pressure, more freedom. Besides, I already did my time in school back in Japan.

    "Javier, what are you thinking about?" Lady Francesca asked, noticing the slight smirk on her son''s face.

    Javier quickly switched to his best innocent look. "Oh, nothing, Mama. Just thinking how cool my brothers are with their wizard and swordmaster sses."

    Francesca smiled warmly and stroked his hair. "You''re special too, Javier. I''m sure you''ll have your own incredible blessing when the timees."

    Inside, though, I''m staying far away from any noble school. Do you know how much effort that is? Kindergartens, high schools, universities¡ªbeen there, done that. I don''t need another round of lectures and rules. I''ve got better things to do, like nursing from my lovely mamas.

    "I don''t know, Mama," Javier said, feigning a downcast expression. "I don''t have talent like my brothers."

    Francesca frowned. "Javier, that''s not true¡ª"

    Before she could continue, the butler entered the room, bowing politely. "Lady Francesca, Lord Garius requests your presence. He wishes to discuss the formal noble party you''ll be attending."

    "Ah, yes. Thank you," Francesca replied before turning back to Javier. "Javier, be a good boy and stay with Miss Liana, alright? If you need food or... anything else, just ask her."

    Javier nodded obediently. "Okay, Mama."

    As soon as Francesca left the room, Javier spun to face Liana, his small hands reaching up in a familiar gesture.

    "Miss Liana... chu chu..." he said, making little kissing sounds to signal his intent for breastfeeding.

    Liana''s cheeks flushed as she stumbled back a step. "Ehh!? Young master, again?!"

    Javier grinned widely. Hehehe, time for my sweet elven nectar. You can''t resist me, Miss Liana!

    Liana sighed, knowing the young master was unusually persistent. "Alright, alright. But this is thest time today, okay?"

    "Okay!" Javier said cheerfully, though his inner thoughts betrayed his promise. Heh, yeah, sure, Miss Liana. Let''s see how long that rulests.

    As Liana gently picked him up, Javier couldn''t help but chuckle inside. Stay under the radar, enjoy life, and bask in the care of these beautiful women. Life in this world really isn''t so bad.

    Liana sighed as she sat down, cradling Javier in her arms. "You''re such a demanding little one, young master," she said softly, her voice filled with a mix of amusement and exasperation. Slowly, she adjusted her dress to let him nurse, her pointed ears twitching slightly.

    "Ehehe, why should this be thest time?" Javier thought to himself as hetched on eagerly. If I can, I want this to continue until we''re married! My precious Liana... you''re already at the top of my list!

    The sweet, nectar-like taste filled his mouth, a unique sensation that sent his mind reeling every time. It''s better than milk. No, it''s better than anything. And most importantly...

    He paused for a moment in his thoughts, his tiny hands gripping her gently. Lithia doesn''t have it, even if she''s a dark elf. I already tried with other elves maid too, and none of them have this special sweetness. Liana, you''re one of a kind.

    Liana gazed at him, her expression softening. "You seem so happy whenever I feed you... but really, young master, what am I going to do with you? You''re growing up, yet you cling to me like this."

    Javier closed his eyes, savoring the moment. Growing up or not, I''ll never let go. You''ll see, Liana. One day, I''ll make you mine. This world''s rules about maids and masters don''t mean anything to me.

    Liana chuckled softly, brushing her fingers over his soft hair. "You''re such a peculiar child... but I suppose it''s not so bad. You''re sweet, in your own way."@@novelbin@@

    Javier''s inner voice practically shouted with glee. Sweet? Oh, Liana, if only you knew... I''m going to make you my sweetest treasure. This bond we have? It''s just the beginning. Ehehehe.

    As the peaceful moment stretched on, Javier feltpletely at ease. The warmth of her embrace, the unique taste that only she could provide¡ªit was enough to make him forget everything else.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 11 A Step Towards Nobility ( 11 )

    The news about the noble party spread quickly among the household staff. Lord Garius, or as Javier liked to call him, "the dried plum," and Lady Francesca were preparing for a significant gathering. Javier, overhearing snippets of conversation from his maids and eavesdropping during quiet moments, pieced together the purpose of this event.

    "So, it''s official then," he mused internally while ying with Meira''s tail. "The dried plum gets a shiny new rank because of my brothers. From Baron to Viscount¡ªtwo ranks in one go, all thanks to Marcellus and Cedric."

    Marcellus, the eldest at 14 years old, had been appraised with the Wizard ss¡ªan exceptional one known for its versatility in magic. Cedric, now 13 years old, earned the Swordmaster ss¡ªabat prodigy blessed with unmatched talent in the de. Together, their aplishments meant an increase innd and influence for the De Armand family.

    "That''s great for you, dried plum. Morend, more headaches." Javier smirked to himself. "As for me, I''ll stay under the radar. No need to show off or get involved in this noble politics nonsense."

    He had noticed the stark differences in treatment between himself and his siblings. While each of his brothers was assigned six maids and a training butler¡ªa personal aide skilled inbat¡ªhe only had three maids: Meira, Liana, and Lithia.

    "Not that I''mining," he thought with a grin. "Three beautiful maids are more than enough for me. Especially when one of them gives me the good stuff... Ehehehe."

    As Javiery in his crib, pretending to nap while Liana cleaned his room, he contemted the structure of the noble hierarchy.

    Let''s see... it''s something like this, right?

    Kingdom: King, Queen, Prince, and Princess

    Archduke

    Duke

    Marquess

    High Count

    Count

    Viscount

    High Baron

    Baron

    Low Baron

    The De Armand family had started at the near bottom rank as a Baron household but was now on the cusp of entering mid-tier nobility. "A Viscount... huh. If things keep going well, the dried plum could reach Count in another decade or two," he thought.

    But Javier was in no hurry to help with that. "Let the others y their little games of power. I''ve already lived through the grind of life back in Japan¡ªschool, work, all that nonsense. If I can stay in the background, enjoy the perks of being nobility without the responsibilities... that''s the dream."

    Next year, it would be the turn of Lady Garcinia''s eldest son, Aelius, and Lady Phenelopie''s only child, Heres, to attend their blessing ceremonies.@@novelbin@@

    "Good luck to them," Javier thought with a yawn. "The more the dried plum''s kids get blessed, the higher his rank climbs... and the more I get to stay out of the spotlight. Works for me."

    As the sound of Meira and Lithia''s chatter reached his ears from the hallway, Javier closed his eyes and smiled. "But first... where''s Liana? I need my afternoon ''snack.'' Ehehehe."

    Javier crossed his little arms and pouted as he sat on the soft cushion in Liana''s room. "As long as they don''t take my wives away, I''m fine with all this rank climbing," he muttered under his breath.

    His "wives" were his greatest treasures¡ªMeira, Liana, and Lithia. Sure, they weren''t officially his yet, but that was only a matter of time. No one, not even his older brothers or step-siblings, was allowed to im them.

    "They''re all mine," Javier whispered, determination burning in his small but cunning eyes.

    Just then, Meira entered the room, her tail swaying with every step. She carried a tray with snacks and tea for herself and Liana. Her bright demeanor instantly lifted Javier''s mood.

    "Meira, where are you going next?" he asked, feigning innocence but already scheming.

    "Hmm? Oh, I was thinking of visiting the library," Meira replied, setting the tray down.

    Javier''s eyes sparkled. "Really? Can I join? I''ve never been to the library before!"

    Meira tilted her head, a bit unsure. "Well... Madam Francesca and Lord Garius will be attending the noble party for two or three days. So maybe it''s okay, as long as we''re careful."

    "Thank you, Meira!" Javier beamed, standing up on wobbly legs and toddling toward her.

    Meira chuckled and patted his head gently. "Alright, young master. But you have to promise to behave in the library, okay? No running around or pulling books off the shelves."

    "Of course," Javier said with his most angelic smile, already nning to do exactly the opposite.

    The library was a grand room filled with rows of tall bookshelves, reaching all the way to the ceiling. To Javier, it felt like stepping into a treasure trove of knowledge. His eyes darted around, scanning the countless leather-bound tomes.

    "Wow," he whispered, genuinely impressed. "So many books..."

    Meira watched him with an amused smile as she busied herself arranging a few books that had been misced.

    Javier wandered over to a section with books written in an ancientnguage. His eyes narrowed as he pretended to struggle with the letters, but in truth, he could already read fluently thanks to his past life.

    Perfect, he thought. If I''m going to learn how to control mana and practice magic, I need to do it secretly. No one can know I''m actually capable. Better to let everyone think I''m just a useless little kid.

    As Meira turned her back, Javier pulled out a small book on basic mana theory and tucked it under his shirt. He''d read itter in the safety of his crib.

    For now, though, his focus shifted back to Meira, who was climbing a smalldder to ce a book on a higher shelf. His mischievous grin returned as he toddled over to her.

    "Meira," he called sweetly.

    She looked down at him. "Yes, young master?"

    "Can you read me a story?" he asked, shing her his most innocent look.

    Meira chuckled and climbed down from thedder. "Of course. Which one do you want to hear?"

    Javier pointed to a random book, not caring about the content. As long as he could spend more time with his future wife, that was all that mattered.

    "Ehehe," he thought to himself as Meira sat down and opened the book. "They''re all mine."

    The night cover the estate in silence, save for the asional crackle of the magic torches lining the hallways. With Francesca and the others away at the noble party, Junichi¡ªreborn as Javier ¡ªhad the perfect opportunity to indulge in his secret ambitions.

    Hey in his crib in Liana''s room, feigning sleep while the elf hummed softly to herself, preparing for bed. As her light footsteps faded and the room fell still, Javier opened one eye.

    Hehehe, it''s my time now.

    Sliding quietly out of his crib, he tiptoed across the room, careful not to wake Liana. His tiny form slipped through the door, and he crept down the dimly lit hallways, his heart racing with excitement.

    The library wasn''t far, but the journey felt like a grand adventure to Javier. The shadows flickered on the stone walls, but he paid them no mind. His thoughts were focused entirely on the wealth of knowledge waiting for him.

    Finally, he reached the heavy wooden door of the library. Pushing it open just enough to slip through, he stepped inside and closed it softly behind him. The room was pitch ck, but that didn''t bother him.

    Javier held out his small hand, channeling mana into his palm. A soft, pale glow emanated from his hand¡ªenough to light the immediate area without drawing attention.

    Perfect.

    He scanned the shelves, eyes glinting with determination. Most of the books were far out of his reach, but he didn''t mind. He focused on the lower shelves, running his fingers over the spines until he found one that intrigued him.

    Pulling the book free, he settled onto a small cushion in the corner of the room. The glow from his palm illuminated the pages as he began to read.

    The book was about mana maniption, a foundational text for aspiring mages. Javier smirked.

    This is exactly what I need. If I master mana now, I''ll be leagues ahead of everyone else. No need for tutors or fancy ceremonies.

    As he read, he practiced the techniques described, quietly channeling mana through his body. It was challenging, especially with his small, undeveloped frame, but Javier''s determination drove him forward.

    The hours slipped by unnoticed as he absorbed the book''s teachings. His mana control improved with each attempt, the glowing light in his palm steady and bright.

    Eventually, a soft creak outside the library door startled him. He extinguished the glow in an instant, plunging the room into darkness.

    Who could that be at this hour?

    The door opened slowly, and Javier held his breath, pressing himself against the shelves. A familiar figure stepped inside, holding a smallntern.

    "Javier?" Meira''s soft voice called out, her tail swishing behind her. "Are you in here? I thought I saw you sneaking around earlier..."

    Javier sighed in relief, stepping into thentern''s glow.

    "Meira! You scared me!" he whispered, putting on his most innocent face.

    She knelt down, her golden eyes narrowing. "What are you doing here? You''re supposed to be in bed!"

    "I... I couldn''t sleep," Javier mumbled, clutching the book behind his back.

    Meira sighed, her tail flicking. "You''re going to get in trouble if the madam or Lord Garius finds out you''re wandering around at night."

    She lifted him effortlessly, tucking him against her shoulder.

    "Let''s go back to bed, young master," she said firmly.

    Javier pouted but didn''t resist. Guess I''ll have toe back tomorrow night.

    As Meira carried him back to Liana''s room, Javier''s mind raced with ns. He''d tasted the thrill of discovery, and nothing¡ªnot even his doting maids¡ªwould stop him from mastering his magic in secret.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 12 Hidden Hierarchies ( 12 )

    Javier sulked in his highchair, his toddler features carefully masking the storm raging in his mind. The dining hall buzzed with the return of the noble party. Lord Garius, the dried plum, sat at the head of the table, exuding a self-satisfied air in his new silver-trimmed uniform.

    The family''s newly polished silver emblem gleamed on his chest¡ªa testament to the family''s rise in rank.

    Silver now, huh? Good for you, dried plum. One step closer to shining in the sun like a raisin, Javier thought, snickering internally.

    The dinner itself was uneventful at first. tes were served, maids bustled about, and the siblings chatted among themselves. As always, the eldest and second sons, Marcellus and Cedric, drew the most attention. Lady Francesca personally ensured their tes were full and their sses never empty, beaming with pride.

    Javier, meanwhile, had his usual entourage of three maids: Liana, Meira, and Lithia. He was perfectly content, nning his next nightly escape to the library¡ªuntil Francesca''s words shattered his peace.

    "Miera, Lithia," Francesca began with her usualposed tone, "starting tomorrow, you will be assigned to assist Marcellus and Cedric, respectively. They are at critical stages of their studies and training. They''ll need your help."

    The maids exchanged nces before bowing in unison. "Yes, Madam."

    Javier''s fork froze mid-air. His mind reeled, the words echoing painfully.

    What? No, no, no... This isn''t happening.

    Francesca turned to Liana. "Liana, you will remain dedicated to Javier. He''s still young and needs close care. Handle him well."@@novelbin@@

    "Yes, Madam," Liana replied, her expression calm as always.

    Javier clenched his fists under the table. Just Liana? ONLY Liana?! Are you kidding me?

    His thoughts spiraled into despair. Meira, my second mama, gone. Lithia, my kind third mama, gone. Both stolen by those two brothers of mine. WHY?!

    He could feel his chest tightening, but he kept his face nk. Francesca nced at him briefly and smiled, as if to reassure him. It only made him more upset.

    Dinner dragged on, each bite tasteless to Javier. When the meal finally ended, the family dispersed to their rooms, leaving Javier with Liana. She carried him back to her room, her steps light and unbothered.

    Sensing his mood, Liana nced down at him. "Young Master, you''ve been quiet tonight. Are you feeling well?"

    Javier pouted, burying his face against her shoulder. "I''m fine," he muttered.

    Fine? No, I''m not fine! My beautiful mamas were just snatched away! This isn''t fair!

    Back in Liana''s room, sheid him gently in his crib. "Rest now, Javier. You''ve had a long day."

    But as she turned to leave, Javier reached out and grabbed her sleeve.

    "Liana..." he said softly.

    "Yes?"

    "You won''t leave me too, right?"

    Her stern elf face softened, and for the first time that night, Javier felt a hint offort.

    "I cant promise," she said, stroking his hair. "But I''m here for you."

    Javier sighed, closing his eyes. For now, at least, Liana was still his.Assign for him,only for him

    No one takes her. Not even my brothers.

    Javier looked up at Liana with his best pleading expression, his big toddler eyes shining with faux innocence. "Can I sleep with you? Please?"

    Liana''s expression softened, her usual calm demeanor now tinged with a gentle smile. "Of course, Young Master. Come here."

    She lifted him from the crib and held him close, her hands steady and warm. Javier nestled into her arms, letting out a small, triumphant heh.

    One step closer to securing my number one spot with Liana. Those dried plums and their schemes can''t stop me.

    What Javier didn''t realize was that Liana''s smile held a secret¡ªa bittersweet eptance of her current position. Among the household maids, serving the lord of the house directly was the highest honor, followed by attending to thedy or madam. Being assigned to care for the eldest or second sons, who carried the family''s hopes, was prestigious too. But being tasked to care exclusively for the youngest child, especially one not yet of notable status like Javier, was considered a demotion.

    Still, Liana didn''t mind. She had seen theplex web of politics and power struggles within noble households. While others may have viewed this role as a step down, she found peace in it. Attending to Javier meant fewer eyes scrutinizing her every move.

    And, in truth, she''d grown fond of him.

    As Liana settled into her bed, sheid Javier beside her. He snuggled closer, his tiny hands clutching at her sleeve. "Liana?"

    "Yes, Young Master?"

    "You won''t leave me like Meira and Lithia, will you?" His voice was quiet,ced with vulnerability he rarely showed.

    Liana hesitated, brushing a lock of hair from his face. "No, I won''t leave you."

    Javier grinned, his face pressed against her shoulder. "Good. You''re now my favorite."

    Liana chuckled softly. "You''re quite the charmer, aren''t you?"

    You have no idea, Javier thought, smirking inside.

    As the room fell into afortable silence, Liana watched her young master slowly drift to sleep. She could tell he was clever, more so than any child his age had any right to be. His antics, his sudden silences, the way he observed everything around him¡ªit all hinted at a mind far sharper than he let on.

    For now, though, she kept those thoughts to herself. After all, being assigned to Javier meant she could witness what made him unique. Whether it was a demotion or not didn''t matter anymore.

    Liana adjusted herself on the bed, cradling Javier gently. She tilted her head, observing him with a soft, almost maternal expression. "You want to breastfeed, Young Master?"

    Javier''s eyes lit up instantly, his excitement concealed behind a practiced, innocent smile. "Really? Yes, I want to!"

    She chuckled at his enthusiasm, patting his cheek lightly. "Alright,e here then."

    Javier wasted no time, crawling closer to her. Liana, alwaysposed, adjusted her blouse, revealing just enough to cradle himfortably against her chest. Her movements were graceful, deliberate, as though this had be second nature to her.

    Javiertched on with a contented sigh, a warm sense of satisfaction washing over him.

    This is the life!. Liana, you''re my number one now.

    Meanwhile, Liana observed him quietly, stroking his hair as he nestled against her. There was something peculiar about him¡ªan unspoken maturity beneath the surface, though she couldn''t quite put her finger on it.

    "You''re always so eager," she teased lightly, her voice barely above a whisper.

    Javier gave her a sleepy grin in response, his energy finally starting to fade. "That''s because you''re special."

    Liana''s heart softened at the words. She leaned back against the pillow, her mind briefly wandering. Despite her position in the household hierarchy, moments like this made her feel important in a different way¡ªcherished, even.

    "Alright, Young Master, settle down now," she murmured.

    Javier''s breathing slowed as he nestled closer against Liana. Even as his small body rxed, his mind stayed active.

    Don''t worry, Liana. I want you, and I will always want you, he mused, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. For me, for the current me, and for the future me. For our future.

    The resolve in his heart felt unshakable. He didn''t care for the noble rankings, the parties, or even the expectations ced upon him. What he cared about was the bond he shared with Liana¡ªa bond he was determined to protect.

    Liana, oblivious to his inner thoughts, continued to stroke his hair gently. She gazed down at his serene expression, her own heart feeling a strange warmth she couldn''t quite exin.

    "You''re such a curious little one," she whispered softly, her voice barely audible in the quiet room. "But¡­ I''m d to be here for you."

    As Javier drifted further into sleep, hisst conscious thought lingered on Liana''s warmth and the promise he silently made to himself.

    No matter what happens, Liana, I''ll make sure you stay by my side.

    And with that, the room fell silent, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight, a quiet promise binding them in the stillness of the night.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 14 Dried Plum and the Mischievous Son ( 14 )

    Javier casually leaned back in his chair, his small finger digging into his nose as he watched his esteemed father¡ªLord Garius, or as he fondly called him in his mind, "the dried plum"¡ªcontinue his tirade.

    "No! You won''t get any permission from me!" the old man shout, mming his hand on the table for emphasis. "Neither will anyone else in this family give you permission! How do you expect to learn anything when all you do is waste time?"

    Javier yawned, his expressionpletely unbothered. "Hmm? Are you done, dried plum?" he muttered, flicking his gaze toward his siblings, who were sitting smugly with their noses in the air. His eldest brother, Marcellus, puffed out his chest as if to say, Look how perfect I am.

    Cedric, the second son, leaned back with a smirk that screamed, I''m the swordmaster prodigy, and you''re not.

    Even his step-siblings looked down at him like he was some charity case unworthy of their presence. Oh, how he wanted to wipe those smug looks off their faces one day. But for now, he had a role to y.

    "Javier!" Lord Garius snapped, his face turning a darker shade of red. "Stop with that rude posture and answer me properly!"

    Still digging his finger into his nose, Javier responded in a bored tone, "Esteemed father, as the youngest son, my duty is to observe and learn. And what better way to learn than through real-life experience?"

    His casual tone earned him a sharp re from Francesca, his mother, who was seated gracefully across the table. She didn''t speak, but the subtle pinch of her brows told him to tread carefully.

    Lord Garius sneered, leaning closer. "Real-life experience? Ha! Don''t make meugh. What do you hope to learn from wandering around like somemoner? You are nobility. You should be studying, training, and preparing for your future blessing ceremony!"

    Javier sighed dramatically, removing his finger from his nose and flicking it away with mock elegance. "Ah, yes, the blessing ceremony," he said with exaggerated reverence. "How could I forget the grand event that determines my future ss? Perhaps I''ll be a humble farmer, like the ones who actually work hard to support this household. Surely that would be a noble pursuit, wouldn''t you agree, esteemed father?"

    A silence fell over the table, broken only by the muffled giggles of one of his step-siblings. Marcellus and Cedric, however, both looked ready to explode withughter or rage¡ªit was hard to tell which.

    "You insolent child!" Lord Garius bellowed, rising to his feet. "How dare you mock your heritage in front of the family!"

    Javier leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm, his golden eyes glinting with a mischievous light. "I''m not mocking, Father. I''m merely exploring all possible oues. Isn''t that what you want? A son who considers every option?"

    The sarcasm in his voice was as thick , and Lord Garius looked like he was about to pop a vein.

    "Enough!" Francesca''s voice cut through the tension like a de. She ced her fork down delicately and turned to Javier with a calm but firm expression. "Javier, apologize to your father."

    Javier met her gaze, his yful smirk softening slightly. "Of course, Mother," he said smoothly, bowing his head. "My deepest apologies, esteemed father.."

    Lord Garius huffed, sinking back into his chair. "Hmph. See to it that it doesn''t happen again. And forget about leaving the estate. You''ll stay here and focus on your studies, just like the rest of your siblings."

    Javier nodded,but inside, he was already nning his next move. Dried plum, you''ll see. I don''t need anyone''s permission to do what I want.

    As the dinner concluded, and the family began to leave the dining room, Javier lingered behind, his mischievous grin returning.

    "Liana," he whispered as his maid approached to escort him back to his quarters.

    "Yes, Young Master?" she replied softly, her keen eyes catching the glint in his.

    "Pack some snacks and a cloak," he whispered, his grin widening. "We''re going on an adventure tomorrow."

    Liana frowned, crossing her arms as she looked down at Javier. "No, Young Master. I don''t want you sneaking out. Do you know how much trouble I''ll be in if Lord Garius finds out? If I pack lunch for you, it''s as good as admitting I helped!"

    Javier tilted his head, giving her his most innocent smile. "Oh,e now, Liana. Who said anything about sneaking? It''s just a little walk. Nothing dangerous."

    She raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "You''ve been talking about ''adventuring'' for weeks now. I know exactly what you''re nning, and the answer is no."

    Inside his mind, Javier chuckled to himself. Heh, who needs food anyway? Hunting sounds more fun. He nced at Liana, pretend to be disappointed. "Alright, alright, You win, Liana."

    Her expression softened, but she didn''t rxpletely. "Good. Now, let''s get you to bed before you get any more wild ideas."

    Javier obediently followed her out of the dining room, a sly grin tugging at the corner of his lips. As they walked down the dimly lit hallway, his mind raced with ns. Let her think I''m giving up. Tomorrow, the adventure begins. Hunting my own food, experiencing the real world... This is going to be fun.

    When they reached his quarters, Liana helped him get ready for bed, her stern expression still lingering. "You promised, Young Master. No sneaking out."

    Javier nodded, looking as earnest as he could manage. "Yes..yes."

    She gave him onest skeptical look before tucking him in. "Good night, Young Master.And don''t cause trouble."

    As soon as the door closed behind her, Javier smirked, his eyes glinting in the moonlight. Don''t cause trouble? Oh, Liana, you know me better than that.

    --

    The early morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of dew and earth as Javier slipped past the mansion gates. His invisibility skill cloaked him perfectly, rendering him undetectable to the guards stationed nearby. A triumphant grin spread across his face as he darted into the open road, feeling the exhrating rush of freedom.

    "Hehe, time to explore!" Javier whispered to himself.

    With a flick of his wrist, he activated his wind magic, enhancing his speed. The world around him blurred as he dashed forward, the thrill of breaking free coursing through his veins. The road stretched ahead, winding towards the nearby vige, its outline barely visible in the dim pre-dawn light.

    "Who needs a weapon when I''ve got this?" Javier murmured, flexing his fingers.@@novelbin@@

    A faint glow emanated from his palm as he gathered mana. The familiar warmth of his wind magic filled him, ready to unleash at a moment''s notice. He smirked at the thought of encountering a monster. Let''s see what''s out here.

    The forest lining the road loomed dark and mysterious, the faint rustling of leaves hinting at unseen creatures. Javier''s heightened senses picked up distant sounds¡ªchirping crickets, hooting owls, and the asional snap of a twig.

    Suddenly, a low growl echoed from the underbrush to his left. Javier stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing as he turned toward the sound.

    "Alright," he said, cracking his knuckles, "time for some action,ehehehe!"

    From the shadows emerged a wolf-like creature, its fur bristling and eyes glowing a menacing red. Its sharp teeth gleamed in the faint light as it snarled, stepping closer.

    "Looks like I found my first challenge," Javier said, a confident smirk ying on his lips. He raised his glowing hand, wind swirling around him in anticipation.

    The wolf lunged, and with a swift motion, Javier unleashed a gust of wind that knocked the creature back into the bushes.

    "Too easy," he chuckled, brushing off his hands.

    But then, more growls sounded from the forest, and a pair of glowing red eyes became a dozen. Javier''s smirk widened. "Oh, so you brought friends huh. Even better!!! Ehehehehe"

    His mana surged as he prepared for the fight, his excitement building. This is going to be more fun than I thought.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 17 Caught Between Laughter and Chaos ( 17 )

    Liana chased after Javier with surprising speed, her maid''s uniform flowing as she sprinted through the marketce. The vigers chuckled at the scene, their surprise evident. It was rare to see a noble child so carefree and yful, a stark contrast to the stern andposed heirs who had visited the vige in the past.

    "Young Master! Get back here!" Liana''s voice rang out, determined yet tinged with exasperation.

    "Ehehehe..." Javierughed, weaving through the market stalls, his mischievous grin never fading.

    Finally, Liana managed to grab hold of his shirt, halting his escape. Javier stopped, a yful smirk on his face, and raised both hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay, my sweetheart, you caught me."

    Liana, slightly out of breath, red at him, her face a mixture of exhaustion and exasperation. "Young Master! How could you¡ª!"

    Before she could finish her sentence, Javier pulled out a small cup of cold juice and handed it to her with a charming smile. "Here you go, sweetheart," he said smoothly, his tone yful.

    Liana blinked in surprise, momentarily caught off guard by the gesture. A soft smile tugged at her lips as she epted the juice. "You''re impossible, Young Master." She sipped the juice, the cool sweetness refreshing after her sprint.

    Javier tilted his head, his grin widening. "So, can we at least walk around before heading home? Just for a bit?"

    Liana sighed, lowering the cup. Her eyes softened as she looked at the boy¡ªno, the young lord¡ªwho, despite his endless mischief, always managed to win her over. "Fine," she relented, shaking her head. "But only for a little while."

    Javier''s face lit up, and he took a few yful steps forward, gesturing for her to follow. "Thanks, Let''s go!"

    Liana could only smile as she followed after him, quietly marveling at how effortlessly he could charm his way into her good graces. The vigers who watched them chuckled warmly, charmed by the bond between the noble''s youngest son and his ever-loyal maid.

    Liana apanied Javier as they strolled through the vige, her eyes ever-watchful. "Young Master, don''t try to run off again," she said firmly, ncing at him.

    "Shall we hold hands, then?" Javier asked with a cheeky grin, his golden eyes sparkling with mischief.

    Liana sighed, knowing resistance was futile. "Here," she relented, extending her hand toward him.

    Javier took her hand eagerly, his grip warm and secure. Liana''s breath caught momentarily¡ªhis hand felt bigger than hers, and as she looked up at him, she realized just how much he''d grown. Despite his young age, he now stood taller than her, his demeanor a curious blend of childlike enthusiasm and mature confidence.

    They strolled through the bustling streets, hand in hand, while Javier marveled at the sights. Liana, meanwhile, couldn''t help but admire how he carried himself. Despite his mischievous nature, Javier had a way of making people feelfortable, telling stories and charming everyone he met.

    Suddenly, Javier''s face lit up, and he pointed excitedly. "Ohhhhh!!! What is that?!"

    "Where?" Liana asked, scanning the area as he tugged at her hand.

    "That bird! That big bird! Ohhh!!!" His voice brimmed with excitement.

    Following his gaze, Liana spotted what he was pointing at. Arge, feathered creature was pecking at the ground near a farm. She sighed. "That''s a Pekko, a monster bird often used to pull carriages or as mounts. But taming one is no small feat."

    "But there! There''s a whole flock of them!" Javier eximed, releasing her hand and dashing toward the farm.

    "Young Master!" Liana called after him, exhaling deeply. "Sigh... This Young Master..." She shook her head and followed, watching as he approached an older man tending to the Pekkos.

    "Excuse me, old man! How much for that monster bird?!" Javier asked, his excitement evident.

    The farmer turned to him, eyes narrowing slightly before noticing Liana standing a few paces behind, her maid uniform bearing the emblem of the viscount''s household. Realizing the young man before him was likely the viscount''s youngest son, he straightened up immediately.

    "Ah, good day, Young Master. How can I assist you?" the farmer asked with a polite tone.@@novelbin@@

    Javier waved dismissively. "Geh, old man, enough with the formalities! Just tell me¡ªhow much for that bird monster?!"

    The farmer chuckled at the boy''s straightforwardness. "A Pekko like that? Well, they''re not exactly cheap, Young Master. Untamed ones start at 15 gold coins. Fully trained ones cost much more."

    Javier''s eyes widened as he turned to Liana, his expression a mixture of astonishment and determination. "Fifteen gold?! Liana, I need one of these!"

    Liana pinched the bridge of her nose, suppressing a smile. "Young Master, please don''t make any rash purchases."

    "But look at them! Imagine me riding one of these into the estate¡ªso cool!" Javier spun around dramatically, already envisioning himself atop one of the massive birds.

    "Perhaps you should ask your father before making such a purchase," Liana suggested, tugging gently on his sleeve to steer him away.

    "Ugh, dried plum would just say no," Javier muttered, pouting but letting himself be led back.

    The farmerughed softly, watching the pair leave. "Quite the lively Young Master you''ve got there," he said to Liana.

    "You have no idea," she replied with a small smile, as Javier continued to chatter excitedly about someday owning a Pekko.

    "Can I at least try riding one? Ehehehe!" Javier asked with a mischievous grin.

    "No can do, Young Master!" Liana said firmly, crossing her arms. "What if you get hurt?"

    "Well, that''s what experience is for, right? Ehehe." Javier turned back to the farmer. "Hey, old man, let me try riding one!"

    Before the farmer could answer, Liana raised her voice. "Young Master. No!"

    But Javier, being his usual self, didn''t listen. With a mischievous chuckle, he vaulted over the fence. "Ehehehe¡­" he giggled, sneaking up to one of the Pekkos. He stroked its feathery head gently, the bird tilting its head to look at him curiously.

    "Young Master!!!" Liana shouted, panic creeping into her voice.

    "Rx, Liana, look¡ªit likes me!" Javier grinned, patting the Pekko as it squawked softly. Without missing a beat, he mbered onto its back, bncing himself on its broad feathered body.

    "Young Master, get down this instant!"

    "Yeahhh!!" Javier whooped, ignoring her. The Pekko, startled but not hostile, began trotting in circles. Its pace picked up as Javier shifted his weight, and soon it was running around the pen with him on its back, feathers pping in the breeze.

    "I''m a thief! Hand over your loot, or I''ll take your lives!" Javier shouted dramatically, mimicking a bandit with exaggerated gestures. He pretended to wield an invisible sword, pointing it at imaginary enemies while the Pekko squawked and bucked yfully beneath him.

    The vigers gathered, chuckling at the spectacle.

    "Young Master, stop this nonsense!" Liana yelled, running along the fence, her face a mix of exasperation and concern.

    "Never! The mighty thief Javier is unstoppable! Hand over your treasures!" he dered,ughing as the Pekko responded to his yful energy by spinning and hopping.

    The crowd burst intoughter, watching theedic scene of a noble boy pretending to be a bandit atop a Pekko that seemed equally as enthusiastic.

    Finally, after a particrly sharp turn, Javier nearly lost his bnce, clinging to the Pekko''s neck. "Whoa, okay, maybe slow down, big guy!" he said,ughing breathlessly.

    Liana had had enough. She climbed over the fence and marched toward him, her face red with frustration.

    "Young Master, I swear¡ª!"

    Before she could finish, the Pekko stopped abruptly, and Javier slid off with a triumphant grin. "See? Easy peasy! No harm done!" He spread his arms dramatically.

    "No harm done?!" Liana grabbed his ear, tugging him away from the Pekko. "What if you''d fallen? Or been trampled?! What would Lord Garius say then?"

    "Probably something about how I''m not like my perfect brothers," Javier muttered, rubbing his ear but still smirking.

    The farmerughed heartily. "He''s got guts, I''ll give him that."

    "You''re not helping!" Liana shot back, dragging Javier toward the gate.

    "Ehehehe¡­ Totally worth it," Javier said under his breath, shing a thumbs-up to the chuckling crowd as Liana hauled him away.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 19 The Mischievous Hunter ( 19 )

    "Ehehehe... this is a great catch," Javier said to himself, standing in a forest clearing filled with monster bodies.

    "There are a lot of monsters here. Soon, I''ll have enough for that Pekko ."

    The forest near the manor was full of beasts, perfect for Javier hunting trip. He wiped the sweat from his forehead. The air smelled strongly of blood and the earthy scent of the monsters he had defeated.

    "Now... time to put these into my magic storage." heughed, moving his fingers as glowing symbols appeared in the air. With a wave, the first monster vanished into his magical storage.

    "One!" he counted happily. "Two! Huff... twenty-four! Haaah! Fifty-seven!"

    As he reached for another monster, he noticed something strange. It was a unique creature with shiny fur and antlers that glowed softly with blue light. "Oh? What kind of monster is this?" he wondered, crouching down to look closer.

    He shrugged and put it into his storage. "Never mind. Seventy-two, huh? Great catch!" he said, pping his hands and stretching his arms.

    Even with so many monsters stored away, Javier felt full of energy. His strong magic kept him from getting tired. "Hmm... I''m not tired yet. Maybe... more hunting?" He smiled to himself, excited for more adventure.

    As the wind blew through the leaves, Javier adjusted his dagger and looked at the trees. "I can''t wait to see the old man''s face when I show him this catch. And soon... my own Pekko! Ehehehehe..."

    With confidence, he walked deeper into the forest, ready for whatever came next.

    Javier teased as he dodged a huge w from the unknown monster that had lunged at him. He quickly jumped to the side and grinned. "Here! Take this kick!"

    Using his quick reflexes, Javier spun in the air andnded a sharp kick to the monster''s head. The creature let out a deep groan before copsing.

    "Eh? Defeated already?" Javier tilted his head, pretending to be disappointed. "Come on, at least make it fun for me!"

    He shrugged, dusted off his hands, and crouched next to the fallen monster. "Well, whatever... ehehehehe. Time to loot!" With a wave of his hand, glowing symbols appeared, and the entire monster vanished into his storage space. "Every part is valuable¡ªmeat, hide, ws, everything! No waste here!"

    Javier''s eyes sparkled as he looked around, spotting another corpse nearby. "Another one! And there''s another! Ehehehe... jackpot!" He dashed between the bodies, storing them with ease.

    When he reached thest one, a strange monster caught his eye. Its scales shimmered with rainbow colors, and its eyes still glowed faintly. "Hmm, I wonder what this is?" he said, poking it curiously before deciding to store it too.

    Standing in the now-empty clearing, Javier stretched and let out a satisfied sigh. "Haaah... not bad, not bad at all."@@novelbin@@

    Then a thought hit him, and his grin grew wider. "I better get back to the manor before someone notices I''m gone. Ehehehe... I don''t want Liana dragging me back by my ear again."

    With onestugh, Javier turned and made his way out of the forest, feeling pleased with his sessful loot and excited about his ns for a Pekko.

    Rustle, rustle...

    "Huh? Is that a monster?" Javier whispered to himself, his amber eyes shining with excitement. "Ehehehe... just one more loot for today!"

    He crouched down, getting ready for battle, his grin growing wider as he imagined the treasures he might find. But when he leaped toward the noise, his smile disappeared, reced by shock.

    "Young master!!!"

    "Ekkkk!! Liana!!" Javier froze mid-step, his face a funny mix of panic and guilt. "Err... umm... good day?"

    "Good day!?" Liana eyes red with frustration as she crossed her arms. "You''re not supposed to be here alone in the forest! What were you thinking?"

    "Ehehehe..." Javier rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, trying to charm his way out of trouble.

    "Don''t "ehehehehe" me!" Liana snapped, her voice sharp but filled with concern. Without another word, she marched over, grabbed his ear, and started dragging him out of the clearing.

    "Ekkkk!! Not so rough, beautiful!! I''m sorry! I''m sorry!" Javier cried out, wincing.

    "I don''t care!" Liana replied, her grip firm as she continued to scold him. "Do you have any idea how dangerous it is out here? What if something had happened to you? What would I tell your father?"

    "But I was doing fine... really. I even got a lot of loot! Want to see?"

    "Absolutely not!" Liana huffed, pulling him along with even more determination. "Now we''re going straight back to the manor before anyone notices you''re gone!"

    "Hehe, you''re so cute when you''re mad, Liana."

    Liana''s cheeks turned slightly red, but she refused to look at him. "Keep talking, and I''ll really give you something to cry about, young master."

    "Ehhh, no need for violence, my lovely future wife!" Javier teased.

    Their yful banter filled the forest as they made their way back, Liana frustration battling against the faint smile she couldn''t quite hide.

    Javier tilted his head as he walked beside Liana, a mischievous grin on his face. "What''s with the bow?" he asked, pointing to the beautifully crafted weapon slung across her back.

    Liana shot him a sharp look, clearly losing her patience. "What do you think it''s for, young master? What if you were attacked by a monster?"

    "Ehehehe... I didn''t know you could fight," Javier teased, his amber eyes sparkling with curiosity.

    "Huh!?" Liana stopped and faced him, hands on her hips. "Of course I can fight! Do you think the Armand household hires random people off the street to serve the family?"

    "Errr... maybe?" Javier replied, pretending to be innocent with a shrug. "I mean, you''re so gentle and graceful all the time. It''s hard to imagine you going all whoosh-whoosh with a weapon. Ehehehe!"

    Liana sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose to suppress her growing frustration. "Young master, every maid in the Armand household is trained inbat to ensure the safety of our charges. We''re not just here to clean and cook."

    "Ohhh!" Javier pped his hands together as if he''d just discovered a great secret. "So, my lovely Liana is a battle maid too, huh? That''s kinda cool."

    "''Kinda'' cool?" Liana echoed, narrowing her eyes.

    Javier leaned closer, his grin widening. "Does this mean you''d protect me if a monster showed up? "

    Liana''s face turned slightly red, and she quickly looked away. "If you stayed out of trouble, I wouldn''t need to protect you in the first ce!"

    "But trouble''s my middle name." Javier quipped, earning an annoyed sigh from Liana as they continued their walk back to the manor.

    Javier suddenly reached out and took Liana''s hand, holding it tightly as they walked through the forest. He swung their hands yfully, his signature grin stered across his face.

    "This is kinda like a date, huh?"

    Liana immediately bristled, her cheeks tinting a faint pink. "Date your ass! No one in their right mind would call wandering through a monster-filled forest a date!"

    "Ehehehe," Javier chuckled, undeterred by her scolding. "Well, I think it''s romantic. Just you, me, and a bunch of scary monsters. Who needs candlelit dinners?"

    Liana red at him, though the corner of her lips twitched as if she was fighting back a smile. "If you have this much energy to joke around, you should use it to get us back to the manor safely!"

    Javier gave her hand a yful squeeze. "But you know, if this were a date, I''d totally win you over with my charm."

    "Ha!?" Liana scoffed, though her heart skipped a beat. "Your so-called charm is the reason we''re in this mess to begin with!"

    Once they arrived at the hidden path leading to the manor, Liana raised her hand to signal Javier to stop. She cautiously stepped out first, scanning the surroundings for any signs of movement. After ensuring the coast was clear, she gestured for Javier to follow.

    "Why do we have to sneak around like this? You know I can just use an invisibility skill on both of us, right?"

    Liana froze for a moment, blinking in disbelief. "Eh? You have that skill?" She sighed deeply, rubbing her temples. "Why do I bother going through all this effort if you can just do that, young master?!"

    "Eheheh," Javier chuckled, his tone teasing.

    "Ugh¡­ let''s just head to the study room before someone notices you''re missing," Liana grumbled, shaking her head.

    "Alright, alright," Javier replied, his grin not faltering. "But you know, today was a great haul. Tons of monster bodies stuffed into my magic storage."

    Liana groaned quietly, lowering her voice as they walked. "Young master, you need to stop casually mentioning those kinds of skills in front of others! Do you know how rare magic storage is? That''s something only summoned heroes or exceptionally talented people¡ªone in a million¡ªcan use."

    "Eh? Really?" Javier said, tilting his head, genuinely surprised.

    "And those fast-casting abilities of yours," Liana continued in a whisper, her tone stern. "Don''t talk about them openly, either. It''ll only draw unnecessary attention."

    "Alright, alright, I get it," Javier said, shrugging. Then, with his trademark smirk, he added cheekily, "Okay, my wife. I''ll keep it a secret for you."

    Liana''s eyes widened at his boldness, her cheeks tinging pink. For a moment, she was caught off guard, but she quickly turned her head to hide her reaction.

    Inside her mind, she sighed. If only¡­ if only you could make that dreame true, young master.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 21 Etiquette and Outrage ( 21 )

    As Javier stepped into the grand hall, his eyes immediatelynded on his family gathered near the main reception area.

    There stood Lord Garius, whom Javier had nicknamed "the dried plum," tall and exuding his usual stern aura. Beside him was Lady Francesca, his mother, radiating elegance and warmth. Javier''s gaze shifted to his stepmothers¡ªLady Garcinia, pleasant but far from his ideal of beauty, and Lady Phenelopie, whose overly powdered face made him wince internally.

    Then there were his brothers: Marcellus, unting a smug expression as though the entire event revolved around him, and Cedric, who was busy practicing his polite smiles. Near them were his step-siblings: Aelius, who appeared indifferent, and Heres, who fidgeted nervously. Athine, the youngest of the group, clung to her mother''s side, her wide eyes taking in the grandeur of the hall.

    The maids darted about, ensuring everyst detail was perfect, while the butlers moved with military precision, maintaining the highest standards of service.

    Javier leaned closer to Liana and whispered, "It''s still early. None of the other nobles have even shown up yet."

    Liana nced at him with a knowing smile. "Of course, young master. The host family must always arrive early to greet the guests properly."

    "What am I even doing here this early? It''s not like I''m the one greeting anyone."

    Liana covered her mouth, stifling a softugh. "Patience, young master. It''s just one evening."

    "Yeah, yeah. But it''s going to feel like forever."

    Liana shook her head, amused by his antics. "Try to behave yourself tonight, young master. It wouldn''t hurt to make a good impression, you know."

    "I always make a good impression," Javier replied with a sly grin. "Just not the kind they expect."

    Liana sighed again, her soft smile never leaving her face as she followed him further into the grand hall.

    "Liana, a word?" Francesca said, her gaze lingering on Javier, who was already fidgeting.

    "Yes, madam," Liana replied with a bow, stepping closer.@@novelbin@@

    "I need you to ensure that Javier behaves himself tonight. Lord Garius isn''t expecting much from him, but I would rather not have any incidents that draw unnecessary attention. Do you understand?"

    "Yes, madam. I will ensure he conducts himself properly."

    Satisfied, Francesca gave a small nod and turned her attention back to the hall as the announcer began to speak.

    "Young Lady Gracie of the House of Hond!"

    Javier nced at the entrance, barely interested, while Francesca stoodposed, her serene smile in ce.

    A petite girl, no older than ten, entered the hall, escorted by two maids and a stoic bodyguard. She approached the Armand family gracefully, stopping at the appropriate distance. She curtsied deeply, her hands holding her dress to the sides.

    "Lord and Lady Armand," she began, her voice sweet but steady, "it is a great honor to attend this evening''s gathering. I humbly extend the greetings of my house and wish for the continued prosperity of your noble family."

    Lord Garius gave a curt nod, responding formally, "The honor is ours, Lady Gracie. Please extend our regards to your esteemed family. You are most wee here."

    "Thank you, my lord." Gracie rose from her curtsy, herposure unwavering as she was guided further into the hall.

    Javier rolled his eyes and turned toward the buffet table. His steps were unhurried, and his gaze focused on the spread of food. A maid stationed nearby stiffened visibly as he approached.

    "Young master," she stammered, bowing quickly, "the maids are meant to serve you. Please refrain from touching the tes yourself. If anyone sees, we will be scolded."

    Javier smirked, leaning slightly on the table. "Oh, how convenient. So, care to assist me?"

    "Yes, young master!" the maid replied quickly, her hands trembling slightly as she hurried to prepare a te.

    Javier chuckled softly, watching the maid''s nervous movements. He understood why each noble child was assigned a personal maid; it wasn''t just about service¡ªit was about reinforcing their status.

    As the maid ced the te before him, he grinned. "I want meat. That meat, that meat, and¡ªoh, that one too. And don''t forget those over there. Meat is the most important part, after all. Ehehehe."

    The maid nodded hastily, piling the requested portions onto his te, while Javier leaned back, entertained by her flustered demeanor.

    Liana, standing not too far away, sighed. "Young master, you''re impossible."

    "And you love me for it," Javier replied with a wink, causing Liana to shake her head in annoyance.

    Liana gracefully took the te from the flustered maid. "Let me handle the te for our young master," she said in a calm, reassuring tone.

    The maid''s eyes sparkled with gratitude, her hands sped together. "Miss Liana¡­ Thank you! Thank you so much!"

    Liana smiled gently. "Don''t worry about it. Now, go and focus on your duties."

    "Yes, Miss Liana!" the maid replied, bowing deeply before hurrying away.

    Javier watched the scene unfold, raising an eyebrow. "Is she new?"

    Liana nodded as she carefully bnced the te. "Yes. She was just hiredst week."

    Javier smirked, leaning back casually. "Oh, so the Dried Plum''s family business is doing well, huh? Making profits from taxes and trade?"

    Liana gave him a small nod as they began to walk toward a quieter corner of the hall. "You could say that, young master. Also, your older brothers¡ªespecially the soon-to-be heir and your second brother¡ªreceived quite the praise. They helped the hero''s party during the recent monster attack and were rewarded with morend."

    Javier clicked his tongue, a mix of amusement and annoyance on his face. "Good for them, I guess. Sigh¡­ Yet they still never give me an allowance. How is that fair?"

    Liana suppressed augh, her lips curling into a slight smile. "Perhaps, young master, you should prove yourself first."

    "Prove myself? Pfft," Javier waved dismissively. "I already have plenty of talents. I''m just¡­ keeping them a secret. Gotta maintain the mystery, you know?"

    "Yes, young master," Liana replied, her tone lightly teasing, though her eyes softened. "Shall I bring you your drink as well?"

    "Now that," Javier grinned, "is the kind of maidly devotion I appreciate. Ehehe."

    Liana sighed but couldn''t hide her faint smile as she walked off to fetch his drink. "Young master, you''re truly one of a kind."

    The hall was filled with polite chatter and the asional sound of clinking sses as the introductions of noble children continued. Javier was casually eating, apanied by Liana, who stood behind him, dutifully cleaning his mouth with a napkin or refilling his ss whenever needed. Noble children from baron to viscount ranks, and even a few from count houses, arrived one after another, announced in orderly fashion by the family butler.

    Javier, however, was utterly disinterested. "Well... the fuck do I care," he muttered under his breath, picking at the various meats on his te.

    Everything was calm and dull¡ªuntil amotion broke out at the buffet table.

    One of the lower baron children, a boy barely ten years old and without a personal maid, had his guard with him but no manners to match. He was openly rude to one of Javier''s family maids, pouring a drink onto her head while she tried to maintain herposure.

    Javier froze mid-bite, his amber eyes narrowing dangerously. "Oh, hell no," he muttered, rising from his seat.

    Liana blinked, concerned. "Young master, wait¡ª"

    Ignoring her, Javier strode toward the boy, his expression a mix of annoyance and fury.

    "Oi, fucker!" Javier''s voice rang out, silencing the nearby chatter.

    The rude boy turned, clearly surprised by the interruption. "Huh? What do you want!?" he barked back arrogantly, just as he poured more of his drink over the maid''s head.

    Javier''s sharp gaze locked onto him. His tone dropped to a menacing low as he stepped closer. "Oh, how dare you talk to a higher noble like that¡­ Hmm?"

    Before the boy could react, Javier raised his hand and pped him hard across the face. The sharp sound echoed through the hall, and the boy staggered, clutching his cheek in shock.

    "Your house wants a war with mine!?" Javier snapped, his voice cold andmanding.

    The boy''s bravado crumbled instantly, reced by visible fear. "W-what are you talking about!?" he stammered, backing away slightly.

    Javier advanced, not letting up, his voice rising slightly. "This maid belongs to my household, yet you darey your filthy hands on her? Huh!!!!? Are you dering war against me? Or do you want your family to go to war with mine!?"

    The boy paled, clearly overwhelmed by the implications of Javier''s words. He tried to sputter a response, but nothing came out.

    By now, themotion had drawn the attention of the hall. Nobles and servants alike watched with bated breath as the young heir of House Armand confronted the rude boy. Liana quickly approached Javier''s side, cing a hand on his arm in an attempt to calm him.

    "Young master, that''s enough," she whispered softly, though her tone held a firm edge.

    Javier huffed, ring at the boy onest time before turning to the drenched maid. "Go clean yourself up," he said gently.

    The maid bowed deeply, tears in her eyes. "Thank you, young master," she said before retreating quickly.

    Javier turned back to the boy, his expression now eerily calm but no less intimidating. "Remember this well," he said coolly. "You mess with my household, you mess with me. And trust me¡ªyou don''t want that."

    The boy nodded quickly, trembling, before stumbling away toward his guard.

    As Javier returned to his seat, the crowd slowly began to disperse, though the tension lingered in the air.

    Liana leaned down slightly, whispering in his ear. "Young master, you made quite the scene."

    Javier smirked, leaning back in his chair. "And? That little punk deserved it."

    Liana sighed softly but didn''t argue, standing quietly behind him as if shielding him from the judging stares of the other nobles.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 22 Breaking the Silence ( 22 )

    Themotion had barely settled when Javier''s two older brothers, Marcellus and Cedric, approached him with annoyed looks. The crowd in the hall was still uneasy after Javier''s confrontation with the baron''s son, and his brothers clearly wanted to scold him.

    Marcellus, the eldest, spoke first, his tone sharp. "Oi, what the hell was that all about?!"

    Javier stayed seated,zily sipping his drink before slowly standing up. His amber eyes gleamed dangerously as he stared at them.

    "What do you mean, ''what was that''? Huh?" Javier''s tone was calm, but there was a clear edge of menace.

    Cedric crossed his arms, trying to look in charge. "You embarrassed the family, Javier. What you did just now¡ª"

    "The fuck are you talking about, prodigy?" Javier interrupted, his voice getting louder. His piercing gaze shifted to Marcellus. "You two strut around like you''re the pride of the family, but when someone disrespects our household¡ªyour household¡ªyou just stand there and do nothing?"

    Marcellus frowned, his own temper rising. "You dare to talk to your brother like that?!" His mana red, and the air around him heated up as he prepared to use his fire magic.

    But before he could act, Javier''s expression hardened. His smile disappeared, reced by a cold, serious look.

    "Fine," Javier muttered. His aura shifted, and while standing, he activated one of his advanced skills: Triple Gravity.

    Suddenly, the whole hall felt an overwhelming pressure. The gravity in the room multiplied three times, forcing everyone¡ªnobles, servants, and even guards¡ªto their knees or onto the floor. Gasps and cries of rm filled the air as people struggled to breathe under the weight.

    "Young master, wait!!" Liana cried, rushing forward to stop him, but it was toote.

    Javier''s voice boomed through the hall, cold and unyielding. "Those weaklings with no manners don''t have my respect at all. And you two¡ªyou''re supposed to be the heirs of this family! It''s YOUR responsibility to uphold our honor, yet you sit back and let our household''s name be dragged through the mud?!"

    Marcellus and Cedric, both struggling against the heavy gravity, gritted their teeth in frustration.

    Marcellus growled, "Javier, stop this madness! You''re going too far!"

    Javier ignored him, his amber eyes glowing faintly as he stepped closer. "I''ve had enough of your arrogance and empty pride. You think being ''older'' makes you right? Respect isn''t given¡ªit''s earned. And you''ve earned none of mine!"

    The force of the gravity increased slightly, making the onlookers cry out. Even the strongest knights in the hall struggled to stay conscious.

    "I AM MAD!!" Javier roared, his voice echoing like thunder. "Mad that I have to clean up your mess! Mad that I''m the one who has to protect the dignity of this family while you stand around doing NOTHING!"

    The entire room seemed to freeze under the intensity of his words.

    Liana, despite the heavy pressure, managed to approach him and gently tug on his sleeve. Her voice was soft but firm. "Young master¡­ please. That''s enough."

    Javier turned to her, his fiery gaze softening when he saw the concern in her emerald eyes. After a tense moment, he exhaled sharply, releasing the gravity spell.

    The heavy force lifted instantly, and the hall erupted in coughs and relieved gasps as everyone struggled to recover.

    Javier nced back at his brothers, who were now ring at him while trying topose themselves.

    "Don''t forget," Javier said, his voice quiet but filled with menace. "You might be older, but that doesn''t make you better."

    Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked away, Liana following closely behind. The grand hall buzzed with whispers and stunned silence as everyone processed what had just happened.

    Liana leaned in slightly as they exited. "Young master, you really caused a scene this time."

    Javier smirked faintly, his yful demeanor returning. "And? Let them talk. They needed a reality check."

    Liana sighed deeply but said nothing, her expression caught between exasperation and quiet admiration.

    Lord Garius, standing at the front of the hall, felt the heavy pressure just like everyone else. Even though Javier had released his spell, the silence that followed was deafening. Every noble, servant, and guest was frozen, either from fear or disbelief. Even the count''s son, surrounded by a group of strong adventurers as bodyguards, said nothing, his mouth slightly open.

    The boy who had been rude to the maid was trembling violently, his face pale as tears streamed down his cheeks. His legs gave outpletely, and with a faint whimper, a wet stain spread across his trousers. The sight made it clear just how terrifying Javier''s disy had been.

    Lord Garius''s hands tightened into fists at his sides, his face showing a mix of shock, anger, and¡­ fear. As an experienced noble, he understood power and discipline. But this? This was different. Javier was only eleven, not yet blessed by the gods and not officially tested for his magic abilities¡ªand yet he had just used Triple Gravity, a spell so advanced that only a few master mages could use it effectively.

    Lady Francesca stood beside her husband, her usually calm face showing her astonishment. Her heart raced as she looked back and forth between her youngest son and the guests who had witnessed the scene. She had always known Javier was special, but this? This was far beyond what she had imagined.

    Lord Garius''s thoughts raced. "How¡­? This boy, always skipping his studies, alway bezy and carefree¡ªand yet he just casually showed power that shouldn''t be possible for a noble child before their blessing ceremony. And yet, here he stands,pletely unbothered."

    The murmurs among the nobles began to stir as they started to recover from the shock.

    One of the adventurers whispered to his friend, "That spell¡­ wasn''t just high-level magic¡ªit was perfectly done. The mana control¡­ Who is that boy?"

    The friend, a seasoned mage, wiped the sweat from his brow. "A monster¡­ That child is a monster."

    Lord Garius finally sighed, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "Enough."

    The room fell silent instantly, and all eyes turned to the head of the household. His voice was steady, but his gaze was fixed on Javier''s retreating figure.

    "Ladies and gentlemen," Lord Garius addressed the crowd, his voice calm but heavy with meaning. "I apologize for the disturbance. My son''s¡­ actions were impulsive, but let this remind you: the Armand family does not tolerate disrespect toward our people."

    The guests murmured in agreement, although most looked shaken. The young baron''s son, still shaking and teary-eyed, was quickly taken out of the hall by his guards, who looked like they wanted to be anywhere else.

    Lady Francesca leaned closer to her husband, her voice low. "What will you do about Javier?"

    Lord Garius didn''t answer right away. His eyes, narrowed thoughtfully.@@novelbin@@

    "For now, nothing," he replied, his voice mixed with irritation and a hint of pride. "But I need to find out the truth about that boy¡­ and how much he''s been hiding from us."

    Javier paced restlessly in his room, his mind racing. His earlier outburst had been impulsive, and now he was starting to feel the weight of what he had done.

    "Fuck, fuck, fuck! Why the hell did I use that skill?" he muttered to himself, running a hand through his messy ck hair. "I could''ve just used Dispel when those idiots tried to cast magic, and if they went for fists, I could''ve dodged them easily. Why the fuck did I go overboard? Ugh!"

    He flopped onto his bed, ring at the ceiling as if it held the answers to his problems.

    "Young master?" Liana''s calm voice broke through his spiraling thoughts as she walked into the room, her graceful presence grounding him. She stood by the edge of his bed, tilting her head slightly. "What are you thinking about ?"

    Javier quicklyposed himself, sitting up and resting his chin on his palm with a casual smirk.

    "Oh, nothing. Just bored,"

    Liana raised an eyebrow, unconvinced but choosing not to press him. Instead, she adjusted the nket on his bed and began tidying the scattered books and papers on his desk.

    "Oh¡­" she murmured softly, clearly not believing him but letting it go for now. "Well, it''s good you''re resting. You''ll need your energy for whateveres next."

    Javier watched her for a moment, his amber eyes narrowing slightly as he reflected on her calm demeanor.

    "Liana," he said suddenly, his voice quieter but more sincere. "What do you think? About¡­ earlier?"

    She paused, her hand lingering on the edge of his desk before turning to face him. Her emerald eyes met his, and for a moment, they were just two people trying to understand each other.

    "I think," she began carefully, "that you showed a part of yourself you''ve been hiding for a long time. And while it was¡­ overwhelming, it also reminded everyone not to underestimate you."

    Javier snorted, leaning back against the headboard. "Yeah, but now I''ve put a damn target on my back. Everyone saw. Even the Dried Plum was speechless."

    Liana''s lips quirked into a small smile at his nickname for Lord Garius. "Perhaps. But young master, isn''t it better to remind the world of your worth every now and then? Even if it means drawing attention?"

    Javier groaned, flopping back down dramatically. "Ugh, I hate it when you make sense. Can''t you just tell me I''m an idiot and let me sulk?"

    Liana chuckled softly, adjusting the nket over him as if he were a child. "You''re not an idiot, young master. Just¡­ impulsive. And maybe a little too eager to protect what''s yours."

    Javier smirked, his confidence slowly returning. "That''s why you''re still here, isn''t it? To keep this ''impulsive'' young master in line?"

    Liana sighed, shaking her head with an affectionate smile. "Someone has to."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 24 Mischievous Master and His Maid ( 24 )

    "Eeeekkk!! Liana, don''t be so mad!!" Javier yelled, running as fast as he could. From behind, Liana was chased after him, her usual calm expression reced by fierce determination.

    "Why are you running, young master?" Liana called in a sweet calm voice. She held a rattan stick firmly in her hand. "Aren''t we friends?"

    "Liana! I''m sorry!!!" Javier shouted, his face pale as he dashed down the cobblestone road.

    "You shouldn''t go outside without telling me or your parents!" Liana''s voice was gentle, but her smile was anything but friendly. She swung the rattan menacingly in the air. "Now,e back here, young master!"

    "I just went to sell some monster parts to get extra gold! That''s all!" Javier shouted, dodging around a merchant''s cart and leaping over a small fence.

    "Oh? Then why didn''t you tell me before?" Liana asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

    "Uhhh... I forgot?"

    "Wrong answer," Liana said, her smile getting wider as she raised the rattan.

    "Eeeekkk! Liana, have mercy!!"

    Vigers paused to watch, chuckling and shaking their heads at his situation.@@novelbin@@

    "Perhaps this will teach you a lesson about sneaking off!" Liana called, picking up speed.

    "I was just trying to earn some money ! You know my family doesn''t even give me an allowance!" Javier whined, narrowly avoiding a stack of crates.

    "And who takes care of all your expenses? Hmm? I''ve told you, young master, I''ll handle everything!"

    "Liana! You''re too scary when you''re mad!!" Javier cried, ducking into an alleyway, only to find it blocked by a stack of barrels.

    He spun around to see Liana standing at the entrance, the morning light casting a shadow behind her. "Nowhere left to run, young master," she said sweetly, tapping the rattan against her palm.

    "Can''t we talk this out?" Javier tried, giving her a sheepish grin.

    "Oh, we''ll talk... after I teach you some manners," Liana replied, stepping closer.

    "Eeeekkk!! I promise I won''t do it again!"

    "Good to know," Liana said, finally raising the rattan.

    The nearby vigers turned away, smiling knowingly as Javier''s exaggerated yelps filled the air. Despite the chaos, anyone who knew them understood¡ªit wasn''t anger driving Liana, but real care for her mischievous young master.

    "Eeeekkk!! Liana!! Leave my face out of this!!" Javier wailed, dodging clumsily as Liana swung her rattan with perfect aim.

    "Why? Are you afraid your ''handsome young noble'' look will be ruined, young master?" Liana asked sweetly,nding a soft but effective kick to his shin.

    "Eeeekkk!! My future wife won''t like me if my face is bruised!!" Javier cried, stumbling and nearly tripping over his own feet.

    Liana paused mid-swing and raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And who is this mysterious future wife of yours, young master?"

    "Errr...you?" Javier blurted out, shing his most charming grin.

    Liana sighed, her cheeks turning a faint pink. "ttery won''t save you this time."

    "Eeeekkk!! Mercy! At least aim for somewhere less visible!!" Javier pleaded, ducking as the rattan narrowly missed his head.

    By the time Liana finished her "lesson," Javier sat on the ground, looking utterly defeated. His hair was a mess, his face was covered in bruises, one eye was ck, and there was a faint shoe print on his tunic.

    "You look fine, young master," Liana said, brushing her hands off and adjusting her skirt.

    "Fine!? Liana, I look like I went through a monster stampede!" Javier cried, staring at his reflection in a nearby puddle.

    "Consider it a lesson learned," Liana replied with a faint smile, grabbing his arm and pulling him to his feet.

    "This is abuse¡­ I''m filing aint."

    Liana''s ear twitched. "Did you say something, young master?"

    "N-No! Nothing at all!" Javier stammered, shielding his already bruised face.

    Behind them, a few vigers whispered to one another,ughing at the sight of the beaten young master. One old man chuckled, "That boy got guts."

    Javier held therge gold pouch high above his head, hisughter echoing through the air. "Ehehehe!! At least I earned a lot!" he dered proudly, despite his bruised face.

    Liana, trailing behind him, sighed. "You''re stillughing after what just happened? Unbelievable."

    Ignoring her, Javier clutched the pouch tightly to his chest "The old dwarf bought all 72 monster corpses, freshly from my magic storage! Not only will the vigers get cheap meat, but their ie will rise too! A genius n by me truly!!!"

    Suddenly, he stopped, his grin growing wide. Hugging the pouch like it was his first child, Javier tilted his head slightly as a low, eerieugh escaped his lips. "Kekekekeke¡­ Now¡­ I''ve got my Pekko¡­"

    Liana froze, watching in horror as Javier''sugh became creepier with each passing second. "Y-Young master¡­ you''re scaring me¡­ Stop thatugh¡­"

    But Javier didn''t stop. He leaned his head back andughed even louder, his eyes shining with the wild ambition of an 11-year-old boy with way too much gold.

    "My Pekko! It''s finally happening! Kekekekeke!!"

    Vigers passing by paused, giving Javier confused looks. One whispered, "Isn''t that Viscount Armand''s youngest son? Is he¡­ okay?"

    Another nodded knowingly while stroking his beard. "Ah, the madness of young nobles and their money. Best not to interfere."

    Liana grabbed Javier''s ear and yanked him out of his delusions. "Enough with the creepyugh, young master! People are starting to think you''ve lost it!"

    Javier rubbed his ear, pouting. "Liana! That''s my ''evil genius''ugh! You''re ruining the mood!"

    She sighed and crossed her arms. "Forget the mood. Let''s just get back before you start scaring the livestock."

    Javier hugged his gold pouch tighter, muttering under his breath, "They''ll see¡­ they''ll all see when I ride into town on my majestic Pekko¡­ Kekekekeke¡­"

    Liana groaned. "Why am I the maid to this lunatic¡­?"

    Javier suddenly turned to Liana, his bruised face lighting up with wild excitement. "Now''s not the time to walk back! We should buy that Pekko right now! Kekekekeke!"

    Before Liana could respond, Javier bolted down the road

    "Young master! Wait!" Liana shouted, facepalming as she watched him dash toward the Pekko farm like a madman. She let out a long sigh, muttering under her breath, "Why do I always have to deal with this?"

    Oblivious to her frustration, Javier ran faster, his creepyugh getting louder. "EKEKEKEKEKE!"

    Vigers stopped in their tracks, staring as the noble boy rushed past them as if he were being chased by wild beasts.

    One farmer whispered, "Is that Viscount Armand''s kid? What''s he up to now?"

    Another shrugged. "Probably something crazy again."

    Liana sighed again, pinching the bridge of her nose. "This is going to be a long day..."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 25 Two Pekkos and a Promise ( 25 )

    "This boy..." she muttered and started walking to catch up. When she arrived at the farm, she found Javier already talking to the farmer.

    "Thirty gold for two!" Javier dered confidently.

    The farmer, arge man with a kind smile,ughed. "Forty is the best I can give you, young master."

    "Thirty-five!"

    The farmer scratched his chin, acting like he was thinking. "How about thirty-nine gold coins and fifty silver? Does that work for you, young master?"@@novelbin@@

    Javier squinted at him, clearly thinking about it. The farmer could see he was enjoying the bargaining. "Such enthusiasm," the farmer thought, amused. He had heard about the youngest son of Viscount Armand¡ªa lively boy who bargained like a skilled trader but was kind to the vigers.

    "Thirty-eight gold coins for two! Ehehehe!" Javier countered with a big grin.

    The farmerughed heartily. "Thirty-nine, and that''s the best deal I can give you, young master."

    "Deal! Ehehehe!" Javier said, shaking the farmer''s hand eagerly. He quickly counted the coins and gave them to the farmer, his smile getting wider.

    "You''re a sharp one, young master," the farmer said warmly as he handed Javier the reins of two nice pekkos.

    "Sharp, handsome, and now a proud pekko owner! What a day!" Javier boasted, patting the birds kindly.

    Liana finally caught up, watching with a mix of annoyance and amusement. "He really is impossible," she thought, but she couldn''t help smiling a little.

    "Young master, why do you need two pekkos?" Liana asked, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow at him.

    "Huh? What are you talking about?" Javier replied, his eyes shining with excitement.

    "One for me and one for you!"

    Liana let out a long, familiar sigh. "As if anyone could stop him once he''s made up his mind," she thought.

    "You know, young master," Liana said with a calm smile, "Pekko are usually used to pull carriages or do heavy work on the farm. And for another thing too."

    Javier blinked and tilted his head. "Huh? What other thing? Riding, right?"

    Liana''s smile softened, but she had a mischievous look in her eyes. "No... for food, young master."

    "Ehhh!!!?? No!!!" Javier eximed, holding the reins of the pekko tightly. "This pekko is NOT for food! They''re mypanions, my noble steeds, my friends!"

    The farmer, overhearing their talk,ughed heartily. "Don''t worry, young master. No one''s going to eat those fine birds."

    "They better not!" Javier huffed, puffing out his chest.

    Liana chuckled softly and shook her head. "He''s so easy to tease," she thought, watching him pet the pekkos like a proud parent.

    Javier turned to the farmer, his eyes bright with curiosity. "Old Man, do you sell bridles or something for their beaks?"

    The farmer chuckled. "I have a couple of basic ones, young master. They''re not fancy, but they''ll do the job. I''ll give you two."

    Javier''s grin got bigger. "Thanks, old man!"

    The farmer nodded and handed over the bridles. "If you need something stronger or special, I rmend visiting the cksmith. He can make better ones for your needs."

    Javier looked at the simple bridles and shrugged. "These''ll do for now. Gotta work with what you''ve got, right?"

    Carefully, he went up to the pekkos and began fastening the bridles to their beaks. Even though the birds were big, they seemed calm under his hands, sometimes making low, happy sounds.

    Liana watched him work, a small smile on her lips. "For someone who actszy, he sure gets excited when it''s something he likes," she thought, shaking her head as Javier proudly adjusted the straps.

    When he finished, Javier stepped back with his hands on his hips. "Perfect! These guys are ready for adventure."

    The farmerughed again. "Take care of them, young master. Pekkos are loyal creatures, but they like good treatment."

    "Don''t worry!" Javier dered, giving his new friends a yful pat.

    Javier shouted with joy, "So, Liana! Hop on your Pekko! Let''s go!" His big grin stretched from ear to ear, and his excitement was clear.

    Liana let out a long sigh, adjusting her maid skirt as she walked to her Pekko. "Young master, you''re like a child with a new toy," she muttered before gracefully climbing onto her bird.

    Before she could even sit properly, Javier yelled, "Off we go! See ya, old man! Yeeehaaaa!"

    He kicked his Pekko into a quick trot, then into a gallop, the strong bird running easily down the dirt path.

    Liana gasped. "Young master! Wait!" She quickly nudged her Pekko to follow, trying to keep up.

    Javier threw his head back andughed, the wind blowing through his ck hair. "Ehehehehe! This is fun!"

    Now riding next to him, Liana gave him a scolding look but couldn''t hide the small smile forming on her lips. "Young master, please slow down. What if you fall off?"

    "I won''t! Look at this! I''m a natural!" Javier waved one hand proudly, making his Pekko squawk as if it agreed with him.

    "You''re impossible," Liana sighed again, gripping the reins tightly as her Pekko matched Javier''s speed, and the two rode along the road like adventurers ready to conquer the world.

    Liana watched as her young master, Javier, rode ahead on his new Pekko, his big grin and loudughter filling the air, and for a moment, Liana couldn''t help but smile. She had seen Javier happy before, but this was different¡ªhe was shining with pride and joy, as if the world had finally rewarded him for his hard work.

    She gently urged her Pekko forward, keeping up with him while quietly watching his happiness. This was the first time she''d seen him so thrilled about something he had worked so hard to get. Javier''s determination to buy the Pekkos with his own money, earned through his own efforts, showed how independent and resourceful he was.

    Liana smiled fondly as she gazed at him from behind. Young master¡­ you really try so hard for the things you want, she thought. Even for something as simple as this, you put in so much effort. I hope that one day, you''ll have that same passion for everything in your life.

    Her hand brushed the reins of her Pekko as a soft sigh escaped her lips. And maybe, just maybe¡­ she thought, her heart fluttering a little, I hope that someday, I''ll be one of those things you truly want.

    Shaking off her moment of vulnerability, she straightened up and called out to him teasingly, "Young master, if you''re this excited now, what will you do when you get married? Laugh like this all the way to the altar?"

    Javier turned back, his carefree grin lighting up his face. "If it''s with you, Liana, I might just do that! Yeehaaaa!"

    Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she quickly hid it with a sigh and a shake of her head. "Such a troublesome young master," she muttered, though her smile stayed as they rode on.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 28 The Feast of Rare Meats ( 28 )

    The busy kitchen suddenly stopped when the maids brought in trays of seasoned raw monster meat. The smell was enticing, but the sight of the unusual cuts raised some eyebrows.

    "Where is this meat from?" one of the sous-chefs asked, looking at a particrly marbled piece that shone faintly in the light.

    "It''s from young master Javier," the maid replied, cing thest tray on the counter.

    The Chief Cook, a stout, gray-haired man with amanding presence, stepped forward and picked up a piece of meat. His eyes widened in recognition. "This¡­ this is Orc General meat!" he eximed, his voice echoing through the kitchen. "And over here¡­ this is King Boar meat. By the gods¡­" He lifted another piece and inspected it closely. "This one¡ªthis is Drakespine meat! Do you know how rare this is?"

    The team gasped, and murmurs began.

    "Isn''t this stuff worth a fortune?"

    "Where did the young master even get it?"

    "Does he just have these lying around?"

    "Enough chatter!" the Chief Cook barked, silencing the whispers. He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "I''ll handle the rarest cuts myself. The rest of you¡ªget to work! We''re serving a feast tonight, and it better be perfect."

    "Yes, Chef!" the cooking team replied in unison, quickly getting to work.

    The kitchen turned into a whirlwind of activity. Pots nged, knives chopped against cutting boards, and the air filled with the scents of searing meat, sizzling herbs, and bubbling sauces.

    One of the younger cooks nervously approached the Chief Cook. "Uh, Chef, what''s the n for the Drakespine?"

    The Chief Cook smirked, a rare look of pride on his face. "We''ll pan-sear it with a ze of honey and citrus, then finish it with a light herb crust. Drakespine natural vor is already amazing; we just need to enhance it."

    The team watched in awe as the Chief Cook worked with skill, turning the kitchen into a showcase of culinary art.

    Meanwhile, the maids stood at the doorway, exchanging nces.

    "Miss Liana really has her hands full with young master Javier," one whispered.

    Another chuckled. "At least he''s making the most of his talents."

    By the time the sun began to set, the kitchen was filled with a feast fit for royalty. tes of perfectly cooked meat, apanied by roasted vegetables, fresh bread, and fragrant sauces. The scent wafted through the estate, drawing curious looks from the maids and workers.

    As the Chief Cook surveyed thepleted dishes, he allowed himself a small nod of satisfaction.

    In the grand dining room, the usual evening meal had been reced with a big feast. The table was full of dishes¡ªperfectly cooked steaks, tasty roasts, and tender pieces of meat with colorful vegetables and delicious sauces. The smell was so good that even Lady Francesca, who was usually calm, looked surprised.

    "Since when do we have this expensive meat?" Francesca asked, her voice calm but curious. She nced at Ste, her loyal maid, who stood by her side.

    "I''m not sure, madam," Ste replied, bowing slightly. "Maybe we should ask the cooks?"

    Francesca tapped her fingers on the armrest of her chair and looked toward the kitchen door. "Get the Chief Cook. I want to know what''s going on before we eat."

    "Yes, madam." Ste curtsied and quickly left the room.

    As Francesca waited, she looked over the table again. The presentation was perfect. She recognized some of the rare meats¡ªKing Boar and Orc General cuts among them. This was not a normal meal, and it definitely wasn''t from their usual supplies.

    A momentter, Ste returned with the Chief Cook. He stood straight, wearing a clean apron, and had a little sweat on his forehead from the heat of the kitchen.

    "You called for me, madam?"

    "Yes, I did," Francesca said, her voice calm but firm. "I want to know where all this food came from. I don''t remember saying we could have such an expensive meal."

    The Chief Cook cleared his throat, a nervous smile on his face. "Ah, madam, this is from young master Javier."

    Francesca blinked, surprised and unsure. "Javier? Are you saying my youngest son provided all of this?"

    The Chief Cook nodded. "Yes, madam. The young master brought us a lot of monster meat earlier today. He asked Miss Liana to make sure it was used for tonight''s dinner."

    "Monster meat?" Francesca frowned and leaned forward. "What kind of monsters?"

    "Orc General, King Boar, and Drakespine, among others," the Chief Cook answered.

    Francesca put her hand to her forehead and sighed. "What am I going to do with that boy?"

    Ste, standing quietly next to her, tried not to smile. "It seems the young master has been very clever, madam."

    "Clever isn''t the word I would use," Francesca muttered. "Reckless is more like it."

    After a moment of silence, Francesca straightened up and regained herposure. "Well, we shouldn''t waste it. Let everyone in the household enjoy this meal, from the maids to the workers. And make sure Javier knows he will exin himself after I finish my dinner."

    "Yes, madam," Ste and the Chief Cook said together before bowing and going back to their tasks.

    Francesca sat back, a small smile appearing on her lips despite herself. "That boy really knows how to surprise me."

    The dining room buzzed with the sound of cutlery and happy chatter. Lord Garius leaned back in his chair, a rare softness on his usually stern face as he enjoyed another bite of the perfectly grilled King Boar steak.

    "This is excellent," he said, nodding at the Chief Cook, who stood nearby with a humble bow. "You''ve done a great job tonight."

    "Thank you for your kind words, my lord," the Chief Cook replied, keeping his head low.

    Marcellus and Cedric, sitting beside Lord Garius, were deeply engaged in the meal. Cedric, the more talkative brother, held up a forkful of meat, his eyes wide with excitement. "I don''t know where this came from, but it''s the best thing we''ve had in weeks!"

    Marcellus nodded, although he was more reserved than his younger brother. "Yes, it''s not often we get such high-quality meat. Where did thise from, Father?"

    Lord Garius looked at Francesca, who was unusually quiet during dinner. Her posture was perfect, but her lips were pressed together, and her emerald eyes briefly nced at the Chief Cook.

    "It''s from our reserves," Francesca said smoothly, her tone calm. "The kitchen staff found some cuts we hadn''t used yet. I thought it would be nice to serve them."

    Cedric raised an eyebrow. "Reserves? We''ve had this in storage all this time?"

    "Yes," Francesca replied quickly, her gaze steady. "I asked the staff to prepare something special tonight. Is that a problem, Cedric?"

    "N-No, Mother," Cedric stuttered, looking down at his te.

    Lord Garius chuckled softly as he cut another piece of meat. "Well, it was a good choice. This is an excellent meal. Make sure to thank the kitchen staff again."@@novelbin@@

    The Chief Cook bowed deeply. "Of course, my lord."

    Francesca took a small sip of wine, feeling relieved. She had warned the Chief Cook and all the maids not to mention Javier was the one bringing the meat. If people knew, it would raise too many questions about where he got such rare ingredients and why he was the one supplying them. She trusted her family, but she understood Javier well.

    He wasn''t someone who liked to brag or share his sesses. He kept his secrets close and only told those he trusted most¡ªher and Liana. If they revealed his part in this feast, it would just bring unwanted attention, and Francesca wanted to protect her son''s privacy.

    As the family enjoyed the meal, Francesca eyes briefly met Liana''s, who stood quietly behind Javier chair. Liana gave a small nod, understanding the thankfulness in Francesca''s look.

    Javier, busy eating with his usual enthusiasm, wore a yful smile. He hadn''t said much during dinner, happy to let the others enjoy the results of his efforts without drawing attention to himself.

    As the meal progressed, Javier caught his mother eye and offered her a bright grin, oblivious to the undercurrents of concern. He savored each bite, relishing the praise his familyvished on the expertly cooked feast.

    Francesca smiled softly, her heart warming as she watched her youngest son. He might be a handful at times, but moments like this reminded her how much she loved him.

    After all, nights like this, filled with good food and family, were what made every moment worth it. The kitchen had outdone itself, and her heart swelled with affection for her clever, reckless son¡ªwho never failed to bring a little fun into their lives.

    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 30 A Nobles Boredom ( 30 )

    "Haaaahhh¡­" Javier groaned, slumping against the windowsill with his chin resting on his hand. His eyes scanned the estate grounds "I''m bored..."

    He had tried to sneak out earlier, but his n was quickly crushed when he spotted his mother, Lady Francesca, near the Pekkos. She wasn''t doing anything threatening¡ªjust casually sharpening arge kitchen knife while throwing him sly nces.

    "She wouldn''t actually¡­" Javier muttered, recalling her words from before. His face fell. "Nope. She totally would. My poor Pekkos would end up as dinner if I stepped outside."

    He leaned back with a sigh, staring at the ceiling as if it held the answers to his boredom. "Where''s Liana? She''s supposed to attend to me, but she''s nowhere to be seen! What kind of loyal maid leaves her young master unattended in his time of need?"

    His thoughts raced through possibilities. "Maybe she''s in the kitchen? Or checking on the maids? Or¡­" He shook his head, dismissing the distractions.

    "Well, no use sitting here doing nothing," he decided, hopping to his feet. "If I can''t sneak out properly, I''ll just take a walk in the garden. Mother can''t get mad at me for that."

    Javier stopped mid-step and turned to see a young maid trailing behind him. She looked about his age, maybe a year younger, with a petite frame and wide, nervous eyes that darted to the ground as soon as he noticed her.

    "Huh? Why is she following me?"

    He turned fully and gave her his most charming smile. "Oh, hello there!"

    The maid clutching the edge of her apron. "Ah¡­ umm¡­ Y-Young Master¡­" she stammered, clearly flustered. "M-Miss Liana said I should k-keep¡­ following you¡­"

    Javier raised an eyebrow. "Liana sent you? To spy on me?"

    "N-Not spying!" she blurted out, shaking her head furiously. "J-Just¡­ keeping an eye! For your safety!"

    He chuckled and leaned closer, making her even more flustered. "For my safety, huh? Do you think I''ll get lost in my own estate?"

    The maid''s face turned bright red, and she mumbled something.

    Javier waved it off with a sigh. "Fine, fine. If Liana sent you, I suppose I''ll allow it." He grinned mischievously. "But you''d better keep up. I don''t slow down for anyone, you know."

    The young maid nodded quickly, her small feet shuffling to stay close as Javier resumed his stroll.

    "Liana, you sly elf,Sending a little shadow to keep me in check, are you? Let''s see how long shests!"

    Javier purposefully quickened his pace, weaving through the garden paths with mischief in his eye, while the flustered maid scrambled to keep up.

    Javier burst intoughter, his voice echoing across the garden as he darted through the maze-like pathways. The young maid trailed behind him, panting and clutching her sides, clearly out of breath.

    "Young¡­ Master¡­ haaa¡­ wait¡­ for¡­ me¡­" she wheezed, struggling to keep up.

    "Wait for you? But that''s no fun!" Javier called back with a cheeky grin, effortlessly leaping over a low hedge. "Come on, you''re supposed to be keeping an eye on me, right? Keep up!"

    The maid groaned but continued chasing him, she try to keep up despite her exhaustion. Meanwhile, Javier was having fun,enjoying this.

    "This is too easy!" he thought, dodging around a fountain and dashing toward the pen where his precious Pekkos were kept. He nced back and saw the maid leaning against a tree, gasping for air.

    "Alright, alright, I''ll give you a break," he called out, slowing down and walking back to her. "You look like you''re about to pass out."@@novelbin@@

    The maid looked up, her face flushed and her bangs sticking to her forehead. "T-Thank you¡­ Young Master¡­" she managed between deep breaths.

    Javier handed her a small handkerchief from his pocket. "Here, wipe your sweat. You''re working way too hard for Liana''s silly orders."

    The maid hesitated, then took the handkerchief with a small, grateful bow. "T-Thank you¡­"

    Javier crossed his arms and smirked. "You''re wee. But next time? Stretch before you try to keep up with me. Got it?"

    The maid nodded vigorously, and Javier couldn''t help but chuckle again. "Alright, let''s head to the Pekkos. I''ll go slower this time, okay?"

    As they walked together, Javier noticed her shyly ncing at him. "What''s your name, anyway?"

    "It''s¡­ Anna, Young Master," she replied timidly.

    "Well, Anna," Javier said with a grin, "you''ve officially survived your first test as my shadow. Congrats!"

    Anna blinked, unsure if he was serious, but his yful tone made her smile despite her exhaustion.

    Liana arrived just as Javier was riding across the open ground on his Pekko,ughter ringing through the air. She immediately noticed Anna, red-faced and panting, struggling to keep her bnce against a tree.

    "Good work, Anna," Liana said with a warm smile, cing a gentle hand on the young maid''s shoulder. "You''ve done well. You can go back to helping around the manor now."

    Anna''s face lit up with relief. "Yes, Miss Liana! Thank you!" she said, bowing quickly before scurrying off toward the manor.

    Liana sighed, watching Anna disappear around the corner. "Young Master Javier, you''re going to scare off all the new maids at this rate," she muttered, shaking her head.

    Javier was having a great time riding his Pekko. It squawked happily as it ran fast across the open field. The wind blew through Javier hair, and heughed loudly, enjoying the ride.

    On the edge of the field, Liana watched with her arms crossed. She sighed and said to herself, "Javier and that Pekko are a perfect match for chaos."

    She looked at her own Pekko, which was rxing and eating some grass. "Come" she said, giving it a gentle pat. "Let''s show them how to ride properly."

    Her Pekko made a soft sound and stood up, fluffing its feathers. Unlike Javier''s wild Pekko, Liana''s bird was calm and well-behaved. She climbed onto its back easily, and with a little nudge from her heel, her Pekko started to walk.

    But instead of running fast, Liana''s Pekko walked slowly around the edge of the field. She sat up straight, guiding her bird with ease, her silver hair shining in the sunlight.

    Javier noticed her and slowed down, turning back towards her. "Liana! Are you even riding that thing, or is it just taking you for a walk?" he joked with a big smile.

    "I like to call it a show of discipline and grace," Liana replied, sounding serious but with a yful glint in her eyes.

    Javierughed and urged his Pekko closer. "Discipline is boring! You''re missing all the fun!" he said, spinning his bird around to make his point.

    Liana looked at him and his lively Pekko, then at her calm bird. "I think we have very different ideas of ''fun,'' Young Master," she chuckled. "At least one of us should look dignified."

    Javier leaned forward and patted his Pekko. " What''s that? Sounds boring."

    Liana''s Pekko made a small, dismissive squawked, as if it agreed with her. She smiled slightly. "Let''s see who gets tired first¡ªyour Pekko or you," she said, yfully challenging him.

    Javier grinned. "Oh, it''s on!" he shouted, urging his Pekko to run again, racing to the far end of the field.

    Liana shook her head again, letting her Pekko continue its slow walk. "Young Master Javier," she said softly, "if energy were money, you could buy the whole kingdom."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 32 Duty and Distraction ( 32 )

    Liana stood patiently in the courtyard, surrounded by several workers from the manor who were chatting idly as they waited. Today was the day the shipment of ore was set to arrive, as promised.

    The deal had been finalized two days ago, with three gold coins handed over as payment¡ªa personal order from her mischievous young master, Javier. The merchant was expected soon, bringing not only the usual supply of food and household necessities for the estate but also arge quantity of ore.

    Liana nced at the workers. Some looked curious about the unusual addition to the order, but none dared to ask her directly. Herposed demeanor and reputation as one of Lord Garius''s most trusted maid kept unnecessary chatter at bay.

    Her thoughts briefly wandered to Javier. "What exactly was he nning to do with so much ore?" He had been suspiciously enthusiastic about it, which only made her more wary. She let out a small sigh, brushing a strand of silver hair from her face.@@novelbin@@

    That boy is always up to something¡­ I just hope this doesn''t end with me having to exin things to Madam Francesca.

    A soft rumble in the distance signaled the arrival of the merchant caravan. The workers straightened up, ready to unload as the wagons came into view, their wheels creaking under the weight of their cargo.

    The lead merchant, a stocky man with a wide-brimmed hat, dismounted his horse and greeted Liana with a respectful nod.

    "Miss Liana," he said with a warm smile, "your special order has arrived, along with the usual supplies."

    "Thank you," Liana replied politely. "Please have the workers sort the shipment as usual. The ore will need to be stored separately."

    "Of course," the merchant replied, signaling his men to begin unloading.

    Sacks of grain, barrels of oil, and crates of produce were soon being carried off to the storerooms. Among the goods, several heavy crates marked with a special insignia contained the iron ore. Liana inspected the crates herself, ensuring everything was ounted for.

    "Help me move these crates of ore to the new workspace the young master requested," Liana instructed, her tone calm but firm.

    "Yes, Miss Liana," one of the workers replied promptly, gathering his team to begin.

    Liana watched as the workers carefully pushed the carts across the courtyard, the iron ore crates stacked securely. Liana followed, keeping an eye on their progress to ensure nothing went wrong.

    The workspace was located in a secluded area of the estate grounds, a newly constructed shed that Javier had insisted on having built. Though she didn''t know all the details of his ns, she knew better than to underestimate her young master resourcefulness¡ªor his talent for creating chaos.

    As the workers unloaded the crates inside the workspace, Liana took a moment to inspect the area. The building was simple but well-constructed, with sturdy walls and a wide wooden workbench. A few shelves and storage racks lined the walls, ready to hold tools and materials.

    "ce the crates neatly over there," Liana directed, pointing to a corner near the bench.

    The workers nodded and carefully arranged the crates as instructed. Liana stood with her hands sped in front of her, her eyes scanning the setup.

    This should keep him upied for a while¡­ though I can''t shake the feeling he''s going to surprise us all again, she thought with a small sigh.

    Once thest crate was in ce, the workers bowed slightly before heading back to their other duties. Liana stayed behind for a moment, surveying the space.

    At least he''s keeping busy¡­ but I''ll need to keep an eye on him. Trouble has a way of finding that boy¡ªor perhaps he has a way of finding it.

    Liana looked around the manor, starting with the usual ces her young master liked to spend time. First, she headed to the Pekko pen. The lively birds squawked happily, but their food troughs looked untouched.

    "It doesn''t seem like the young master or the workers have fed them yet," she murmured, shaking her head.

    She checked the bag of peculiar feed Javier had concocted, a mixture he proudly called "Pekko manure," iming it was the perfect nutrient-packed food for the birds. Liana dutifully measured out portions and ced them into the troughs.

    "Here you go," she said, watching as the Pekkos eagerly gobbled up the food.

    After ensuring the birds were well-fed, Liana began asking the maids around the manor, "Have you seen the young master this morning?"

    "No, Miss Liana. I haven''t seen him at all today," replied one maid, echoing the responses of others she questioned.

    With no leads, Liana sighed and headed inside the manor to continue her search. She checked the library, the garden, and even the storage room¡ªnothing.

    Finally, she decided to try the dining room.

    There he was. Javier sat at the long dining table, happily devouring a thick slice of meat steak, a look of pure satisfaction on his face despite it being early in the morning.

    Liana let out a long sigh and approached him. "Young master."

    Javier looked up, his mouth half-full of steak. "Yes, Liana?"

    "The ore you ordered has arrived and has already been ced in the new workshop," she informed him.

    Javier''s eyes lit up. "Oh! Nice! Ehehehe."

    He then gestured toward the seat beside him, a yful grin on his face. "Wanna eat together, Liana?"

    Liana gave him a disapproving look, folding her arms. "Maid and master cannot eat together in the main dining area. Did you forget that rule, young master?"

    Javier smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Rules, schmules. I don''t care about those. Besides, it''s just us here."

    Liana frowned, her eyes narrowing slightly as she crossed her arms. "Still, a maid cannot sit and eat with their master. Don''t encourage the maids to bend the rules. You know Lord Garius and Lady Francesca don''t like it. I don''t want anyone else breaking the rules because of your antics. Do you know what will happen to them if they do? They could get fired."

    Javier paused for a moment, then grinned mischievously. "If you say so..." He cut a small piece of steak with his fork and held it out toward her, his smirk widening. "Here. If you won''t sit, at least have a bite."

    Liana blinked, caught off guard by his gesture. "Young master..."

    "Come on, Liana. I''ll keep it between us. Nobody will know," he said, shing his most innocent smile.

    Her lips tightened as she struggled to suppress a sigh.

    Just as she was about to protest again, Javier wiggled the fork teasingly. "Say ''ahhh!''"

    Despite herself, Liana felt her cheeks warm. She shook her head but took a small bite of the offered steak.

    "There. Happy now?" she asked, giving him a pointed look.

    Javier beamed as though he had just won a great victory. "Very! And? It''s good, right?"

    Liana rolled her eyes but softly admitted, "It is."

    Javier chuckled. "See? I told you it''d be worth it."

    "Just don''t let anyone catch you doing this," she warned, quickly straightening her posture and resuming her usualposed demeanor. "You might enjoy bending the rules, but I won''t let you drag me down with you, young master."

    "Ehehehe," Javierughed, taking another bite of his steak, clearly unbothered.

    "By the way, young master," Liana began in a steady yet firm tone, "there was supposed to be at least one or two maid apanying you while you eat. Where are they?"

    Javier blinked, his fork pausing mid-air. "Err... I told them to go eat their breakfast?"

    Liana''s brows furrowed, and her voice carried a rare note of exasperation. "They shouldn''t have done that! They''re supposed to apany you during meals, especially when I''m not around. Where are they!?"

    Javier leaned back in his chair, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Calm down, Liana. Chill. Rx. Ehehehe."

    Liana''s expression remainedposed, but her eyes were sharp as she shook her head slightly. "Young master, that is against the household rules. When we are on duty, our role is to serve and remain attentive to your needs. Allowing them to leave their post is a breach of conduct."

    Javier chuckled, clearly not as worried about decorum as she was. "Rx, Liana. It''s fine. No big deal."

    Liana eyes narrowed slightly, though her hands remained poised. "It is a big deal, young master. If Lord Garius or Lady Francesca saw this, the consequences for the maids would be severe. Do you want them to be dismissed for negligence?"

    Javier sighed and put his fork down. "Alright, alright, Im Sorry. Next time, I''ll make sure someone stays, okay?"

    "Young master, household maids are allowed to rx when they aren''t actively attending to the family or their assigned tasks. That''s why they have their own early breakfast before starting their duties. But when they are attending you or anyone else in the family, they must follow the household rules without exception."

    Javier leaned back, his fork still in hand. "Alright, but they were just taking a break. What''s the harm?"

    Liana''s emerald eyes met his, firm but calm. "The maids here were selected for their talent and dedication. They understand their roles within the household. Their responsibilities during meals are crucial and require their full attention. Outside of that, they have plenty of time to rest, eat, and manage their tasks, such as cleaning and organizing. It''s not like they''re overworked."

    She adjusted the napkin on her arm as she continued, her tone softening. "But when they are present, they must uphold their duties properly. Allowing them to rx or neglect their responsibilities during these key moments sets a bad example and could affect the household''s overall discipline. You wouldn''t want Lord Garius or Lady Francesca to think the staff is ipetent, would you?"

    Javier sighed and shrugged, conceding with a faint smile. "Alright, I get it, Liana."

    Liana gave a small, approving nod. "It''s not about me, young master. It''s about ensuring the household runs smoothly and that everyone understands their roles."

    "Yeah, yeah. Im sorry, Liana," Javier muttered, smiling.

    "It''s simply my job, young master," she replied with a faint smile, returning to her poised stance.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 33 Between Duty and Affection ( 33 )

    Liana moved closer to Javier with graceful steps. She took the napkin from her arm and gently wiped the corner of his mouth, not saying a word. Javier blinked, surprised by her sudden action.

    "There, young master," she said softly, folding the napkin neatly and putting it back on her arm. Then, she leaned forward to refill his drink, making sure his ss was full before stepping back to her spot, just behind and to the side of him.

    Standing there, Liana kept her hands lightly sped in front of her stomach, showing the right amount of attention without being too close or too far away, ready to help if Javier needed anything.

    Javier nced at her from the corner of his eye. "You''re way too formal sometimes, you know?"

    "It''s my duty, young master," she replied calmly.

    Javier leaned back in his chair and teased her with a grin. "But I like it when you feed me."

    Liana sighed softly, a small smile appearing on her lips. "Young master," she said "we can do that in your room or when no one else is around. I''m here just for you, but in the dining room, please¡­"

    Her eyes met his, showing both her care for him and hermitment to the rules. "The dining room is a formal ce. You know how the other maids and the family might see us."

    Javier chuckled, leaning forward with his chin resting on his hand. "You''re too serious, Liana. I just think it''s nice when you spoil me."

    "I''m serious because it''s important," she replied, straightening up. "And young master, I spoil you enough already."

    He smirked and took another bite of his steak. "Fair enough."

    Liana let out a soft sigh, her smile returning as she stood poised. "Always testing the boundaries," she murmured, just loud enough for him to hear.

    After Javier finished eating and Liana made sure the table was clean, she turned to him with a mysterious smile. "Let me show you something, young master."

    "Oh? What is it?" Javier asked, intrigued.

    "Just follow me," she said, waving her hand gracefully.

    Curious, Javier followed her as Liana led him to a part of the manor he rarely visited¡ªthe maid''s dining area. As they approached, he could hear cheerful chatter andughtering from inside.

    Javier peeked in and saw a group of maids happily talking, their faces bright with smiles as they enjoyed breakfast together.

    Liana pointed to the lively scene. "As you can see, young master, when they''re not on duty, they''re rxed and having fun. There''s no such thing as overworked maids here."

    She continued, her tone calm but informative. "The maids earn good sries, have their own private rooms, and get a day off each week. They take turns helping the family, so everyone has time to rest. The head maid makes sure the work is shared fairly, so they can keep up with their responsibilities."

    Javier scratched his head, feeling a bit guilty. "I didn''t mean to cause trouble¡­"

    Liana smiled kindly but firmly. "Now, if you''ll excuse me, young master, I have something to take care of here." She turned and entered the dining area, locking the door behind her.

    Momentster, Javier heard Liana''s voice through the door, her calm tone reced by a firm, scolding one aimed at the maids inside. "Who allowed you to leave your post during formal dining hours? Do you realize the importance of your duties?

    Javier''s eyes widened as he imagined the serious look on her usually calm face. "Eeeeek!" he squeaked, running away in a panic.

    He stopped at a safe distance and leaned against the wall, wipe sweat from his brow. "Scary Liana is scary!" he muttered.

    The head maid, passing by, heard him and smiled, shaking her head.

    She approached Javier with her usual calm demeanor. "Good morning, young master. Would you like to follow me?"

    Javier tilted his head, curious. "Oh, okay..."

    With a graceful turn, the head maid, Gloria, led the way. As they walked, she looked back at him. "What Miss Liana said is true, young master. Let me show you something to help you understand better."

    They soon reached the maid quarters, a separate wing of the estate. Javier blinked in surprise at how big the building was.

    Gloria stopped at the entrance and spoke to the two female guards there. "Announce that the young master Javier is visiting."

    The guards nodded. "Yes, Miss Gloria," one said, stepping inside to make the announcement.

    As Gloria led Javier inside, she exined, "All personal maids, like Miss Liana, have rooms in the main manor. But household maids have their ownfortable rooms here."

    She guided him through the corridor, stopping at an open door to show a cozy room. It was simple but weing, with a neatly made bed, a small desk, and personal touches like flower vases and embroidery.

    "See? Each maid has her own private space to rx," Gloria said with a soft smile.

    Javier nodded, taking in the details of the room. It felt nice to see that the maids had afortable ce of their own.

    "As for me," Gloria added, "I also have a personal room in the manor, courtesy of Madam Francesca. The head maid must be readily avable at all times."

    They continued their tour, arriving at argemon room filled with activity. "And here," Gloria gestured, "is the dining area for maids who are off duty or on their day off. When they''re working, they eat in the designated maid dining area¡ªthe one you visited earlier, where Miss Liana was scolding the others." She chuckled lightly.

    Javier rubbed the back of his neck, remembering how he felt during that tense moment.

    Gloria turned to him with a gentle yet firm expression. "So, young master, please don''t think that the maids are overworked or mistreated. We do our best to run an efficient and fair household."

    "Uhh¡­ I''m sorry," Javier said, looking genuinely regretful.

    Gloria nodded in understanding. "Apology epted, young master. Now, if you''ll excuse me, I have other tasks to handle. Have a pleasant day."

    As she walked away, Javier reflected on everything he had learned. "I guess I''ve got more to understand about how things work here¡­" he murmured to himself.

    On his way back to the manor, Javier turned a corner and nearly bumped into Anna, the youngest maid in the household. She looked like she had just woken up, her hair a messy and her uniform a bit disheveled.

    The instant Anna saw him, her eyes widened in panic. "Hiiiii!! Young master?!" she squeaked, a mix of shock and embarrassment in her voice.

    Javier raised an eyebrow, amused by her flustered reaction. "Morning, Anna. Did you sleep well?"

    Anna''s face turned bright red as she scrambled to fix herself. "Umm... ahh... excuse me!" she stammered, darting past him like a startled rabbit, almost tripping over her own feet.

    Javier chuckled, shaking his head. "She''s like a little squirrel," he muttered under his breath, watching her disappear down the hallway.

    Before long, he heard quiet giggles and whispers from around the corner¡ªlikely Anna exining herself to the other maids, who were probably teasing her about their awkward encounter.

    "At least mornings here are never boring," Javier said to himself with a grin, continuing on his way.@@novelbin@@

    As he walked back toward the manor, he noticed Liana approaching him, moving gracefully. She looked calm and rxed, but there was a slight tilt of her head that suggested she was keeping a close eye on him.

    "Now, young master," she said as she got closer, her voice gentle but firm. "Let''s head to your workspace."

    "Okay!" Javier beamed, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

    As they walked, Javier hesitated for a moment and asked, "Liana, can we hold hands?"

    Liana paused, letting out a soft sigh, but she didn''t protest. Instead, she extended her hand, allowing him to take it. His hand was slightly bigger than hers¡ªwarm and steady, giving her a sense offort that always caught her off guard.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 34 Javier Personal Workshop ( 34 )

    When Javier and Liana arrived at his personal workshop, Liana couldn''t help but smile. Her young master eyes sparkled with excitement as he surveyed the crates of ore.

    "I''ll leave you to it," Liana said softly, her lips curling into a gentle smile. She turned to head out, leaving him to his work.

    As she walked toward the Pekko pen to feed the birds, Liana wondered what he could possibly need all that ore for. After all, hecked the tools to melt, hammer, or shape it¡­

    Inside the workshop, Javier stood before the pile of ore, grinning like a mischievous spirit.

    "Ehehehe¡­" he chuckled, rubbing his hands together.

    Selecting a chunk of ore, he ced it on the table. The metallic surface glinted under the workshop light, and Javier stretched his hands over it, feeling its energy.

    "Let''s see if this works," he murmured.

    Javier activated his unique magic crafting ability, a skill he discovered after his reincarnation. Threads of mana coiled around the ore like glowing vines, reshaping it with precision. Sparks filled the air as the raw material transformed.

    In moments, a sleek, polished longsword materialized on the table, its de gleaming with a silver sheen and faint, intricate runes glowing along the edges¡ªa testament to the magic infused within.

    Javier inspected the sword with a proud smirk. "Perfect. Even better than I imagined," he said, twirling the de with practiced ease.

    His smirk widened as he envisioned his next creation¡ªa full set of te armor bearing the crest of the Viscount Armand family.

    "This has to be perfect," he muttered, cracking his knuckles and extending his hands over the ore.

    With a deep breath, he channeled his magic crafting, filling the room with an ethereal glow. One by one, the armor pieces took shape. The chest te was the first, embossed with the intricate crest of the Armand family¡ªa majestic bird on a shield, surrounded by flowing vines. Javier ensured every curve and line, from the regal crest to the rivets, was precise.

    Next came the leg armor, greaves, and boots, each crafted for both functionality and elegance, the polished iron gleaming like a mirror. Finally, the helm took shape, its sharp, angr design conveying both intimidation and sophistication, fitting snugly while maximizing protection.

    "Looks good," he said, stepping back to admire thepleted set standing on the prepared mannequin.

    Not stopping there, Javier moved on to crafting a heavy iron shield, broad and sturdy for deflecting powerful strikes. The Armand crest was etched boldly onto its surface, and he ensured every detail was perfect. With a final burst of magic, he enhanced the shield''s durability and shine.

    "Now, the real fun begins," he said with a mischievous grin.

    Gathering another batch of ore, he began crafting a puppet. This creation required immense focus and attention to detail. He shaped the iron into humanoid forms, articting the joints to mimic human movements.

    To reinforce the puppet''s frame, heyered the iron with subtle magical enhancements, making it both durable and flexible. Its core, hidden within its chest, glowed faintly¡ªa magic-powered core infused with his mana.

    The puppet stoodpleted, taller than Javier by a head, adorned with sleek, functional armor.

    Wiping the sweat from his brow, Javier admired his masterpiece. "Perfect. Strong, durable, and ready for anything."

    He couldn''t resist a triumphantugh. "Ehehehe¡­ Soon, my ns will alle together."

    "A masterpiece isn''tplete without a failsafe," he murmured, reaching for a handful of mana stones he had selected earlier.

    Each stone pulsed faintly with energy, their hues ranging from deep violet to brilliant blue. Javier ran his fingers over them, choosing the finest for his next step.

    He embedded the mana stones into the puppet''s core, arranging them in a circr formation around the primary core. With each stone, he infused a unique magical signature linked to his own mana.

    "No one else will be able to touch this," he muttered, weaving intricate magic seals over the stones. The seals shimmered faintly, locking the stones in ce and ensuring they would only respond to him.

    Next, he activated the backup power system, channeling his magic to synchronize the mana stones with the puppet''s main core. The stones glowed brighter, their energy flowing smoothly into the puppet''s systems.

    "This should do it," Javier said, stepping back. The mana stones pulsed in unison, creating a steady, rhythmic hum.

    He extended his hand, muttering an incantation under his breath. The puppet responded, its joints clicking and whirring as it raised an arm in acknowledgment. Satisfied, he ced his palm against its chest and activated the override spell, ensuring only his mana signature could issuemands.

    "Try taking control of this, I dare you," Javier said with a confident smirk.

    He performed a final diagnostic test, deliberately overloading the puppet''s primary core to simte a failure. The main core dimmed, but the backup power kicked in seamlessly, drawing energy from the mana stones.

    "Perfect." Javier grinned, stepping back as the puppet stood tall, fully powered.

    "Even if the core breaks, you''ll keep running. And no one¡ªabsolutely no one¡ªcan control you but me."

    Javier examined the fully assembled puppet, now d in meticulously crafted full te armor, sword, and shield. The armor gleamed, the Viscount Armand family crest prominently disyed on the chestte. Its imposing figure radiated strength, but something was missing.@@novelbin@@

    "Hmm¡­" Javier tapped his chin, pacing around the puppet. "It''s functional, sure, but it needs a touch of ir. Something to make it look... legendary."

    He rummaged through a chest filled with fabric set aside for experiments and pulled out a roll of dark crimson cloth, trimmed with gold embroidery. Thick yet smooth, it was perfect for the puppet''s regal look.

    Using his magic, Javier swiftly tailored the fabric to the right length, enchanting the edges to prevent fraying and adding a subtle glow to the gold trim for an otherworldly effect.

    He carefully attached the cape to the puppet''s shoulders, ensuring it wouldn''t hinder movement. As it settled, the cape flowed elegantly, giving the puppet an air of authority.

    "Now, that''s what I''m talking about," Javier said, stepping back to admire his work. But he wasn''t finished.

    He leaned closer to the helm and, using his finger to channel magic, etched a glowing insignia of the family crest onto the forehead. It radiated a faint blue light, beautifully contrasting with the silver helm.

    "Much better. Now you''re not just a weapon; you''re a symbol," Javier said with a satisfied grin.

    He circled the puppet onest time, inspecting every detail. The full te armor gleamed with strength and precision, the sword rested in its grip as if it belonged there, and the shield exuded unyielding defense. The crimson cape and glowing insignia added a final touch of majesty.

    "Cool and powerful," Javier muttered, nodding approvingly. "You''re ready to make an impression."

    "Alright, time for the finishing touch¡ªa proper sword sheath. Can''t have my knight running around with a bare de, can we?"

    He grabbed a chunk of reinforced leather from his storage magic andid it on the workbench. With precise movements, he measured and cut the material to fit the sword perfectly, adding ayer of lightweight iron ting inside for durability.

    Next, he embossed the Viscount Armand family crest onto the sheath, matching the knight''s design. The crest glowed faintly, a sign of the enchantment Javier embedded to prevent the sword from dulling or rusting while sheathed.

    "Now, for the straps¡­" he muttered, attaching a secure belt mechanism to the sheath for a snug fit at the puppet''s waist. Onceplete, he stepped back to examine his work.

    Satisfied, Javier slid the sword into the sheath, the metallic click echoing in the room.

    "Tadaaa!" he dered, throwing his arms out. "Complete personal knight! Ehehhehehehehe!"

    He admired the finished product: a towering figure d in gleaming full te armor, wielding a long sword and shield, with a majestic crimson cape flowing behind it. The sword sheath at its waist added the final touch, making it look like a true knight from legend.

    Javier couldn''t help but grin proudly at his creation. "Now, let''s see what you can do."

    Javier crossed his arms, tilting his head as he studied the puppet knight. A mischievous glint sparkled in his amber eyes. "Hmm¡­ I wonder how strong this bad boy would be with better ore¡­ Maybe mithril? Or adamantite?"

    He stroked his chin, his grin widening. "Ekekeke¡­ The possibilities! Just imagine it cutting through monsters like butter or tanking blows from overconfident knights. It''d be unstoppable!"

    His imagination soared as he pictured the puppet knight battling hordes of beasts, standing firm against armies, or even taking on a dragon. "I''d be the coolest adventurer ever. The puppet knight would be my loyal guardian¡­ and it might even scare off Father if he gets too naggy. Hehe¡­"

    He tapped the puppet''s chest te thoughtfully. "But for now, this will do. Still, stronger ore means stronger output. I should connect with merchants or adventurers to get my hands on rare materials. Hmm¡­"

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 35 Puppet and Protector ( 35 )

    "Alright¡­ time to test this knight''s ability. Ehehe," Javier muttered, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

    In the open field near his workshop, Javier held his sword at the ready. The puppet knight stood tall, hand resting on the hilt of its sheathed sword, motionless yet imposing.

    "Command: Defend yourself!" Javier dered.

    The puppet knight sprang to life, drawing its sword in a fluid motion. Javier dashed forward, swinging his de toward its torso.

    ng!

    The puppet expertly parried the attack. Javier grinned. "Nice reflexes! This is impressive!"

    Suddenly, a sharp voice echoed across the field.

    "Young master!! Get back!!!"

    "Huh?" Javier blinked, turning toward the source.

    Before he could respond, Liana appeared like a whirlwind, her dual des glinting in the sunlight as she charged at the puppet knight.

    "Liana, wait¡ª!" Javier tried to stop her, but she was already in fullbat mode.

    Her first sh met the puppet''s raised sword, parrying the attack with precision. Undeterred, Liana followed with a powerful kick, but the puppet blocked with its shield.

    Narrowing her eyes, her calm demeanor shifted to fierce determination. Her magic red, enhancing her speed and strength.

    "You won''ty a hand on the young master!" she dered, drawing a sleek bow from her maid''s dress. Charging it with magic, she unleashed a volley of glowing arrows.

    The puppet raised its shield, deflecting the barrage, though faint cracks began to form.

    "Whoa¡­ I didn''t know she was this capable," Javier muttered, crouching at a safe distance. "Dual des, magic buffs, and a magic bow? Ehehe, this is getting interesting."

    Liana infused her magic into her next attack. "Fire Arrow!" she shouted, releasing a zing projectile that pierced through the puppet''s shield, shattering it before mming into the knight''s chest. The puppet staggered, its armor dented and scorched.

    As the dust settled, Liana stood ready, eyes locked on the puppet. "Young master, stay back! I''ll handle this intruder!"

    Unfazed, Javier casually walked toward the puppet knight, circling it to inspect the damage.

    "Ohhhh¡­ there''s a lot of damage," he muttered, examining the cracked joints and dented armor.

    "Young master!" Liana called, Panicked.

    "Liana.What do you think of my puppet knight?"

    Liana froze, her glowing des still poised for attack. "Your¡­ puppet knight?"

    "Yup! I built it myself. Cool, huh?"

    Liana slowly lowered her weapons, disbelief washing over her. "...You mean to tell me I''ve been fighting your creation this whole time?"

    "Yeah. And honestly? You did some serious damage." Javier gestured at the knight''s shattered shield and the big hole in its armor. "I''m impressed. Didn''t know you could go all-out like that. Ehehe."

    Liana sighed, pressing a hand to her forehead. "Young master¡­ you could''ve told me before I nearly destroyed it."

    "But where''s the fun in that?" Javier teased.

    Liana gave him a t look before sighing again. " Young master...."

    "Aw,e on, Liana. Admit it¡ªyou were having fun too."

    Liana sheathed her des, shaking her head with a faint smile. "You''re lucky it''s well-built¡­ otherwise, you''d be rebuilding your puppet knight from scratch."

    "Ehehe, I''ll take it as a chance to improve. But for now¡­" Javier turned back to the puppet. "Time for some repairs."

    Liana sighed again, this time with a softer expression, as she followed him back to the workshop.

    Inside the cozy confines of Javier''s workshop, Liana sat on a plush cushion, reading book. The quiet hum of magic filled the air as her young master repaired the damaged puppet knight.

    Liana nced up, her curiosity piqued by the sight of Javier hands glowing with mana as he skillfully used advanced crafting magic.

    "Young master," she called softly, "I didn''t realize you were capable of such advanced crafting magic."

    Javier, engrossed in his work, chuckled. "Ehehe, there''s a lot you don''t know about me, Liana."

    He leaned closer to the puppet''s chest, reinforcing damaged joints and repairing cracked armor.

    "Lucky your fire arrow didn''t hit the mana crystal and the core at the same time. Ehehe," he teased, ncing at her with a grin.

    Liana raised an eyebrow, folding her arms. "Next time, you should tell me before testing something so dangerous, young master."

    Javier scratched the back of his head, still smiling. "Yeah, yeah. I''ll keep that in mind. Now¡­ let''s see. This part needs improvement¡­ and here too. Oh, and the shattered shield definitely needs to be rebuilt."

    As he continued his repairs, jotting notes on parchment, Liana sighed and returned to her book, though her ears remained tuned to him.

    "Hey, Liana?" Javier asked suddenly.

    "Yes, young master?"

    "Do you think a puppet knight like this could fight an army? You know, soldiers and warriors?"

    Liana set her book down, tilting her head thoughtfully. "It depends. If the army is made up of people stronger than me, it might not stand a chance at all."

    "Hmmm¡­" Javier tapped his chin, his yful smile fading into contemtion. "I guess I need better materials. Stronger ore. Something more durable."

    His grin returned. "Well, for now, I''ll focus on crafting new gear¡ªswords, shields, daggers, and des. I can sell them to make more money. Ehehehe!"

    Liana sighed again, this time with a faint smile. "Just don''t overwork yourself, young master."@@novelbin@@

    Javier nodded, already lost in his next idea. His excitement was infectious, and despite her initial annoyance, Liana couldn''t help but admire his determination.

    "Eheheheheheheheh¡­"

    Liana nced up from her book and rolled her eyes. Her young master grinned like an evil mastermind, hands on his hips as he admired the piles of weapons and armor he had just crafted.

    The workshop was now filled with an impressive array of swords, shields, daggers, and full sets of armor. Each piece glinted under the soft glow of the magicmps, showcasing intricate designs and superior craftsmanship.

    "What do we need to do with all this¡­ pile of weaponry and armor?" Liana asked, setting her book aside.

    "Sell it, of course! Ehehe!" Javier replied.

    Liana sighed, rubbing her temple. "Do you even know how much it''ll cost to transport all this to the buyers?"

    "Huh? We can just load it all into my magic storage. Easy!"

    "And?"

    "And then we ride our Pekko to town and sell it all to Old Man Orrim!"

    Liana raised an eyebrow. "The same dwarf cksmith who bought the monster body from you before?"

    "Exactly!" Javier pointed as if he''d just solved the mysteries of the universe.

    Liana let out another sigh, shaking her head. "Just¡­ make sure you don''t put the Viscount emblem or any signature on the weapons. Thest thing we need is people asking questions about where all this came from."

    "Ehehehe¡­ Don''t worry, I won''t!" Javier assured her with a mischievous grin.

    She crossed her arms, giving him a skeptical look. "I mean it, young master. No family crests, no identifying marks."

    "I promise, Liana. I''ll be discreet," he said, waving off her concerns.

    Javier turned back to his weapons, already daydreaming about the gold he''d soon be swimming in. "Ehehehe¡­ soon, I''ll be richer than Father. Then I can buy whatever I want¡­ maybe even more Pekko!"

    Despite herself, Liana couldn''t help but chuckle softly. "Just don''t forget that wealth attracts attention, young master. The kind we don''t need."

    "By the way, Liana¡­" Javier began, a mischievous edge in his tone.

    Liana sighed, bracing herself. "What now, young master?"

    "Let''s go visit Old Man Orrim! I''m going to sell these weapons and armor to him."

    As he spoke, he waved his hand over the workshop, making the piles of swords, shields, and armor vanish into his magic storage with a faint shimmer. Finally, with a flick of his wrist, he stored away the puppet knight as well.

    "I''m sure Old Man Orrim will buy all of these!" he dered, practically bouncing with excitement. "I remember him saying he needed more supplies. Ehehehe¡­"

    Liana stood up, smoothing out her dress. "I suppose there''s no stopping you once you''ve made up your mind."

    "Exactly!" Javier shed her a charming smile. With a yful tone, he added, "Don''t worry, Liana. You''ll get a share too. "

    She raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "And what would I do with this so-called ''share''?"

    "Anything you want!" he said, undeterred. "Maybe some fancy tea leaves? Or an elegant elf-made hairpin? Consider it a thank-you for always putting up with me."

    Lianaughed softly despite herself. "Fine, young master. Let''s just hope this little venture of yours doesn''t attract too much attention."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 36 Lianas Day Off ( 36 )

    "Hehehehe¡­ I''M RICH!" Javier shouted, spinning around happily as he looked at a big pile of gold coins , neatly stacked on the table in his room.

    Liana sighed and shook her head. Her young master was so excited, like a child with a new toy¡ªbut this was much more serious. They had juste back from Old Man Orrim''s cksmith shop, where they sold all the weapons and armor Javier had made. On the way back, they rode their trusty Pekko, And Javier humming a victorious tune the entire ride.

    What Liana remembered most was how Javier and Orrim had leaned in close during their deal. They were whispering andughing together, looking more like two viins nning something sneaky than business partners.

    "Young master," Liana said firmly, interrupting his celebration. "Stop looking at your gold coins. You should put them in your magic storage before someone¡ªlike your father or mother¡ªfinds out."

    Javier pouted a little but then smiled again. "Eheheh¡­ Here, Liana. This is for you."

    He handed her a small bag with five gold coins inside that jingled when she shook it.

    Liana''s eyes went wide with surprise. "Young master¡­ Are you sure? This is¡­ this is worth of year sry for us maids!"

    "Of course, I''m sure!" Javier said, grinning. "You deserve it, Liana. I couldn''t have done it without you."

    Liana hesitated, holding the bag tightly. "I¡­ I don''t know what to say."

    "''Thank you'' would be a good start,"

    Liana smiled and put the bag away. "Thank you, young master. But don''t think this means I''ll ignore your silly mistakes next time."

    "Ehehe, got it!" Javier replied, clearly not taking her warning seriously.

    Liana shook her head again, but she couldn''t help smiling as she sat down to enjoy the quiet of her day off. Meanwhile, Javier was already thinking about his next big project.

    Liana stood up, smoothing her dress as she looked at Javier, who was still smiling at his pile of gold coins. "Young master, I''m going to eat now," she said firmly but calmly. "You should go to the main dining room. Don''t keep the cooks and maids waiting too long¡ªthey''ve worked hard to make your meal."

    "Okay," Javier replied casually, but it was clear he didn''t want to leave. He scooped up the leftover gold coins and put them into a big iron chest. With a quick wave of his hand, the chest disappeared into his magic storage.

    When he turned back to Liana, he asked, "Aren''t youing with me to eat?"

    Liana raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms lightly. "Today, the household maids will be attending to you during the meal. It''s their duty as part of their rotation. It''s not always going to be me, young master. You should know that by now."

    "Fine, fine¡­" Javier said, waving her off with a yful tone.

    Liana sighed softly and shook her head as she started to leave. "Behave yourself, young master," she said with a hint of amusement in her voice.

    Inside the cozy maid dining room, the atmosphere buzzed with light chatter and the sound of cutlery on tes. The maids on duty were gathered around a long table, enjoying their well-deserved meal. Liana sat with the head maid, Gloria, and a few others, eating her portion with quiet grace.

    In one corner of the room, Marita was eating her food with great enthusiasm. Her te was already half-empty while others were just getting started.

    "Slow down, Marita," one of the maids said with a teasingugh. "You''re going to choke."

    Marita barely looked up, her cheeks stuffed like a chipmunk. "hmmmm! This is so good!" she eximed between bites, making everyone around the table chuckle.

    Gloria then turned to Liana, looking thoughtful. "By the way, Liana, I''ve been meaning to ask¡ªyou never seem to take a day off. Why is that?"

    The other maids leaned in, curious.

    "She''s right," one said. "Miss Liana, I don''t think I''ve ever seen you take a break."

    Another added, "Don''t you get tired?"

    "Is the young master making you work nonstop?" someone teased, but it was all in good fun.

    Liana paused, her fork hovering over her te as she thought about the question. "Hmm..." she murmured, her brow furrowing slightly. "I... don''t think so?"

    The room filled with friendly chatter, and the maids exchanged nces.

    Gloria''s voice cut through the noise with authority. "That settles it. Liana, you''ll take tomorrow off. I''ll arrange for the other maids to take care of young master Javier while you rest."

    Liana blinked, genuinely surprised. "Tomorrow?"

    "Yes, tomorrow," Gloria said firmly, a small smile on her lips. "No arguments. Even you need to rest, Liana. And don''t think you can sneak around to check on the young master, either¡ªI''ll have the maids report to me if you try."

    The other maids giggled, and Liana sighed softly, realizing she couldn''t avoid this decision. "Alright," she said with a small smile. "I suppose I could use a day to myself."

    "About time!" one of the maids joked, raising her cup in mock celebration, which made everyoneugh.

    As the conversation shifted, Liana went back to her meal, quietly thinking about how she would spend her unexpected day off.

    As Liana continued her meal, she started to worry about how the other maids would handle young master Javier while she was gone. She could already imagine the chaos¡ªhis cheeky grin, slyments, and endless energy. He''s not easy to keep track of, she thought, smiling fondly.

    How should I even tell him? she wondered. Javier didn''t like surprises, especially ones that changed his routine. She sighed. It wasn''t like she really needed a day off.

    Her thoughts shifted to the benefits of working on her days off. Double pay... she reminded herself. Liana had always been good at saving, and those extra coins had added up over the years. She had worked for the Armand household for over 14 years¡ªthree years as a household maid before Madam Francesca assigned her to young master Javier as his personal maid. Since the day he was born, she had been there, caring for him as he grew from a chubby baby into the confident, mischievous eleven-year-old he was now.@@novelbin@@

    Even after so long, it never felt tiring. Taking care of Javier wasn''t hard work; most of the time, she just had to sit nearby, watch him, and asionally chase after him when he decided to sneak out or cause trouble. She even enjoyed reading her books while on duty, as long as Javier wasn''t nning something particrly daring that day.

    Well, of course, she thought with a wry smile, there are times when I have to hunt him down after he sneaks out to the vige or stop him from taking apart furniture to "improve" it. But those moments are rare... mostly.

    Still, the thought of leaving him in someone else''s care, even for just one day, made her uneasy. Will they be able to keep up with him?

    The lively conversation at the table brought her back to the moment. Gloria was discussing reorganizing the linen closet, and Marita was¡ªpredictably¡ªasking for seconds. Liana let out a soft sigh.

    Just one day, she reminded herself. What''s the worst that could happen?

    After finishing her meal, Liana gathered her dishes and joined the other maids at the washing station. The kitchen hummed with casual chatter, but Liana stayed quiet, focused on how to tell Javier about her day off.

    Once the dishes were washed and neatly put away, the head maid, Gloria, approached her with a knowing smile.

    "Don''t forget to rest tomorrow," Gloria reminded her, hands on her hips.

    Liana hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Okay. I''ll tell young master about my absence tomorrow."

    "Good," Gloria said firmly, making it clear there was no room for debate. "You deserve it, Liana. Let the other maids handle him for a day."

    As Gloria walked away to take care of another task, Liana let out a soft sigh. She wasn''t sure if she even remembered how to really "rest" anymore. Still, an order was an order.

    Nowes the hard part, she thought. Telling Javier.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 38 Lianas Day Off (Part 2) ( 38 )

    Liana woke up at her usual early hour, her body ustomed to the routine she had followed for years. Without a second thought, she began her day as always¡ªshowering, tying her silver hair neatly, and donning her maid uniform.

    Standing before the mirror, she adjusted her cor and smoothed out any wrinkles in her uniform, nodding in satisfaction. She felt ready for another day of service.

    It wasn''t until she stepped into the bustling maid dining room that reality struck.

    "Liana?" Gloria''s voice called out sharply, catching her attention. The head maid stood with her arms crossed, her gaze narrowing at Liana''s impable attire.

    "Yes?" Liana replied, tilting her head slightly, confused by Gloria''s tone.

    "Didn''t I tell you yesterday? Today is your day off."

    Liana blinked, then realization dawned on her. "Huh? Oh¡­" she muttered, her voice trailing off. "I forgot."

    Gloria sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Liana, go change your outfit. You don''t need to wear the maid uniform today. Just rest for once."

    "But¡ª"

    "No buts," Gloria interjected firmly, cutting her off. "This is non-negotiable. Go."

    "Oh¡­ Okay," Liana relented reluctantly, fiddling with the edge of her apron. "By the way¡­ where''s Young Master Javier?"

    Gloria''s re was enough to make Liana freeze in ce.

    "Uh¡­ I''m going to eat breakfast first," Liana mumbled quickly, retreating toward the table to avoid further scolding.

    As she sat down to eat with the other maids, a thought nagged at her: What was Javier up to without her?

    After finishing breakfast, Liana made her way back to her room. She stood in front of her wardrobe for a moment, her hands trailing over the neatly arranged clothes. With a sigh, she removed her maid uniform and carefully hung it back in its ce.

    Changing into a simple but elegant casual outfit¡ªa light cream tunic paired with a soft green skirt¡ªshe tied her hair into a loose braid, letting a few strands frame her face. It was rare for her to dress casually, and she felt oddly self-conscious.

    Once dressed, she grabbed a book from the small shelf in her room and threw herself onto the bed, lying down with her legs crossed at the ankles.

    She flipped through the pages half-heartedly, unable to focus.

    "What a boring day off¡­" she muttered to herself, closing the book and resting it on her chest. She stared at the ceiling, lost in thought.

    I wonder what Young Master Javier is up to¡­ Is he behaving himself? Or has he already caused trouble for the household maids?

    She sighed deeply. "Haaa¡­ I''m bored..."

    Her gaze drifted to the window, where sunlight streamed through, inviting her to do something¡ªanything¡ªbut she hesitated. Maybe I should take a walk in the garden¡­ or visit the town¡­ but still...

    A small voice in the back of her mind reminded her: This is your chance to rest, Liana. Take it.

    But rest didn''te easily when her thoughts kept returning to a certain mischievous young master.

    Liana sat up on her bed with a long sigh, the book sliding to the side. Maybe I should check in with the household maids. If they''re nning to go into town, I might as well join them. At least it''ll keep me busy.

    She slipped on afortable pair of ts and tied a light shawl around her shoulders before stepping out of her room.

    The moment she opened the door, themotion outside hit her like a gust of wind.

    "Young Master Javier! Where are you?!"

    "Catch me if you can!" Javier''sughter echoed through the halls, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps and what sounded suspiciously like the ttering of pots.

    Liana''s eyes twitched slightly as she pressed her fingers to her temple. What is he up to now?

    "Young master! Stop running in the halls!" a maid''s voice pleaded from a distance, sounding out of breath.

    Another burst ofughter.

    Liana closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to center herself. Ignore it, ignore it, Liana. It''s your day off. This is not your problem today.

    With that word repeating inside her mind, she turned on her heel and strode down the corridor in the opposite direction of the chaos.

    Her destination? The household maids'' quarters. Let Gloria and the others handle it. I''m going to enjoy my day off, today.

    Liana paused mid-step, her ears picking up the faint yet unmistakable sound of her young master''sughter echoing through the manor. It was carefree, mischievous, and apanied by the frantic shouts of maids desperately trying to rein him in.

    "Young Master! It''s time for study! Miss Gloria is waiting!" one maid yelled, clearly at her wit''s end.

    "Bleeekkk" Javier''s yful taunt bounced through the halls, followed by moreughter and what sounded suspiciously like the tter of furniture being moved¡ªor knocked over.

    Liana rubbed her temples, exhaling slowly as she muttered to herself, "I think there are... what, six? No, seven maids assigned to him today." Her tone was utterly monotone, though a hint of amusement threatened to slip through.@@novelbin@@

    She resumed her steady stride toward the maids'' quarters, shaking her head. Let them handle it. It''s their turn today.

    Still, the noise behind her grew louder, a clear sign that Javier was evading capture with ease. As much as she wanted to ignore it, she couldn''t help but picture the scene in her mind: her young master, darting around with his usual agility while the maids stumbled over themselves trying to keep up.

    Liana allowed herself the faintest smirk. "I think they''ll manage. Hopefully." But deep down, she knew it wouldn''t be an easy day for them. Good luck,dies....

    As Liana approached the maid quarters, the maids lounging inside greeted her politely. While they rxed, they couldn''t help but show a subtle deference, knowing Liana''s higher rank as Javier''s personal maid.

    "Any of you going to town or anywhere else today?" Liana asked casually, ncing around at the group.

    One of the maids, mid-yawn, shook her head. "No, Miss Liana. Err... we were just nning to rest. Maybe nap all day and eat snacks." The other maids murmured in agreement, clearly content with theirzy ns.

    "Alright, enjoy your day," Liana said with a small sigh, already sensing there''d be no exciting outings to join.

    With nothing better to do, she made her way to the pekko pen. As she approached, she noticed the cheerful squawking of the two vibrant birds, their orange feathers glinting in the morning light. These weren''t just any pekko¡ªone belonged to her, and the other was her young master''s.

    She stopped by the feed barrels, measuring out their portions with practiced ease. "Sigh¡­ Why am I doing this? It''s not even my turn today."

    Yet, as she ced the feed into their troughs, a soft smile tugged at her lips. Watching the two pekko eagerly gobble up their meal, she felt a faint warmth. "Here, here. Eat up," she said softly.

    The birds squawked happily, their wide eyes bright with gratitude. Liana reached out to pat her pekko''s smooth feathers, chuckling as it leaned into her touch. "Are you having good day?," she murmured, momentarily forgetting her earlier grumbles.

    For a brief moment, everything felt peaceful. Even if her day off wasn''t as eventful as she''d imagined, this small chore brought her a surprising sense of calm.

    Liana strolled leisurely around the manor grounds, her casual outfit and calm demeanor a stark contrast to the chaos unfolding nearby. She paused when she spotted Gloria, the head maid, panting and looking thoroughly exasperated, surrounded by several equally tired household maids.

    "Young Master!!! Please don''t run! Haa¡­ haa¡­" Gloria called out, her voice cracking slightly from exertion.

    Behind her, a few other maids huffed and puffed, clutching their sides or leaning on nearby furniture for support. Their faces were red, their hair frazzled, and their patience clearly worn thin.

    From somewhere in the distance came the sound ofughter¡ªJavier unmistakable, mischievous chuckle. He was clearly enjoying his little game of hide-and-seek, leaving the maids scrambling in his wake.

    Liana shook her head, a bemused smile ying on her lips. She had warned them. "They underestimated him," she muttered, watching as the maids regrouped for another attempt.

    One of the younger maids, clutching the hem of her skirt, panted heavily. "Miss Liana, how do you deal with this every day?"

    Liana shrugged, a small smirk forming. "You learn to keep up. Or stop trying to catch him at all."

    As she turned to leave, the maids looked at her with a mix of awe and resignation. Gloria, now slumped against a wall, shot her a pleading look.

    "You''re not going to help us?"

    Liana waved them off, her expression calm but teasing. "Oh no, I''m on my day off. Good luck."

    She walked away, leaving the hapless maids to their futile chase. From the corner of her eye, she spotted a sh of ck hair darting behind a tree, followed by muffled giggles. Suppressing augh, she murmured, "Let them handle it."

    ( End Of Chapter )

 Chapter 40 A Maids Worth ( 40 )

    Gloria stood in Lady Francesca''s study, her hands neatly folded in front of her as she recounted the day''s events. Her tone was professional, but the weariness in her voice betrayed the chaos that had unfolded.

    "Madam, today has been... challenging. Young Master Javier proved difficult to handle, as expected. Despite assigning several household maids to him, he managed to evade them all until Miss Liana stepped in."

    Lady Francesca, seated gracefully at her desk, let out a softugh. Her eyes twinkled with amusement as she leaned back in her chair.

    "Oh, Gloria. That''s precisely why Liana never takes a day off. Javier thrives on her presence. She''s the only one who truly knows how to handle him."

    Gloria hesitated, then nodded in agreement. "Indeed, madam. It was as if he was deliberately making things harder for the others, knowing Liana wasn''t there to keep him in line. The moment she appeared, he calmed down instantly and went straight to bed."

    Lady Francesca chuckled again, the sound light and melodic. "That boy... He''s attached to her in ways he doesn''t even realize. It''s no wonder she''s his favorite."

    She paused for a moment, her expression turning thoughtful. "Gloria, from now on, if Liana takes a day off, make sure Javier spends time around her regardless. Otherwise, we risk another day like this one¡ªand I''m sure none of the maids, including yourself, would want that."

    Gloria''s shoulders rxed slightly at the clear instruction. "Understood, madam. I''ll ensure it''s arranged."

    Lady Francesca smiled warmly. "Good. And do be kind to Liana. She may neverin, but I know how much she sacrifices for this household and my son. She''s indispensable to us."

    Gloria nodded, her respect for both her mistress and Liana growing. "Of course, madam. Liana is a remarkable asset to this family."

    With that, Lady Francesca dismissed her with a wave of her hand, returning her attention to the documents on her desk.

    As Gloria left the study, she couldn''t help but feel a newfound appreciation for the elf maid who managed to tame the storm that was young master Javier. Today''s chaos was a stark reminder: some people were simply irreceable.

    Looking at the time, Gloria sighed in relief. It was just past two in the afternoon, and the household had finally settled into its usual rhythm. She had ensured all the maids were assigned their tasks and that the estate was running smoothly after the earlier chaos with young master Javier.

    But as she stepped out into the courtyard, her eyes caught a peculiar sight. Liana, still dressed in her maid uniform despite her day off, was walking briskly toward the pekko pen. What made Gloria pause was the figure in front of her¡ªyoung master Javier, his signature messy ck hair unmistakable.

    "What are they up to now?" Gloria muttered under her breath, curiosity piqued. Deciding to investigate, she carefully tailed them, keeping a safe distance to avoid being noticed.

    She watched as they arrived at the pekko pen, where Javier climbed onto the back of his vibrant orange pekko, the creature squawking cheerfully as it stretched its wings. Momentster, Liana followed suit, mounting her own pekko¡ªa sleek, silver-feathered bird gifted to her by Javier.

    Gloria raised an eyebrow. "Why is she going along with him? Isn''t today her day off?"

    Without any hesitation, the two dashed out of the estate on their mounts. The pekkos galloped with surprising speed, their sturdy legs kicking up small clouds of dust as they crossed the estate''s boundary.

    Gloria stood frozen, watching them disappear into the distance. "Where in the world are they going?" she wondered aloud. No one had mentioned any ns for the young master or Liana to leave the estate today.

    Part of her wanted to chase after them, but Gloria knew better. If Javier and Liana were up to something, there was little chance she''d be able to catch up¡ªor stop them. She could only hope they wouldn''t cause too much trouble wherever they were headed.

    With a deep sigh, she shook her head and turned back toward the estate. "I''ll have to report this to Lady Francescater. Let''s just hope they''re not nning anything outrageous."

    As Javier and Liana rode their Pekkos towards the vige, the sound of their pekko'' footsteps caught the attention of the guards at the gates. The guards recognized them right away and stood up straight, showing respect and familiarity.

    "Ah, it''s the young master Javier and Miss Liana," one guard said with a polite bow, his voice showing respect.

    The other guardughed softly and said quietly, "Looks like trouble and order are riding together again."

    Javier smiled at thement and gave the guards a yful salute. "Trouble? I don''t know what you mean! I''m just here to stretch my legs and help the local economy."@@novelbin@@

    Liana, always calm, nodded politely to the guards and gave a small smile. "Good afternoon. Please don''t mind us. We''re just here for a short visit."

    The guards looked at each other, and one asked, "Should we tell the vige head that you have arrived, young master?"

    Javier waved his hand. "No need to make a fuss. We''re here to blend in and grab a bite. You know, like normal people."

    Liana raised an eyebrow but said nothing, used to Javier''s strange ways.

    The guards stepped aside, and one added with a knowing smile, "Wee to the vige, young master, Miss Liana. Try not to cause too much excitement."

    Javierughed as he urged his Pekko forward, calling back, "I make no promises!"

    Liana followed closely, her Pekko walking gracefully behind his. As they entered the busy vige streets, filled with merchants, farmers, and children ying, Liana looked at Javier.

    "Young master, you seem very happy today," she said.

    Javier looked back at her with a grin. "Why wouldn''t I be? A good meal, fresh air, and my favorite maid with me¡ªsounds like a perfect day, right?"

    Liana sighed but couldn''t help smiling a little. "If you say so, young master."

    The vigers greeted them warmly as they passed. Some bowed respectfully, while children ran beside their Pekkos,ughing and pointing excitedly. Javier, always charming, waved back happily, making the vige feel even more lively.

    "So, what''s for lunch, Liana?" he asked, looking at the busy market stalls.

    "You''re the one who said you were hungry, young master. You choose," she replied, her tone light but teasing.

    Javier smirked. "Let''s find the best food in this vige!"

    Javier pointed his wooden sword dramatically at the skewer seller, narrowing his eyes like a viin. "Hand me five skewers, or face the wrath of the great Bandit King Javier!"

    The seller, an old man with a bigugh, clutched his chest in pretend fear. "Hii!! Someone save me! The Bandit King strikes again!"

    The vigers around them stopped, amused smiles on their faces as they saw Javier''s funny act.

    Liana, standing behind him, covered her face with her hand and let out a soft sigh. "Young master, must you do this every time?"

    Javier turned his head a little, keeping his "serious" bandit face. "Silence, aplice! You''re part of this now!"

    The skewer sellerughed and waved his hand in pretend surrender. "Alright, alright, Bandit King. Take the skewers, but spare my humble stall!" He handed over five hot skewers.

    Javier grabbed them with a big show, pretending to check his "loot." "Wise choice, merchant. Your skewers are mine now!"

    As he gave the seller some coins, a little boy from the crowd shouted, "Bandit King! What about me? Aren''t you going to share with your minions?"

    Javier smiled, crouching down to the boy''s level and holding out a skewer. "Every great bandit needs loyal followers. Wee to the crew, kid."

    The boy''s eyes lit up as he took the skewer and started eating happily.

    Liana crossed her arms, trying to look serious but failing to hide her smile. "Young master, your so-called ''banditry'' is costing you money, not making it."

    Javier grinned and took a big bite of a skewer. "That''s because I''m a generous bandit, Liana. Besides, look at these smiles. Totally worth it!"

    The skewer seller and vigersughed while Liana shook her head, muttering to herself. "He''s hopeless."

    Javier stood up, pointing his empty skewer stick like a sword. "Onward, aplice! The Bandit King''s work is never done!"

    Liana sighed, following him with a resigned smile. "Why me¡­"

    Javier rode his Pekko proudly, holding the reins loosely in one hand and raising his wooden sword high in the other. The colorful feathers of his Pekko sparkled in the sun, catching the vigers'' attention as he shouted, "Tremble before the mighty Bandit King Javier! Your wares are mine!"

    Liana followed closely behind on her own Pekko, looking both annoyed and amused. "Young master, must you dere yourself at every stall?"

    "Of course! A bandit must establish his presence!" Javier replied with a yful grin.

    He pointed his wooden sword at a fruit vendor. "Surrender those apples, or I shall smite you with my de!"

    The vendor, an older woman with a good sense of humor, raised her hands dramatically. "Oh no! The Bandit King! Take my apples, but spare my cart!"

    Javier grabbed two apples, tossing one to Liana. She caught it easily and gave him a t look. "Young master, you just paid her double for those."

    Javier grinned. "A generous bandit is a popr bandit. Right, Liana?"

    As they moved on, a bread seller called out, "Oh no! It''s him again! The Bandit King is back!"

    Javier turned sharply on his Pekko, pointing his sword. "Your bread is mine, baker! Hand it over!"

    The baker, ying along, held onto a loaf of bread. "No! Not my best loaf! Take anything else!"

    Javier leaned forward on his Pekko, trying to look serious. "Your best loaf, or your Life, baker. Choose wisely."

    The crowd around themughed as the baker "reluctantly" handed over the bread. Javier winked at him and tossed a coin, which the baker caught with a chuckle.

    Meanwhile, Liana''s Pekko squawked impatiently. She patted its neck with a sigh. "I should''ve stayed in bed."

    At a spice seller''s stall, Javier "demanded" a small bag of fragrant spices. The seller held it out, pretending to be scared. "Anything for the Bandit King!"

    Javier took it with a flourish and tossed it to Liana. "Here, my loyal aplice. Every bandit needs a cook!"

    Liana caught it with a raised eyebrow. "Young master, you realize I rarely cook."

    "Then consider it practice!" he replied,ughing.

    By the time they finished going through most of the market, Javier''s saddlebag was filled with "spoils"¡ªbread, fruits, skewers, and even a small bunch of wildflowers. The vigers waved and cheered, enjoying the young noble''s fun.

    As they rode out of the market, Liana looked at him. "You''ve turned a simple vige trip into a little festival. Are you satisfied, young master?"

    Javier stretched his arms out dramatically. "Another victory for the Bandit King! And you, my dear aplice, made it all possible."

    Liana shook her head, hiding her smile. "You''re impossible."

    The vigers waved goodbye, shouting, "Come back soon!" as Javier and Liana rode their Pekkos back toward the estate, the sound of theirughter echoing through the vige.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 41 Return from the Village ( 41 )

    As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the estate, Javier and Liana returned to the pekko pen after their escapades in the vige. The two pekkos squawked cheerfully, their glossy feathers glinting in the fading light.

    Javier hopped off his pekko with an exaggerated stretch. "Ah, what a day of heroic¡ªerr, viinous deeds! Those skewers never stood a chance against the Bandit King!"

    Liana slid down gracefully from her own pekko, patting its neck gently. "I''m not sure if we should be calling stealing skewers and overpaying for them ''viinous deeds,'' young master."

    Javier grinned, waving off herment. "Details, details. A good bandit always makes sure his victims are happy... and well-fed."

    Liana sighed but couldn''t suppress the small smile tugging at her lips. She walked over to the feed station, grabbing a bucket of grains. Carefully, she measured out the portions and poured them into the troughs for the pekkos, who eagerly began gobbling up the food.

    Meanwhile, Javier busied himself with filling the water troughs. He carried a heavy bucket, the water sloshing with each step, and poured it in with a dramatic flourish. "Drink up, my noble steeds! You''ve served the Bandit King well today!"

    The pekkos squawked in approval, one even nipping yfully at Javier''s sleeve.

    Once their task wasplete, Javier dusted off his hands. "And that''s that. Good work, Liana. Our trusty mounts are happy and fed."

    Liana arched an eyebrow, gesturing to the water sttered on his shirt and the dirt on his boots. "You might want to change before you return to the manor, young master. Otherwise, Lady Francesca will have questions."

    Javier nced down at himself, shrugging. "Eh, it''s just a little dirt. Adds to my rugged charm."

    Liana shook her head, following behind as Javier began walking back toward the manor. "Rugged charm? More like a messy child."

    Javierughed, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Don''t be jealous, Liana. Not everyone can pull off this level of charisma."

    Liana''s soft chuckle was the only response as they walked side by side, the manor silhouette growingrger in the fading daylight. The familiar sight of home brought a quiet sense of routine back to the pair, even after a day of yful chaos.

    As they entered the estate grounds, Javier shot her a sidelong nce. "Admit it, my ''Bandit King'' performance was pretty great, wasn''t it?"

    Liana tilted her head thoughtfully. "It was... entertaining, young master."

    Javier grinned triumphantly. "See? Even you can''t resist my brilliance."

    "Brilliance or trouble, it''s hard to tell with you," Liana replied with a smirk, following him through the grand doors of the manor.

    Inside, Lady Francesca stood with her arms crossed, her sharp gaze boring into Javier like a hawk spotting its prey. He immediately froze mid-step, his earlier yful demeanor vanishing as quickly as a shadow in the sun.

    "E-ekk... It''s mother! Run!!" Javier whispered loudly, pretending to prepare an escape. But before he could even think of bolting, she was already in front of him.

    "Got you!" Francesca said with a victorious smirk, grabbing him by the ear.

    "Ehehehe..Oh My beautiful mother!" Javier eximed, suddenly switching tactics. "Always so radiant, so youthful! Truly, you could pass for my elder sister!"

    Lady Francesca narrowed her eyes, unimpressed by his tant ttery. "ttery won''t get you out of trouble this time, young man."

    "But moooother! Have mercy! I''m just a poor, hardworking noble child trying to¡ªow ow ow!"

    She tugged his ear a little harder. "Don''t think I didn''t hear about the chaos you caused while Liana was on her day off. Running circles around the maids? Ignoring your studies? Javier De Armand, what do you have to say for yourself?"

    Javier put on his most innocent face, which only made Francesca raise an eyebrow. "I was...um...training their endurance? You know, preparing them for emergencies? What if intruders came? I was testing their resilience!"

    Francesca sighed heavily, releasing his ear. "Honestly, Javier, one day your antics are going to give this household a heart attack." She nced at Liana, who was standing a few paces behind, suppressing a chuckle. "And you, Liana¡ªhow do you put up with this boy?"

    "It''s part of my job, madam," Liana replied with a polite bow, though her lips twitched upward. "He keeps life...interesting."

    "Hmph," Francesca muttered. "Interesting isn''t quite the word I''d use." She flicked Javier''s forehead lightly. "You''re lucky you have Liana to keep you in check. Now, go wash up before dinner."

    "Yes, my beautiful, forgiving mother!" Javier said, scampering off with a cheeky grin.

    As he disappeared around the corner, Francesca turned to Liana with a sigh. "You really are the only one who can handle him, Liana. Just make sure he doesn''t get into any more trouble today, alright?"

    "Of course, madam," Liana said, watching her young master vanish into the manor. A small smile lingered on her face as she followed after him. "Though I wouldn''t bet on it staying that way for long."

    Liana walked to her room, enjoying the soft sounds of the quiet evening in the estate. Even after the day''s events, she didn''t feel as tired as usual from her work. It had been a long but satisfying day, and her mind felt clear.

    She entered her room and went straight to the shower, taking off her maid clothes and putting them in theundry basket. The maid who cleaned woulde to collect themter. The sound of water pouring over her skin was rxing, washing away the day''s stress.

    Once she was clean, she put on a fresh maid outfit. The soft fabric felt nice as she adjusted it carefully. Her hair was still a little damp, so she braided it neatly before stepping out of her room and heading to her young master''s chambers.

    "Young master?" Liana called softly as she knocked on his door.

    "Come in, Liana... ehehehe," came his familiar yful voice from inside.

    Liana sighed softly, feeling a mix of resignation and affection. What now, she wondered, preparing herself for whatever mischief her young master had nned this time.

    She opened the door and stepped inside, her eyes immediately finding Javier, who was loungingzily on his bed. He had already showered and looked like someone who had no ns to do anything productive.

    Javier eyes lit up when he saw her. With a quick motion, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward him, his yful grin wide as he made space for her on the bed. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close in a tight,fortable hug.

    Liana smiled softly, settling into the familiar position. This was their usual routine: Javier, always acting like he was the most tired person in the world, would lounge on the bed, needing only his favorite ''hugging pillow''¡ªLiana.

    She shifted slightly to getfortable, resting her head on his chest. The room was quiet except for the sound of his light breathing. She appreciated the peace of the moment. No matter how tiring or chaotic the day had been, there was always this¡ªthis small moment of calm she shared with him.

    "You''re sozy," Liana teased gently, though her tone was fond. "Not even a minute of rest before you drag me in here."

    Javier chuckled softly, his voice warm and content. "What can I say? You''re just toofortable to resist."

    Sheughed quietly, her eyes closing as she rxed in his arms. "I''m d to be of service, young master."

    The two stayed like that for a while, enjoying the calm after the busy day. Despite the light teasing, it was moments like these that reminded Liana of the special bond they shared¡ªsomething neither of them could quite exin, but something they both cherished.

    "Liana?" Javier''s voice was soft and teasing as he looked at her.

    "Yes, young master?" she replied, staying calm, even though she knew what he was about to ask.

    Javier''s grin got bigger. "The usual kiss? Ehehehe."

    Liana sighed, knowing this wasn''t the first time he had asked. Still, the mischief in his amber eyes surprised her every time. With a small nod, she turned to face him and leaned in close.

    Their lips met, soft and warm, in what she thought would be another quick kiss. It was part of their routine, something she allowed because it made him happy. But before she could pull away, Javier surprised her.

    She felt something unexpected¡ªa gentle touch of his tongue brushing against her lips. Liana''s green eyes widened in shock. For a moment, she thought about stopping, but her body didn''t move. Her heart raced with confusion and excitement.

    Javier noticed she didn''t pull away, so he deepened the kiss. His yful energy changed to something more serious. As he moved closer, he slipped his tongue into her mouth, exploring softly.

    Liana''s thoughts raced, but she didn''t stop him. She leaned in, kissing him back. This was different from their usual kisses¡ªmore bold and intense. It felt new and thrilling, and she liked it.

    When they finally broke apart, Javier''s smile was softer now. "Heh...that was...different," he said quietly, almost shy.

    Liana took a moment to catch her breath, looking at him closely. She brushed a lock of his ck hair away from his face. "Young master," she said gently, mixing affection with caution. "You''re getting bold."@@novelbin@@

    Javierughed, a blush coloring his cheeks. "What can I say? You bring out the best in me."

    Liana shook her head, a small smile on her lips. She flicked his forehead yfully. "Behave, or you''ll regret it."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 43 Lady Francescas Birthday ( 43 )

    "Next week, we will host a grand celebration for my beautiful Francesca. All of you must be present, no excuses. Nobles from across the kingdom will attend, so prepare yourselves ordingly."

    Javier fought the urge to roll his eyes. Another noble party¡ªboring as ever. His father was likely scheming to make connections again. Sigh.

    Lost in thought, he didn''t notice Liana leaning in until she gently dabbed at his mouth with a napkin. Her calm whisper brought him back to reality.

    "Young master? What are you thinking?" she asked softly, briefly meeting his gaze. "You shouldn''t lose focus while Lord Garius is speaking."

    "Umm... okay," Javier mumbled, straightening up.

    Meanwhile, Lord Garius continued his speech about the party. His tone was authoritative, and the head butler stood rigidly beside him, nodding at every instruction, a serious expression on his face.

    Javier tried to listen, but his father''s words blurred into background noise: a party this, arrangements that, invitations h h h... All the same nonsense. He stifled a yawn.

    "And Javier," his father''s voice sharpened, snapping his attention back.

    "Yes, esteemed father?" Javier replied, putting on his most polite tone, already dreading what was next.

    "Ensure you behave at this party. Befriend the noble children, make a good impression, and, if possible, establish meaningful connections."

    "Yes, esteemed father," Javier said with a practiced smile, inwardly groaning. Why is it always about connections with this man?

    His father nodded, satisfied, then moved on to instruct Marcellus and Cedric about their roles. Javier leaned back, drumming his fingers lightly on the table.

    Liana, still beside him, gave him a sidelong nce. "Young master," she whispered with subtle amusement, "you don''t seem thrilled about mingling."

    Javier smirked, speaking low so only she could hear. "Liana, I''d rather wrestle a Pekko than make small talk with those pampered brats."

    Liana stifled augh behind her hand. "Even so, I''m sure you''ll find a way to entertain yourself."

    Javier''s grin widened, mischief glinting in his amber eyes. "Oh, you know me too well, Liana. This party won''t be as dull as Father hopes."

    Liana sighed softly but said nothing, her expression a mix of exasperation and fondness. She knew that wherever Javier went, chaos was never far behind.

    After dinner, Javier strolled leisurely to his bedroom, Liana walking beside him, her presence steady andforting. The hallways were dimly lit, the quiet of the evening settling over the estate.

    As they reached his door, Javier turned to her with his trademark grin. "Liana¡­ sleep with me tonight?"

    Liana shook her head, her silver hair catching the soft light. "Young master, today was supposed to be my day off. Yet here I am, attending to you as usual," she said, her voice calm but tinged with mild exasperation.

    Javier chuckled, unfazed. "But sleep together?"@@novelbin@@

    Liana sighed, folding her arms. "What will happen if, in the future, I''m no longer able to stay by your side?"

    Javier''s yful grin vanished, reced by a serious expression. "Don''t even think about it!"

    Her emerald eyes softened, and a small chuckle escaped her. "You really are impossible sometimes, young master." She brushed a stray lock of hair from his face.

    "And you love it," Javier said with a smirk, the yful twinkle returning to his eyes.

    Liana shook her head, a mix of fondness and resignation on her face. "Rest well, young master," she said, turning to leave, her steps echoing softly in the corridor.

    But as she walked away, Javier called out, quieter this time, "Liana¡­ you''ll stay with me forever, right?"

    She paused, her back still to him. With a faint smile, she replied, "Goodnight, young master," before disappearing down the hall.

    Javier sighed as hey down on his bed. "She''ll stay," he muttered to himself, determination burning in his eyes. "I''ll make sure of it."

    After leaving Javier''s room, Liana walked quietly to her own room. The soft click of the door shutting behind her was the only sound in the stillness of the night. Her room was modest yet tidy, reflecting her practical nature.

    She sat on the edge of her neatly made bed, her gaze drifting to her hands resting lightly in herp. A faint sigh escaped her lips.

    "I will try my best, young master," she whispered softly, her voice barely audible in the quiet. "If they still hire me¡­ if I am still needed here¡­ I will stay as long as you want."

    Her emerald eyes glimmered with quiet resolve as she leaned against the headboard, staring up at the wooden beams of the ceiling. The bond she shared with Javier was unexpected, a mix of loyalty, care, and something she hesitated to admit.

    Closing her eyes, she let the weight of the day settle over her. "I just hope¡­ you truly understand what you''re asking for," she murmured, thoughts drifting to the future and the challenges they might face together.

    With that, she allowed her mind to quiet, seeking a moment of peace before the responsibilities of tomorrow called her again.

    ---

    The big house was busy as everyone got ready for Lady Francesca''s special birthday party. Guests from all over the kingdom were arriving, and the guesthouse and noble suites were set up perfectly for their stay. The delicious smell of food cooking in the kitchen filled the air, while maids and servants rushed around, making sure everything was just right.

    In his room, Javier was not paying attention to all the chaos outside. He was rxed and lost in his own world.

    On his desk, there were many books about battles and maps spread out everywhere. He smiled as he wrote down notes. In his magical storage, he had over a hundred puppet knights, a secret army that only he could control.

    Leaning back in his chair, he grinned. "With more suppliesing from the estate''s merchant and my deal with Old Man Orrim, I''ll double my army soon. Hehehe¡­"

    Javier thought about his recent monster hunts. With his trusty pekko and sometimes Liana by his side, he had fought fierce creatures, gaining experience and valuable loot. His magical storage was full of everything he needed¡ªraw meat, monster hides, rare ores, gold coins, and even jewelry.

    "Hehehe, I''m like a one-man army," he chuckled to himself. "Only Liana and Old Man Orrim know about my storage. Hehehe, I''m unstoppable!"

    Just as he imagined his future glory, a loud knock on the door interrupted him.

    "Young master?" Liana''s voice called from outside.

    "Come in," Javier replied casually, leaning back in his chair as if he had all the time in the world.

    The door opened, and Liana walked in. Her green eyes narrowed when she saw him still in his everyday clothes, surrounded by books and maps.

    "You still haven''t prepared anything!?" she eximed, hands on her hips, looking both annoyed and surprised.

    "Ah¡­ umm¡­ but¡ª" Javier started, searching for an excuse.

    "No buts!" Liana interrupted, walking toward him firmly. "Today is Lady Francesca''s birthday! Your mother!"

    Javier flinched and tried to move away, but there was nowhere to escape.

    "Now get up!" Liana ordered, grabbing his arm.

    "Eek! Liana, don''t take my clothes off! Eek!" Javier shouted as she quickly pulled off his shirt and tossed it aside.

    "Oh, stop being so dramatic," Liana said, rolling her eyes as she searched his wardrobe for something nice to wear.

    "But I''m a growing boy! You can''t just¡ªah, no, not the doublet! It''s itchy!" he protested.

    Liana held up a nice outfit and gave him a serious look. "You''ll wear this, young master, and you''ll look presentable. No excuses."

    Javier pouted and crossed his arms as she helped him put on the formal clothes. "You''re so mean, Liana. What happened to being my loyal maid?"

    "I am your loyal maid," Liana replied, fastening the buttons on his doublet. "That''s why I''m making sure you don''t embarrass yourself or your family at this important event."

    Javier sighed dramatically, letting his shoulders droop. "Fine, but you owe me dessertter."

    Lianaughed softly and shook her head. "Deal, young master. Now, hurry up. The grand hall is waiting for you."

    After adjusting his outfit onest time, Liana stepped back and nodded in approval. Javier looked at his reflection in the mirror and smirked.

    "Well, I do look pretty good," he admitted, striking a yful pose.

    "Don''t push your luck, young master," Liana said, opening the door and signaling for him to follow.

    As they walked toward the grand hall, Javier couldn''t help but grin at her. "You''re lucky to have me, Liana. Otherwise, who knows what kind of trouble I''d be in."

    Liana sighed but smiled gently. "Believe me, young master, I know."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 44 Lady Francescas Birthday 2 ( 44 )

    The grand hall was beautiful. Sparkling chandeliers hung from the ceiling, filling the room with a warm light. Noble guests chatted andughed, creating a festive atmosphere. Lady Francesca, the star of the night, stood near the head table in her stunning gown, looking as lovely as ever.

    But she didn''t look happy. Her youngest son, Javier, waste.

    When she finally saw him walk in, her eyes narrowed, and she turned her face away, pouting even more.

    "Ah¡­" Javier scratched the back of his neck and grinned sheepishly.

    "See, young master? You just made Madam sulk," Liana whispered beside him.

    "Ehehehe," Javierughed nervously.

    Lady Francesca stood stiffly, clearly waiting for her son toe over and apologize. Javier noticed this and straightened up. He walked over, still wearing his mischievous smirk.

    "Mother," he said warmly, bowing slightly. "Happy birthday to the most beautifuldy in the kingdom."

    Lady Francesca huffed and kept looking away, but a little blush showed that she was softening. "You''rete, Javier."

    "I know, I know," he said, his voice sounding sorry. "I wanted to make sure your gift was perfect."

    Her pout loosened a bit, but she still didn''t turn to face him.

    "Here, Mother." Javier pulled a small, elegant box from his pocket and opened it to show a beautiful ne.

    It was an exquisite piece¡ªa delicate gold chain with sparkling jewels that glimmered in the light. But what made it truly special was the hidden magic Javier had put on it. The ne wasn''t just pretty; it held a powerful barrier spell, ready to protect Lady Francesca from danger. Javier didn''t n to tell her about this magical detail.

    "This is for you," he said, holding it out. "A ne as unique and radiant as you, Mother."

    Finally, Lady Francesca turned to him, her pout fading into a smile. "Oh, Javier¡­ you shouldn''t have."

    "I wanted to," he replied sincerely. "No one deserves it more."

    She took the ne and held it up to admire its beauty. The jewels sparkled brightly, catching the attention of nearby guests.

    "It''s beautiful," she said, her voice filled with real happiness. "Thank you, my dear."

    Javier grinned, feeling proud. He stepped closer and fastened the ne around her neck, stepping back to admire how it looked on her.

    "Perfect," he said, nodding in approval.

    Lady Francesca touched the ne gently, her smile growing. "You always know how to make your mother happy, don''t you?"

    "Of course," Javier replied teasingly.

    Liana, a few steps behind, watched their interaction with a small smile. Despite his usual yful behavior, she knew how much Javier loved his family, even if he didn''t always show it in the usual ways.

    Lady Francesca, her eyes glistening with joy, walked over to Javier with a radiant smile. Before he could react, she pulled him into a tight embrace, pressing his face against her breast.

    "Ummphh!!" Javier''s muffled voice struggled to escape. (Mother!! I can''t breathe!!)

    As he squirmed, he caught a whiff of her scent: a mix of floral perfume and something sweet that was uniquely hers. It wasforting yet disarming, and despite the embarrassing situation, he found himself inhaling deeply, his mind slipping into a monotone thought.

    "Wow,nice breast..ehehehe"

    Even in this odd moment, he couldn''t help but appreciate the softness of her breast and the way her warmth enveloped him.

    "Oh, my sweet honey bun," Lady Francesca cooed, holding him even tighter. "You really know how to make your mother happy!"

    "Ummphh!!" Javier''s arms iled, his muffled protests barely audible. ( Oh no! im going to be dead..for real !! )

    Liana, standing nearby, pressed a hand to her mouth, trying to stifle augh at the scene. "Madam, perhaps you should let him go. He might actually suffocate."

    Lady Francesca blinked and loosened her grip slightly, allowing Javier to take a big, dramatic gasp of air.

    "Mother!" he coughed, his face red¡ªnot just from theck of oxygen, but from sheer embarrassment. "You''re going to kill me before I even turn twelve!"

    Lady Francesca giggled, clearly unbothered by hisints. She ruffled his hair affectionately. "Nonsense! I could never hurt my precious boy. You''re just too cute when you''re flustered!"

    With a yful grin, she leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, then to his cheek, before finally nting a quick, sweet kiss on his lips.

    "Okay, okay!" Javier said, his cheeks flushing even more. "At least warn me next time before you attack me like that!"

    "Attack?!" Francesca feigned offense, cing a hand dramatically over her heart. "Oh, my little darling, it was love! A huge love!"

    "Right, sure," Javier muttered, straightening his clothes as Liana silently handed him a handkerchief.

    As Lady Francesca returned to mingling with the guests, Javier turned to Liana, his voice low. "See what I have to endure? This family is dangerous."

    Liana chuckled softly, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Dangerous, perhaps. But you wouldn''t trade them for anything, would you?"

    Javier paused for a moment, pondering that thought. Maybe a bit of breathing room wouldn''t hurt. He chuckled to himself but felt a strange warmth in his chest that he couldn''t quite ce.@@novelbin@@

    The two shared a quietugh before returning to the bustling celebration, the warmth of the moment lingering between them.

    As the noble gathering bustled around him, Javier sat quietly in his seat, keeping his head low and his presence unassuming. Being the youngest son of Viscount Garius meant he was of little interest to the crowd¡ªa fact he relished.

    The hall was alive with chatter,ughter, and the soft strains of a string ensemble ying a piece that, to Javier, sounded far too archaic. It felt like a soundtrack from a past century, heavy with the weight of tradition and decorum. He grimaced inwardly. (Middle-age-era music¡­ too old-school for my taste.)

    Liana returned with a te piled high with a selection of meats. She set it gently on the table before him and, without missing a beat, adjusted his napkin and poured wine into his goblet with the practiced grace.

    "Here you go, young master," she said softly, stepping back to her usual position¡ªstanding just behind and slightly to his side. Not too close to draw attention, yet not so far that she couldn''t assist him immediately if needed.

    Javier nced at the te and smirked. "Meat. Lots of it. Liana, you know me too well."

    Liana tilted her head, the faintest smile tugging at her lips. "It''s not hard when all you ever want is meat, young master."

    Ignoring the nobles around him, Javier picked up his fork and knife, focusing on his meal. The chatter and clinking of sses faded into the background as he cut into a perfectly roasted slice of venison. The rich aroma filled his senses, and he momentarily closed his eyes, savoring the moment. Honestly, the food was one of the few highlights of these gatherings.

    As he ate, his sharp eyes darted around the room, observing the nobles as they mingled. The men exchanged thinly veiled insults masked aspliments, theirughter sharp and calcting. The women giggled and gossiped behind fluttering fans, adding to the air of insincerity. Nobody approached him, and he preferred it that way.

    Let them prance around like peacocks. I''m fine right here, eating meat and enjoying the show.

    The music swelled again, and Javier winced slightly. The melody was intricate but far from the modern music he had once enjoyed in his previous life. "I swear, if they start dancing, I might just sneak out."

    "Young master," Liana whispered, leaning down slightly to murmur near his ear, "try not to grimace too much. Someone might notice."

    Javier chuckled, wiping his mouth with the napkin she had so meticulously adjusted earlier. "Let them notice. Maybe it''ll keep them away for good."

    Liana sighed softly, shaking her head. "As you say, young master. Just don''t forget why we''re here¡ªthis party is for Madam Francesca, after all."

    Javier paused, his gaze drifting toward Lady Francesca, who was captively engaging with a group of admirers across the room. Herughter rang through the hall, and he felt a twinge of something he couldn''t quitebel. She''s captivating. Too captivating. He swallowed, trying to shake off the strange flutter in his chest. Yeah, yeah. I know. Let me finish my meat in peace first.

    Liana straightened up, resuming her silent vigil by his side as he returned to his meal. For now, the world around him didn''t matter. All he needed was the te of meat in front of him, the music to endure, and the quiet presence of Liana nearby. As he savored each bite, he mused about how he found a strange sce in the chaos of noble life, hiding in in sight.

    At least I don''t have to deal with the nonsense directly. Just me, my food, and my thoughts.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 46 Secrets and Sips ( 46 )

    Javier leaned back in his chair, letting out a sigh. "Haaa¡­ maybe bing friends with her or making an alliance will actually be helpfulter¡ªfor both of us." He looked at Liana

    "Please, let her know I''ll be waiting here and extend an invitation for her to join me at this event."

    Liana eyes shone with approval as she nodded politely. "Yes, young master. I''ll ry your message immediately."

    "Make it sound noble and charming, okay? I don''t want her to think I''m doing this out of pity or just because I have to."

    Liana looked back, her lips forming a knowing smile. "Of course, young master. I''ll ensure your message is delivered with the utmost care."

    "Haaa¡­ noble life. Why does everything have to be a strategy? Can''t we just enjoy life?"

    Still, even with hisints, he couldn''t ignore the curiosity inside him. What would happen from this little act of diplomacy?

    Liana walked back gracefully, youngdy Gracelle followed behind her, looking elegant and calm. Her maid walked quietly, staying two steps behind her.

    When they got closer to Javier, youngdy Gracelle gave a polite curtsy, her green dress moving gently. "Young master Javier," she said softly, "thank you for your gracious invitation. It is an honor to join you this evening."

    Javier stood up and bowed slightly "Lady Gracelle, the honor is mine. Please, do have a seat and make yourselffortable. I''m delighted we have this opportunity to converse."

    Liana stood next to Javier, watching him talk with confidence. She noticed he showed charm and formality, which he didn''t usually show.

    Gracelle smiled gently as she sat down across from him, her maid standing close by. "You''re most kind, young lord Javier. I hope I''m not imposing on your evening."

    "Not at all, A pleasant conversation always enriches a gathering like this, wouldn''t you agree?"

    Gracelle nodded "Indeed, I couldn''t agree more."

    Liana watched quietly, noticing how Javier was acting a bit different. He''s trying, she thought with a small, happy smile. He''s actually trying.@@novelbin@@

    "Sorry if I ask something, young master Javier," Lady Gracelle started hesitantly, looking at the ss in his hand. "I noticed your ss was filled with red wine."

    Javier tilted his head slightly and raised the ss. "You mean this red wine?"

    "Yes, young master Javier," she answered politely but with curiosity. "I thought you could only drink when you are fifteen years old and are an adult."

    Javierughed a little and nced at Liana, who was standing behind him with her usual calm face. "Oh, that. Liana poured it for me. And I don''t mind at all¡ªafter all, a little doesn''t hurt."

    Gracelle blinked, surprised by how rxed he was about it.

    "Do you want to take a sip?" Javier asked, holding out the ss with a yful smile.

    Gracelle gasped softly, surprised by his boldness. "Young master Javier,that would be inappropriate," she said, shock showing in her voice.

    Liana stepped in smoothly, her voice calm but firm. "Young master, it''s best not to offer your wine to a guest, especially one as young as Lady Gracelle."

    Javier shrugged with a cheeky grin, pulling back the ss. "Fine, fine. Just trying to share the experience. No harm done."

    Gracelle rxed a bit, but she couldn''t help smiling at his yful side. "You truly are as carefree as the rumors say, young master Javier," she said softly, amused.

    "That''s just how I am," Javier replied with a wink, raising his ss slightly before taking a small sip. "But I promise, I''m not as reckless as I might seem."

    Liana sighed inside, feeling both annoyed and fond. He always finds a way to turn simple moments into fun.

    Inside Javier''s mind.

    Hah! I''m old enough to drink wine, duh¡­ I am Nakamura Junichi, dumbass. If I want to drink a whole box of it, that''s my choice. He rolled his eyes in his mind, a sly grin forming. Of course, in this world, I still look like an eleven-year-old. ehehe.

    His eyes sparkled with mischief as he watched Gracelle, who looked flustered but curious. Acting on impulse, he gently pushed the wine ss toward her lips, his grin changing into a charming smile.

    "Here," he said softly, "just a sip. I promise it''s nothing too strong. It''ll be our little secret."

    Gracelle''s cheeks turned bright pink, fully surprised by his boldness. She stammered, "Y-young master Javier, I really shouldn''t¡ª"

    Before she could finish, the rim of the ss touched her lips. Hesitantly, with his kind but persistent attitude, she drunk a small drop of wine.

    "That''s enough, young master," Liana said sharply, stepping forward. Her eyes showed a slight twitch in her brow, showing her disapproval. "You shouldn''t force such things on ady, no matter how ''gentle'' your intentions might seem."

    Gracelle quickly sat up straight, her maid looking just as shocked. "T-thank you, young master Javier," Gracelle murmured, her voice very quiet as she looked down, her cheeks still bright.

    Javier, unfazed, leaned back with a satisfied smirk. "See? Nothing to worry about. I told you it was just a sip."

    The soft music from the orchestra filled the big hall, creating a romantic and elegant feeling. Javier, who usually seemed indifferent, suddenly stood up and reached out his hand to Gracelle.

    "Would you like to dance, Lady Gracelle?" he asked smoothly, his eyes looking into hers with confidence.

    Gracelle heart skipped a beat. This gesture¡ªthis invitation¡ªmeant a lot in noble society. It showed that he recognized her as an equal. She smiled shyly and ced her hand.

    "I would be honored, young master Javier," she replied, her voice a little shaky.

    As they walked to the center of the dance floor, the nobles around them whispered quietly, curious about the youngest son of Viscount Garius showing such charm.

    Liana, standing behind and watching, raised an eyebrow but stayed calm.

    Javier started the dance with ease, guiding Gracelle through the steps gracefully. Gracelle felt her face get warm, both from being close to him and realizing everyone was watching them.

    But Javier wasn''tpletely focused on the dance.

    "Ehehe..Let''s see how Liana reacts to this"

    As the music reached its peak, Javier spun Gracelle gently and pulled her close by the waist. The room seemed to hold its breath as he leaned in, his eyes locked onto her surprised ones.

    Before she could say anything, his lips pressed against hers in a bold kiss. Gracelle froze,pletely shocked. Her first kiss¡ªso sudden and intense¡ªmade her heart race. She didn''t pull away, her mind too overwhelmed to react.

    When the kiss ended, a soft murmur spread through the room. Gracelle, still in Javier arms, could only stare at him.

    Gracelle felt like the world was spinning as she stood frozen in the center of the dance floor. Her cheeks felt very hot, and her heart was pounding as if it might burst. She blinked quickly, staring at Javier with wide, shocked eyes.

    What just happened? His handsome face, that confident smile, and those eyes stayed in her mind, reying that moment over and over. Why does my heart feel like this? Why does he look even more handsome now?

    She lightly touched her lips, which were still tingling from the kiss. She couldn''t find the words or think straight. All she knew was that Javier De Armand hadpletely captured her attention.

    Meanwhile, Liana stood at the edge of the room, feeling a strange tightness in her chest. A strange ache bothered her heart, one she didn''t understand. Her eyes narrowed for a moment before she quickly returned to her usual calm expression.

    How could you do this, young master Javier!? she thought, gripping the tray in her hands tighter.

    If you wanted a kiss, I''m right here. Haven''t I always been the one you turn to? Haven''t we shared kisses that were more passionate? And didn''t you always say you''d marry me when you turned eighteen?

    Though her face stayed gentle and calm, a storm was brewing inside her.

    You want to y games, young master? Fine... Just wait.

    Javier, not aware of the trouble he had caused, returned to his seat with a carefree smile, clearly happy with the attention he''d created. He nced at Liana and caught a hint of something in her eyes¡ªwas it jealousy? Amusement? He wasn''t sure, but it made him smile even more.

    But Liana wasn''t going to let him win easily. Just wait, young master! You may have started this game, but you won''t win it.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 49 Hugs, Kisses, and Regrets ( 49 )

    The first rays of sunlight peeked through the curtains as Javier stirred awake. Something soft and warm was nestled against him, and a sleepy grin spread across his face.

    "Hehe¡­ must be Liana," he thought groggily, leaning in to press a deep kiss onto the lips of whoever was beside him.

    "I love you¡­" he murmured softly, his voiceced with affection.

    To his surprise, the person beneath him responded, their lips moving in sync with his, and their voice, though shy, whispered back, "I love you too, Javier-sama."

    Javier''s eyes snapped open, his heart skipping a beat. That wasn''t Liana''s voice.

    "Err¡­ this is not Liana''s voice¡­ who is it?" His thoughts raced as he pulled back slightly, blinking in confusion.

    His gaze met the wide, sparkling eyes of none other than Gracelle.

    "Gracelle?!" Javier''s mind screamed. His jaw nearly dropped, but he managed to keep hisposure. "Ugh, this must be Liana''s n! Damn her!"

    Gracelle, however, looked radiant, her cheeks flushed as she leaned closer to him with a bright smile. "Good morning, Javier-sama," she said sweetly before leaning in again and pressing another kiss onto his lips.

    Caughtpletely off guard, Javier froze for a moment. "Crap! If I push her away, she''ll feel rejected, and this whole situation will blow up into something worse!"

    So, swallowing his inner panic, he forced a calm smile. "G-Good morning, Gracelle," he said, doing his best to sound natural.

    She beamed at him, clearly ted by his response. "I''m so happy, Javier-sama," she said softly, her fingers brushing against his cheek. "I never imagined we''d be this close¡­"

    "Neither did I," Javier thought bitterly. "This is a nightmare!"

    As Gracelle continued to look at him with adoration, Javier felt a bead of sweat roll down his temple. He needed to escape this situation and fast¡ªbut without hurting Gracelle''s feelings or making things worse with Liana.

    For the first time in his life, he genuinely wished he could just disappear.

    Gracelle hugged Javier tightly, her face glow with happiness. Before he could utter a word, she kissed him passionately again, leaving him no room to dodge.

    "I can''t believe it," she whispered breathlessly. "You have the same feelings as me¡­ You even called me by my name! Javier-sama¡­ I love you!"

    "SAME FEELINGS?! Since when?! WHO DECIDED THAT?!"

    Panic bubbled up inside him, but he forced his calm, noble demeanor to stay intact.

    "Oh¡­ uh¡­ I see," he mumbled awkwardly, feeling like the world was closing in around him.

    Inside his mind, however, a storm of chaos was raging.

    "Liana!! You conniving, scheming, sadistic elf-devil! You maniptive, grinning elf-witch! You tormenting subus! This is all your doing! What did I do to deserve this?! I kissed Gracelle once¡ªokay, twice¡ªbut that doesn''t mean I signed up for a love confession first thing in the morning! What kind of twisted revenge plot is this? Just you wait, you heartless demon! I''ll get you back for this!"

    He subtly tried to loosen Gracelle''s grip without rming her, but her hold only tightened.

    "She''s not letting go! Why is she so strong for a ten-year-old?!"

    As Gracelle snuggled closer, her head resting against his chest, Javier''s eyes darted around the room.

    "What''s my escape n? The window? No, three floors up. Fake a stomachache? No, she might try to take care of me. Pretend I''m still asleep? Toote for that."

    His eyes darted toward the door. "Wait. Did she lock it? Oh, I bet she locked it! ssic viin move! Damn you, Liana! I''ll get my revenge¡­ somehow."

    "Great. Now she''spletely smitten. How do I exin this without breaking her heart or causing a scandal? Ugh, I''m not ready for this kind of drama at eleven years old! Uh,well,im older enough.ehehe..BUT! I''m supposed to be pretending to be useless, not starring in some bullshit romance y!"@@novelbin@@

    "Stupid me! A kiss? Really? You couldn''t have just stopped at a dance or holding her hand? Not to go on full prince charming! Idiot!"

    Gracelle tightened her hold, nuzzling against his chest. "Javier, I promise I''ll be the perfect wife for you. I''ll do my best to make you happy!"

    WIFE?! WHO SAID ANYTHING ABOUT MARRIAGE?! THIS IS MOVING WAY TOO FAST! Someone hit the brakes!!

    He kept up his calm fa?ade, gently patting Gracelle''s. "Err, that''s¡­ very sweet of you, Gracelle. Let''s, um¡­ take things slow, alright?"

    "Liana, I hope you''reughing your evil elf head off because when I get out of this, I''m going to make you pay!"

    Meanwhile, Liana, standing just outside the door, smirked to herself as she overheard bits of the conversation. Her gentle,posed face betrayed none of her inner satisfaction.

    "Oh, young master, I told you¡ªdon''t test me. You kissed another girl in front of me, so consider this your punishment. I hope you''re enjoying the consequences."

    "She''s won this round," Javier thought bitterly. "But I swear, Liana, when I get my hands on you, you''ll regret ever crossing me. This is war!"

    Liana didn''t feel like attending to her young master today. Her frustration from the previous night still lingered, and she decided a break was necessary. Instead, she assigned the household maids to handle his needs.

    "But Miss Liana," one of the senior maids hesitated, wringing her hands nervously, "we don''t think we can manage him. You know how our young master is. He can be... a handful."

    "Don''t worry," Liana replied with her usualposed smile, though itcked its usual warmth. "He has a guest with him today, so he''ll behave. Just handle the basics, and you''ll be fine."

    "If... if you say so, Miss Liana," the maid stammered, though her expression remained doubtful.

    Gathering their courage, a small group of maids made their way to Javier''s room. One of them knocked timidly, calling out, "Young Master Javier, breakfast will be served in the main dining room shortly. Lady Francesca also asked us to inform Lady Gracelle to join as well."

    From inside, they heard a muffled groan followed by the sound of hurried whispers. The maids exchanged puzzled nces but waited patiently outside, bracing themselves for whatever chaos their young master might bring this time.

    The group of maids exchanged nervous nces before deciding to open the door to Javier''s room, curious and concerned about the dy. What greeted them left their amazed.

    There was their young master, sitting up on his bed, being hugged tightly by Lady Gracelle, who looked utterly smitten.

    "Javier-sama, I promise I''ll try my best to be your wife!" Gracelle dered with determined fervor, her arms tightening around him like a vice.

    Javier let out a strained, almost defeatedugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Now, now, Gracelle¡­ I think the maids just came to inform us about breakfast." He nced at the maids, silently pleading for some help out of the situation.

    "How about we go eat first?"

    Gracelle''s face lit up as if she''d been offered the moon. "O-Okay, Javier-sama!" she chirped, thrilled that he had addressed her by name without the formal ''Lady.''

    As Gracelle clung to his arm while they prepared to leave, Javier maintained his calm, noble demeanor on the outside. Inside, however, his thoughts raced.

    Stayposed. Smile. Pretend everything is under control. This is fine. I am a gentleman. A noble.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 52 Pekko and the Treasure Trove ( 52 )

    "Ohhhh!!! This is fun!! Hahahahahaha!!" Javier''sughter echoed through the forest as his Pekko dashed forward. With a mischievous grin, he loaded his magic crossbow.

    "Yeah!! Next crafting project... Mana gun!! Hahahahahaha!" He fired another shot, the bolt hitting a fleeing goblin square in the back.

    A small group of goblins tried to regroup ahead, but Javier was having none of it. "Oops! No, you don''t!! Keep running, goblins!! GYAHAHAHAHA!!"

    His Pekko joined in the fun, happily stomping on a goblin trying to hide under a bush. The goblin didn''t even have time to scream before it was ttened.

    "This is fun, buddy!!" Javier patted the Pekko''s side, urging it forward. "Let''s finish off all these goblins here before they get any bright ideas about raiding a vige or town nearby. Ours!! Bwahahahaha!!"

    The Pekko squawked in agreement, leaping into a group of goblins with a powerful jump. Goblins scattered, some tripping over each other as they tried to flee.

    Javier spun his crossbow, taking aim at the leader of the pack, who was barking orders in a desperate attempt to rally its minions.

    "Oh, no you don''t! Your speech time is over!" With a quick pull of the trigger, a glowing bolt zipped through the air, striking the leader between the eyes.

    As the goblin fell, Javier stood tall on his Pekko, surveying the remaining chaos. "Buddy, this is the life! Adventure, danger, and goblin stomping! Let''s clean this up and head back for lunch. Maybe I''ll let Liana scold meter... eheheheheh!!"

    The Pekko squawked in triumphant agreement, and together they dashed into the fray, leaving no goblin behind.@@novelbin@@

    Javier''s sharp eyes caught the hulking forms of a hobgoblin and a goblin shaman standing behind the scattered remains of the goblin mob. The hobgoblin snarled as it raised a crude iron club. The goblin shaman, draped in tattered robes, began chanting in its harsh, gutturalnguage.

    Javier smirked, his eyes glinting with excitement. "Oh!! Hobgoblin and goblin shaman, huh? This just got interesting! Buddy, you clean up the weaklings. Leave these two to me. Kekekekeke!!"

    The Pekko let out a fierce squawk and lunged at the remaining goblins, stomping and pecking with gleeful ferocity.

    Meanwhile, Javier,after dismounted,nding lightly on the forest floor. He watched the shaman carefully, tilting his head mockingly as the creature continued its incantation.

    "Oh no, you don''t!" he said with a mischievous chuckle. He raised his hand, his fingers glowing with a soft blue light. "Dispel!"

    The goblin shaman''s magic fizzled out mid-air, the glowing aura dissipating like smoke. The goblin shaman screeched in frustration, ring at Javier.

    "Not so scary without your fancy magic, huh?" Javier teased. He reached into his magical storage, pulling out a massive two-handed sword. The de gleamed menacingly, etched with runes that pulsed with golden light. Javier rested it casually on his shoulder, grinning wickedly.

    "This," he said, pointing the de at the goblin shaman and hobgoblin, "is what you get when you mess with the vige nearby!"

    The hobgoblin roared, charging at Javier with its club raised high.

    "Kikikiki!!" Javierughed, sidestepping the charge with ease. "Nice try, big guy!" He spun around, his massive sword slicing cleanly through the hobgoblin''s side in one swift motion.

    The shaman, realizing its dire situation, tried to flee into the forest. Javier raised a hand, summoning a small but precise bolt of lightning that struck the shaman in the back, sending it sprawling to the ground.

    "You''re not going anywhere, asshole," Javier said, walking toward the writhing shaman. He raised his sword, the runes ring brightly. "This is the end for you!"

    With one final, decisive swing, the goblin shaman''s struggles ceased, leaving the clearing silent except for the contented squawks of Javier''s Pekko, which was finishing off thest of the goblins.

    Javier sheathed his sword, breathing deeply. "Well, that was fun! Good work, buddy!" He patted his Pekko, who chirped happily in response.

    As Javier wiped his sword clean, something caught his eye¡ªa faint gleam from the shadows of the ruined structure nearby. His heart skipped a beat.

    "Ohhh!! What the hell is that shining over there?" he muttered, his curiosity piqued.

    He cautiously approached the source, weaving through the remnants of what appeared to be an abandoned outpost. Broken walls and moss-covered pirs. Behind a copsed section, he discovered a hidden stash of chests.

    "Jackpot!" he eximed, prying open the first chest. His eyes widened as he saw it packed with gold coins, jewels, and shining green ore that glowing with light.

    "Andamantite!!! YEAHHHH!!!" he shouted, his voice echoing in the empty ruins.

    He opened chest after chest, uncovering an absurd amount of wealth. Gold coins, glittering gems in every color.

    "Time to loot EVERYTHING!!"

    He extended his hand, activating his magic storage, a swirling vortex of energy opening up beside him. With a wide grin, Javier began dumping the entire treasure hoard into his storage. Gold, jewels, and ores disappeared in seconds.

    "Gyahahahaha!!! I''m RICH!!!"

    Just as he thought he had cleared everything, his eyesnded on a particrly massive mana crystal, about the size of his torso, glowing brighter than anything else.

    "Uoooooohhh!! BIG MANA CRYSTAL!! Hell yeah!!"

    He carefully lifted it, marveling at its wless, shimmering surface.

    "This alone is worth more than a noble''s estate!" he said, practically drooling. "I could craft weapons, enchant gear, or... or maybe just flex on everyone at home. Kekekeke!!"

    Satisfied with his haul, he patted his Pekko, which had wandered over to nuzzle him.

    "Well, buddy, looks like today''s ride turned into a treasure hunt. Let''s head back and figure out how to spend all this loot! bwahahahaha!"

    With his newfound riches safely stored, Javier mounted his Pekko.

    Javier tilted his head in confusion as his Pekko squawked happily and veered off the path, striding purposefully toward a dense thicket nearby.

    "Buddy? What''s wrong?" he asked, patting the creature''s neck.

    The Pekko responded with more cheerful squawks.

    "We going somewhere?" Javier raised an eyebrow, ncing around cautiously.

    The Pekko didn''t answer, but its enthusiasm was infectious. It bobbed its head and pped its small wings as if beckoning him to trust it.

    "Well, buddy," Javier said with a chuckle, leaning back in the saddle, "lead the way.... don''t get us into trouble now! Ehehehe!"

    The pekko pushed through the undergrowth, easily crushing branches and clearing a path. Javier kept a hand on the hilt of his sword, alert for any surprises.

    After a few minutes, the Pekko stopped abruptly and squawked louder, its beak pointing at something up ahead. Javier leaned forward to peer over its head.

    Through the foliage, he spotted a hidden cavern entrance, half-covered by vines and overgrowth. The faint glimmer of something metallic reflected the sunlight streaming through the trees.

    "Whoa... what do we have here?" Javier muttered, his eyes narrowing with intrigue.

    The Pekko let out a triumphant cry, clearly pleased with itself.

    "You''re full of surprises today, aren''t you?" Javier said, sliding off its back and patting its beak. "Alright, buddy, you earned some extra snackster. Let''s check this out!"

    Drawing his sword, Javier approached the cavern, ready for whatever might be waiting inside.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 55 The Missing Young Master ( 55 )

    Lady Francesca felt her legs give way beneath her as the news of Javier''s disappearance reached her ears. She gripped the edge of a nearby chair for support, her normallyposed demeanor cracking under the weight of concern.

    "My son¡­" she murmured, her voice barely audible. "He''s mischievous, yes, but he''s never stayed out thiste. Where could he be?"

    The maids surrounding her exchanged worried nces but said nothing, unsure of how to console theirdy.

    "Miss Gloria," Lady Francesca said finally, regaining a measure of herposure. "Send word to the estate guards. I want every capable man searching for my son. Light the beacons if you must, and keep the perimeter secure. We cannot risk anything happening to him."

    "Yes, mydy," Gloria replied, bowing before hurrying out of the room.@@novelbin@@

    Lady Francesca sank into the chair, her hands trembling. Normally, she could rely on her husband, Lord Garius, to take charge in such situations. But he was away in the capital city, attending a royal meeting with the king and other nobles¡ªa gathering that couldn''t be interrupted for anything less than a disaster.

    Her elder sons, Marcellus and Cedric, were also out of reach, studying at the prestigious magic academy in the capital, miles away from their family''s territory.

    This left Francesca as the sole pir of the household, a role she was prepared for but rarely had to shoulder so heavily. The absence of her husband and sons only heightened her anxiety.

    "Liana...where liana?"

    "Mydy, Miss Liana has gone to search for the young master herself, apanied by several guards."

    Francesca let out a shaky sigh. "Good. If anyone can find him, it''s her. But¡­" She paused, her thoughts clouded with worry. "Make sure preparations are in ce should she not return by sunrise."

    The maid nodded and hurried out to carry out the orders.

    Left alone in the grand, dimly lit room, Lady Francesca pressed her hands together, praying silently.

    Javier, my darling¡­ Wherever you are, please be safe.

    The estate was eerily quiet when Liana returned with her weary search party. The tension hung heavy in the air as the clock ticked past midnight, and still, there was no sign of the young master.

    The guards exchanged tired nces, their armor reflecting the dim light from the magicalmps scattered around the estate. Even the maids who had been anxiously waiting looked disheartened.

    Liana dismounted her horse and dismissed the others. "Get some rest," she said firmly. "We''ll regroup if needed, but I need to check something first."

    The group reluctantly obeyed, and Liana made her way to the Pekko pen, her instincts pulling her there. Sure enough, her Pekko waszily sprawled on the ground, looking well-fed and content.

    She sighed, brushing her silver hair back. "You know where your partner went?" she asked, kneeling beside the creature.

    The Pekko squawked loudly in response, turning toward the gate as if understanding her words.

    "Good," she said, standing up. "Help me find them."

    Without hesitation, she saddled her Pekko, ensuring her weapons were secured. Her dual des were hidden beneath her cloak, her dagger strapped to her thigh, and her magic bow slung across her back.

    As she approached the estate gates, two guards stepped forward.

    "Miss Liana, it''s dangerous out there at this hour," one of them said. "The monsters¡ª"

    "I know the risks," she interrupted, her voice calm but resolute. "Tell Lady Francesca I''ve gone to search for him. The rest of you stay here and prepare for his return. If hees back while I''m gone, secure him immediately and inform me."

    "But, Miss Liana¡ª"

    "Enough," she said, her emerald eyes sharp. "This Pekko will guide me, and I''m better off searching alone. Too many people will only slow me down."

    The guards hesitated but eventually stepped aside, opening the gate.

    Liana urged the Pekko forward, squawking as it trotted off into the night. She nced back briefly, her gaze steely.

    Young Master¡­ wherever you are, I will find you.

    With that, she disappeared into the darkness, the light crystal on her bow glowing faintly as the night swallowed her figure.

    ---

    "Oh yeah!!!" Javier''s voice echoed through the dark forest, "Night is the best time to gain experience! Hahahaha!"

    Monsters shrieked and snarled as his arrows struck true, bursting into shes of mana upon impact. All around him, the puppet knights he''d summoned were in perfect sync, hacked and shed through the horde.

    "Yes!! That''s how you fight, my knights!!" Javier cheered, standing atop his loyal pekko as if he were a general on the battlefield. His smirk grew wider as he admired his creation. "Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful! Keep it up!"

    The pekko beneath him let out an excited squawk before leaping into the fray,stomping a goblin into the ground and its sharp talon ripping through another.

    "Hey, buddy!!" Javier shouted, his tone half-annoyed, half-amused. "Don''t take all the monsters! Leave some for me!!"

    But the pekko, clearly enjoying itself, only squawked louder, pping its small wings as it spun to kick another goblin into a tree.

    "Come on, buddy!!" Javier reloaded his crossbow and took aim at a hobgoblin trying to flee. "Don''t hog all the fun!! Save some for me!!"

    The bolt flew straight and hitting the target with a satisfying thunk.

    "Ha! Gotcha!" Javier grinned, hopping off his pekko to sprint into the action. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned his trusty longsword from his magic storage,charged at a group of snarling monsters.

    "Alright, let''s dance!"

    The horde seemed endless, but Javier couldn''t have been happier. His puppet knights surrounded him in a protective circle, striking down anything that came too close, while he darted in and out of the chaos, his attacks swift and precise.

    In the midst of the battle, his pekko let out another victorious squawk, standing triumphantly atop a pile of defeated monsters.

    "Oh,e on!!" Javier groaned, pointing his sword at the bird. "You''re showing off now, aren''t you?"

    The pekko tilted its head innocently before stomping another goblin into the dirt.

    Javier couldn''t help butugh. "Fine, fine, you win this round, buddy. But next time, I''m iming more kills!"

    "Buddy!! Look over there!!" Javier''s eyes gleamed as he pointed toward the dark treeline where several figures emerged. Their glowing red eyes and ominous forms screamed one thing: elite monsters.

    A trio of armored ogres, twice the size of an average man, lumbered forward with spiked clubs. Behind them slithered what looked like a snake-wolf hybrid, scales shimmering under the moonlight, while sharp fangs glinted menacingly.

    "Ohhhh!! New types of monsters!!" Javier''s excitement was palpable as he hopped back onto his pekko. "For sure, their materials and meat will sell for a fortune! Ehehehehe!!"

    The pekko squawked in agreement,was ready for this profitable hunt.

    Javier didn''t waste any time. "Knights, form up!! Surround and strike!! Let''s clean this up quick!!"

    The puppet knights responded immediately, their movements precise and methodical. They rushed toward the ogres, shields raised, deflecting the powerful swings of their clubs. Sparks flew as steel met enchanted metal.

    Meanwhile, Javier stood tall on his pekko, summoning a glowing orb of light above his head. "Double up the experience!! Let''s go!! Kikikiki!!"

    The orb burst, releasing a wave of energy that bathed Javier, his pekko, and the puppet knights in a golden aura.

    "Time to clean house!" Javierughed as he took aim with his crossbow, releasing a volley of bolts at the snake-wolf hybrid. Each shot hit its mark, slowing the beast''s movements until it was cornered by the knights.

    The ogres, enraged by the relentless assault, roared and charged, but Javier''s pekko intercepted one with a flying leap, mming its talons into the monster''s face.

    "Buddy!! You''re on fire tonight!!" Javier cheered.

    The remaining ogres were quickly overwhelmed as the puppet knights hacked at their legs, toppling them like trees. Javier dashed in, his longsword glowing with mana. With precise strikes, he finished them off, ensuring the valuable materials remained intact.

    When the dust settled, the battlefield was littered with the remains of the monsters. Javier''s knights stood triumphant, their armor gleaming despite the carnage, while his pekko let out a triumphant squawk.

    "We''re unstoppable!!" Javier eximed, throwing his arms in the air. "This haul is gonna make me richer than ever! Kikikiki!!"

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 56 Worry and Wonder ( 56 )

    As Javier was celebrating his victory, a shadow darted out from the treeline. One of the remaining snake-wolf hybrids lunged straight at him, its fangs bared and venom dripping.

    "Oh, you sneaky little¡ª" Javier barely had time to react. He quickly spun on his pekko, unsheathing his longsword. With a powerful swing, he sliced the monster cleanly in mid-air.

    SLASH!

    The snake-wolf blood sprayed everywhere, drenching Javier from head to toe.

    "Ew!! Disgusting!! Blergh..." Javier gagged, shaking his head in horror. He wiped at his face with his sleeve, only to smear the sticky, redish-ck goo further. "Ugh, gross, gross, gross! Why does it smell like rotten fish!?"

    He looked down at his once-pristine shirt and pants, nowpletely soaked in monster blood. His pekko squawked, turning its head to give him what felt like a judgmental look.

    "Don''t look at me like that, buddy! It''s not my fault!" Javier groaned, throwing his hands up in frustration. "Crap! These were my favorite clothes!"

    The puppet knights stood silently, their polished armor untouched, as if mocking their creator''s current state.

    "You lot don''t even bleed! Must be nice!" he muttered under his breath, kicking a piece of monster hide out of frustration.

    Javier sighed, wiping some of the slime from his sword before stowing it away. "I''m gonna need a long bath after this¡­ or maybe just burn these clothes."

    He nced around at the battlefield, his mood quickly shifting back to excitement. "Well, at least the loot better make up for this mess!" With that, he grinned, wiping his hands on his already ruined pants. "Back to work, buddy! We''ve got more treasure to find!"

    Javier stretched his arms, yawning as he walked toward the mine entrance where his puppet knights had been tirelessly working. The flickering light of mana-powerednterns illuminated the area, and a grin spread across his face as he saw the massive pile of ore gleaming under the light.

    "Ohhhh!!! You all managed to mine all of this? Awesome!!!" He pped his hands, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "You guys are the best! More ore means more puppet knights! Yeah!!"

    The mountain of ore was an impressive mix of shining crystals, chunks of valuable metals, and even a few rare gems glinting in the pile. Javier''s eyes sparkled as if he were a dragon hoarding its treasure.

    He opened his magic storage, a shimmering portal of swirling light, and began transferring the mountain of ore with a satisfied smirk.

    "In you go! And you! And you too!" he hummed as he worked, tossing everything into the storage with glee.

    Nearby, the corpses of various monsters were stacked in neat piles, courtesy of his ever-efficient puppet knights. Javier nced at them, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

    "Hmmm... all these monster parts will fetch a good price¡ªexcept for the goblins." He wrinkled his nose at the thought. "Nobody wants goblin parts anyway. Useless. Stinky. Waste of space."

    With a wave of his hand, he ignored the goblin corpses and continued storing the rest. "Goodbye, nasty goblins! Hello, shiny profit!"

    Finally, after loading thest of the loot, Javier let out a contented sigh, stretching his arms again. "Haaaa... I''m tired now. Hey, buddy, how about we call it a night?"

    His pekko squawked in agreement, already making itselffortable on the soft grass nearby.

    "Alright, let''s set up camp then." Javier turned to his puppet knights, pointing at the area around him. "You lot, form a perimeter. I''m not getting ambushed while I sleep!"

    The knights silently moved into formation, their heavy footsteps echoing in the still night.

    Javier plopped down beside his pekko, leaning against its warm, feathery body. He gazed at the stars overhead, a satisfied grin still on his face.

    "Tonight, we rest. Tomorrow, we conquer more treasure. Ehehehe... life''s good, buddy. Life''s really good."

    With that, he closed his eyes, letting the soothing sound of rustling leaves lull him to sleep.

    After Javier fell asleep, still covered in monster blood and lying on the grass, his peaceful snores were drowned out by the asional squawking of his pekko, nestledfortably beside him. The puppet knights, having finished mining, ceased theirbor and now stood vignt, encircling the camp like silent sentinels, their glowing eyes scanning for any threats.

    The quiet night was filled with the distant rustle of leaves and the asional chirp of nocturnal creatures, but it brought nofort to Liana, who rode tirelessly through the forest.

    Her heart raced with worry, her mind consumed by thoughts of her missing young master. She didn''t care about her own exhaustion, the chilling wind of the night, or the looming danger of monsters. All that mattered was finding Javier.@@novelbin@@

    Liana adjusted her grip on the reins of her pekko, urging it forward. She had long given up on trying to guide it, trusting instead in the creature''s instincts. The pekko''s squawking and determined pace suggested it had picked up on something¡ªsomething only it could sense.

    Her confusion grew as her mount veered off the main path and onto a nearly hidden, overgrown trail shrouded in foliage.

    "Why are we taking this road?" she muttered, furrowing her brows. She nced around, recognizing none of thendmarks. The dense undergrowth and moss-covered stones hinted that this road hadn''t been used in years.

    Despite her unease, Liana trusted the pekko, leaning forward slightly to pat its neck. "You better know what you''re doing. Let''s hope this leads us to him."

    The light from her magic crystal illuminated the eerie surroundings, revealing gnarled trees and thick vines. asionally, faint growls echoed in the distance, but her pekko pressed on, unbothered. Liana tightened her grip on her bow, her emerald eyes scanning the shadows for movement.

    Her thoughts wandered as they traversed the mysterious road.

    "Javier, you reckless fool..." she whispered under her breath. "Are you mad at me? Is that why you''ve done this? I don''t care what it takes¡ªI''ll find you, even if it means searching every corner of this forest."

    The pekko suddenly squawked, snapping her out of her thoughts. Ahead, the foliage seemed to thin out, revealing a faint glow in the distance. Liana narrowed her eyes, her body tense with anticipation.

    "What is that?" she murmured, urging her pekko to move faster.

    As they approached, the faint glow revealed itself to be a clearing where scatterednterns and magical lights flickered. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw the figures standing guard¡ªJavier''s puppet knights.

    Liana''s heart nearly stopped as she caught sight of Javier lying motionless on the grass, his clothes soaked in blood. For a moment, the world seemed to blur around her, panic gripping her chest.

    "Young master!" she shouted, leaping off her pekko without hesitation.

    She sprinted across the clearing, ignoring the imposing puppet knights that turned their glowing eyes toward her but made no move to stop her approach. Dropping to her knees beside Javier, she frantically checked his pulse, her trembling hands brushing his blood-streaked face.

    "Please, no..." she whispered, her voice breaking.

    A steady, calm heartbeat met her touch, and she nearly copsed in relief. Her fingers pressed lightly against his neck as her sharp eyes scanned his body for injuries.

    That relief quickly turned into fury when she realized the blood wasn''t his.

    "What... in the name... is this?!" she hissed, shaking him by the shoulders. "Young master! Wake up!"

    Javier stirred, blinking groggily as if waking from a pleasant dream. His eyeszily opened, meeting her frantic gaze.

    "Oh... Liana?" he muttered, a sleepy grin forming on his lips. "You came all the way here for me? I''m touched."

    "Don''t you dare joke with me right now!" she snapped, shaking him harder. "Why are you covered in blood? What happened? Are you hurt?"

    Javier blinked, then sat up, looking down at his stained clothes with a sheepishugh. "Oh, this? Yeah, it''s just monster blood. Got a little messy earlier, that''s all."

    Liana stared at him, her hands frozen mid-air. "Just... monster blood?"

    "Yeah! I was hunting earlier. You wouldn''t believe the number of monsters we fought! My puppet knights and Buddy over there¡ª" he pointed to his sleeping pekko, "¡ªdid an amazing job. It was epic!"

    Her eye twitched as her emotions swung violently between relief, anger, and exhaustion. She pressed her palms to her temples, breathing deeply to calm herself.

    "You... reckless, irresponsible..." she muttered under her breath before ring at him. "Do you have any idea how worried everyone was? How worried I was?!"

    Javier''s grin faded slightly, and he scratched the back of his head. "Uh... I guess I should''ve tell them or something."

    "You think?!" she snapped, standing abruptly and ring down at him.

    Javier raised his hands in mock surrender, an awkward chuckle escaping his lips. "Come on, Liana. It''s not that big a deal. I''m fine, see?"

    "Not that big a deal?!" Liana leaned closer, her tone cold and sharp. "You''ve been missing for hours, it''s the middle of the night, and you''re out here ying adventurer while everyone back home is panicking!"

    Javier winced, his usual confidence faltering under her scolding. "Uh... sorry?"

    Liana crossed her arms, her piercing re unwavering. "We are going back. Now."

    "But Liana, there''s still so much ore to mine, and¡ª"

    "NOW."

    Javier sighed dramatically, muttering, "Fine, fine. You win."

    As Liana turned away to prepare their departure, Javier whispered under his breath, "But I''m totally sneaking back hereter."

    "I heard that."

    Javier gulped, realizing there was no escaping her wrath this time.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 58 A Mothers Worry ( 58 )

    "Javier!!!!!!"

    The panicked cry echoed through the manor grounds as Lady Francesca rushed down the front steps. The light illuminating the entrance revealed her pale, stricken face as her eyes locked on Javier, who stood next to Liana, covered in monster blood.

    She barely waited for him to dismount his pekko before pulling him into a tight embrace. "My boy! Are you hurt?! Speak to me!"

    "I''m fine, Mother. Really!"

    "Fine?! You''re covered in blood!" Francesca''s voice cracked, her panic not yet abating. "Who did this? What happened? Did monsters attack the estate? Liana, why didn''t you¡ª"

    "Lady Francesca, Young Master Javier was caught outside when a group of monsters appeared near the old ore mine. He hid inside to avoid danger."

    Lady Francesca''s eyes widened. "The ore mine? Why were you even near there?"

    Javier scratched his cheek, ncing at Liana, who gave him a subtle nod of encouragement. "Well... I was riding with Buddy, you know, my pekko, We were just exploring, and then monsters showed up. Buddy protected me while I hid in the mine. That''s why I''m all messy."

    Francesca''s expression softened slightly, though worry still etched her features. "You''re telling me you went alone to such a dangerous area?"

    "Not alone," Javier quickly corrected. "Buddy was with me the whole time. He''s strong!" He gestured toward the pekko, who squawked proudly as if on cue.

    Lady Francesca let out a shaky sigh, pulling him into another hug. "You reckless child. Do you have any idea how worried I was? Do you know how dangerous the forest is, especially at night?"

    "I''m sorry, Mother. I didn''t mean to make you worry."

    Liana stepped forward, her voice calm yet reassuring. "Young Master Javier is safe, and that''s what matters now. Perhaps we should clean him up and let him rest before asking any more questions."

    "Yes, of course," Francesca agreed, straightening and brushing her hair back as sheposed herself. "Liana, take him to his room and ensure he''s properly cleaned and dressed. I''ll have some food brought up for him."

    "Understood, mydy."

    Lady Francesca''s sharp gaze turned to Liana, her tone firm and brooking no argument. "And Liana?"

    Liana straightened her posture immediately. "Yes, madam?"

    "You will be sleeping in Javier''s room starting from today."

    "But madam¡ª"

    "No but. Because you failed to attend to him properly today, all of this happened. I cannot have my son wandering off like this again."

    Liana lowered her head in acknowledgment. "Yes, madam."

    "Now," Francesca continued, "go to his room. Make sure he cleans his body thoroughly and changes into fresh clothes. And, Liana?"

    "Yes, madam?"

    "Ensure he doesn''t run off again. I expect you to keep a closer eye on him from now on."

    "Yes, madam,"

    Francesca wasn''t done. Her piercing eyes softened slightly, but her voice remainedmanding. "And give me a full report about this supposed ore mine by tomorrow morning."

    "Yes, madam," Liana said, bowing deeply.

    Francesca exhaled and turned away, muttering under her breath. "This boy is really giving me a headache."

    Liana sighed quietly, already anticipating the chaos Javier would bring . She made her way to his room.

    "Now, young master," she began, her voiceced with frustration, "because of your little adventure, Madam scolded me. So here''s your ''reward.''"

    Before Javier could react, Liana reached out and pinched his ear tightly, twisting it just enough to make him wince.

    "Ow! Ow! Liana! Mercy! Mercy!" Javier yelped, iling his arms in mock surrender.

    "No excuses!" she snapped, keeping her grip firm. "Do you have any idea how worried everyone was? Especially Lady Francesca?"

    "I said mercy!" Javier pleaded, trying to wriggle free, though a yful grin tugged at the corner of his lips.

    Liana finally released his ear with a huff, straightening her posture and pointing toward the bathroom. "Now, go shower. You''re covered in monster blood, and you stink!"

    "Yes, ma''am!" Javier saluted before dashing toward the bathroom

    "Geez, nagging maid..."

    "I heard that!" Liana called after him, her tone half-scolding, half-amused.

    As the door mmed shut, she sighed, shaking her head.

    Liana, after ensuring everything was in order, instructed the household maids firmly, "Wait outside the bathroom. There are no windows, but I don''t trust him not to try something clever."

    "Yes, Miss Liana," the maids replied in unison

    Satisfied, Liana headed to her own room. She quickly showered, washing away the grime and fatigue from the day. Slipping into herfortable yet modest nightwear, she tied her hair into a loose braid before making her way back to Javier''s room.

    When she entered, she found him sprawled on the bed, his hair damp and his face freshly cleaned, though his mischievous smirk was as present as ever.

    "Young master, it''ste. Enough of your antics for one day¡ªsleep now."

    Javier pouted but didn''t protest, sensing Liana''s exhaustion. "Alright, alright, but only because you''re here to make sure I don''t run off again," he teased, grinning up at her.

    "Exactly," she said dryly, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "Now close your eyes and rest. You''ve caused enough chaos for one day."

    Once shey down, Javier wasted no time wrapping his arms around her, pulling her close, and pressing a quick kiss to her cheek.

    "Really now," she said, giving him a pointed look but not pulling away.

    "What''s wrong? You used to let me do this all the time!" he teased, grinning.

    "Hmm...what next?" Liana teased back "Breastfeeding?" She chuckled softly, recalling when he was a baby and she had to act as a surrogate for his care, even pretending to nurse him to calm him down despite not producing milk.

    Javier''s grin grew wider. "You sure?"

    "If you want it, young master,"

    "Ehehehe," heughed, clearly delighted by her yful response.

    Liana rolled her eyes, lightly flicking his forehead. "Now behave and sleep already. You''ve caused enough trouble today."

    "Fine, fine,Good night, Liana."

    "Good night, young master,"

    "Liana?"

    "Yes, young master?"

    "Kiss?"

    Liana let out a soft sigh. She gazed at Javier, who looked at her with his usual mischievous yet affectionate expression.

    "You never change, young master,"

    Javier grinned, tilting his head. "So¡­ can I?"

    She closed her eyes briefly, then nodded. "Just one."

    Without hesitation, Javier leaned in and pressed a passionate kiss against her lips. It was bold and fervent, filled with the warmth of their unique bond

    "Happy now?"@@novelbin@@

    "Very," Javier replied, his grin widening as he settled back down, hugging her tightly again.

    "Now, sleep," Liana said, her tone firm but affectionate.

    "Goodnight, Liana," Javier said, his voice softening as his eyes began to close.

    "Goodnight, young master," she replied, a small, fond smile gracing her lips as she watched him drift off.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 61 Between Dreams and Reality ( 61 )

    "Young master?"

    "Hmmm?"

    "What were you thinking about?"

    "Nothing¡­"

    "Oh, well, you looked pensive," she noted, tilting her head slightly as she watched him.

    "Nah¡­ don''t worry about it. Ehehehe," he said, a grin spreading across his face.

    "Well, if you say so¡­" Liana replied, though she remained a little skeptical, feeling something was on his mind.

    Suddenly, without warning, Javier sprang to his feet and yfully pushed Liana back onto the cushions, wrapping his arms around her in a warm hug.

    "Ehehehe¡­"

    "Young master¡­ you shouldn''t push a maiden like this,"

    "But I just want to lie down beside you," he said, snuggling closer and resting his head against her shoulder.

    "Still, don''t do this to anyone else¡­ trouble wille to you," Liana teased.

    "Yeah, yeah, whatever," Javier murmured, burying his face against her breast.

    Liana let out a resigned sigh, "Haaaa¡­ young master, you know you shouldn''t casually bury your face in a maiden''s breast." Despite her words, there was no real anger in her tone.

    "Ehehehehe¡­" Javierughed, clearly enjoying the yful moment.

    With a soft chuckle, Liana shook her head and returned to her book, allowing him to indulge in his cheeky behavior,and reminded herself that these moments were fleeting.

    "Just remember, young master, there are boundaries," she said softly, trying to maintain a level of seriousness even as she allowed him this indulgence.

    Javier responded with a content sigh, "Yeah, but this feels nice." He wrapped his arms around her waist.

    As Liana resumed her reading, she couldn''t help but smile at the way Javier had a knack for pushing the limits of their yful rtionship. She adored the innocence in his actions, even if they sometimes bordered on inappropriate.

    Javier nuzzled his face against Liana''s breast, shaking it yfully. "Ehehe, this isfortable!" he eximed, a grin spreading across his face.

    "Young master¡­ don''t do that," Liana scolded gently, though her tonecked any real anger.

    "Eh? Why not?" he replied, clearly enjoying the moment.

    "I can''t get married to someone else if you keep doing that," Liana teased, but beneath her yful words was a hint of seriousness.

    "Well, we can get married once I turn 18¡­ ehehe," he replied, his enthusiasm evident as he imagined their future.

    "Haaaa¡­ young master, you always think this is simple," Liana said, trying to keep a straight face.

    "Hmm? Of course! I turn 18, we get married, have a lot of children¡­ ehehe!" Hisughter was infectious, and he seemed entirely certain of his n.

    "Ah, young master," Liana replied, amused but also concerned. "There''s more to marriage than just wanting a family. Responsibilities,promise, and¡­ well, life isplicated."

    "Heh¡­ it''s not like you''ve ever been married anyway," he shot back, yful mischief dancing in his eyes.

    "Whose fault is that?" Liana sighed, the weight of the question lingering in the air.

    "Ehehehehe¡­ I guess it''s yours!" Javier replied yfully, his cheeky grin causing Liana tough despite herself.

    "Mine?" Liana said, shaking her head with a chuckle at his impishness. She smiled down at him, her heart swelling as she let him rest his head against her breast. Gently, she caressed his hair, feeling a protective warmth wash over her.

    "Young master¡­" she began, her voice softening.

    "Hmm?" Javier replied,forted by her touch.

    "Just promise me something," Liana said, her tone shifting to something more serious.

    "Yes?" he asked, looking up at her curiously.

    "Don''t forget about me when you grow into an adult,"

    "Huh? Why do you think that? How could I forget someone so beautiful?" Javier''s words were light-hearted, but Liana''s heart felt heavy with unspoken fears.

    What if he does forget? Liana wondered, a flicker of anxiety igniting in her heart. What if, one day, he grows up, finds someone among the nobles, and leaves me behind? What if I''m not in his life anymore?

    The thought sent a chill through her. She couldn''t help but worry that as he transitioned from a boy into a man, he might lose sight of the bond they shared. For her, the prospect was daunting. She had be so integral to his life, and the thought of being left behind felt like a crushing weight.

    "Hey," Javier said, breaking into her thoughts. "You don''t have to worry about that! I''ll always remember you."

    Despite his confident words, Liana couldn''t shake the nagging feeling that the future was uncertain. She hoped that the bond they shared would withstand the trials of time and circumstance¡ªa bond rooted in love and care, even as they both changed and grew.

    "Okay, young master," she finally said, forcing a smile as she looked into his bright eyes. "I trust you."

    "Liana!" Javier eximed yfully, burying his face deeper into her breast.

    Liana smiled, her heart warmed by his antics. She let her young master do as he pleased; it wasn''t the first time he had been this cheeky. The connection they shared feltfortable and natural, a mix of affection and yful mischief.

    "Young master?" Liana asked, her voice gentle.

    "Hmm? Liana?" he replied, peeking up at her with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

    "Just take a nap," she suggested, hoping to coax him into a moment of rest.

    "Don''t wanna¡­ ehehe," Javier said, burying his face against her breast once more, inhaling her scent.

    "Haaaa¡­ young master, what will you do if I''m not around?" Liana asked, her voice tinged with yful seriousness, though a part of her felt a flicker of concern.

    "Don''t say that!" Javier eximed, hugging her tighter. "I''ll always want you around!" He nestled his face deeper into her breast, finding sce in her warmth. "mmphhh..."

    Liana''s heart swelled at his words, a mixture of joy and worry swirling within her. She knew he was just a child, carefree and innocent, but the thought of their future loomed in her mind. Still, in this moment, she allowed herself to be swept away by his yful spirit.

    "Okay, young master," she said softly, brushing her fingers through his hair. "Just promise me you''ll take care of yourself, even when I''m not there."

    "Promise!" he replied, his voice muffled but filled with sincerity. "But I''ll always be there with you, Liana! You''re my favorite!"@@novelbin@@

    As they settled into afortable silence, Liana couldn''t help but smile, feeling grateful for these moments. She knew that whatever challengesy ahead, they would face them together, bound by the love and affection they shared.

    "Now, close your eyes," she urged gently, her voice a soothing balm. "Just for a little while."

    "Fine¡­" Javier relented, finally allowing himself to rx, content to be enveloped in her warmth. With a soft sigh, he closed his eyes, the world around him fading as he drifted into a peaceful nap,forted by Liana''s presence.

    Liana watched him, a tender smile on her lips as she continued to stroke his hair, cherishing the bond they had built. For now, they were together, and that was enough.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 64 Workshop of Wonders ( 64 )

    After a delightful breakfast with his doting mother, Lady Francesca,Javier arrive in his personal workshop.

    At the center of the room ,a massive pile of newly stocked mana stones. Javier rubbed his hands together, his mischievous grin widening as he surveyed the haul.

    "Hmmm¡­ perfect. Time tobine these into something special... like, say, bullets for my artillery cannon. Ehehehe¡­"

    Liana, seated gracefully on the couch with a book in hand, nced up at him. "Young Master? What are you nning to craft today?"

    "You''ll see soon enough, Liana. Trust me, it''s going to be awesome!"

    With a shrug and a small smile, Liana returned to her book, asionally ncing at him. She had grown ustomed to his antics but still found them amusing.

    Javier rolled up his sleeves and got to work, activating his magic crafting skills. A faint blue aura enveloped his hands as he beganbining the mana stones with precision.

    Ehehehe¡­ just wait. Soon my mana cannon will be operational, and I''ll be able to shoot the bad guys! Mess with me or my family? Dere war on House De Armand? You''ll regret it when my cannon goes KABOOM! Ekekekeke!

    Javier shaped the mana stones into sleek, bullet-like forms that looked simple. Once loaded into his cannon,the cannon would harness their stored magical energy, unleashing devastating sts while leaving the mana bullets intact for recharging.

    "This way,I won''t waste resources. Efficient, reusable, and awesome. Hehe¡­ I''m a genius."

    Liana looked up again, raising an eyebrow at his muttering. "Young Master, are you nning to use that¡­ invention¡­ in the near future?"

    Javier grinned at her, his hands still glowing as hepleted another mana bullet. "Oh, don''t worry, Liana. This is just¡­ a precaution. You know, in case anyone dares to mess with us."

    "Just be careful, Young Master. Your¡­ precautions often lead to chaos."

    "Chaos for them, maybe," Javier quipped, shing her a confident smirk. "For us? It''s called victory."

    "Ten thousand troops? A hundred thousand? A million troops? They''ll all meet the weaponry of my previous world! Bwahahahaha!" Javier cackled, raising a fist in the air. "Sword cavalry? Knights? Mages? Archers? BOOM! Gone in a sh! "

    He nced at the ore he had extracted from the mine. The possibilities seemed endless. "Hmm... let''s put this to good use. More puppet knights... more artillery cannons... Hehehe¡­"

    Javier turned toward Liana, who was quietly reading a book

    "Liana!"

    "Yes, Young Master?"

    "Can you contact the merchants who supply the household?" he asked, a yful smirk tugging at his lips. "I want them to buy a lot of mana stones. As many as they can get their hands on!"

    Liana let out a long, weary sigh. "Young Master¡­ why do you need more mana stones? Do you realize how difficult it is to obtain them? They''re not exactly lying around for the taking. Monsters don''t drop them often, and they''re rarely avable in the market or the adventurer''s guild."

    Javier shrugged, dismissing her concerns with a flick of his hand. "Then make it a quest! Ehehehe! Put out a notice for adventurers! I don''t care how they get them¡ªI just need a lot of them."

    "Haaaaa¡­" Liana massaged her temples, clearly trying to maintain herposure. "Young Master, do you understand how much gold this will cost? And how much attention this kind of request might draw? Your father¡ª"

    "Forget about my father!" Javier interrupted "This is important! For the future of the household! No¡­ for the future of this territory!"

    "By the way," he continued, leaning back with a yful grin, "the mine I discovered¡ªis it operational now?"

    Liana nodded, her expressionposed. "Yes, Young Master. The roads have beenpleted, and the workers have begun mining. Everything is progressing smoothly."

    Javier''s lips curled into a satisfied smirk. "Good. That means my family''s influence, wealth, and power are growing stronger by the day."

    Liana sighed internally, already bracing herself for whatever outrageous request was about to follow.

    "I need a stronger ore. Something better. Ehehehe¡­"

    Liana raised an eyebrow. "Stronger ore? For what purpose, Young Master?"

    "For crafting, of course! I have some big ns, and I need the right materials to make them a reality."

    Shaking her head, Liana let out a small sigh. "This young master of mine¡­ always crafting and creating. How much ore do you need?"@@novelbin@@

    "Arrange it as a buyer, not as the noble owner," Javier said, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm¡­ probably around 500 gold worth."

    "Five hundred gold?!" Liana eximed, herposure slipping for just a moment. "Young Master, if you purchase that much ore, where on earth are we going to store it all?

    Javier blinked, as if the answer were obvious. "Huh? Inside my magic storage, of course."

    Liana pressed a hand to her forehead, exasperated. "Young Master, not everyone has ess to a magic storage space the size of a warehouse¡­"

    "Exactly! .Which is why I''ll handle the storage part. You just handle the negotiations and get me the ore."

    With a resigned sigh, Liana picked up her ledger and began jotting down notes. "Very well. I''ll arrange for the purchase. But please, Young Master, try to keep this endeavor from spiraling into chaos."

    "Chaos?" Javier feigned innocence. "Liana, everything I do is for the benefit of this family. Trust me, this is going to be a masterpiece."

    Her eyebrow twitched, but she held her tongue. Instead, she stood and smoothed out her skirt. "Very well, Young Master. I will ry your request to the merchants and see what can be done. But don''t me me if your father finds out and demands an exnation."

    "Ehehehe, leave that to me!" Javier chuckled, waving her off. "I''ll handle Father if ites to that."

    "Oh! Liana? Is there any kind of army that fights from the sky?"

    Liana paused and set the papers aside. "From the sky? Hmm¡­ ording to the information, the royal forces maintain a wyvern unit."

    Javier''s eyes lit up. "Oh! A wyvern force, huh? How do they attack?"

    "Abination of archers and mages ride the wyverns. They rain arrows or spells down from above. It''s a powerful and mobile force, really difficult to counter even with proper preparation."

    Javier tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm¡­ that means we need an anti-air weapon."

    "Young Master, you''re not nning anything reckless, are you?"

    "Reckless? Me?" Javier feigned innocence, gesturing toward the pile of mana stones in the corner. "Liana, everything I do is calcted."

    Liana sighed, shaking her head as she settled into the couch. "You''re going to use those mana stones to build¡­ what? A cannon? A new puppet?"

    Javier chuckled, holding up a half-finished schematic. "Not just any cannon. An anti-air mana gun. With enough precision to shoot down a wyvern mid-flight! Ehehehe¡­"

    "An anti-air weapon, you say? And what happens when the royal forces find out you''ve developed a weapon specifically designed to counter their wyvern unit?"

    Javier waved her concern away. "Pfft. That''s a problem for future Javier. Right now, I just want to see if I can build it."

    Liana pinched the bridge of her nose. "Young Master, your curiosity is going to cause more trouble than it''s worth¡­"

    Ignoring her, Javier leaned back with a triumphant grin. " No, Liana. Imagine it¡ªten, twenty cannons stationed around the estate. Let them send a hundred wyverns; we''ll shoot them all down. Ehehehe!"

    Liana gave him a weary look. "And where exactly do you n to test this¡­ anti-air cannon of yours?"

    "Hmmm¡­" Javier pondered, tapping his pencil against the parchment. "I''ll figure that outter. Maybe a secluded field? Somewhere the st won''t scare the neighbors."

    ( End Of Chapter )

 Chapter 66 A Request for Land ( 66 )

    Javier nestledfortably on his mother''sp, wrapping his arms around her in an affectionate hug. He buried his face against her breast, inhaling herforting scent. "Mother¡­"

    "Yes, my honey bun?" Lady Francesca replied, stroking his messy ck hair with a tender smile.

    "Can you give me somend? Or at least permission to buy or acquire some?"

    Francesca tilted her head. "Why do you neednd, anyway?"

    "I want to start a farming business," Javier said, grinning cheekily. "Ehehe."

    "Javier," Francescaughed softly, "you know managingnd requires more than just buying it. You''ll need money to run it, hire workers and guards, and ensure someone oversees the business daily. Are you ready for all that?"

    "Well¡­" Javier began, his grin widening. "Can I ask Liana to help? Ehehe."

    "Are you sure, my honey bun? Liana is your personal maid. If you ask her to manage your business full-time, you won''t see her every day."

    "Ehhhh?! No! I don''t want that!" Javier blurted, shaking his head furiously.

    "Haaaa¡­" Francesca sighed, pressing her fingers to her temple. "What am I going to do with you, Javier?"

    "Mother¡­ please,"

    Francesca raised an eyebrow, still skeptical. "How much gold do you even have for this¡­ venture?"

    "Err¡­ around three gold coins?" Javier said sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Ehehe."

    "Liana," Francesca called, her voiceced with curiosity. "How does he have that much gold?"

    "I don''t know, Madam," Liana replied, standing nearby with her usualposed demeanor. "You''d best ask him yourself."

    Francesca narrowed her eyes at her son. "Javier, where did you get three gold coins?"

    "Ehehe¡­ Father gave them to me because I found the mine," he admitted, shing a cheeky grin.

    Francesca leaned back, incredulous, her hands still resting on his shoulders. "Javier¡­ do you realize what you found is worth more than a hundred thousand gold coins? That stingy husband of mine gave you three?" She shook her head, muttering under her breath, "That stinky man¡­"

    Javier shrugged nonchntly. "Hmm¡­ I can start with this much, right? Ehehehe."

    Francesca couldn''t help but chuckle softly. She knew he was up to something, but his antics always warmed her heart.

    As she held him close, she decided to indulge his request. "Fine, Javier. I''ll talk to your father about granting you a small plot ofnd. But you must promise me you''ll be responsible with it, and no risky ideas, understood?"

    "Yay! Thanks, Mother!" Javier cheered, squeezing her in a tight hug.

    Francesca sighed, brushing a stray lock of Javier hair away from his face. "But tell me, what exactly are you nning to farm?"

    "Pekko farm, sugarcane, cocoa, and other foods... Ehehe!" he dered proudly.

    Francesca gave Javier a skeptical look, her elegant brows furrowing in confusion. "Sugarcane? Cocoa? Those nts only grow deep in the forest. And besides, why would you want to farm such peculiar crops? No one even cultivates them,seriously."

    Javier leaned back on herp, a sly grin on his face. "Ehehe¡­ They''re special, Mother. Trust me. Farming them will bring a lot of value in the future. They''re... versatile."

    Francesca tilted her head, trying to understand. "Sugarcane... Isn''t that the nt adventurers sometimes bring back from the southern forests? They say it''s sweet when chewed, but we''ve never seen it used for anything practical."

    Javier nodded, feigning curiosity. "Exactly! But I think it has more potential, Mother. I just need somend to try."

    "And cocoa... That''s the bitter fruit from the western jungles, isn''t it?" she continued. "Merchants sometimes sell the dried seeds for outrageous prices, iming they''re a delicacy for certain tribes. But it''s so bitter, I can''t imagine anyone enjoying it."

    "Hmm, maybe it has uses we haven''t thought of yet," Javier replied with a knowing smirk, careful not to reveal too much.

    Francesca tapped her chin, still skeptical. "I suppose. But growing such exotic crops will take time, resources, and people who know how to handle them."

    Javier knew that in this world, sugar wasn''t refined as it would be in modern times. Sweeteners were primarily honey, gathered from bees, or syrup extracted from fruits and tree sap. Some wealthy nobles might import rare, candied fruits preserved in honey from distant regions, but that was a luxury few could afford. As for cocoa, its potential as a base for chocte was entirely unknown¡ªpeople viewed it as an odd, bitter ingredient used in strange drinks by foreign tribes.

    Javier''s grin widened. "Ehehe... Don''t worry about that, Mother. Just trust me! With the right care, these crops will bring us great profits!"

    Francesca sighed. "You''re always so full of schemes, Javier. I''ll speak to your father about thend, but I expect you to exin your ns clearly. No vague promises, do you hear me?"

    "Yes, Mother! You''re the best!" Javier hugged her tightly, already envisioning a future where his knowledge from his past life would revolutionize agriculture in this medieval world.

    As Francesca held him close, she couldn''t shake the feeling that her youngest son had more up his sleeve than he let on.

    Meanwhile, Javier envisioned a future where sugarcane ntations produced refined sugar and cocoa farms yielded the first batches of chocte. He would bring luxuries and innovation to this medieval world, securing his family''s wealth and influence for generations toe.

    For now, though, he simply basked in his mother''s warmth, content to let his grand ns unfold step by step.

    Liana stood quietly nearby, poised yet rxed, her eyes observing the mother-son interaction.

    Inside, she sighed. Haaa... this young master of mine... always scheming for his so-called "future." I can only imagine the mischief this will lead to. Yet, despite her thoughts, a faint smile tugged at her lips. She couldn''t help but find his determination endearing, even if it often meant more work for her.

    "Mother?" Javier''s voice softened, breaking her train of thought.@@novelbin@@

    "Yes, my honey bun?" Francesca replied, stroking his hair affectionately.

    Javier leaned closer, his mischievous grin reced by something genuine. "Ehehe... I love you." He then burrowed his face into her breast, inhaling herforting scent deeply, cherishing the warmth and safety of her embrace.

    Lady Francesca''s expression melted into one of pure adoration. "Oh, my sweet boy, I love you too." She wrapped him in a warm embrace, holding him close.

    From her spot, Liana''s smile. No matter how mischievous or ambitious he was, he was still just a boy who loved his family.

    Liana watched with a mix of amusement and exasperation as she observed her young master, Javier, shaking his head against Lady Francesca''s breast. The gentle movement made his mother''s bosom jiggle slightly, but Lady Francesca merely smiled indulgently, letting her son do as he pleased.

    "Ehehehe¡­ soft breast"

    Francesca chuckled, her eyes sparkling with affection. "You silly boy," she teased, herughter light and airy. "Always so yful."

    "Mother, they''re just so soft!" Javier eximed, still buried in her breast, his voice muffled but filled with childlike joy.

    Lady Francesca chuckled again, shaking her head in affectionate disbelief. "You''re going to turn into quite the little rogue if you keep this up, my honey bun."

    Liana couldn''t help but chuckle softly at the sight. It was moments like these that reminded her of the innocence of childhood, even if Javier''s antics asionally drove her to the edge of her patience.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 67 Plans of a Playful Heart ( 67 )

    Lady Francesca gently stroked Javier''s hair as he leaned against her, his face buried in her breast. The soft warmth of her embrace made him sigh contentedly, inhaling deeply and reveling in the familiar scent of her.

    "Just stay like this for a while, Mother," Javier mumbled, his voice muffled.

    Lady Francesca chuckled, her fingers pausing for a moment. "No can do, my sweet boy. Your father is expecting me, and you know how he gets if I''mte."

    Javier groaned, his arms tightening slightly. "Ugh¡­ fine. Why does Father have to ruin everything?"

    Francesca smiled down at him with a mix of affection and amusement. "Because he''s your father, honey bun. And he also my husband."

    Standing gracefully, she adjusted her gown and turned toward the door. "Liana?"

    "Yes, Madam?"

    "Take over from here," Francesca instructed, pointing toward her son with her lips, who was still sprawledzily on the couch.

    "As you wish, Madam," Liana replied with a polite bow.

    Lady Francesca paused at the doorway, turning back to Javier with a mischievous smile. "Oh, and honey bun?"

    "Yes, Mother?" Javier replied, half-sulking.

    "There''s a letter for you. It''s from your future wife, Lady Gracelle," she teased.

    Javier''s head shot up, his face a mix of surprise and irritation. "Mother!"

    But Lady Francesca was already gone, her softughter trailing behind her.

    Javier flopped back onto the couch, throwing an arm over his face. "Why is she like this?"

    Liana stepped closer. "Shall I fetch the letter, young master?"

    Javier peeked at her from under his arm, his amber eyes gleaming with mock desperation. "Do I have to read it?"

    Liana tilted her head, her green eyes sparkling with amusement. "It would be impolite not to, young master. Lady Gracelle went to great lengths to write to you."

    With a dramatic sigh, Javier sat up, running a hand through his messy ck hair. "Fine, bring it here. But if it''s another proposal to attend some boring event, I''m ming you for convincing me to be nice to her in the first ce."

    Liana gave a small bow before retrieving the letter. As she handed it to him, she said in a gentle tone, "Perhaps Lady Gracelle''s intentions will surprise you, young master."

    Javier took the letter, his curiosity piqued despite his reluctance. "Surprises, huh? Let''s see if this one''s worth it."

    As he opened the envelope, Liana stood quietly nearby, observing him with her usualposed demeanor. But deep down, she couldn''t help wondering about the contents of the letter¡ªand why the mention of Lady Gracelle made her chest feel oddly tight.

    Javier loungedzily on the couch in the study room, holding thetest letter from Lady Gracelle. The crisp parchment practically radiated with flowery words of affection, all neatly written in her delicate script.

    He sighed deeply, running a hand through his messy ck hair. "She''s going to visit us sometime soon," he muttered to himself, feeling no shock at the news. This wasn''t the first time Gracelle''s letters expressed how much she missed him¡ªor how hard she was trying to be the ideal "future wife."

    Setting the letter aside, Javier leaned back, staring at the ceiling with a faint groan. "Why, oh why, did I kiss her at Mother''s birthday party? Now she''s seriously in love with me. What was I even thinking?"

    Liana, who had been dusting a bookshelf nearby, paused and gave him a pointed look. "Young master," she said in her calm, measured tone, "you shouldn''t y with a young maiden''s heart. It''s your fault for kissing her in the first ce."

    Javier waved her off with a sheepish grin. "Yeah, yeah, I know. Bute on, it was just to see your reaction!"

    "And look at what happen to her now?."

    "Details, details," Javier replied, grinning mischievously. He sat up and propped his chin on his palm. "Honestly, why think too much about it? Ehehe¡­ nobles can marry more than one wife anyway. Just look at my father, Lord Garius. He''s practically the poster boy for ''collect ''em all.'' Ehehehe."

    Liana''s eyebrow twitched, but she kept herposure. "I''m not sure your father would appreciate thatparison, young master."

    Javier ignored her. "Okay, so here''s the n. I''ll marry you first, Liana. Obviously. Then, if Gracelle turns into a hottie and grows beautiful like you or Mother, maybe she can join the lineup. But!" He raised a finger, "If she turns ugly or fat when we both reach adulthood, no deal! Cancel! I have standards, you know!"

    Liana resumed her dusting, her expressionposed once more. "yeah yeah young master. But I must remind you, it''s not just about appearances. You shouldn''t dismiss people based on looks alone."

    Javier waved his hand dismissively. "I don''t care what others think. If I say I want to marry a beautiful girl, I mean beautiful, hot, and sexy only. No ugly, no fatty." He leaned back, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "It''s my choice, Liana!"

    Liana raised an eyebrow, amusement barely contained. "Your choice, hmm? Very well, young master. But may I suggest that you focus on growing up yourself before worrying about other people''s appearances?"

    Javierughed, his eyes sparkling. "That''s why I need you, Liana. You''re my future wife, after all."

    "We''ll see about that, young master," Liana turned on her heel, clearly deciding the conversation wasn''t worth continuing. "I''ll bring tea to calm your delusions, Young Master."

    As she walked away, Javier leaned back with a satisfied smirk. "Ehehe¡­ life''s going to be fun with you by my side, Liana."@@novelbin@@

    From the corner of the room, Meira, the catfolk maid, peeked in with a curious tilt of her ears. "Did I hear something about wives? Young Master, you''re nning to marry more than one? Nya, ambitious as ever!"

    Javier''s attention shifted suddenly as he noticed a catfolk tail waving just outside the door. His eyes narrowed, realizing that someone must have overheard him. Looking carefully from his couch, he squinted and gasped. "Isn''t that Meira?"

    "Meira, wait!!!" Javier bolted upright, but the swift-footed catfolk was already halfway out the door.

    "Nya! Gossip like this can''t wait!" Meira''s tail swished excitedly as she dashed down the hallway, herughter echoing. "Young Master Javier nning to marry multiple wives! Everyone must know!"

    Javier groaned, running a hand through his messy ck hair. "That loudmouth cat is going to turn this ce upside down!"

    Liana stood calmly beside him, her expressionposed, though her lips curved slightly in amusement. "Young Master, you reap what you sow. You shouldn''t have been so careless with your words."

    He red at her, half-annoyed, half-pleading. "Ugh, this is all your fault, Liana! If you hadn''t teased me with that ''future wife'' vibe of yours, I wouldn''t have¡ª"

    "My fault?" Liana raised an elegant eyebrow, folding her arms. "Correct me if I''m wrong, Young Master, but you''re the one who started rambling about marrying me first¡ªand apparently setting ''standards'' for others."

    Javier crossed his arms, pouting slightly. "Still¡­ you didn''t have to just stand there while Meira overheard everything! You could''ve stopped her!"

    "Why would I do that?" Liana replied, her voice calm.

    Before Javier could retort, Meira''s excited voice echoed through the halls: "Guess what I just heard? The Young Master wants to marry more than one wife! And he already has his first pick!"

    Javier buried his face in his arm. "It''s official. My reputation is ruined."

    Liana tilted her head thoughtfully. "I wouldn''t say that. Considering how much the maids adore you, this might boost your poprity."

    "I''m not trying to win a poprity contest, Liana! I just¡ª"

    "¡ªwant me to be your first wife?" Liana finished smoothly, her eyes glinting with yful mischief.

    Javier froze, his brain stop thinking for a moment before he groaned loudly. "I can''t win with you, can I?"

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 69 Tea, Tumbles, and Tails ( 69 )

    Lady Francesca chuckled softly. "Perhapster, I''ll pamper him properly," she mused. A yful smile curved her lips. "After all, he''s my precious honey bun."

    She imagined it vividly: pulling Javier into a warm embrace, hugging him tightly, and burying his face against her breast. "I can already see his reaction..." The thought made herugh. "He''d likely grumble, squirm, and put on a show of mock annoyance" but she knew better. Beneath that cheeky exterior, he loved every second of it.Sometimes, he even dared to fondle her breast, a yful gesture she always allowed, relishing the bond they shared.

    He can act as proud and mischievous as he likes, but he''s still my little boy.

    As she sipped her tea calmly, a small, knowing smile yed on her lips while she observed the chaos from afar. From her vantage point, she could clearly see her youngest son, Javier, dashing across the estate on his Pekko, Buddy, with Liana in hot pursuit.

    "That boy of yours is too mischievous and rude, Francesca," Lord Garius grumbled, his voice carrying the weight of a long-suffering father.

    Francesca chuckled softly, setting her teacup down. "Oh, you know how Javier is. He''s always full of life," she replied, her tone tinged with fondness.

    Lord Garius sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. "He dashed through my peaceful morning tea time, yelling like a hooligan. And that sted bird of his ruin my morning tea!"

    "Pekko, dear. They''re called pekkos," Francesca corrected with a teasingugh.

    "Urrrgh!" Garius groaned in frustration, earning a stifled giggle from his first wife.

    Meanwhile, Lady Phenelopie and Lady Gracilia sat at the breakfast table, looking entirely uninterested in the chaos. They quietly enjoyed their tea and biscuits, not sparing a nce at the spectacle unfolding.

    Francesca''s eyes sparkled with amusement as she caught sight of Javier and Liana again. Javier was riding Buddy with wildughter, weaving in and out of the estate paths, while Liana, on her own Pekko, Pikko, was chasing after him with a mix of desperation and frustration.

    "Young master!! Stop this at once!!" Liana''s voice echoed across the estate.

    "Hahahahahaha! Liana!! Catch me if you can!! Kekekeke!" Javier called back, hisughter infectious.

    Francesca stifled augh with her hand as she overheard Liana''s next shout.

    "You just flipped Miss Gloria''s skirt and peeked at her panties!"

    "She''s gorgeous and hot! How could I resist?!" Javier''sughter grew even louder. "Run, Buddy! Faster!! Ekekeke!"

    "Haaaa¡­ that boy¡­" Francesca shook her head, though the fond smile never left her face.

    Lord Garius put his teacup down on the table, visibly exasperated. "Francesca! Do something about him before he tarnishes the family name further!"

    Francesca waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, don''t be so dramatic. He''s just a boy having fun. Besides, Liana will catch him eventually."

    From across the estate, a frustrated Liana could be heard yelling, "Young master! I swear, if you don''t stop right now¡ª!!"

    "Never! Freedom is calling me!!" Javier whooped, as Buddy squawked enthusiastically beneath him.

    Francesca couldn''t help butugh out loud this time. "He''s certainly lively, isn''t he?" she said, her tone betraying the pride she felt for her spirited son.

    Lord Garius simply groaned again, pinching the bridge of his nose. This is going to be a long day.

    As the sounds ofughter and chaos continued to fill the estate, Francesca took another sip of her tea, her heart swelling with delight. Watching her son embrace the freedom of youth, unburdened by the expectations that loomed over him.

    "Let him have his fun," she murmured to herself. "After all, he''ll grow up all too soon."

    Lady Francesca leaned back in her chair, her serene demeanor masking the sharp curiosity in her voice as she addressed her husband. "By the way, dear, the mine is operational now, isn''t it?"

    Lord Garius nced at her, slightly wary of her tone. "Yes, it is. Why do you ask?"

    Adopting a noble and teasing air, Francesca rested her chin on her hand. "Oh, I was just wondering how much earnings you''ve received so far... and yet you gave Javier, let''s see¡­ three gold coins?"

    Her words hit Garius like a lightning bolt. Mid-sip, he sputtered and sprayed tea everywhere, hisposure utterly shattered. He coughed, stuttering as he tried topose himself. "W-What are you talking about? I¡ªI¡ª"

    Francesca chuckled softly, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, darling, no need to panic. I was simply curious." She sipped her tea gracefully, thoroughly enjoying his flustered state. Like father, like son. Always so dramatic, she mused to herself.

    Clearing his throat and dabbing at his mouth with a napkin, Garius grumbled, "He''s just a child. He doesn''t need that much money yet. What would he even do with it?"

    "By the way, dear, Javier mentioned something interesting to me recently," she began, delicately setting her cup back on the table.

    Garius raised a brow, his curiosity piqued. "What now?"

    "He said he''s interested in acquiringnd to start a business. Farming, if I''m not mistaken," Francesca said with a calm yet deliberate tone.@@novelbin@@

    "Farming?" Garius frowned slightly, stroking his chin as he considered the idea.

    Francesca nodded, her tone remaining neutral. "Yes. He came to me for advice. He seemed quite serious about it. Oh, and he also asked for permission to visit the barracks behind the estate. I assume he''s curious about the estate''s defenses or perhaps wants to learn something from the soldiers stationed there."

    Garius leaned back in his chair, letting out a small sigh. "That boy always has his own ns. Farming, though? Hmph. At least it''s a respectable endeavor. And the barracks¡­ well, I suppose it won''t hurt to let him observe. He could stand to learn some discipline from the soldiers."

    Francesca smiled faintly, keeping her true thoughts to herself. She knew her son well¡ªJavier never did anything without a reason. Whatever he was nning, she trusted in his judgment.

    "I''ll leave it to you, dear," she said with a serene tone. "Just remember, our little honey bun is growing up fast. You might want to take his ideas seriously, even if they sound odd at first."

    Garius grunted but didn''t reply, his mind clearly turning over the implications of Javier''stest endeavors.

    Francesca hid her amusement behind her cup as she sipped her tea again. Deep down, she felt a sense of pride watching her youngest son carve his own path, even if it came with a touch of mischief and chaos. After all, every little honey bun needs room to grow, she thought, savoring the little moments ofughter and love that filled her home.

    "Young Master!!!" Liana''s voice echoed across the estate as she rode her Pekko, Pikko, in hot pursuit.

    Javier, perched confidently atop Buddy, nced back over his shoulder with a devilish grin. "Ehehehe¡­ catch me if you can, Lianaaa!!" he called out, hisughter ringing in the crisp morning air. Buddy squawked in delight, sharing its master''s mischievous mood, and picked up speed, its talons kicking up little clouds of dust behind it.

    From her seat at the outdoor breakfast table, Francesca watched the lively scene unfold with an amused chuckle. Her youngest son¡ªher mischievous honey bun¡ªwas up to his usual antics again. She sipped her tea, the corners of her lips quirking up as Javier''sughter mingled with Buddy''s cheerful squawks.

    "He really is something," she murmured to herself, watching as Liana, ever the diligent maid, urged Pikko to close the gap. The young maid''s frustration was evident, but Francesca noticed a faint smile tugging at Liana''s lips, betraying her fondness for the boy.

    "The youngest among all my husband''s children¡­ yet the most spirited," Francesca thought, her gaze softening. Javier''s antics might drive others to exasperation, but to her, they were a source of endless amusement and pride.

    As Buddy and Javier dashed across the courtyard, weaving through startled maids and narrowly avoiding decorative flower beds, Garius groaned from his seat nearby. "Does that boy ever take anything seriously?" he muttered, setting down his cup of tea with a frustrated sigh.

    Francesca didn''t respond immediately, her attention still on Javier, who was now waving at a group of maids as he sped past. She shook her head fondly. "He''s just¡­ full of life. Don''t you think it''s refreshing, dear?"

    "Refreshing? Chaos is more like it,"

    Back on the field, Liana finally gained some ground "Young Master! Stop this at once! You''ll ruin the courtyard again!"

    Javier threw his head back,ughing. "Hahahaha! You''re just jealous because Buddy''s faster than Pikko! Admit it, Liana!"

    "Admit what?! Once I catch you, mark my words, young master!"

    Francesca chuckled again, watching her son yful energy spread across the estate. Javier''sughter, the cheerful cries of the Pekkos, and Liana''s flustered scolding created a scene that brought a sense of joy to the otherwise serene morning.

    "My honey bun, always stirring up chaos," Francesca mused with a quietugh. "But that''s what makes this ce feel alive."

    As Liana and Pikko continued their determined pursuit, Francesca watched with a quiet sense of satisfaction. Javier might be mischievous, but to her, he embodied youth, energy, and charisma¡ªa stark contrast to the stiff, serious demeanor of his older siblings and step-siblings.

    "Run all you want, my honey bun," Francesca murmured under her breath, her eyes warm with love. "Just don''t forget toe back to your mother when you''re done."

    With that, she took another sip of her tea, feeling a blend of affection and admiration for her spirited son. This was a scene she cherished¡ªfilled withughter, light, and the promise of youthful adventures yet toe.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 70 Laughter and Liaisons ( 70 )

    "Got you!" Liana''s triumphant shout echoed across the estate as she leapt off Pikko andnded deftly in front of Javier, blocking his escape.

    Javier, still seated on Buddy, looked around frantically. "Eeeek! Liana! Mercy!!"

    "Now you''ve got nowhere to run, young master¡­" Liana''s eyes gleamed with mock menace as she took a step forward, rolling up her sleeves.

    "Eeeek!! Somebody!! Help me!!!" Javier squirmed, trying to maneuver Buddy backward, but the loyal Pekko seemed more interested in preening its feathers than fleeing.

    "No one''s going to help you now, young master. You''ve been causing too much chaos this morning!" Liana smirked, reaching out to grab him.

    Just as her fingers nearly caught his cor, a calm, familiar voice interrupted.

    "Liana."

    She froze mid-motion, turning to see Lady Francesca standing nearby with her usual grace, a serene smile on her face.

    "Y-Yes, madam?" Liana straightened immediately, her tone respectful but slightly nervous.

    Javier, sensing his chance, silently cheered. "Now''s my moment¡­ ehehehe."

    Sliding off Buddy, he sprinted toward his mother, throwing himself behind her and grabbing her arm. "Motherrrr!! Save meee!!" he cried, peeking out from behind Francesca with exaggerated fear.

    Francesca raised an eyebrow, ncing between her mischievous son and the exasperated Liana. "What''s going on here?"

    "Madam, young master just flipped Miss Gloria''s skirt, peeked, and then caused a ruckus all morning!" Liana reported, her voice firm but tinged with frustration.

    "She was gorgeous, Mother!"

    Francesca sighed, cing a hand on her forehead, but her lips twitched with amusement. "Javier, honey bun, you can''t just go around flipping skirts."

    "But Mother, it''s not like I do it every day! Just... asionally!" he defended, peeking out further, though he remained firmly behind her.

    Liana let out a groan, folding her arms. "Madam, he''s getting bolder by the day. If we don''t put a stop to this now, who knows what he''ll do next?"

    Francesca chuckled, patting Javier''s head. "Liana, I trust you to discipline him appropriately. Just... try not to leave any permanent damage."

    Javier''s eyes widened in betrayal. "Mother, noooo!!!"

    Liana smirked, advancing once more. "Now, young master¡­ no one is going to save you."

    "Buddy, help!!" Javier shouted desperately, but the Pekko merely tilted its head, uninterested.

    And so, the chase resumed, with Javier dashing around the estate once again, Liana hot on his heels.

    Francesca sipped her tea, watching with amusement. "Haaa... my honey bun truly knows how to brighten the morning."

    After finishing her morning tea, Lady Francesca decided to head back inside the manor with her group of personal maids. As she walked, she paused mid-step, her ears catching the unmistakable sound of her youngest son''s panicked scream echoing across the estate.

    "Eeeeeeeeekkk! Liaaaaanaaaa!"

    She sighed, a wry smile gracing her lips. Without turning back, she addressed her personal maids walking behind her. "It seems my honey bun has finally met his match today."

    The maids stifled theirughter, trying to maintain theirposure. One of them, Marie, hesitated before speaking. "Madam, should we¡­ intervene?"

    Francesca shook her head gracefully. "Oh, no. This is between Liana and him. She''s more than capable of teaching him a lesson without breaking him. Besides, he''s far too clever for his own good. A little humility will do him wonders."

    As they resumed their walk, another scream pierced the air, followed by a flurry ofughter.

    "Liaaaana! Nooo!! Not the water bucket!!"

    Francesca chuckled softly. "Ah, the joys of youth. Let them sort it out."

    Her maids nodded, smiling as they followed her into the manor, leaving the chaos behind them. Just then, Francesca heard her youngest son''sughter ringing out. "AHAHA! Liana, you missed!!!!" It sounded like her son had managed to evade the water bucket after all.

    Javier bolted into the manor like a whirlwind of chaos, his mischievousughter echoing through the halls as he darted between surprised maids. With a practiced flick of his hand, he flipped another skirt, his eyes twinkling as he called out his observations.

    "Ehehehe¡­ ck! ssy!"

    "Young master!!" the maid shrieked, her face turning crimson as she tried to hold her skirt down.

    Undeterred, Javier darted past another, cheekily adding, "Oh¡­ pink! So cute!"

    Then, spotting another maid: "Whoa, green? Daring! Ehehehehe!"

    Francesca, watching from a distance, sighed deeply but couldn''t entirely hide her amusement. "At least my son has an eye for beauty." She couldn''t help but notice his selective mischief¡ªhe only targeted the more attractive maids.

    Just then, Marita came barreling down the hallway, her heavy steps shaking the floor as she waved enthusiastically. "Young master! I heard you like flipping skirts! Here, I''ll show you mine!" she bellowed with glee, lifting her skirt halfway before Javier''s horrified eyes.

    "Eeeeeeekkkk!! No thank you!!" Javier squealed, turning on his heel and running for dear life, hisughter reced by pure panic.

    Francesca burst outughing, covering her mouth with her hand as tears formed in the corners of her eyes. "Oh, my honey bun¡­ You truly reap what you sow."

    The maids, no longer angry, joined in herughter, watching Marita chase after Javier, "Come back here, young master!!"

    Marita''s booming voice echoed through the manor as she relentlessly pursued Javier. "At least let me kiss you on the cheek, young master!"

    "Eeeekk!! The slobbering kiss monster! Stay away from me!!" Javier wailed, his panic mounting as he sprinted faster.

    His eyes darted behind him, only to see Marita inexplicably gaining on him. "Howe she so fast with that weight?! Gyaaaaahhhh!! Lianaaaaa!! Save me!!!"

    Spotting salvation ahead, Javier''s eyes lit up when he saw Gloria, the stunning and elegant head maid, standing near the grand staircase exuding an air of authority and grace.

    "Gloriaaaaa! Save me!!" Javier cried, dashing behind her.

    Without waiting for permission, he dove behind her, clutching her waist for dear life. In the chaos, he couldn''t resist leaning in and inhaling her subtle, floral scent. "Ehehehe¡­ so lovely, so fragrant, my beautiful Gloria!" he whispered gleefully, earning himself a raised eyebrow from the head maid.

    Gloria sighed deeply but remainedposed. "That''s enough, Marita. I''ll handle him from here."

    Marita slowed to a stop, pouting dramatically. "Aww, just one kiss?"

    Javier peeked around Gloria, sticking his tongue out in disgust. "No! Blergh¡­ Go away!" he shuddered, making a face at the thought.

    "Now, Marita, go and do your job properly," Gloria instructed with calm authority.

    "Yes, Miss Gloria¡­" Marita mumbled, waddling off while muttering about unfair treatment.

    As soon as Marita was out of sight, Javier''s mischief returned. Hugging Gloria tighter, he grinned up at her and puckered his lips. "Ehehe¡­ beautiful Gloria¡­ chuuu!"

    Gloria rolled her eyes but leaned down slightly to let him nt a quick kiss on her lips. "There. Happy now?"@@novelbin@@

    "Delighted, my beautiful savior!" Javier chirped with a dramatic bow, causing Gloria to let out an exasperated sigh.

    "Now, now, where is Miss Liana?" Gloria asked, ncing around. "I think I heard she was chasing you earlier, wasn''t she?"

    Javier''s yful grin froze, and a nervous chuckle escaped him. "A-Ah¡­ about that¡­ Maybe we should keep this between us, Gloria? No need to involve her¡­ right?"

    Before Gloria could respond, Liana''s familiar voice rang out from the end of the hallway.

    "Young master! There you are!"

    Javier yelped, looking around frantically for another escape route. "Ekkk!! Lianaa!!" he cried, dashing off, leaving a bemused Gloria shaking her head.

    "That boy¡­ always causing a scene,"

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 73 Secrets, Schemes, and Sweet Moments ( 73 )

    "Mother!!"

    Francesca turned with a bright smile, her arms open wide. "Come here, my little honey bun."

    Javier sprinted forward, burying his face into her warm embrace, hisughter muffled against her breast.

    "Ehehehe¡­" he giggled, his tone yful and light as he fondled her breast, inhaling herforting scent.

    Francesca chuckled softly, smoothing his hair. "There, there, my sweet boy." She cradled him, enjoying the way he sought her warmth andfort.

    "Mother¡­" Javier tilted his head up, his mischievous grin never fading.

    "Yes, my darling?"

    He leaned in closer, his voice brimming with cheekiness. "Chuuuuu¡­"

    Francescaughed and yfully tapped his nose before leaning down to nt a quick kiss on his lips. "You''re such a little rascal."

    She gestured toward herp, her eyes soft. "Come now, rest here for a moment."

    Experience tales at empire

    Without hesitation, Javier sprawled across herp, looking up at her with his boyish charm.

    "Mother, why did you want to see me?"

    "Do I need a reason to spend time with my youngest son? Or perhaps¡­ you''reining about being spoiled?"

    "No way! It''s perfect like this. Ehehehe!"

    She chuckled, leaning down to ruffle his hair. "That''s what I thought. My sweet little troublemaker."

    For a moment, they stayed like that. Francesca''s heart swelled with the knowledge that her mischievous boy would one day outgrow moments like these.

    But for now, he was still her little honey bun, and she intended to treasure every second.

    "By the way, Javier," Francesca began, her tone light but carrying a hint of importance.

    Javier perked up, tilting his head. "Yes, Mother?"

    She smiled warmly. "I''ve spoken with your father, and he has agreed to let you visit the barracks behind our estate."

    Javier''s eyes lit up with excitement. "Yay!! Love you, Mother!"

    Francesca chuckled softly, holding up a hand to temper his enthusiasm. "But, you must wear formal attire and ensure our family crest is disyed on your clothing."@@novelbin@@

    She then reached into her pocket and pulled out a silver chain adorned with the Viscount family emblem. "Here. take this."

    Javier nodded, taking the chain. "Got it, Mother!"

    Francesca continued,"And about thend you asked for before¡­"

    "Your father has allowed me to grant you a portion ofnd. However, it''s part of the forest. You''ll need to clear it yourself and use the funds your father entrusted to you¡ªthe three gold coins."

    Javier''s grin grew wider. "Okay, Mother! Ehehe, this is going to be amazing!"

    "And remember, my little entrepreneur, every sessful business must pay taxes."

    Javierughed, bouncing up from herp and leaning in for a kiss on her lips. "Thank you,mother! I love you!"

    "Honey bun?" Francesca''s soft voice broke thefortable silence as she ran her fingers gently through Javier''s hair.

    "Yes, Mother?" Javier repliedzily, his voice muffled as he nestled deeper into herp, a yful grin on his face.

    Francesca paused for a moment, her expression bing tender and a little wistful. "When you grow up and be an adult, promise me¡­ never leave me. Never go too far away from me, okay?"

    Javier blinked, lifting his head slightly to meet her gaze. "Huh? What are you talking about, mother? Of course, I''ll stay with you. Where else would I go?"

    A radiant smile spread across Francesca''s face as she leaned down to kiss his forehead. "Oh, my sweet boy."

    "Ehehehe," Javierughed, wrapping his arms around her waist as he inhaled her scent. He closed his eyes, feeling utterly content. Francesca stroked his cheek, relishing how much her youngest adored her.

    "Huh? Why would I ever leave a beautiful woman like her?" Javier thought to himself with a mischievous chuckle. I''m Junichi, after all¡ªprotecting beautiful women is in my blood. And her? Priority number one!

    He smirked to himself, snuggling closer as his mother hummed softly, her voice a soothing melody. Moments like these, in his mind, were treasures worth keeping forever.

    "Now, now¡­ go to Liana," Francesca said softly, brushing Javier''s messy ck hair from his face.

    "But, Mother¡­ I still want to be with you."

    "Javier, me and your father are going to visit the town¡ªour town¡ªafter this. There''s some business we need to oversee."

    Javier groaned dramatically, flopping back onto herp. "Ugh, but why? I''d much rather stay here with you, my beautiful, kind, amazing mother!"

    Francesca pinched his cheek lightly, earning a yelp. "ttery will get you nowhere, my sweet boy. And stop acting like I''m leaving forever. I''ll be back by evening."

    Javier crossed his arms, huffing like a spoiled child, though a yful glint sparkled in his eyes. "Fine....."

    Francescaughed, shaking her head. "What am I going to do with you?" She leaned down and kissed his forehead once more. "Go on now, be good to Liana. And try not to cause too much trouble while I''m gone."

    "No promises, ehehehe," Javier teased as he slid off herp, nting a quick peck on her cheek before darting out of the room.

    As he walked out of his mother''s room, a spring in his step and a mischievous grin on his face, his sharp eyes caught the glint of the ne around Francesca''s neck as the sunlight hit it just right.

    "Good," he thought with satisfaction, Mother is still wearing the ne I gave her. The magic enhancement is still intact. A barrier that can hold against five attacks and sends a signal to me if something happens¡­ ehehe, perfect.

    Feeling proud of his foresight and craftsmanship, he strode through the hallway with his hands behind his head, humming a cheerful tune.

    "This life is good!" he eximed inwardly. Pampered by beautiful women, my magic projects turning out well, and my schemes all falling into ce¡­ ehehehe.

    He paused at the intersection of two hallways, pondering his next move.

    "Now, where should I go?" he mused, tapping his chin. "I think Liana mentioned she''d be at the maid dining area after breakfast¡­ but¡­"

    His grin widened mischievously. "Ehehehe¡­ I can do thatter. First, the Pekko pen."

    Closing his eyes for a moment, Javier muttered under his breath, "Skill activate: Invisible."

    The air shimmered briefly around him before his form vanishedpletely.

    "Hehehe, perfect. Now, time to sneak off unnoticed."

    Meanwhile, in the maid dining area, Liana had just finished her breakfast and was tidying up her te. As she nced at the clock on the wall, she frowned slightly.

    "Young master should have been here by now," she murmured, feeling suspicious.

    Reaching into her apron pocket, she activated her tracking skill¡ªa subtle elven magic attuned to Javier''s unique mana signature. A faint glow appeared before her eyes, marking a trail on the ground.

    She sighed, shaking her head with a mixture of amusement and exasperation.

    "Haaa¡­ This cheeky young master," she muttered, tying her long silver hair into a neat ponytail for practicality. "Does he really think he can escape me?"

    With a determined stride, Liana followed the faint mana trail, her eyes sharp and focused.

    "If he thinks he can sneak away to that Pekko pen again¡­ he has another thinging."

    Javier tiptoed silently down the hallway, still cloaked in invisibility, a mischievous grin stered on his face. As he noticed the faint sound of footsteps approaching, he stopped dead in his tracks.

    "Ops! Liana¡­ ehehe," he whispered to himself, ncing around quickly. "Time to hide¡­ hmm, where should I hide?"

    His eyes scanned the area until theynded on an empty storage room nearby. Without hesitation, he slipped inside, closing the door gently behind him.

    "Kekeke¡­ you can''t find me, Liana¡­," he chuckled softly, crouching behind a stack of old crates.

    Outside, Liana''s tracking skill led her straight to the room. She ced her hand on the doorknob, sighing deeply.

    "Young master¡­e out this instant," she called out firmly, her voice calm butced with authority.

    Javier held his breath, trying to suppress hisughter. Better silent¡­ ehehehe.

    But before he could savor his cleverness, he suddenly felt a sharp yank on his ear.

    "Ow ow ow¡­ eekkk!" he yelped, his invisibility skill faltering as Liana revealed herself right behind him, holding his ear firmly.

    "Now now, young master," Liana said with a weary sigh. "Where do you think you''re going, using those skills?"

    She dragged him out of the room, her grip firm despite his protests.

    "You know you shouldn''t use that skill or any other skill inside the estate. What if someone saw it and reported it to your father?"

    Javier scratched the back of his head, shing her an awkward grin. "Ehehe¡­ Liana¡­"

    "You''re the one who asked me to hide your talent so you can pretend to be a useless son, And yet here you are, using it as you please."

    Javier chuckled nervously, trying to wiggle out of her grasp. "No one notice anyway..ehehehe"

    "Haaa¡­ What am I going to do with you, young master?"

    "Love me and spoil me more?" Javier suggested with a cheeky grin.

    Liana sighed again, letting go of his ear and flicking his forehead. "Come on, let''s get back to your usual routine before you cause more trouble."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 76 The Price of Intrusion ( 76 )

    Alf could sense something was wrong the moment Lord Garius spoke. ''I don''t feel good. Let''s head back to the estate. Something is not right.''

    Alf''s instincts red, and he immediately signaled to the elite guards, ordering them to turn around and head back to the estate. His voice was low, but the urgency in his tone was unmistakable. "Head back! Keep your eyes sharp!"@@novelbin@@

    Meanwhile, back at the estate, Javier, still seated on his motherp, was enjoying the rare moment of indulgence. He savored the attention from his mother, whovished him with affection. But as he rested his head against her, a sudden jolt ran through him¡ªa subtle shift in his perception¡ªa faint signal from the magic rm he''d set up around the estate.

    Javier''s heart skipped a beat. "Intruders¡­"

    He quickly masked his concern with a smile, causing his mother to frown in mild confusion as he spoke. "Ah, mother, I need to use the bathroom."

    "Already?" Lady Francesca tilted her head, but her smile remained warm. "Alright, my sweet boy. Hurry back, okay?"

    As he stood, he nced at Liana. His voice dropped to a whisper. "Ensure my mother''s safety."

    Liana''s eyes narrowed slightly, her calm demeanor never faltering. "As you wish, young master."

    Once Javier was out of the dining room, he quickly activated his Invisible skill, slipping into the shadows and moving with lightning speed. His heart raced¡ª the estate wasn''t safe anymore. Someone had breached the perimeter.

    Liana noticed the sudden tension in his posture and the slight shift in his demeanor. She immediately knew something was wrong. She caught his eyes as he moved, and though he gave no further indication, she had learned to read him like no one else.

    Her gaze hardened as she quickly turned to Lady Francesca, urging her to move. "Madam, please, this way. Let''s head to the safety room."

    The personal maids of Lady Francesca immediately moved to surround her, sensing the change in the air. They were trained to react at the slightest hint of danger.

    Liana leaned in close to one of the household maids, whispering urgently. "Tell Miss Gloria, we havepany. Inform every maid and guard to be on high alert."

    The maid nodded, her face pale but determined. "Understood, Miss Liana."

    Liana then activated her own skills, dashing outside with unmatched speed. "Young master, please don''t be reckless¡­"

    At the same time, Javier was already mounting his Pekko, Buddy, in a secluded area of the estate. The bird-like creature squawk excitedly. "Alright, Buddy! Time to have some fun!" Javier grinned.

    With a burst of speed, Buddy pped its wings and dashed straight for the intruders with Javier on its back. His magic crackled around him, his elemental control flowing as he prepared to confront whatever danger lurked near the estate.

    "Kekeke! This is going to be fun!"

    As Javier dashed into action, Liana was already coordinating the defense inside the estate. The maids, now fully alert, were spreading out and ensuring Lady Francesca''s and the household''s safety. The elite guards were on standby, ready for anything.

    The estate had be a fortress, but Javier was already ahead of the game, eager to protect his home and loved ones¡ªno matter the cost.

    "Lady Francesca''s face tightened with worry as she clutched her hands together, her heart racing with fear. Her voice wavered as she looked at Gloria, her trusted head of household maid. ''What happened? What''s going on?''"

    Gloria bowed her head slightly, her tone unwavering despite the growing tension. "Nothing, madam. It''s just a precaution. The young master sensed something unusual and took the necessary steps to protect the estate."

    Lady Francesca''s eyes widened in rm. "What about my sweet boy? Where is he?"

    Gloria hesitated, but she could see the distress in her mistress''s eyes, so she spoke truthfully. "Don''t worry, madam. Miss Liana has already gone to fetch him. She will make sure he''s safe."

    But Francesca''s anxiety only grew. "Noo!! My honey bun!!" She clenched her fists in frustration, feeling that her son was in danger, even though she knew he was capable. "I can''t just sit here and wait."

    Gloria quickly stepped closer, cing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Madam, please. You must trust the young master''s judgment. Miss Liana will handle everything."

    Francesca''s eyes filled with worry, but she nodded reluctantly. "I know¡­ I know¡­ but he''s still my baby. Please, keep me updated as soon as you know anything."

    Gloria gave a firm nod. "Of course, madam. I will inform you immediately of any developments."

    Inside the estate, Liana was already moving with determination. She knew that keeping Lady Francesca safe was paramount, but she also realized that Javier''s actions were the catalyst for whatever was about to unfold. "I won''t let anything happen to him," she whispered to herself as she prepared to confront the unknown threat.

    Javier charged into the dense forest, mounted on Buddy, his trusty Pekko. The forest floor shook with every determined step Buddy took, his ws digging into the earth. The guards near the estate, caught off guard, scrambled in panic as they saw their young master rushing out without any warning.

    "Ahh! Young Master! Don''t go outside!" one of the guards shouted desperately, his voiceced with fear.

    But Javier just turned back, shing a mischievous grin, his amber eyes gleaming with excitement. "Rx! I''ve got this! Kikikiki! Buddy, let''s crush these motherfuckers!"

    Buddy squawked in agreement, pping his wings excitedly. The bond between rider and mount was undeniable as they charged deeper into the woods, the thrill of battle fueling their energy.

    Meanwhile, in the depths of the forest, a group of assassins was finalizing their n. They moved stealthily among the trees, their dark cloaks blending into the shadows.

    The leader of the group, a tall figure with a menacing presence, addressed his team. "We proceed as nned. They haven''t detected us yet. Remember, no survivors. The Armand family must be wiped out."

    One of the assassins, brandishing a wickedly curved poison dagger, chuckled darkly. "Heh, don''t worry about that. This baby here guarantees a slow, painful death."

    Another assassin, a mage with a cold sneer, smirked. "Hmph! Forget your dagger. My magic will incinerate anyone in our way."

    A third, crouching in the distance with a bow in hand, adjusted his aim. "I''ll provide cover from here. I''ll take out the guards before they even see using."

    The leader nodded, his voice low andmanding. "Good. Move out."

    But as he turned to give the order, a sudden sh of light streaked past his vision. The next moment, his head rolled clean off his shoulders, blood spurting in a gruesome arc.

    "Wha¡ª?!" one of the assassins cried out, stepping back in horror.

    From the shadows, a voice rang out, casual yet brimming with sadistic glee.

    "Hello, everyone! Wee to my show!" Javier emerged, his yful smirk dripping with confidence. He stood on Buddy''s back, one hand restingzily on his waist, the other waving mockingly. "Let''s start the fun, shall we? Ekekekeke!"

    Buddy squawked loudly, stomping the ground, the earth trembling as if announcing their arrival.

    The assassins froze, their confidence shaken as they realized they were no longer the predators but the prey. "Who the hell is this kid?!"

    Javier''s grin widened as he pointed at them. "Me? I''m just a concerned citizen¡­ who doesn''t like pests crawling into my backyard. Now¡­" His eyes gleamed with mischief as he take out a kitchen knife, glowing faintly with magic. "Let''s y!"

    Buddy let out another excited squawk, charging forward with surprising speed. One assassin tried to block with his dagger, but Buddy''s powerful talons smashed through the defense, sending the man tumbling into the dirt.

    The archer assassin panicked, drawing his bow and aiming at Javier. "Stay still, you little¡ª!"

    But before he could release the arrow, a bolt of lightning crackled through the air, striking the bow and disintegrating it in his hands. The man screamed, his hands smoking from the shock.

    Javierughed, spinning his kitchen knife in his hand. "Oh,e on, is that all you''ve got? I was hoping for more of a challenge!"

    Another assassin, a mage, began chanting a spell, fire gathering in his palm. But Javier was faster. He extended his hand, summoning a wall of earth that shot up from the ground, mming into the mage and interrupting his spell.

    "Too slow!" Javier taunted, flipping off Buddy andnding gracefully in the middle of the chaos. He pointed his kitchen knife at the remaining assassins, his grin never fading. "Now then, who''s next? Don''t keep me waiting!"

    The assassins hesitated, realizing they were no match for this kid. One tried to flee, but Javier flicked his wrist, sending a wind de slicing through the air with a sharp hiss. The de struck the fleeing man''s leg, biting deep and cutting through flesh and muscle. He fell to the ground, howling in agony, clutching the gory wound as blood seeped from between his fingers.

    "Leaving so soon? That''s rude, you know," Javier chuckled, stepping closer to the injured man. "Now, who sent you? If you answer honestly, I might let you live."

    But instead of confessing, the remaining assassins charged at Javier, their des glinting with malevolent intent and their magic buffing their strength.

    "Too slow, asshole!" Javier shouted, his grin wide as he prepared for their assault.

    With a swift motion, he parried their blows using his kitchen knife¡ªan unassuming weapon that he had infused with his own magic. The force of their strikes was strong, but Javier''s confidence held firm.

    "Is that supposed to be impressive?" heughed, darting back and forth between the attackers with ease. "I thought your des would be better than this kitchen knife¡­ ahahahaha!"

    In a blur of motion, he spun and delivered a cheeky sh, knocking aside one assassin''s weapon before swiftly countering another''s thrust. "You''re all just so predictable!" he mocked, relishing the thrill of the fight.

    The assassins exchanged frantic nces, their morale faltering under Javier''s relentless onught and the chaos surrounding them. Fueled by a mix of adrenaline and delight, Javier danced around them, his knife shing like lightning as he struck with surprising agility.

    "Come on, show me what you''ve got! Don''t tell me I''m the only one who knows how to have fun here!" he taunted as the fight escted, each movement more fluid and daring than thest.

    With a final burst of energy, Javier lunged forward at one particrly menacing assassin, a wicked grin spreading across his face as he delivered a decisive blow. The assassin''s eyes widened in shock before Javier''s knife found its mark, ending the threat instantaneously. The remaining assassins, nowcking their leader and confidence, faltered, uncertain of their fate against this fearless young warrior.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 77 A Kiss Amidst Carnage ( 77 )

    The remaining assassins, now trembling, looked at each other in terror. The boy in front of them wasn''t just some noble''s pampered son¡ªhe was a monster.

    From behind, Liana emerged from the trees, her eyes narrowed and her hands glowing faintly with magic. "Young master, you really couldn''t wait, could you?" she said, exasperated but already preparing to clean up the mess.

    Javier turned to her with a cheeky grin. "Oh,e on, Liana! I was just having some fun!"

    "Fun or not, I told you not to be reckless," she replied, stepping past him and raising her hand. The remaining assassins tried to flee, but Liana''s magic immobilized them, vines sprouting from the ground and wrapping around their limbs.

    "Liana, you''re too efficient!" Javier joked, wiping some dirt off his tunic. "You didn''t even leave me one to interrogate properly!"

    She sighed, crossing her arms. "Young master, I''m not here to indulge your games. Now let''s secure these intruders before more trouble arrives."

    Buddy squawked in agreement, stomping his talons triumphantly. Javierughed, patting his featheredpanion. "Alright, alright. You win, Liana. Let''s wrap this up. But next time, leave some for me!"

    Continue reading at empire

    One of the stronger assassins managed to slip past Liana''s vines, his eyes zing with murderous intent. He gripped a poison-coated dagger tightly in his hand, the venom dripping from its edge as he charged toward her with a snarl.

    "You''re just a fucking maid!" he roared, his voice echoing through the forest.

    Liana didn''t flinch. Her eyes remained calm, her hands still resting gracefully behind her back as if she had no intention of defending herself. She simply sidestepped at thest possible moment, her movements fluid and deliberate, as the assassin''s dagger swiped through empty air.

    "Tsk." The assassin growled, turning to attack again¡ªonly to stop dead in his tracks.

    There was a faint shimmer of light, a subtle sh of steel, and then silence. The assassin''s head rolled cleanly from his shoulders, his body copsing onto the ground with a dull thud.

    Javier, standing a few paces away, blinked in disbelief. "Eeeekk¡­ Liana, if she''s serious, she''s terrifying!" he thought, a shiver running down his spine.

    Liana exhaled softly, flicking the blood off her hidden de before tucking it back into her sleeve. Her expression remained serene, as though the encounter had been nothing more than a mild inconvenience.

    She turned to Javier, her gaze sharp. "Young master, I hope this serves as a reminder to not underestimate your enemies or your allies."

    Javierughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Ehehe¡­ Noted, Liana. I was just about to step in, you know."

    Liana raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her otherwise stern expression. "Of course, young master. I''m sure you were."

    Buddy squawked in agreement, stomping his talons as if to tease Javier further.

    Javier groaned. "Alright, alright! No need to gang up on me." He nced down at the headless body of the assassin, then back at Liana. "But seriously, remind me never to make you mad."

    She gave a faint smile, herposure unshaken. "As long as you behave, there''s nothing to worry about, young master."

    "Yeah, sure¡­ Noted¡­" Javier muttered, his yful bravado returning quickly. He hopped back onto Buddy''s saddle, his grin widening. "Now, where were we? Oh, right! Time to clear out the rest of these idiots!"

    Liana sighed, brushing a stray strand of silver hair behind her ear. "Let''s finish this quickly, young master. And please¡­ try not to cause too much trouble."

    "Trouble? Me? Never!" Javier replied,ughing as Buddy charged forward, leaving Liana shaking her head in quiet exasperation.

    Liana stood on the edge of the battlefield, her eyes calm but observant. She knew all too well that her young master, Javier, was far stronger than her. After all, he had taught her advanced techniques like instant casting, mana maniption, and even buff magic that most seasoned mages would struggle to master. Yet, despite his yful and carefree demeanor, the sight before her was a stark reminder of just how dangerous her young master could be when he let loose."

    Javier stood in the middle of the carnage, his eyes gleaming with excitement. The once-organized assassins were now a scattered, terrified group desperately trying to regroup. His kitchen knife glinted, slick with blood as he dealt with his enemies one by one, showing no hesitation.

    Liana crossed her arms, watching as Javier shed through yet another enemy with a smirk. "Next time, don''t pick the wrong household!" he shouted, his voice echoing with manic glee. "Ekekekekekeke!"

    The forest shook as a massive explosion erupted behind him, a fire spell detonating in the midst of a group of fleeing assassins. Boom! The st scattered debris and bodies alike, leaving only scorched earth where his enemies had once stood.

    Without pausing, Javier raised his hand, activating one of his more intimidating spells. "Summon Puppet Knights!"

    The ground rumbled, and the forest seemed toe alive as one hundred fully armored puppet knights emerged in perfect formation, their glowing visors and polished weapons gleaming like specters of death.

    The assassins froze in terror.

    "Charge!" Javier roared, pointing his de forward. The puppet knights obeyed immediately, rushing toward the remaining assassins with mechanical precision, their movements eerily smooth and coordinated.

    "Gyahahahahahahaha!!!" Javier''sughter rang through the battlefield as his puppets descended upon the terrified killers.

    Liana watched silently, her expression unreadable. She knew her young master wasn''t cruel by nature¡ªhe was merely pragmatic. In this world, sparing enemies only invited more danger. Yet seeing him like this was a chilling reminder of his capabilities.

    When the dust finally settled, not a single assassin remained. Javier stood amidst the carnage, his ck hair ruffled, his clothes slightly singed but otherwise unbothered. He twirled his kitchen knife once before sliding it back into its sheath with a flourish.

    "And that,dies and gentlemen, is what happens when you mess with the Armand family! Wahahahaha!"

    Liana approached him calmly, brushing off the bits of dirt and ash that had settled on her uniform. "Young master," she said, her voice steady, "are you quite finished with your¡­ ''performance''?"

    Javier grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Ehehe."

    She sighed again, but there was a faint smile on her lips. "Let''s head back to the estate. I''m sure Lady Francesca is worried about you."

    "Yeah, yeah," Javier said, dismissing his army of puppets with a wave of his hand. "But hey, I did good, right? No one got away!"

    "You did well, young master," Liana replied, her tone slightly teasing. "But perhaps next time, you could try to be a little less¡­ theatrical."

    "Where''s the fun in that?" Javierughed, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Besides, I think I have a ir for the dramatic!"

    "Indeed," Liana said, shaking her head with a bemused smile. "Just remember, there''s a time and ce for everything."

    "Liana?"

    "Yes, young master?" Liana responded, her tone calm and attentive as always.

    Before she could say more, Javier leaned toward her, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close. Without hesitation, he pressed his lips to hers in a passionate kiss, catching herpletely off guard.

    For a moment, Liana''s eyes widened in surprise, but soon, she closed them, returning his kiss with equal warmth. Her hands rested gently against his chest, and the world around them seemed to fade away.

    When their lips finally parted, she looked at him, her cheeks faintly flushed but herposure mostly intact. "What was that for, young master?"

    Javier gave her his signature mischievous grin, his amber eyes glinting with yful energy. "Finishing move¡­ ehehehe."

    Liana couldn''t help but sigh softly, though her lips curved into a small smile. "Young master, you''re truly incorrigible."

    "And yet you still love me," Javier teased, leaning his forehead against hers.

    "Haaa¡­ What am I going to do with you?" she murmured, her tone affectionate despite her words.

    "You love it," he quipped, his grin widening.@@novelbin@@

    "Perhaps," she replied, her tone warm but firm. "But let''s not make a habit of celebrating in the middle of the forest after wiping out assassins."

    Javier chuckled, giving her a wink. "Noted. But you gotta admit, it was a good way to end things, right?"

    Liana smiled softly, resting a hand on his cheek briefly before pulling back. "Let''s focus on getting home, young master. The family needs to know the danger has passed."

    "Right, right." Javier urged Buddy forward, but his smirk lingered as they rode. He couldn''t resist throwing a nce back at Liana.

    "Still, best finishing move ever," he muttered under his breath, earning himself a soft, amusedugh from his trustedpanion.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 79 Morning Mischief ( 79 )

    Javier woke up early, sunlight streaming through the windows of his room. Stretchingzily, he hopped out of bed and made his way to the shower. The warm water cascaded over him, and as usual, his thoughts drifted to his past life.

    "Man, back in Japan, it was just study, study, work, work. A grind from dawn till dusk," he mused, a smirk tugging at his lips. "But here? Here, life is good. I have freedom, power, and a beautiful elf like Liana around. Hehehe, what more could a guy want?"

    His mind wandered further. "Oh, I wonder how big our region really is. I need to explore more. Maybe find some hidden treasure or monsters to y with. Ehehehe..."

    After finishing his shower, Javier dried off and dressed in his usual casual attire, though he couldn''t resist a quick nce in the mirror. "Looking good, future Viscount!" he dered to his reflection with a wink.

    As he stepped out of his room, he immediately noticed something different. The maids'' uniforms had changed.

    His eyes widened, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Ohhhh!! Sexy and hot¡­ nice curves¡­ ehehehe," he muttered under his breath, taking a moment to admire the new designs.

    It didn''t take long for him to spot Gloria, the head of household maid, who was organizing some documents near the staircase.

    "Weeewiit!! Nice body, Gloria!" Javier called out, his yful tone echoing down the hall.

    Gloria looked up, unfazed by his antics, and gave him her usual polite smile. "Good morning, young master."

    "Gloriaaaa!! Kisssss!" Javier demanded, throwing his arms wide in mock affection.

    Gloria sighed but leaned forward, giving him a longer kiss, knowing it was easier to humor him than argue. Javier''s eyes widened in surprise, and he felt a rush of exhration.

    Javierughed triumphantly. "Ehehehe¡­ that was unexpected!"

    Gloria shook her head, a faint smile on her lips. "Now, now, young master. If Liana saw this, she would be furious."

    "Ehehe¡­ That''s why I''ve got you, right, Gloria? You wouldn''t let me get into trouble, would you?" Javier said, wagging his eyebrows.

    Gloria crossed her arms, giving him a knowing look. "Hmm, let''s just say¡­ don''t push your luck. I may not always save you from Liana''s wrath."

    Javier chuckled and leaned casually against the banister. "Ah, you''re the best, Gloria. Anyway, where''s Liana?."

    "She''s in the kitchen, overseeing breakfast preparations," Gloria replied.

    Javier''s grin widened. "Perfect! Time to pay my lovely future wife a visit!"

    As he dashed off toward the kitchen, Gloria sighed, shaking her head with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "That boy¡­ he really is impossible."

    "Wooooo! Nice ass!" Javier eximed, his mischievous grin widening as he cheekily pped one of the maid''s ass before darting away,ughter bubbling up from his chest.

    "Young master!!" the maid eximed, her face flushing with surprise and embarrassment.

    "Don''t worry, girls! I''ll take responsibility if you want!" Javier called back over his shoulder, hisughter echoing through the hall. "Eheheheheh!"

    Feeling emboldened by the yful atmosphere, Javier couldn''t resist the temptation to flip the skirt of another maid as he zipped past her. "Ohhh!! Pinky today!! Ehehehe!" he teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he admired the bright color.

    The maid gasped, hands covering her skirt in shock, while the other maids exchanged exasperated nces,amused by Javier''s antics.

    "Honestly, young master!!" one of the maids called out, trying to suppress a smile.

    Javier justughed, reveling in the chaos he created, before finally making his way to the kitchen, where he hoped to find Liana and share a bit of his morning mischief with her.

    "Lianaaaa!!" Javier shouted as he burst into the kitchen.

    "Haaaa¡­ here we go again," Liana sighed, a mix of amusement and exasperation in her voice as she turned to face him.

    "Hug!!!" Javier eximed, throwing his arms wide open.

    "Here, here¡­" Liana replied, stepping forward to embrace him, a smile breaking through her initial annoyance.

    "Ehehehe¡­ you''re looking beautiful today," Javier said, pulling back slightly to look at her.

    "Just today?" Liana raised an eyebrow, feigning indignation, though a smile tugged at her lips.

    "Okay, okay! Every day! You''re always beautiful!" Javier quickly amended, grinning widely.

    Liana chuckled, shaking her head. "ttery will get you nowhere, young master."

    "Aw,e on!" he said, leaning closer with a cheeky grin.@@novelbin@@

    "Just remember to keep your hands to yourself," she warned yfully, but the sparkle in her eyes betrayed her amusement.

    "Wouldn''t dream of it¡­ for now," Javier teased

    Without warning, Javier yfully pped Liana''s ass hard, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Ohhhh!! Soft¡­ ehehehe!" he eximed, reveling in his cheeky behavior.

    "Young master!!!" she scolded.

    Laughing, Javier didn''t stick around to hear her reaction. He dashed out of the kitchen, hisughter echoing off as he sprinted down the hallway.

    "Young master,e back here!" Liana called after him, shaking her head in disbelief, but unable to suppress a smile.

    "Catch me if you can!" Javier shouted gleefully, his voice trailing behind him as he darted away, enjoying every moment of the morning mischief.

    Liana sighed, shaking her head as she watched Javier''s retreating figure. "You really spoiled him too much," Lithia said, leaning against the kitchen counter with a knowing smile.

    "I don''t think anyone could resist him, right, Meira?" Liana replied, a hint of jealousy creeping into her voice as she watched Javier disappear down the hallway.

    "Umm¡­ umm¡­" Meira, the catfolk maid, twitched her ears and swished her tail, clearly flustered by the conversation.

    "What do you mean?" Lithia asked, raising an eyebrow with amusement.

    Liana crossed her arms, a smirk ying on her lips. "She let the young master bury his face in her breasts yesterday. Even let him inhale her scent while shaking his head just to see her breast jiggle," she teased, her eyes sparkling with yful mischief as she nced at Meira.

    Meira''s face turned bright red, and she covered her mouth with her hands, clearly embarrassed. "N-no! It wasn''t like that!" she protested, her tail flicking back and forth.

    Meira fidgeted, her ears twitching as she attempted to defend herself. "Well, it''s not like he doesn''t do that with you too, Liana!" she shot back, a faint smile slipping through her nervousness.

    Lithia burst intoughter. "Oh, I see! So you''re the one letting him get away with such antics!" she teased, yfully nudging Meira. Read exclusive chapters at empire

    Liana sighed softly, watching Javier''s retreating figure disappear down the hallway. She leaned against the doorframe, one hand on her hip, and called out after him, her voice carrying a mix of amusement and resignation. "Young master! Breakfast after this!"

    From somewhere far down the hall, Javier''s voice echoed back, lighthearted and mischievous as ever. "Okayyy... ehehehe!"

    Liana shook her head, a faint smile ying on her lips as she watched his antics. "Haaa... young master," she murmured, filled with a mix of fondness and exasperation, before turning back into the kitchen to finish overseeing the preparations.

    As she stepped back into the bustling kitchen, the aroma of fresh bread and sizzling meat enveloped her. The head chef and his team coordinated effortlessly, chopping vegetables and stirring pots while the tter of utensils filled the air.

    "Liana, can you check on the fruit tray?" the head chef called out, nodding towards the counter in the corner.

    "Of course!" she replied, moving to the designated area. As she arranged the vibrant fruit, her thoughts drifted back to Javier¡ªhisughter, his carefree spirit, and the bond they shared. She felt a flutter of warmth in her chest, recalling their secret promise.

    "Just a few more minutes," she murmured to herself, carefully cing the fruits.

    Lithia leaned against the counter next to her, an amused grin still lingering on her face. "Do you think he''ll ever take things seriously?" she asked, her tone yful yet curious.

    Liana chuckled softly, her expression thoughtful. "Maybe when he understands the weight of his responsibilities in the future. Until then, I''ll just have to keep him from getting into too much trouble."

    "Good luck with that," Lithia replied, smirking. "He seems to have a knack for finding it."

    "True," Liana said, smiling as she finished with the fruit. "But that''s also what makes him special. He brings life to this household, and we all need a little mischief now and then."

    "As long as that mischief doesn''t lead to any disasters," Meira chimed in, her ears still twitching with amusement.

    Liana nced at Meira, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "I''ll make sure he doesn''t go too far. After all, someone has to keep watching him."

    Lithia grinned. "Let''s just hope that ''someone'' doesn''t get pulled into his schemes along the way."

    Liana sighed again, shaking her head, but the fond smile never left her face.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 81 Pursuit and Playfulness ( 81 )

    Javier sprinted to the pekko pen, hisughter echoing as he called out desperately, "Buddy, prepare for emergency escape!"

    The bright orange pekko tilted its head, blinking at him in confusion as it leisurely continued pecking at the ground.

    "Buddy!!!!" Javier shouted again, waving his arms frantically.

    Finally, Buddy squawked in acknowledgment and waddled over. Wasting no time, Javier jumped onto its back. "Run!!!"

    With a squawk of protest, Buddy broke into a clumsy dash, feathers fluttering as it picked up speed. Javier clung to its neck, grinning from ear to ear as they took off across the estate.

    Behind him, Liana stood frozen in the doorway, her face a perfect mixture of fury and disbelief. "Young master!!!" she bellowed, her voice echoing across the estate.

    "ck panties!!!" Javier yelled back with gleeful mischief, waving at her as Buddy bolted around the estate grounds.

    Liana''s eye twitched. She inhaled sharply and turned her gaze to her own pekko, Pikko¡ªa sleek, silver-feathered bird that stood calmly nearby, as if waiting for its cue. The pekko had been a gift from Javier himself, though in moments like these, she questioned why she had epted it.

    "Pikko," Liana called firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.

    The silver pekko squawked in response, its sharp eyes locking onto her.

    "Let''s chase down the young master," she said, hopping gracefully onto Pikko''s back.@@novelbin@@

    Pikko immediately red its wings, letting out a fierce cry before taking off, its movements fluid and determined.

    Meanwhile, Javier nced back and saw the silver blur gaining on him. "Oh no, oh no, oh no!" he muttered, patting Buddy''s neck. "Faster, Buddy! She''s catching up!"

    Buddy let out an indignant squawk, as if to say, I''m trying my best here!

    Liana''s voice rang out behind him. "Young master! You are NOT escaping this time!"

    Javier cackled, the thrill of the chase filling him with exhration. "Try and catch me, Liana!"

    The two pekkos dashed across the estate, kicking up clouds of dirt as they weaved between trees, past startled maids, and around the garden fountains. Pikko, with its elegant strides and sharp reflexes, steadily closed the gap.

    "Buddy, don''t fail me now!" Javier urged, ncing nervously over his shoulder.

    But Liana''s calm, focused expression sent a shiver down his spine. He knew she wasn''t letting this slide.

    "Pikko, corner him!" Lianamanded, her voice steady despite the wind rushing past.

    Javier''s heart raced as he saw Pikko expertly cut off his escape route, forcing Buddy to veer sharply to the left. The sudden change sent him off bnce, and he clung tightly to the bird''s neck to avoid tumbling off.

    "You''re not getting away this time!" Liana called out, her voice dangerously close.

    Javier grinned nervously. "Err..umm¡­ maybe I went too far this time¡­?"

    "Definitely!" Liana snapped, her sharp hearing catching his words.

    The chase continued, but it was clear¡ªPikko and Liana had the upper hand. As they rounded a corner of the estate, Javier spotted arge oak tree ahead. An idea sparked in his mind.

    "Buddy, let''s go for the tree!" he shouted, urging the pekko to make a sharp turn.

    With a squawk of determination, Buddyplied, heading straight for the tree. Javier held on tight, adrenaline pumping through him. Liana''s eyes widened as she realized what he was nning.

    "Don''t you dare!" she yelled, but it was toote.

    Javier leaped off Buddy''s back as they approached the tree, rolling onto the grass just in time to avoid a collision. Buddy skidded to a stop, feathers ruffled but unharmed.

    "Ha! You''ll never catch me now!" Javier taunted, scrambling to his feet.

    But Liana was quick to react. "Pikko, stop!" shemanded, and the silver pekko halted in front of Javier, blocking his path.

    "Uh-oh," he muttered, realizing he was cornered.

    Liana dismounted with a determined look. "Young master, this is the end of your antics!"

    Javier took a step back, his yful demeanor faltering. "Come on, Liana! I was just having a bit of fun!"

    "Fun that could get you into serious trouble!" she replied, hands on her hips. "You need to learn that there are consequences for your actions."

    "Okay, okay! I promise to be good!" he pleaded.

    Liana raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "You''ve said that before."

    "I mean it this time!" he insisted, a nervousugh escaping him.

    "Let''s go to the study room" she said, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.

    With a sly grin, a mischievous idea popped into Javier''s head. He turned towards Liana, and in a swift motion, he yfully pped her ass before dashing off,ughing.

    "Soft!"

    "Young master!!!" Liana gasped, her cheeks flushing with surprise and indignation as she spun around, eyes wide with disbelief. "You little rascal!"

    "Come back here!" Liana shouted, shaking her head but unable to suppress a smile that crept onto her lips despite her feigned annoyance. "You''ll pay for that!"

    Javier dashed around a fountain, darting between bushes, clearly reveling in the yful chase. "You''ll have to catch me first!" he called over his shoulder, heart racing with excitement.

    Liana charged after him, determined to regain control of the situation. "You may think you''re clever, but I''m still faster!" she replied, her voice ringing out as she navigated the garden paths with agility.

    "Faster? We''ll see about that!" he retorted, ncing back just in time to see her drawing nearer. Fueled by the thrill of the chase, he leaped over a small flowerbed, narrowly avoiding a patch of blooming daisies.

    "Young master!" Liana warned, her tone a mix of exasperation andughter. "You''re going to ruin the garden!"

    "Can''t catch me!" he taunted again, dodging left and right as he made his way toward the ptial estate.

    As he reached the wide stone steps leading up to the front door, Javier turned again, panting and grinning. "Okay, okay! I didn''t mean to make trouble¡­ just wanted to have a little fun!"

    Liana finally slowed to a stop, catching her breath with one hand on her hip, trying to maintain an air of authority. "Fun that willnd you in more trouble than you know," she countered, though the corner of her mouth twitched in amusement.

    Javier held his hands up in mock surrender. "Can''t I ever make it through a day without a little mischief?"

    "Not if you keep this up," she replied, shaking her head, still smiling despite herself. "Now, what will it be? The study, or do I have to drag you there?"

    After a moment of dramatic consideration, Javier replied, "Fine. The study it is." He started up the stairs but couldn''t help shooting her a cheeky grin over his shoulder. "But only if you promise to stop being so serious all the time!"

    She rolled her eyes but couldn''t hide her chuckle. "And you promise to behave, young master?"

    "Okay, okay! I promise!" he said, trying to sound serious but failing miserably as he made his way into the house.

    Inside the study room, sunlight streamed through the tall windows, illuminating the shelves lined with books. Despite his earlier antics, Javier was now lying on Liana''sp, his head restingfortably as hezily clung to her waist. His eyes gazed up at her, a satisfied grin on his face.

    Liana sat gracefully, her back straight, engrossed in a book. She seemed serene, though she asionally nced down at her mischievous young master with a faint smile.

    "Liana?" Javier spoke up, his voice soft yet yful.

    "What now, young master?" she replied without looking up, her tone calm but tinged with a hint of exasperation.

    "You still didn''t give me a kiss today," he said, pouting slightly and hugging her waist tighter.

    Liana sighed, finally lowering her book to look at him. His eyes sparkled with mischief, and she knew he wouldn''t let this go easily.

    "Honestly, young master¡­" she muttered, shaking her head.

    Still, she leaned down, her long hair cascading like a curtain as she brought her lips to his. The kiss started soft, but Javier, true to his bold nature, tightened his arms around her, deepening the moment. Liana let it linger longer than usual before pulling back, her faceposed despite a faint blush on her cheeks.

    "There," she said, her voice steady but gentle. "Satisfied?"

    Javier''s grin widened."That was perfect."

    "You''re impossible," she said, resuming her upright posture and picking up her book again.

    "And you''re amazing," Javier replied without hesitation, his voice filled with affection.

    Liana didn''t respond, but the small, amused smile on her lips revealed her true feelings.

    As Javiery there, inhaling her calming scent and enjoying the warmth of the moment, he thought to himself that this was exactly what he loved most¡ªbeing close to Liana, even in the simplest of ways.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 83 Morning Woes ( 83 )

    "Young master... wake up. It''s morning," said Liana gently but firmly. She had done this many times before.

    Javier groaned and buried his face deeper into the pillow. "Mmm¡­" he mumbled, moving his arm over his head.

    "Young master," Liana said again, this time a little firmer. She stood by his bed, hands on her hips, watching him try to stay asleep.

    "Haah¡­ Liana¡­ I''m still sleepy," Javierined, his voice muffled under the thick nket as he pulled it over his head.

    "Young master, it''s time to get up," Liana insisted, leaning down to poke him gently. "You have responsibilities, remember?"

    "Responsibilities can wait," Javier muttered sleepily. "Sleep is important for a growing young master, you know."

    "Not when you''re just making excuses!" Liana replied, narrowing her eyes. She pulled the edge of the nket away, revealing a messy Javier.

    "Eeeeeh!" Javier whined, trying to pull the nket back over himself. "Liana,e on, just five more minutes¡­ maybe ten?"

    "Absolutely not," Liana said firmly, crossing her arms. "Now, wake up this instant, young master, or I''ll¡ª"

    "Ugh, really, Liana?!" Javier groaned, sitting up with his hair and a look of betrayal. "Do you have to be this persistent every morning?"

    "Yes," Liana said simply, a small smile on her face. "Because otherwise, you''d sleep until noon."

    Javier sighed loudly and flopped back onto the bed. "Why is waking up so hard?"

    Liana smirked and poked his forehead. "Because you make it hard, young master. Now, should I get a bucket of cold water, or will you get up on your own?"

    Javier looked horrified. "Alright, alright! I''m up! No need to go that far!"

    Liana stood up, happy with herself. "Good. Breakfast will be ready soon, so don''t take too long. And fix your hair beforeing down¡ªit looks like a bird''s nest."

    Javier grumbled as he swung his legs over the bed. "Morning lectures, freezing water threats, and now hair insults¡­ this is what I wake up to every day."

    Liana, already heading for the door, looked back with a sly smile. "go take shower now,young master."

    As soon as Liana left the room, Javier smiled to himself. "Liana gone¡­ back to sleep!" He dove back under the nket, letting out a happy sigh. Soon, soft snores filled the room.

    Meanwhile, in the dining room, the rest of the household was already awake.

    "Liana," Lady Francesca called out calmly as she took a sip of her morning tea. "Where is your young master? Shouldn''t he be here by now?"

    Liana bowed slightly and replied politely, "I believe he is still in the shower, mydy."

    Lady Francesca raised an eyebrow, not quite believing her.

    Lord Garius, who sat at the head of the table, frowned. "Go check on him," he ordered in a deep,manding voice.

    "Yes, my lord," Liana said with a bow before leaving the dining room. Enjoy new tales from empire

    Lady Phenelopie, the third wife, clicked her tongue in disapproval. "That boy is alwayste. Such behavior is not right for a noble."

    Lady Garcinia, the second wife, crossed her arms and huffed. "Hmmph! He''s your boy, Francesca. Clearly, he gets this from your side."

    Lady Francesca remained calm but spoke firmly. "Perhaps, Lady Garcinia, you should pay more attention to your own children instead of criticizing mine."@@novelbin@@

    The room went quiet for a moment as tension filled the air.

    Lord Garius stayed silent, continuing to eat his breakfast with an unreadable expression. Everyone knew that his youngest son, Javier, had a reputation for being a troublemaker. Mischievous and cheeky, Javier was all those things. Still, Garius couldn''t fully disapprove; sometimes, he found the boy''s cleverness amusing, even if he would never say that out loud.

    Liana hurried back toward Javier''s room, her steps quick but calm. She knew better than to leave him alone for too long, especially when he thought he had outsmarted her.

    As the family continued their breakfast, Lord Garius looked at Lady Francesca, and his expression softened a little. "By the way, Francesca," he started, setting down his fork.

    "Yes, my lord?" Francesca replied, her tone calm as always.

    "Thend Javier asked for farming¡ªtell him he should meet with the estate manager to finalize the arrangements."

    Francesca nodded slightly. "I will inform our sonter."

    "Good," Garius said with a nod. After a moment, he asked, "By the way, any news about Marcellus and Cedric? No letters from them?"

    Francesca smiled gently. She knew her husband was already aware of everything their sons were doing¡ªLord Garius was very thorough when it came to keeping track of his family. Still, she appreciated his effort to have a conversation with her.

    She smiled back, her eyes shining with warmth, and they continued to talk. Their conversation was lighthearted and filled with the ease thates from knowing each other for a long time. For a brief moment, the formal atmosphere of the dining room became more personal as they shared a rare, pleasant conversation over their morning meal.

    As Lord Garius and Lady Francesca continued their conversation, the other two wives at the table, Lady Phenelopie and Lady Garcinia, exchanged subtle nces.

    Lady Phenelopie''s perfectly manicured fingers tightened around her teacup. Always Francesca. The thought echoed in her mind. It was easy to see why. Francesca, with her wless skin, youthful beauty, and calm demeanor, always seemed to capture Lord Garius''s attention without effort. She was beautiful, yes, but her grace only added to the jealousy simmering inside Phenelopie.

    Lady Garcinia, sitting across from her, let out a quiet sigh as she wiped her mouth with a napkin. "It''s always Francesca this, Francesca that," she muttered just loud enough for Phenelopie to hear.

    Phenelopie raised an eyebrow and smiled wryly. "Well, can you me him? She looks ageless. It''s like she doesn''t even try to look¡­ perfect."

    Garcinia''s expression darkened as she nced at Francesca, who wasughing softly at something Lord Garius had said. Her long hair fell over her shoulders, catching the light and making her look even more attractive. Even in her simple morning gown, she had an elegance that seemed almost unfair.

    "She doesn''t have to try," Garcinia muttered, crossing her arms. "It''s like the gods gave her everything¡ªbeauty, charm, grace. And she knows it."

    Phenelopie chuckled bitterly. "If only she''d share some of that attention. We''re here too, after all."

    The two exchanged knowing looks, their jealousy uniting them in silent frustration.

    Francesca,pletely unaware¡ªor perhaps too dignified to notice the tension¡ªcontinued her pleasant chat with Lord Garius. Her voice was calm, her smile genuine, and her every movement showed a quiet confidence that only fueled the envy of the other two wives.

    Lord Garius, meanwhile, seemed oblivious to the growing discontent. Or maybe he knew and just chose not to address it. After all, this wasn''t the first time such feelings hade up among his wives.

    Lord Garius reached out, gently taking Francesca''s hand. His sharp,manding presence softened as he leaned closer, his lips brushing her ear.

    "Wanna try for another son or daughter?" he whispered, his deep voice filled with mischief.

    Francesca''s cheeks turned slightly pink, but she stayedposed. She let out a soft, melodiousugh that highlighted her charm.

    "Oh, Garius," she whispered back, her tone yful but affectionate.

    Before the other wives noticed, Francesca turned and cupped her husband''s face with her hand. Her eyes locked with his, and she leaned in to give him a long, tender kiss.

    The room became silent, except for the soft sound of silverware clinking on tes.

    Lady Garcinia and Lady Phenelopie stiffened in their seats, ncing away with barely hidden annoyance.

    As Francesca pulled away, her serene smile remained, and Lord Garius lookedpletely pleased. It was a private moment of closeness that only showed their bond and left the other two wives feeling resentful.

    "Now, shall we continue with breakfast?" Francesca asked, her tone light and graceful, as if the kiss had been perfectly normal.

    "Of course," Lord Garius chuckled, his hand still resting over hers.

    Lady Phenelopie quietly stabbed her fork into her te of eggs, while Lady Garcinia sipped her tea a bit too aggressively. Neither of them spoke, but their thoughts were loud enough to fill the room.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 85 Birds and Bold Dreams ( 85 )

    After finishing his breakfast, Javier strolled through the estate halls with Liana beside him, heading toward the estate manager''s office as instructed. As they passed his parents'' room, a loud moan echoed faintly through the corridor.

    Javier froze mid-step, his ears twitching slightly. His eyes darted to the side, where he saw Mrs. Erie, the head maid, and Mr. Alf, the butler, standing outside the door. Several other maids stood at attention nearby, guarding the area.

    A sly grin spread across Javier''s face. Looks like the "bigger boy" really couldn''t wait, huh?

    He tilted his head, a mischievous smirk forming as he leaned toward Liana and whispered, "Hey, Liana?"

    "Yes, young master?" she replied, her voice calm but curious. Explore more adventures at empire

    "Will you be that loud when we''re marriedter?" he teased, his tone cheeky.

    "Young master!!" Liana''s exasperated voice followed, though her cheeks were lightly blushed as she hurried after him.

    The guards and maids exchanged knowing nces, trying to remain professional despite the scene, while Javier''sughter echoed down the hall.

    Javier chuckled, ncing back to see Liana''s flustered expression.

    "Young master, stop teasing like that!" Liana huffed.

    Javier turned to walk backward, his grin wide. "But I don''t mind if you are that loud once we''re married!" Heughed , enjoying her reaction.

    "YOUNG MASTER!" Liana shout, a mix of indignation and embarrassment in her voice. She quickened her pace, closing the distance.

    Stillughing, Javier sped up slightly, his yful tone carrying down the hall. "I''m just saying, Liana! No need to hold back with me, you know!"

    "Enough with that nonsense!" Liana scolded, finally catching up and grabbing his sleeve. Her stern expression couldn''t hide the faint smile at the corners of her lips.

    "Alright, alright," Javier conceded, raising his hands in mock surrender, though his eyes still gleamed with mischief. "I''ll behave."

    Liana sighed, shaking her head. "Now, young master, let''s head to Mr. Alex''s office."

    "Okay!!" Javier replied, a bright smile on his face as he followed her lead.

    Javier and Liana finally arrived at the estate manager''s office. The room was lined with shelves filled with scrolls, books, and records detailing the estate''s operations.

    "Ah, young master, Miss Liana," the estate manager greeted them with a polite bow, gesturing toward the chairs across his desk.

    Liana stepped forward and exined their visit. She mentioned Lord Garius instructions regarding thend allocation for Javier farming project.

    While Liana and the estate manager discussed the details, Javier wandered over to one of the shelves, drawn to the neatly arranged ledgers and journals. He plucked a book from the collection and flipped it open casually. The dry, small handwriting detailed crop rotations, tax records, and other logistical minutiae, but Javier skimmed over them without much interest.

    So, this is the kind of paperwork Father deals with every day. No wonder he''s always so grumpy, Javier mused, suppressing a yawn.

    He nced back at Liana, who was listening to the estate manager exnation.

    Well, as long as she''s handling the boring stuff, I''ll just¡­ Javier turned the pagezily, pretending to be engrossed in the book while mentally nning his next mischief.

    asionally, he nced up and caught snippets of their conversation, quickly tuning out anything that sounded too technical. Instead, he let his thoughts wander, a mischievous smile ying on his lips as he imagined the chaos he could stir up with his new farming project.

    By the time the estate manager finished exining, Javier had already reced the book and leaned back against the shelf, giving them a bright, innocent smile as if he''d been listening the entire time.

    As Javier stood in the estate manager''s office, his thoughts drifted to the grand vision forming in his mind. He rubbed his hands together gleefully, his smirk growing wider by the second.

    Ehehehe¡­ soon¡­ sugarcane and cocoa. They all think sugarcane is just a nt you chew on for sweetness and that cocoa is only for those distant tribes. Just wait¡­ Once I refine sugar and make chocte, the whole kingdom wille running! The Armand name will be famous with luxury and innovation.

    Liana noticed Javier''s expression and raised an eyebrow but didn''tment. She was used to his mischievous musings by now.

    The estate manager, unaware of Javier''s schemes, handed over a set of documents to Liana, exining something about soil quality and irrigation. Meanwhile, Javier was consumed by memories of his past life.

    Back then, sugar and chocte were everydaymodities. Here, they''re rarer than gold! The nobles will go wild for this once I market it as an exotic delicacy. And themon folk? They''ll mor for even a small taste. Heh¡­ With my modern knowledge, I''ll revolutionize trade and agriculture. Who needs politics when I can control the market?

    His grin widened as he imagined borate feasts with nobles savoring his future creations, their wealth pouring into his pockets.

    Liana sighed, noticing his faraway look. "Young Master, are you paying attention?"@@novelbin@@

    Javier blinked, snapping out of his daydream. "Of course, of course! I heard every word!"

    The estate manager and Liana exchanged skeptical nces but didn''t press the matter.

    As they left the office, Javier couldn''t help but chuckle under his breath. "First sugarcane and cocoa, then the world!"

    Liana gave him a wary look. "Young Master, are you plotting something again?"

    "Plotting? Me? Nope!" Javier replied, putting on his most innocent face. But inside, he was already envisioning his empire of sweetness taking shape.

    Javier stretched his arms as they walked out of the estate office, his grin widening mischievously.

    "Liaaanaaaa¡­" he drawled yfully.

    Liana sighed, already bracing herself. "What now, Young Master?"

    "Let''s head to the Pekko pen! I want to check on my buddy. Then, we''ll go to my workshop," he said, practically skipping with excitement.

    Liana crossed her arms and regarded him with a weary look. "Your ''preciouspanions''? You mean those overly cheerful birds you spoil with snacks?"

    Javier put a hand over his heart, feigning shock. "Liana! How could you say that? Pekkos are majestic creatures, not just birds! One day, they''ll carry me into glorious battles¡ªor maybe just to the market for snacks."

    Liana shook her head with an amused sigh. "Yeah, sure¡­ Let''s go before you start giving them noble titles or something."

    Javier chuckled as he quickened his pace, already imagining his Pekkos wearing full armor.

    Trailing behind, Liana couldn''t help but smile softly. Despite his antics, she found Javier enthusiasm oddly charming.

    When they arrived at the Pekko pen, Javier dashed forward. His favorite Pekko, a cheerful orange-feathered bird with a swirling red-and-ck beak, let out an enthusiastic squawk and waddled over to greet him.

    "Buddy!" Javier shouted, wrapping his arms around the Pekko''s neck and ruffling its soft feathers. "You''re the best, you know that? The absolute best!"

    Buddy squawked again, pping its short wings as if in agreement.

    Meanwhile, Liana moved efficiently, cing fresh feed into the trough and recing the water in their sturdy stone basin. Her own Pekko, sidled up to her.

    "Good morning, Pikko," she murmured affectionately, stroking its head and earning a happy trill from the bird.

    Liana crouched to inspect Pikko''s ws and feathers, ensuring it was in good health. She was meticulous about caring for her Pekko, grateful to Javier for the unexpected gift a few months ago.

    Javier looked over, still hugging Buddy. "You and Pikko are getting along well, huh?"

    "Of course," Liana replied, smiling as she scratched under Pikko''s beak. "She''s well-behaved, unlike certain someone."

    "Hey!" Javier protested, standing up. "I''m plenty well-behaved!"

    Buddy let out a loud, amused squawk, as if disagreeing.

    "Traitor," Javier muttered, patting Buddy''s side before bursting intoughter.

    Liana chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Come on, Young Master. After this, we need to head to your workshop. Don''t spend the whole day hugging your ''majesty'' there."

    Javier grinned and gave Buddy onest hug. "Fine, fine."

    Once inside his personal workshop, Javier made a dramatic flourish with his hand and activated his magic storage. A glowing circle appeared in the air, and with a flick of his wrist, he summoned an enormous chest. The heavy thud it made as itnded reverberated through the room.

    Liana blinked, already bracing herself.

    Javier flipped open the chest, and a dazzling light burst out¡ªgold coins, glittering jewels, and ornate trinkets sparkled brilliantly inside. The sight was enough to make anyone''s jaw drop, but Javier? He was beyond ecstatic.

    "Kikikiki!!" he sped his hands together, shaking with mock greed. "I''m rich! I''m rich! A lord? No, a king! A king of wealth! My empire begins now! Bow before me, peasants!" He dramatically struck a pose as if addressing an invisible crowd of admirers.

    Liana pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. "Young Master¡­"

    Javier froze mid-pose, turning toward her with a sheepish grin. "What?"

    "Is this the kind of behavior befitting a noble?" she asked, her tone calm but firm.

    "But I worked hard for this!" he argued, pointing at the chest. "Hunting monsters, selling their parts, crafting weapons and armor, dealing with Old Man Orrim''s constant haggling¡ªand don''t forget mytest venture! Clearing out that goblin settlement and finding their hoarded treasure! This is all mine, Liana!"

    "And you''ve done well," she replied, walking over with her hands on her hips. "But acting like a bandit king isn''t exactly dignified."

    "Bandit king?" Javier gasped, clutching his chest in mock offense. "I''m more like¡­ a treasure-hunting genius! "

    "Sure..sure." Liana reply with smile.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 86 Another Day ( 86 )

    "Huh? Why''s everyone so busy today?" Javier muttered, scratching his head as he walked down the corridor.

    Javier just finished a quick shower and was dressed, but today felt¡­ different. Usually, Liana would have woken him up with her calm insistence, but she hadn''te by. As a result, Javier had woken upte, and the bustling atmosphere around the manor only added to his curiosity.

    "Hmmm¡­ I wonder why all the maids and staff look so stiff today," he mused aloud. Shrugging it off, "Whatever¡­ Better off to see my buddy!"

    Whistling a cheerful tune, Javier strolled toward the pekko pen, his carefree nature evident in his steps.

    As he walked, his stomach let out a loud growl.

    "Oh¡­ I''m hungry," he muttered before grinning mischievously. "Well, I can roast some meatter.... Meat? I''ve got plenty inside my magic storage."

    On his way, Javier noticed something unusual. Two groups of maids in distinct uniforms he didn''t recognize were escorting two young girls¡ªone around his age, maybe ten, and the other slightly younger.

    He gave them a passing nce, unimpressed. "Like I care," he muttered under his breath, returning to his cheerful humming.

    Finally reaching the pekko pen, Javier''s face lit up. "Buddy!!!"

    The vibrant orange pekko squawked excitedly, pping itspact wings as it hopped closer to him. Pikkoyzily on the ground, not bothering to acknowledge Javier''s arrival.

    "Ehehehe¡­ good to see you both healthy," Javier said, pouring a generous amount of pekko food into the trough and changing the water.

    Javier hummed, enjoying the peaceful moment.

    Looking at Buddy, he grinned. "After you finish eating, how about some exercise?"

    Buddy squawked happily, clearly eager.

    Another stomach grumble reminded Javier of his hunger. "Looks like I also need breakfast."

    ncing around to ensure no one was nearby, Javier smirked and activated his magic storage skill. With a small sh, he pulled out a portable grill and some coal, setting them on the ground.

    "Perfect!"

    Next, he retrieved a b of high-quality monster meat, already marinated to perfection. Thanks to his magic storage''s time-stopping property, it was as fresh as the day he had prepared it.

    Rubbing his hands together gleefully, Javier muttered, "Let''s start grilling!" and began setting up the grill.

    As the delicious aroma of grilled monster meat wafted through the air, Javier happily flipped the meat on his small portable grill. The juices dripped onto the glowing coals, creating a satisfying hiss.@@novelbin@@

    Nearby, Buddy stood with wide eyes and a drooling beak, practically vibrating with excitement.

    "Buddy¡­ wait! Wait!" Javier waved his spat like a warning g. "It''s not ready yet, okay? Patience!"

    But Buddy wasn''t listening. With a determined squawk, the pekko lunged for the grill.

    "Buddy!! No! Don''t gobble it all up!!" Javier yelled.

    Before he could stop him, Buddy snatched a piece of partially cooked meat and retreated a few steps to devour it with triumphant clucks.

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    Javier''s eye twitched. "You oversized birds!! That was mine!"

    As he scolded Buddy, azy squawk from behind caught his attention. Pikko, was now standing, her sharp gaze fixed on the grill.

    "Pikko, no¡­ don''t even think about it¡ªHEY!! That''s not yours!!"

    Pikko stretched her long neck and swiftly grabbed another piece of meat off the grill, chewing happily while ignoring Javier''s protests.

    "Pikko!! That was mine too!"

    Buddy, emboldened by Pikko''s actions, hopped closer, making another attempt at the grill.

    "Buddy!! Noooo!!" Javier wailed, grabbing the remaining piece just in time.

    Now, the two pekkos surrounded him like wolves circling prey, their big eyes glued to the meat in his hands. Javier sighed in defeat, his stomach growling in protest.

    "Haaa¡­ fine! Lucky for you two freeloaders that I have plenty of meat!"

    He opened his magic storage and pulled out a mountain of monster meat¡ªchunks of king boar, wyvern, wolf, and orc meat.

    "Feast your eyes, you greedy birds!" Javier grinned.

    Buddy squawked excitedly, hopping up and down, while Pikko took a dignified step forward, clearly already picking her next bite.

    "Wait for it! It''s still not fully cooked!" Javier yelled as Buddy tried to grab a wyvern steak from the pile.

    The pekkos ignored him entirely, theirbined efforts overwhelming his protests. It turned into a chaotic scene of Javier trying to grill while the two pekkos darted around him, stealing pieces and squabbling over the best cuts.

    "Buddy!! Pikko!! Leave some for me!!" Javier shouted, desperately holding onto a piece of king boar rib like his life depended on it.

    The scene continued with Javier chasing the two pekkos around the pen, while they squawked and pped in gleeful defiance. Despite the chaos,ughter echoed through the air as Javier enjoyed the moment with his beloved featheredpanions.

    "Haaa¡­ I give up," he muttered, copsing onto the ground with a grin, watching Buddy and Pikko happily munch on their stolen loot. "Good thing I packed extra¡­"

    Javier chuckled as he took a big bite of the perfectly grilled meat. The vors exploded in his mouth¡ªjuicy and savory with just the right touch of spice. " Delicious!!" he eximed, doing a little happy wiggle.

    As he reached for another piece, Buddy suddenly darted forward and snatched a freshly grilled b off the grill with his beak.

    "Hey!! Buddy, that''s hot!" Javier shouted in disbelief, watching the pekko munch away happily.

    Not to be outdone, Pikkozily stretched her neck, snagged another piece, and started chewing, her eyes half-closed in contentment.

    "Whoa¡­ not hot? How are you two even eating that straight off the grill?!" Javier stared in amazement, then narrowed his eyes. "Wait a second¡­ are you both fire-resistant or something? That''s cheating!"

    Buddy squawked in response, clearly unfazed by the heat, while Pikko gave a soft coo, as if to mock Javier''s question.

    "Haaa¡­ I''m surrounded by gluttonous monsters," Javier sighed dramatically, shaking his head. But then his stomach growled loudly again, reminding him of his original goal.

    "Alright, enough stealing! I''m cooking this batch for me!" he dered, flipping another piece of meat onto the grill with determination.

    Of course, the pekkos didn''t care. As soon as Javier looked away, Buddy snuck closer, eyes gleaming with mischief. With lightning speed, he swiped yet another piece from the grill.

    "Buddy!!" Javier yelled, trying to chase him off, only for Pikko to seize the opportunity and grab another for herself.

    "Pikko, not you too!!"

    The chaotic tug-of-war over grilled meat continued, with Javierughing, scolding, and sneaking bites whenever he could.

    By the end, all three of them were sprawled out on the ground, full and satisfied, surrounded by a pile of cleaned-off bones. Javier wiped his mouth with a grin.

    "Haaa¡­ you two may be greedy, but at least we ate well," he muttered, patting Buddy and Pikko on their heads.

    Both pekkos let out contented squawks, leaning into his touch.

    "fluffy!!!" Javier giggled as he leaned against Buddy, who had plopped down on the ground after their hearty meal.

    Buddy let out a low, contented squawk, his feathers puffing up slightly as Javier snuggled against his warm, soft side.

    "You''re like the best giant pillow ever," Javier mumbled, burying his face in Buddy''s feathers. "So warm¡­ sofy¡­"

    Pikko, not wanting to be left out, waddled over and flopped down beside them, nudging Javier''s arm with her beak.

    "Alright, alright, Pikko," Javierughed, reaching out to scratch her head. "You''re fluffy too. Happy?"

    Pikko gave a satisfied coo and closed her eyes, leaning into his hand.

    For a moment, everything was peaceful. The warm sun filtered through the clouds, a soft breeze rustled the grass, and the trio basked in their fooda.

    "This," Javier murmured, staring up at the sky, "is what life is all about. Good food, fluffy friends, and no one around to ruin it."

    Buddy squawked in agreement, and Pikko gave a sleepy chirp.

    "Ehehehe¡­ you guys get it," Javier said, grinning. "Best. Day. Ever."

    He stayed there a while longer, enjoying the simplefort of his two loyalpanions, content with the world.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 88 Provocation at the Estate ( 88 )

    Liana knew Javier could defend himself. Just days ago, he had effortlessly dealt with a skilled assassin group sent to eliminate Lord Garius''s family. He hadn''t just defeated them¡ªhe toyed with them, dismantling their formation and striking fear into their hearts before finishing them off mercilessly.

    Still, leaving him unsupervised often led to mischief, so as she hurried toward the manor, she hoped he wouldn''t cause too much chaos in her absence.

    As Liana reached the grand halls of the Armand estate, she spotted Mrs. Errte, the head of the personal maids and leader among the household staff. The woman carried herself with the stern grace of someone who had served the family for decades, her sharp eyes immediately catching Liana''s approach.

    "Liana?" Mrs. Errte asked, pausing her task.

    Liana bowed politely, her movements crisp and respectful. "Mrs. Errte, I have something urgent to report."

    Before Mrs. Errte could respond, the imposing figure of Mr. Alf, the butler, emerged from a side corridor. His presence wasmanding, his silver hair neatlybed and his expression unreadable.

    "Liana," Mr. Alf began, his deep voice carrying authority. "Isn''t your duty to attend to young master Javier? Why have you left his side?"

    Liana straightened, her tone unwavering. "Yes, it is my duty, Mr. Alf, but this matter requires immediate attention. It concerns the estate''s security and the safety of the household."

    Both Mr. Alf and Mrs. Errte exchanged a nce, their expressions hardening. They could tell from Liana''s demeanor that she wasn''t exaggerating.

    "Speak, then," Mrs. Errte urged, folding her arms. Your journey continues with empire

    Liana nodded and exined everything, her words precise and measured. "A group of nobles from the Klimbert household, led by their youngdy, entered the estate unsupervised. They harassed young master Javier, mistaking him for amoner. When he dismissed them, one of their guards attempted to strike him down. This happened within the pekko pen, with no guards present to patrol the area."@@novelbin@@

    Mr. Alf''s eyes narrowed. "No guards? Are you certain?"

    "Absolutely," Liana confirmed. "I''ve observed no patrols near the outer sections and around the estate all morning. This negligence allowed the Klimberts'' people to wander freely."

    Mrs. Errte''s lips thinned in disapproval. "This is uneptable. The security of this estate is paramount, especially with the recent assassination attempts."

    "Indeed," Mr. Alf agreed, his tone grave. "Viscount Garius entrusted us to ensure the safety of this household. Allowing outsiders to act with such impudence is a failure on our part."

    "Just because there''s a grand party tomorrow evening, and most noble houses are attending to congratte our lord on his promotion to Count, how dare these guards neglect their duty!" Mr. Alf''s voice was sharp, his usuallyposed demeanor cracking with fury. His clenched fists and icy tone revealed the depth of his frustration.

    Mrs. Errte adjusted her posture, her stern gaze turning sharper. "Indeed. Theircency is inexcusable. The safety of this household should never bepromised, no matter the asion."

    Liana, standing firm, added, "The Klimbert household''s arrogance andck of respect are equally troubling. They acted as if the Armand estate was their own territory, threatening the young master without hesitation. Their guard even attempted to harm him within our own grounds."

    Mr. Alf''s expression darkened further. "The Klimberts have always been envious of our lord''s progress. To act so brazenly during a time of celebration¡­ it''s not just arrogance¡ªit''s provocation. A reminder of their past animosity."

    Mrs. Errte nodded solemnly. "We must ensure this doesn''t escte. Viscount Klimbert has been quiet for years, but this incident could signify deeper motives. However, the immediate concern is the negligence of our own guards."

    "This party must proceed without a single w," Mr. Alf dered. "But the Klimberts will not leave this estate without understanding the consequences of their actions."

    "Agreed," Mrs. Errte said firmly. "This is the Armand household. Disrespect will not be tolerated."

    Lord Garius appeared from the shadows of the corridor, his presencemanding and stern. Behind him trailed a group of personal maids, their expressions alert and focused.

    "Hmm? Errte? Alf? What''s wrong?" Garius''s sharp tone cut through the tension.

    Errte and Alf exchanged nces before stepping forward. "My lord," Errte began, her voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. "There has been an incident involving the Klimbert household''s entourage. They disrespected the young master and even attempted to harm him. Liana intervened, but theck of patrolling guards within the estate is concerning."

    Garius''s eyes narrowed dangerously. "The Klimberts..." He mulled over the name, his voiceced with disdain. "Their audacity knows no bounds. And our guards? cking during a time like this?"

    Alf bowed slightly. "Yes, my lord. I take full responsibility for this failure. I''ve already instructed for their negligence to be addressed immediately."

    Garius''s gaze shifted to Liana, who stood resolute amidst the tension. "Liana," he called, his deep voice tinged with authority.

    "Yes, my lord?" Liana responded promptly.

    "Who is protecting your young master right now?"

    "Buddy and Pikko, my lord," she answered without hesitation.

    A faint smile tugged at Garius''s lips. "Hmm, those two are strong monster-type birds. Good. But Liana¡­"

    "Yes, my lord?"

    Garius''s eyes bore into hers, sharp and unwavering. "Go directly to him. Ensure his safety. Use any means necessary if the situation esctes further."

    "Understood, my lord." Liana bowed deeply before swiftly exiting the room, her movements purposeful and precise.

    Garius then turned to Alf and Errte. "Alf, Errte."

    "Yes, my lord?" they responded in unison.

    "Summon Hesbeirn immediately. He will handle the dismissal of all negligent guards. Inform him to rece every single one of them, except for those who are actively guarding the manor and those proven to be doing their jobs properly."

    "It will be done at once, my lord," Alf replied with a firm nod.

    Garius''s expression remained cold, his sharp eyes gleaming with determination. "No onepromises the safety and dignity of this household. The Klimberts will learn their ce soon enough."

    Errte bowed. "We will ensure that, my lord."

    Lady Francesca gracefully walked into the manor, herposed demeanor radiating elegance. Her dress flowed with each step, showcasing her refined taste. She paused when she spotted Garius standing in the corridor, giving orders to Alf and Errte.

    A soft smile graced her lips. "Darling..."

    Hearing her voice, Garius turned. The hard lines of his face softened instantly as his sharp eyes lit up. He approached her without hesitation and kissed her passionately, his hand gently resting on her cheek.

    "My love," he murmured as they parted, his deep voice warm.

    Francesca''s smile widened, her gaze fond. She noticed the slight relief in his features, knowing her presence always soothed him. Behind her stood her personal maids, a group of highly trained women, watchful for her safety.

    Garius nced at them and nodded approvingly. "I''m d to see you''re not walking alone. I trust your safety to these capable maids."

    Francesca chuckled softly. "Of course, my dear. You''ve ensured that I''m always well-protected. But tell me, what''s caused you to look so serious?"

    Garius''s smile faded slightly as he looked toward Alf and Errte. "There was an incident involving Javier. Some from the Klimbert household dared to disrespect him. Theck of proper patrols on the estate adds to my concerns."

    Francesca''s eyes narrowed, her calm expression shifting to anger. "The Klimberts again... They''ve been a thorn in our side for generations. How is Javier?"

    "Liana intervened before anything serious happened. She''s with him now, ensuring his safety. But I won''t let this negligence slide," Garius replied firmly.

    Francesca nodded, her confidence in him unwavering. "I trust you''ll handle this, as always. Let me know if you need my assistance with those pests."

    Garius smiled, taking her hand and pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "With you by my side, my love, I have all the strength I need."

    Francesca chuckled, her mood lightening as she leaned closer. "And don''t forget, you have a grand celebration day after tomorrow. Let''s not let these matters sour the asion."

    Garius nodded, resolve firm. "Of course. But I won''t allow anyone to think they can undermine this household, especially not on the eve of my ascension to Count."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 91 Fun and Fury ( 91 )

    Outside the estate grounds, chaos reigned.

    "Liana!! Don''t let them run!!" Javier shouted, excitement brimming as he dashed after a group of fleeing attackers.

    Liana, keeping pace effortlessly, sighed, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Young Master, you''re far too excited about this. It''s not a game."

    Javier grinned ear to ear, ncing back at her. "Not a game? Ha! Look at them running like scared rabbits! Oi, mates! Don''t run away! We''re your friends!" His sarcasm dripped as he loaded a glowing mana crystal into his modified mana gun.

    Buddy, his loyal Pekko bird, squawked enthusiastically and charged forward, crushing the head of one fleeing attacker with a bone-shattering stomp.

    "Good job, Buddy! Stomp them all! Leave no one alive!" Javier cheered, pointing dramatically at another group.

    Liana caught up, shaking her head. "Young Master, you''re making too much noise. This isn''t a parade." Despite her scolding, her bow was already in hand, a glowing arrow nocked and ready. She loosed it, striking two attackers trying to slip into the shadows.

    "Whoops! Nice shot, Liana!" Javier called, reloading his gun. He spun dramatically and fired at another assassin, hitting his mark.

    "Hey! Where are you going? Don''t run! We''re niceeeeee peopleeeeee!" Javier shouted mockingly,ughter ringing through the night.

    Buddy squawked again, stomping on another unfortunate soul.

    One attacker, a heavily armored mercenary who seemed to be the leader, turned to his scattered men. "Hold the line! They''re just a brat and a bird!"

    Javier''s ears perked up at the insult. He stopped mid-step, his yful grin turning predatory. "A brat and a bird, huh?" He pulled a second mana gun from his belt and aimed both at the leader. "Say that again, pal."

    Before the leader could respond, Javier fired both guns in quick session. The mana bolts struck true, and the leader staggered, disbelief on his face before he copsed. Experience more on empire

    The remaining attackers, now in full panic, scattered in all directions.

    Liana sighed again. "Young Master, we''re supposed to contain the situation, not let them run wild."

    Javier shrugged, twirling one of his mana guns. "Eh, it''s more fun this way. Buddy and I can chase them downter."

    As if on cue, Buddy pped its wings and let out another victorious squawk, stepping over a pile of defeated attackers.

    Liana adjusted her silver hair, her calm demeanor unwavering. "I''ll handle the stragglers. Young Master, try not to get carried away."

    Javier smirked. "Carried away? Me? Never."

    Liana didn''t respond as she disappeared into the trees, her glowing arrows lighting the way. Javier, now with Buddy by his side, stretched his arms and grinned.

    "Alright, Buddy. Time for round two!"

    The Pekko squawked in agreement, and the chase resumed.

    Javier''sughter echoed across the clearing as the sun dipped toward the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold and orange.

    "Run, you pieces of shit! Buddy, over there! Crush them! Bwahahaha!"

    Buddy squawked enthusiastically, his strong legs pounding the ground as he chased down another unfortunate attacker. With a powerful stomp, the Pekko ended the man''s desperate escape, leaving only silence behind.

    Liana, everposed, followed closely, her emerald eyes scanning for remaining threats. She sighed, a mix of exasperation and amusement in her tone. "Haaa... Young Master, please... at least pretend you''re not enjoying this so much."

    Javier whirled around with an exaggerated grin, his jet-ck hair slightly disheveled. "Not enjoying it? Liana, look at them! They thought they could invade our estate, and now they''re running like scared mice!"

    With dramatic ir, he reloaded his mana gun, the glowing crystal slotting into ce with a satisfying click. One attacker, limping and clutching his side, attempted to slip away through the underbrush. Javier''s sharp gaze locked onto him.

    "Oh, no, you don''t!" He aimed, fired, and sent a mana bolt sizzling through the air, dropping the fleeing man.

    "You can run, but you can''t hide!!"

    Buddy let out a triumphant squawk and stomped forward, his ws raking through the dirt as he pursued thest visible attacker. The man tripped over a root, scrambling backward, only to find himself cornered by the massive Pekko.

    With a final, earth-shaking stomp, Buddy ended the fight decisively.

    Javier stood tall amidst the carnage, a confident smirk on his lips. His amber eyes sparkled with adrenaline and pride as he surveyed the aftermath.

    "Well, that''s that. No one left alive. All the bad guys? Gone!"

    Liana approached, her graceful stride undisturbed by the destruction. She slung her bow across her back and sighed deeply. "Young Master, you didn''t have to make such a spectacle. We could''ve handled this quietly."

    Javier shrugged with mock innocence. "Quietly? Where''s the fun in that, Liana? Besides, they started it. We just... finished it."

    Buddy squawked in agreement, puffing up his chest proudly.

    Liana brushed a stray strand of silver hair from her face, ncing at the setting sun. "Enough excitement for one evening, Young Master. Let''s head back. I''m sure Lord Garius will want a report on this."

    Javier sighed dramatically, slinging his mana gun over his shoulder. "Fine, fine. But next time, let me have more fun!"

    "How many of those rats did we squash?" Javier asked casually, as if discussing the weather.@@novelbin@@

    Liana nced at the remnants of the attackers scattered around. "Around 200 or more, Young Master."

    Javier whistled in mock admiration. "Oh! Looks like they really wanted to end my family''s bloodline. Such dedication, tsk tsk."

    Liana nodded, her expression serious. "It appears so. But we still haven''t ounted for those who slipped inside the manor."

    Javier tilted his head, pretending to ponder. "Hmm... I don''t think anyone would survive that. Blergh... can''t imagine what''s happening to them. Marita, Gloria, and the others are probably mopping the floors with them. Literally." He chuckled, a mix of amusement and horror flickering across his face. "After all, the maids are well-trained, right?"

    Liana adjusted her bowstring. "That''s correct. The household and personal maids are allbat-trained. However, Mrs. Errte is the strongest. None of us can match her skill."

    Javier raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Mrs. Errte, huh? She doesn''t look it, but I guess I shouldn''t judge a book by its cover. I wonder how terrifying she can get when she''s serious."

    Liana allowed a rare smile. "You wouldn''t believe it, Young Master. When Mrs. Errte steps into battle, she''s like a storm¡ªswift, precise, and utterly unstoppable."

    Javier smirked. "Good. Makes me feel more confident about our household. No wonder these idiots didn''t stand a chance. Let''s just hope Father doesn''t scold me for ''getting involved.''"

    Liana sighed softly. "Lord Garius may scold you, but he''ll appreciate your efforts, especially since none of the attackers seeded."

    Javier chuckled and swung himself onto Buddy''s back. "Well, let''s head back. I want to see if anyone''s still mopping up inside. Besides, I kind of want to see Marita in action¡ªshe''s probably more terrifying than Buddy when she''s mad!"

    Buddy squawked as if offended, while Liana shook her head in exasperation. "Young Master, please don''t provoke her. Marita''s strength isn''t something you should test for fun."

    "Noted!" Javier replied, though the mischievous gleam in his eyes suggested otherwise.

    "Liana, do me a favor," Javier said, leaning against Buddy''s saddle with a cheeky grin. "Tell Father about what happened, but¡­ don''t mention I was involved. Ehehehe."

    Liana raised an eyebrow, her arms crossed in a way that radiated authority. "It''s hard to leave that detail out, Young Master."

    Javier blinked. "Why?"

    Liana sighed, her patience tested. "Do you truly believe a single maid like me could handle all 200 attackers on my own?"

    Javier tilted his head, considering. "Tell him Buddy and Pikko joined in too. That should make it sound believable, right?"

    Liana gave him a t look, her emerald eyes narrowing. "And if Lord Garius asks where you were during the attack?"

    Javier froze, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. "Er¡­ uh¡­ just tell him I was, um, supervising from a safe distance?"

    Liana sighed again, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Young Master, your father knows you too well. He''ll never believe that."

    Javier grinned sheepishly. "Okay, okay. Just say I was¡­ giving strategic support! That''s believable, right?"

    Liana''s expression softened slightly, though a trace of exasperation remained. "I''ll see what I can do, but don''t expect me to shield you entirely. Lord Garius will have questions, and you''ll likely need to answer some of them yourself."

    Javier sighed dramatically, slumping against Buddy. "Fine."

    "I''ll make sure the word ''reckless'' doesn''t slip in."

    "That''s the spirit!" Javier called after her, chuckling.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 93 The Morning Before the Grand Celebration ( 93 )

    Javier stirred awake, finding himself in an all-too-familiar predicament¡ªhis mother, Lady Francesca, hugging him tightly in her sleep.

    Her hair spilled over the pillows, her serene beauty unmarred by the stern expression she''d worn the night before. Javier''s eyes darted nervously as he recalled recent events.

    "Of all the ways to wake up..." he muttered under his breath, careful not to disturb her.

    Unfortunately, Lady Francesca''s grip was unyielding, her arms wrapped around him like a vice. As he tried to wriggle free, she stirred, her eyes opening with a calm yet piercing gaze.

    "Good morning, honey bun," she said sweetly, though her tone carried the weight of unspoken scolding.

    "M-Mother... good morning," Javier stammered, his confidence wilting under her gaze.

    She sat up gracefully, tousling his hair affectionately before tightening her grip just enough to make him wince. "Now, my dear son, do you remember what we discussedst night?"

    "About how I was an irresponsible, reckless son who doesn''t listen to his beautiful, wise, and hot mother?" he answered quickly, trying to tter her.

    Francesca smiled, her aura radiating warmth and subtle menace. "Correct. And?"

    Read new chapters at empire

    Javier sighed, knowing there was no escape. "And I promise not to run away during important meetings again."

    Her smile widened as she released his hair. "Good boy."

    He rubbed his head, grumbling, "I was just enjoying my time with liana..."

    "What was that?" she asked sweetly, her aura ring slightly.

    "Nothing, Mother!"

    Lady Francesca rose from the bed, her silk nightgown flowing around her. "Today is a momentous asion for our family, Javier. Every noble in the kingdom will be attending to honor your father''s promotion to Count. I expect you to behave appropriately."

    Javier groaned inwardly. "Another day of boring noble life..."

    "What was that?" Francesca''s voice cut through his thoughts like a knife.

    "Nothing, Mother! I''ll behave!"

    Satisfied, Francesca left the room to prepare for the festivities, leaving Javier alone for a brief moment.@@novelbin@@

    "Well, Buddy, Pikko, looks like today''s going to be another exhausting day," he muttered, ncing at the two Pekko birds standing just outside the window. Buddy squawked cheerfully, while Pikko tilted her head, unimpressed.

    Javier sighed and stretched, bracing himself for the chaos the evening would bring.

    Javier let out a long, exaggerated sigh as he sprawled across the couch in his room. His eyes stared at the fancy ceiling, looking for something to ease his boredom.

    "Haaaa¡­ Being a noble son in this fantasy world is kinda boring. Rules here, rules there, do this, do that¡­."

    He rolled onto his side, resting his head on his arm. "In my previous world, if I was bored, I could check my smartphone, y PC games, or hang out with friends. Maybe y some sports, listen to music... Here? No music yers, no games, noputers¡ªjust a bunch of tomes and etiquette lessons. Haaaa¡­"

    Javier frowned but then perked up a little. "Well, at least the food is good, the girls are cute¡­ And the elves, dwarves, halflings, and beastkin? That''s definitely a bonus. Still..."

    He sat up and rubbed the back of his neck. "I''m a 24-year-old man stuck in an 11-year-old''s body. What can I even do? It''s not like I''ve hit puberty again yet! Haaaa..."

    He thought about sneaking out, but then he imagined a certain elf with silver hair and piercing emerald eyes blocking his way.

    "That beautiful, strict elf... Liana''s always around, saying it''s for my safety. How am I supposed to argue with her? It''s not like I can fight her¡ªthough not because I can''t, but because¡­ well¡­ I like her too much."

    He flopped back onto the couch, muttering, "Study, study, study. Didn''t I already graduate from university in my past life? Hello? I''m not a kid... well..mentally."

    Javier sighed again, letting his mind wander. "What to do after this? If only they had some kind of music yer. Even old-school medieval music would work! But no, the only way to hear music is to call those minstrels or bards¡­"

    Before he could think more, a familiar voice interrupted him.

    "Young Master? What were you thinking about just now?"

    He turned to see Liana standing at the door, her arms crossed, and her calm expression mixed with suspicion.

    "Huh? Oh, nothing," Javier said, quickly looking away.

    Liana stepped closer, her emerald eyes narrowing slightly. "You''re not nning to sneak out again, are you? If you do, I''ll be the one they me."

    "But¡ª"

    "Young Master," Liana interrupted, her voice soft but firm. "Do you not want me around anymore?"

    Javier froze, his eyes wide. "Huh? What are you saying?"

    Liana sighed and crouched down to meet his gaze. "If you keep sneaking out and I''m med for neglect, what do you think will happen to me?"

    Javier''s yful mood faded. "Uh¡­ nothing?"

    Liana smiled faintly but shook her head. "What if I told you your parents might dismiss me? Maybe you''d like another maid to look after you?"

    Javier jumped up, his face panicked. "No! I don''t want that!"

    "Then behave," Liana said simply, her smile softening.

    Javier pouted but didn''t argue. Instead, he pulled on her hand until she sat down next to him. Without a word, heid his head on herp, wrapping his arms around her waist. His face nuzzled against her stomach, and he breathed in her calming scent.

    Liana blinked, surprised at first, but then smiled warmly. She gently ran her fingers through his messy ck hair, letting him do as he pleased.

    "You''re such a handful, Young Master," she said softly, though her tone was kind.

    Liana nced toward the window. Outside, peering in with curious eyes, were Buddy and Pikko. They were tapping their beaks against the ss, as if demanding attention.

    "Young Master," Liana began with a sigh, "did you forget to lock their pens again yesterday?"

    Javier tilted his head, looking up at her from herp. "Huh? You really think I had time for that? Remember how Mother dragged me by the hair to the meeting roomst night?"

    Liana smiled slightly at the memory of Lady Francesca''s calm yet terrifying scolding. "Still, it''s part of your responsibility to¡ª"

    "Hold up," Javier interrupted, waving a handzily. "You''re also responsible for them, Liana. Don''t forget you helped me pick them out."

    She narrowed her eyes but didn''t argue, knowing he had a point.

    Javier smirked mischievously. "Besides, Buddy and Pikko are smart. They know how to open their pens on their own. They probably came here because they''re hungry."

    Outside, Buddy let out a cheerful squawk, as if agreeing, while Pikko pecked at the window.

    "See?" Javier said, pointing. "They''re practically begging for food. I say we feed them before they start tearing up the garden."

    Liana sighed again, shaking her head, but there was a hint of amusement in her emerald eyes. "Fine, but you''reing with me, Young Master. They''re your responsibility, after all."

    "Aw,e on. Can''t you just¡ª"

    "No excuses," Liana said firmly, gently lifting his head from herp and standing up. "Let''s go."

    Javier groaned but followed her out. As they approached the window, Buddy and Pikko pped their wings excitedly, their bright feathers glowing in the sunlight.

    "Alright, alright," Javier said, opening the window. "You two are such troublemakers, you know that?"

    Buddy hopped inside, nuzzling against Javier, while Pikko rubbed her beak affectionately against Liana''s hand.

    "Haaa," Javier sighed, scratching Buddy''s head. "Why does it feel like I have more kids than I signed up for?"

    Liana chuckled softly, her smile warm. "Because you''re too soft on them, Young Master."

    "Says the one who spoils Pikko more than I do," Javier shot back with a grin.

    They bothughed as the two Pekko birds chirped happily, enjoying the affection from their owners.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 94 From Playful Antics to Heartfelt Moments ( 94 )

    Buddy and Pikko chirped happily as they ate,pletely unaware of the world around them. Liana stood beside Javier, watching the two mischievous birds, when she noticed Gloria approaching.

    Theposed head maid stopped a short distance away, her usual calm smile on her face. "Young Master, Madam is calling for you," she said gently.

    Javier''s eyes lit up at the sight of Gloria. "Ohhhh!! Gloriaaaaa!" he eximed, bounding toward her. Before anyone could stop him, he leaned in dramatically. "Chuuuuuu!!"

    To Liana''s surprise, Gloria didn''t move away. Instead, she smiled warmly and leaned down slightly to meet him halfway. Javier nted a quick kiss on her lips, grinning like he''d just won the lottery.

    Gloria ruffled his hair affectionately. "Young Master, you''re as lively as ever."

    Nearby, Liana''s serene expression cracked slightly. Her eyes narrowed as a faint, unusual twinge of jealousy flickered across her face. She coughed softly to regain herposure. "Miss Gloria," she said, her tone calm but pointed, "don''t spoil him too much."

    Gloria turned toward Liana, her smile unwavering. "Oh, but how could I not? He''s charming.I bet he grow into handsome man in the future."

    Javier turned to Liana with an exaggerated pout. "See, Liana? Gloria understands me. Why can''t you be as sweet as her?"

    Liana crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly while her smile returned, though it now had a distinct edge. "Perhaps because someone has to ensure you behave, Young Master."

    Javierughed nervously, sensing the subtle warning in her words. "Ehehe, no need to re at me, Liana. I''m just... expressing my gratitude!"

    "Gratitude doesn''t require kissing every maid in sight," Liana retorted, brushing past him to speak to Gloria. "I''ll take him to Lady Francesca. Thank you for informing us."

    Gloria nodded, her calm demeanor unshaken. "Of course. Take care, Young Master."

    As Gloria walked away, Javier muttered under his breath, "Haaa, no one lets me have any fun..."

    Liana shot him a sidelong nce, a small smirk on her lips. "Fun or not, you''re going straight to Madam now. And no more sneaking kisses along the way."

    Javier groaned dramatically. "Fine, fine... You''re so strict, Liana."

    Despite hisints, there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes as he followed her back toward the manor.

    As they walked back toward the manor, Liana''s calm demeanor shifted slightly, and she spoke with feigned indifference. "Perhaps, Young Master, you''re no longer interested in making me your wife in the future?"

    Javier froze mid-step, his eyes widening. "Huh?" He turned to her, confusion and panic shing across his face.

    Liana continued, her tone calm but teasing. "Well, it seems you''ve taken a liking to kissing Gloria every day. I can only assume your affections have shifted."@@novelbin@@

    Javier''s jaw dropped, his face turning red as he waved his arms frantically. "Eeepp! No! Liana, it''s not like that! You''re still my favorite! Gloria''s just... well, she''s... uhhh..." He struggled to exin.

    Liana raised an eyebrow, suppressing a smile as she let him flounder. "Hmm? Just what, Young Master?"

    He scratched his head, looking defeated. "She''s just nice! That''s all! But you¡ª" He pointed at her with determination. "¡ªyou''re special, Liana. There''s no one like you. You''re my future wife, remember?"

    Liana sighed softly, shaking her head with a faint smile. "Haa... Sometimes I wonder if you''re serious, or if you''re just teasing me."

    Javier puffed out his chest. "I''m always serious when ites to you! I''d never joke about that."

    For a moment, Liana''sposed expression softened, and a hint of pink dusted her cheeks. She quickly turned away, pretending to adjust her hair. "Well, if that''s the case, perhaps you should focus less on kissing other maids and more on behaving like a proper noble."

    Javier grinned mischievously. "Does that mean you''ll let me kiss you, then?"

    Liana spun around, her cheeks fully red. "Young Master!" she scolded, though her tonecked real anger. Experience new tales on empire

    Javierughed, his yful nature returning. "See? You''re the only one who gets flustered like this. That''s why you''re my favorite, Liana."

    Liana let out another sigh, this time with a small, genuine smile. "Haa... You''re impossible."

    But as they reached the manor, her smile lingered. Despite his antics, Javier''s sincerity warmed her heart more than she cared to admit.

    As they reached the manor, Javier turned to Liana, a yful glint in his eyes. "Liana?"

    "Yes, Young Master?" she replied, ncing at him with a mix of curiosity and exasperation.

    "Chuuu¡­" he said, puckering his lips dramatically.

    Liana rolled her eyes, a smile creeping onto her face despite her best efforts to maintain herposure. "Haaa¡­ Young Master."

    But as she looked into his earnest eyes, something shifted. There was a sincerity in his gaze that made her heart flutter. With a soft sigh, she leaned in closer, her cheeks still flushed. "Just one kiss, then."

    Javier''s eyes widened in surprise, but he quicklyposed himself, his heart racing with excitement. "Really?"

    "Yes, really," she replied, her voice a mix of teasing and genuine affection.

    In that moment, Javier leaned in, and their lips met gently. It was a soft, innocent kiss, filled with the warmth of their friendship and the promise of something more. Liana felt a rush of emotions, a blend of fluster and joy, as she pulled away slightly, both of them smiling.

    "That wasn''t so bad, was it?" Javier teased, his confidence soaring.

    Liana shook her head, still blushing. "You''re lucky I''m in a good mood today, Young Master. Don''t let it go to your head."

    "Toote!" he eximed, puffing out his chest in mock arrogance. "I''m the luckiest guy in the world!"

    Liana chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. "You really are impossible."

    As they entered the manor, the atmosphere shifted, the weight of the uing celebration hanging in the air. But for a moment, all that mattered was the bond they shared, a connection that felt deeper than either of them had dared to acknowledge.

    Lord Garius stood by the Pekko pen, watching the vibrant creatures chirp and fluff their feathers. The yful duo seemed oblivious to his imposing presence, happily pecking at their food.

    "So these are the two Pekko birds Javier bought for himself and Liana..." he mused aloud. His sharp gaze lingered on the pen before turning to Alf, who stood respectfully nearby. "I wonder how he managed to afford them, Alf?"

    Alf bowed slightly. "ording to our informant, Young Master Javier has been hunting monsters in the forest with Miss Liana. He sells the monster corpses, often dismantling the parts himself, and sometimes keeps the meat for personal use."

    Garius''s eyes narrowed, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Hunting monsters at his age and managing dismantling? Impressive... but where does he store the earnings and all that meat?"

    Errte stepped forward, her voice calm andposed. "Our sources suggest the Young Master has a unique magic storage ability, my lord. He keeps everything there, away from prying eyes."

    Garius raised an eyebrow, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Oh? A special storage magic? Now that''s interesting. Why would he keep something like that a secret, I wonder?"

    Errte allowed herself a faint smile. "Perhaps because he takes after a certain someone, my lord."

    Garius''s smirk faltered, and he let out a faint grunt. "Guh... You got me there, Errte. Alf, Hesbeirn... always quick to remind me of my own youthful days."

    Alf chuckled lightly. "It''s uncanny, my lord. Young Master Javier''s cunning and resourcefulness are quite reminiscent of you."

    Hesbeirn chimed in with a knowing smile. "Indeed. He''s a mirror of his father''s younger years¡ªalways plotting something, yet staying one step ahead."

    Garius let out a heartyugh, the tension in his posture easing. "Hah! Perhaps I should feel proud rather than annoyed. Still, his secretive tendencies warrant attention. Errte, Alf, Hesbeirn..." He turned to face them, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

    "What do you say we pay a visit to our ''partners''¡ªjust like the old days?"

    Errte''s expression didn''t change, though her eyes sparkled with amusement. "If that''s your wish, my lord. It''s been quite some time since ourst... coboration."

    Alf grinned, eager for the task ahead. "It''ll be good to stretch our legs. The younger generation could learn a thing or two from watching us in action."

    Hesbeirn chuckled deeply. "Lead the way, my lord. I''ll ensure we leave no loose ends."

    Garius nced back at the Pekkos before stepping away. "Let''s see if these old bones still remember how to y the game."

    As the trio followed him, the faint sound ofughter drifted in the air¡ªan echo of past exploits that had shaped the man who now bore the title of Count.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 95 The Joy of Companionship ( 95 )

    "Hesbeirn, our... ''partners.'' They''re still being well taken care of, I trust?"

    Hesbeirn nodded, his demeanor steady. "Yes, my lord. We''ve been discreet. They''re in the barracks under constant care. The caretaker and her team ensure they remain in perfect condition. No one in the household, apart from those involved, knows of their existence."

    Garius grinned knowingly. "Good. We can''t afford for our little secret to get out just yet. Their presence could raise a few eyebrows."

    Hesbeirn chuckled lightly. "Indeed, my lord. It''s amusing how attached everyone has be to their ''partners.'' It''s almost like they''re part of the family."

    The Countughed heartily. "Speaking of which... Javier''s taste in names! ''Buddy''? For a Pekko? What was he thinking?"

    Errte, walking a step behind, allowed a rare smile. "It''s rather endearing, my lord. Simple, perhaps, but it reflects his personality."

    Alf smirked, teasingly. "Endearing or not, ''Buddy'' and ''Pikko'' pale inparison to the majesty of ourpanions."

    Garius nodded, pride swelling in his chest. "Exactly! Giddie is a name worthy of a Pekko of his caliber. His golden feathers set him apart as the epitome of grace."

    Errte added softly, "And Silverwind is no less majestic, my lord. Her sleek silver feathers and unmatched speed make her one of the finest."

    Hesbeirn chuckled. "Boulder may not be shy, but his strength is unmatched. There''s no terrain he can''t cross with ease."

    Alf grinned mischievously. "Shadowglide embodies stealth and agility. A perfect reflection of my style, wouldn''t you say?"

    Garius exchanged nces with hispanions, the camaraderie evident. "You''re all too proud of your Pekkos. They are one of our greatest assets. If the household ever found out we''ve been keeping them secret for years..."

    Errte raised an eyebrow. "It would lead to interesting questions, particrly from Lady Francesca."

    The group shuddered at the thought of Francesca''s piercing gaze.

    Gariusughed it off, waving a dismissive hand. "She doesn''t need to know. Let her think I''m just a boring old Count."

    As they approached the barracks, the faint sound of soft chirps greeted them. Garius''s expression softened as he caught sight of Giddie, Silverwind, Boulder, and Shadowglide, eachfortably settled in their pens, exuding elegance and strength.

    "Our little secretpanions," Garius mused. "Let''s keep it that way."

    As they approached the grand Pekko pen, the majestic Giddie immediately spotted them. With a proud squawk, thergest of the Pekkos fluffed his shimmering gold feathers, sunlight glinting off them like a treasure hoarde to life.@@novelbin@@

    "Giddie!!!" Garius called, his voice brimming with pride and affection.

    The Pekko squawked back, stretching its massive wings as if to show off. Garius stepped closer, running his hand along the golden plumage. "Ohhh! Long time no see, Giddie! You''ve grown even more magnificent since Ist saw you."

    Alf crossed his arms, smirking. "Yeah, ''long time no see,'' you say? Didn''t you visit justst week?"

    Garius froze, scratching his head sheepishly. "Guh... you got me there. But can you me me? Giddie''s perfection deserves daily visits."

    Errte rolled her eyes with a faint smile, ncing at her Pekko, Silverwind, whose sleek, metallic feathers shimmered in the light. "Giddie may be magnificent, but each of our Pekkos has their own unique charm."

    Hesbeirn nodded as Boulder, his Pekko, stood stoic and firm, dwarfing the others. "Indeed. Boulder may not glitter like Giddie, but when ites to carrying loads and charging through rough terrain, there''s noparison."

    Alf chimed in, pointing to his Shadowglide, who blended seamlessly into the shadows of the pen. "And Shadowglide? Perfectly stealthy. Can''t beat that for a tactical advantage."

    Gariusughed, waving them off. "Bah! You all may have your specialties, but Giddie is the very definition of a true Pekko¡ªstately, regal,manding attention wherever he goes. Unlike a certain orange-feathered... thing my son brought home."

    Hesbeirn chuckled. "You mean Buddy?"

    Garius snorted. "Buddy? Hah! What kind of name is that? That scrawny bird hardly deserves the title of Pekko. Look at Giddie!" He gestured dramatically at his Pekko, who preened even more under the praise. "This is what a real Pekko looks like!"

    Alf leaned against the pen fence, smirking. "Careful, my lord. Say that around the young master, and you might find Buddy and Pikko nesting in your study."

    Garius waved him off dismissively. "Let him try. Giddie will set them straight."

    As Garius climbed onto Giddie, his grin widened. The golden Pekko let out a mighty squawk, sensing the challenge ahead.

    "Come on, partner! Let''s see if you''ve still got it!" Garius called, twirling the wooden sword Alf had handed him.

    Hesbeirn, already mounted on Boulder, sighed heavily. "Not this again, my lord. Haven''t you had enoughst time?"

    "Enough? Never! You always make the best sparring partner!" Garius replied with augh, pointing his wooden de at Hesbeirn.

    Alf stood nearby, smirking. "This should be good. Try not to break anything this time, my lord."

    Reluctantly, Hesbeirn epted the wooden sword from Alf. "Fine. But don''tin when Boulder sends you flying."

    The two Pekkos squared off, Giddie pping his powerful wings, while Boulder nted his sturdy legs, ready to charge.

    "On my mark!" Errte called, stepping up to oversee the duel with a faintly amused expression. "Three... two... one... Go!"

    Giddie surged forward, his speed belying his size, while Boulder charged like an unstoppable force. The sh of wooden swords echoed through the pen as the two riders exchanged blows. Readtest stories on My Virtual Library Empire

    Hesbeirn was steady, his movements precise, while Garius, with his ir for the dramatic, made the sparring match feel like a battlefield victory.

    "Ha! Is that all you''ve got, Hesbeirn?" Garius teased, deflecting a strike before spinning Giddie for a swift counterattack.

    "Hardly, my lord," Hesbeirn replied, parrying and countering with a downward strike. Boulder reared slightly, giving him leverage, but Giddie ducked with uncanny agility.

    The duel continued, strikes and feints exchanged, until Garius seized an opening andnded a clean strike on Hesbeirn''s side.

    "Victory is mine!" Garius dered triumphantly, raising his wooden sword high.

    Hesbeirn sighed, smiling faintly. "As expected, my lord. I suppose Giddie really is one of a kind."

    Gariusughed heartily, patting Giddie''s neck. "Of course! The finest Pekko in all thend!"

    Alf pped slowly, his smirk widening. "Well yed, my lord. Though, if I recall correctly, you owe Hesbeirn a rematch afterst month''s ''incident.''"

    Garius waved him off. "Bah, details! A win is a win!"

    As the groupughed, Garius leaned down to Giddie, whispering, "Good work, boy. I''ll get you an extra treat for that performance."

    Giddie squawked proudly, his golden feathers gleaming in the sunlight.

    Errte stood to the side, a warm smile on her usuallyposed face. Watching Garius banter with Alf and Hesbeirn over his small victory, she couldn''t help but reminisce.

    "My lord... it''s just like the old days," she said softly, her voice tinged with nostalgia.

    Garius nced her way, chuckling as he dismounted Giddie. "Ah, Errte. Back when you were my sharp-tongued maid, Alf was fumbling as my caretaker, and Hesbeirn¡ª" he pointed at his sparring partner, who was patting Boulder''s neck, "¡ªwas stiff as a board, shadowing me like a silent ghost."

    Hesbeirn sighed, a small smile forming. "I wasn''t stiff, my lord. I was disciplined. Someone had to be with all your antics."

    "Disciplined, you say?" Alf interjected, grinning. "I remember you standing like a statue while the young master slipped out to challenge a rogue knight for ''training.'' You didn''t even notice he was gone for hours."

    Hesbeirn shot Alf a pointed look. "And who was supposed to be watching him during the afternoons? A certain ''caretaker,'' perhaps?"

    Errte chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Both of you arguing while our lord got away with every mischief imaginable... Some things never change."

    Garius waved them off dramatically. "Hah! I call it honing my leadership skills. Look where we are now¡ªCount Garius and his ever-reliable retinue!"

    Laughter filled the air, camaraderie evident among them.

    Errte''s gaze softened. "Though times have changed, my lord, it''s good to see some bonds remain strong. We''ve been through much together, haven''t we?"

    Garius nodded, his expression thoughtful. "That we have, Errte. I wouldn''t trade those days¡ªor the three of you¡ªfor anything."

    The heartfelt moment lingered briefly before Garius broke it with his usual grin. "But enough sappiness! Errte, where''s my victory feast? Alf, find me another challenge! Hesbeirn, ready Boulder for another round!"

    Errte sighed with a smile. "Just like the old days, indeed."

    ( end of chapter )

 Chapter 97 A Wild Card in the Family ( 97 )

    Garius raised an eyebrow, his tone skeptical yet intrigued. "So... Javier. Secretive, huh?"

    Alf nodded, a mix of respect and amusement on his face. "Yes, my lord. He''s been working on something he calls an ''anti-air mana gun'' and a ''mana cannon'' in his own personal workshop, near the pekko pen."

    Garius''s eyes narrowed. "Does anyone else know about this?"

    "Only us and Liana," Alf replied confidently.

    Garius hummed thoughtfully before nodding sharply. "Good."

    Turning back to Alf, Garius leaned forward, his gaze intense. "And Alf... did he really charge into that group of over 200 men in the forest¡ªthe ones trying to assassinate the family¡ªwhileughing?"

    Errte chuckled softly, unable to contain her amusement. "It''s true, my lord. He tore through them with magic and skill,ughing the entire time. Reminds me of a certain someone from the old days..."

    Garius shot her a mock re. "Careful, Errte, or I''ll challenge you to another sparring match."

    She smirked, bowing her head slightly. "As you wish, my lord. But you must admit, Javier has inherited your reckless streak."

    Hesbeirn chimed in, dry humorcing his tone. "He''s certainly got your ir for the dramatic, my lord. Charging headfirst into a crowd of assassins... not something just anyone would do."

    Garius rubbed his temples, a mix of pride and exasperation on his face. "That boy to reckless."

    The trio shared a knowing smile, the room filled with afortable silence as they reflected on the young prodigy causing such a stir.

    Alf cleared his throat. "ording to my observations, my lord, young master Javier keeps all his earnings¡ªgold, jewels, and resources¡ªstrictly in his magic storage skill. He''s very secretive about it."

    Errte smirked, crossing her arms. "Hmm, sounds familiar. Just like a certain someone we know."

    Garius let out a sheepish chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "Guh... Errte, no need to bring that up."

    She leaned forward, her smile widening. "Oh, I distinctly remember a young lord hoarding every coin and artifact he could find, not to mention those secret stashes all over the estate."

    Garius waved her off with an exaggerated huff. "Alright, alright! That was years ago. If the boy''s smart enough to earn it, he''s smart enough to manage it."

    Hesbeirn chuckled deeply. "True, my lord. But it''s safe to say the apple didn''t fall far from the tree."

    The group shared augh, Garius shaking his head in mock defeat. "Fine, I''ll take the me for that one. But at least he''s putting it to good use¡­ I think."

    Errte raised an eyebrow. "Anti-air mana guns and mana cannons? That''s putting it to use, alright¡ªjust not the kind anyone expects."

    Garius smiled faintly, pride barely hidden. "That boy is a wild card. But he''s our wild card."

    Errte folded her arms, her stern expression softening slightly. "My lord, it''s time for you to prepare for the celebration in the grand hall."

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    Garius groaned dramatically, leaning back against Giddie''s warm feathers. "Haaaa... Can''t we stay a bit longer? I haven''t hung out with Giddie in forever. Please?"

    Alf and Hesbeirn exchanged amused nces, chuckling softly. Their lord, once a mischievous young master, hadn''t changed much¡ªexcept when he put on the facade of a strict noble.

    Errte''s smile was patient but unyielding. "No, my lord. You have responsibilities."

    Garius sighed, slumping further. "Haaaa... Errte, you really haven''t changed since back then."

    Errte smirked knowingly. "The same could be said about you, my lord."

    Reluctantly, Garius stood and brushed dirt off his robes. "Alright, alright."

    Errte raised an eyebrow, her voice light but firm. "And your posture, my lord. Noble posture."

    Garius rolled his eyes, exaggerating his movements as he straightened up. "Haaaa... This is why I can''t stand noble life."

    Errte chuckled softly. "Perhaps that''s why you married Lady Francesca¡ªbecause she''s a mage, not a typical noblewoman?"

    Garius grinned like a boy caught red-handed. "Well¡­ she''s hot, and she''s strong. Still is, even now. Hehe."

    Errte''s smile turned wry. "Please refrain from that drooling expression in front of others, my lord. It''s unbing of your station."

    Garius flinched, turning to Alf in mock despair. "Guh! Alf, look at your wife! She keeps nagging me nonstop!"

    Alf chuckled, shrugging lightly. "That''s just her way, my lord. She''s always been like this."

    Hesbeirn added with a teasing grin, "What do you expect? She''s my older sister. Nagging is practically in her nature."

    The group shared augh as Garius rubbed the back of his neck. "Fine, fine. Let''s head back. But I''m ming all of you if I fall asleep halfway through that boring celebration."

    Errte shook her head with a softugh, stepping ahead to lead the way. "As long as you don''t embarrass yourself in front of the other nobles, my lord, you''ll survive."

    "Haaaa..." Errte sighed, ncing at Garius with an amused yet exasperated look. "My lord, perhaps it''s no mystery why your youngest son is so cheeky and mischievous."

    Garius let out a heartyugh, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "Well, I can''t deny it. The boy does take after me more than I''d like to admit."

    Alf smirked, adjusting his gloves. "It''s not just his personality. His tendency to hide things and y tricks reminds me of you in our younger days."

    Hesbeirn nodded, grinning. "He even charges into dangerughing like you. It''s like watching you all over again."

    Garius waved them off with a chuckle. "Alright, I get it! The boy''s a little me. No need to rub it in."

    Errte smirked slyly. "And yet, you scold him for his antics while conveniently forgetting your own escapades."

    Garius crossed his arms with a mock pout. "Hey, I''m a responsible count now. I''m allowed to scold my son, cheeky or not."

    The trio exchanged knowing smiles as Errte muttered under her breath. "Responsible, you say, while sneaking off to the pekko pen instead of preparing for the celebration."

    "What was that?" Garius asked, pretending not to hear.

    "Nothing, my lord." Errte''s tone was perfectly innocent, though her grin betrayed her.

    Garius chuckled softly to himself. "Cheeky and mischievous, huh? Well, at least the boy knows how to live life with a bit of ir."

    Garius let out a deep sigh, leaning back against a wooden bench near the grand pekko pen. "Haaaa¡­ I miss the days when I was just a boy. Life was so much simpler before the Klimbert House attacked and wiped out my family."

    The trio fell silent, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air.

    His voice softened as he continued. "Back then, I didn''t have to worry about noble politics or assassins lurking in the shadows. I could run free, y with Giddie, and dream of bing a hero. It was¡­ the best time of my life."

    Errte ced a gentle hand on his shoulder, her expression warm yet firm. "Those days shaped who you are now. But you''ve built something beautiful from those ashes. Your family and your people are here because you survived and chose to fight."

    Alf nodded, his tone steady. "You''ve given your children a life your younger self could only dream of, my lord. Though we miss those carefree days, we see the strength you''ve gained through everything you endured."

    Hesbeirn smirked, crossing his arms. "Besides, my lord, you still act like a boy sometimes. Sneaking off to the pekko pen and sparring with wooden swords¡ªyou haven''t changed as much as you think."

    Gariusughed, though his eyes shimmered with mncholy. "You''re right. Maybe I haven''t changedpletely. But I wouldn''t trade what I have now for anything. My children, my people, this territory¡ªwe fought for all of it. And I''ll protect it, no matter what."

    Errte smiled softly. "And we''ll stand by you, just like we did back then."@@novelbin@@

    "Always, my lord," Alf and Hesbeirn said in unison, their voices steady with conviction.

    Silence returned, but it wasforting, filled with shared memories and unspoken promises.

    "Alright, enough of this gloomy talk," Garius dered, pping his hands together. "Let''s get back to the manor before Errte drags me there by the ear."

    Errte chuckled. "If that''s what it takes, my lord."

    With that, the group made their way back, the weight of the past giving way to the warmth of the present.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 99 The Grand Celebration ( 99 )

    The grand hall of the Armand estate was beautiful, filled with light from shining crystal chandeliers. The walls were decorated with the finest silks, and everyone was chatting happily while clinking their goblets. Nobles from all over the kingdom hade to celebrate Garius, who had just been promoted from Viscount to Count. This was an important moment for House Armand.

    In the center of the room stood Garius, wearing a perfect formal suit with his new title''s symbol on it. Next to him, Lady Francesca looked elegant in a sapphire gown that matched his outfit. They both smiled politely as they epted congrattions from their friends.

    "Garius!" shouted High Baron Mathrias, Garius''s long-time friend, as he walked over with his wife, Lady Silvia, and their children. Mathriasughed and patted Garius on the shoulder. "I can''t believe my old friend is now a Count! You''re lucky!"

    Gariusughed back, smiling. "Luck had little to do with it, Mathrias. Hard work and good nning are important."

    Mathrias grinned. "Hard work, good nning, and maybe a little help from above. Don''t be so modest!"

    Lady Silvia stepped forward, her face bright with joy. "And Francesca, you''ve done an amazing job with this event. It''s wonderful, as always."

    Francesca nodded gracefully. "Thank you, Silvia. It''s lovely to have you here tonight."

    Mathrias''s sons were nearby, looking sharp but full of energy. However, it was their youngest child, Lady Gracelle, who caught everyone''s attention. At just ten years old, she looked graceful in a soft pink gown, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she spotted a young boy.

    Gracelle''s cheeks turned pink when she saw Javier by the banquet table, talking animatedly with other children. She hesitated for a moment, then tugged at her mother''s sleeve. "Mother, may I go say hello to him?"

    Lady Silvia looked where Gracelle was pointing and tried to hide a smile. "Of course, dear. Go ahead."

    As Gracelle walked over, Garius leaned toward Mathrias with a smirk. "Your daughter seems quite interested in my youngest. I wonder what trouble he''s gotten into this time."

    Mathriasughed. "Knowing Javier? Probably something that will drive us fathers crazy. But Gracelle is smart¡ªshe won''t get too attached."

    Meanwhile, Francesca noticed a change in Liana''s expression as she watched Gracelle approach Javier. Liana''s eyes showed a hint of jealousy before she quickly hid it.

    "Javier-sama," Gracelle said, her voice confident, even though she was young. Javier turned, looking confused at first, but then he recognized her.

    "Oh, Gracelle! Hello! Um¡­ are you enjoying the party?" he asked, scratching his head, unsure why she was looking at him so intently.

    Gracelle sped her hands together, her cheeks still pink. "Very much, especially because you''re here. You promised, after all."

    "Promise? What promise?" Javier asked, tilting his head.

    Gracelle''s blush deepened as she leaned closer. "The kiss, Javier-sama. Don''t you remember? You promised to marry me."

    Javier froze. "Wait, WHAT?!"

    Liana tried to hold back herughter nearby. "Oh, Young Master, it looks like you''ve made quite an impression."

    Gracelle smiled brightly, not noticing Javier''s panic. "It''s okay if you forgot. I''ll remind you every day! I''ll be the best wife for you, I promise." She hugged him tightly, making the nobles around themugh while Javier felt embarrassed.

    "Liana! Help me out here!" Javier whispered, looking at his maid, who just smiled.

    "But Young Master," Liana teased, "didn''t you say you like making others happy? Look at her. She''s so in love with you!"

    Javier sighed. "This is all your fault, Liana. Just wait and see."

    As Gracelle hugged Javier and excitedly talked about their "future," Garius watched from a distance, shaking his head and chuckling. "That boy of mine¡­ always making thingsplicated."

    Feeling brave in the festive atmosphere, Gracelle suddenly leaned in and kissed Javier softly on the lips.

    "Mmmppphh!!" Javier''s eyes went wide in panic, freezing as his mind raced.

    Gracelle pulled back, her face shining with happiness. "Oh, Javier-sama¡­ I love you!"

    Javier turned to Liana, his eyes pleading for help, silently screaming, "Do something!"

    Liana, standing nearby, noticed his desperate look but stayed calm. She crossed her arms and smirked slightly.

    "Hmmph," she thought, keeping her voice professional as she straightened up. "That''s what you get for ying with a girl''s heart, Young Master."

    Though she looked calm, a small pout appeared on her lips¡ªa hint of jealousy she tried to hide.

    Gracelle held onto Javier''s arm, smiling brightly as if the kiss meant everything. But Javier was not happy about it.

    "Liana!" he whispered urgently. "Do something! I can''t handle this!"

    Liana sighed softly and stepped closer, bowing to Gracelle. "Young Lady Gracelle," she said calmly, "the Young Master appreciates your affection, but there are many other guests who also want to greet him."

    Gracelle blinked, surprised but quickly nodded. "Oh, of course! But I''ll be backter, Javier-sama. Don''t forget our promise!" She giggled and skipped away with a big smile.

    Javier let out a long sigh of relief, leaning against a pir. He turned to Liana. "What was that?! You just stood there!"

    Liana raised an eyebrow, yfully narrowing her eyes. "And what should I have done¡ªinterrupt ady''s love confession?"

    "Yes! Exactly that!"

    Liana tilted her head, pretending to be innocent. "I thought you liked being the center of attention. Besides," she lowered her voice, "maybe now you''ll think twice before ying with a girl''s heart."

    Javier groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Just wait, Liana. I''ll get back at you for this."

    Liana smiled knowingly. "I can''t wait to see how you try, Young Master."

    As the party went on, Gracelle looked dreamily at Javier from across the hall, while Liana stayed by his side. Even though she seemed calm, she felt a little possessive¡ªan emotion she didn''t understand.

    "Haaaa¡­" Javier let out a big sigh, leaning against a pir.

    Liana raised an eyebrow, her voice steady but amused. "What now, Young Master?"

    Javier groaned, rubbing his temples. "I just wanted to see how you would react."@@novelbin@@

    Liana narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. "By kissing her at the end of the dance? Now look what''s happened. She''spletely in love, and everyone thinks you promised to marry her."

    Javier straightened up, looking serious. "No. I won''t marry her before I marry you."

    Liana stiffened, her calm look cracking as her cheeks turned slightly pink. "Yes, yes, here we go again with the promise," she said, trying to brush off his words while avoiding his gaze.

    Javier smirked and stepped closer. "I''m serious. Just wait, Liana."

    Liana sighed softly, shaking her head, but a small smile appeared on her lips. "If you''re serious, then make sure you marry her too. You can''t leave things hanging in noble society."

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    Javier leaned in slightly, grinning mischievously. "Yes, I will¡­ after you."

    Liana met his gaze, feeling a mix of annoyance and affection. "Young Master, you really are impossible."

    "I know." Javier''s grin widened, his yful tone sincere. "But that''s why you like me, right?"

    Lianaughed softly, shaking her head. "Focus on getting through the rest of the evening first. Then we''ll talk about your crazy ns for the future."

    Javierughed and followed her back into the busy hall. "Deal. But don''t think you can escape from me, Liana. You''re stuck with me¡ªforever."

    Liana didn''t answer, but the faint blush on her cheeks said a lot.

    (End Of Chapter)

 Chapter 100 Between Two Worlds ( 100 )

    The grand celebration was lively, with nobles from all over the kingdom chatting andughing in the hall. The air was filled with the delicious smells of rich food and wine, while cheerful music yed in the background.

    Javier sat at a table, looking around at different groups of nobles. He had a slight smirk on his face as he watched the fancy event, but he seemed a bit bored.

    Liana quietly approached, carrying a te of roasted meats. She ced it in front of him with care before pouring a ss of fine wine. After adjusting his napkin, she stepped back to her spot¡ªclose enough to help, but far enough to let him have his space.

    "Young Master, behave," she said softly, her green eyes meeting his for a moment.

    "Yes, yes," Javier replied, waving her off, but a yful grin showed he enjoyed herpany.

    Just as he was about to take a bite, Gracelle rushed in, her bright dress flowing as she moved. "Javier-sama!" she squealed, throwing her arms around him.

    Javier''s eyes widened, and he almost choked on a sip of wine, struggling to keep his nobleposure. His serious face slipped for a second, but he quickly put on a strained smile.

    Gracelle leaned in and kissed him firmly on the cheek. "I love you!" she shouted, making nearby guests nce over in amusement.

    Javier froze, his mind racing to find a response that wouldn''t cause rumors or embarrass his family. "Uhh¡­ yeah¡­ I love¡ª" he began, but his voice faltered.

    From her spot behind him, Liana narrowed her eyes slightly. Even though she kept a neutral expression, a hint of irritation bubbled beneath the surface.

    Gracelle beamed, her youthful energy shining as she hugged Javier tighter, her eyes bright with determination.

    "Javier-sama! I will try my best to be your future wife! Tehe~" she said yfully, tilting her head.

    Javier let out a nervousugh, ncing around the grand hall for a way out. "Umm... yeah¡­" he mumbled, unsure of how to handle the situation without making a scene.

    Gracelle pouted, stepping back just enough to look him directly in the eyes. "Javier-sama?"

    "Hmm?"

    "Promise me! Promise me you''ll take me as your wife! After all, you already kissed me!" Her voice was loud enough to catch the attention of a few people nearby.

    Javier gulped, feeling Liana''s gaze on him, even from behind. Taking a deep breath, he nodded stiffly. "Umm... o-okay."

    Gracelle''s smile grew as she sped her hands together in delight. "Yay! I knew you''d agree, Javier-sama! I''ll work hard to be the perfect wife for you!"

    From her ce behind Javier, Liana closed her eyes and let out a quiet sigh, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Young Master¡­" she thought, feeling both amused and frustrated. "You always find a way to attract trouble."

    Liana understood that in noble society, marrying multiple wives wasmon¡ªmore wives meant more status and power. Even though she knew this, she still felt ufortable seeing Gracelle cling to Javier so eagerly.

    She adjusted her posture, trying to remainposed as a maid, even though her thoughts were racing. It''s to be expected. The Young Master is charming and talented, part of a noble family. Girls like Lady Gracelle will naturally be drawn to him.

    Javier, clearly ufortable, managed to keep a polite smile on his face. He briefly nced at Liana, silently asking for help.

    Liana met his gaze and sighed softly. "Young Master," she said, stepping forward just enough to make her voice heard. "The guests are still waiting to meet you. It wouldn''t be right to keep them waiting."

    Gracelle''s grip on Javier loosened as she looked up at Liana, her expression unsure but polite. "Oh, yes... I suppose Javier-sama is very busy tonight."

    Javier took the chance to gently pull himself away. "Ah, yes, Lady Gracelle, duty calls," he said, relieved, and offered a quick bow. "We''ll... talkter."

    As Gracelle stepped back reluctantly, Liana leaned closer to Javier, lowering her voice so only he could hear. "You owe me for this, Young Master."

    Javier grinned, feeling his yful side return. "Thanks, Liana. You really are my future wife."

    Liana straightened up, her cheeks slightly pink, but she kept her professional demeanor. "Don''t get ahead of yourself, Young Master. There are still many guests to greet."

    As they moved on, Javier couldn''t help but let out a quiet chuckle. Liana''s calm yet slightly flustered reaction always amused him, making the grand party a bit more enjoyable.

    "Lord Javier!" one of the girls called out, her voice sweet and cheerful. "What a pleasure to see you here!"

    The others joined in, their voices lively. "You look so dashing tonight!"

    "We were just saying how impressive you were during the dance!"

    Javier instinctively straightened his posture, putting on a polite but strained smile. "Ah,dies... thank you. You''re all too kind."

    Liana stepped back slightly, her expressionposed, with a knowing glint in her eyes as she quietly observed.

    One girl leaned in closer, her cheeks flushed. "Lord Javier, may we have the honor of yourpany for the next dance?"

    "Or perhaps you''d like to join us for some refreshments?" another girl added.

    Javier felt his shoulders tense, caught up in their enthusiasm. He nced briefly at Liana, whose calm demeanor bordered on amused detachment.

    "Ah..." he hesitated, looking between the girls and Liana. "I... uh... I would love to, but¡­"

    Liana stepped forward, her voice gentle yet firm. "My apologies,dies, but the Young Master has prior obligations this evening. Perhaps another time?"

    The girls pouted slightly but nodded, stepping back with polite curtsies. "Of course. We''ll hold you to that, Lord Javier!" one said with a yful wink before they walked away.

    As soon as they were out of earshot, Javier let out a relieved sigh and turned to Liana with exaggerated gratitude. "Liana, you''re a lifesaver."

    Liana raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk on her lips. "I thought you enjoyed attention, Young Master. What happened?"

    Javier groaned. "There''s a difference between charming someone and being surrounded like a deer cornered by wolves."

    Liana chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Well, consider this a lesson in managing your poprity."

    "Lesson learned," Javier muttered, trailing after her as they walked away from the bustling crowd in the grand hall.

    "Liana?" Javier''s voice cut through the noise of the grand hall, quiet yet firm.

    "Yes, Young Master?" Liana turned toward him, her eyes calm yet questioning.

    "Follow me," he said, his tone serious.

    Liana raised an eyebrow. "You can''t leave the grand hall yet, Young Master. Don''t embarrass your family during such an important celebration."

    Javier smirked yfully. "I''m not. Juste on." He gestured toward a quiet area away from the crowd.

    "What now, Young Master?" Liana sighed, more curious than annoyed.

    Javier didn''t answer, turning briskly toward the spot. Liana hesitated for a moment before following him, her steps measured.

    Once they reached a quiet, dimly lit corner, Javier suddenly stopped. Without saying anything, he took her hand¡ªhis grip firm but gentle. Before Liana could protest, he pulled her into a tight embrace.

    "Young Master?" she began, but her voice caught when he leaned closer.

    Javier tilted his head, his eyes intense as he pressed his lips to hers in a tender yet desperate kiss, expressing everything he felt but couldn''t say.

    When he pulled back, his voice was raw. "I want you, Liana."

    Liana blinked, her cheeks flushed, her mind racing. "Young Master¡­"

    "I truly want you," he repeated, his hands trembling on her shoulders.

    Her heart ached at his words, but she remainedposed. "You know this isn''t possible. I''m your maid; you''re a noble''s son."

    "I don''t care about that. You''re everything to me," Javier insisted.

    Her heart swelled at his words, but she held back. "Even if I feel the same, your family¡­ your future¡­"

    "Forget the world," he interrupted fiercely. "It''s my life, and I want you in it."

    Liana looked down, emotions swirling inside her. She wanted to believe him but felt the weight of her reality holding her back. "Young Master, you''re still young. When you truly understand what you''re asking¡­ if you still feel this wayter, then¡­"

    Javier lifted her chin, his confidence returning. "Then it''s a promise, Liana. Just wait for me."

    A single tear slipped down her cheek as she smiled. "I''ll wait, Young Master. But until then, you must focus on your path."

    "And you must stay by my side," he insisted. Enjoy new chapters from My Virtual Library Empire

    "Always," she whispered, stepping back and breaking the embrace, though the moment lingered.

    Javier straightened and nced at her. "Let''s head back before someone notices."

    Liana nodded, herposed expression returning, though her heart raced. "As you wish, Young Master."

    They walked back to the grand hall in silence, the unspoken promise between them lingering like an unbroken thread, tying their fates together.

    Liana walked a step behind Javier, her heart heavier than usual. This wasn''t the first time her young master had dered his feelings. He had always been serious, even in his yful, mischievous way. Yet, every time he spoke of making her his wife once he became an adult, she felt torn between hope and hesitation.

    She nced at his back as he strode confidently ahead. Though still growing, he wasn''t a child in mind. His determination and the fire in his eyes were anything but youthful whimsy.

    Young Master¡­ if that''s what you truly want¡­ if you truly mean it¡­

    Then I''ll wait.

    The words echoed in her heart, firm and steady, as her resolve solidified. No matter the obstacles¡ªsociety, her position, or his family¡ªLiana knew she could never betray the young master she''d watched over for years. If this was the path he chose, she would walk it with him, no matter how uncertain or challenging it might be.

    With a small smile, Liana adjusted her pace to walk beside him instead of behind. It wasn''t just duty that tied her to Javier anymore; it was something far deeper, something she couldn''t bring herself to ignore.

    (End of Chapter)@@novelbin@@

 Chapter 101 Laughter and Valor ( 101 )

    Javier leaned against the fence of the Pekko pen, watching the vibrant creatures going about their day. The grand celebration fromst week had gone off without a hitch, and for once, there were no assassins, threats, or urgent matters to attend to. Peaceful? Yes. Exciting? Not at all.

    "Boring¡­" Javier muttered, tossing a chunk of feed to Buddy, his loyal Pekko. The bird caught it mid-air, squawking happily. Nearby, Liana''s Pekko, Pikko, lounged on thewn, soaking up the sunlight.

    A mischievous gleam appeared in Javier''s eyes as he nced around. "Heh, Liana''s not here¡­" A smirk spread across his face. "Buddy, let''s have some fun."

    Buddy tilted its head, squawking excitedly, sensing Javier''s yful intent.

    "Come on, Buddy!" Javier swung himself onto the bird''s back with practiced ease. Buddy let out a triumphant cry, wings fluttering.

    "Now... Dash!!"

    With a burst of speed, Buddy shot forward, and Javier whooped in exhration. The wind rushed past him as they raced across the estate, weaving between trees and fields.

    "Uooohhhh!! This is fun! You''re getting faster, Buddy! Eheheheheheheh!"

    Guards on patrol paused mid-step as a blur of orange and red-ck streaked past.

    "Ah, young master. Good day!" one guard managed to say, tipping his helmet as Javier and Buddy zoomed by.

    "Yep, this is nice!" Javier called back with a wave, not slowing down.

    "Buddy!! Dash!! Hahahaha!!"

    The guards exchanged amused nces, watching their young lord ride off, hisughter echoing across the estate. "Well, at least he''s enjoying himself," one remarked with a chuckle before resuming his patrol.

    Meanwhile, Buddy squawked with joy, reveling in the impromptu race. For Javier, moments like these¡ªcarefree and exciting¡ªwere the perfect remedy for the monotony of noble life.

    Javier patted Buddy''s neck, his grin widening. "Buddy, let''s sneak out for a bit. Just a little stroll on the road."

    Buddy tilted its head, letting out a curious squawk.

    Leaning closer, Javier whispered as if sharing a secret. "Don''t worry, no one will see us. Trust me."

    With another chirp, Buddy seemed to give its approval.

    "Alright then¡­ Invisible!" Javier chanted, weaving mana around them. In an instant, both he and Buddy vanished, the world around them unchanged.

    "Perfect!" he dered triumphantly, patting Buddy again. "Now, let''s take a walk!"

    The invisible duo moved toward the estate gates. Buddy''s steps were light, its usual chirps muted by Javier''s mana maniption to avoid detection. The guards stationed at the gate stood at attention,pletely oblivious to the mischievous pair slipping by.

    Javier stifled augh. "See, Buddy? Easy! No one even noticed us."

    Once on the main road, he looked around, excitement bubbling over. Blending into the world, unseen yet free, thrilled him. "Alright, let''s explore! Dash, Buddy!"

    Buddy squawked¡ªsilently, thanks to the spell¡ªand began trotting down the road.

    Javier leaned back slightly on Buddy, grinning as they strolled leisurely down the road. The fresh breeze, rustling trees, and faint sounds from the nearby vige created a serene backdrop.

    "Ehehe... this is fun. Just a noble young man and his loyal Pekko out for a stroll," he said with augh.

    Buddy responded with a soft squawk, pping his wings briefly before continuing at a steady pace.

    Javier''s eyes scanned their surroundings as the road opened up into an unfamiliar path lined with flowering bushes and rolling hills. His smirk widened. "Oh, this is new. We''ve never been down this road, Buddy. Adventure calls!"

    He began humming a lighthearted tune, the melody blending with the chirps of birds above. The world felt big and inviting, a wee change from the structured life at the manor.

    "Well... this isn''t bad at all," he mused, stretching his arms. "But we can''t go too far, or that scary elf will hunt us down."

    Buddy squawked again, as if in agreement.

    Javier chuckled, imagining Liana''s stern yet flustered face if she discovered this escapade. "But for now, let''s enjoy the moment. No Liana, no formalities¡ªjust freedom!"

    While strolling along the road with Buddy, Javier hummed a carefree tune. His Pekko walked leisurely, its sturdy legs moving steadily on the dirt path. The tranquility was blissful, the breeze ruffling his hair as he enjoyed the moment.

    But then something caught his eye in the distance¡ªa smallmotion of people shouting, pleading, and crying.

    "Ohhhh! What''s going on there? A party?" he said, leaning forward on Buddy.

    It wasn''t a party. It was chaos.

    A group of bandits surrounded a terrified family¡ªa man, his wife, and a young girl. The man knelt on the ground, bloodied as he desperately pleaded with the bandits.

    "Please! Take the money and the loot! Spare my wife and daughter!"

    The banditsughed cruelly.

    "Oh, what a nicedy you have here," one sneered, grabbing the woman roughly. "Hand her over, or we''ll kill you all."

    The woman screamed, struggling as her clothes were tugged and torn.

    "Ohoho! What a body! Mmm... she probably tastes good," one bandit chuckled darkly.

    "Hey, I get to taste her first!" another shouted, shoving hispanion aside.

    The family''s terrified cries filled the air. But before further horror could unfold, a calm voice interrupted.

    "Hey... are you guys making a movie or something?"

    The bandits turned sharply to the source of the voice. A young boy stood a short distance away, casually resting a hand on his head.

    "Oi! Who''s this kid?" one bandit snarled.

    "Don''t know, boss," another said. "Should we kill him?"

    Javier raised both hands, twisting his expression into a terrified pout. "Eeeekk!! I''m just a kid who wandered off! Please spare me!" He sniffled and pretended to wipe his nose with his sleeve, the perfect picture of a scared child.

    The bandits erupted inughter.

    "Hahaha! Even the brat''s scared of us!" one boasted. "We''re the strongest bandit n in the area! Even the lord here is scared of us! We''re the Rogues Bandit n!"

    "Eeeeeppp!!" Javier cried, ying along, his face crumpling as if he would sob. Then, suddenly, he smirked.

    "Ehehehe... ehehehe... HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

    The bandits froze,ughter dying as they stared at him in confusion.

    "What''s wrong with this kid?" one muttered.

    "Just kill him already!" the leader barked.

    Javier''s smirk widened. "Oooohhh, Buddyyyyyy...!"

    The ground shook as Buddy charged forward with a thunderous squawk. Before the bandits could react, the massive Pekko stomped down, crushing two of them beneath its powerful ws.

    "Kikiki!" Javier''sughter echoed as he leapt off Buddy''s back, unsheathing a massive sword from his magic storage. He turned toward the cowering bandits, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous light.

    "Hey, old man," Javier called to the beaten father, casually, "Don''t just stare at Buddy. Here''s your reward!"

    With a swift motion, he shed through the nearest bandit, his de cutting cleanly through armor and flesh. Blood sprayed as Javier''sughter grew louder and more unhinged.

    The bandits screamed, stumbling back in terror as they realized the boy they''d mocked was a monster far beyond theirprehension.

    "HAHAHAHAHA!" Javierughed, his grin wide and feral. "Oh, this is fun! Let''s keep going, Buddy!"

    Buddy squawked again, lunging forward to take down another bandit as Javier''s de gleamed in the sunlight, cutting down anyone foolish enough to stand in his way.

    As the remaining bandits scrambled to escape, Javier raised his voice, a wicked grin on his face.

    "Hey, where are you going? I thought you wanted to ''taste'' these women here?" His tone dripped with sarcasm as he began to chase after them, his unsettlingughter echoing through the air.

    "Kekekekekeke!"

    Buddy squawked in excitement, stomping down on a fleeing bandit, sending him flying before copsing in a heap.

    "Evil people must be punished!" Javier dered, eyes gleaming with glee. "Kekekekeke! No running now!"

    One desperate bandit turned back, gripping his weapon tightly.

    "I''ll kill you, you little brat!" he roared, charging toward Javier.

    Javier smirked, raising one hand as if weing the attack. "Ahhh, a brave one, huh? Fine, let''s spice things up."

    In an instant, his yful demeanor shifted, and he activated his gravity spell. A heavy, unseen force mmed into the bandits, pinning them to the ground.

    "W-what is this?!" one screamed, struggling under the weight.

    The remaining bandits groaned, faces contorted in pain.

    "Buddyyyyyyy..." Javier called in a sing-song voice.

    Buddy squawked joyfully, hopping forward like a massive predator, each stomp crushing the helpless bandits beneath its ws.

    It was a brutal game of "hit the mole," with Buddy eagerly smashing anything that moved.

    As thest bandit met his grisly end, Javier stood amidst the chaos, his sword resting casually on his shoulder. He nced at the terrified family, giving them a cheeky grin.

    "No mercy for evil people, especially ones who im the lords of thisnd are scared of their weakling bandit group." He wiped a speck of blood off his cheek, grinning wider. "Because, surprise! I''m the lord''s son. Well... the youngest one, but still. Ehehehe."

    Buddy squawked in agreement, puffing out his chest proudly.

    The daughter sobbed, clutching her father. "Father¡­ Are you alright?"

    The man grimaced but managed a weak smile, gently patting his daughter''s head. "I''m fine¡­ don''t worry, my sweet girl. I''m still here."

    The wife, trembling but unharmed, approached cautiously, ncing at the carnage. Her eyes locked onto Javier''s sword and the family crest stitched onto his clothing.

    Her breath hitched. "D-dear¡­ That boy¡­ Do you see the emblem?"

    The man turned, eyes widening as he recognized the crest of the Armand Household¡ªa noble family known for their strength and influence.

    "T-that''s the crest of Viscount¡ªno, Count Armand''s family!" he stammered, awe and disbelief in his voice.

    The wife sped her hands together, tears welling. "Could it be? The youngest son of the Count¡­? To think someone of his stature would save us¡­"

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    Javier, still perched on Buddy''s back, waved nonchntly, torn between mischief and embarrassment. "Eh, it''s no big deal. I was just passing by and thought I''d clean up the trash." He smirked, tapping Buddy lightly. "But yeah, don''t spread it around, okay? I''ve got a reputation to maintain. Ehehehe."@@novelbin@@

    The wife dropped to her knees, bowing deeply. "Thank you, young master! Thank you for saving us!"

    The man nodded fervently, shaking with gratitude. "You''ve saved my family¡­ We owe you a debt we can never repay. Please, if there''s anything¡ªanything¡ªwe can do¡­"

    Javier scratched the back of his head, feeling awkward under their heartfelt thanks. "Nah, don''t sweat it. Just¡­ stay safe, alright? And maybe take the main roads next time. Bandits don''t usually bother where the guards patrol."

    With a final wave, Javier guided Buddy back onto the road, leaving the grateful family behind.

    "Come on, Buddy. Let''s keep strolling. That was fun, but we''ve got more roads to explore!"

    With that, they disappeared down the path, leaving behind a scene of utter carnage¡ªand a grateful family who would never forget the mysterious, mischievous boy and his unstoppable Pekko.

    ( End Of Chapter )

 Chapter 102 Loot, Laughter, and Lessons ( 102 )

    "Buddyyyyy! That was fun!" Javierughed, patting Buddy''s neck enthusiastically. "How about we hunt down the remaining bandits, huh? Ehehehe¡­ We can loot them! They loot and kill others, so we''ll just return the favor. Yeah, it''s called justice."

    Buddy squawked in agreement, his beady eyes gleaming with excitement.

    Javier smirked, leaning closer to Buddy''s ear. "And I''ll treat you to some premium wyvern meatter. Sound good? Ehehehe, I''ve got a lot of it stored up in my magic storage! We''ll grill it, spice it up, and¡­ slurp¡­"

    Both Javier and Buddy drooled at the thought of a feast, their imaginations racing with the aroma of sizzling wyvern meat.

    But before Javier could indulge his ns further, he felt a sudden sharp tug on his ear.

    "Eeeeekkk!! That hurts!! Who dares¡ª" He twisted around, freezing mid-sentence.

    "Ahhhh¡­ L-Liiiaaaa¡­nnnaaaa¡­" he stammered, sweat dripping down his face as he faced Liana''s calm yet terrifying gaze.

    "Young master," Liana said in a dangerously sweet tone, still holding his ear firmly, "would you care to exin what exactly you''re doing out here?"

    Javier gulped, forcing out a nervous chuckle. "Just sightseeing, Liana. You know, fresh air and¡­ uh¡­ justice? Hehehe¡­"

    Liana narrowed her eyes, gripping tighter. "Sightseeing? With bandit corpses lying around while you drool over looting them?"

    "W-well, technically, they were evil! And Buddy helped! Right, Buddy?" Javier turned to Buddy, who squawked and tilted his head innocently.

    Liana sighed, letting go of his ear but stepping closer to re at him. "Young master, I told you not to leave the estate unsupervised. Do you know how dangerous this is? What if something happened to you?"

    Javier pouted, rubbing his sore ear. "C''mon, Liana. I''m not a kid anymore. I handled it just fine! Look!" He gestured dramatically at the defeated bandits. "All cleaned up. No harm done."

    Liana crossed her arms, tapping her foot. "''No harm done''? You''re the youngest son of Count Garius. Do you think your father would let this slide if he found out?"

    Javier froze, the mention of his father draining the color from his face. "U-uh¡­ You wouldn''t tell him, right? Liana, my dearest, most loyal, and beautiful maid, surely you wouldn''t¡­"

    Liana sighed again, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Let''s head back before anyone else notices your little adventure."

    Javier slumped in defeat, muttering under his breath. "Fine¡­ But we''re still grilling that wyvern meatter."

    Buddy squawked in agreement, making Liana shake her head with an exasperated smile. "Let''s go, young master."

    Javier sat atop Buddy, humming a cheerful tune as they strolled leisurely down the winding road, enjoying the serene countryside. The cool breeze rustled the leaves, and the sun cast a golden glow over the fields. It was peaceful¡ªjust the escape Javier needed.

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    Behind him, Liana rode her silver-feathered Pekko, Pikko, her posture elegant andposed. While Javier savored the scenery, he couldn''t help but nce back over his shoulder asionally.

    Leaning down to whisper into Buddy''s ear, he muttered, "Tch¡­ I''m sure Pikko''s the one showing the way, huh? It''s like he has some magical radar for finding you no matter where we go."

    Buddy squawked softly in agreement, sharing Javier''s mild annoyance.

    Javier smirked. "Ehehehe¡­ We need to step up our stealth game, Buddy. Next time, we''ll make a real escape! Maybe use some invisibility magic or a diversion¡ª"

    "Young master," Liana''s calm voice cut through his plotting.

    Javier froze, straightening up on Buddy''s back. He chuckled nervously, ncing back at her. "Hehe¡­ What''s up, Liana? Just enjoying the scenery, nothing suspicious here!"

    Liana''s serene expression held a glint of amusement and exasperation. "If you''re done conspiring with your Pekko, perhaps you''d like to inform me of our destination this time?"

    Javier waved dismissively. "Destination? Pfft, no destination! This is a freedom ride, Liana. No rules, no schedules, just me and Buddy¡ª"

    Pikko let out a soft chirp, almost mocking Javier''s statement, and Liana smiled knowingly. "Hmm. A freedom ride, you say? Then why does Pikko always seem to find you, no matter where you and Buddy go?"

    Javier groaned, throwing his hands up dramatically. "See?! I knew it! Pikko''s got a sixth sense or something. Buddy and I are being tracked, Liana!"

    Liana chuckled softly, stroking Pikko''s neck. "Perhaps Pikko is just more responsible than a certain young master and his overly energetic Pekko."

    Javier huffed, slumping a bit on Buddy''s back. "Responsible, huh? I call it nosy."

    Buddy squawked indignantly, seemingly agreeing with his rider, while Pikko chirped in smug satisfaction.

    Liana shook her head, smiling gently. "Young master, wherever you go, I''ll find you. Not just because of Pikko, but because I''m your maid."@@novelbin@@

    Javier blinked, caught off guard by her earnest tone, then quickly looked away with a slight blush. "Y-yeah, yeah¡­ Don''t get all sentimental on me, Liana. Let''s just keep riding, alright?"

    Liana smiled knowingly but said nothing, guiding Pikko to match Buddy''s pace as they continued their peaceful ride.

    Javier hummed happily on top of Buddy, jingling a pouch of gold coins as they walked down the quiet road. He couldn''t help but smile as he counted his treasure.

    "One¡­ five¡­ uh, fourty? Ohhh, nice! Ehehehe!" he said, sounding very happy.

    Behind him, Liana sighed a little, riding Pikko. "Young master, stop with that drooling face. You look ridiculous."

    Javier quickly wiped his mouth andughed awkwardly. "Slurp¡­ Ah, um¡­ Eheheh. Here, this is for you!" He threw her five gold coins from his pouch with a quick flick of his hand.

    Liana caught them easily and looked at the shiny coins in her hand. "Haaaa¡­ You keep giving me gold like this, young master. Do you even know how much this is? This is a year''s sry for a personal maid."

    Javier shrugged casually. "So? You''re going to be my wife once I grow up. Think of it as¡­ an investment! Yeah, something like that."

    Liana sighed again, but a small smile appeared on her face. "Young master, we maids of the Armand household are already well taken care of. Clothes, rooms, food¡ªit''s all provided. Most of us only use our sry for personal things, sending money to family, or saving it in the bank."

    Javier blinked, stopping his counting. "Huh? We have a bank?"

    Liana tilted her head, surprised by his question. "Hmm? Of course, young master. The Armand household manages one of thergest banks in the region, you know?"

    Javier almost fell off Buddy. "EHHHHH!? WHAT?!"

    Liana couldn''t help butugh softly at his reaction. "Honestly, young master. For someone so smart, you''re really clueless about some things."

    Javier rubbed his head shyly, mumbling. "They really need to tell me these things¡­ Ehehehe¡­"

    Liana smiled knowingly as they continued their ride, the coins jingling softly in her hand. "Maybe if you spent less time sneaking off with Buddy and more time learning about your family''s businesses, you''d already know."

    Javier groaned, leaning forward on Buddy. "Boring lectures and politics? No way. I''d rather hunt bandits and enjoy the loot."

    Liana sighed again but didn''t argue, knowing it was pointless. As they rode on, she put the coins away, quietly amused by her young master''s antics.

    Javier leaned back happily on Buddy, a yful grin on his face. "Who needs a bank when I have magic storage, huh? Ehehehe... EVERYTHING fits in there! Weapons, armor, puppet knights, mana cannons, anti-air mana guns, gold, jewelry, wealth, food... oh, and meat! So much meat!"

    Liana raised an eyebrow, not impressed. "Young master, you can''t just hoard everything like a dragon."

    Javier smirked and wiggled his fingers dramatically. "Hoard? Nah, it''s called efficient resource management. Besides, it''s not hoarding if I use itter. You''ll thank me when we''re knee-deep in battle and I whip out an anti-air mana gun to save the day!"

    Liana sighed and shook her head. "You''re hopeless."

    Javier didn''t let that bother him. "And proud of it! You should see the wyvern meat I stashedst week. Premium grade! I''ll grill itter¡ªBuddy and I already nned a feast."

    Buddy squawked in agreement, pping his wings excitedly like he was dreaming of the tasty meal.

    Liana pinched the bridge of her nose. "You''re going to turn your magic storage into a traveling pantry at this rate."

    Javierughed, clearly not worried. "A pantry, an armory, and a treasury all in one. Pretty genius, right?"

    Liana sighed again, but a small smile appeared on her lips. "Just don''t forget there are more important things than hoarding meat and weapons, young master."

    Javier turned and grinned at her. "Like you?"

    Liana paused for a moment, her cheeks turning slightly pink. "Stop teasing, young master."

    Javier justughed, his mood as carefree as ever. "Ehehehe! Admit it."

    Liana rolled her eyes but didn''t disagree, following him as he rode off humming another cheerful tune, his mind already nning his next "resource management" adventure.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 104 The Reason Why ( 104 )

    A distinct smack echoed through the halls, followed by Javier''s panicked cry.

    "Eekk! Leave the face out of it!!" he shouted, desperationcing his voice.

    The unmistakable sounds of yful yet firm ps and light punches filled the air. Thwack! Smack! Whap!

    From a distance, a pair of maids exchanged amused nces. One of them, Ste, leaned slightly to peek down the corridor. "Miss Liana''s at it again," she murmured with a smirk.

    Laria nodded, stifling augh. "Poor young master. He never learns, does he?"

    Meanwhile, Javier''s voice rose theatrically. "Aaagh! Not the hair! Not the hair! You know how long it takes to get this perfect!"

    Liana''s calm yet teasing tone cut through his protests. "Young master, this is what happens when you tease me about things you shouldn''t."

    Javier replied quickly, "I''ll never do it again! I swear! I tell you!"

    Liana chuckled softly, her melodicughter mixing with gentle scolding. "We''ll see about that, young master."

    Inside Javier''s mind, a mischievous chuckle echoed. Ehehe... she''s mad again. This is fun.

    No matter how much Liana scolded or chased him, Javier couldn''t help himself. Her fiery reactions, the way her calm demeanor gave way to flustered frustration, were irresistible. He lived for those fleeting glimpses of her unguarded self¡ªfar from her usual perfect posture and poised grace.

    She''s cute, he thought, grinning as he dodged her next yful swing. Way too cute.

    Of course, he could easily avoid her wrath. With his speed, magic, and Buddy''s help, escape would be simple. But where was the fun in that?

    It doesn''t even hurt when she punches me, he mused, amusement bubbling up. Her ''punishments'' felt more like yful taps. The real sting came from when she ignored him, didn''t care about him, or if she left him¡ªand even those feelings only fueled his determination to cause more chaos.

    For Javier, every ruckus was more than mischief; it was about getting her attention, breaking past her formal duties to see the real Liana¡ªnot just his maid, but the person he cared about the most.

    Ehehe... this is the best.

    "She always acts soposed, but when she''s mad... she''s cute, isn''t she? Eheh... totally worth it!"

    Another light thwack brought him back to reality.

    "Aw! Okay, okay! Maybe not totally worth it!"

    Yet even as he thought that, his smirk lingered. He couldn''t help but enjoy their dynamic¡ªLiana''s calm but unyielding demeanor and his knack for pushing just the right buttons.

    "Ah, life would be so boring without her."

    "I won''t stop making chaos just to get her attention," Javier smirked inwardly, the thought both mischievous and sincere. "And when she''s really mad, I''ll just hug her, say I''m sorry. If one day she gets fed up with me... well, I''ll find another way to get her attention."

    The yful grin on his face hid a deeper intent. It wasn''t just about mischief; it was his way of staying close to her, breaking through the boundaries her duty often put between them.

    Sure, as an adult in mind, I know what I''m doing is a bit childish," he admitted with a soft chuckle. "But hey, my body''s still that of a kid... well, sort of. I''m taller than her now, so maybe it''s not just my age holding me back; I haven''t hit puberty yet.

    What can I do? It''s not like I can do what an adult can. Well, not gonna lie, I do want it, but my kid body won''t react. Duh. Living in this fantasy world where there are no video games, no smartphones, and nothing else, this is the only fun I can think of... well, other than sneaking out with my buddy.

    His grin widened as he imagined her scolding face, Her eyes sharp yet warm as she tried to maintain herposure.

    I wouldn''t have it any other way.

    For Javier, teasing Liana was more than a game; it was his way of holding onto their connection, a bond deeper than mere titles of "master" and "maid." She was the one constant in his chaotic noble life, and he had no intention of letting that change.

    "Lianaaaa..." Javier whined, dragging out her name with a pitiful look.

    Liana arched a brow, her fist still poised for another punishment. "What now, young master?"

    Javier blinked innocently. "I''m hungry..."

    Liana sighed heavily, dropping her hand as her usualposure returned. "Haaa... let''s head to the main dining area. I''ll ask the chef to prepare something for you."

    Javier perked up, grinning. "Can you cook it for me? Just this once?"

    She narrowed her eyes. "Haaa?"

    "Please?" He sped his hands and added an exaggerated sparkle. "Eheheh."

    Finally, Liana relented, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Okay... just this once."

    Javier''s grin turned into a mischievous smirk as he nced around. With a flick of his wrist, he activated his magic storage skill, pulling out heaps of fresh, premium wyvern meat.

    "Meat! Meat! Meat!" he cheered, holding it up triumphantly.

    Liana pressed her fingers to her temples. "Haaa... young master¡­"

    "Ehehehe," heughed, handing the meat to her. "Liana... I''ll wait in my room."

    Liana frowned. "You should eat in the main dining area like a proper noble."

    Javier waved off her words, already walking away carefreely. "Nah... don''t wanna. Ehehe."

    Liana stood there for a moment, holding the stack of wyvern meat, shaking her head in exasperation. "Really, young master¡­"

    Liana walked into the bustling kitchen, the aroma of spices and roasted vegetables filling the air. She ced the pile of premium wyvern meat on the counter, drawing the chefs'' attention.

    The head chef approached her. "Miss Liana, that''s quite a haul! Shall I assist you in preparing it?"

    Liana shook her head, her calm demeanor unwavering. "No need. You all may continue with your usual tasks. I''ll handle this myself."

    The chefs exchanged surprised nces but refrained from questioning her. The head chef nodded politely. "As you wish, Miss Liana."

    He stepped back, signaling the rest of the kitchen staff to resume their duties. Liana tied an apron around her waist and rolled up her sleeves.

    "Let''s see... the young master requested something special. Hmm.. grilled wyvern steak with a side of herb sauce will do," she murmured, inspecting the cuts of meat with her practiced eye.

    With precision and grace, she began preparing the dish, her fluid movements reflecting the poise that set her apart in the Armand household.@@novelbin@@

    The head chef, observing from afar as Liana skillfully handled the wyvern meat, couldn''t help but nod in approval. Her precise knife skills and calm demeanor brought a rare elegance to the bustling kitchen.

    As the staff prepared for lunch, the head chef briefly disappeared into the storage room. When he returned, he carried a small jar of his special spice blend, reserved for the finest dishes served to the Armand family. Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire

    He ced the jar beside Liana with a respectful nod. "Here, Miss Liana. This should enhance the vor of the wyvern meat. It''s the best we have."

    Liana nced at the jar, recognizing its rarity, and offered a small, sincere smile. "Thank you, Head Chef. This will be perfect."

    His confidence in her growing, the head chef remarked, "If anyone can make the young master''s special request a masterpiece, it''s you, Miss Liana."

    "I''ll do my best," she replied, her tone humble yet steady. Taking a pinch of the spice, she sprinkled it carefully over the steaks before continuing her preparations, determined to meet Javier''s high expectations.

    The head chef nced at the generous portions of premium wyvern meatid out before Liana and let out a low whistle. "That''s quite a lot for the young master."

    Focused on marinating the meat, Liana replied without missing a beat. "Well, he wanted it, and it''s my duty to prepare it."

    The head chef chuckled, shaking his head. "That young master of ours has quite the appetite¡ªand a knack for getting what he wants."

    Liana paused, ncing up with a small, knowing smile. "Yes, he certainly does. But it''s better than him sneaking around the kitchen and causing a scene."

    Heughed heartily. "Thats right, Miss Liana. Let me know if you need anything else."

    "Thank you," she replied with a polite nod, returning to her work as she carefully grilled the meat to perfection. Despite the asional sigh over Javier''s antics, her movements were meticulous, ensuring the dish would meet his expectations¡ªeven if it was more meat than one person should probably eat.

    This is quite a lot for him alone," Liana thought, her eyes scanning the generous portions of wyvern meat before her.

    With practiced precision, she prepared each cut, trimming it perfectly to retain the meat''s natural juiciness. Blending the head chef''s special sauce with a few of her own secret spices¡ªa subtle bnce of sweet and savory, enhanced with a touch of citrus¡ªshe aimed to bring out the richness of the wyvern meat.

    The sizzling sound of the meat hitting the hot grill filled the kitchen, its mouthwatering aroma wafting up as the spices caramelized into a ze. Liana worked with graceful efficiency, flipping each piece at just the right moment to achieve a perfect golden sear.

    "Young master always demands the best," she mused, a faint smile tugging at her lips despite her earlier exasperation. "At least I can ensure he eats well."

    Once the meat was ready, she arranged it on arge tter, garnishing it with fresh herbs for a touch of elegance. The rich aroma filled the air, prompting envious nces from passing staff.

    "Perfect," Liana said softly, wiping her hands on her apron before carrying the tter toward Javier''s room. "Let''s see if this satisfies his appetite."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 106 Visiting the Barracks ( 106 )

    Javier groaned as the morning sunlight filtered through his curtains. He turned over, pulling the covers tighter around himself.

    "Young master, wake up," Liana''s calm but firm voice called as she gently shook his shoulder.

    "Mmm? Oh, Liana¡­ let me sleep a little longer," Javier mumbled, burying his face deeper into the pillow.

    Liana crossed her arms, her expression unyielding. "No, wake up now. Today is important. Remember you wanted to visit the barracks but had to cancel because of the recent assassin attack?"

    Javier sighed dramatically. "Ugh¡­ fine, I''m up." He yawned widely, rubbing his eyes as he sat up.

    "Now, go shower and wear your formal clothes. Don''t forget the family crest. You represent the Armand name today."

    Javier stretchedzily. "Okay, okay, stop nagging," he muttered with a faint smirk, shuffling toward the bathroom.

    Liana raised an eyebrow, hands on her hips. "Nagging? Would you prefer I let you oversleep and show up looking like a slob?"

    Javier grinned over his shoulder. "Heh, you wouldn''t. You love me too much for that."

    "Go shower, young master," Liana replied tly.

    As Javier disappeared into the bathroom, Liana prepared his formal attire, ensuring everything was pressed and polished, the family crest prominently disyed on his jacket.

    "It''s about time the soldiers see their young master in proper form," she murmured, anticipating the chaos Javier might cause at the barracks. "Let''s hope he doesn''t start another ruckus¡­ though, knowing him, that might be asking too much."

    After Javier showered and put on his formal clothes, he was apanied by Liana to the main dining room. Javier took his seat at the usual ce, excitement bubbling up as he anticipated breakfast.

    "Meat, meat, meat... ehehehe!"

    Javier''s face lit up when he saw Gloria enter the main dining hall. "Gloria! Ehehehe!"

    Liana, sitting nearby, sighed. "Eat your meal, young master."

    Ignoring her, Javier turned his full attention to Gloria, his yful grin widening. "Gloriaaaa! Kiss!"

    Gloria tilted her head slightly, her calm expression unchanged. "Ara, young master¡­" She leaned down gracefully, allowing him to nt a quick kiss on her lips.

    Pulling back with a satisfied smirk, Javier nced at Liana. "Ehehehe¡­ Liana didn''t give me a kiss today, so¡­"

    Liana''s eyes twitched slightly, though her demeanor remainedposed. "Young master, focus on your meal." Her tone was polite, but there was a subtle edge to it.

    Javier chuckled and stuffed a piece of bread in his mouth, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Jealous?"

    "Hardly," she replied, standing to adjust the tableware, though Javier noticed her hands moving a bit faster than usual.

    Gloria smiled knowingly but said nothing. "Ara, young master, you do know how to brighten the morning."

    As Gloria gracefully exited the dining room, she nced back with a serene smile. "Now, now, young master, finish your breakfast. I''ll inform the household maids who will escort us today to prepare." With that, she strode out, leaving Javier feeling triumphant.

    His victory was short-lived.

    Suddenly, Javier felt a sharp pinch on his back. "Ekkk! Liana!" He twisted around, ring at her with mock betrayal.

    Liana, her usual calm reced by a rare sh of irritation, leaned in, her eyes narrowed. "How dare you kiss another woman while I''m right here!"

    "aw..aw..a!" Javier squirmed in his seat, trying to escape her grip.@@novelbin@@

    "I-It''s just Gloria! She always lets me!" he stammered, waving his hands defensively.

    Liana''s lips curled into a dangerously sweet smile. "That''s not the point, young master."

    Javier gulped, knowing that smile meant trouble. "C-Come on, Liana, it was just a little peck! It doesn''t mean anything!" Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire

    Liana let go of his back, but her gaze remained sharp. "I''m watching you, young master. Don''t push your luck."

    Javier rubbed his back, sulking slightly, but deep down, he couldn''t help but smirk. Getting a rise out of Liana was always worth the consequences. "Hehe, you''re cute when you''re jealous."

    Liana''s eyebrow twitched, prompting Javier to dive into his breakfast, pretending to focus intently on his food.

    Javier''s eyes sparkled mischievously as he leaned closer. "Lianaaaa... kisssss!"

    Liana crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Didn''t you just get a kiss from the ''most beautiful and serene'' head maid, Gloria?"

    "But... but..." Javier pouted dramatically, his eyes glinting with yful determination.

    Liana sighed, feeling herself give in. "Haaa, young master..." She leaned down, her long hair cascading around them, and gently pressed her lips to his.

    This time, it wasn''t a quick peck. Liana lingered, her touch soft andsting longer than Gloria''s, as if to prove a point. When she finally pulled back, her eyes met his, calm yet slightly flustered. "Satisfied?"

    Javier''s face lit up like a child with the biggest prize at the fair. "Yep! Your kiss is the best, Liana!"

    She straightened, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, regaining herposure. "Now, finish your breakfast, young master. We don''t have all day."

    Javier nodded enthusiastically, a wide grin on his face, savoring the moment. "Totally worth it."

    "Liana, you''ll let me kiss you every day once we get married, right? Ehehehe," he said, his mischievous grin widening.

    Liana sighed, teasing yet exasperated. "Haaaa... young master, don''t we already kiss every day?"

    Javier blinked, caught off guard. "But..."

    She cut him off, smirking as she crossed her arms. "We''ll see about that once you grow into a proper adult."

    Javier leaned back, his grin returning. "This is why I love you."

    Liana shook her head, her lips twitching to hold back a smile. "Yes, yes, you love all the beautiful women¡ªespecially ones as ''hot'' as Miss Gloria."

    Javier gasped, dramatically clutching his chest. "Liana! You wound me!"

    She rolled her eyes, unable to hide the faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Finish your meal, young master."

    "Fine," Javier mumbled under his breath, obediently returning to his food, his mind already scheming his next yful tease.

    Once Javier finished his breakfast, Liana leaned in and gently wiped his mouth with a napkin. Turning to the household maids in the dining area, she instructed, "Take the tes away and ensure the table is cleaned."

    "Yes, Miss Liana," the maids replied in unison, promptly moving to carry out her orders.

    Liana straightened and adjusted Javier''s cor, her expressionposed. "Now, young master, I believe Miss Gloria and the others are waiting for us by the carriage."

    "Okayyy..." Javier stretchedzily, but as he began to walk, he suddenly turned and headed toward the exit.

    Liana narrowed her eyes. "Young master, where are you going?"

    Javier nced back with an innocent grin. "Hmm? Feeding Buddy and Pikko. I want to ride them instead of taking the carriage."

    "Haaa... young master," Liana sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "We''ve already discussed this. You''re supposed to arrive formally in the carriage. Riding your Pekko might... raise a few eyebrows."

    Javier waved her off, already halfway out the door. "It''s fine, Liana! They''ll love it! Plus, Buddy and Pikko need the attention too. Ehehehe."

    Liana hurried after him, muttering under her breath, "This boy..."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 107 Arriving at the Barracks ( 107 )

    The barracks buzzed with energy. Soldiers stood in formation, their posture less about discipline and more about anticipation.

    Their captain paced in front of them, barking orders. "Alright, soldiers! Today, we have an official visit from our young master, Javier De Armand! I want everyone on their best behavior!"

    However, the soldiers weren''t exactly thrilled about their young master. Instead, murmurs rippled through the ranks, excitement growing for a different reason.

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    "I heard the head of the household maids is visiting!" one soldier whispered, barely containing his grin.

    "Not just her! I bet there''ll be a whole entourage of maids!" another chimed in, polishing his breastte with vigor.

    "I wonder which one is super hot!" a third added, slicking his hair back as if preparing for a ball instead of a formal inspection.

    The captain stopped mid-pace, ring at themotion. "What are you all fussing about? This is an official visit! Focus!"

    "But Captain!" a bold soldier shouted. "Do you know how many maids areing with the young master?"

    The captain sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "How should I know? Maybe ten... or more."

    The ranks erupted in cheers.

    "Uooooohhhhh!!! That''s amazing! More maids mean better chances!"

    "Do you think the head maid is single?" one soldier spected, fixing his posture.

    "Forget her! What about the younger ones? There''s bound to be someone who''ll notice me!"

    Nearby, another soldier nervously checked his breath by cupping his hand over his mouth. "Does it smell alright? Should I chew some mint leaves?"

    One veteran chuckled, adjusting his helmet. "I heard there are over a hundred maids at the manor. If even a dozene, our odds are fantastic!"

    The captain groaned, watching as his men straightened their armor, tucked in loose tunics, and sneaked nces at their reflections in shields.

    "Have some dignity!" he shouted, but it was no use. The barracks had turned into a fashion show for lovesick soldiers.

    One eager soldier leaned over to his friend, whispering, "Hey, if one of them smiles at me, I''m proposing on the spot!"

    The captain pped his forehead, muttering to himself. "These fools are more excited for the maids than the young master''s inspection. Heaven help us if Lord Garius hears about this¡­"

    As the soldiers continued their chatter, one of them suddenly grinned at the captain. "Captain! You''re still single, aren''t you? Don''t act all high and mighty¡ªthis is your chance too!"

    Laughter erupted among the ranks, hearty chuckles echoing through the barracks.

    Another soldier pped his knee. "Yeah, Captain! You''re not getting any younger. Maybe this is your golden opportunity!"

    The captain''s face flushed with irritation. He opened his mouth to retort, but a smooth, confident voice interrupted him.

    "Heh. Like any of you stand a chance against me."

    The barracks fell silent as heads turned to the doorway, where the infamous ikemen of the squad stood leaning casually against the frame. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with a chiseled jawline and a smirk that seemed to melt hearts.

    The soldiers groaned collectively.

    "Ugh! The yboy is here! Damn it!"

    "Shooo! Get lost! Go away!" another shouted, waving dismissively.

    The yboy chuckled and brushed back his perfectly styled hair. "Don''t hate the yer, boys. Hate the game." He adjusted his polished armor, shing a sparkling smile. "When those maids see me, it''s over for all of you. Just ept it now."

    One soldier stomped his foot in frustration. "You''re just here to chase skirts! We want wives!"

    The yboy raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "And who says I''m not looking for a wife too? I just enjoy the process more than you boring lot."

    Another soldier jabbed a finger at him. "Liar! You''re only after their bodies! Don''t ruin this for us!"

    "Yeah! Go charm someone else!" another added, puffing out his chest as if trying topete.

    The captain rubbed his temple in exasperation. "Why do I even bother? We''re supposed to be preparing for an official visit, notpeting for maids'' attention!"

    But the soldiers were too engrossed in their sparring to pay him any mind.

    The yboy shrugged, confidence dripping from his words. "Well, you can all keep dreaming. Me? I''ll just be over here... winning."

    The soldiers erupted in boos and protests as the barracks descended into chaos, leaving the captain to wonder if this inspection would be more trouble than it was worth.

    Suddenly, the happy chatter among the soldiers stopped when they heard the guards outside announce the arrival of the young master.

    "A-Attention! The... the Young Master Javier De Armand has arrived!"

    The guards sounded nervous, their wordsing out in a stutter. The soldiers in the barracks exchanged knowing looks and smirked.

    "Ohhh! That means the maids escorting the young master are absolutely stunning!" one soldier whispered loudly.

    Another grinned widely and nudged his friend. "Yeah! Even the guards outside are stuttering! Can you imagine? They''re probably speechless just seeing them!"@@novelbin@@

    "YEAHHH!!" the group cheered together, their excitement clear.

    The captain pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a long, tired sigh. He had expected this, knowing how his soldiers would act. This wasn''t just a normal day¡ªit was a rare chance for the maids of the Armand Household to visit the barracks.

    "This is hopeless," the captain muttered to himself, shaking his head. Even though he was annoyed, he couldn''tpletely me them. He had once visited the main manor when Lord Garius called him for his promotion to captain. He''d seen the elegance and beauty of the household maids himself.

    He paused, his expression softening as he remembered a certain maid. Her calm smile and graceful way of moving had made asting impression on him. Though he never learned her name, he thought about her often.

    "I wonder¡­" he murmured, looking toward the entrance. "Could she be one of the maids with the young master today?"

    The soldiers, however, were too busy with their own thoughts, making bets and dreaming about which maid might notice them.

    "I swear, if it''s her, I''ll confess on the spot!" one soldier dered, puffing out his chest.

    "Confess? You''ll faint before you even get a word out!" anotherughed.

    The captain sighed again and straightened up. "Alright, enough! Everyone, get into formation! Show some discipline for once!"

    As the soldiers hurried to fix their uniforms and stand at attention, the sound of footsteps and the jingling of armor grew louder, signaling the young master''s arrival. Even with their excitement, they managed to look somewhat orderly, waiting for the show they all knew wasing.

    The gates to the barracks creaked open, and Javier rode in on Buddy, his Pekko, with Liana beside him on Pikko. Behind them, Miss Gloria rode gracefully on her horse, apanied by twenty household maids ,making the guards and soldiers staring in awe.

    Javier''s sharp eyes quickly noticed the surprised faces of the guards at the gate. "Heheh¡­" he smirked to himself. "I know that look. They''re all staring at the maids, just as I thought. Predictable!"

    The head guard cleared his throat, trying to keep his cool. "W-Wee to our barracks, Young Master!" he announced formally, but his eyes kept darting toward the line of maids.

    Javier responded with a polite nod but was really thinking about his ns. "I made sure to ask Gloria to bring Cici as one of the escorts. Oh, this is going to be good. I can''t wait to see the captain''s reaction when he sees her."

    Inside the barracks, the soldiers couldn''t contain their excitement and began cheering.

    "They''re here!"

    "Look at them! They''re even more beautiful than we imagined!"

    The captain stood rigidly in the courtyard, ready for the chaos. His jaw tightened as he tried to focus on Javier''s arrival, but his gaze slipped toward the maids¡ªespecially one in the middle. His heart skipped a beat.

    Liana watched the soldiers going wild and sighed, shaking her head. She knew exactly what they were thinking, and it didn''t surprise her at all.

    Miss Gloria, sitting next to Javier, stayed calm, her smile showing she didn''t notice¡ªor care about¡ªthe fuss. Her peaceful attitude only seemed to charm the soldiers even more.

    Javier leaned closer to Liana, whispering with a cheeky grin. "Liana, look at them. They''re practically drooling. Should I be worried that Gloria might identally cause a mutiny here?"

    Liana shot him a sharp look. "Young Master, please behave. You''re here on an official visit."

    "I am behaving," Javier whispered back, trying not tough. "This is me at my best."

    When they finally stopped in the center of the courtyard, everyone was watching them. The soldiers tried hard to stay disciplined, but many failed. Javier got off Buddy, patting the bird''s neck, still wearing that yful smirk.

    The captain stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Wee, Young Master Javier, Miss Gloria, and honored guests," he said, though his voice wavered as he nced at Cici, who stood shyly behind Gloria.

    Javier held back a chuckle, noticing every detail of the captain''s reaction. "Ah, there it is," he thought. "Bullseye."

    (End Of Chapter)

 Chapter 109 A Playful Interlude ( 109 )

    "Excuse me, Young Master," Liana said suddenly, her tone calm but firm. "I have some¡­ ''business'' to attend to."

    Javier raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Business, huh? You mean¡­ the toilet?"

    Liana froze, her face flushed with embarrassment and irritation. "Young Master!" she hissed, her voice rising just enough for a few nearby maids to stifle their giggles.

    Gloria chuckled softly. "Ara, Young Master, it''s not polite to tease ady about such matters." She turned to Liana with a warm, understanding smile. "Don''t let him fluster you, Miss Liana. Please, go ahead."

    Liana shot Javier a sharp re, her eyes daring him to say anything else. "I''ll be back shortly. Try to behave while I''m gone."

    Liana approached Captain Garrick, "Where is the toilet for women?"

    The captain stiffened. "U-Umm¡­ we don''t have a specific one for women in this area. There''s one in the healer unit, but it''s quite far. Perhaps the staff restroom at the back would suffice? I can give you the key."

    Liana regarded him calmly and nodded. "That will do. Please give me the key."

    Captain Garrick quickly handed over the key. Liana turned and headed toward the staff toilet at the back.

    As Liana entered the staff restroom, nearby soldiers whispered among themselves, sneaking nces her way. Meanwhile, an ikemen soldier, discreetly followed her, positioning himself just out of sight but close enough to intercept her.

    Liana maintained herposed demeanor as she exited the staff toilet, only to find the ikemen soldier leaning casually against the wall nearby, a sly grin on his face. His perfectly groomed appearance and confident stance made it clear he had been waiting for her.

    "Well, well, aren''t you a sight to behold," he said, smoothly stepping into her path. "I couldn''t resisting to greet the most beautiful woman I''ve ever seen in these barracks."

    Liana''s eyes narrowed slightly, her voice cool and detached. "I''m sorry, but I''m not interested." She tried to walk past him, but he quickly moved to block her.

    "Oh,e on, just spare me a little of your time," he said, his toneced with practiced charm. "I can''t let someone as stunning as you just walk away without at least having a conversation."

    Liana''s gaze hardened, her voice sharp and firm. "I don''t need to say it twice, do I?"

    "You''re ying hard to get, huh? That''s fine. I like a challenge."

    Before Liana could react, he reached out, gently grabbing her wrist. In one swift motion, he pushed her back against the wall, leaning in close.@@novelbin@@

    "Oh,e on now. Just a little chat won''t hurt, will it? Someone as lovely as you must have plenty of admirers, but I''m not like the others. I''m special," he murmured, leaning toward to kiss her.

    Suddenly, his movements froze. His eyes widened as a cold sensation brushed against his neck.

    "Don''t even think about kissing me, shithead," Liana''s icy voice cut through the air.

    The ikemen gaze dropped to see a small, gleaming dagger pressed firmly against his throat, the de angled with precision. Liana''s expression was calm but deadly.

    The ikemen''s confidence evaporated instantly. He raised his hands slowly, sweat beading on his brow. "W-wait! I didn''t mean to¡ª"

    "I don''t care if you were joking or serious. The next time you touch me, you won''t get off with just a warning. Remember this, you piece of shit. I''m not an easy woman, no matter what nonsense you were thinking. Try that again, and I''ll make sure you regret it."

    "Go back to your post, soldier," she ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument.

    The ikemen stumbled back, nodding frantically. "Y-yes, ma''am! Sorry, ma''am!" He turned and hurried off, clearly shaken.

    Liana sheathed her de with practiced precision and brushed past him without a nce. Her thoughts were focused on someone else entirely.

    "Hmph. As if I''d let anyone kiss me," she muttered under her breath. Her mind shed briefly to Javier, and a faint smile tugged at her lips. "That privilege belongs to only one person."

    Liana adjusted her uniform and sighed, muttering, "Idiots like him really don''t know their ce." She thenposed herself and returned to Javier, who remained unaware of the incident.

    "What took you so long?" Javier asked.

    Liana smiled faintly, her calm demeanor fully restored. "Just dealing with¡­ some minor inconveniences, Young Master."

    Javier nced at Liana, still suspicious despite her calm demeanor. "Did something happen to you?" he asked, narrowing his eyes slightly.

    Liana met his gaze with her usual poise, a faint smile on her lips. "Hmm? Nothing, Young Master. Everything is fine."

    Javier leaned back slightly, folding his arms. "If you say so..."

    Meanwhile, Cici stood among the maids, fidgeting slightly. She clutched something hidden in her apron pocket, her cheeks faintly flushed. Gloria leaned toward Javier and whispered with a knowing smile, "Young Master..."

    Javier''s eyes lit up mischievously. "Ohhh¡­ I see."

    Straightening his posture, he adopted a stern and noble demeanor, his voice taking on an authoritative edge. "Cici."

    The maid jolted, her eyes widening in surprise. "Y-Yes, Young Master?" she stammered, her hands tightening over her apron.

    "Come here," Javiermanded, his tone leaving no room for hesitation.

    Cici stepped forward hesitantly, her posture nervous but obedient. "Um¡­ Okay."

    When she stood before him, Javier''s gaze sharpened. "Stand!"

    Cici immediately straightened, standing as firm as a soldier during inspection.

    "Gloria."

    Gloria inclined her head with a serene smile. "Yes, Young Master?"

    "Take whatever she''s hiding in her pocket and hand it over to me," Javier ordered, mimicking themanding tone of his father, Lord Garius.

    Cici''s face turned pale as Gloria reached into her apron pocket, retrieving a neatly folded piece of parchment. She nced at it briefly before handing it to Javier with a small smile.

    Javier unfolded the letter and scanned its contents. His smirk grew as he read the heartfelt words addressed to Captain Garrick. Folding the letter carefully, he called out in amanding voice, "Captain Garrick!"

    The captain, startled, immediately approached and saluted. "Yes, Young Master!"

    Javier held out the letter to him, his voice brimming with mock seriousness. "Take this. You are to read itter when you are off duty."

    Captain Garrick blinked, ncing at the letter in confusion before epting it with a slight bow. "Understood, Young Master."

    Cici burned with embarrassment, avoiding eye contact and sping her hands tightly together.

    Javier leaned back in his seat, his stern expression giving way to a cheeky grin as he whispered to himself, "Hehe¡­ Matchmaking sess."

    Liana shook her head, clearly amused by Javier''s antics. "Young Master..."

    Javier tilted his head, feigning innocence. "Hmm?"

    She raised an eyebrow, her eyes twinkling with a mix of exasperation and amusement. "Do you have to meddle in their... personal matters?"

    Javier leaned back, arms crossed, his signature smirk returning. "Ugh! It''s annoying to see them fidgeting and acting all uneasy. I bet they don''t even know each other''s names yet. Seriously, they need a push."

    Liana sighed but couldn''t suppress a small smile. "You meddle too much for someone your age."

    "Hey, they should thank me!" Javier dered, pointing a thumb at himself. "I''m practically a matchmaking genius. I just want to speed things up before they both die of awkwardness."

    Gloria chuckled softly, covering her mouth. "Ara, Young Master, you certainly have a ir for romance."

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    "Of course I do,"

    Liana turned slightly, hiding her flushed face behind her hand. "Haaa... Young Master, eat your meal and stop ying cupid."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 110 Between Blades and Bonds ( 110 )

    Javier brushed off his hands and stretched as he stood up. "Alright, I''m done with my meal. Time to continue the tour. Captain Garrick?"

    Garrick stood up straight, his face still a little red from earlier. "Yes, Young Master. Please follow me."

    The maids, finished with their meals, quickly lined up and hurried to their ces around Javier, their graceful movements catching the attention of the soldiers again.

    "Lead the way, Captain," Javier said casually, hiding the mischief inside him.

    Garrick took the group to a quieter part of the barracks, where the healer units were. Inside, the air smelled faintly of herbs and potions. Several healers¡ªboth men and women¡ªwere busy grinding ingredients, preparing bandages, or practicing minor healing spells on dummies.

    "This is the healer section, Young Master," Garrick began. "We currently have around 80 people with healing talent."

    Hmm, only 80? That''s not enough if arge war ever happens. Healers are very important to any army,"

    The female healers looked up for a moment, some smiling politely at the noble group. Most were older or already married, which made the soldiers a bit less excited. Still, a few couldn''t help but look at the maids, whispering to each other about their beauty.

    Next, Garrick took them to the cavalry unit. Strong horses with shiny equipment stood in well-kept stables. The soldiers here wore heavier armor and practicedbat moves on horseback.

    "This is our cavalry unit," Garrick exined, keeping his voice professional.

    Javier looked at the horses, their shiny coats sparkling in the sunlight. While the strength of the unit was impressive, he wasn''t very interested in the details. "Hmm, not bad,"

    The soldiers nearby couldn''t hide their excitement.

    "I told you, the maids are beautiful!"

    "They''re all stunning!"

    "I''m going to try talking to one of themter!"

    "These guys are hopeless," he thought, shaking his head lightly. "Not that I can me them. I''m a man too, after all."

    Meanwhile, Liana, standing next to him, gave him a subtle look, her expression a mix of amusement and annoyance. She seemed to notice Javier''s interest in how the maids were reacting.

    Miss Gloria, always calm, let out her usual sereneugh. "Ara, the soldiers seem quite taken with the maids, don''t you think, Young Master?"

    Javier chuckled. "You could say that, Miss Gloria. But I think they''re forgetting their duties."

    As the tour went on, the soldiers'' excitement about the maids didn''t fade, but Javier kept his calm face, asionally sharing amused looks with Liana and Gloria. It was turning into a day the barracks wouldn''t forget anytime soon.

    The group arrived at the workshop, its doors wide open, revealing the sound of hammers nging and the glow of molten metal. A tall, stern man with a soot-covered apron and arms crossed stood by the entrance. His sharp eyes scanned the visitors before he shouted,

    "What youds want!?"

    Captain Garrick stepped forward, lowering his voice to a calm but firm tone. "Mister Rasdingen, the Young Master is here on an official visit. Please, show a bit of respect?"

    The smith grunted, his tone still rough. "Hah! It ain''t Lord Garius, is it? Why should I care!"

    Captain Garrick flinched a little but didn''t back down.

    Javier, however, paid no attention to the rude wee. His eyes sparkled with excitement as soon as he entered the workshop. All around him were weapons at different stages ofpletion¡ªexclusive longswords, beautifully crafted daggers, and special des that shone under the forge''s light. Apprentices worked hard, and one was carefully pouring molten metal into a mold.

    "Uoohhh!!" Javier eximed, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

    Mister Rasdingen raised an eyebrow, his mood changing slightly. "Oh? These kids got spirit! I like it." He hit a nearby workbench with his thick palm, making the air vibrate slightly. "Oi,d!"

    Javier turned toward him. "Yes?"

    The cksmith pointed to a nearby rack. "See that dagger there? That''s no ordinary de. Go ahead, take a look if you''ve got an eye for this sort of thing."@@novelbin@@

    Without hesitation, Javier stepped over and picked up the dagger. It was perfectly bnced, with a polished edge and a fancy handle. Turning it in his hands, he admired the craftsmanship and the intricate runes carved into the de.

    "It''s beautiful," Javier said with awe. "The bnce is wless, and the runes¡­ are these for mana conduction?"

    Rasdingen''s eyes widened a little. "Hah! So thed knows his stuff. Not bad. Most kids your age wouldn''t even notice the runes." He folded his arms again, grudgingly respecting the boy more.

    Meanwhile, Liana and Miss Gloria exchanged amused nces, while Captain Garrick let out a small sigh of relief, d that things hadn''t gotten worse.

    While Javier examined the detailed weapons and armor in the workshop,pletely absorbed, Liana stood just outside the entrance.

    "Young Master?" she called softly, trying to get his attention.

    But seeing his childlike excitement as he marveled at the des, tested the bnce of a longsword, and admired the detailed engravings, she decided not to interrupt him. A gentle smile spread across her face, a mix of amusement and affection.

    She turned to Miss Gloria, who stood nearby, keeping an eye on the maids. "Gloria, we should let the maids rx for now. They''ve been on their feet all morning."

    Gloria nodded with her usual calm expression. "Yes, I''ll let them know. It''s been a long day for them."

    Liana watched as Gloria approached the group of maids, some of whom were quietly chatting while others admired the smithy''s work from a distance. Gloria pped her hands gently to get their attention.

    "Ladies, feel free to take a short break. Just stay within sight of the workshop, and let me or Liana know if you need anything."

    The maids exchanged grateful smiles, found ces to rest or talked more freely among themselves. Some leaned against the shaded walls, while others enjoyed the view of the busy barracks outside.

    Liana nced back at Javier, who was now having a lively conversation with Rasdingen about armor design. She shook her head slightly, her smile growing.

    "He''s like a kid in a candy shop," she muttered to herself before joining Gloria to make sure the maids werefortable.

    The noise outside the workshop got louder as soldiers, encouraged by the sight of the rxed maids, began trying to get their attention. Some brought wildflowers they quickly picked from nearby bushes, while others showed off crude rings or trinkets they had saved for this moment. Proposals were shouted,pliments were exaggerated, andughter filled the yard.

    The maids, though amused, kept theirposure. Some smiled politely, epting the gestures with a graceful nod, while others tactfully declined, showing perfect manners even under the yful attention.

    Meanwhile, Liana and Gloria stood near the workshop, watching the scene from a distance. They knew that getting too close would likely attract the soldiers'' attention, which they wanted to avoid.

    "The soldiers certainly seem... enthusiastic," Gloria said, her calm expression unchanged.

    "Hmm," Liana replied, shaking her head slightly. "Better to leave them to their antics. We''ve got enough to worry about without adding this to the list."

    Inside the workshop, Javier waspletely unaware of themotion outside. His attention was focused on his conversation with Rasdingen.

    "Do you think you can improve the armor for our army?" Javier asked, his tone bing more serious. "Better armor and weapons mean a better chance of survival in any conflict."

    Rasdingen, the strong cksmith, stroked his chin thoughtfully, pride shining in his eyes.

    "Ah,d! I''m doing my best. The good news is that the ore mine your family secured produces high-quality material. Before that, we had to rely on imports, and most of it was low-grade junk. Now, with that mine, we get the finest ore directly here¡ªunder orders from your father, Garius."

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    Javier raised an eyebrow. "Oh, old man, you seem to know my father well?"

    The cksmithughed heartily. "Know him? Alf, Errte, Hesbeirn, and your father were all my friends when I was still an apprentice cksmith. Ahh, the good old days, back when Garius was still a mischievous runt running around!"

    Rasdingen''s face turned serious as he added, "But you don''t need to hear about that. Some stories are better left in the past."

    Javier, sensing there was more to the story, decided not to ask further. Instead, he casually activated his magic storage skill. From thin air, he pulled out a massive sword made entirely of adamantite. Its polished surface shone with a faint blue hue, and intricate magical runes glowed softly along the de''s edge.

    Rasdingen''s eyes widened, and he stepped closer, his professional instincts kicking in. "Lad... where in the world did you get this beauty? This is... pure adamantite! And these runes... who made this?"

    Javier then pulled out a notebook and and notes on how to enhance armor and weapon designs.

    "Here''s a starting point. With your skills and the high-quality ore from the mines, we should be able to equip our army with something far better than what they currently have."

    Rasdingen, still holding the adamantite sword in awe, nodded firmly. "Aye,d. With this, I can make miracles happen. Leave it to me!"

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 112 Training Session ( 112 )

    The sun shone through the thick trees of the forest, creating patches of golden light on the ground. The peaceful sound of birds was broken by the noise of shing swords and heavy breathing.

    Javier smiled as he quickly stepped back to block Liana''s sword with his own. Sparks flew when their des hit.

    "Heh... not bad," Javier teased, his grin getting bigger.

    Liana narrowed her green eyes, looking calm but focused. Without saying a word, she turned and kicked at his ribs.

    Javier ducked just in time and spun away. With a flick of his wrist, he created seven fireballs around him, glowing brightly.

    "Think fast!" he shouted, sending the fireballs flying toward Liana.

    Without hesitation, Liana raised her hand and created a shimmering barrier. The fireballs exploded harmlessly against it, scattering sparks in the air. Then, she quickly formed an ice de in her other hand.

    She threw the ice de with great uracy. Javier twisted his body to avoid it, feeling the cold air brush against his cheek.

    "Whoa! Easy there!" Javier joked, but he was clearly focused.

    Before he could react, Liana created a thick smokescreen that covered her. Javier swore quietly, scanning the mist to find her.

    Suddenly, he saw movement behind him and jumped forward just as Liana''s spinning kick came close to his head.

    "Close one!" Javier said, rolling away to create space.

    Liana came at him again, moving with grace and precision. She pretended to strike with her de, making Javier block, then quickly kicked low at his legs.

    Javier jumped over the kick, showing off his quick reflexes. Seizing the moment, he thrust his palm forward, sending a burst of wind magic that pushed Liana back a bit.

    "Not bad yourself," Liana said, still calm as she stood tall.

    Javier''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh, I''m just getting started!"

    He put away his sword and clenched his fists, feeling his magic rise. Green and gold sparks appeared around him as hebined wind and lightning magic. He shot forward with incredible speed, aiming his charged fist at Liana''s barrier.

    The impact created a shockwave, shaking the leaves around them. Liana steadied herself, but Javier''s force pushed her back.

    "Are you really going all out, young master?" Liana asked, her voice steady as she focused her magic to strengthen her defenses.

    Javier grinned, his amber eyes shining. "Of course! If I hold back, you''ll just scold meter."

    Liana smirked slightly at his yfulment before dropping her barrier and attacking with quick shes and kicks, testing his speed and skill.

    The two continued their intense sparring, the sounds of their battle echoing through the forest. Despite the sweat on their brows and some minor scrapes, neither of them showed signs of stopping.

    Javier grinned mischievously as he stretched out his arm, the air around him buzzing with magic. His voice rang out with authority:

    "Summon! Puppet Knight!"

    A loud ttering filled the forest as a tall knight in shiny armor appeared before him. Its red cape fluttered, and its glowing symbol looked intimidating. The Puppet Knight drew its sword, ready for battle.

    Liana''s eyes widened for a moment before narrowing with determination. "Ngghh! You cheater!"

    Javier smirked, enjoying her frustration. "There''s no cheating in fighting, Liana. This isn''t just for fun¡ªit''s practice!" He turned to his puppet and shouted, "All knights! Charge!"

    With a mechanical roar, the Puppet Knight rushed forward, its big sword shining in the sunlight.

    Liana took a deep breath, her green eyes focused. "Very well, young master," she said softly. She ced her hand on the ground, sending her magic into the earth. "Summon! Golem Earth!"

    The ground shook as dirt and rocks came together to form a giant golem. Its glowing eyes fixed on the Puppet Knight, and with a deep growl, it charged to face its opponent.

    Javier''s jaw dropped in surprise. "Guh! You have a hidden skill!?"

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    Liana smiled slightly, looking calm but a bit smug. "There''s more to me than you think, young master."

    Before Javier could reply, Liana rushed at him, her de aimed low to force him to defend himself.

    "Whoa!" Javier shouted, blocking her strike just in time. The sound of their swords shing echoed as the Puppet Knight and the Golem fought fiercely in the background, shaking the ground with their blows.

    Javier grinned despite the struggle. "Looks like I''ll have to get serious now!"

    Liana, calm but firm, parried his strike and quickly spun to sh at him. "You should''ve been serious from the start, young master."

    The forest clearing turned into a chaotic battleground. The Puppet Knight and Golem shed powerfully, shaking the earth with each hit. Meanwhile, Javier and Liana exchanged fast strikes and counters, neither willing to give in.

    Javier sidestepped her thrust and sent a small st of wind at her feet, making her jump back. He used the chance to summon another Puppet Knight beside him.

    "Double trouble!" he said, clearly enjoying himself.

    Liana raised an eyebrow, a smirk appearing on her lips. "Oh, you''re really going overboard now."

    With a flick of her wrist, shemanded the Golem to split into two smaller golems, each one targeting a Puppet Knight.

    Javier smirked, watching Liana with confidence. "Too slow, Liana! What if a gang of, I don''t know, 30 to 50 thugs attacks you? What''s your n then?"

    His teasing tone was yful as he pointed at his advancing Puppet Knights.

    Liana''s calm expression didn''t change, but determination shed in her emerald eyes. Without a word, she raised her hand, and magic swirled around her.

    "Earth Bind."

    Thick, twisting vines shot up from the ground, wrapping around Javier''s Puppet Knights and stopping them in their tracks. The glowing runes on the vines pulsed with her magic, making sure the knights couldn''t escape.

    Javier''s jaw dropped. "What the¡ª?! Hey! My knights!"

    Liana didn''t waste any time. She dashed toward Javier, her sword glowing with magic.

    "Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Javier stumbled back, quickly summoning another Puppet Knight for protection.@@novelbin@@

    Liana was faster. She slipped past the new knight, her de sparking as it shed with Javier''s defense.

    "This is how I handle 30 to 50 bandits, young master," she said calmly, a hint of smugness in her voice. "Now stop hiding and fight me properly."

    Javierughed nervously, dodging her next strike. "Okay, okay! I get it! But let''s notpletely destroy my knights, alright? They''re expensive!"

    Liana''s de swung toward Javier, fast and precise, stopping just short of his neck. Her emerald eyes shone with calm determination as she tilted her head.

    "Expensive, you say? Young master, I think you can fix them in an instant with your magic crafting. Or am I wrong?"

    Javier chuckled nervously, backing away a bit. "Hehe... you got me there, Liana."

    But Liana wasn''t done. She lunged forward, her strikes getting faster and sharper, forcing Javier to defend himself.

    "Whoa, Liana! No need to be this intense! This is just sparring!" Javier eximed, ducking under one of her swings and rolling to the side.

    Liana smiled faintly as she kept attacking. "Sparring or not, young master, you shouldn''t tease your opponent if you can''t handle their response."

    Suddenly, Liana pretended to strike, then spun and kicked at Javier''s stomach.

    "Eeep!" Javier squeaked as he barely caught her ankle and twisted away, stumbling a bit.

    Regaining his bnce, he raised both hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, Liana! I yield! You win this round!"

    Liana stopped, lowered her weapon, and straightened up, herposed demeanor returning.

    "Good. Maybe now you''ll think twice before teasing me."

    Javier grinned, brushing dirt off his clothes. "Hah! Not a chance. It''s way too fun."

    Liana sighed, shaking her head, but a warm smile flickered on her face.

    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 113 Between Ice and Gravity ( 113 )

    Liana narrowed her eyes at Javier, her voice calm but resolute. "Young master, you''re holding back. You''re not even using your full power."

    Javier smirked, twirling his de casually. "Why should I? It''s just exercise, right? No need to go all out. Besides¡­" He stepped closer, meeting her gaze. "What if you get hurt? I don''t want to wound my future wife."

    A faint blush crept across Liana''s cheeks, but she quickly masked it with determination. "Young master, I won''t stop until you take this seriously."

    Javier sighed dramatically, tossing his head back. "Haaa¡­ fine. Ready?"@@novelbin@@

    Before Liana could react, Javier activated his gravity magic. The air thickened instantly, pressing down on her with overwhelming force.

    "Gngh...!" Liana struggled, unable to lift a finger as her knees buckled slightly. She red at him, her resolve firm despite the pressure.

    Liana strained against the immense weight, her body frozen in ce. The ground cracked beneath her, and her eyes widened in shock at the power.

    "Y-Young master¡­" she murmured, helpless.

    Javier strolled toward her, hands in his pockets, wearing a calm, mischievous grin. He deactivated the skill, and the crushing weight vanished. Before Liana could react, he pulled her into a warm embrace.

    "I don''t want to hurt you, Liana," he said softly, resting his chin on her silver hair. "This sparring session is just to keep our skills sharp. There''s no need to take it so far that someone gets hurt¡ªespecially you."

    Still catching her breath, Liana red at him with annoyance and concern. "Young master¡­you''re holding back too much. If you fight like this, what will happen when a real enemy appears?"

    Javier chuckled, stepping back slightly but keeping his hands on her shoulders. "If it were a real enemy, I wouldn''t y fair. I''d use my Gravity Skill, freeze them, and let my puppet knights handle the rest."

    Liana frowned, regaining herposure. "Relying on skills alone won''t guarantee victory. What if the enemy counters your magic?"

    Javier smirked, tapping her nose yfully. "Then I''ll deal with it. I''m not just a noble with magic¡ªI''ve got brains, brawn, and tricks up my sleeve."

    Liana sighed, shaking her head with a faint smile. "You''re impossible, young master. But I suppose that''s what makes you so¡­unique."

    Javier winked, his eyes gleaming. "And don''t forget charming."

    Her cheeks turned pink, but she quickly looked away, mumbling, "Let''s continue our training¡­"

    Javierughed, stretching his armszily. "Alright, but let''s keep it light this time. I wouldn''t want to scare you off."

    Liana narrowed her eyes and summoned another Earth Golem with a flick of her wrist. "We''ll see who scares who, young master."

    As Javier turned to her, his yful demeanor shifted to a rare, warm smile that softened his sharp eyes.

    Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the forest. A group of five hulking wolf-like beasts with glowing red eyes and jagged fangs emerged from the trees.

    "Young master! Get back!" Liana shouted, instinctively stepping in front of him, hands glowing with magic.

    But Javier didn''t move. Instead, he casually nced at the monsters, his expression calm. "Hmm, looks like the forest wants to join our sparring session," he said, amused.

    The beasts charged, snarling loudly. Liana''s heart raced, but before she could cast a spell, Javier raised a hand.

    With a chilling crack, the air temperature plummeted. In an instant, shimmering ice erupted around the monsters, encasing thempletely. They froze mid-attack, their ferocity halted.

    Javier''s hand remained raised as cracks formed on the icy prisons. Liana watched in stunned silence as the ice shattered, reducing the monsters to glittering fragments that scattered like snowkes.

    Lowering his hand, Javier turned back to Liana, his smile lingering. "What do you think? Neat trick, right?"

    Liana blinked, her voice caught in her throat. "Young master¡­that wasn''t just a trick. That was¡­absolute precision."

    Javier shrugged, his yful tone returning. "Well, you did ask if I wanted to show you another one. I couldn''t resist."

    Liana stared at Javier, a mix of awe and concern in her eyes. "Why do you always hide this side of yourself? You could''ve wiped them out the moment they appeared¡­without effort."

    Javier tilted his head, his gaze soft but unreadable. "Because, Liana, there''s no need to unt power unless it''s necessary."

    She shook her head, trying to regain herposure as the frozen shards of the monsters glittered in the sunlight. "Young master¡­why do you act like you''re not capable of this?"

    Javier, his yful smirk reced by a genuine smile, shrugged. "Why show off my power? It''s easier to pretend I''m the useless youngest son. If everyone thinks I''m just a spoiled noble, they leave me alone."

    "Your talents could benefit many¡ªyour family, the household, the people¡ª"

    "Too much trouble," he interrupted, raising a hand. "Look at Marcellus and Cedric¡ªendless responsibilities. No freedom, no peace. That''s not the life I want."

    Liana''s expression softened, though worry lingered. "And what life do you want, young master?"

    "One where I can do what I want, no strings. Just me, a Pekko to ride on, and maybe¡­" His voice lowered as he looked at her. "Someone I care about by my side."

    Her cheeks flushed faintly, and she turned away. "You''re impossible, young master."

    Javier chuckled, his mischievous demeanor returning. "But that''s why you like me, isn''t it?"

    "Come on, we still need to clear this area before heading back," she said, inspecting the frozen battlefield.

    "Sure, but don''t expect me to clean up too much. I''m only here for the ''exercise,'' remember?"

    Liana rolled her eyes but couldn''t hide a smile. Javier dusted his hands off, turning to her. "Liana?"

    "Yes, young master?" she replied, maintaining herposure.

    "Let''s stop this sparring session. I''m hungry."

    Sighing yfully, she said, "Fine, young master. Let''s head back to the estate."

    A cheeky grin spread across Javier''s face. "This is why I love you, Liana."

    "Really? You should grow into an adult first before saying things like that."

    "I mean it!" he dered. "You''ll be my wife when I turn eighteen¡ªjust seven more years!"

    A faint blush crept onto Liana''s cheeks, but she quickly turned away. "Yes, yes¡­ Now let''s go," she said briskly.

    "Seven years, Liana! Better start preparing yourself!" he called out, yfully.

    "Keep talking, and I might leave you behind," she retorted, though her smile betrayed her amusement.

    "Lianaaaa¡­" Javier whined yfully.

    She paused, raising a brow. "What now, young master?"

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    "Chuuuuuu!" he said, leaning forward, pointing to his lips.

    Liana sighed deeply, pinching her nose in exasperation. "Really? In the forest?"

    "Chuuuuuu!" he repeated, grinning wider.

    Caught between annoyance and amusement, she leaned in and kissed him quickly. "Happy now? Satisfied?"

    Javierughed, delight sparkling in his eyes. "Hehehehe¡­"

    "Honestly¡­" she muttered as she resumed walking, the blush on her cheeks revealing her feelings.

    Javier followed, his steps light and his expression smug.

    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 115 Irrigation and Ambition ( 115 )

    Javier dismounted Buddy, taking in the scene before him. He gestured dramatically at the dense forest, frustration evident in his voice. "This is thend?"

    "Yes, young master," Liana replied, adjusting her posture with her usual elegance. "ording to Mr. Alex, this is the ce."

    "This is a forest! ughh!!" Javier groaned, running a hand through his messy ck hair.

    Behind him, Gloria let out a softugh, her serene demeanor unchanged.

    Javier pointed at a massive boulder jutting out in the middle of the area. "The dried plum gave me a forest and a giant rock! If we use workers, this will take months!"

    "But young master, there''s a river not too far from here. Workers can bring water using bucket from there to irrigate your farm."

    "Buckets? Seriously?" Javier groaned.

    "Hmm?" Liana tilted her head, curious.

    "We can just create a waterway!"

    "A¡­ waterway?" Liana asked, exchanging a puzzled nce with Gloria.

    "I''ll show youter. It''ll be a proper irrigation system!" Javier said, smirking. His mind was already racing with ns, recalling knowledge from his previous life.

    Liana raised an eyebrow. "Young master, irrigation systems of that scale require skilledborers and months of work¡ª"

    "Exactly why we''re going to make cleaning up this ce quicker!" Javier interrupted, folding his arms.

    "And what do you n to nt here, young master?" Liana asked, her tone calm but slightly amused.

    Javier''s smirk widened. "Sugarcane and cocoa!"

    "Sugarcane and¡­ cocoa?" Gloria echoed, her serene expression giving way to curiosity.

    "Yeah! They''re notmon around here, right? No one knows the real value of sugar or chocte," Javier said, rubbing his hands together gleefully. "But once I introduce them, thisnd will be worth a fortune!"

    "Chocte?" Liana asked, tilting her head again. "What''s that?"

    Javier''s eyes sparkled. "You''ll see. Just wait! Once this ce is up and running, everyone will know the magic of chocte! And sugar¡ªoh, the possibilities are endless!"

    Liana sighed, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "If you say so, young master. But first, let''s focus on clearing thend."

    Javier grinned as he raised his hand. "Summon! Puppet Knight!"

    In an instant, the ground began to rumble. One by one, armored figures emerged from the ether, forming rows upon rows of gleaming warriors. Their mithril armor shimmered in the sunlight. The sheer scale¡ªthousands of knights standing at attention¡ªwas overwhelming.

    Gloria gasped, her usual serene expression reced with wide-eyed astonishment. "Are these¡­ real knights? Mithril armor? Mithril swords!?" Her gaze darted to Javier, herposure slipping as disbelief settled on her face.

    Javier scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Hehe, impressive, right?"

    "Young master!" Liana hissed, her voice sharp but low enough to avoid catching Gloria''s attention. She stepped closer, her eyes ring at him.

    Javier winced, realizing his mistake. "Ah! Umm¡­ forgot. Sorry, Liana,"

    Liana pinched the bridge of her nose, taking a deep breath. "How could you forget something this big?"

    Meanwhile, Gloria was still staring at the puppet knights, her serene demeanor returning, but curiosity lingered in her voice. "Young master¡­ where did these knightse from?"

    Javier chuckled nervously, quickly shifting gears. "Ah, um, secret family technique! You know how the Armand family is full of surprises, right? Haha!"

    Gloria raised an eyebrow but didn''t press further. "I see..."

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    "Alright, troops! Begin clearing the forest! Chop down the trees, remove the stumps, and clear the rocks!"

    Liana crossed her arms, giving Javier a pointed look. "We''ll talk about thister, just focus on your project, young master."

    "Right!" Javier turned back to the clearingnd. "This ce is going to be amazing! Just you wait¡ªyou''ll both love it once the sugarcane and cocoa fields are thriving!"

    Gloria watched silently, her gaze flicking between the knights and Javier.

    Inside Gloria''s mind, thoughts churned as she observed the spectacle before her.

    "So, Lord Garius truly knows his youngest son''s hidden talents. Yet he continues to act as if unaware, letting young master Javier y out his schemes freely. This must be why Lord Garius specifically ordered me to apany him, along with Liana."

    Gloria gaze shifted to Javier, who was directing the puppet knights. "He even predicted that the young master would dash toward thend on his Pekko, leaving everyone behind, "

    The memory of that morning resurfaced vividly. "No wonder Lord Garius held the soldiers and maids back at the courtyard, despite them already being prepared to escort him. It wasn''t oversight¡ªit was deliberate."

    She recalled Lord Garius''s parting words. "Ensure to report every detail you see."

    And Gloria had simply bowed in acknowledgment, though her mind had been racing then as it was now.

    Her thoughts flitted to the familiar faces that stood with Lord Garius earlier that morning. Mr. Alf, the personal butler¡ªstoic, sharp, and a man of loyalty. He ranked highest among the estate''s workers and was one of Lord Garius''s oldest friends. Beside him, Errte, the head of all maids and Alf''s wife, carried her usual air of authority and silent strength.

    Then there was General Hesbeirn, the battle-hardenedmander of the Armand army, exuding his usual quiet confidence. Finally, the imposing figure of Mr. Rasdingen, the estate''s cksmith and barrack master¡ªa giant dwarf whose sheer bulk and height defied expectations of his kin.

    They were all smiling, the image still vivid. As if they all knew exactly how this day would unfold.

    Her serene gaze returned to Javier. He doesn''t know how closely he''s being watched¡ªor how proud Lord Garius is of him despite his strictness. But it''s not my ce to interfere.

    She adjusted her posture atop her horse, her thoughts settling into a calm resolve. I will observe, as instructed. And report everything back to Lord Garius.

    And this boy¡­ he''s more like his father than he realizes. Such cunning, such ambition. No wonder Lord Garius keeps a close eye on him while giving him enough freedom to grow.

    Gloria''s thoughts deepened as she watched the puppet knights work with remarkable precision. Mithril armor, mithril weapons, and knights bound entirely to his will. This isn''t just talent; it''s genius. And yet, he hides it so well, save for Liana¡­ and now me.

    She nced at Liana, who was subtly monitoring Javier''s every move. The elf maid''s expression shifted between fond exasperation and quiet pride. Liana is clearly devoted to him, though she''d never admit it outright. She knows more than she lets on, and she''ll do whatever it takes to protect him¡ªeven from himself.

    Gloria''s serene mask didn''t falter as she considered her own role. I''ve been tasked with reporting every detail, but what I see is beyond impressive. This boy¡­ no, this young master, has the potential to reshape the future of the Armand household.@@novelbin@@

    Her thoughts concluded with one final realization. Lord Garius truly knows how to n ahead. Letting the young master believe he''s a step ahead when, in reality, the lord is ten steps ahead. A father worthy of his reputation¡­ and a son who might surpass even him.

    With that, Gloria refocused on the present, maintaining her poised demeanor. "Young master," she said softly, her serene voice breaking the silence, "it seems you have everything under control here."

    Javier turned to her, his mischievous grin lighting up his face. "Of course! Did you expect anything less from me?"

    Gloria chuckled lightly. The lord will be pleased.

    "Liana!!!" Javier called, a wide grin spreading across his face.

    "Yes, young master?" she replied, turning her attention to him.

    "Let''s grill some meat for us and our Pekko here!" Javier said, his smile growing as he casually pulled out a pile of meat and a portable grill from his magic storage skills.

    Gloria, who was still observing the puppet knights, looked over at them, intrigued. "Grilling? Now? In the middle of all this?"

    "Why not?" Javier shrugged yfully. "We''ve got the perfect setup, and it''s a great way to celebrate! Plus, I''m sure our Pekko would appreciate a treat."

    "Seems reasonable enough," Liana admitted, her eyes lighting up slightly at the thought.

    "Gloria! Let''s eat together!" Javier urged, waving her over excitedly. "Hehe, it''ll be fun!"

    Gloria smiled, touched by his enthusiasm. "Alright then, young master. Just don''t let it distract you from your ns."

    Javier waved her concerns aside. "I promise, just a quick break! Let''s enjoy some delicious meat with our Pekko."

    As he set up the grill, the fragrant scent of meat filled the air, and the mood lightened. Liana helped him arrange the grill while Gloria, unable to resist, joined them, curious about how the young master could turn any moment into a celebration.

    ( End Of Chapter )

 Chapter 118 Lessons and Mischief ( 118 )

    Javier bolted out of the dining room as soon as he could, his heart racing.

    "Hehe¡­ time to run!" he whispered to himself, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

    But just as he reached the hallway, a shadow loomed over him. Before he could react, Alf appeared out of nowhere, his gloved hand firmly gripping Javier''s cor like a cat caught in the act.

    "Young Master," Alf said with a calm yet unyielding tone, "this way."

    "Eeeeekkk!! Nooo!! I don''t want to study!!" Javier iled his arms dramatically, trying to break free. "Mother!! Liana!! Help me!!"

    Lady Francesca, still seated at the dining table, merely smiled and took another sip of her tea, clearly unfazed by her son''s antics.

    Liana, standing by the doorway, let out a soft sigh and shook her head. "Young Master¡­" she murmured, her voice tinged with amusement. She made no move to intervene, knowing full well that Alf, the butler and highest-ranking member of the household staff, was not someone even she could challenge.

    "Liana! Traitor!" Javier shouted, still thrashing about as Alf dragged him effortlessly down the hallway toward the study.

    "Good luck, Young Master," Liana called after him with a serene smile. You''ll need it.

    Alf stopped abruptly, his sharp gaze turning to Liana. "You were appointed as Young Master''s personal maid, so you should attend as well."

    Liana gave a polite bow, her voice calm. "Yes, Mr. Alf." She stepped forward to follow, her movements as graceful as ever.

    Javier, still dangling slightly in Alf''s firm grasp, smirked mischievously. "Ehehehe¡­ serve you right, Liana! Now you''re stuck with me. Ekekeke!"

    But instead of reacting, Liana merely smiled, her expression serene. She walked behind them without a hint of annoyance.

    "Oh, Young Master," she said softly, "unlike you, I actually enjoy reading and studying. This will be no trouble at all."

    Javier''s smirk vanished instantly. "Ugh! Liana, you''re supposed to suffer with me! This isn''t fair!"

    Liana chuckled lightly. "Perhaps you should consider the merits of study, Young Master. You might even learn something useful."

    "Useful, my foot!" Javier grumbled, crossing his arms as Alf continued to drag him along.

    Alf, unfazed by the banter, merely pushed open the study door, ushering them both inside.

    Javier slouched in his chair, his chin resting on his palm as Alf went on about noble etiquette, alliances, and the intricacies of aristocratic society. His eyes zed over, staring at the pile of documents and books in front of him as if they were his mortal enemies.

    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Alf closed the book in his hand with a definitive thud.

    "Young Master," Alf said in his usual calm butmanding tone, "you are to study these materialster. They are essential for your future as a nobleman."

    Javier groaned inwardly but nodded reluctantly, not wanting to provoke Alf further.@@novelbin@@

    "And Liana?" Alf turned to the maid, who stood calmly at Javier''s side.

    "Yes, Mr. Alf?" she replied gracefully.

    "You will ensure he studies and learns this material properly. I will be busy attending to our lord''s duties, so this task falls to you."

    "Understood, Mr. Alf," Liana replied, bowing slightly.

    Alf adjusted his gloves and added, "If the Young Master refuses to cooperate or neglects his studies, report directly to me."

    Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire

    "Yes, Mr. Alf," she answered dutifully.

    Javier''s head shot up at that. "Wait, wait, wait! Isn''t there some other way? Like... maybe not reporting me?"

    Alf ignored his protests and strode out of the study, leaving Javier and Liana alone.

    Liana turned to Javier, her expression a mix of amusement and authority. "Well, Young Master, shall we begin?"

    Javier groaned, leaning back dramatically in his chair. "Ugh, Liana, you''re supposed to be on my side! What happened to loyalty?"

    Liana raised an eyebrow, her tone light but teasing. "My loyalty lies in ensuring you fulfill your responsibilities. Now, shall we start with alliances, or would you prefer etiquette?"

    "Liaaaanaaaa," Javier groaned, dragging out her name with exaggerated frustration. "Studying is boring! You already know I''ve gone through everything in the library. War tactics, strategy, formation, mastering magic¡ªyou name it. I''ve already learned it all."

    Liana folded her arms, her eyes meeting his with a calm yet knowing gaze. She had no reason to doubt her young master''s im. Javier''s voracious appetite for knowledge, especially in anything that piqued his interest, was something she had witnessed firsthand.

    "Yes, Young Master," she replied evenly, "but Mr. Alf still expects us to go through this material. We can pretend, as usual, if that suits you better."

    A mischievous grin spread across Javier''s face. "Ehehe¡­ this is why I love you, Liana."

    "Yes, yes, Young Master," Liana replied, waving his words off with a small smile. "Now, let''s start with this."

    "Ugh¡­" Javier slumped in his chair, a pained look on his face. "Liana, can we at least move this to my workshop? I want to be near Buddy, and the sugarcane and cocoa tree need tending. If we leave them unattended, they''ll dry out!"

    Liana sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Haa¡­ Really, Young Master¡­"

    Javier sped his hands together, his eyes sparkling with mock desperation. "Pleeeease, Liana? We can kill two birds with one stone. I''ll study¡ªpromise!¡ªand take care of the nts at the same time."

    Liana shook her head, suppressing augh. "Very well, but only because I know you''ll find another excuse if I refuse."

    "Ehehe, you''re the best, Liana!" Javier eximed, jumping up from his chair and grabbing the study materials. "Let''s go!"

    As they made their way toward the workshop, Liana couldn''t help but smile at his enthusiasm. "Sometimes, I wonder if you enjoy making excuses more than anything else."

    When they arrived at the pekko pen, Javier''s gaze lit up as he spotted his beloved pekko, Buddy, lounging in the warm sunlight. Nearby, Liana''s pekko, Pikko, was enjoying the same sunny patch, its feathers gleaming with a vibrant sheen.

    "Oh, look at them!" Javier eximed, his earlier reluctance to study fading away. "Buddy looks so content."

    Liana smiled fondly at her pekko. "Pikko enjoys the sunshine just as much as Buddy does."

    Javier''s eyes wandered to arge shade tree nearby, its sprawling branches casting a perfect spot for their studies. He pointed toward it with excitement. "Liana, we can study there! It''ll be much morefortable under the tree with Buddy and Pikko around."

    "Alright, Young Master," Liana agreed with a soft chuckle, following his gaze. "A change of scenery might make it more enjoyable for you."

    "See? We can study like this!" Javier said with a grin, leaning back against Buddy, whoyfortably on the ground. They were nestled under a tree near the workshop and the pekko pen.

    "Yes, yes. Now, Young Master, read your book," Liana replied, suppressing a smile.

    Javier''s grin widened as he shifted to lie down on Liana''sp, making himselffortable.

    Liana shook her head, a fond smile on her face. She knew Javier genuinely enjoyed lying there. As she took out her book, she began to read, gently caressing his hair with her free hand.

    "Liana¡­?" he said, his voice a bit softer.

    "Yes, Young Master?" she replied, ncing down at him.

    "I love you."

    "Yes, yes¡­" she said with a light chuckle, her heart warming at his words. It was a routine exchange, but it never failed to bring a smile to her face. She''d heard the words countless times before, yet they never failed to bring a faint blush to her cheeks and a flutter to her heart.

    "Now, can we get back to studying?" she prompted, turning her attention back to the book.

    Javier closed his eyes momentarily, savoring the moment before letting out an exaggerated sigh. "Fine, I''ll study," he muttered, flipping open the book in his hands.

    The atmosphere was peaceful, and despite his initialints, the cozy setting¡ªLiana''s presence and Buddy''s quietpanionship¡ªmade focusing on the material easier. For all his grumbling, Javier couldn''t deny that studying like this wasn''t so bad after all.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 119 The Brewing Plot ( 119 )

    In a private meeting room, Lord Garius sat at the head of the table, focusing intently on Alf, his trusted butler. Beside him stood Errte, calm andposed, while Hesbeirn leaned forward with his rough hands on the table.

    "My lord," Alf began in his usual steady voice, "we''ve received a report."

    Garius nodded, his expression unreadable. "Go on."

    "ording to our informant, the Klimbert household seems to be making a move in our region."

    Garius''s mouth twitched slightly, showing a hint of irritation. "Do they intend to start a war?"

    "For now, we''re still gathering details," Hesbeirn added, his voice deep and serious. "But it appears the Armbost household and Klimbert household are coborating, using the Jaist household to provoke us."

    Garius raised an eyebrow and leaned back in his chair. "The Jaist household? How are they involved?"

    Alf adjusted his gloves and replied, "It seems one of Jaist''s sons is being influenced by them. He''s causing trouble in our towns¡ªabusing his noble title to intimidatemoners, taking goods without paying, and not settling his bills at one of our finest inns. He''s creating quite a disturbance."

    "Hmph," Garius scoffed. "We''re an autonomous region. Why not just enforce ourws? What''s the problem?"

    "The issue," Alf exined carefully, "is that the noble in question is still a child."

    "A child?" Garius leaned forward, intrigued. "How old?"

    "About the same age as your youngest son, Young Master Javier."

    "Oh?" Garius smirked, stroking his chin. "So, around 11 years old?"

    "It seems so," Alf confirmed.

    A sly grin spread across Garius''s face as he turned to Errte. "Errte."

    "Yes, my lord?" she replied promptly.

    "Find a way to encourage Javier to visit the town. Don''t tell him directly¡ªmake it seem like it''s his idea."

    Errte smiled knowingly. "As you wish, my lord."

    Garius leaned back, his grin widening. "Let''s see how my son handles this. Some practical experience might do him good, and who knows? It could be... entertaining."

    The room fell silent as the weight of his words settled in. Garius''s mind raced, calcting how best to counter his rivals. Meanwhile, the others began preparing for the next steps to defend the Armand household. The stage was set, and the yers were moving into action.

    Errte stood in the hallway outside the meeting room, her expression calm but her eyes sparkling with mischief. She folded her arms, her mind already on the next steps.

    "Gloria," she called softly.

    Momentster, Gloria appeared around the corner, her serene demeanor and gentle smile intact. "Yes, Mrs. Errte?"

    Errte''s lips curved into a subtle smirk. "I have a task for you."

    Gloria''s smile broadened as she nodded knowingly. "Ah, I see. It involves¡­ encouraging Young Master Javier, doesn''t it?"

    Errte''s smirk widened. "Precisely. We need to steer him toward the town. But remember, no direct orders¡ªmake him think it''s his idea. Use your skill, Gloria."

    Gloria chuckled lightly and bowed her head in acknowledgment. "Consider it done, Mrs. Errte. I''ll find him and nt the suggestion."

    "Good," Errte replied, her tone confident.

    As Gloria turned to walk down the corridor, her calm presence hid the subtle schemes at y. The two women, skilled at managing the household''s affairs discreetly, were setting the stage for Javier''s next adventure.

    While walking to the dining room, Gloria saw Liana and the Young Master sitting at the table. She quietly signaled to another maid nearby, who smiled and nodded back.

    The second maid, carrying a tray, started chatting with another staff member just a few steps from the dining room. They talked loud enough for others to hear.

    "You know," the maid said with a little excitement, "there''s a really nice ce to eat in town. I heard their new dishes are amazing."

    Javier, focused on his food, barely moved. Hah, food here is already good, he thought, ignoring thement.@@novelbin@@

    "Oh, and did you hear?" the other maid asked, pretending to be very interested. "A famous minstrel arrived at one of the best inns in town. They say her voice is melodious."

    Hah, like I care about some singer, Javier thought,zily chewing on a piece of roasted meat. Duh.

    "I''m so excited to hear her perform tonight," the first maid added, pretending to be enthusiastic. "It''s all the talk of the town."

    Yeah, yeah, whatever. Javier didn''t even lift his head, his thoughts uninterested.

    The second maid, seeing Gloria''s subtle nod, made her next move. "And then there''s that new dish everyone''s talking about. What was it called? Hmm... Oh yes, risu, I think."

    Javier stopped eating, his eyes widening. Risu? Rice? For real?! His mind raced as the word echoed in his head. Memories of warm, fragrant rice from his past life came rushing back.

    Noticing his sudden interest, Gloria held back a sly smile as she stood in the doorway, quietly watching.

    Liana, however, furrowed her brow slightly, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. Why are the maids suddenly talking so loudly near the dining room? This is unusual¡­ very unusual, she thought, ncing at Javier to see how he would react.

    "Liana?" Javier called, pausing mid-bite and looking at her with determination in his eyes.

    "Yes, Young Master?" Liana replied, her tone calm but knowing something wasing.

    "We should check the town!" Javier dered enthusiastically.

    "No, Young Master. You should ask permission first from your father or your mother," Liana responded firmly, crossing her arms.

    "But¡­" Javier hesitated, his excitement fading a little.

    "It''s a formal visit, Young Master. You can''t just wander around without approval," Liana added, her tone leaving no room for argument.

    "Can''t we just sneak out? Ehehe," Javier asked with a mischievous grin.

    "No! You can''t!" Liana leaned in and whispered, her eyes sharp. "As a noble son, the risk is high. What if something happens?"

    "Huh? You do know We both can handle any trouble easily," Javier countered confidently.

    Liana sighed and whispered back, "Yes,I know your real power. But aren''t you the one who said you didn''t want your abilities to be discovered? Or have you changed your mind?"

    "Ugh¡­ fine. I''ll ask," Javier grumbled, reluctantly agreeing.

    He turned back to his te, taking another bite of the juicy meat. In his mind, however, he was already nning. This meat would go perfectly with rice¡ªor risu, or whatever they call it here. If it''s real rice¡­ and they have soy sauce¡­ mmmph! This would taste amazing.

    "Young Master? What are you thinking?" Liana asked, noticing the dreamy look on his face.

    "Oh? Nothing, Liana," Javier replied quickly, his grin returning. "I just can''t wait to ask Father for permission to visit the town."

    Liana raised an eyebrow but said nothing, watching him with mild amusement as he started eating with new enthusiasm. It''s always about food with him¡­ she thought.

    After the meal, Javier rushed through the hallways, his voice echoing as he called out:

    "Mother!! Mother!! Mother!? Hmm? Where is she? Ugh¡­ when I need her, she''s always missing."

    He spun around, frustrated, and then saw Liana walking gracefully behind him.

    "Liana? Where''s Mother?"

    "I believe, ording to her schedule, she is attending a meeting with the other noblewomen, along with Lady Phenelopie and Lady Garcinia," Liana replied calmly.

    "Ugh¡­ now I have to find and ask permission from Father. He''s always so serious!" Javier groaned, running his fingers through his messy hair.

    "Who is serious?"

    "Eeeep!!" Javier yelped, jumping at the sudden voice.

    Standing in front of him was Lord Garius, along with Mrs. Errte and Mr. Alf, all wearing unreadable expressions.

    Liana bowed politely, her tone smooth andposed. "Good morning, my lord."

    Javier, on the other hand, froze in ce, stammering awkwardly. "Ahhh¡­ umm¡­"

    "What do you want?" Garius asked bluntly, his sharp gaze on his youngest son.

    "Err¡­ nothing!!" Javier blurted before running off, leaving Liana behind.

    Liana''s thoughts raced as she bowed even lower, trying to stay calm. How dare you leave me alone with your father here!

    "Liana?" Garius called, his authoritative voice snapping her out of her thoughts.

    "Yes, my lord?"

    "Why was your young master looking for his mother?"

    "The Young Master wished to ask permission to visit the town," Liana answered honestly, her tone steady.

    "Hmmph! That young master of yours is always ying around," Garius said, ncing briefly at Errte and Alf, signaling them with a subtle look. "He doesn''t even want to attend school properly."

    "My lord," Alf interjected, his tone measured, "perhaps this is a good opportunity for our young master to make an ''official visit'' to the town."

    Garius pretended to think about this, stroking his chin, though a faint smirk almost appeared. "Hmm¡­"

    Errte chimed in, her voice calm but purposeful. "Yes, my lord. It could be a chance for him to learn about his responsibilities."

    Garius nodded, as if reluctantly agreeing. "Very well. Liana, go meet Gloria and arrange an official visit to the town."

    "Yes, my lord," Liana replied, bowing deeply before leaving to carry out the order. Inside, she sighed, thinking, At least this time, the young master''s antics are leading to something productive.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 120 Dressing for Adventure ( 120 )

    After Lord Garius, Mr. Alf, and Mrs. Errte left, Liana bowed once more before standing up. Inside her mind, she was angry:

    Just you wait, Young Master! How dare you leave me to face your father alone! You were supposed to be the one asking for permission!

    She sighed, trying to calm down, and started walking purposefully through the halls to look for Gloria. Her steps paused when she saw one of the household maids scrubbing the floor.

    "Good morning, Miss Liana," the maid greeted her with a polite bow.

    "Good morning. Have you seen Miss Gloria?" Liana asked, her tone calm but firm.

    "Ah, I think she''s in the main hall," the maid replied.

    "Thank you. Please continue your work."

    "As you wish, Miss Liana." The maid bowed again and went back to her task.

    Liana walked to the main hall, where she found Gloria checking the work of the household maids. Gloria''s calm presence made everyone respect her without needing words.

    "Good morning, Miss Gloria," Liana greeted politely.

    "Ara¡­ good morning, Liana. Is there something I can help you with?" Gloria replied, her tone warm and weing.

    "Lord Garius asked me to meet you to arrange the Young Master''s official visit to the town," Liana exined.

    "Today?"

    "Yes," Liana confirmed.

    "Hmm¡­ very well. Please tell the guard leader about the visit and make sure everything is ready," Gloria instructed, her expression calm andposed.

    "Understood, Miss Gloria," Liana said with a nod.

    "Oh, Miss Liana?" Gloria called just as Liana turned to leave.

    "Yes, Miss Gloria?"

    "I saw the Young Master running outside earlier. He''s probably at the pekko pen."

    "Thank you, Miss Gloria."

    "You are wee," Gloria replied with a gentle smile, turning back to oversee the maids.

    With her task clear, Liana sighed lightly, muttering under her breath as she headed toward the pekko pen. Young Master, if you think you can escape responsibility this time, you''re sorely mistaken.

    Liana walked to the pekko pen, her steps steady and purposeful. As she got closer, she saw the cheeky Young Master who had left her to face Lord Garius alone. He was sitting on his pekko, Buddy, clearly having a great time.

    "Young Master," Liana called out softly, with a calm smile on her face.

    Javier froze, his yful mood changing. "Ah¡­ Liana¡­ umm¡­" he stammered, clearly surprised.

    "The ns for your official visit are already being prepared," Liana told him in her usual calm tone. "Now, you should go back to your room and change into something suitable."

    "Really? You got permission from Father?" Javier asked, his amber eyes lighting up with surprise.

    "Yes, Lord Garius has given his approval. Now, now, Young Master," she said, holding out her hand. "Let''s go to your room and get you ready."

    "Yay! Ehehehe! I knew I could count on you!" Javier eximed, jumping off Buddy and grabbing her hand eagerly.

    Inside her mind, Liana smiled. Just you wait, Young Master. Payback ising.

    Once they were inside the room, Liana moved quickly, picking the best outfit for a noble and cing it neatly on the bed.

    "Now, Young Master, let me help you change," she said cheerfully.

    "Umm¡­ Liana, I can change myself," Javier replied hesitantly, instinctively stepping back.

    "Don''t worry about it, Young Master. It''s my duty," Liana insisted, her voice polite but firm.

    Without waiting for a response, Liana started pulling his shirt over his head roughly.

    "Ow! Liana! That hurts!" Javier yelped, squirming as she tugged too hard.

    Ignoring hisints, Liana moved to his trousers. "Now, hold still."

    "Eeeeepp! Not the pants!!" Javier shouted, his face flushing as he clutched his waistband in desperation.

    "Hm? You''re wearing shorts underneath. It''s not like you''repletely naked," Liana said matter-of-factly, raising an eyebrow.

    "But¡ª" Javier began, only to be cut off.

    "Don''t talk too much," she said yfully, yet her tone left no room for argument.

    Javier''s amber eyes went wide with rm. "Liana? Why are you looking so scary?"

    With a mischievous grin, Liana pulled the pants up with excessive force. Javier winced, feeling a sharp pain.

    "Eeeeepp!!! Liana!!" he squeaked, his eyes going wide as hey back on the bed, holding his crotch.

    This is what you get for leaving me to face Lord Garius alone, she thought smugly.

    "Consider this payback for all the trouble you cause!" she thought, trying not tough out loud.

    Javiery there, still in shock, and finally muttered, "I guess I won''t tease you again¡­ for a while."

    Liana smiled, triumph in her eyes as she helped him finish getting dressed, careful not to pull too hard this time.

    "Next time, Young Master," Liana said with a sweet but serious smile, "if you ever leave me behind like that again, it will be worse."

    "Err¡­ Liana¡­ don''t be so mad," Javier stammered, feeling nervous under her intense gaze. "It''s just¡­ Father is scary, okay?"

    Liana sighed, her expression bing a little softer. "Young Master, you''re not wrong. But you left me alone to face him. You can''t do that."

    She reached out and fixed the emblem on his nicely embroidered vest, making sure it looked perfect on his chest. "There. Now you look great."

    Javier gave a shy grin. "Thanks, Liana. I''ll try not to leave you behind next time."

    "You''d better not," she said, stepping back and pointing toward the door. "Now, let''s go, Young Master. I''m sure Miss Gloria and the others are waiting for us."

    "Hehe¡­ town, town, town!" Javier chanted, his earlier nervousness forgotten as he bounced out the door, excitement shining in every step.

    Liana followed behind, shaking her head with a small smile. Even when he''s difficult, he''s impossible to stay mad at.

    Once they arrived in the courtyard, Gloria and several other maids were already on their horses, along with guards who were also ready. The grand carriage, shiny and polished, stood waiting in the center.@@novelbin@@

    Javier''s face turned sour when he saw it. "Ugh¡­ really, Liana? A carriage?"

    "You have to, Young Master," Liana replied firmly. "You''re a noble, Count Garius''s youngest son. It''s proper etiquette."

    "Nope." Javier crossed his arms stubbornly and turned toward the pekko pen. "Buddy!" he shouted, whistling sharply.

    From a distance, Buddy rushed over, squawking loudly in excitement. Pikko followed closely, pping its short wings to catch up.

    "Ehehehe!" Javier grinned as he climbed onto Buddy''s back. "I''m going to ride my Buddy!"

    "No, Young Master," Liana said in her firmest voice. "You can''t!"

    "Blergh, Liana. I don''t care. Buddy and I are going!" Javier dered, holding on tightly to Buddy''s neck to stay on.

    Gloria watched the amusing scene unfold and shook her head with a smile as Liana tried to pull Javier down. Buddy squawked loudly, standing strong with its rider.

    With a resigned sigh, Gloria got off her horse and approached them. "Now, now, Miss Liana," she said gently, pulling out a scarf with the household emblem. She tied it around Buddy''s neck, giving the pekko a noble look.

    "Here, done," she said, stepping back with a satisfied nod.

    After Gloria tied the Armand household emblem scarf around Buddy''s neck, Javier hopped off excitedly and began circling his beloved pekko, inspecting the new look with bright eyes.

    "Ohhhh!!" he eximed, eyes shining with excitement. "I''m going to make the best armor for Buddyter. Ehehehe!"

    Gloria chuckled softly, her expression warm. "Young Master, you never stop amazing me."

    Meanwhile, Liana shook her head, hands on her hips, and let out a long, exaggerated sigh. "Young Master, can we focus on today''s visit first before starting another one of your wild projects?"

    Javier grinned mischievously. "Don''t worry, Liana. Buddy and I are ready for anything. Right, Buddy?"

    Buddy squawked loudly, agreeing, while pping its short wings proudly.

    "See?" Javier said with a smirk.

    Gloriaughed again, patting Buddy gently. "Now, now, Miss Liana, let the Young Master dream a little. After all, adventures often start with imagination."

    Liana sighed again but couldn''t help the faint smile on her lips as she gestured toward the group. "Young Master, if you''re done admiring Buddy, let''s get moving. Everyone''s waiting."

    "Alright, alright!" Javier said, hopping back onto Buddy''s back. "Let''s go, Buddy! Town, here wee!"

    Buddy squawked in excitement, and Pikko followed closely behind as the group finally set off, much to Liana''s relief.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 122 Arrival at the Town ( 122 )

    Javier and Buddy stood at the town gates, both looking equally impatient. Dust still clung to their clothes and feathers after their wild dash, but that didn''t dim Javier''s excitement.

    Liana satposedly on Pikko, her hair only slightly out of ce from the chase. She had finally managed to catch up with Javier before he could cause any more chaos, much to her relief.

    As the town guards approached and noticed the Armand household emblem on Liana''s scarf and Buddy''s scarf, they stammered nervously. Experience tales with My Virtual Library Empire

    "M-miss Liana, Young Master Javier! Wee to the town of Bristal!" one guard said, bowing deeply.

    Javier waved casually, already fidgeting in ce. "Yeah, yeah, thanks. Can we go in now?"

    "Not yet, Young Master," Liana interrupted, her voice calm but firm. "We should wait for Miss Gloria and the others to arrive."

    "Ughhh, why? Buddy and I can''t wait anymore!" Javier groaned, pacing back and forth while Buddy squawked in agreement, pping its wings impatiently.

    Liana nced at him, raising an eyebrow. "Patience, Young Master. A proper noble doesn''t just storm into a town without their escort."

    Javier huffed, crossing his arms. "Patience is overrated. Next time, I''m buying all of them a pekko so they can keep up!"

    Liana chuckled softly, shaking her head. "I''m sure Miss Gloria would appreciate that."

    As they waited, Javier leaned against Buddy''s side, tapping his foot. "So, Liana," he began, "you''ve never been to the town before?"

    "Hmm? Not officially," Liana replied. "I believe I visited years ago, before I was appointed as your personal maid. But that was just a quick errand."

    "Well, get ready to see it properly now," Javier said, his grin returning. "Bristal Town better be ready for the great Javier De Armand!"

    Liana sighed, her expression a mix of fondness and exasperation. "I''m sure they''ll never forget you, Young Master."

    They continued waiting at the gates, with Buddy and Pikko squawking softly, as the faint sound of hooves signaled Gloria and the rest of the group catching up.

    "Gloriaaaaa!! You''rete!!" Javier shouted, arms crossed and an exaggerated pout on his face.

    Gloria dismounted gracefully, smiling as if she hadn''t just endured a long ride. "Ara, Young Master¡­" she said in her usual calm tone. "You know horses are not as fast as pekkos."

    Javier huffed, patting Buddy''s neck proudly. "Well, next time, we''re going to buy you one!"

    Gloria raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Is that so? And where would we acquire such fine creatures?"

    Javier grinned, his amber eyes gleaming with mischief. "Eheheh¡­ If we visit the old man again in the vige!."

    "Young Master," Liana interjected, her voice a mix of scolding and exasperation, "let''s not trouble the old man unnecessarily. Besides, you already have two pekkos."

    Javier waved her off. "Details, details! He''ll be happy to see me again. Buddy here needs more friends, don''t you, Buddy?"

    Buddy squawked enthusiastically, pping its wings as if in full agreement.

    Gloria chuckled, shaking her head. "Well, Young Master, I''ll look forward to riding a pekko someday if you manage to convince the old man."

    "See? Even Miss Gloria agrees!" Javier said triumphantly, turning to Liana with a smug grin.

    Liana sighed deeply, muttering under her breath, "This is going to be a long day¡­"

    "An army of Pekko!!! Kekekeke!!!" Javier eximed, throwing his arms up dramatically as Buddy squawked loudly in agreement, its wings pping with excitement.

    The town guards at the gate exchanged awkward nces, unsure whether tough or take his statement seriously. One guard leaned toward another and whispered, "Is this the Count''s youngest son?"

    "Our young master really¡­" another guard muttered, rubbing the back of his neck with an amused smile.

    Behind them, Liana sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, shaking her head in resignation. "Young Master, please stop causing a scene."

    Gloria chuckled softly, her serene demeanor undisturbed. The other maids and household guards couldn''t help but smile, already ustomed to Javier''s entric behavior.

    "Well, at least the Pekkos seem to share his energy," one of the maids murmured, watching as Buddy practically bounced on its legs, as if ready to storm the gates.@@novelbin@@

    Liana shot the bird an unimpressed look. "Even the mount matches his personality¡­" she muttered under her breath, earning a stifledugh from Gloria.

    "Alright, Buddy!! Time to conquer the town!!" Javier shouted triumphantly, pointing dramatically ahead.

    Buddy squawked loudly in agreement, pping its wings as it dashed through the town gates with startling speed.

    "Young Master¡­" Liana let out a long, exasperated sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. She motioned to Pikko, and the elegant bird began following with a graceful sprint.

    "Buddy!! Find the marketce!! Food!! Fooooodddd!!" Javier eximed, his voice echoing through the streets as Buddy let out another loud squawk, clearly just as excited.

    The townsfolk, startled by the sudden arrival of a noble boy riding a lively Pekko, quickly stepped aside, murmuring amongst themselves.

    "Who is that kid?"

    "Look at the bird¡ªit''s wearing a noble emblem!"

    "He''s¡­ riding it through the streets?"

    Liana, riding Pikko not far behind, was already dreading the scene Javier would undoubtedly cause. She gave a small wave to the onlookers, offering a polite smile as if to apologize for the spectacle.

    "Gloria, I''ll make sure he doesn''t terrorize the marketce," Liana muttered to the head maid, who had just caught up with the rest of the group.

    Gloria chuckled softly, watching Buddy and Javier disappear further into the town. "Ara¡­ Our young master certainly knows how to make an entrance."

    One of the household guards sighed. "We''ll be lucky if the vendors aren''t in chaos by the time we arrive."

    Meanwhile, Javier leaned low over Buddy''s neck, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Faster, Buddy! We need to find the best food stall! Let''s eat until we drop! Kekeke!"

    "Gyaaarrhh!! Found one¡­ Kekeke!" Javier eximed as Buddy came to an abrupt stop in front of a fruit vendor.

    The vendor, a middle-aged man wiping his hands on a cloth, immediately noticed the Armand household emblem on Buddy''s scarf. His eyes widened, and he quickly straightened up. "Ah, wee, young master!"

    Before Javier could respond, Buddy lunged forward, greedily snatching arge fruit from the stall with its beak.

    "Oi, Buddy!! Don''t just start eating! We have to pay first!!" Javier shouted, leaning down to tug gently on the bird''s neck.

    Buddy squawked in defiance, swallowing the fruit whole and eyeing the next one eagerly.

    "Eughh! Buddy! Stop eating their food!" Javier groaned, rubbing his temples as Buddy grabbed another fruit.

    The vendor chuckled nervously, his eyes darting between the noble boy and the increasingly empty fruit stall. "Uh, young master¡­ That will be¡­ 2 silver coins¡­" He paused as Buddy devoured yet another fruit. "¡­2 silver, 3 copper¡­ 2 silver, 5 copper¡­ 2 silver, 15 copper¡­"

    "Haaa¡­ Fine¡­" Javier sighed, pulling out a small pouch.

    "Hey, Buddy! At least let the merchant count first!" he scolded, watching as Buddy polished off yet another fruit.

    With a resigned expression, Javier held out 10 silver coins. "Here. Is this enough for all the fruit?"

    The vendor''s eyes widened at the generous payment. "Y-Yes! Thank you, young master! It''s more than enough!"

    Just then, Liana arrived on Pikko, her face a perfect picture of calm resignation. She dismounted gracefully, ready to lecture Javier, but before she could speak, Pikko let out an excited squawk and joined Buddy in the feast.

    "Pikko! Not you too!" Liana gasped, cing her hands on her hips.

    The vendorughed nervously as both Pekkos happily munched on the remaining fruit. "It''s an honor to serve the young master and his¡­ finepanions."

    Javier turned to Liana with a sheepish grin. "See? Even Pikko agrees that the fruit is great!"

    Liana pinched the bridge of her nose, sighing deeply. "Young master, really..."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 124 The Brat and the Bold ( 124 )

    As Javier enjoyed his roast meat with Buddy and Pikko, the delicious smell filled the air. Suddenly, he heard some noise nearby. Lifting his head mid-bite, he looked toward the growingmotion a short distance from their stall.

    "Hmm?" Javier mumbled, curious. "What''s happening over there?"

    He turned to the vendor he was eating with. "Hey, who''s causing all that noise?"

    The vendor sighed and shook his head. "Ah, it''s that brat from the Jaist household again."

    "Jaist household?" Javier raised an eyebrow.

    The vendor leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "Yeah, the youngest son of High Baron Grimian. Every time he visits, he causes trouble¡ªtaking things without paying and acting like he''s better than everyone else."

    Javier narrowed his eyes, a sly grin forming. "Interesting¡­"

    Buddy tilted his head, seeming curious about Javier''s change in mood, while Pikko nudged closer, trying to sneak another bite of his food.

    At themotion:

    "Please pay for the goods," an elderly vendor pleaded, her voice shaking but firm.

    "Hah! Do you even know who I am?!" the boy snapped, puffing out his chest. "I am the son of High Baron Grimian, of the Jaist household! How dare amoner like you ask for payment from me?"

    The vendor hesitated, wringing her hands nervously. "But¡­ it''s just a few coppers¡­"

    The boy smirked arrogantly, leaning in closer. "You should be honored that I even stopped by your dirty stall. That''s payment enough!"

    Behind him, two guards from the Jaist household rested their hands on their swords, looking cold and threatening. One of them shouted, "Oi, olddy, you better watch what you say. How dare you insult our young master by asking for payment?"

    A murmur of anger spread through the crowd.

    One person stepped forward, red with anger. "Even our lord, Count Garius, never treats us like this! Who do you think you are, bullying an olddy in our town?"

    Another added, gaining confidence, "Yeah! If you''re so important, go back to where you came from!"

    The guards exchanged nces, gripping their swords tighter.

    From deeper in the crowd, a brave voice yelled, "Yeah! Screw you and your Jaist arrogance!"

    Javier grinned mischievously as he stood up, brushing crumbs from his clothes. He leaned down closer to Buddy and Pikko, speaking in a secretive tone.

    "Hehe¡­ Buddy, Pikko, ready for some fun?"

    The two Pekkos squawked excitedly, their eyes shining with eagerness.

    From the side, Liana noticed what Javier nned and stepped forward with concern on her face. "Young master, wait¡ª"

    But Gloria gently but firmly ced her hand on Liana''s arm.

    "Just wait, Liana," Gloria said with a calm smile.

    "But Miss Gloria¡ª"

    "Trust me. Lord Garius''s orders."

    Liana bit her lip, unsure but eventually stepped back, her eyes staying on Javier.

    Javier walked toward themotion, moving casually as the crowd parted for him. The noise faded as he got closer.

    "Oh, look who we have here!" Javier called out, his voice full of mock pity. His eyes sparkled with amusement as he looked at the Jaist brat, who stood proudly with his guards. "You must be a poor boy."

    The crowd gasped, surprised by his words.

    Javier tilted his head and gave the Jaist brat a sly grin before tossing a copper coin at his feet. "Here, a little something for you. Don''t worry, I know it''s tough for families that can''t give their kids an allowance."

    The coin clinked on the cobblestones, making the Jaist brat''s face turn red with anger. "H-How dare you treat me like a beggar!"

    Javier leaned in closer, his grin growing wider as he lowered his voice so only the brat could hear. "Hmm? Aren''t you?"

    "You insolentmoner!" the Jaist brat yelled, his fists shaking.

    "Commoner?" Javier blinked innocently and then gasped dramatically. "Oh, no! You''re from the Jaist household? The oh-so-important Jaist household? Ohhhh, I''m so scared!"

    He pretended to be scared, shuddering exaggeratedly and smirking yfully.

    The guards from the Jaist household stepped forward, gripping their swords tightly. "You dare mock the Jaist family?!"

    Javier pretended to panic, raising his hands. "A-ah! No, no, I wouldn''t dare!" Then he turned to his Pekkos. "Buddy! Pikko!"

    The tworge Pekkos squawked together, their size and sharp beaks making the guards nervous. Experience exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire

    The guards froze, their confidence fading.

    "Oh my, how sad," Javier said, giving Buddy a pat on the beak. "Even a moner'' like me has these impressive Pekkos. Meanwhile, the mighty Jaist household doesn''t even have one for their spoiled little boy?"

    The crowd burst intoughter, cutting through the Jaist brat''s pride.

    The brat''s face turned deep red, and his lips trembled as he shouted, "I''ll make you regret this!"

    Javier crossed his arms, his smirk staying strong. "Oh? And how will you do that? Cry to Daddy about how a moner'' showed you up in public?"

    Laughter grew louder, with some people pping and cheering for Javier''s cleverness.

    Javier wiped a tear from his eye as he continued tough. Buddy and Pikko squawked along, their sounds almost likeughter as they pped their wings excitedly. The crowd roared withughter too, really enjoying the show.

    "Now, now, poor ''noble,''" Javier said, waving his hand as if dismissing the boy. "Why don''t you pay the nice olddy for her goods and be a good boy? You know, like a proper noble should."

    The Jaist brat''s face twisted in anger. "You¡­ you don''t know who you''re dealing with! Once I tell my father, you''ll regret this!"

    Javier raised an eyebrow, his smirk still there. "Huh? And what''s your family going to do about it? Send an army to attack this town?"

    "Yes! A war!" the brat shouted, puffing out his chest, proud of his im.

    Javier stared for a moment, then burst outughing again, his voice ringing out in the marketce. Buddy and Pikko sensed his joy and squawked louder, stomping their feet as if teasing the Jaist brat.

    "HAHAHAHA! Oh, this is too funny!" Javier said, clutching his stomach, tears forming in his eyes. "A noble who can''t even pay for their goods¡­ talking about war? Really? Do you even have that kind of money? Oh wait¡ª" He snapped his fingers dramatically. "You don''t! That''s why you''re stealing from an olddy!"

    The crowd joined in,ughing and pointing as the Jaist brat''s face turned bright red.

    "Y-You¡­!" the brat stammered, shaking with anger. "Kill thatmoner!"

    The Jaist guards hesitated before drawing their swords, their hands shaking. They nced nervously at the two Pekkos, whose beady eyes were fixed on them with an intense stare. Buddy stomped forward, letting out a deep, rumbling squawk. Pikko spread her wings, looking twice the size of the nearest guard.

    Javier tilted his head mockingly, resting a hand on Buddy''s head. "Ooooo¡­ scary," he said sarcastically, giving Buddy''s beak a yful pat. "You know, if you''re scared of a couple of birds, maybe you''re in the wrong job."

    The guards flinched and stepped back, clearly not wanting to upset therge Pekkos.

    The Jaist brat seethed, stamping his foot. "What are you waiting for?! Attack him!"

    One of the guards whispered urgently, "Young master, these creatures are dangerous. We can''t¡ª"

    "Useless! All of you are useless!" the brat yelled, his face twisted in frustration.

    Javier let out a big sigh, shaking his head. "Honestly, this is embarrassing. For a ''noble,'' you really don''t act like one. If you don''t pay the nice olddy soon, I might have to teach you a lesson in manners."

    ( End of Chapter )@@novelbin@@

 Chapter 126 Feathers and Feasts ( 126 )

    Javier looked around with a determined expression, scanning the bustling market stalls. "Now¡­ where''s the risu?" he muttered, his eyes darting left and right.

    Buddy and Pikko tilted their heads, squawking as if they were searching too.

    "Ugh... I can''t find it," Javier groaned, scratching his head in frustration.

    Liana stepped closer, her tone patient as always. "Young master?"

    Before she could continue, Gloria interjected with her usual serene demeanor. "If you''re looking for risu, young master, it''s served at the Armand family''s finest inn."

    Javier''s eyes lit up. "Ehh? Really?"

    Liana nodded. "Yes, young master. The inn specializes in serving rare imports like risu."

    Javier shrugged, his yful grin returning. "Whatever. We can just ask the merchant who supplies the estate to bring someter. Ehehehe."

    Liana crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Young master, did you forget the main reason you came to town today?"@@novelbin@@

    Javier paused, tapping his chin in mock thought. "Hmm? Risu?"

    He mulled it over for a moment, then waved dismissively. "After thinking it through, it''s better to just order it from the merchant. Way easier. Ehehehe."

    Liana sighed deeply, but a small, resigned smile crept onto her face. Gloria chuckled softly, her serene expression unchanged.

    Javier turned to his featheredpanions, Buddy and Pikko, who were already squawking in excitement. "Now, Buddy! Pikko! Let''s head to that stall next!"

    The two Pekkos squawked loudly, pping their wings as they followed their young master with enthusiasm, leaving Liana and Gloria trailing behind with amused looks.

    Javier approached a stall brimming with fresh meat and pped down five silver coins with a confident grin. "Give me meat this worth!" he dered, excitement bubbling in his tone.

    The merchant''s eyes widened in surprise. "Five silver coins? Coming right up!" he said with a delighted smile, quickly preparing the best cuts of meat.

    As soon as the merchant handed over the meat, Javier spun around. "Buddy! Catch this!"

    With a swift toss, the meat flew through the air, and Buddy, ever the hungry Pekko, caught it with precision, swallowing it whole in one gulp.

    "Pikko! Here!" Javier called, tossing another chunk.

    Pikko snapped it out of the air just as eagerly, squawking with delight as it devoured the treat.

    Javier kept the game going,ughing as Buddy and Pikko enthusiastically gobbled up every piece. Suddenly, an idea struck him, and his grin turned sly. "meheheheh"

    He tossed another piece of meat to Buddy, who caught it effortlessly. Then, Javier casually grabbed a fresh vegetable from the neighboring stall, ignoring the merchant''s startled expression, and tossed it to Buddy. "Buddy! Catch!"

    Buddy obediently caught it, only to freeze mid-gulp. The realization hit him as the vegetable slid down, and Buddy stared at Javier with wide, betrayed eyes.

    Javier doubled over withughter, clutching his stomach. "Bwahahaha! Did you see his face? Priceless!"

    Buddy squawked loudly in protest, stomping his sturdy yellow legs in defiance and ring at the vegetable stall as if using it of treachery.

    Pikko squawked in amusement, seemingly enjoying the spectacle as much as Javier.

    Wiping a tear from his eye, stillughing uncontrobly, Javier said, "Oh, Buddy, you''re too easy!"

    The entire scene drew smiles and chuckles from nearby merchants and passersby, charmed by the yful young noble and his lively Pekkos.

    Javier, still grinning from Buddy''s dramatic reaction, turned to the vegetable stall owner, who looked half-amused, half-bemused by the situation. He casually tossed a silver coin onto the counter. "Here, for the veggies," he said with a wink.

    The merchant chuckled, shaking his head. "Thank you, young master."

    Javier spun back to the meat stall, grabbed a strip for himself, and bit into it with relish. The juicy vor only fueled his enthusiasm. "Buddy! Pikko! Here''s more!" he called, tossing more chunks to his Pekkos, who snapped them up eagerly, though Buddy kept a wary eye on the vegetable stall.

    Suddenly, Javier had another idea. He tossed another silver coins onto the meat stall counter with dramatic ir. "Liana, Gloria¡ªall of you,e eat!" he eximed, his voice brimming with excitement.

    He turned back to the merchant. "Here''s another ten silver coins. Give me all the meat you have!"

    The merchant''s eyes widened, barely able to contain his shock. "All the meat, young master?!"

    "Everyst piece!" Javier dered, chomping into another strip. "My Pekkos need their feast, and so do my people. Come on, let''s make it a party!"

    Liana sighed softly but smiled as she approached, her usualposure tinged with warmth. "Young master, you''re far too generous."

    "Generous? Nah, just hungry," Javier replied, grinning mischievously.

    Gloria nodded with her serene smile, gesturing for the maids and guards to join. "Well, then, we shall graciously ept, young master."

    The merchant scrambled to prepare the remaining stock, handing out roasted and fresh cuts alike. Soon, the entire group was gathered around, eating together as the bustling marketce filled withughter and the delightful aroma of freshly cooked meat.

    Javier, holding a skewer of meat aloft, dered with a smirk, "A noble''s duty is to keep everyone happy and full. So, eat up!"

    As the lively atmosphere around the meat feast continued, Liana leaned closer to Gloria, her curiosity finally getting the better of her. "Miss Gloria," she whispered, careful not to disturb the others, "what exactly was in that letter you handed to the town guards earlier?"

    Gloria turned her serene smile toward Liana, speaking softly to match her tone. "Oh, that letter?" She chuckled lightly. "It was an official decree from Lord Garius himself. It states that any orders given by young master Javier are to be treated as absolute. Furthermore, it rifies that our young master Javier will take full responsibility for hismands and actions."

    Liana''s eyes widened in surprise. "So, the decision to capture the Jaist household brat¡­"

    "Yes," Gloria continued with a knowing smile. "It ces all ountability solely on young master Javier. In other words, should the Jaist household attempt retaliation, they would have to direct it toward Javier personally, not the Armand household as a whole."

    Liana blinked in astonishment, her gaze drifting toward Javier, who wasughing loudly with Buddy and Pikko. "But why would Lord Garius¡­"

    Gloria gave a slight nod, understanding Liana''s confusion. "It''s Lord Garius''s way of teaching young master Javier to handle responsibility while also protecting the family''s name. By making it clear that Javier acted independently, it ensures that the Jaist household cannot escte the issue into a political feud."

    Explore more stories with My Virtual Library Empire

    Liana sighed softly, her expression a mixture of admiration and concern. "Our young master truly isn''t like other nobles... but sometimes, I worry he''s too bold for his own good."

    Gloria chuckled, cing a reassuring hand on Liana''s shoulder. "True, but isn''t that boldness part of what makes him so special? Besides," she added with a glint of pride in her eyes, "the Armand household isn''t so easily shaken, not even by the likes of the Jaist family."

    Liana nodded, her gaze softening as she watched Javier toss another piece of meat to Buddy, his mischievous grin lighting up the moment. Deep down, she felt a growing sense of pride and trust in her young master.

    Liana furrowed her brows, worry evident despite Gloria''s calm demeanor. "So this means, no matter how hard the Jaist household¡ªor any other noble house¡ªtries to me the Armand household as a whole, they can''t because it was solely young master Javier''smand?"

    Gloria nodded with a serene smile. "Exactly. The decree makes it clear that young master Javier acted independently. It protects the household while giving our young master full authority over his decisions."

    Still, Liana''s concern lingered. "But... what will happen to our young master? Won''t this put him in danger or make him a target for other nobles'' anger?"

    Gloria chuckled softly, her voice reassuring. "Hmm? Nothing will happen, dear. The nobles, including the Jaist household, understand the rules of engagement in noble politics. They cannot attack the Armand region directly over something like this. The decree ensures that this wasn''t a direct order from Lord Garius, which keeps the Armand household out of political crossfire."

    She paused, her eyes glinting with a mix of pride and mischief. "As for young master Javier himself, he''s protected by the Armand name, his position as the son of a Count, and, of course, our forces. Besides," Gloria added with a lightugh, "even if they wanted to me him, they would struggle to do so. Our young master is more cunning than they give him credit for."

    Liana exhaled slowly, her tension easing. "I see... But it still amazes me how well-thought-out Lord Garius''s actions are. It''s like he foresaw every possible oue."

    Gloria smiled warmly. "That''s the brilliance of the Armand household''s leadership. They protect their people and their own with wisdom and foresight. You''ll see, Liana. Our young master will only grow stronger and more capable under such guidance."

    Liana nced at Javier, who was nowughing boisterously with Buddy and Pikko, his carefree demeanor masking the sharp mind beneath. A small smile crept onto her face as she thought to herself: "Perhaps I worry too much..."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 127 Chivalry and Mischief ( 127 )

    Javier stretched his arms and shook off the excitement from earlier. He grinned mischievously and said, "That was fun! But honestly, I think I should have hit that brat more. Punching him would have felt better."

    Liana, standing just behind him, sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Young master, please¡­"

    Javier turned to her, pretending to be confused. "What? That brat was causing trouble in our town. Isn''t it my job as the lord''s son to keep things in order?"

    Liana raised an eyebrow and replied firmly, "Maintaining order doesn''t mean resorting to violence, young master. You already taught him a lesson. Any more, and it would reflect poorly on the Armand household."

    Gloria, who had been quietly watching, chuckled softly. "Liana''s right, young master. As satisfying as it may have been, there''s a fine line between discipline and overstepping. You handled it well enough... in your own unique way."

    Javier shrugged with a carefree smirk and turned back to his pets, Buddy and Pikko. "Hmph. Fine, fine. I guess I''ll leave it at that. But if that brat tries something again, I''m not holding back."

    Buddy squawked in agreement, as if he understood Javier, while Pikko pecked at his shoulder, more interested in food than in justice.

    Liana sighed again but couldn''t help smiling a little. "Sometimes, I don''t know if I should scold him or admire his confidence¡­" she muttered to herself.

    Gloria leaned closer and whispered with amusement, "It''s a bit of both, dear. That''s why he''s our young master."

    Javier tilted his head back and looked at the sky, which was now painted with orange as the sun began to set. He patted Buddy and grinned. "Hmm¡­ I think it''s time to head back to the estate. I''m full, and Buddy here looks like he''s had enough too."

    Liana, standing next to Pikko, chuckled softly. "Yes, yes, young master. Let''s go back." She gracefully got on Pikko.

    Gloria, always calm andposed, pped her hands lightly to get the attention of the maids and guards who were busy cleaning up or keeping the streets calm after the earlier excitement. "Everyone, prepare to return to the estate."

    Before getting on her own horse, Gloria turned to the captain of the town''s guards and handed him another official document with a serene butmanding smile. "Captain, make sure to report to the Armand household if anything suspicious happens. You know how to reach us."

    The captain saluted sharply, standing tall and respectful. "Understood, Miss Gloria. We''ll keep the town secure."

    Javier climbed onto Buddy''s saddle easily, giving therge Pekko an affectionate pat. "Alright, big guy. Let''s head home. Maybe there will be something even better waiting for us back at the estate!"

    Buddy let out a squawk, as if agreeing, while Pikko chirped, ready to go at liana gentlemand.

    With the Armand household''s group gathered, they began their journey back to the estate, moving in an organized procession through the town. Javier led the way with his mischievous grin, Liana riding beside him with a calm and watchful look. Gloria rode at the back, making sure everything was in order as they left.

    The townsfolk watched them go, whispering among themselves with admiration. The youngest son of the Armand household might be yful and unconventional, but he had once again shown why the Armand family was loved in their region.

    As Buddy strutted forward with a proud walk, hisrge frame catching the eyes of people passing by, Javier rxedfortably in the saddle, humming a cheerful tune. He felt happy, and his grin was wide as he thought about the exciting day they had.

    "Hehe¡­ This is the best. I wish we could do this every day," Javier said, his voice light and satisfied.

    Liana, riding Pikko beside him, nced at him with a gentle but firm expression. "No, young master. You can''t."

    Javier groaned and slouched dramatically in his seat. "Why can''t I go outside more often like my siblings and half-siblings?"

    Liana spoke patiently, but there was a teasing tone in her voice. "Because they''re all adults now, young master. You''re still a child."

    Javier puffed his cheeks in yful irritation. "Yeah, yeah¡­ whatever."

    But inside, he felt frustrated. Haaa¡­ Nakamura Junichi, once an adult sryman, was now treated like a child in this new world. He paused his thoughts and let out an internal sigh. Well, I am technically a child here, so I guess I can''tin too much.

    "Argh! I can''t wait until I hit puberty in this world. Once I do, maybe I''ll start flirting with the girls around. Hehe¡­" Javier''s grin wavered for a moment as he remembered something. "Uhh¡­ but I have Liana¡­ so probably not." He sighed inwardly. "And then there''s Gracelle¡­ ugh."

    Shaking off his thoughts, Javier turned to Liana, curious. "By the way, Liana, I didn''t see any elves in town before."

    Liana nced over at him, her silver hair shining in the sunlight. "Hmm? That''s because elves rarelye to human towns. Most elves stay in their own country. Some visit human towns, like me, but it''s mostly for work¡­ or marriage."

    Javier raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Humans can marry elves too?"

    Liana nodded calmly. "Yes, but it''s moremon for elven men to marry human women. You do know there are big differences in our lives, right?"

    Javier tilted his head, confused. "Differences?"

    Liana smiled gently and exined, "Elves live for thousands of years, while humans usually only live up to a hundred. That gap in lifespan and culture can be¡­ challenging for many."

    Javier leaned back, thinking. "Huh¡­ so it''s mostly elven men marrying human women. That makes sense, I guess. But you''re here, working for a human family¡­"

    Liana''s eyes softened as she looked at him. "Yes, I am. And I don''t regret it for a moment, young master."

    Javier''s smirk returned. "Hehe¡­ Good. Because I''m keeping you forever."@@novelbin@@

    Liana''s cheeks flushed a little, but she quickly turned away, keeping her voice steady. "You always say such silly things, young master."

    While riding their Pekko side by side, Javier turned to Liana with a yful glint in his eyes. "Liana?"

    "Yes, young master?" she replied, her voice calm andposed as always.

    Javier''s smirk deepened. "Let''s say we got married, had a child, grew old together, and then I died. Would you marry someone else after me?"

    Liana''s grip on Pikko''s reins tightened. Her eyes narrowed, and her calm expression cracked, showing a rare sh of anger. "Young master!"

    Javier flinched slightly at her sharp tone but quickly recovered with a teasing grin. "What? It''s a valid question, isn''t it?"

    Liana slowed Pikko down, ring at him. "Why would you ask something so ridiculous?!"

    Javier feigned innocence, shrugging. "I mean, elves live for thousands of years, right? What''s a hundred years with me in the grand scheme of things? You''d have so much time left¡ª"

    Before he could finish, Liana cut him off, her voice firm. "Enough! Young master, do you think I would treat such a bond so lightly?!"

    Javier blinked, surprised by her intensity.

    "If I ever¡­" she hesitated, her cheeks faintly pink, "married you, it would be because you''re irreceable. Don''t ever think otherwise!"

    Javier grinned slyly, leaning forward on Buddy. "Oho¡­ so you have thought about marrying me?"

    Liana''s face turned crimson, and she looked away, tugging Pikko''s reins as if trying to escape the conversation. "Young master, you are insufferable." Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire

    Javier chuckled, clearly enjoying her reaction. "Hehe¡­ I''ll take that as a yes."

    Behind them, Gloria watched the exchange with a serene smile, hiding her amusement at the young master''s antics and Liana''s rare flustered state.

    Inside Liana''s mind, a swirl of thoughts raced as she processed Javier''s words. If what you say is true, young master, I will try to find a way to extend your youth once you reach adulthood.

    The idea both troubled and intrigued her. She was aware of the vast differences in their ages and lifespans, and the thought of losing him after such a short time felt unbearable. Could I really find a way? she pondered. Elven magic is powerful... but would it be enough to alter fate?

    Liana caught herself before letting her imagination run wild. But would extending his youth truly be the right thing to do? She felt protective of him, wishing to shield him from the pain of loss and the realities of life. Yet, she also knew that there was a beauty to the fleeting nature of human life¡ªa beauty she couldn''t quite exin.

    A soft sigh escaped her lips as she nced at Javier, who was blissfully unaware of the weight of her thoughts. I can''t let these feelings lead me astray, she reminded herself. He''s still just a child in many ways, even if he acts older than he is.

    Liana''s resolve strengthened. Whatever happens, I''ll cherish the time we have. And if there is a way to prolong his youth, I will seek it out¡­ even if it means confronting the unknown.

    She cast a sideways nce at him, her expression softening. Yes, I''ll find a way to protect you, young master. I promise.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 128 From Soil to Schemes ( 128 )

    Javier crouched in the soft soil, nting sugarcane with a mischievous grin on his face. "This one here... and this one here,"

    A short distance away, Buddy and Pikko¡ªtherge, oversized Pekko¡ªwere scratching at the ground. Theirrge feet sent clumps of soil flying everywhere, but they weren''t helping Javier at all. Instead, they seemed to treat the farm as their personal yground, squawking asionally in delight.

    Meanwhile, Liana satfortably at a portable table and chair set. She watched her young master with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

    "Young master," she called, her tone soft but tinged with mild reproach. "I believe it''s best if you hire workers for this." Find adventures at My Virtual Library Empire

    Javier nced up at her, brushing some dirt off his hands. "Huh? Not yet. After I finish this¡­ hehehe," he replied, his sly grin widening as though he had some borate n brewing in his mind.

    Javier wasn''t alone in his endeavor. Around him, his puppet knight army was hard at work. Dozens of armored figures moved with mechanical precision, their glowing eyes focused on their tasks. Some were nting sugarcane alongside Javier, while others constructed a sturdy fence around the vast farnd.

    Liana sighed softly, shaking her head. "Young master, only you would use a small army of knights for farming."

    Javier shrugged, still grinning. "Why not? They don''t need food, water, or rest. Plus, they''re faster than humans. It''s perfect!"

    Buddy and Pikko squawked loudly, as if protesting theirck of involvement. Javier nced at them andughed. "Ehehe, maybe I''ll let you two nt somethingter. But for now, just have fun!"

    As the puppet knights tirelessly worked and therge Pekkos continued their chaotic scratching, the farnd slowly began to take shape. For Javier, this wasn''t just about nting sugarcane; it was the beginning of another grand scheme.

    "Eheheh... see? Finished in just half a day for this big farm!" Javier stood proudly, wiping dirt off his hands as he surveyed the newly nted sugarcane field. His puppet knights were now neatly arranged, awaiting their nextmand, while Buddy and Pikko lounged nearby, looking smug after their fun.

    Javier turned to a small bundle of cocoa saplings sitting in a corner. "Now, onto the cocoa trees! They''ll make this farm even better."

    Excitedly, he picked up one of the small saplings and examined it, but his grin quickly turned into a frown. "Lianaaaaa!" he wailed. "The tree... it''s dead! Ugh, why didn''t we nt this before going to town?!"

    Liana merely smiled as she set her teacup down. She walked over to Javier. "Let me see, young master," she said, taking the wilted sapling from his hands.

    "It''s no use... it''s dead already. Just look at it!"

    Still smiling, Liana crouched down and examined the sapling. "Where do you want to nt it?"

    "I told you, it''s hopeless,"

    Ignoring his doubts, Liana dug a small hole, gently ced the sapling inside, and covered the roots with soil. Then, she poured a bit of water from a sk she carried and ced her hands over the young tree. A soft green glow emanated from her palms as she channeled her magic into the nt. Slowly, the sapling began to straighten, its leaves regaining their vibrant green hue.

    Javier''s eyes widened in awe. "Ohhh!!! I didn''t know you had that kind of magic!"

    "Hmm? This is nothing special. As long as the tree isn''tpletely dried out, we elves know how to revive it."

    Javier leaned closer, curiosity piqued. "You mean all elves can do this? That''s amazing!"

    She smiled gently. "It''s just part of our affinity with nature, young master. Trees and nts are deeply connected to us."

    Javier stood up, rubbing his chin as if pondering something profound. Then he grinned. "Alright! With your magic, this farm is going to be the best in the region!"

    "Now, now, young master," Liana said gently, ncing at the waterway Javier had constructed on the farm. The smooth channels directed water efficiently across the field, a clear sign of his ingenuity. She smiled, clearly impressed.

    "Perhaps it''s better to hire workers to look after this farm. This system you''ve created will make their job much easier¡ªespecially for watering."

    "Hmm... but how much would we have to pay them?"

    "Two silver coins a month per worker," Liana replied calmly.

    Javier raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Oh? That low?"

    "Hmm? That''s actually quite high, young master. Do you know how much workers in other ces earn? Most farmborers barely make one silver coin a month. Here, under the Armand household, even the maids earn five to seven silver coins because they''re special recruits¡ªtrained in defense, offense, and many other skills."@@novelbin@@

    Javier blinked, absorbing the information. "Wait, so the average worker only earns... what? One silver to two silver coins a month?"

    "Exactly," Liana nodded. "That''s why working for the Armand household is considered prestigious. Even for ordinary tasks, workers under your family are well-paidpared to others."

    "Ohhhh!! No wonder when Father opened the hiring before, so many people tried to join!" Javier eximed, a spark of realization lighting his amber eyes.

    Liana nodded with a soft smile. "Exactly, young master. The Armand household is known for treating its employees well. Even the soldiers in the barracks earn four to six silver coins a month. And that''s not all¡ªthey''re provided with a ce to live, food during work hours, and regr training to improve their skills."

    Javier scratched his head, grinning sheepishly. "Wow... I guess I never really thought about how much Father invests in the people who work for us."

    "It''s one of the reasons the Armand household is so respected, not just in this region but beyond," Liana added. "Your father believes in fostering loyalty through fairness and opportunity, and it''s paid off. That''s why even during tough times, the people here stand by your family."

    Javier crossed his arms, nodding thoughtfully. "Hmm... That''s smart. Treat people right, and they''ll have your back. I should keep that in mind for when I grow up and manage things myself."

    Liana chuckled softly. "You already have the right mindset, young master. Though... perhaps a little less teasing and more focus would be wise."

    "Hey, teasing is part of my charm!" Javier shot back with a cheeky grin, earning an exasperated but fond shake of the head from Liana.

    As they continued discussing ns for the farm, Javier couldn''t help but feel a growing appreciation for how his family managed their responsibilities. It wasn''t just about power or wealth¡ªit was about creating amunity that thrived together.

    "Hmmm... I wonder who we should hire?" Javier mused, tapping his chin while looking at the freshly nted farm.

    Liana, everposed, replied, "Young master, you cannot just randomly hire anyone. We need trustworthy and skilled workers."

    Javier groaned, slumping slightly. "Ugh... that''s too much effort."

    After a brief pause, Liana suggested with a small smile, "How about asking the butler, Mr. Alf, for assistance in this matter? He has a keen eye for evaluating people."

    Javier froze, a look of mock horror crossing his face. "Ugh... the serious old man? Guh... he''ll lecture me for hours about responsibility, diligence, and who knows what else!"

    Liana chuckled softly. "That may be true, young master, but you know he always has your best interests at heart. And no one is better at ensuring we hire the right people."

    Javier sighed dramatically, throwing his arms in the air. "Fine, fine! I''ll ask Mr. Alf. But if he starts lecturing me, I''m ming you!"

    Liana''s emerald eyes sparkled with amusement. "Of course, young master. I''ll be sure to take full responsibility."

    Javier grumbled under his breath but couldn''t help the small grin tugging at the corner of his lips. Deep down, he knew Liana was right¡ªeven if dealing with Alf wasn''t his favorite task.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 129 From Fields to Crystals ( 129 )

    The hiring process for workers on Javier''s farm went very well, thanks to Mr. Alf. After Javier asked his mother, Lady Francesca, for help, she quickly got Lord Garius to assign Alf to assist him. With Alf''s careful selection, five skilled workers were chosen, and cozy little houses were built near the farm for them to live in.

    As the new workers started their jobs, Javier went to his workshop.

    "Tadaa!" Javier shouted, his eyes shining with excitement as he revealed histest invention¡ªa magical sugarcane processing machine. Your next journey awaits at My Virtual Library Empire

    Liana, sitting on a soft couch in the corner, looked up from her book, "Young master, what are you working on now?"

    Javier turned to her with a big grin. "Look! The Sugarcane Magic Machine! It can extract and refine sugar easily. Isn''t this amazing?"

    Liana smiled softly. "It seems like every time I see you, you''re making something new. First, it was that magic cannon, then the anti-air mana cannon. What''s next? A machine that builds other machines?"

    "Hmm, that''s not a bad thought. But first, let''s focus on sugar! Imagine it, Liana¡ªour very own sugar supply at Armand Estate. We''ll be the sweetest ce in the whole area!"

    Liana chuckled and went back to her book, but she kept an eye on him. "As long as your inventions don''t explode unexpectedly, I guess this n is... okay."

    Outside the workshop, Buddy and Pikko, resting near the Pekko pen, squawked as if they agreed with Javier''s words.

    Liana set her book aside, crossing her arms as she watched Javier feed the sugarcane into the shiny machine he had just finished. "Young master, you nted all that sugarcane, but what will you do with the leftover stalks? You''re not going to waste them, are you?"

    Javier turned to her with a mischievous grin. "Ehehe... Waste? Never! Watch this!"

    With a flourish, he activated the Sugarcane Magic Machine. The device hummed to life, glowing softly as it began extracting the sugary juices. Enchanted mechanisms and crystal-infused chambers worked seamlessly to transform the liquid into sparkling crystals.

    As the first batch of rock sugar formed, Javier held it up proudly. "Ta-daa! Rock sugar¡ªpure, sweet, and irresistible! I call it... the Armand Crystal Delight!."

    Liana leaned forward, her eyes widening as she examined the sparkling crystals. "Young master... This is impressive. But sugar... this isn''t known yet, is it?"

    Javier chuckled, shaking his head. "Not yet, but it will be. Imagine this in tea, desserts, or even medicine! It''ll change everything. And since no one else knows about it, the Armand Household will be the first to introduce it. The credit will go to my family, not to me."

    Liana tilted her head, intrigued. "Why not take the credit for yourself? This invention could make you a legend."

    Javier shrugged, a sly smile appearing. "Nah, too much attention. If I take the credit, I''ll end up in politics and business, and that stuff is boring. Let my parents deal with that. I''ll enjoy the results and stay free."

    Liana shook her head, amused and impressed. "You''re as clever as ever, young master. But how do you n to introduce this?"

    Javier tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Simple. I''ll talk to Mother. She''s smart and influential enough to present this as the Armand Household''s breakthrough. I''ll just hand over the first batch and let her handle the rest."

    Liana nodded, appreciating Javier''s strategy. "Very well, young master. But I must say, this discovery is quite remarkable. You may be underestimating its impact on the world."

    Javier smirked, popping a piece of rock sugar into his mouth. "I know exactly how much, Liana. The world just isn''t ready for the genius of Javier De Armand."

    Buddy and Pikko squawked in agreement as they peeked through the workshop window, clearly interested in the sugar. Liana couldn''t help but chuckle softly as Javier hummed a cheerful tune, feeding sugarcane into his magical machine with satisfaction shining in his eyes.

    Javier rubbed his hands together, his grin widening. "Now, Liana! Go ask the merchant to supply more sugarcane to the estate. We can''t let the machine sit idle while we wait for ours to grow. The more we have, the more we can produce! Ehehehe!"

    Liana sighed, gracefully rising from her chair. "Fine, young master. I''ll contact the merchant and arrange for a steady delivery. But don''t get carried away, alright?"

    Javier waved her off, his mind racing. "Carried away? Never! Sugarcane is too cheap right now! We''re ahead of the curve. Ehehehe... It''s going to be the next big thing!"

    Javier began pacing the workshop, scheming aloud. "Hmm... I should talk to Father about getting morend. The Armand region is under his control, but only 20¨C30 percent is used for viges, towns, and farming! And the mines I discovered? They''re running profitably under our family''s management. Why stop there?"

    Liana paused, ncing back at him with a mix of exasperation and amusement. "Young master, you sound like you''re nning to take over the entire economy."

    Javier smirked, striking a triumphant pose. "Why not? If Father has idlend, we might as well use it! Imagine fields of sugarcane stretching as far as the eye can see, fueling an empire of sweetness! The Armand household will dominate not just in strength but in innovation! Ehehehe!"

    Liana tilted her head, curiosity piqued. "Young master, what if other noble households start farming sugarcane after seeing its potential?"

    Javier paused for a moment, then smirked confidently. "Hmm? That''s even better! We can buy the sugarcane from them at a low price, process it into sugar, and sell the finished product at a premium! It''s a win-win for us."@@novelbin@@

    He gestured dramatically at his sugarcane-processing machine, pride radiating from him. "Besides, they can''t build a machine like this! Eheheheh! Only I, the genius Javier, know how to create such a masterpiece."

    Liana raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure no one else could figure it out?"

    Javier hesitated briefly before puffing up his chest. "Well¡­ uh¡­ probably not! Even if they tried, without my advanced magic crafting skills and¡ª" he tapped his temple with a grin, "¡ªthe blueprint stored right here in my brilliant brain, they wouldn''t get far. Copying the idea isn''t as easy as it sounds!"

    Javier tapped a section of his sugarcane magic machine with a smug grin, tracing the sleek cylindricalponent. "See this part here, Liana? Do you think they could even make a cylinder like this? Or this piece over here? And don''t get me started on this mana crystal¡ªlook at the size of it! You''d need advanced magic crafting just to shape it, let alone assemble it into something functional."

    He crossed his arms triumphantly, his eyes gleaming with pride. "This sugarcane magic machine isn''t something you can throw together in a day. It''s assembled piece by piece, every part manually crafted with my skills."

    Liana, still seated on the couch with her book, nced up and tilted her head. "You seem very certain, young master."

    Javier leaned closer, smirking. "Heh, I know they can''t copy it. Even if they had the raw materials, the knowledge, and the mana crystals, they''d stillck the skill to replicate this precision. I bet they''d give up halfway through, baffled by how to fit the pieces together."

    Stepping back, he ced his hands on his hips andughed victoriously. "No noble household stands a chance against my genius! They might try, but in the end, they''ll just be scratching their heads, wondering how I pulled it off. Eheheheh!"

    Liana smiled faintly at his enthusiasm. "Well, young master, it seems you''ve thought of everything. Let''s just hope your confidence proves as indestructible as your machine."

    Javier chuckled. "Confidence? It''s a guarantee, Liana. Let them try. By the time they figure out step one, we''ll have sugar on every table in the kingdom!"

    Buddy and Pikko squawked in support, seemingly cheering on their young master, while Liana shook her head with amused resignation. "Very well, young master. I''ll leave the kingdom''s sweet future in your capable hands."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 131 The Reluctant Scholar ( 131 )

    "Ehhhh!? School!?" Javier shouted as he dramatically threw himself onto the nearest couch. "I don''t want to go!"

    Lady Francesca, always patient, knelt beside her youngest son and gently brushed his messy ck hair. "Honey bun, it''s just for three months."

    Javier sat up suddenly, his amber eyes wide with exaggerated fear. "Noooo!! I don''t want to!"

    Francesca sighed softly but kept her calm smile. "Honey bun¡­ just for three months, okay?"

    Javier crossed his arms and flopped back down, groaning dramatically. "But Mother! I''ve learned everything I need! Why do I have to go to school? School is boring¡­ Just ask me anything, and I''ll prove it!"

    Francesca tilted her head, amused. "Alright, honey bun. What''s one hundred plus one hundred?"

    Javier raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Seriously, Mother? Two hundred. Is this even a question for me?"

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    Her smile didn''t change. "Okay then, how about twelve times eighty-eight?"

    Without hesitation, Javier replied, "One thousand fifty-six." He rolled his eyes. "Mother,e on. Is this what the academy teaches? These questions are too easy for me."

    Francesca chuckled softly and lightly tapped his nose. "Still, honey bun, it''s important to go to school, meet other kids, and¡ª"

    "Blergh!" Javier stuck his tongue out yfully and buried his face in herp. "I don''t need to socialize. I have Liana and Buddy!"

    Francesca''s expression softened as she stroked his hair gently. "Just for three months, honey bun. You''ll be fine, won''t you?"

    Javier groaned, turning his face away. "Nope. I won''t survive. I''ll die of boredom."

    Before she could respond, he grinned mischievously and jumped off the couch, running toward the door. "Catch me if you can, Mother!" he yelled,ughing as he dashed out.

    Francesca shook her head, watching him disappear around the corner. "That boy¡­" She smiled fondly. "Such a handful."

    From the shadows, Lord Garius''s voice rumbled with a quiet chuckle. "You let him get away too easily, Francesca."

    She nced back at him with a knowing smile. "Oh, he''lle around. Eventually."

    Garius smirked. "Eventually, huh? If he''s anything like me, that might take a while."

    Francesca smiled serenely, her confidence strong. "He''s more like me, dear. He''ll listen¡­ eventually."

    Lord Garius let out a deep sigh as hey down on Francesca''sp, his tough demeanor softening under her gentle touch. She stroked his hair, her expression calm yet thoughtful.

    "Hmmm¡­" Garius muttered, closing his eyes. "I wonder how we''ll get him to school. I know he knows almost everything already, but he still needs a proper education."

    Francesca chuckled softly, tracing soothing patterns on his forehead. "It''s not about what he knows, dear. It''s about making sure he can stand with his peers when the timees."

    Garius opened one eye and smirked. "A fancy way of saying we need to drag him there, certificate or not."

    Sheughed, her voice light and melodic. "Something like that. How about we ask Liana? She''s the only one who might convince him without making a scene."

    Garius raised an eyebrow. "Oh, that''s a good idea." His smirk turned into a genuine smile as he touched her cheek.

    Francesca leaned down, their eyes locking. Without saying a word, she pressed her lips to his in a tender kiss, her love evident in how she lingered.

    When she finally pulled away, Garius chuckled, his voice warm with amusement. "You always know how to convince me, don''t you?"

    Francesca smiled, brushing a stray hair from his face. "It''s a talent, my dear. Now, rest. Tomorrow, we''ll talk to Liana and see what she thinks."

    Garius nodded, looking content. "Fine, but if she can''t do it, we''re tying him up and dragging him there ourselves."

    Francescaughed softly, shaking her head. "Let''s hope it doesn''te to that."

    Lord Garius let out a heavy sigh, his serious tone breaking the tender moment. "I don''t want to be seen as a father who sends some of his children to school while abandoning another. The other noble families will talk, and you know how rumors spread."

    Francesca''s gaze softened as she cupped his cheek, her warm eyes meeting his. "You''re not abandoning him, dear. Javier has always been¡­ different. You''ve given him the freedom to explore his talents in ways no school could provide."

    Garius frowned. "I know, but people won''t see it that way. Even if I believe he''s smarter and more capable than most schrs, appearances matter in our position."

    Francesca nodded slowly, understanding the weight of his responsibilities as both a father and a noble. "That''s why this isn''t just about teaching him. It''s about showing the world that the Armand family values education and unity. If Javier attends, even for a short time, it will silence any whispers."

    Garius ran a hand through his hair, frustration and resignation on his face. "You''re right, as always. Still, convincing that boy will be a challenge in itself."

    Francesca smiled gently. "Leave that to Liana. She has a way with him that neither of us do. If anyone can get him to agree, it''s her."

    Garius grinned faintly, shaking his head. " Fine, let''s see what she can do."

    Francesca leaned down again and ced a soft kiss on his forehead. "We''ll handle this together, my love. Just like we always do."

    "By the way, darling," Francesca began, her fingers gently tracing patterns on Garius''s chest.

    "Hmmm?" he repliedzily, enjoying the rare moment of peace.

    "You should spend more time with Phenelopie this time. You know she''s pregnant now."

    Garius raised an eyebrow, his expression calm. "Hmm? It''s still early. I''m not abandoning her. You all have your turns with me, and today is your turn, right? Out of the seven days, you get two, Garcinia gets two, and Phenelopie gets three since she''s expecting."

    Francesca gave him a pointed look. "Still¡­"

    Garius sighed, brushing a hand through his hair. "I will, Francesca. When her belly grows bigger, I''ll make sure to give her the extra attention she needs. For now, let me stick to the usual routine, alright?"

    Francesca shook her head, a soft smile on her lips. "Haa¡­ You''re really stubborn sometimes."

    Garius smirked. "That''s why you fell for me, isn''t it?"

    Francesca chuckled lightly before leaning down to kiss him again, her lips lingering on his. "Maybe. But that doesn''t mean I won''t keep nagging you about it."

    "Francesca¡­"

    "Yes, darling?" she replied softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead.

    "Do you remember our loving days?" Garius asked, his voice tender.

    Francesca smiled warmly. "How could I ever forget?" Her eyes softened with memories.

    Garius chuckled, a yful gleam in his gaze. "Right? My lovely mage."

    She let out a softugh, leaning closer. "And you, my ever-persistent knight. You always knew the right words to win me over."

    "It wasn''t hard," Garius teased. "How could I not fall for the strongest and most beautiful mage in the kingdom?"

    "Oh, stop," Francesca said, lightly swatting his arm, her cheeks flushing pink.

    Garius grinned, pulling her closer. "I mean it, Francesca. Those days were the best of my life. And even now, they still are."

    Francesca nestled against him, her heart swelling. "Mine too, Garius. Always."

    His hand brushed against her cheek, his yful grin shifting to something softer.

    "Francesca¡­" he murmured, a hint of mischief in his tone.@@novelbin@@

    She raised an eyebrow, recognizing that familiar glint in his eyes. "Yes, darling?"

    He leaned in closer, whispering teasingly, "You know¡­ it''s been a while since we truly enjoyed our time together. What do you say?"

    Francesca''s face turned a shade pinker, but she smiled knowingly. "Darling, you really are relentless."

    "Only because I''m hopelessly in love with you," he quipped, his charm shining through.

    Francescaughed softly, shaking her head. "Fine, but don''t think you''re getting out of your duties tomorrow."

    "Agreed," Garius replied with a grin, pulling her into his arms.

    They shared a quiet, loving moment, the room filled with warmth and affection¡ªa bond that only grew stronger with time.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 134 Promises and Partings ( 134 )

    "I believe you have your own duty, Miss Gloria," Liana said with a polite smile, though her tone carried a sharp edge.

    Gloria chuckled, unfazed, and gently pressed Javier''s head harder against her breast. "I''m sure our young master wants to rx with me for just a little while," she replied sweetly, her fingers lightly brushing through his hair.

    "No," Liana said, her smile tightening. "You should go and tend to your duties now, Miss Gloria."

    Gloria raised an eyebrow, her yful smirk widening. "Ara... jealous?"

    "Not even a bit," Liana shot back, though the firmness in her voice betrayed her.

    "Haaa... fine," Gloria sighed dramatically, leaning toward Javier. Before Liana could stop her, Gloria nted a quick kiss on his lips, leaving him momentarily stunned.

    "See you soon, young master," she purred, winking as she gracefully stood up and left the room.

    Javier stared after her, frozen, while Liana''s smile remained firmly in ce. But the moment the door closed, she let out a low, audible huff.

    "Young master," Liana said, her voice dangerously calm as she took his hand and sat down beside him. "We need to have a serious talk about boundaries."

    Javier scratched the back of his head nervously. "Err... umm..."

    Liana crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at him. "What? Was her kiss better than mine?"

    Javier''s eyes widened in rm. "Umm... no, of course not!"

    Liana''s gaze sharpened, clearly unconvinced. Before he could say anything else, she leaned in, grabbed his cor, and pressed her lips firmly against his in a fiery kiss. Javier''s thoughts momentarily nked as the intensity of her emotions washed over him.@@novelbin@@

    She pulled back just enough to look him straight in the eyes, her emerald gaze challenging. "Which one is better?"

    Javier blinked rapidly, his face flushed. "You, of course! Definitely you!"

    "Hmph," Liana huffed, leaning back but not letting go of his hand. "Good. Don''t forget it."

    Javier nodded quickly, deciding it was safer not to push his luck. Inside, though, he couldn''t help but grin to himself. Seeing Liana like this¡ªpassionate and flustered¡ªwas priceless.

    Liana straightened up, shaking off her earlier embarrassment. "Now, young master, we need to talk about something important."

    Javier tilted his head, a mischievous grin on his face. "Oh? What is it?"

    "It''s about school, young master. Madam asked me to¡ª"

    Before she could finish, Javier jumped up from the couch, his grin widening. "No way! Hahaha!" He dashed toward the door,ughter trailing behind him.

    "Blergh! I don''t want to go! I hate school!" he shouted, his voice bouncing off the walls as he ran down the hallway.

    Liana sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Young master..." Taking a deep breath, her emerald eyes narrowed. "You can run, but you can''t hide!"

    She sprinted after him, her silver hair flowing behind her as she tried to catch up. But Javier wasn''t just any child¡ªhe was using magic to boost his speed, making him a blur through the manor.

    "Really, young master? Why do you hate school so much?" Liana called, her voice echoing as she pushed herself to keep pace.

    "No way! I don''t want to go!" Javier''sughter echoed as he rounded a corner.

    "Young master!" Liana yelled again, pushing herself to move faster.

    But Javier was determined. "No way!" he shouted back, grinning as he practically flew through the halls.

    Eventually, Liana slowed down, panting as she leaned on her knees. She scanned the corridor, but there was no sign of him. Letting out an exasperated sigh, she stood up straight and brushed a strand of hair from her face.

    "This time, he really gave it his all," she muttered, shaking her head. "I couldn''t evene close."

    Liana adjusted her uniform and started walking back to the veranda, a slight frown on her face. "I wonder what I''ll tell Madam Francesca about this... She won''t be happy."

    Liana finally gave up the chase after her young master, realizing it was a lost cause for now. She adjusted her uniform and headed to the garden, where Lady Francesca was enjoying tea with Lord Garius. They sat under a beautifully crafted gazebo, surrounded by blooming flowers, with their personal maids attending to them. Lord Garius was focused on a report, while Francesca casually flipped through documents, her elegance shining in the morning sun.

    Mr. Alf and Mrs. Errte stood nearby, ever vignt, ensuring their lords''fort and security.

    Liana approached and bowed gracefully. "Pardon me, Madam, my Lord."

    Francesca looked up, her serene smile unwavering. "Hmm... Liana. Report."

    Liana took a deep breath, her posture stiff. "I''m sorry, Madam, but I couldn''t persuade young master to attend school."

    Francesca''s smile deepened, a mischievous glint appearing in her eyes as she turned to Garius. He responded with a hidden smirk, his lips curling slightly in amusement.

    "By the way, Liana," Francesca began, her tone light but deliberate.

    "Yes, Madam?" Liana asked, tilting her head slightly in curiosity.

    "Starting tomorrow, you are no longer Javier''s personal maid."

    Liana froze, her eyes widening in shock. "B-But, Madam¡ª"

    Before she could continue, Lord Garius set down his report and fixed her with a firm gaze. "You failed to persuade him. Starting tomorrow, you will be attending to Lady Francesca instead."

    "As.. youmand, my Lord," Liana replied, her voice steady despite the heaviness in her heart. She bowed deeply and turned to leave, her steps slow and burdened with emotion.

    As she walked away, the weight of the announcement pressed down on her. "What should I tell the young master?" she whispered to herself, gripping her hands tightly.

    Liana couldn''t believe it. After serving and attending to her young master for so long, today was thest day she would be by his side.

    Liana sat silently on the bench, the cool breeze brushing against her face as she tried to steady her trembling hands. Her chest felt heavy, an unfamiliar ache spreading through her. She had always prided herself on beingposed, unshaken by the challenges of her duties, but today was different.

    Tears began to flow down her cheeks as she whispered, "I''m sorry, young master."

    Memories of their time together flooded her mind¡ªhisughter, the yful moments ,Javier''s mischievous grin when he teased her, his determination during training sessions, and the way he''d casually call her his future bride without a hint of hesitation. Every moment spent by his side was etched into her heart.

    "I''ve been with him since he was a baby," she whispered, her voice cracking as fresh tears welled up. "How am I supposed to leave now?"

    She wiped her tears hastily, trying to regain control of her emotions. The young master deserved someone strong, someone who wouldn''t falter. And yet, here she was, breaking down at the thought of being separated from him.

    I wish things could be different," she murmured, wiping her tears with the back of her hand.

    Leaning back against the bench, she gazed up at the sky. "It''s for his own good," she told herself, though the words felt hollow. "Madam and Lord Garius must have their reasons."

    But the ache in her chest didn''t subside; it only grew as she thought about how Javier might react. Would he even care? Would heugh it off, or¡­ would he miss her, even just a little?

    She sniffled, brushing away the tears that wouldn''t stop falling. "Please, young master," she whispered to the empty garden. "Understand that I only want the best for you. I''m sorry if I''ve failed you."

    Liana took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside her. She knew she had to be strong, but the thought of not being there for Javier made her heart ache even more.

    As she sat there, lost in her thoughts, she hoped that somehow, he would understand why she had to go. "Please forgive me," she whispered again, her voice barely audible in the quiet garden.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 135 A Heartfelt Farewell ( 135 )

    Liana walked slowly toward the Pekko pen, her steps heavy with emotion. As she approached, Buddy and Pikko perked up, chirping softly at her arrival. Their vibrant feathers shimmered in the sunlight, a sight that usually brought her peace. But today, her heart felt too heavy to find anyfort.

    "Hello, Buddy, Pikko," she said softly, kneeling by the trough. Her hands moved, changing the water and refilling their food. She brushed her fingers along Buddy''s beak, his yful nudge almost bringing a bittersweet smile to her face.

    "They love you, you know," she whispered, her voice trembling.

    Liana paused, her hands resting on the edge of the trough. The lump in her throat grew harder to swallow as she thought about Javier¡ªthe young master who had been her everything. She had watched him grow,ugh, and be the bright, mischievous boy who never failed to warm her heart.

    "Buddy, Pikko," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please¡­ look after him for me, okay? Keep him safe¡­ make sure he doesn''t get into too much trouble."

    Her vision blurred as tears spilled down her cheeks. She tried to hold them back, wiping her face with trembling hands, but it was no use. The pain of leaving Javier, of no longer being able to serve him the way she always had, was too much to bear.

    "I don''t want to leave him," she sobbed, clutching the side of the trough. "But I can''t disobey orders. If I do¡­ I''ll be dismissed. And then¡­ then I won''t be able to see him at all."

    The thought of beingpletely separated from Javier was unbearable. Even if she could no longer serve as his personal maid, at least this way she could still see him from afar. It wasn''t much, but it was better than nothing.

    She took a shaky breath, trying to calm herself. "I just hope¡­ he understands someday," she murmured, looking up at Buddy and Pikko. "Please¡­ keep him smiling."

    Liana stood, her legs weak beneath her. She patted Buddy onest time and gave Pikko a soft stroke along her feathers before stepping away. As she walked back toward the manor, she nced over her shoulder onest time.

    "I''ll always care for you, young master," she whispered. Then, with a heavy heart, she turned away and continued on her way, the sound of her footsteps fading into the distance.

    Liana quickly wiped her tears, taking a deep breath. She straightened her posture, ensuring she lookedposed and serious as always. Today would be herst day serving her young master, and she was determined to make it as normal as possible. No one would notice her inner turmoil¡ªnot even him.

    As she entered the manor, she scanned the halls with practiced precision. Her steps were steady, but her heart felt heavy. Turning a corner, she spotted Javier attempting to sneak out of the storage room, likely hiding after yet another one of his mischievous stunts.

    "Young master," she called firmly, her voice steady but with a hint of warmth.

    "Eeeekk! Umm¡­ Liana¡­" Javier stammered, scratching the back of his head with a guilty grin.

    "It''s already past lunchtime," she said, her tone carrying an air of gentle authority. "Let''s head to the dining room."

    Javier blinked before breaking into a wide grin. "Hehehe¡­ I love you, Liana!"

    Liana sighed softly, rolling her eyes but managing a small smile. "Yes, yes¡­ now, young master, let''s go. No more running off."

    "Wait, wait! You cooked for me, right?" Javier asked eagerly, falling in step beside her.

    Liana paused for a moment before nodding. "Of course, young master. Now behave and follow me."

    The familiar banter between them brought a fleeting warmth to her heart. Even as the weight of what was toe loomed over her, she was determined to make thisst day a perfect one for him.

    Javier took another bite of the tender, juicy meat and looked up at Liana, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Wow¡­ Today''s meat tastes special. Why is that?"

    Liana, standing behind him as always, gently shook her head with a faint smile. "Nothing special, young master. It''s just the usual. Perhaps it''s because it''s my cooking and not the chefs''."

    "Oh¡­ okay¡­" Javier replied, his voice muffled slightly as he took another bite.

    He focused on his te, savoring the meal with enthusiasm. Liana, asposed as ever, stood by with a napkin in hand, gracefully wiping the corners of his mouth when necessary. Though her movements were precise and professional, there was a quiet tenderness in her actions¡ªa faint trace of emotions she worked hard to suppress.

    Oblivious to the storm in her heart, Javier continued to eat with his usual gusto, asionally ncing up at her and grinning. Liana simply nodded in acknowledgment, her serene demeanor unbroken.

    After finishing his lunch, Javier stretched his armszily and leaned back in his chair.

    "Now, now, young master¡­ time for your nap," Liana said in her usual calm tone, though there was a subtle softness in her voice today.

    Javier raised an eyebrow, his sharp senses catching onto the slight difference. "Liana?"

    "Yes, young master?" she replied, standing poised as always.

    "What''s going on?"

    "Hmm?" She tilted her head slightly, her expression serene. "Oh¡­ nothing, young master."

    "But you''re different today," Javier insisted, his piercing eyes narrowing slightly. "It''s always about study or training after lunch, but today¡­ this feels off."

    Liana''s lips curved into a small, reassuring smile, though her heart felt heavy. "Nothing is wrong, young master¡­ really."

    Javier studied her for a moment longer, his instincts telling him there was more to her words. But seeing herposed face, he decided not to press further.

    "Well¡­ if you say so," he finally replied, though doubt lingered in his mind.

    When they reached Javier''s bedroom, Liana guided him to the bed as usual. Hey down with a wide grin, clearly up to something mischievous.

    Just as she was about to stand up and leave, Javier reached out, pulling her down onto the bed. Before she could react, he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly.

    "Ah, young master," Liana said, a soft sigh escaping her lips. Despite her protest, she couldn''t help but smile.

    He buried his face in her soft breast, letting out a contented hum. "You''re so warm, Liana."

    Liana chuckled softly, stroking his hair gently. "Now, now, young master¡­ it''s time to sleep."

    "But this is sofy," Javier murmured, his voice muffled.

    She shook her head with a fond smile. "Hush now. Rest."

    As she continued to cradle him gently, she couldn''t help but cherish the moment. Knowing this was theirst day together made it bittersweet, but she kept her emotions tucked away, focusing on the present.@@novelbin@@

    As Javier''s breathing slowed, signaling he had drifted into a peaceful sleep, Liana gently stroked his hair, her eyes soft with emotion. She leaned down, pressing a tender kiss on his forehead.

    "Just remember, young master," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "I will always love you and care for you."

    Carefully, she adjusted herself to lie beside him, wrapping her arms around his. Javier instinctively snuggled closer in his sleep, his trust in her unwavering even in his dreams.

    Liana''s heart ached as she held him, knowing this was likely thest time she could share such a quiet, precious moment with him. She vowed to make itst, cherishing every second of her duty today.

    "I''m sorry, young master," she murmured, tears silently trailing down her cheeks. "I''m sorry I couldn''t do more for you."

    She closed her eyes, letting the rhythm of his breathing lull her into a bittersweet calm. For today, she would stay by his side until the very end, fulfilling her role onest time.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 136 Lost Without You ( 136 )

    Javier woke with a start, blinking as sunlight streamed through the curtains. A nce at the clock revealed it was already afternoon. No one had woken him up today?

    "Hmmm?" he muttered, stretchingzily. "Maybe Liana''s busy or letting me sleep in today. Ehehe."

    He yawned and rolled out of bed, rushing to the bathroom for a quick shower. After refreshing himself, he pulled on his casual clothes.

    Heading to the dining room, he expected to see Liana, but the room was empty.

    "Hmm?" Javier tilted his head, puzzled. He made his way to the kitchen. "Uh, Chef! My lunch, please! A lot of meat."

    "Of course, young master," came the swift reply from the kitchen.

    Javier plopped down at the table, eagerly waiting for his meal. It wasn''t long before a household maid arrived with the food.

    "Hmm? Where''s Liana?" he asked, looking around.

    "I haven''t seen her today,young master" the maid replied with a polite smile.

    "Oh... well, no matter." Javier grinned, digging into his meal. The tes piled high with meat were just how he liked it, and he was determined to enjoy every bite. His mind briefly wandered back to Liana, but for now, he was content.

    The day felt a little different, but he brushed it off as just another strange, peaceful moment. Still, a nagging feeling lingered in the back of his mind, though he couldn''t quite ce it.

    After finishing his lunch, Javier dashed out of the manor, heading straight to the Pekko pen. His excitement grew at the thought of spending time with Buddy and Pikko.

    When he arrived, he saw Buddy and Pikko outside the pen, pecking at the ground. Their bright feathers shimmered in the sunlight, but their movements seemed sluggish.

    Experience more content on My Virtual Library Empire

    "Hmm?" Javier frowned, walking closer. The trough was empty, and the water bucket hadn''t been refilled.

    "Why''s there no food? And the water hasn''t been changed either?" he muttered, scratching his head in confusion. Shrugging it off, he decided, "Well, whatever. I''ll take care of it!"

    Grabbing the food sack, Javier filled the trough with feed and reced the water.

    "Buddy! Pikko! Food''s ready!"

    Both Pekkos perked up at the sight of the food and rushed over. They began eating.

    "Look at you two! You''re acting like you haven''t eaten in days," he said with a grin. But then his smile faded slightly. "Wait... why do you look so starved? Liana always makes sure you''re fed."

    Something felt off, but he couldn''t quite ce it. Shaking the thought away, he patted Buddy and Pikko on their beak.

    "Don''t worry, I''ll take care of you guys,"

    Javier stood near the Pekko pen, hands on his hips and a yful grin on his face. "Now¡­ where''s Liana? How dare she ignore Buddy and her own Pikko? Today, I''m going to scold her. Ehehe¡­"

    He nced around the estate grounds. "Hmm? Where is she?" His grin faltered slightly. "Liaaanaaa!" he called out, his voice carrying through the yard.

    No response.

    Javier''s brow furrowed. "Weird¡­ Lianaaaaa?" He tried again, louder this time, but the silence that followed felt unsettling.

    Javier dashed inside the manor. His first stop was the kitchen, where Marita and a few other household maids were busy with their chores.

    "Hey, Marita, have you seen Liana?" Javier asked, impatience creeping into his voice.

    Marita shook her head. "I haven''t seen her, young master."

    Javier muttered a soft "Hmm..." under his breath and moved toward the courtyard. Only the guards were there, patrolling as usual.

    Something didn''t feel right. "Liana never leaves without telling me," he murmured. Standing still for a moment, he closed his eyes and activated his tracking skill, expanding his senses across the estate.

    Nothing.

    "Ehh?" Javier''s eyes snapped open in disbelief. "She''s... not here?"

    His heart sank. Liana''s absence was more than just unusual¡ªit felt wrong. For the first time, panic flickered in his chest as the realization dawned.

    Javier''s heart raced as he darted around the estate, calling out frantically, "Where''s Liana?! Liana!!"

    He came across a few household maids in the hallway. "You!" he pointed at one of them, catching his breath. "Where''s Gloria? I need to ask her something."

    One of the maids hesitated before responding, "Miss Gloria is apanying Lady Francesca to town, young master."

    "Fine, then where''s Liana?!" he demanded, urgencycing his voice.

    The maids exchanged uncertain nces. "Uhh¡­"

    Javier narrowed his eyes. "What''s wrong? Tell me."

    Finally, one of the maids spoke up, her voice hesitant. "You¡­ you didn''t know, young master?"

    "Know what?" Javier''s gut tightened, sensing the gravity of her words.

    "She¡­ she was dismissed¡­"

    Before the maid could say more, Javier''s world spun. "Dismissed?!"@@novelbin@@

    Without waiting for further exnation, he bolted down the hallway, panic and confuse. "Liana! Lianaaaa!!!" His voice echoed through the manor as he searched every corner, refusing to believe what he had just heard.

    The maid behind him tried to continue, "as your personal maid and¡­ Young master?!" But Javier was already gone, his desperate cries reverberating through the estate.

    "Liana! Lianaaaaa!!" Javier''s voice cracked as he sprinted through the estate, his heart pounding. He searched every hallway, every room, every corner, refusing to stop.

    "No¡­ no¡­ this can''t be happening," he whispered, trembling. His mind swirled with confusion and denial.

    "Why? Why would she be dismissed? She''s always been by my side! No¡­ no¡­ noooo!" His fists clenched as he stormed through the corridors, his frantic steps echoing in the empty grand manor.

    Every memory of Liana flooded his mind¡ªthe warmth of her smile, her gentle scoldings, the way she always made him feel safe. The thought of losing her sent a sharp, unbearable ache through his chest.

    He burst into the courtyard, scanning the grounds desperately. The guards looked puzzled at the young master''s distress.

    "Where is she?!" Javier shouted, his voice heavy with despair.

    But no answer came. Only silence.

    As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a somber glow across the estate, Javier sat perched on a sturdy tree branch beside the Pekko pen. The quiet chirping of crickets and the rustling of leaves were the only sounds breaking the stillness of the night.

    Tears streaked his face as he hugged his knees, his usual confidence shattered. He sniffled, his eyes glistening with anguish as he stared at the faint moonlight reflecting off the water trough below.

    "She''s leaving me¡­" Javier''s voice cracked, barely above a whisper.

    He wiped his eyes with his sleeve, but the tears kept flowing. The thought of Liana, far away in a distantnd, was unbearable. She had been his rock, hisfort, his everything.

    "Why didn''t she tell me? Why didn''t anyone tell me?" he muttered, bitterness and sorrow mixing in his voice. The maid''s words echoed in his mind, cutting deeper each time.

    The Pekkos, Buddy and Pikko, pecked softly at the ground below, asionally ncing up at their young master as if sensing his despair. Pikko let out a soft coo, and Buddy nudged the tree trunk with its beak, but neither could bring himfort.

    "I should''ve noticed¡­ I should''ve stopped it¡­ but now¡­" Javier buried his face in his arms, his shoulders trembling as he let grief wash over him. "Now it''s toote¡­"

    The night stretched on, and Javier remained there, lost in his thoughts, feeling an emptiness he hadn''t known was possible.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 138 The Family Returns ( 138 )

    The Armand family carriage rolled into the estate, shining in the afternoon sunlight. Lady Francesca stepped out first. Lord Garius followed, his expression serious as his sharp eyes scanned the unusual gathering of maids and guards waiting at the entrance.

    "What''s wrong?" Francesca asked, her calm voice breaking the tense atmosphere.

    A maid stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "My lord, mydy, it''s about the young master."

    Francesca''s eyes narrowed slightly. "What happened?"

    The maid hesitated but continued, "The young master has refused to eat ore inside. He''s been outside near the Pekko pen sincest night."

    Francesca''s lips parted in surprise before she sighed. "I see. Where is he now?"

    "He''s still by the tree near the Pekko pen," the maid replied, looking nervously at Lord Garius.

    Francesca exchanged a knowing look with her husband. "I''ll handle this," she said, turning towards the Pekko pen.

    As she walked away, Lord Garius lightly caught her hand and nced back at Liana, who looked pale and anxious.

    "Liana," Garius called, his tone firm but calm.

    "Yes, my lord," she replied, stepping forward and bowing.

    "Follow me," he instructed, his voice leaving no room for argument.

    Liana hesitated, ncing toward the path Francesca had taken, her heart heavy with worry. "But my lord, the young master¡ª"

    "Not now," Garius interrupted, his gaze steady andmanding.

    Liana lowered her head. "As youmand, my lord."

    Garius nodded once and walked toward manor with a confident stride. Liana followed silently, her hands sped tightly in front of her. Alf and Errte walked beside them, their expressions unreadable but their presence reassuringly steady.

    The group entered the manor, leaving the courtyard buzzing quietly with activity as the maids and guards awaited further orders. Meanwhile, Francesca made her way to the Pekko pen, preparing herself for the talk she was about to have with her youngest son.

    "My, my... what do we have here?" Lady Francesca''s voice had a soothing lilt as she approached therge tree near the Pekko pen. Her warm smile softened her otherwiseposed expression.

    Javier, sitting at the base of the tree, looked up, his eyes glossy with unshed tears. As soon as he recognized her, his lips trembled, and tears began streaming down his cheeks.

    "Why...?"

    Francesca tilted her head slightly, showing gentle concern. "Hmm? Why what, my dear?"

    Javier scrambled to his feet and rushed toward her, his hands gripping the fabric of her dress as he knelt, pressing his head against her thigh.

    "Why did you fire Liana?" His voice cracked with emotion. "Please... please rehire her. I''ll do anything... just bring her back."

    Francesca kept smiling as she gently ced a hand on his head, stroking his messy ck hair. "Now, now, my darling... let''s go inside first, and we can talk about thister."

    "No!" Javier cried, shaking his head fiercely. "I want her back now. Please, Mother. Please!"

    He clung to her tighter, his grip desperate, and his tears soaking the hem of her dress. "I''ll do anything. I''ll even go to school if you rehire her! I promise!"

    At this, Francesca''s eyes sparkled with subtle amusement. "Oh? Really, now?"

    "Yes, Mother! Please..." Javier''s voice was filled with earnest determination, his eyes pleading as he looked up at her.

    Francesca''s expression softened as she gently tilted Javier''s tear-streaked face toward her. "You promise to go to school if we rehire Liana?"

    Javier sniffled, his eyes filled with desperation. "Yes, Mother¡­ please¡­"

    A deep voice suddenly rumbled from behind Francesca, startling Javier. "You promise?"

    Javier turned quickly to see Lord Garius stepping out from the shadows, his imposing figure silhouetted against the afternoon sun. Despite his usual sternness, there was a hint of expectation in his gaze.

    Javier''s throat tightened, but he nodded vigorously. "Yes, Esteemed Father. I promise."

    Garius crossed his arms, his piercing gaze fixed on his son. "Good." He turned his head slightly and called out, "Liana."

    Javier froze, his eyes widening in disbelief as he saw a familiar figure emerge from behind the guards.

    Liana stepped forward, her silver hair glimmering in the sunlight and her eyes ssy with tears. Before Javier couldprehend what was happening, she rushed to him, enveloping him in a tight embrace.

    "Liana! Liana! Liana!" Javier cried, burying his face in her as his arms wrapped around her.

    "I''m here, young master," Liana whispered, her voice shaking with emotion. "I''m so sorry." Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire

    The two clung to each other as if the world around them had vanished, their tears mixing as their emotions flowed freely.

    Lord Garius stood with crossed arms, his voice steady but firm. "Liana, make sure he is taken care of properly from now on."

    "Thank you, my lord!" Liana eximed, still holding Javier tightly. Her tears were a mix of relief and gratitude.

    Javier tightened his grip, his tears soaking her uniform. "Don''t leave me again, Liana. Please..."

    "I won''t, young master," Liana whispered, her voice resolute. "Never."

    Francesca knelt beside them, gently brushing Javier''s cheek. "See, my darling? We never intended to take her away from you. But promises must be kept. You will attend school, won''t you?"

    Javier nodded, his voice muffled against Liana''s shoulder. "I will¡­ I promise."

    Francesca smiled warmly. "That''s my boy."

    As the emotional moment unfolded, Garius and Francesca exchanged a knowing nce.

    Lord Garius crossed his arms, his expression stern as he looked down at Javier, who was still clinging to his mother''s side. "If you try to ditch school for no reason, Javier, we will really fire Liana this time."

    Javier''s eyes widened in panic, and he immediately knelt beside Francesca, turning his tearful gaze toward Garius. "Please, no, Father! I''ll do anything! Just don''t fire Liana! Please!"

    Francesca couldn''t help but chuckle, shaking her head with an amused smile. "Javier, my dear, your father is right there. Pleading with me won''t change his mind."

    Javier frantically turned back to Garius, desperation clear in his voice. "I will go to school! I swear, Father! Just don''t fire her, please!"

    Garius raised an eyebrow, scrutinizing his son for a moment before giving a short, satisfied nod. "Hmph. Very well. But remember, if you break your promise, there will be no second chances, Javier. Liana''s position here depends on you taking your responsibilities seriously."

    "Yes, Father! I understand! I promise!" Javier''s voice was filled with determination, though his eyes remained watery.

    Garius turned slightly and called out, "Liana?"

    "Yes, my lord," Liana responded, standing at attention, her heart aching at seeing Javier so distressed.

    "Take him inside. He smells terrible, and this spectacle has gone on long enough."

    Javier froze, his face reddening as he realized the dirt and sweat clinging to him from hours spent outside by the Pekko pen. Liana stifled augh behind her hand and bowed her head respectfully.

    "Of course, my lord."

    She turned to Javier, her voice gentle but firm. "Come now, Young Master. Let''s get you cleaned up."@@novelbin@@

    "But¡ª" Javier began, still holding onto his mother''s skirt.

    "No buts," Liana interrupted with a soft smile, taking his hand. " let''s get you out of these dirty clothes."

    Javier sniffled but nodded, allowing Liana to lead him inside as Francesca and Garius watched with fond amusement.

    As they walked back to the manor, Francesca chuckled and leaned toward her husband. "Quite the n, wasn''t it?"

    Garius smirked, arms still crossed. "It worked, didn''t it?"

    Francesca shook her head, smiling. "He truly loves her. Let''s hope he keeps his promise this time."

    Garius nodded, his expression softening as he watched his youngest son being led inside. "He will. That boy would move mountains for her."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 139 Never Leave Me Again ( 139 )

    Javier''s voice came from the bathroom. "Liana? Are you there?"

    "Yes, I''m here, Young Master," Liana answered, sitting patiently in the chair he had told her to stay in.

    After a moment of silence, Javier called out again, sounding a bit worried. "Liana... you''re still there, right?"

    "Yes, yes, Young Master," Liana replied, a little annoyed but gentle. "How many times do you need to ask?"

    Inside the bathroom, Javier quickly washed his hair, moving fast as if he was in a hurry. His voice grew louder. "Liana! Are you still there?"

    Liana sighed and rubbed her forehead. "I haven''t moved, Young Master. I''m still right here."

    There was a ssh of water, then silence.

    "Liana?"

    Before Liana could answer, Javier yelled in panic. "Eeek, Liana!! Don''t leave me again!"

    "Huh?" Liana sat up, surprised by how desperate he sounded. "Young Master, I''m still outside. I didn''t move from this chair!"

    From inside the bathroom, Javier let out a big sigh of relief. "Oh... okay."

    Liana shook her head, smiling a little. "Honestly, Young Master, it''s like you think I will just disappear."

    "Well..." Javier''s voice was shy. "You did leave me before."

    Liana frowned, feeling a bit guilty. "Young Master, I never left you. I was always close by."

    "But I couldn''t see you," Javier said quietly, rinsing his hair quickly. "It felt like... like you were gone forever."

    Liana''s heart softened, and she looked at him with kindness. "Young Master, I''m here now, and I''m not going anywhere. So please, finish your shower properly."

    "Okay," he replied, but his voice still sounded a bit vulnerable.

    Outside the bathroom, Liana crossed her arms, watching the steam rise from the door. You really are lost without me, aren''t you? she thought with a small smile.

    Inside, Javier smiled to himself as he rinsed out thest of the shampoo. She''s really here... She''s not leaving me again.

    Liana noticed that Javier''s bed was a bit messy, with the sheets tangled at the corners. With a soft sigh, she decided to fix it while she waited. She carefully tucked in the sheets and then crouched down to see if anything had been forgotten under the bed.

    Meanwhile, inside the bathroom, Javier was finishing his shower. He hummed to himself as he stepped out, drying his hair with a towel. His eyes quickly went to the chair where Liana had been sitting, but it was empty.

    "Eeeekkkk!! Lianaaaa!!"

    Panic hit him, and he ran out of the room, the towel barely staying on his waist. His voice echoed down the hallway.

    "Lianaaaaa! Where are you?! You promised you wouldn''t leave me agai¡ª!"

    THUD!

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    "OW!"

    The loud noise made Javier stop. He turned back toward the room, confused, and peeked inside carefully.

    There was Liana, crouched on the floor and rubbing her head. She had identally bumped it on the bed frame when she stood up too quickly.

    "Young Master!" Liana winced and red at him. "What are you yelling about?! I was right here the whole time!"

    Javier froze, his face turning red with embarrassment as he realized what happened. "B-But... you weren''t in the chair! I thought... I thought you left me again!"

    Liana sighed deeply, still rubbing the sore spot on her head. "I was checking under the bed, Young Master. I didn''t leave!"

    "But you disappeared!" Javier insisted, feeling guilty and a bit defiant.

    "I disappeared because I was fixing your mess!" Liana replied, pointing at the now neatly made bed.

    Javier looked sheepishly at the bed and then back at Liana. "Oh... sorry."

    Liana shook her head, standing up and brushing herself off. "Honestly, Young Master, you''re going to give me a headache¡ªwell,already!"

    Javier scratched the back of his head awkwardly and then gave her a cheeky grin. "Hehehe, but you''re not mad at me, right?"

    Liana sighed again but softened her expression. "No, Young Master, I''m not mad. But please, can you stop panicking every time I''m out of your sight for a second?"

    "I''ll try," Javier said with a grin, though his eyes twinkled mischievously.

    Liana rolled her eyes but couldn''t help smiling. "Let''s get you dressed properly before you catch a cold. And no more running out of the room half-dressed!"

    After putting on his usual casual clothes, Javier sat on the bed, looking more rxed but clearly tired. Liana noticed the dark circles under his eyes, a clear sign he hadn''t slept well.@@novelbin@@

    "Have you eaten yet, Young Master?" she asked softly, her voice filled with concern.

    Javier shook his head, and his usual cheeky grin was reced by a gentle smile. Without saying anything, he leaned forward and hugged Liana tightly, as if he was scared she might disappear again.

    Liana blinked in surprise but soon rxed and wrapped her arms around him. She felt his head resting against her shoulder, and then she noticed him subtly inhaling her scent.

    "Young Master," she whispered with a softugh, touched by his gesture.

    Javier didn''t answer with words; he just tightened his embrace. It wasn''t out of desperation but a pure, unspoken love. His actions said everything he couldn''t express: You''re here. You''re with me. Don''t leave again.

    Liana smiled tenderly, her heart warming with relief and gratitude. She leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek. "I''m here, Young Master," she murmured. "And I''m not going anywhere."

    Her words brought a bright light back to Javier''s eyes. Liana felt his grip loosen just enough for her to breathe, but his arms stayed firmly around her. For the first time in days, they both felt at ease, sharing a quietfort.

    "Now, Young Master," Liana began, gently trying to free her hand. "Wait here while I get food for you."

    But Javier tightened his grip on her hand, his eyes silently pleading.

    "Young Master?" she asked softly, tilting her head.

    Javier stayed silent, his hold strong.

    "It''s just for a little while," Liana reassured him with a calming smile. "I''m not going anywhere."

    But Javier shook his head stubbornly, gripping her fingers like a lifeline.

    Liana let out a soft sigh, feeling a mix of exasperation and affection. "Alright," she said finally. "Thene with me, but only to the door of your room. I promise I won''t leave your sight."

    With that, she led Javier to the door, still holding his hand. She looked around and saw one of the household maids cleaning nearby.

    "Excuse me," Liana called out, keeping her tone polite but firm.

    The maid stopped her work and quickly approached. "Yes, Miss Liana?"

    "Can you please bring food for the Young Master here? Ask the chef for a double portion of meat, a hearty soup, and a bottle of wine. Make it quick."

    "Yes, right away," the maid replied, hurrying off to the kitchen.

    Liana turned back to Javier, who hadn''t let go of her hand. She gave him a reassuring smile. "See? You''ll have your food right here. No need to worry."

    Javier finally loosened his grip, though he still held on. "Don''t leave me, Liana," he murmured quietly.

    "I''m not going anywhere, Young Master," she promised, her voice steady and warm. "Now, let''s sit while we wait."

    As they sat on the couch, Javier snuggled close to Liana. Without hesitation, heid his head on herp and wrapped his arms tightly around her waist. His face pressed against her stomach as he breathed in her familiar, calming scent.

    "I''m scared," he whispered, his voice shaking a little.

    "There, there," Liana cooed softly, gently stroking his hair with one hand while resting the other on his back. Her touch was tender, soothing his frayed nerves.

    But deep inside, Liana felt a storm of emotions that matched Javier''s fear. When Lady Francesca and Lord Garius had assigned her to serve Lady Francesca instead of Javier, it broke her heart. She had never felt so helpless. Still, she knew she couldn''t let him see her pain.

    Javier clung to her as if afraid she might disappear again, tightening his grip every time she moved. "Don''t leave me, Liana," he murmured against her, his voice fragile and almost childlike.

    "I''m here, Young Master," she reassured him, her voice steady and warm. "And I won''t leave you again. I promise."

    As much as she wanted to say more, to share her feelings, she held back and focused onforting the boy who meant everything to her.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 140 Tender Moments ( 140 )

    When the food arrived, Liana gestured for the maid to ce it on the small table beside them. The maid carefully set down the tray and bowed before quietly leaving the room.

    "Now, Young Master," Liana said gently, looking down at him. "Eat."

    "Mmm¡­" Javier muttered softly, refusing to move as he clung to her, his arms still wrapped around her waist. His face remained nestled against her stomach, inhaling deeply as he savored herforting scent.

    "Young Master, you need to eat first," Liana said, her tone both firm and patient. She stroked his hair lightly, trying to coax him. "After that, we can sleep together. Okay?"

    "Mmm¡­" Javier replied with a short sound but remained stubborn, clearly unwilling to let go.

    Liana sighed softly, a small smile touching her lips. "Alright, then." She carefully reached for the tray and picked up a piece of meat, cutting it into smaller portions. "If you won''t sit up, I''ll feed you myself."

    She brought the first bite to his lips. "Open up" she instructed, her voice sweet.

    Javier finallyplied, opening his mouth just enough to let her feed him. He chewed slowly, his eyes half-lidded with contentment, never releasing his hold on her.

    "Good boy," Liana said with a soft chuckle, continuing to feed him piece by piece. As she alternated between meat and spoonfuls of soup, she marveled at how rxed he seemed.

    For Javier, being cared for by Liana felt like pure bliss. He remained glued to herp, holding her close as though scared she might disappear again.

    "There we go," Liana said softly as she offered him thest bite. "All done, Young Master. See? That wasn''t so bad, was it?"

    Javier gave a small nod, finally loosening his grip slightly, though he still refused to move from herp.

    "Now," Liana said, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to his forehead, "how about that nap?"

    Javier smiled faintly, tightening his grip on her waist just a little. "Only if you stay."

    "Of course," she replied, brushing a strand of his hair away from his face. "I''m not going anywhere."

    "Now, now," Liana said gently, brushing her fingers through Javier''s hair as she coaxed him. "It''s not good to sleep on the couch. Let''s go to your bed."

    "You''re sleeping with me!" Javier dered firmly, his eyes locking onto hers with a hint of desperation.

    "Yes, yes, Young Master," Liana replied with a soft smile, indulging his request as always.

    They made their way to Javier''s bed, Liana helping him settle in. As soon as she sat beside him, he gripped her hand tightly, refusing to let go. Without hesitation, Javiery down and pulled Liana onto the bed with him, wrapping his arms securely around her. Their faces were close, barely inches apart, and his hold made it clear he wouldn''t let her leave.

    Liana let out a soft sigh, her eyes filled with warmth as she looked at him. She leaned in and pressed a tender kiss to his forehead. "There, Young Master," she said softly, her voice soothing.

    Still holding her tightly, Javier nuzzled into her, his earlier anxiety fading into thefort of her presence.

    Liana began to hum a gentle luby, the melody soft and calming. Her hand brushed through his hair in slow, rhythmic strokes, her voice resonating with warmth and reassurance.@@novelbin@@

    As the luby continued, Javier''s breathing grew steadier, his eyelids growing heavier with each note. In her arms, he finally found peace, the tension and fear of losing her melting away into a restful sleep.

    "Good night, Young Master," Liana whispered, a small smile gracing her lips as she continued to hum, ensuring he drifted into a deep, undisturbed slumber.

    As Javier''s breathing steadied and his eyelids fluttered shut, Liana watched him with a tender expression. Slowly, she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer into her embrace.

    She guided his head gently to rest against her chest, her fingers brushing through his soft hair. Javier instinctively nuzzled closer, seeking her warmth andfort.

    Leaning down, Liana ced a gentle kiss on his lips, her touch filled with affection and care. She lingered for a moment, then pulled back just enough to adjust the nket over them both, ensuring he was cocooned in warmth.

    With her young master safely in her arms, she let out a soft sigh, her own tension melting away. The long, emotional day had taken its toll on both of them, and now, in this tranquil moment, she allowed herself to rx.

    Her eyes grew heavy as she rested her chin lightly atop his head. Listening to his steady breathing, she slowly drifted into sleep, holding him protectively, as though shielding him from the world. For tonight, she was his safe haven, and he was hers.

    Lady Francesca peeked into Javier''s room, her expression softening at the sight before her. Javier was nestledfortably against Liana, his head resting on her chest as though it were the safest ce in the world. Liana''s arms were wrapped protectively around him, her fingers lightly tangled in his hair, both of them sound asleep under the soft glow of the evening light.

    A warm smile spread across Francesca''s face as she turned and gestured for Lord Garius to step closer. He approached silently, ncing into the room with a raised brow, then exhaled through his nose in a mix of relief and amusement.

    "Looks like the n went smoothly, right, darling?" Francesca whispered, her voice carrying a note of triumph.

    Garius folded his arms, nodding as his eyes lingered on the peaceful scene. "Yes," he replied in his usual stern tone, though a small, rare smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "The boy is more attached than I expected."

    Francesca chuckled softly. "More than attached. That bond runs deep, Dear. I don''t think he''ll ever let her go."

    "Which is exactly why we needed to do this," Garius remarked, his voice low and deliberate. "He needed to understand the value of those he holds dear¡ªand the responsibilities thate with keeping them close."

    Francesca leaned closer, her hand gently brushing against Garius''s arm. "You''ve always been such a strategist, but don''t forget he''s still just a boy."

    "A boy who will one day lead," Garius countered, though his gaze softened as he watched Javier stir slightly, mumbling something incoherent before settling back against Liana.

    "Let''s give them this moment," Francesca said quietly, pulling Garius by the arm. "He''s made his promise, and Liana''s presence will help him find his footing."

    Garius gave onest look before turning to follow his wife. "Very well. But if he tries to go back on his word..."

    "He won''t," Francesca interrupted with a knowing smile. "Trust me, dear. Our son knows what''s at stake."

    With that, they left the room, gently closing the door behind them, leaving the young master and his beloved maid to their well-earned peace.

    As they walked down the quiet hallway, Garius leaned closer to Francesca, his voice a low whisper tinged with mischief.

    "How about we give Javier a little brother or sister?"

    Francesca paused mid-step, her eyes glimmering with amusement. A softugh escaped her lips, echoing faintly in the corridor. She turned to her husband with a smile that held both affection and a yful challenge.

    "You''re bold tonight," she murmured, stepping closer to him.

    Without another word, she leaned in and kissed him passionately, her hands resting gently on his chest. When she pulled back, her warm brown eyes locked onto his, filled with a mix of love and teasing resolve.

    "I am your wife," she said softly, her voice carrying a seductive edge. "You can do as you please."

    Garius smirked, brushing a strand of her chestnut hair from her face. "Don''t tempt me, Francesca."

    "Oh, I wouldn''t dream of it," she replied, herughter light yet knowing as they continued down the hall.

    As they strolled, Francesca suddenly tilted her head toward Garius with a yful glint in her eye.

    "By the way, darling..."

    "Yes, dear?" Garius replied, his tone indulgent.

    "Isn''t today Garcinia''s turn?"

    The confident stride of the household''s lord faltered slightly. "Err... Umm..."

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    Francesca gave a knowing smile, subtly gesturing toward the end of the hall. Garius followed her gaze, and there she was¡ªLady Garcinia, arms crossed, her lips pursed in a pout that could rival any child denied a sweet.

    "Ah..." Garius exhaled, hisposed demeanor slipping just a touch.

    Francesca chuckled, a melodious sound that warmed the air between them. "Looks like your n to give Javier a little brother or sister will have to wait for now."

    "Indeed," Garius muttered, already bracing himself for the scene ahead. "I''m not sure what''s scarier¡ªher pout or her lectures."

    Francescaughed again, patting his arm. "Good luck, darling. You''ll need it."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 141 Javiers Request ( 141 )

    "But motherrrr..."

    "No, Javier. No."

    "I''m going to school next week in the capital city for three whole months! Who''s going to take care of Buddy and Pikko? Please, Mother... let me bring them! Pleeease!"

    Francesca sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose. Her youngest son could be persistent when he wanted something.

    "Please, my beautiful, young, and hot motherrr!" Javier begged, his eyes sparkling with desperation. "You know I can''t be away from Buddy and Pikko! They need me!"

    Francesca couldn''t help but chuckle at his dramatic ir. "Javier, ttery won''t get you everywhere."

    "But it''s true!" he protested, leaning in closer, his tone earnest. "What would I do without them? I promise to take care of them. Just let me bring them!"

    Before she could respond further, the door swung open, and Lord Garius stepped in. He paused mid-step, raising an eyebrow at the scene before him. Javier was kneeling, clinging to Francesca''s thigh, looking up at her with pleading eyes.@@novelbin@@

    "What is themotion this time?" Garius asked, his voice calm but carrying his usual authority.

    Francesca gestured toward their son with an exasperated look. "Your son here wants to bring his Pekkos to school in the capital. He''s been at it for hours!"

    "Please, Father!" Javier turned his tearful eyes to Garius, shifting his pleading from one parent to the other. "You know how far the capital is! Buddy and Pikko are family! I can''t just leave them behind!"

    Garius studied his son for a moment, his face carefully neutral, though inwardly, he fought the urge to smirk. He knew all too well the strengths¡ªand antics¡ªof Pekkos. His own golden Pekko, Giddies, was a marvel of speed and power, unmatched by any horse. But he also knew how much trouble these creatures could bring, particrly their voracious appetites and independent streaks.

    Maintaining his stern expression, Garius crossed his arms. "Javier, horses are the appropriate mounts for nobles. They are dignified and well-suited for appearances."

    "Father, please! You know no horse can match a Pekko''s speed. I promise they won''t cause any trouble!"

    Garius pretended to consider it, rubbing his chin with a grave expression, though inwardly he relished the sight of his son squirming.

    After a long pause, he finally nodded. "Very well. I permit you to bring your Pekko¡ªwhat''s his name? Muddy?"

    "It''s not Muddy! It''s Buddy!" Javier pouted.

    "Whatever," Garius said with a wave of his hand. "But you must take full responsibility for them. That means keeping them under control at all times. If they cause any chaos, I will personally have them sent back home. Understood?"

    "Yes, Father!" Javier''s face lit up instantly.

    "Good. Now, go meet with Mr. Alf to make the necessary arrangements," Garius added.

    "Thank you, Father! Thank you, Mother!" Javier eximed, scrambling to his feet and dashing off before either parent could change their mind.

    As the door closed behind him, Francesca sighed again, this time with a faint smile. "He truly is your son."

    Inside Garius''s mind, a mischievous thought lingered:

    I can''t wait to see the faces of those noble children when Javier shows up with his Pekko. Perhaps, finally, they''ll open their eyes to how superior Pekkos arepared to their horses.

    He nearly chuckled aloud at the thought but managed to maintain hisposure.

    "Darling?" Francesca''s soft voice pulled him back to reality.

    "Hmm?"

    "What are you thinking?"

    "Oh, nothing, dear," Garius replied with a faint smile, leaning toward her.

    Francesca raised a curious brow but said nothing more as Garius cupped her face gently and leaned in, pressing a passionate kiss to her lips. Surprised at first, Francesca quickly melted into the embrace, wrapping her arms around him and pulling him closer.

    For a moment, the room was silent except for the sound of their connection. When they finally pulled apart, Francesca rested her forehead against his, her cheeks lightly flushed.

    "Even after all these years, you still have a way of surprising me," she whispered with a smile.

    "And you, my love, are the reason I never stop trying," Garius replied, his voice low and tender.

    "By the way, darling," Francesca said softly, her fingers gently running through Garius''s hair as he rested his head on herp.

    "Hmm?" he replied, closing his eyes infort.

    "If Javier brings his Pekko, Buddy, and Liana rides her own Pekko, Pikko, you do realize that horses won''t be able to keep up with them?"

    Garius smirked slightly, keeping his eyes closed. "Yeah, I know."

    "So... how are the guards supposed to escort them if Javier decides to dash toward the capital? You know it''s a seven-day journey by horse-drawn carriage," she asked, concern evident in her tone.

    "Hmm?" Garius opened his eyes slightly, meeting her worried gaze. "Pekkos are fast and strong. They''re not just mounts; they''re monsters. Do you think any assassin chasing someone on a Pekko, riding only a horse, would even stand a chance of catching them?"

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    "But..." Francesca hesitated, her hand still caressing his hair. "What about the journey? What if something unexpected happens?"

    "Don''t worry about it," Garius said with a calm tone. "Liana is a capable escort. You know how strong she is."

    "I know," Francesca admitted with a sigh, "but I still worry about Javier''s safety."

    "Don''t worry too much," Garius reassured her, cing his hand over hers. "Those Pekkos are not only fast but also incredibly strong. Monsters would have a hard time hurting either of them. And besides..." Garius paused, a knowing smirk ying on his lips.

    Francesca smiled as well, catching his unspoken thought. They both knew the truth about Javier''s immense power and talent. They also knew about the impressive arsenal and wealth hidden within Javier''s magical storage space¡ªenough to rival a small kingdom.

    "Very well, darling," Francesca said softly, leaning down to kiss his forehead. "I''ll ept your answer. But promise me you''ll still keep an eye on him from afar."

    "Of course," Garius replied with a chuckle, his voice low and affectionate. "I always do."

    Javier strutted down the hallway with a smug expression, humming a cheerful tune. His steps were light, and his mood was practically glowing. But suddenly, he stopped in his tracks, looking around frantically.

    "Liana?" he called out, his voice tinged with worry.

    The hallway was empty. She had promised to wait for him outside. Panic set in as his mind raced.

    "Eeeeekkk!! Lianaaaaaa!!!" Javier wailed, preparing to dash off in search of her.

    Before he could take another step, a familiar hand grabbed his shoulder, and a flicknded squarely on his forehead.

    "Young master, I''m right here," Liana said, her tone calm butced with a hint of exasperation.

    Javier froze, turning to face her with wide eyes before breaking into a sheepish grin. "Ohh!! Ehehhe..." Without warning, he leaned forward. "Chuuuu!"

    Liana sighed, her hand resting lightly on her hip. She leaned in and kissed him on the lips, soft and reassuring.

    "There," she said, her voice warm as she pulled back.

    Javier''s grin widened. "Ehehe..." he chuckled, his earlier panicpletely forgotten as he basked in her presence.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 142 Breakfast Antics ( 142 )

    Inside the grand dining hall, Javier sat slumped in his chair, poking his food with a fork.

    "Ehhhh¡­ It''s still more than a week before school starts, right?" he groaned.

    "Yes, young master," Liana replied patiently, standing by his side. "But you also know the journey to the capital city is long, taking up to five to seven days. We must leave early."

    "But we''re riding Pekko, right? They''re faster than carriages!" Javier protested, brightening momentarily at the thought of his beloved mount.

    "True, young master. However, it''s better to be early and ensure we arrive without issue," Liana exined, her calm demeanor unwavering.

    Javier let out an exaggerated sigh, leaning back dramatically in his chair. "Haaaa¡­ Liana, you''re too strict."

    Liana bent slightly, looking him straight in the eye with a small smile. "Now, now, young master, eat your breakfast. I''ll go prepare your things for school."

    "Ehhhh¡­ Don''t go, Liana!" Javier shot up from his chair, nearly knocking it over, and reached for her hand.

    Liana turned to him with a serious yet soft expression. "Young master, I''m just heading to your room to prepare. I''m not leaving you."

    "But what if you''re gone again?" Javier''s voice softened, his eyes pleading.

    Liana''s stern demeanor melted, and she sighed, walking back to gently pat his head. "I''m not going anywhere, young master. Don''t be so childish about this. Now, eat your breakfast properly."

    She straightened up and nced at Miss Gloria, the serene head maid. "Miss Gloria?"

    "Yes, Miss Liana?" Gloria responded with her usual calm smile.

    "Please ensure the young master finishes his breakfast properly while I prepare."

    Gloria nodded. "Leave it to me."

    Javier sulked, reluctantly picking up his fork again. "Hmph¡­ Fine. But don''t take too long, Liana!"

    Liana chuckled softly, her silver hair swaying as she left the room. She had long grown used to Javier''s antics but couldn''t help feeling warmth at his attachment.

    Liana was cleaning the young master''s room when a maid came up to her.

    "Liana, Lord Garius is calling for you," the maid said politely.

    "Oh... okay," Liana replied.

    "He''s waiting for you in the lord''s study room."

    "I''ll go there now," Liana said, feeling curious as she walked through the big halls of the Armand estate.

    When she reached the private study, she stood up straight and knocked on the door.

    "Come in," Lord Garius''s strong voice called.

    Liana opened the door and stepped inside, bowing politely. "My lord, you called for me?"

    "Yes," Lord Garius said, waving for her to lift her head.

    When Liana looked up, she was surprised to see not just Lord Garius, but also Lady Francesca, Lady Garcinia, Lady Phenelopie, Mr. Alf, and Mrs. Errte in the room. Their presence made the meeting feel important.

    "This is the document you need to make sure Javier can go to school," Lord Garius started, handing her a sealed folder. "Here is the gold you will need for expenses." He gave her a small but heavy pouch filled with gold coins. "Once you arrive, make sure to give this letter directly to the headmaster."@@novelbin@@

    "Yes, my lord," Liana said, taking the items carefully.

    "And, Liana," Lady Francesca said, catching her attention, "if Javier does not want to live in the dormitory, please find a nice house not too far from the school. You will live with him there. The dormitory does not allow maids and their masters to stay in the same room, and knowing your young master, he will likely refuse to stay there."

    "I will do my best, mydy," Liana replied sincerely.

    "Good," Lady Francesca nodded. "The gold should cover expenses for a month. And if it''s not enough¡­" She looked at Lord Garius with a knowing nce.

    "¡­I''m sure your young master knows how to earn more," Lord Garius said with a smirk.

    Liana''s eyes widened a little, and she almost lost her calm. She knew that Javier''s wealth¡ªhidden safely in his magic storage¡ªwas a secret between them. But the smirk on Lord Garius''s face, along with the quiet presence of Alf and Errte, showed that the family noticed everything.

    "Yes, my lord," Liana said, quickly recovering and bowing again.

    "Then it''s settled," Lady Francesca finished with a kind smile. "Take care of him, Liana. And make sure he goes to all his sses."

    "I will, mydy."

    With a respectful bow to everyone in the room, Liana left, determined to make sure everything went well for her young master''s time at school.

    I wonder how they know about it..."

    For years, she had worked hard to protect her young master''s true power and skills. His carefree and mischievous personality was a perfect cover, hiding the extent of his abilities from curious eyes. Only she knew the full range of Javier''s talents and resources:

    She had worked tirelessly to keep these secrets safe, yet somehow, Lord Garius and Lady Francesca seemed to be aware.

    Liana shuddered at the thought. The people in this household were not to be underestimated.

    The butler, Mr. Alf, and the head maid, Mrs. Errte, were known not only for their amazing skills but also for their strong loyalty to Lord Garius and Lady Francesca. They were more than just servants; they were the silent protectors of the Armand household''s power and influence, legends in their own right.

    And then there was Lord Garius¡­ Liana sighed inwardly. His calm and thoughtful demeanor hid a sharp mind that seemed to notice everything in his domain. Lady Francesca, though sweet on the outside, was no less powerful. Her gentle presence masked a mind capable ofplex ns and quick decisions.

    Together, they were a strong force.

    "How much do they know?" Liana wondered again, a chill running down her spine. Was it just a guess based on what they saw, or did they have actual proof of Javier''s secret activities?

    She thought back to moments with Mr. Alf and Mrs. Errte. Their knowing nces and faint smiles suggested they operated on a level beyond ordinary people. Did they suspect, or had they pieced everything together already?

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    Shaking her head, Liana steeled herself. It doesn''t matter. No one will use my young master for their ns.

    Still, the fact that Lord Garius and Lady Francesca seemed amused, even smirking, about Javier''s cleverness eased her worries a little. Maybe they really trusted him to take care of himself¡ªor perhaps this was their way of testing him, a careful push to see how far he could go.

    Either way, Liana decided to stay by Javier''s side, making sure his secrets were safe and his goals remained his own.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 144 The Watchful Eye ( 144 )

    "Liana, please ensure Javier behaves," Lady Francesca said, her voice warm but firm.

    "Yes, madam," Liana replied with a polite bow. Her maid uniform was neat, and her backpack was ready for the trip.

    Javier, however, was too excited in the courtyard. He rode Buddy, his bright orange Pekko, zooming around andughing loudly.

    Javierughed joyfully, his hair flying in the wind as Buddy squawked and pped its small wings.

    Lady Francesca smiled as she watched her son y. "He truly is full of life," she said, feeling happy to see his fun with Buddy.@@novelbin@@

    Nearby, Liana''s Pekko, Pikko, was more calm. Pikko had beautiful silver and orange feathers and was rxing in the sun, stretching her strong legs. The difference between the two Pekko matched their riders well.

    Lord Garius, with his arms crossed, looked at Liana. "Liana, make sure you don''t stop until you reach the next town. I know Pekko are fast and strong, but be careful once you cross the armand border."

    "Yes, my lord," Liana answered with a firm nod, her green eyes steady.

    Happy with her answer, Garius looked at Javier, who was trying a risky stunt on Buddy, making the Pekko very happy. Garius sighed, a small smile appearing. "And try to keep him safe until you reach the capital."

    " I''ll do my best, my lord."

    As the sun rose higher, it was time to leave. Javier finally slowed down Buddy and walked over to Liana, who was fixing her pack.

    "Ready to go, Liana?"

    Liana looked up at him, her expression softening. "Yes, young master."

    Then, they both got on their Pekko¡ªJavier on Buddy and Liana on Pikko¡ªand got ready to start their journey to the capital city. Lady Francesca and Lord Garius watched them ride away, their figures getting smaller until they vanished into the distance.

    Lord Garius turned away from Javier and Liana as they rode off. His face became serious, showing his authority.

    "Alf, Errte, Hesbeirn," he called, his voice low but strong.

    "Yes, my lord?" the three replied together, stepping forward without hesitation.

    "Come," Garius said, motioning for them to follow.

    The three exchanged knowing looks and followed him to a private room in the manor. Behind them, Lady Francesca stayed by the gate, wiping her eyes with a handkerchief. Even though she was crying, she kept waving at the departing Pekko, her eyes filled with pride and sadness.

    Inside the room, Garius sat at a heavy wooden table, leaning forward with his elbows on it. His sharp eyes focused on the three in front of him.

    "The road before the border?" Garius asked.

    "Clear, my lord," Alf replied "We''ve already taken care of all bandit groups in our area."

    Errte stood tall and confident."Not a single group remains, my lord. Every hotspot has been wiped clean, and no survivors were left to spread information about the "clean-up.""

    "Good," Garius looked at Hesbeirn.

    "All troublemakers from other households who were with Klimbert and Amboast have been taken care of," Hesbeirn reported, "Their influence is gone in our territories."

    "Dead or scattered?" Garius asked.

    "Dead," Alf replied quickly. "They won''t be a threat to Javier or the household."

    "Excellent," Garius said, leaning back in his chair. He tapped his fingers on the table, thinking, before speaking again. "The Klimbert and Amboast households underestimated us once. They won''t get that chance again."

    Errte smiled faintly. "My lord, the operation went smoother than we thought. Thanks to the groundwork youid, their downfall was certain."

    "Let this be a warning to anyone who challenges the Armand household. If they fight us, we will remind them who is in charge here."

    The three bowed deeply. "Understood, my lord," they said together.

    "Stay alert," Garius added, his voice back to its usual calm tone. "I trust you three to handle anything else thates up. For now, let them believe this is the end of our retaliation."

    "Yes, my lord."

    When the meeting finished, the three left quietly, leaving Garius alone with his thoughts. He sat in silence for a moment, still tapping his fingers on the table. He could faintly hear Francesca''s voice talking to a maid about preparing for the day.

    Garius finally stood up and looked at the map on the wall of his study. His sharp eyes followed the borders of hisnd, paying attention to key areas where there had been recent conflicts.

    "Stay safe, Javier," he whispered to himself. "You''ll inherit this legacy soon enough. But for now... I''ll make sure you can grow as you wish."

    He nced at the family crest engraved on the hilt of the ceremonial sword hanging on the wall, its silver de shining in the sunlight.

    Turning away, Garius walked to the window, where he could barely see the silhouettes of Buddy and Pikko in the distance, carrying his youngest son and Liana toward the capital. A small smile appeared on his face, filled with both pride and expectation.

    "The world may not be ready for you, my son," he said softly. "But I''ll make sure it doesn''t stand in your way."

    Lady Francesca entered the room a momentter, looking calm again, but her eyes still showed some worry.

    "Do you think it was wise to send Liana alone with him?" Francesca asked, standing next to her husband and looking at the same map.

    Garius smirked, tracing the path Javier and Liana would take with his hand. "Liana is more capable than she seems. She''s not just a maid; she''s been his protector and friend since he was young. And don''t forget¡ªJavier is no ordinary child. He can handle whatever happens."

    Francesca sighed but nodded. "You''re right. But as his mother, I can''t help but worry. The capital is full of people who might try to take advantage of him if they find out his true abilities."

    "That''s why I sent those letters," Garius said, his voice firm. "By the time Javier reaches the capital, every noble who matters will know he is under my protection. They''ll think twice before acting foolishly."

    "And if they don''t?" Francesca asked softly.

    "Then they''ll learn the hard way," Garius replied sharply.

    Francesca gently ced her hand on his arm. "He''ll be fine," she said, trying to reassure both him and herself. "Liana won''t let anything happen to him."

    Garius nodded, his expression softening a bit. "Yes, she won''t. And Javier¡­ he''s more prepared than anyone knows."

    Francesca smiled slightly. "He does take after you, after all."

    They stood in silence for a moment, watching the road that led to the border through the window, filled with hope and determination for their youngest son''s journey.

    Francesca smiled softly, a mix of admiration and frustration in her eyes. "Dear¡­ you really nned the whole thing from the day he was born, didn''t you?"

    Garius didn''t answer right away, still looking at the distant road. Finally, he turned to Francesca, his face calm but unreadable. "Yeah."

    "You also knew about his true ss before the blessing ceremony next year," Francesca said, more as a statement than a question.

    "Yes," Garius confirmed, his voice steady.

    "And you knew everything¡ªhis talents, his dreams¡ªand nned everything for him. Even from the day he started earning money to buy his own Pekko," Francesca continued, her voice a mix of fondness and disbelief.

    "Yes," Garius said again, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

    Francesca chuckled lightly, shaking her head. "Sometimes I wonder if you''re too far ahead of everyone else, even your own son. But¡­ I trust you. Just as I trust him."

    Garius nodded, his gaze softening. "It''s not just about nning, Francesca. It''s about giving him the freedom to grow and choose his own path. All I''ve done is remove the obstacles that would have held him back."

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    Francesca stepped closer and ced a hand on his shoulder. "And yet, you still won''t tell him everything, will you?"

    "No," Garius said, his smirk returning. "He''s too clever. If he knew, he''d find a way to outsmart me."

    Francescaughed softly. "That does sound like him. He''s your son, after all."

    Garius chuckled in agreement. "And he''s your son too. That''s why he''s destined to surpass us both."

    Francesca looked into Garius''s eyes, noticing how his right eye changed color, a rare sight that always caught her attention. She smiled softly, her expression warm. "Really, dear, it''s rare for you to show that."

    They stood infortable silence for a moment, the bond between them strong and unspoken. Outside, the wind carried the faint sound of Javier''sughter as he raced toward the border, a sound that promised a future shaped by both fate and the choices of a boy who was far more extraordinary than anyone could imagine.

    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 145 The Border Town ( 145 )

    Javier and Liana arrived at the gate just before passing the Armand border. Beyond the tall, sturdy gatesy a bustling town, with a humble inn and quaint shops lining the dirt streets, all bathed in the warm hues of the evening sun.

    "Haaa¡­" Javier stretched his arms and sighed tiredly. "I didn''t think it would take this long to reach the border. It''s already evening."

    Liana, riding Pikko, smiled at hisint. "It wouldn''t have if we were in a rush, young master. You insisted on letting Buddy explore every other path."

    Buddy, his Pekko, squawked happily as if to defend Javier''s decision. The lively bird''s eyes scanned a nearby stall selling skewered meats while it shuffled excitedly.

    Javier scratched his head, a sheepish grin on his face. "Well, it''s not like we''re in a hurry, right?"

    Pikko, Liana''s moreposed Pekko, groomed her silver-and-orange feathers nearby with a touch of elegance. Liana dismounted gracefully and surveyed the modest town, her gaze settling on the inn.

    "We should rest for the night," she suggested practically. "There''s no point crossing the border thiste. It''s better to be well-rested for the journey ahead."

    Javier hopped off Buddy, who immediately trotted off toward the stall, much to the vendor''s dismay. "Hey! Buddy, don''t scare the merchants!" he called as he jogged to retrieve his mischievous mount.

    Liana stifled augh, covering her mouth with her hand. "I''ll secure a room at the inn. Try not to cause too much trouble, young master."

    "No promises!" Javier replied yfully, quickening his steps as Buddy nosed at the vendor''s cart.

    Liana entered the modest inn, her steps light yet purposeful. The warm interior, softly lit bynterns, carried the scent of wood and freshly baked bread. Behind the counter, the inn receptionist¡ªa young man with nervous energy¡ªstiffened upon noticing the Armand family emblem on her maid uniform.

    "Ah... ah... wee to the inn!" the receptionist stammered, his words tumbling out clumsily. "H-how may I help you?"

    Liana maintained her calm demeanor, her eyes steady as she addressed him. "Do you have any avable rooms?"

    "Yes! Yes, we do!" he replied, nodding vigorously. Then, as if realizing something, his eyes darted to her emblem. "Would you like me to call for the innkeeper?"@@novelbin@@

    Liana tilted her head slightly, a faint smile ying on her lips. "Hmm? Why would that be necessary?"

    The receptionist''s face flushed with panic. "Err... umm... j-just a moment!" Without waiting for her reply, he scurried into the back room, hurried whispers faintly escaping.

    Momentster, the innkeeper¡ªa middle-aged woman with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor¡ªstepped out. She adjusted her apron hastily and offered a deep bow, her toneposed. "Wee, madam. I apologize for any dy. How may we serve the esteemed guests of the Armand family?"

    Liana nodded, her expression unchanged. "We''ll need a room for the night, one with amodations for two Pekkos in your stables."

    "Of course! We will ensure the finest care for your mounts," the innkeeper said promptly. "And for your room, we''ll provide our best¡ª"

    "A regr room will suffice," Liana interrupted gently but firmly. "There''s no need for special treatment."

    The innkeeper hesitated, doubt flickering in her eyes before she quickly nodded. "As you wish, Miss. I''ll have it prepared immediately."

    "Thank you," Liana said with a polite bow of her own. "Please ensure the Pekkos are fed andfortable."

    "Yes, of course! I''ll see to it personally," the innkeeper assured her, gesturing for the receptionist to hurry along.

    "Young master," Liana called, her calm tone cutting through the noise. "Let''s go to our room now."

    "Ehh?" Javier whined, pouting. "We haven''t eaten yet, and Buddy here is starving! Look at him¡ªhe''s practically begging." He gestured dramatically at Buddy, who tilted his head and squawked as if on cue.

    Pikko, not to be outdone, pped her wings and let out a louder squawk. Javier grinned. "Ah, see? Pikko too! They need food! Ehehehe."

    Liana sighed softly, shaking her head at their antics. "Fine, we''ll eat first and make sure Buddy and Pikko are taken care of. But after that, straight to bed."

    "Yay!" Javier cheered, already leading Buddy toward the stable boy waiting by the door. The boy stared at the majestic Pekkos with wide eyes, clearly intimidated.

    "Make sure they''re fed well," Liana instructed the stable boy, her tone kind but firm. "They''ve had a long journey."

    "Yes, ma''am!" the boy replied, hastily bowing and scurrying to his task.

    Liana turned back to Javier, who was scanning the inn''s dining area with gleaming eyes.

    Javier mmed his hands on the wooden table, grinning widely. "Meat! Give me more meat! Roasted, juicy, and sizzling! Ehehehe!" His enthusiasm echoed through the cozy dining area, drawing amused nces from other patrons.

    Liana stood nearby, arms crossed, shaking her head with a soft smile. "Young master," she began, her tone a mix of exasperation and affection.

    Javier frowned and waved his hand dramatically. "Liana! Why are you standing? Sit down!" His gaze was yful yetmanding.

    Liana raised an eyebrow. "Young master, I''m here to ensure everything is in order. It''s my duty."

    "No!" Javier dered, cutting her off with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "This is not the time for formalities. Sit! It''s an order... from your only young master!" He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms like a triumphant king.

    Liana sighed but couldn''t suppress her smile. "As you wish, young master," she replied, pulling out a chair and sitting gracefully beside him.

    "Ehehehe," Javier chuckled, his smirk widening. "See? That wasn''t so hard, was it?"

    As the server arrived with a tray of roasted meats, Javier eagerly grabbed a te and slid it in front of Liana. "Here! Eat, Liana. You''ve worked hard today."

    Liana blinked in mild surprise but took the te, touched by his gesture. "Thank you, young master," she said softly, her smile growing warmer.

    Javier grinned, already tearing into another piece of meat. "Now, this is what I call a proper meal¡ªwith my number one by my side!"

    He waved over the waiter with an eager grin. "Liana, you should order something for yourself too!" he said, leaning back in his chair.

    Liana tilted her head. "We can share our meal, young master. There''s no need for extra."

    Javier smirked, his yful tone returning. "Yes, we can share. But if you order yours, we can share that too. Ehehehe."

    Liana sighed, a subtle smile forming. "Fine. I''ll take a fruit sd... and this veggie sd," she said, pointing to the menu.

    Javier froze mid-bite, his expression twisting. "Blergh... all veggies and fruit? That''s it? No, no, no! Order some meat too!"

    Liana''s eyes sparkled with mischief. "Young master, aren''t you always saying you need to eat healthy? These will bnce out all the roasted meat you''re eating."

    Javier pouted dramatically, crossing his arms. "Healthy is fine... but it''s boring! Just add a little meat to your order, Liana. Otherwise, I''ll... I''ll¡ª"

    "You''ll what?" she asked, her teasing smile growing. Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire

    "I''ll eat all the meat myself and leave none for you!" he dered, puffing out his chest like he''d won the argument.

    Liana chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Very well. I''ll add a roasted chicken dish. Happy now, young master?"

    Javier gave a triumphant nod, grinning from ear to ear. "Now that''s more like it! Bnce, Liana. That''s the key!"

    "Yes, yes, now eat, young master. After this, we need to rest," Liana urged, ncing at Javier with a mix of fondness and authority.

    "Haaa... but it''s still early," Javier replied, his mouth full of meat as he reluctantly set down his fork.

    "Yes, but we need to wake up early tomorrow," Liana insisted, keeping her tone steady.

    "Fine," Javier surrendered with a dramatic sigh, though a small smile crept onto his face. "I guess I can manage a bit of rest."

    "Good," Liana said, a satisfied nod apanying her words.

    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 147 A Thrilling Ride ( 147 )

    "Breakfast time!!! Ehehehehe!" Javier''s cheerful voice echoed through the inn as he bounced on his feet, ready to start the day.

    Liana walked out of their room with her bag slung over her shoulder. "Young master, please calm down," she said with a slight sigh, though a smile tugged at her lips.

    "Liana, faster!!" Javier urged, practically dancing in ce as he waited.

    "Your bag, young master," she reminded him, holding it out.

    "Haaaa¡­ Fine, fine," Javier grumbled, snatching it from her hands. Then, with a mischievous grin, he reached for her bag too.

    "Hmm?" Liana raised an eyebrow, watching as Javier took her bag without a word.

    Before she could protest, he opened his magic storage with a dramatic flourish. "Tadaaa! No more heavy bags!" he dered, cing both into the storage space effortlessly.

    "Now let''s go, Liana! Ehehehehe!" he eximed, grabbing her hand and tugging her toward the stairs.

    Liana shook her head, her smile softening. "You truly are full of surprises, young master."

    "Of course I am! I''m the best, right?"

    After finishing their breakfast, Javier leaned back in his chair, patting his stomach with a satisfied grin. "That was amazing! Best breakfast ever!"

    Liana smiled warmly. "I''m d you enjoyed it, young master. Now, let me settle the bill."

    The two approached the front desk, where the innkeeper was waiting with a polite smile. Liana handed over the key and reached into her pouch for payment.

    "Here''s the cost for the room and meals," she said, offering the coins.

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    The innkeeper held up her hands and shook her head firmly. "No, Miss Liana. We cannot ept this."

    Liana tilted her head, confused. "But the cost¡ª"

    The innkeeper interrupted her, her tone firm but full of warmth. "No, no, Miss Liana. Our lord is the best! Thanks to him, we enjoy the lowest taxes ever. Everyone in the region is happy and prospering because of his wise governance. For the Armand household¡ªfor our lord''s family¡ªthere won''t be any charge, ever."

    Liana blinked, momentarily at a loss for words. "I see... Thank you for your generosity," she said with a soft smile, bowing her head slightly.

    Javier, who had been listening from nearby, grinned mischievously. "See, Liana? Told you our family''s the best! No charge, ehehehe!"

    Liana sighed but couldn''t help smiling at his enthusiasm. "Young master, let''s not take advantage of their kindness."

    Javier smirked. "It''s not taking advantage¡ªit''s appreciation! Right, Mrs. Innkeeper?"

    The innkeeperughed heartily. "Absolutely, young master! Safe travels to both of you!"

    With that, Liana and Javier left the inn, ready to continue their journey, with Buddy and Pikko eagerly waiting outside.

    "Have a safe journey, young master! Miss Liana!" the guards called out as Javier and Liana prepared to leave the town.

    Javier sat proudly on Buddy, his face lighting up with a smug grin. But as he nced toward the guards, he noticed their eyes lingering on Liana¡ªher elegant figure, her radiant silver hair shimmering under the morning sun, and her serene smile as she acknowledged their well wishes.

    His amber eyes narrowed, and thoughts spiraled into a possessive streak. Tch! They''re ogling Liana. Don''t they know she''s mine? Javier''s jaw tightened as Buddy squawked, sensing his rider''s mood.

    Liana, however, was oblivious to his inner turmoil. She responded with her usual poise, bowing her head slightly. "Thank you. As you were," she said, her voice calm and respectful.

    Javier leaned forward on Buddy, casting the guards a pointed re. "Let''s go, Liana!" he called, his tone sharp. He didn''t wait for her to reply before Buddy bolted forward, leaving the gate and the gawking guards behind.

    Liana quickly mounted Pikko and followed after him, catching up easily. "Young master, is something wrong?" she asked, noticing his unusually stiff posture.

    "Nope! Everything''s perfect!" he said, though his pout betrayed his words.

    Liana tilted her head, amused. "Are you perhaps¡­ jealous?"

    Javier''s face turned crimson. "W-What?! No! Why would I be jealous?"

    Liana chuckled softly. "You''re adorable, young master."

    "Adorable?! I''m not adorable¡ªI''m manly!" Javier protested, crossing his arms as Buddy squawked in agreement.

    "Of course, young master," Liana replied, her voiceced with humor. "Shall we continue, then?"

    "Fine! But remember, Liana, you''re mine!" Javier dered boldly, his confidence returning.

    Liana''s smile softened. "Always, young master," she said, urging Pikko forward, her heart warmed by his protectiveness.

    Javier nced back at Liana, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Liana?"

    "Yes, young master?" she replied, her tone calm as always, though she could already sense his brewing excitement.

    Without warning, Javier raised his hand, casting a buff spell that shimmered around Buddy and Pikko, enveloping them in a soft glow. The magic enhanced their speed and endurance, preparing them for a thrilling ride.

    Liana smiled knowingly. "I see. So that''s what you were nning."

    "Ready, Liana?" Javier called, his voice brimming with energy.

    "Yes, young master," Liana replied, gripping Pikko''s reins firmly.

    "Buddy! Dash!!" Javiermanded.

    With an enthusiastic squawk, Buddy bolted forward like a streak of orange lightning. Pikko followed closely, her movements smooth and graceful as she matched Buddy''s pace from the side.

    "Kikikiki!! More speed!!!" Javierughed maniacally, the wind whipping through his hair as Buddy surged ahead.

    Pikko let out a delighted chirp, responding to Liana''s gentle guidance as she kept up effortlessly. Liana''s silver hair flowed behind her like a shining ribbon, her expression calm yet exhrated by the sheer thrill of the ride.

    "Faster, Buddy! Let''s see how far we can push it!" Javier shouted, his amber eyes gleaming with excitement.

    Buddy squawked loudly in agreement, pushing his enhanced speed to the limit.

    Liana couldn''t help butugh softly, watching Javier''s boundless energy. "Young master, don''t wear him out before we reach the next town," she teased, her voice carrying over the rushing wind.

    "Don''t worry, Liana! With my buffs, Buddy could run for days!" Javier replied, his confidence unwavering.

    They dashed along the road for hours, the thunderous sound of Buddy''s and Pikko''s strides kicking up clouds of dust in their wake. Startled travelers and merchants hurried to the side of the road as the two Pekkos barreled past, their squawking and rapid pace leaving a trail of astonished faces behind.

    "Kikiki!!" Buddy chirped in delight, clearly enjoying the chaotic attention they were causing.

    Liana, everposed, simply smiled as she kept Pikko steady beside Buddy. Her young master''s excitement was contagious, and the speed ensured no troublemakers could hope to catch them. With this pace, she calcted they could reach the capital in three or four days, far sooner than nned.

    Suddenly, Javier pulled back on Buddy''s reins and pointed ahead excitedly. "Ohh! Liana!! Look at that ce!"

    Liana followed his gesture, her emerald eyesnding on a picturesque scene just off the main road. It was a wide, open field with lush green grass stretching as far as the eye could see. A sparkling river wound gently through thendscape, its clear waters reflecting the afternoon sun. Large, smooth stones lined the riverbank, perfect for sitting, while the surrounding trees provided pleasant shade.

    Javier''s amber eyes sparkled. "Doesn''t that look like the perfect spot to hang out? We can rest, eat, and maybe even let Buddy and Pikko ssh in the river!"

    Liana nced at the scene and nodded approvingly. "It does look peaceful. Very well, young master. Let''s take a break."

    "Yes! Let''s go!" Javier eximed, guiding Buddy off the road toward the serene area. Pikko followed close behind, her calm demeanor contrasting Buddy''s yful energy.

    As they approached the river, Buddy let out an excited squawk, clearly eager to explore the water. Pikko, on the other hand, inspected the area with graceful caution, ensuring it was safe before rxing.

    Javier slid off Buddy''s back and stretched dramatically. "Ahhh, this is the life! Liana, let''s set up here for a bit. This ce is perfect!"

    Liana dismounted gracefully and began unpacking their small supplies. "As you wish, young master. I''ll prepare something to eat while you rx."

    "Ehehehe! Liana, you''re the best!" Javier said, already kicking off his boots and rolling up his pants to wade into the river. Buddy eagerly followed him, sshing in the shallow water with unrestrained glee.

    Liana shook her head fondly, watching Javierugh as Buddy soaked him with yful kicks of water. She turned her attention to setting up a small pic, a warm smile lingering on her lips.@@novelbin@@

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 148 The Feast and the Threat ( 148 )

    Javier smiled yfully as he took out a small magic grill from his magical storage. The grill quickly changed into a full cooking station. He then pulled out an variety of monster meat: thick pieces of wolf, juicy king boar, soft orc meat, and even some rare wyvern steaks.

    "Liana! lets grill some meat!" Javier shouted happily, holding up the meat like it was a prize.

    Liana, who was setting up their pic, turned and sighed. "Are you going to eat all that, young master?"

    "Of course not!" Javier said proudly. "You will eat some too, and Buddy and Pikko need their share! Right, Buddy?"

    When Buddy heard his name, he hurried out of the river, sshing water everywhere.

    "Eek! Buddy!!" Javier shouted, holding the meat away. "You''re still wet!"

    Buddy didn''t care. He was excited, letting out loud squawks and rushing to the grill.

    Javier saw Buddy getting closer. "Wait your turn, Buddy! Ehehehe!"

    As the meat cooked, Javier smiled at the fun scene. Buddy and Pikko were waiting beside him, their beaks open in eager anticipation. Liana was calmly turning the meat with skill.

    "This is perfect, Liana," Javier said, enjoying the peaceful view. "Good food, greatpany, and a river to cool off in. Who needs a fancy castle?"

    Liana smiled gently. "As long as you''re happy, young master."

    "Happy? I''m more than happy!" Javier eximed, breathing in the delicious smell. "Now hurry up, Liana! I''m starving!"

    The yummy smell of grilled meat filled the air as Javier continued eating, grinning at Liana. She was about to give him more food when she noticed something behind them.

    When she looked, she saw a group of about thirty big, scary-looking men. They had weapons and looked mean.

    "Well, well, well... what do we have here?" one of them sneered. "Two fancy birds, a brat, and a beautiful elf. Looks like we found something good, boys!"

    "Let me have that girl after you!" another one shouted, looking at Liana with a creepy smile.

    "And this kid is from the Armand noble house!" a third said, his eyes shining with greed. "We could ask for a lot of money for him!"

    Javier didn''t seem scared. Still chewing his food, he casually turned his head toward them and said, "Hey, old man."

    "Huh?" The leader was surprised.

    Suddenly, the men stopped moving. Their smiles turned to fear as they felt a strange force holding them down. It was like the gravity was three times stronger, making them kneel with grunts of pain.

    "Urghhh! What¡­ what is happening?!" the leader groaned, trying to lift his head.

    Javier leaned backfortably, still eating, while Liana sat beside him, feeding him grilled fruit like nothing was wrong.

    "Me and my girl here are still eating," Javier saidzily, waving his hand. Then he turned to Buddy and Pikko, who were squawking aggressively, ready to fight.

    "Buddy? Pikko?" Javier called, with a serious tone.

    The two birds squawked together, their eyes gleaming fiercely. Without waiting, they charged at the frozen men.

    Buddy hit the leader and sent him tumbling into the river with a big ssh, while Pikko quickly attacked the others, leaving them on the ground, hurt and groaning.

    Liana kept eating, watching the chaos with mild amusement. "They just don''t give up, do they?"

    Javierughed, wiping his mouth. "Yeah, but they''re not very smart. Trying to ruin my meal? That''s just rude."

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    Liana smiled softly and cut another piece of meat for her young master. "Here, young master."

    Javier took the bite, enjoying it with a happy hum. When Buddy and Pikko came back, looking proud, he patted their beaks. "Good job, you two! Ehehehe!"

    "You know, Liana," Javier said, leaning back and looking at the defeated men, "I don''t understand. With their strong bodies, they could work honest jobs and make good money. Why do they always choose to be bad guys?"

    Liana, wiping her hands gently, sighed. "Well, young master, some people choose the easy way, knowing it''s risky but profitable. They would rather take shortcuts than work hard."

    Javier thought for a moment, then shrugged. "Their loss, I guess! At least Buddy and Pikko got a workout. Now, pass me some of that boar meat!"

    "Of course, young master," Liana replied with a fond smile, handing him the next piece.

    Meanwhile, in another part of the kingdom, the grand hall of the Klimbert estate was filled with anger. Lord Klimbert mmed his fist on the armrest of his fancy chair, his face full of frustration as his loud voice echoed.

    "What?! The team we sent to kill Garius youngest son is missing?!" he yelled, ring at the scared informant in front of him.

    The informant, sweating, nodded nervously. "Y-Yes, my lord. Thetest reports say Garius''s son wasst seen near the border."

    Lord Klimbert''s face twisted in disbelief. "Then howe our teams haven''t killed him yet?!" His voice grew sharper, cutting through the room. "We sent two top assassin groups! There are only two roads to the capital, and we''ve covered both!"

    The attendants and soldiers exchanged worried looks, knowing better than to interrupt Lord Klimbert''s famous anger.

    "I want answers!" Lord Klimbert growled, gripping the armrest tightly. "Find out what''s happening! Where are those teams, and why haven''t they finished their mission?!"

    "Yes, my lord!" A senior officer quickly bowed and left the hall to give orders.

    The room went silent as Klimbert leaned back in his chair, thinking hard. His expression darkened. There''s no way a child and a maid could escape from two of my best assassin teams.

    He clenched his teeth. Garius must have something nned¡­

    "Ughhh!! That Armand territory was supposed to be mine!" he growled. "And yet that Garius managed to survive all these years!"@@novelbin@@

    He swept his arm across the table, knocking over a goblet that crashed to the floor. The servants jumped but didn''t dare to move.

    "FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!" he shouted, his voice bouncing off the stone walls. His anger grew as he remembered how the Armand family rose to power. "I sent the best assassin groups, the strongest fighters¡ªeverything I could! And yet, that lowborn scum still became a Count!"

    He turned to a group of quiet advisors on the other side of the room, his eyes zing with rage.

    "Do you know what that means?!" he yelled. "It means all of you have FAILED me! AGAIN!"

    "My lord," one brave advisor started, his voice shaking, "maybe we underestimated¡ª"

    "Underestimated?!" Klimbert shouted, cutting him off. He pointed a trembling finger at the man. "Don''t even talk to me about underestimating! That ''lowborn'' has been outsmarting us every step of the way! This is not just underestimating¡ªthis is ipetence!"

    The advisor turned pale and quickly bowed his head.

    Klimbert took a deep breath, trying to control his anger, but the bitterness lingered. "Garius... that sneaky bastard. He should have died with the rest of his family. And now, his son is heading to the capital."

    He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white. "No matter what it takes, I will destroy that family. If the assassin teams have failed, then I''ll hire armies, mercenaries¡ªwhatever it takes! I won''t let the Armand name seed while mine suffers!"

    "Haaarrrghh!!" he shouted. "Garius''s eldest son is rising in mage rank like it''s easy, and his second son leads a pdin team! All of his children have the best sses, far better than my useless brats!!"

    He gritted his teeth, his nails digging into the wood of the table. His eyes burned with hatred, his body shaking with rage.

    "FUCK!! This is uneptable!" he yelled. "I will not let Garius''s youngest son live! I want him dead before he even reaches the capital!"

    "Yes, my lord," an advisor replied, bowing his head, his voice shaky but eager to avoid Klimbert''s anger.

    Klimbert paced back and forth, his mind filled with ns. Suddenly, he turned sharply toward his advisor.

    "Set up a meeting with Lord Amboast and Jaist, immediately," he ordered, his voice cold. "Tell them the n will go ahead without dy. I want their full cooperation."

    The advisor nodded quickly and bowed lower. "Understood, my lord. I''ll send the message at once."

    Klimbert sneered, a wicked grin on his face. "Garius''s precious youngest son won''t reach the capital alive. I''ll make sure his journey ends in failure¡ªand his family is destroyed."

    A servant cautiously approached, bowing deeply. "My lord, should I gather more forces?"

    Klimbert sneered again, his expression vicious. "Prepare everything. I want spies, mercenaries, and assassins waiting at every checkpoint to the capital. Make sure Garius''s brat doesn''t see another sunrise!"

    "Yes, my lord!" The servant hurried away, leaving Klimbert to simmer in his anger.

    Staring into the mes, Klimbert''s expression turned cold and calcting. "You may havee this far, Garius," he muttered darkly, "but I''ll ensure your family is wiped out. Count or not, your end is near."

    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 149 A Calm Confidence ( 149 )

    Lord Garius leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes scanning the report in his hands. "Hmm... So, the assassin group sent by the Klimbert Household?" he mused aloud.

    Alf, standing calmly beside him, gave a small smile. "All done, my lord. They didn''t even have time to prepare before our team finished them all. As for the other road your son used... our team didn''t even need to intervene."

    Garius smirked, folding the report neatly and cing it on the table. "I know..."

    Errte, who stood nearby, couldn''t help but smile as well. "ording to the report from our scout, your youngest son is just having a pic with his favorite maid, Liana."

    Sitting elegantly across from him, Lady Francesca sipped her tea. She nced at Errte, her voice calm butced with humor. "Errte, more biscuits, please."

    "Of course, madam." Errte inclined her head and gestured toward one of the household maids, who immediately set about refilling the tray with fresh biscuits and pouring more tea.

    Francesca set her teacup down with a faint smile, looking toward her husband. "You seem awfully rxed for someone whose youngest son is being targeted by assassins."

    Garius chuckled, folding the report. "Rxed? Of course, Francesca. Why wouldn''t I be? Javier is more than capable of handling himself, especially with Liana by his side."

    "Still, he is only eleven. Don''t you think you''re putting too much faith in him?"

    "Faith?" Garius smirked, his tone confident. "It''s not faith¡ªit''s certainty. That boy is a prodigy, and I''ve ensured he has everything he needs to survive and thrive. Klimbert''s little schemes are nothing more than a nuisance to him."

    Francesca nced at Garius, "Your son seems to take after you, dear," she said casually.

    Garius chuckled. "Perhaps. Though I must admit, his way of dealing with things is... uniquely his own."

    Francesca sighed softly, "Just don''t forget, he''s still a child in many ways, even if he insists otherwise."

    Errte tilted her head slightly. "A child who can incapacitate an entire group of bandits without breaking a sweat, madam."

    Francesca waved a hand dismissively while smiling. "Details, Errte. Details."

    The room was filled with a quiet sense of satisfaction, the kind that came from knowing that, no matter what schemes their enemies plotted, their family was always one step ahead.

    "Lianaaaa!!" Javier called out,ughing as he sshed water at Buddy, who happily squawked and retaliated by pping its wings and sending droplets flying everywhere.

    Liana, standing on the riverbank with her arms crossed, shook her head with a patient smile. "Young master, it''s time to move."

    "Ehh, but we didn''t even finish enjoying the water! Look at Buddy! He''s having fun too!"

    Liana sighed, stepping closer. "Young master, we need to find an inn and a ce to rest for the night."

    "We can sleep here!" Javier dered, spreading his arms wide as if presenting the perfect campsite. "Under the stars, with Buddy and Pikko keeping watch. It''ll be great! Ehehe."

    Liana pinched the bridge of her nose. "No, you can''t."

    "Why not?" Javier pouted, his amber eyes gleaming with mischief.

    "First, there are monsters." Liana raised a finger. "Second... mosquitoes."

    For a moment, Javier blinked in confusion. Then his face twisted as he burst outughing. "Pfftt... bwahahahahah! Mosquitoes?! Really, Liana? That''s your reason?"

    Liana gave him a pointed look, one hand on her hip. "Yes, mosquitoes. And trust me, young master, they are far worse than monsters when ites to ruining a good night''s sleep."

    Stillughing, Javier climbed out of the water, shaking his head. "Fine, fine, you win! You better promise we''ll have roasted meat for dinner again!"

    Liana smiled softly, handing him a towel. "As you wish, young master. Now, let''s go before the ''monsters and mosquitoes'' catch us."

    Javier snickered as they packed up, already thinking about their next stop.

    "By the way, young master."

    "Hmm?" Javier turned to Liana, drying his hair with a towel as they walked toward Buddy and Pikko.

    "I think it''s best we use casual clothes without the Armand emblem."

    Javier raised an eyebrow, then looked at himself. "Huh? I am already in casual clothes. See? No emblem, just myfy travel gear." He gestured at his tunic and trousers. "The only one still wearing it is you."

    Liana blinked, ncing at her maid uniform. "...Ah."

    Javier smirked, folding his arms with a teasing glint in his eyes. "Now, now, Liana. No need for the maid uniform on our journey. You can blend in better, and it''s more practical too!"

    "But, young master, I must maintain my role as your maid¡ª"

    "Liana," Javier interrupted, grinning, "you''re not just my maid; you''re my travel partner, my protector, and my ''future wife,'' remember?" He chuckled at her flustered expression. "No one will mind if you dress casually for once. Actually, I''d prefer it."

    She sighed, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "Very well, young master. I''ll change into something more suitable."

    Javier gave her an approving nod. "Great! You''ll see, it''s way better for adventures. And I bet you''ll look amazing in anything anyway."

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    Liana rolled her eyes but couldn''t suppress her smile as she reached into her bag for a simpler outfit. "ttery will get you nowhere, young master."

    "Who said it was ttery?" Javier quipped, winking at her as he mounted Buddy.

    "Now... let''s go, Liana!"

    "Oops, wait a sec." He quickly raised his hand, his palm glowing faintly as he activated a buff spell. A shimmering aura enveloped both Buddy and Pikko, enhancing their speed and endurance.@@novelbin@@

    "Ehehehe... now no one will be able to catch up to this speed!" Javier grinned mischievously, giving Buddy an encouraging pat.

    Liana, already seated gracefully on Pikko, gave a small smile. "Young master, do try not to startle every passerby likest time."

    "I make no promises! Adventure waits for no one!" Javierughed, gripping Buddy''s reins tightly. "Now, Buddy! Dash toward the capital!"

    With an enthusiastic squawk, Buddyunched forward, kicking up a trail of dust. Pikko followed close behind, matching Buddy''s speed effortlessly under Liana''s skilled guidance.

    The two Pekko birds raced along the road, their vibrant feathers gleaming in the sunlight, as Javier''sughter echoed through the open fields. "Faster, Buddy! Faster!"

    Liana, keeping Pikko at a steady pace beside Buddy, called out with a gentle tone, "Young master, if we keep this up, we''ll arrive at the capital in no time... but do remember to give them a break. Even Pekkos need to rest."

    "Got it, got it," Javier replied with a wave, though his excitement didn''t wane. "But for now, let''s enjoy the ride!"

    Liana smiled softly as she watched her young masterugh freely, his joy as infectious as ever. In moments like this, she couldn''t help but feel a deep sense of relief.

    When Lady Francesca had initially assigned her to oversee Javier, Liana had assumed it was only a temporary measure to ensure he adapted to his early education and noble etiquette. At the time, she had thought her role would end once he began attending school, perhaps reced by someone else deemed more fitting.

    But as the years passed, it became clear that her assignment wasn''t a mere formality. She had be an irreceable part of Javier''s life¡ªnot just as his maid but as his confidant and guardian.

    "I''m truly fortunate," she thought, her emerald eyes softening as she kept pace on Pikko. "To be by his side like this... to see him grow, to support his dreams... there''s nothing I''d trade for this."

    Suddenly, a group of people blocking the road. In an instant, the gathered crowd¡ªa group of dark-d figures¡ªshouted as they drew their weapons, their intentions clear as they prepared to confront Javier and Liana.

    Before they could react, Buddy and Pikko surged forward with surprising speed, crashing straight into the group of assassins. The force of the impact sent the attackers sprawling, their weapons ttering to the ground. A chorus of startled yelps filled the air as the would-be assants were knocked off their feet.

    Javier raised an eyebrow, looking at Liana while still riding their Pekko mounts. "Huh? Did we just crash into someone?"

    Liana shook her head, still processing what had happened. "Hmm? I didn''t notice, Young Master."

    "Well¡­ whatever," Javier said with a shrug. He adjusted in his seat, trying to get a better view. "Maybe they just got a little carried away."

    As the dust settled, they didn''t notice a group of shadowy figures creeping away from the scene. The assassins, having intended to ambush Javier, were forced to retreat. Their n had failed¡ªthis time.

    Liana, still unfazed by their earlier crash, gently patted Pikko. "You two are such troublemakers," she teased, her tone lightening the moment. Both birds looked up at her innocently, as if to say, "We didn''t mean it!"

    "Let''s keep going, then," Javier said, dismissing the moment. "We can''t let a little bump slow us down."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 150 A Delicious Detour ( 150 )

    The grand capital city loomed ahead, its towering gates bustling with activity as merchants, travelers, and nobles passed through. At the checkpoint, Javier and Liana sat atop Buddy and Pikko, waiting for their turn as the royal guards performed inspections.

    The guard, a burly man with sharp eyes, approached. His gaze fell on the two majestic Pekkos. "I believe these birds belong to the Armand family?" he asked, eyeing the family crest discreetly stitched on Liana''s attire.

    Liana nodded, her tone calm and respectful. "Yes, they are."

    Another guard stepped forward, his expression professional yet curious. "Your purpose for visiting the capital city?"

    Liana gestured toward Javier, who was fiddling with Buddy''s reins. "My young master is here to attend the school."

    The guard tilted his head. "Oh? Which school?"

    Liana reached into her bag, retrieving an official card embossed with an elegant seal, and handed it to him. "This one."

    The guard''s eyes widened as he read it. "Ohhhh! The Royal Academy of Magic for Nobles. Lucky you!" He turned to Javier, grinning. "Must be nice, huh?"

    Javier, still maintaining his innocent grin, simply shrugged.

    Liana sighed, shaking her head. "If it weren''t for Lord Garius forcing him, my young master wouldn''t attend at all."

    The guards chuckled. One of them pped his knee. "Heh! You''re lucky to have such a father. By the way, though... why doesn''t the young master have a proper escort?"

    Liana straightened, her voice firm yet polite. "I am his sole escort. Along with these two of course."

    The guardughed. "Fair enough. Just make sure these big birds don''t cause trouble, alright?"

    "Understood," Liana replied smoothly.

    As the guards stepped aside, the first one hesitated before addressing her again. "By the way, you''re a beautiful elf. Perhaps... would you care to hang out for a drink after this?"

    Liana gave him a polite smile, bowing her head slightly in a refined manner. "Your invitation is kind, but I must politely decline. I am already... married," she said, her tone effortlesslyposed.

    The guard blinked in surprise but quickly recovered, stepping aside. "Ah, well, my apologies. Enjoy your time in the capital."

    As they passed through the gates, Javier leaned closer to Liana, a sly grin on his face. "Married, huh? Who''s the lucky guy?"

    Liana shot him a yful nce. "Well,its just an excuse to avoid it."

    Javierughed, his mischievous expression lighting up his face. "Good answer, Liana. Good answer."

    With that, they entered the bustling streets of the capital.

    "Young master, I believe we should find a house first," Liana suggested as they rode through the bustling streets of the capital.

    Javier tilted his head, confused. "Huh? Isn''t there a dormitory at the school?"

    Liana gave him a teasing smile. "Well, if you don''t mind sleeping alone, I don''t see any issue."

    Javier blinked,pletely missing the implication. "Eh? What do you mean by that?"

    Liana''s voice turned yful, her eyes glinting with amusement. "School dormitories don''t allow personal maids to stay in the same room as their masters. And our Pekkos won''t be able to stay near us all the time either."

    Javier froze, his jaw slightly ajar. Then, with a dramatic gasp, he pointed at her. "No!! I refuse! Let''s find a house right now! I don''t want that!"

    Liana couldn''t hold back her softughter. "As you wish, young master."

    Buddy and Pikko squawked in agreement, as if they too supported the idea. Javier huffed, crossing his arms. "What kind of school doesn''t let me stay with my Liana? Outrageous!"

    Liana smiled warmly. "Don''t worry, young master. I''ll ensure we find afortable ce soon."

    "Good," Javier muttered, his lips curving into a mischievous grin. "Because there''s no way I''m sleeping alone."

    The bustling streets of the capital city were alive with activity, but all eyes turned toward Javier and Liana as they navigated through on their massive Pekkos. Gasps of surprise rippled through the crowd, many of whom had never seen such impressive bird-like creatures within the city walls.

    "Look at those birds! Are they tamed monsters?" one onlooker whispered.

    "And that elf... she''s stunning!" another murmured, admiring Liana''s graceful presence.

    Her elegant maid uniform, adorned with the emblem of a noble house, added an air of mystique. While most citizens didn''t recognize the emblem¡ªthey could tell at a nce that Javier and Liana were part of a noble household. Find more chapters on My Virtual Library Empire

    Javier nced around at the sprawling city, feeling slightly overwhelmed by its size. The streets were unfamiliar, and finding their destination seemed like searching for a needle in a haystack.

    "Liana, this city is way too big. We''ve never been here before. Do you know where to look?" he asked, scratching his head.

    Liana gave a small smile. "I will ask the royal guard, young master. They should be able to point us in the right direction."

    Javier grinned. "Good idea. They''re stationed everywhere, after all."

    Liana guided Pikko toward a nearby post where two royal guards stood at attention. The guards immediately straightened upon noticing her approach.

    "Excuse me," Liana began politely, dismounting with practiced elegance. "Could you direct us to a property management office? We are looking to either rent or purchase a residence in the city."

    The guards exchanged a nce, then one of them nodded. "Certainly, miss. You''ll want to visit the Central Registry. They handle all property transactions, including rentals and sales. It''s located near the main square, beside the merchant guild hall."

    "Thank you for your assistance," Liana said with a graceful bow, her soft smile leaving the guards momentarily dazed.

    She returned to Javier, who had been yfully patting Buddy''s head while waiting. "Found it?" he asked eagerly.

    "Yes, young master. The Central Registry is near the main square. Shall we proceed?"

    "Of course! Let''s go find our new home, Liana!" he said, kicking his heels lightly against Buddy, who let out an enthusiastic squawk as they headed off in the direction of the Central Registry.

    As they continued down the busy streets, Liana gracefully approached shopkeepers and passersby, asking for directions to the main square. Despite herposed demeanor, the sprawling city made navigation a challenge. Meanwhile, Buddy let out a loud, excited squawk, his sharp eyes locked on a nearby meat shop. His beak glistened as drool dripped, drawing amused chuckles from those nearby.

    "Liana," Javier said, tugging at her sleeve with a mischievous grin, "let''s stop here and eat? Buddy''s practically begging for it."

    Liana turned to see Buddy almost vibrating with excitement, hisrge body inching toward the shop as if pulled by the aroma of roasting meats. Even Pikko seemed interested, tilting her head curiously at the disy of juicy, sizzling cuts.

    Liana let out a softugh, her eyes warm. "Alright, young master. Let''s stop here first. The enrollment in the school isn''t for another four days, so we still have plenty of time."

    Javier cheered, hopping off Buddy with an exaggerated flourish. "Ehehehe, meat time! Let''s go, Buddy, Pikko!"

    The shopkeeper, a stout man with a wide smile and an apron stained with spices, looked up as the group approached. His eyes widened at the sight of the majestic Pekkos, and his gaze lingered briefly on Liana''s elegant appearance.

    "Wee! Whoa, those are some fine birds you''ve got there! What can I do for you fine folks today?"

    Javier pointed at thergest b of meat on disy. "We''ll take that one! And some smaller pieces for Buddy and Pikko. They''ve earned it!"

    The shopkeeper chuckled. "Excellent choice, young master. Coming right up!"

    While the shopkeeper prepared the order, Javier leaned against Buddy, grinning as the Pekko let out happy squawks in anticipation. Liana stood by, her hands folded neatly as she watched the bustling street with a content expression.

    "Young master, you''re spoiling them too much," she teased softly.@@novelbin@@

    "Hey, they''re working hard carrying us around! Besides, happy birds mean faster travel, right?" Javier replied, winking.

    Liana chuckled, shaking her head as the shopkeeper handed over their food. Momentster, they sat at a nearby bench, enjoying the hearty meal while Buddy and Pikko happily devoured their share.

    It was a peaceful moment amidst the chaos of the city, and Javier couldn''t help but grin as he leaned back. "This is nice, huh, Liana? Just you, me, and our feathered friends."

    Liana nodded, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Yes, young master. Moments like this are precious. But remember, we still have a house to find."

    "Yeah, yeah, after we eat. No rush!" Javier said, already reaching for another bite of the savory meat.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 152 A Practical Decision ( 152 )

    Javier and Liana continued their leisurely stroll through the bustling streets, with Buddy and Pikko trailing obediently behind. The Pekkos asionally drew curious nces from the townsfolk, who whispered and pointed at the unusual sight of such majestic birds navigating the capital.

    As they approached the main square, Javier''s sharp eyes darted around, taking in the surroundings. There were carriages adorned with borate family emblems, nobles d in luxurious fabrics, and their escorts¡ªmaids and guards¡ªwalking with measured precision.

    "Hmm... which one is it?" Javier muttered, his gaze scanning the many ornate buildings that lined the square. "Where do we go to find a house?"

    Liana, walking beside him with her usualposed demeanor, smiled as she gestured toward a grand, well-maintained building with arge sign hanging above its entrance. The sign depicted a quill, a scroll, and a key¡ªa clear indication of its purpose. "Right here, young master," Liana said, her tone calm but confident.

    Javier looked at the building, tilting his head slightly. "Huh. Fancy. I was expecting something smaller."

    Liana chuckled softly. "This is the capital, young master. Everything here is grander."

    Javier shrugged. "Alright then, let''s go check it out. Buddy, Pikko, stay here and behave."

    Buddy let out a squawk of protest but stopped at the base of the steps, sitting down obediently. Pikko followed suit, earning a few amused smiles from passersby.

    As they stepped inside, the cool air of the establishment greeted them. The interior was spacious and elegant, with polished wooden floors and arge reception desk. Several clerks, busy sorting through documents, nced up as the two entered.

    One of the clerks, a well-dressed man with a sharp mustache, immediately approached them with a polite bow. "Good day, esteemed guests. How may I assist you?"

    Javier, with his hands casually in his pockets, nced at Liana, letting her take the lead.

    "We are looking to rent or purchase a house in the capital," Liana said with her usual grace, her voice clear and refined.

    The clerk''s eyes briefly flickered to the Armand emblem on her uniform, and his expression shifted to one of deeper respect. "Ah, of course. Please, allow me to show you our avable listings."

    He gestured toward a seating area and quickly retrieved a stack of parchment filled with property descriptions.

    Javier flopped onto the cushioned chair with a yawn, watching Liana skim through the options with practiced ease. "We''ll take something near the academy," Javier saidzily. "And make sure there''s room for Buddy and Pikko. Those two are part of the family."

    The clerk blinked in surprise. "Pardon me, but... Buddy and Pikko?"

    Liana chuckled softly, her eyes ncing toward the door where the two Pekkos waited. "Ourpanions, therge birds outside. They''ll need amodations as well."

    The clerk''s mouth opened slightly in astonishment but quickly recovered. "Of course. I''ll ensure to include properties with adequate stables or open grounds."

    Javier grinned, leaning back. "Good. Now, let''s see what you''ve got."

    Javier leaned casually against the counter, ncing at the list of properties. The prices ranged from 500 to 1500 gold coins if purchased outright. Though the sums didn''t faze him¡ªhe could easily afford one if he wanted to¡ªhe didn''t see the point.

    "Liana," he said with a small grin, "we''re only going to be here for three months, so I think renting for four months is good. No need to waste money buying a house."@@novelbin@@

    Liana nodded. "As you wish, young master."

    Turning to the staff, she pointed at one of the listings. "This one. It seems sufficient."

    The clerk adjusted his sses and scanned the property details. "Ah, yes. That property is avable for 35 silver coins per month. It includes a stablerge enough for horses and awn spacious enough for... those birds, I presume?" His voice faltered slightly at the mention of Buddy and Pikko.

    Liana smiled faintly. "Yes, they''ll need the space."

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    The clerk cleared his throat. "Very well. For four months, the rent will be 1 gold and 40 silver coins. With a 60 silver coin deposit, the totales to 2 gold coins."

    Liana reached into her bag, pulling out a small pouch of coins. "Here is the payment." She ced the exact amount on the counter with graceful precision.

    The clerk counted the coins quickly before asking, "Would you like the rental agreement to be under the Armand household''s name?"

    Before Liana could answer, Javier grinned mischievously and interjected, "Put it under her name."

    The clerk hesitated, ncing between the two. "Under... her name?"

    "Yup," Javier said with a chuckle, clearly amused. "She''s the one who keeps everything in order anyway. Makes sense, right?"

    Liana sighed, shaking her head slightly but unable to suppress a soft smile. "Very well, young master."

    The clerk nodded and began preparing the documents, clearly trying not to show his curiosity about the dynamic between the two. "It will only take a moment to finalize the paperwork."

    Javier leaned back, folding his arms behind his head. "No rush. We''ve got time."

    After the paperwork waspleted, the clerk handed Liana a small iron key, its polished surface gleaming in the light.

    "Here is the key to the property," he said with a professional tone, bowing slightly. "My colleague will escort you to the location. Please follow him."

    Another staff member stepped forward, already mounted on a sturdy chestnut horse. He nodded politely. "I will guide you to your rental house. It''s not far from here."

    Javier smirked as he secured Buddy''s reins. "Great! Let''s get going."

    The staff member watched with wide eyes as Liana and Javier climbed onto their Pekkos. The two exotic birds towered over the horse, their vibrant feathers drawing attention from passersby.

    As they began moving, the staff member nced nervously over his shoulder at the towering Pekkos. "These creatures... they''re quite... impressive," he managed to say, his horse prancing uneasily.

    "Buddy here is the best!" Javier said with a grin, patting Buddy''s side. "Just don''t ride too slow, old man, or Buddy might get bored and decide to race."

    Liana, everposed, added with a polite smile, "Please don''t worry. They''re well-trained."

    The group made their way through the streets of the capital, attracting curious stares. It wasn''t every day that people saw noble-looking travelers riding such unique creatures. The sight of the striking maid and her mischievous young master only added to the spectacle.

    Finally, the staff member slowed his horse as they approached a modest but well-maintained house surrounded by a neatwn. A sturdy stable sat to one side, and the yard looked spacious enough for the Pekkos to roamfortably.

    "Here we are," the staff member announced, dismounting. He gestured to the house with a practiced smile. "If you need anything else, feel free to contact our office."

    Javier hopped off Buddy and stretched. "Looks good to me. What do you think, Liana?"

    Liana inspected the property, her eyes taking in every detail. "It''s sufficient for our needs, young master. Let''s settle in."

    The staff member bowed and mounted his horse again. "Enjoy your stay in the capital." He trotted off, leaving the duo to explore their temporary home.

    As soon as Liana unlocked the door, Javier rushed inside with the enthusiasm of a child seeing something new. Behind him, Buddy and Pikko plopped down in the front yard, basking in the sunlight likezy royalty.

    Javier darted from room to room, inspecting every corner. "Oh, nice house! Not too small, not too big. Two rooms..." His eyes twinkled mischievously as he turned to Liana. "Liana, you''re going to sleep with me!"

    Liana let out a soft sigh, already ustomed to his antics. "Yes, yes, young master," she replied with a small smile, closing the door behind her and setting down her bag.

    Javier flopped onto the main room''s couch, stretching out as if he owned the ce¡ªwhich he technically did for the next four months. "This feels nice. Way better than that dormitory nonsense."

    Liana shook her head, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. "I''ll start unpacking our things. Do let me know if there''s anything specific you''d like, young master."

    Javier grinned. "Yeah, unpack everything, but save some energy. Tonight, we''re going to feast again! Let''s grill some meat for us."

    Liana chuckled softly as she began organizing their belongings. "As you wish, young master."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 153 A Thoughtful Conversation ( 153 )

    Later that night, the smallwn of their rented house came alive with the crackling sound of a grill. Javier stood outside, flipping and seasoning chunks of meat over a grill, while Buddy and Pikko eagerly waited nearby, their eyes locked on the sizzling feast.

    "Here''s some more!" Javier announced with a grin as he activated his magic storage. With a quick motion, he pulled out anotherrge b of meat.

    Buddy squawked excitedly, hopping closer, while Pikko pped her wings in approval. Javierughed. "Patience, you two! Good meat takes time!"

    Liana sat on a nearby bench, her hands resting on herp as she watched the scene unfold. A soft smile graced her lips as she observed her young master''s yful energy. Moments like this¡ªsimple, warm, and carefree¡ªwere rare treasures she deeply cherished.

    "You really enjoy spoiling them, young master," Liana teased gently, taking a sip of juice she''d prepared earlier.

    "Of course! Buddy and Pikko deserve it," He handed over a perfectly grilled piece to each bird, who devoured it with happy chirps. Turning toward Liana, he held out another piece of grilled meat. "Here, Liana. Fresh off the grill!"

    "Young master, may I ask something?" Liana turned toward Javier.

    Javier, mid-bite , nced at her curiously. "Hmm? Sure, what''s on your mind, Liana?"

    She reached into her satchel, pulling out a sealed letter adorned with Lady Francesca''s elegant crest. "You can easily buy a house here under the Armand family name. You have the right to use the family fund, and Madam Francesca even gave me this letter granting approval for any significant expenses if needed."

    Javier leaned back, chewing thoughtfully before swallowing. "And?"

    "What do you mean, ''and''?" Liana tilted her head, slightly amused yet puzzled.

    "What''s the point of buying a house here?"

    "What do you mean, young master?" Liana''s curiosity deepened as she awaited his answer.

    Javier gestured vaguely with his skewer. "Sure, the capital is bigger than our town, has way more people, and businesses probably thrive here because there are more customers. Yeah, it''s easier to make a fortune in a ce like this, but..." He trailed off, his gaze turning distant.

    Liana leaned forward slightly. "Then why don''t you want to invest here? Why not take advantage of the opportunities?"

    Javier swallowed his bite of meat and wiped his mouth casually with the back of his hand before turning to Liana.

    "Did you see those kids in tattered clothes before?" Javier asked, pointing his skewerzily toward the city in the distance.

    Liana nodded. "Yes, young master. I saw them."

    "And did you see any like that in the Armand region?" he continued, tilting his head slightly.

    Liana paused, considering his words. Finally, she shook her head. "No, young master. I don''t recall ever seeing anything like that in our region."

    Javier leaned back, resting his weight on one arm as he looked up at the starry sky. "That''s the point, Liana. Why would I want to buy something here when the system is broken? Sure, it''s the capital, it''s bustling, and there''s a lot of opportunity to make money. But what''s the point if the people are suffering? Even if I open a business and rake in a fortune, it won''t change how things are here."

    Liana studied her young master, her eyes softening. His words reflected a depth she didn''t always expect from his yful exterior.

    "In the Armand region," Javier continued, his tone steady, "Father makes sure no one goes hungry. Everyone has a ce to work, and the ones who can''t are taken care of. That''s why we don''t see kids like that. But here? I don''t know if it''s the rulers or just the size of the city, but they''re failing the people."

    Liana sighed softly. "You have a kind heart, young master. But not everyone thinks the way your father does."

    Javier smirked, picking up another piece of meat. "Exactly. That''s why I''d rather not throw Armand''s name around here unless I absolutely have to. I don''t want to be another noble taking advantage of this ce. Renting for four months is enough. After that, I''m out of here."

    Liana smiled gently, her heart warm with pride. "You''re not just kind, young master. You''re wise beyond your years."

    Javier waved a hand dismissively, already back to his mischievous grin. "Don''t get all sentimental on me now, Liana. Just eat your meat before Buddy and Pikko try to steal it!"

    Liana chuckled softly and took a bite, letting the conversation settle in the quiet glow of the grill fire.

    Liana looked at her young master, enjoying his grilled meat with a ss of wine in hand. The firelight danced across his face, making his rxed expression seem even more confident. She tilted her head slightly, her thoughts wandering. "He''s really weird," she thought. Most children his age wouldn''t even touch wine, let alone drink the kind that could get someone drunk. Yet here he was, swirling it casually in his ss like an adult savoring fine spirits.@@novelbin@@

    "What are you thinking, Liana?"

    Her thoughts snapped back to the present as Javier turned to her, a teasing grin on his face.

    "Hmm? Nothing, young master," she replied, her lips curving into a gentle smile.

    Javier leaned back, bncing his skewer in one hand and swirling the wine in the other. "If you''re thinking about our region again, you might''ve noticed how many people have been moving there recently. Theye for a better life and end up staying for good. Take the old man''s brother, for example¡ªthe one from the meat shop earlier. After living in the Armand region, he even refuses to move back to the capital city, no matter what."

    Liana nodded, her smile growing as she thought about the old man''s cheerful stories. "That''s true. He said it himself¡ªthere''s no ce as weing and fair as Armand." Explore hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire

    Javier chuckled and took another sip of wine before pointing his skewer at her. "And remember the innkeeper? The one we stayed with just before crossing the border to the capital?"

    "Yes, I remember her," Liana said with a softugh.

    "What did she say about the lower taxes and everything else?" Javier prompted, raising a brow.

    Liana''s expression turned thoughtful for a moment. "She said she couldn''t believe how fair the tax rates werepared to other regions. She even mentioned how the Armand household supports small businesses and makes sure no one struggles too much."

    Javier smirked, waving his skewer like a pointer. "Exactly. That''s why our region thrives. It''s not just about making money. It''s about making sure everyone can live with dignity. That''s what Father ensures, and that''s why people love living there. Even the capital can''tpete with that."

    Liana gazed at her young master, admiration glimmering in her eyes. He was so young, yet he spoke with a rity and understanding that surpassed most adults.

    "You think about these things so deeply, young master," she said softly. "It''s¡­ inspiring."

    Javier shrugged, popping a piece of meat into his mouth and chewing with a carefree smile. "It''s not that deep, Liana. I just know what works. Besides," he added, raising his ss of wine with a yful wink, "we''ve got the best meat, the best wine, and the bestpany. What more could anyone ask for?"

    "So, young master," Liana teased, her eyes gleaming with amusement, "are you saying all this because you''re ready to take over from Lord Garius?"

    Javier froze mid-bite, his eyes widening in mock horror. "No way! Who wants to be stuck dealing with noble life and all those endless expectations?" He shuddered dramatically. "Just thinking about it makes me want to run for the hills."

    Liana let out a soft, melodicugh, covering her mouth politely. "But the way you talk, young master, it almost seems like you''re interested in it."

    Javier quickly pointed his skewer at her, his cheeks puffing slightly in indignation. "Hey! I was just saying! Don''t go twisting my words, Liana."

    She raised her hands in mock surrender, herughter bubbling up again. "Of course, young master. Whatever you say."

    Javier huffed, turning back to his food with a pout. "Seriously. You try to make one thoughtful observation, and suddenly everyone thinks you''re ready to be the next big noble."

    Liana smiled warmly, watching her young master sulk like a child, despite his earlier profound insights. It was moments like this that reminded her just how unique he truly was. "Don''t worry, young master. Even if you never take over, you''ll still make a difference in your own way."

    Javier nced at her, his lips curling into a sly grin. "Well, obviously. But let''s keep that difference-making stuff to a minimum. I''m here for the grilled meat and good vibes, not paperwork."

    Liana chuckled again, shaking her head. "As you wish, young master."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 154 Arrival at the Academy ( 154 )

    Liana and Javier arrived at the grand gates of the academy, a sprawling institution known for educating the kingdom''s brightest minds and noble heirs. Javier, sittingzily atop Buddy, showed no particr excitement for the asion.

    Liana gracefully dismounted from Pikko, and approached the guards stationed at the gate.

    "I''m here for my young master''s enrollment and toplete the necessary paperwork," she said in her calm, professional tone.

    The lead guard, a stern-looking man in polished armor, stepped forward. "Let me see the documents first."

    Liana nodded, retrieving a neatly folded envelope bearing the official seal of the Armand family. She handed it to the guard, who carefully inspected it. After a moment, his brows lifted slightly in recognition.

    "Hmm... very well," he said, returning the documents to Liana. Turning to a subordinate, he called out, "Nathan! Escort them to the administration office."

    "Yes, Sergeant!" Nathan stepped forward briskly, adjusting his helmet.

    As the guards'' eyes fell on Liana, they froze for a moment, clearly struck by her ethereal beauty. It was rare to see an elf, let alone one so graceful and poised, this close.

    Liana, however, offered them only a polite smile, her attention fixed entirely on her young master. She had no interest in the lingering gazes or whispered remarks around her.

    "Can we bring these pekko inside?" Liana asked, her voice polite but firm, gesturing to Buddy and Pikko.

    Nathan hesitated, ncing at therge, exotic birds. "Hmm? These... uh, big birds? Err... I''m afraid they''ll need to be left at the stables. The academy doesn''t permit animals on campus grounds."

    Liana nodded understandingly. "Very well." She turned to Javier, who was still perchedzily on Buddy. "Come, young master."@@novelbin@@

    Javier stretched his arms with an exaggerated yawn. "Okay, Liana," he said, sliding down from Buddy''s back. His disinterested gaze swept over the academy grounds, clearly unimpressed by the prestigious school.

    As they followed Nathan through the gates, the guards exchanged nces, their curiosity piqued by the noble boy with the carefree attitude and the beautiful elf who seemed utterly devoted to him.

    The academy loomed ahead, its towering spires and meticulouslyndscaped grounds a testament to its grandeur. But to Javier, it was just another ce to pass the time¡ªa temporary stop on his journey.

    "Blergh! School!" Javier muttered under his breath, dragging his feet slightly as he looked around. His eyes scanned the pristine buildings and well-manicuredwns with disdain. "Ugh... even after being reborn in this world, I still have to attend school? Seriously, what''s the point?"

    Liana, walking gracefully beside him, gently tightened her grip on his hand to ensure he didn''t wander off. Her soft, small hand fit perfectly in his, and despite his grumbling, Javier secretly enjoyed theforting gesture.

    "Young master," Liana said, ncing down at him with a calm smile, "what are you thinking about?"

    "Ugh... I don''t like school," Javier admitted, wrinkling his nose as if the very thought left a bad taste in his mouth.

    Liana chuckled softly. "I know, young master, but you have to do it."

    "Yeah, yeah," Javier grumbled, kicking a stray pebble. "If Father and Mother hadn''t threatened to fire you if I refused to go, I wouldn''t be here right now." Experience new tales on My Virtual Library Empire

    Liana let out a softugh, covering her lips with one hand as she always did when amused. "Your parents know how much you value me. They''re quite clever."

    Javier shot her a smirk, his usual yful glint returning to his eyes. "Clever? No, they''re devious. But I guess they''re not wrong. If it''s to keep you by my side, I''ll deal with this stupid school."

    Meanwhile, the guards and academy staff¡ªwho were preparing for the official start of the term¡ªwatched the duo with interest. It wasn''t often they saw such a dynamic pair: a carefree noble boy with a strikingly beautiful elf maid walking hand in hand, chatting like equals.

    Some of the younger staff whispered among themselves about the boy''s apparentck of enthusiasm for the prestigious academy, while others couldn''t take their eyes off Liana''s serene elegance. But neither Liana nor Javier paid them any mind, their world focused solely on their conversation.

    As they approached the main building, Javier let out another exaggerated sigh. "Liana, you know this ce is going to be boring, right? I can already feel it."

    Liana simply smiled and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "Don''t worry, young master. I''ll be here to help you through it."

    "That''s the only good part about all this," Javier muttered, his smirk returning as they stepped into the grand entrance hall.

    Javier slouched on the plush couch in the office, looking thoroughly bored as Liana took charge of the situation, her usualposed demeanor shining through.

    "This is the paperwork for my young master''s enrollment," Liana said, presenting the neatly prepared documents to the academy staff.

    The staff member nodded, flipping through the pages carefully. "Hmm... everything seems to be in order. So, a six-month enrollment, correct? This will cover until the blessing ceremony takes ce."

    Javier, who had been half-dozing, suddenly sat upright, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Ehhh!? Six months!? It was supposed to be three months!"

    The outburst drew a few nces from nearby staff, but Liana remained calm, though a hint of confusion crossed her face.

    The staff member handed over thepleted forms to Liana. "Here, miss. It''s all detailed here in the submitted documents."

    Liana took the forms and scanned them quickly. Her eyes flicked across the pages, her expression softening as understanding dawned. She let out a soft sigh, then chuckled quietly, covering her lips with her hand.

    Javier leaned forward, his eyebrows furrowed. "What''s so funny, Liana? This isn''t a joke! Six months in this ce?!"

    Liana turned to him, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "Young master, it seems your father extended your enrollment duration without informing you. It''s all here in the document."

    "What!? That sneaky old man!" Javier groaned, leaning back against the couch dramatically. "I should''ve known he''d pull something like this."

    Liana chuckled again, finding her young master''s antics endearing. "Perhaps he thought six months would give you more time to learn and prepare for the ceremony."

    Javier crossed his arms, pouting like a child denied his favorite toy. "Learn? Please, I bet he''s just trying to keep me out of the house longer so he can get some peace and quiet."

    Liana gave him a knowing look. "Or perhaps he simply wants you to grow, young master."

    Javier sighed, his yful smirk returning. "Fine, fine. But you owe me for this, Liana. I expect you to make up for these three extra months of suffering."

    Liana tilted her head, her smile yful yetposed. "Of course, young master. I''ll make it up to you. Now, let''splete the process, shall we?"

    Javier grumbled, but the mischievous glint in his eyes showed he wasn''t entirely upset. "Six months, huh? Fine. But don''t expect me to be a model student."

    The staff handed Liana a neatly folded map and a small note. "This is the location of the shop where you can purchase the school uniform. The name of the shop is written here as well."

    Liana took the map with a polite nod. "Thank you."

    The staff then ced a thick booklet on the desk. "And here is the rule book for the academy."

    Liana epted it and handed it to Javier, who nced at the book with an exaggerated groan. "Ugh, this thing''s as thick as a dictionary! Fine..." He flipped it open, skimming through the pages while lounging in his seat, his expression growing more bored by the second.

    The staff smiled politely. "I assume you and your young master will be arriving by carriage when sses officially begin? I see here on your form that you''re renting a house nearby."

    Liana shook her head with a small smile. "Ah, no. We arrived on our Pekko."

    The staff raised an eyebrow, momentarily confused. "Oh... the big birds outside?" They pointed toward the window, where Buddy and Pikko were enthusiastically running around the courtyard. The guards were trying to corral them as the two birds darted and pped excitedly, clearly enjoying their game of chase.

    Liana pinched the bridge of her nose, herposed demeanor slipping just slightly. "I believe those are our Pekko, yes."

    The staff let out a soft chuckle. "Very energetic creatures."

    Liana sighed, straightening her posture. "They are... unique, to say the least."

    As the conversation continued, a thought urred to Liana, and she turned back to the staff. "One more thing¡ªhow do we meet the headmaster?"

    The staff blinked, surprised. "Oh? Why do you ask?"

    Liana retrieved a sealed letter bearing the Armand family emblem from her bag. "Lord Garius requested that I deliver this letter to him personally."

    The staff''s eyes widened slightly upon seeing the emblem, but they quicklyposed themselves. "Very well. I''ll ensure this letter reaches the headmaster promptly after we finish here."

    Liana inclined her head in gratitude. "Thank you. That would be appreciated."

    Javier, still half-heartedly flipping through the rule book, muttered under his breath, "Bet the headmaster will have a heart attack when he reads that letter."

    Liana shot him a look, her expression both amused and disapproving. "Young master, behave yourself."

    Javier grinned, unfazed. "What? I''m just saying."

    The staff, trying to maintain professionalism, couldn''t help but chuckle softly at their interaction. "You certainly have a lively dynamic. If there''s nothing else, I''ll finalize everything on my end."

    Liana nodded once more. "That will be all for now. Thank you for your assistance."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 155 The Unique Heir ( 155 )

    Javier closed the thick rule book with a grin, leaning back in his chair. "Hmmm... ording to this, titles and ranks have no use here." His eyes gleamed with mischief as he smirked. "Interesting... very interesting."

    The staff, noticing his grin, added with a calm tone, "Yes, that is correct. In this academy, we abide strictly by the rules set forth. Titles and ranks hold no weight here, ensuring no one can take advantage of their social status."

    Javier''s grin widened, his fingers drumming lightly on the arm of his chair. "Ohoho... so this ce really is a meritocracy, huh? That''s good to hear! Ehehehe..."

    The staff raised an eyebrow at his amusement, but their professionalism remained intact. "Indeed. However, we do expect all students to treat one another with respect, regardless of their backgrounds."

    Javier waved his handzily, still grinning. "Yes, yes, I''ll be on my best behavior. You have my word... for now."

    Liana, standing beside him, let out a soft sigh, cing a hand on her hip. "Young master, I hope you truly mean that. This isn''t a ce to cause trouble."

    Javier leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on his hand as he looked up at her with a yful smirk. "Liana, you wound me. I''m the picture of a well-behaved noble heir, aren''t I?"

    The staff, unable to suppress a small chuckle at their banter, interjected gently. "I''m sure your young master will adjust well to our academy environment."

    Javier shot a quick nce at the rule book before standing up and stretching. "Adjust? Oh, I n to do more than that. This is going to be fun."

    Liana could only shake her head, though her soft smile betrayed her amusement. "Let''s hope you don''t overdo it, young master."

    As Javier and Liana stepped out of the office, Liana turned back briefly, bowing politely. "Thank you for your assistance."

    The staff gave a courteous nod. "It was our pleasure. We wish your young master a sessful time at the academy."

    Outside, Buddy and Pikko were standing proudly in the courtyard, their feathers ruffled as if they had been ying, while several guards leaned against walls or slumped over benches, panting and utterly exhausted. One guard was even sitting on the ground, wiping sweat from his brow.

    Javier raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a smirk. "What happened here?"

    One of the guards nced up, still catching his breath. "These... birds of yours... they don''t stop moving! We tried to guide them to the stable, but they kept running around the courtyard!"

    Buddy let out a happy squawk, pping his wings triumphantly, while Pikko tilted her head innocently as if she had done nothing wrong.

    Liana sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I apologize for the trouble they''ve caused. They can be... energetic."

    Javier, unable to hide his amusement, walked over to Buddy and Pikko, giving each of them a firm pat. "You two really gave them a workout, huh? Good job."

    Liana shot him a look. "Young master, please don''t encourage them."

    Javier chuckled, his grin widening. "Come on, Liana, they''re just having fun."

    The guards groaned in unison, clearly not sharing Javier''s sense of humor. Explore more stories with My Virtual Library Empire

    "Let''s just get going," Liana said, shaking her head with a resigned smile. She climbed onto Pikko gracefully, while Javier hopped onto Buddy with ease.

    As they rode off, the guards watched them leave, muttering to each other. "Energetic is an understatement..."

    A sudden knock came on the headmaster''s door, interrupting his quiet moment.

    "Come in," the headmaster said, his voice calm but firm.

    A staff member entered, holding a letter sealed with an emblem. "Headmaster, this arrived for you. It bears the Armand Household crest. The maid who delivered it mentioned that her lord, Lord Garius, insisted you receive it personally."

    The headmaster raised an eyebrow, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "The Armand Household? That''s unexpected. Bring it here."

    The staff member handed the letter to him. The headmaster carefully removed the seal using a small, delicate tool, treating the letter as if it were a priceless artifact. Once the seal was broken, he unfolded the paper and began to read.

    His eyes scanned the contents, and he immediately pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out a long sigh. "Haaa... Really, Garius? Now, of all times?"

    The staff member tilted their head. "What does it say, Headmaster?"

    At first, the headmaster chuckled softly, but his amusement quickly grew. Soon, hisughter filled the room, bing louder and more unrestrained until it bordered on manic.

    Between fits ofughter, he mmed the letter down on his desk. "That damn brat Garius sent me this!"

    The staff member hesitated but eventually leaned over to read the letter:@@novelbin@@

    "To my old friend and rival,

    Greetings from Garius De Armand, the one who always bested you in every duel and left you in the dust during our academy days. It brings me great joy to inform you that my youngest son, Javier, will be attending your esteemed academy. While I understand your school has rules against special treatment, I trust you''ll keep an eye on him for me. After all, as someone who''s always been two steps behind me, I know you''ll take this request seriously.

    P.S. Javier is... unique. Let''s just say, don''t underestimate him. You''ll thank meter.

    Warm regards,

    Lord Garius De Armand, Forever your eternal superior."

    The headmaster''sughter finally subsided, though a wide grin remained on his face. He folded the letter carefully, leaning back in his chair. "Ah, Garius... always the same smug bastard. It''s been years, and he''s still rubbing his victories in my face."

    The staff member''s eyes widened. "Armand¡­ Armand... Isn''t the best mage in the kingdom Marcellus De Armand? And the strongest pdin in the kingdom Cedric De Armand? And that boy with the elf maid is their sibling?"

    The headmaster nodded with a faint smirk. "Yes, those two prodigies are his elder brothers. And now, their youngest sibling, Javier, is here to stir up trouble."

    The staff member blinked in surprise. "Trouble? But if he''s anything like his brothers¡ª"

    The headmaster waved a hand dismissively. "That''s exactly why he''ll be a handful. If Garius himself is warning me, then this boy must be something special. He''ll likely turn this academy upside down in no time."

    The staff shifted nervously. "Should we... make special arrangements for him?"

    The headmaster snorted, shaking his head. "No. As much as I''d love to annoy Garius by doing the exact opposite of what he asks, the academy''s rules are clear. No special treatment for nobles or their kin. Javier will be treated like any other student."

    The staff nodded, but their expression remained uncertain. "Understood, headmaster. But... do you think the boy will be a problem?"

    The headmaster chuckled again, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Oh, without a doubt. But I can''t wait to see what kind of problem he''ll be."

    He stood, walking to the window that overlooked the academy grounds. In the distance, he could see Javier and Liana riding off on their Pekko birds, the two creatures yfully darting around each other.

    The headmaster let out a deep sigh, rubbing his temples as he stared at the letter again. "Heh, Garius... really? When your other children attended this academy, you never sent a letter like this. And now, for your youngest son, you go out of your way to send this? What are you scheming?"

    He turned back to his desk, picking up the seal-stamped letter and tucking it into a drawer. "Still, Garius doesn''t write letters like this without a reason. That boy is either a genius, a headache, or¡ªmost likely¡ªa bit of both."

    The headmaster leaned back in his chair, a grin spreading across his face. "Well then, Javier De Armand. Let''s see if you''re as ''unique'' as your father ims."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 157 Tradition and Antics ( 157 )

    The school grand hall was an impressive sight¡ªornate chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the polished marble floors. Rows of tables and chairs were arranged like a banquet hall, each filled with noble students dressed in their finest attire. The air was filled with chatter as students mingled, some clearly familiar with one another,ughing and gossiping like old friends.

    Javier sat at his assigned table, propping his cheek on one hand while absentmindedly munching on a small piece of bread. Behind him, at a respectful distance, Liana stood with her usual grace, her posture straight, and her hands sped neatly in front of her. Though her presence was subtle, her mere existence drew more attention than Javier''s antics, with curious nces asionally darting her way.

    At the front of the hall, on an elevated stage, a well-dressed representative was delivering a long-winded speech about tradition, excellence, and the honor of attending the academy. Javier, however, was anything but interested.

    "Blergh... this food... not really delicious," he muttered under his breath, picking at the delicately arranged dishes on his te. The noble cuisine, while beautifully presented,cked the hearty, vorful kick he was used to.

    Liana leaned in slightly, her voice low and soothing. "Young master, please mind your manners. Others might hear you."

    Javier groaned, barely acknowledging her as he poked at his food with his fork. "Yeah, yeah... they''re too busy listening to that boring speech. Seriously, who even writes these things? ''Our esteemed academy represents the pinnacle of... h h h.'' If I hear another word about ''tradition,'' I might fall asleep right here."

    Liana suppressed a smile, her lips twitching as she kept her professional demeanor. "Young master, this is an important asion. At least try to appear interested."

    Javier leaned back in his chair, bncing it precariously on two legs as he looked up at her. "Interested? Liana, I could be juggling ming swords, and no one would notice. They''re all too busy pretending to be best nobles while secretly eyeing your every move."

    Liana''s cheeks tinged pink for the briefest moment, but she quicklyposed herself. "That''s hardly appropriate to say, young master."

    As the next representative took the stage, the hall settled into an expectant hush. Javier, however, wasn''t interested in yet another monotone speech. His eyes narrowed mischievously as he noticed the crest pinned on the representative''s chest: the emblem of the Klimbert Household. A smirk curled on Javier''s lips.

    "Oh, this is going to be fun" he muttered under his breath, leaning back in his chair. He cast a sly nce toward Liana.

    "Young master," she whispered, sensing the mischief brewing, "whatever you''re thinking, I suggest you reconsider."

    Javier didn''t answer, his grin widening as the representative began speaking.

    "Fellow students, esteemed faculty, and honored guests¡ª"

    "ACHOOO!"

    Javier''s exaggerated sneeze echoed through the grand hall like a thunderp, catching everyone off guard.

    The representative froze mid-sentence, his calm demeanor slipping for just a moment as he nced nervously at the audience.

    "Ah¡ªuh, as I was saying... honored guests and... uh... uh..." He stammered, his words tangling together asughter and murmurs rippled through the room.

    Javier covered his mouth, feigning embarrassment. "Oh, my bad! Allergies... must be all the hot air."

    The hall erupted into scattered chuckles, while the representative''s cheeks flushed a bright red. He tried topose himself, straightening his posture and clearing his throat, but his confidence was clearly shaken.

    "A-as I was saying, this academy represents... uh... tradition and... er... unity..."

    Javier leaned toward the student beside him, his voice low but perfectly timed to add fuel to the fire. "Bet he rehearsed that in front of a mirror for hours. Poor guy."

    The student snorted, trying to stifle hisughter.

    The representative caught Javier''s amused expression and faltered again, his eyes darting between his notes and the crowd. His polished speech was now a disjointed mess, each word sounding more forced than thest.

    Liana leaned down, whispering in a hushed but firm tone. "Young master, this is highly inappropriate."@@novelbin@@

    Javier turned to her with an innocent look that fooled no one. "What? It''s not my fault he cracked under the pressure."

    Despite herself, Liana sighed, her lips twitching as she fought back a smile. She quickly schooled her expression, standing tall once more.

    By the time the representative finished his awkward, stuttering speech, the Klimbert crest on his chest felt more like a badge of shame than a mark of pride. As he stepped down from the stage, still red-faced, he avoided looking in Javier''s direction altogether.

    Javier leaned back in his chair, utterly satisfied. "Well, that was entertaining. Think he''ll remember me?"

    Liana shook her head, exhaling softly. "Undoubtedly, young master. For all the wrong reasons."

    As the headmaster stepped onto the stage, the room fell silent. His presencemanded respect, and the way he carried himself radiated authority. Javier leaned back in his chair, twirling a fork in his hand as he watched.

    "Hmm," Javier mused, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Why not try it again? Let''s see if the old man can handle some unexpected excitement."

    Liana, standing behind him, caught his expression immediately. "Young master, please don''t."

    But it was toote. As the headmaster adjusted the magical microphone, Javier took a deep breath and let out another exaggerated¡ª

    "ACHOOO!"

    The sound echoed through the grand hall.

    The headmaster paused, his eyes scanning the crowd, but instead of reacting like the previous representative, he smiled. A calm, knowing smile that seemed to cut through the air.

    Then, without missing a beat, he reached out and tapped the microphone. A low, resonant hum spread through the hall, silencing every murmur and chuckle instantly. The magical feedback seemed to sharpen everyone''s focus on the stage.

    "Good morning, students," the headmaster began, his voice steady andposed. "Wee to your first day at the academy. I trust you are all eager to begin your journey here."

    Javier froze, fork halfway to his mouth. "Eh? That''s it? No reaction? Not even a flinch?" he muttered, narrowing his eyes.

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    The headmaster''s calm demeanor unnerved him slightly, and he sank deeper into his chair, feeling like his sneeze had beenpletely ignored¡ªor worse, anticipated.

    "As you all know, this academy is a ce of learning, growth, and discipline," the headmaster continued, his gaze sweeping over the students. "While we encourage camaraderie and creativity, let me remind you that every action here shapes your future."

    Liana smirked slightly behind Javier, leaning down to whisper. "It seems the headmaster is unfazed by such antics, young master. Perhaps you should reconsider your approach."

    Javier grumbled under his breath. "Hmph. He''s lucky he''s good at speeches."

    After a brief but impactful speech, the headmaster concluded. "Now, for ss arrangements: New students will find their assigned groups posted in the main corridor. These arrangements are final and based on assessments of your potential and background."

    With that, the headmaster stepped back from the microphone, bowing slightly before leaving the stage.

    The hall erupted into chatter again as students began specting about their sses. Javier crossed his arms, a small pout forming on his lips.

    "Tch. Guess I''ll have to up my game next time."

    Liana chuckled softly, patting his shoulder. "Young master, I believe it''s best to focus on your studies for now, rather than your mischief."

    "Yeah, yeah," Javier muttered, though a mischievous glint remained in his eyes. "We''ll see about that."

    The teacher''s voice resonated through the hall, guiding the students as they wrapped up the assembly.

    "Now, students, you all have free time to check your ss assignments outside. Be sure to head to your assigned ssrooms promptly afterward."

    As chairs scraped against the floor and murmurs filled the room, everyone began making their way outside, apanied by their maids and guards. The sight was a parade of nobility¡ªfine garments, polished armor, and refined manners¡ªyet there was a palpable air of curiosity and excitement among the students.

    Liana stepped forward, her everposed demeanor a stark contrast to the chaos. "Young master, we should check your assigned ss as well."

    Javier let out an exaggerated groan, slumping into his chair. "Haaaa... school is sooo boringggg."

    Liana sighed, her patience as steady as always. "Young master, standing out requires effort. You can''t make an impression by staying behind."

    Javier nced up at her, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Who says I need to make an effort to stand out? Look at me¡ªI''ve got Buddy, you, and my devilishly handsome self. Instant standout."

    Liana fought back a smile. "Young master, please."

    With a theatrical huff, Javier pushed himself up from his chair, grabbing his bag with little enthusiasm. "Fine, fine. Let''s see where they''ve decided to ce me."

    As they joined the crowd heading toward the ss assignment boards, Javier couldn''t resist adding, "I bet they''ve put me in the ''genius troublemaker'' section. Do they even have one of those?"

    Liana gave him a pointed look but said nothing, simply walking a step behind him as they navigated the bustling corridor.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 159 The Last Class ( 159 )

    The ssroom was huge and richly decorated, reflecting the luxury expected at a noble academy. Each student had arge, polished wooden desk with borate carvings,plete with two chairs¡ªone for the student and another for their escort. This setup highlighted the importance of the noble students, as even their attendants had their own seating.

    Javier, however, found himself in the lowest ss, far from the prestigious ssrooms for the elite students. Liana stood next to his desk, looking unhappy as she nced around the room.

    "Young master, this is uneptable!" Liana eximed, her usual calm reced with anger. "The Armand household is so respected, yet they put you here? In this low-ranking ss? It''s disgraceful!"

    Javier leaned back, hands behind his head, grinningzily. "Come on, Liana, it''s not that bad. Don''t stress over it."

    "But young master!" she insisted, narrowing her eyes. "This cement doesn''t reflect your abilities or your status. It''s clearly an insult to the Armand family!"

    Javier sat up, waving his hand dismissively. "Shh, rx. This ce is actually nice. It''s quiet, and I won''t have to deal with all the overachievers in the front. Besides..." He leaned closer to Liana with a smirk. "Being underestimated is good for me, right? I can do what I want without them watching me all the time."

    Liana sighed, her expression softening as she realized Javier wasn''t upset. "You''re always soid-back about these things, young master."

    "Laid-back? Not really," Javier replied with a wink. "I just know how to appreciate the little things. Look, we''re at the back, away from the nosy ones. That''s a win to me. And you''re still here with me, right? That''s all I need."

    Liana''s face softened even more, and she couldn''t help but smile faintly. "You always find a way to make things work in your favor, don''t you?"

    "Absolutely. That''s what I do best." Javier chuckled, leaning back again as Buddy and Pikko peeked through therge ssroom windows, their curious eyes scanning the room.

    As more students and their escorts entered, Liana straightened up, returning to herposed self. She stood beside Javier''s desk, her presence exuding the grace of a noble elf maid.

    Javier, meanwhile, lookedpletely rxed, propping his feet up on the empty chair in front of him. His amber eyes sparkled with mischief as he watched the iing students. "Let''s see how long it takes for this st ss'' to get interesting."

    Liana could only shake her head with a small smile, fully aware that wherever Javier went, trouble¡ªand excitement¡ªwas sure to follow.@@novelbin@@

    The instructor''s voice echoed around the ssroom as thest students settled into their seats. A tall man with a serious face and a strong presence walked to the front, tapping a clipboard with one hand.

    "ss! Only one escort is allowed per student! Don''t worry about safety; the academy is well-guarded. All extra escorts, please leave and wait outside in the designated area."

    A few murmurs spread through the room as several students reluctantly gestured for their additional attendants to leave.

    Javier leaned back in his chair with a smug grin. He raised a hand and gestured toward Liana, who stood beside him, looking poised and elegant. "Heh, lucky me, I only have the one and only Liana. Kekeke."

    Before the instructor could respond, his sharp gaze drifted to the windows, where Buddy and Pikko were lounging in the courtyard, clearly visible. The instructor''s expression changed slightly, and he pointed directly at Javier.

    "And you! The one with those... big birds outside! Tell them to move farther from the ss! Their presence is distracting the other students."

    The room filled with quiet chuckles and whispers as many students sneaked nces at the enormous Pekkos. Javier shrugged casually, his grin still intact.

    "Oh, okay, sure. No problem." He turned to Liana, putting on a mock-serious expression and raising his hand dramatically. "Liana? My lovely elf maid? Could you ry thispletely unreasonable request to Buddy and Pikko? Tell them to scooch over a bit, won''t you?"

    Liana sighed, her calm demeanor showing a hint of exasperation. "As you wish, young master," she replied with a graceful bow before stepping toward the window.

    She opened it slightly and called out to the birds. "Buddy. Pikko. Please move a little farther from the building." Her tone was gentle but firm, and the Pekkos let out synchronized squawks of mild protest before reluctantly waddling a few paces away.

    Javier leaned on his desk, smirking at the instructor. "There. Happy now? They''ve moved."

    The instructor rubbed his temple, clearly unimpressed. "Just... keep them in line. This is an academy, not a barnyard."

    Javier chuckled and leaned back in his seat again. "No promises, sir. They have a mind of their own."

    Liana returned to her spot beside him, maintaining her usual grace. "You do love testing boundaries, don''t you, young master?"

    "Hey, life''s more fun that way," Javier replied with a cheeky grin. "And admit it, Liana¡ªyou''d be bored without me."

    Liana didn''t respond, but a slight smile tugged at her lips as the ss focused back on the instructor.

    The instructor pped his hands sharply, grabbing everyone''s attention. "Alright! Today is your first day, so let''s start with introductions. Each of you wille to the front, introduce yourselves, and share a bit about your town, household, or anything else you''d like the ss to know. One by one, please."

    The students stepped forward confidently, each giving polished introductions about their noble families, achievements, and hometowns. Apuse followed each speech, with murmurs of admiration and polite acknowledgment filling the room.

    Javier, however, paid little attention. While the others spoke, he leaned back in his seat, flipping through a book he had brought. Liana stood quietly beside him, asionally ncing at the other students with polite interest.

    When it was finally Javier''s turn, the instructor called out his name. "Javier De Armand. Your turn."

    Javier sighed audibly, snapping his book shut and standing up reluctantly. "Tch, here we go," he muttered under his breath. He walked to the front of the ss, hands stuffed in his pockets, his posturezy and unconcerned.

    The room fell silent, everyone waiting for his introduction.

    Javier raised his right hand casually, his expression cool, and threw his middle finger in the air with a cheeky smirk. "The name''s Javier. Yoroshiku." His tone wasid-back, dismissive, and rebellious.

    The ss erupted into stunned silence, then whispers and muffledughter followed.

    "Did he just...?"

    "What does Yoroshiku even mean?!"

    "Is he flipping off the entire ss?!"

    The instructor''s jaw dropped for a moment before he cleared his throat loudly, his face a mix of shock and barely contained irritation. "Javier De Armand! This is an academy, not the streets! Your introduction is highly inappropriate!"

    Javier shrugged,pletely unfazed. "Well, I was told to introduce myself. That''s me. Done and dusted." He turned on his heel and strolled back to his seat with the same nonchnt energy, his smirk still in ce.

    Liana, standing beside his desk, pinched the bridge of her nose in exasperation. "Young master, must you always find a way to stir trouble on the first day?"

    Javier dropped into his seat and leaned back casually. "What? It''s efficient. I bet no one''s gonna forget my name now."

    Liana sighed deeply, though the corners of her lips twitched slightly, betraying a hint of amusement.

    The instructor took a deep breath, visibly trying to regain hisposure. "Let''s move on... Next!"

    The next student hesitated before stepping forward, clearly intimidated by the act he had to follow. Meanwhile, Javier leaned back and opened his book again,pletely unbothered, a smug look on his face.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 161 Sibling Bonds ( 161 )

    The room settled down after the earlier excitement of the heroes'' introduction, but Javier''s annoyance was just starting. One of the summoned heroes, a tall man with an overly confident air, swaggered over to Liana, a charming smile on his face.

    "Well, hello there," the hero began, his tone dripping with arrogance. "I couldn''t help but notice you from across the room. Surely, someone as beautiful as you deserves more than being a mere maid."

    Liana kept herposure, offering only a polite smile. "I appreciate your words, but I have no interest in rtionships or anything of the sort. If you''ll excuse me, I must attend to my duties."

    Instead of taking the hint, the hero leaned in closer. "Aw,e on now. Don''t be like that. Surely you can spare a moment for a guy like me? I''m one of the summoned heroes, after all."

    Liana''s smile faded, and her difort grew more apparent. Javier eyes narrowed, irritation shing across his face. He mmed his book shut with a sharp sound, catching the attention of his brothers, Marcellus and Cedric, who were chatting near the front.

    They exchanged nces, immediately sensing the tension.@@novelbin@@

    "Oi," Marcellus called out, his voice sharp as he and Cedric moved toward the hero. Without hesitation, they each grabbed the man by the shoulders, their grips firm.

    "What the¡ª?" the hero began to protest, but Cedric cut him off with a tight-lipped smile that didn''t reach his eyes.

    "Our maid," Cedric said, his voice deceptively calm, "is busy."

    "And she works for the Armand Household," Marcellus added, his tone carrying a warning. "You should respect her position. And while you''re at it, maybe focus on leveling up instead of flirting."

    They didn''t wait for a response, dragging the hero away from Liana with ease.

    Javier watched the scene unfold with a satisfied smirk. "Good riddance," he muttered under his breath.

    Outside the ssroom, Marcellus and Cedric dragged the hero into the corridor, their typicallyid-back expressions reced by grim intensity. The summoned hero, clearly confused and reeling from their sudden intervention, attempted to defend himself.

    "Hey, what''s your problem?" he snapped, trying to wriggle free from their iron grips. "I was just being friendly!"

    Marcellus shot him a sharp re, his usual smile nowhere in sight. "Friendly? Don''t give me that nonsense." His voice was cold and unwavering. "You were pestering someone who clearly wasn''t interested. You should know your ce."

    Cedric chimed in, his tone biting. "If you try that kind of stunt again, we won''t hesitate to leave this so-called hero party. And when that happens, you can go crying to ''your'' king and beg him to appoint someone else to babysit you."

    The hero''s defiance faltered under theirbined re. "It wasn''t that serious! She''s just a maid¡ª"

    Before he could finish, Marcellus leaned in, his voice low and dangerous. "She''s a member of our household, and that alone makes her more important than you''ll ever be. Don''t forget it."

    Cedric stepped closer, his expression deadly serious. "Don''t try to take advantage of our household, you little punk. We''ve been protecting your sorry ass this entire mission, and don''t think for a second we can''t stop."

    The hero gulped, the weight of their words finally sinking in.

    Marcellus released him with a shove, dusting off his hands as if the mere act of holding onto him had sullied his gloves. "Get your act together and focus on what you were summoned to do. Next time, there won''t be a warning."

    Cedric smirked, his tone mockingly light. "And if you''re smart, you''ll keep your distance from anyone connected to the Armand household."

    With that, the two brothers turned on their heels, leaving the hero standing there, pale and shaken.

    As they walked back toward the ssroom, Cedric let out a low chuckle. "Honestly, why do we always end up babysitting idiots like them?"

    Marcellus grinned, his mood lightening. "Think of it as training for dealing with political pests. Besides, it''s kinda fun putting them in their ce."

    As the two brothers strolled back into the ssroom, Cedric let out an exasperated groan, running a hand through his hair.

    "Ugh! Brother, I hate this job," he muttered, irritation palpable.

    Marcellus sighed, rolling his shoulders as if trying to shrug off the weight of their responsibility. "Do you think I like it?" he shot back, his voiceced with equal frustration. "If it weren''t for Father insisting we ''help'' because it was ''requested'' by the king, do you think I''d be here?"

    Cedric snorted, crossing his arms. "Right? The king can ask all he wants, but honestly, I''d rather be back home. Rxing. Maybe enjoying a nice ss of wine while feeling the breeze on the terrace."

    Marcellus grinned slightly at the thought, his usual charm creeping back into his expression. "Oh, absolutely. Home is so much better. No clueless heroes. No annoying pests trying to impress us. Just peace and quiet."

    Cedric chuckled. "And our wine selection? So much better than this watered-down life on the road."

    The two exchanged a knowing look, their brotherly bond evident in their shared disdain for their current task. Despite their grumbling, there was an unspoken understanding¡ªthey were here because they were needed, and their father, Lord Garius, trusted them to handle it.

    "Well, let''s just get through this, and maybe we can convince Father to let us stay home next time," Marcellus said, his voice carrying a hint of hope.

    "Hah, good luck with that," Cedric replied, smirking. "You know how he is. Strict, serious, and always nning something. We''re stuck until this ''mission'' is over."

    Marcellus let out a resigned sigh. "Yeah, you''re probably right. Let''s just make sure these so-called heroes don''t embarrass us any more than they already have."

    "Agreed," Cedric said, his voice dry. "But if they step out of line again, I''m not holding back."

    Marcellus chuckled. "I''ll be right there with you."

    "Achooooo!!"

    Lord Garius rubbed his nose irritably, ncing around his study as if searching for an unseen culprit. "Ugh! Someone''s talking about me behind my back again."

    Francesca, seated gracefully on a nearby chaise, looked up from her embroidery. "Are you alright, dear?" she asked, her warm brown eyes filled with gentle concern.

    "I''m fine," Garius grumbled, pinching the bridge of his nose. "But for the past week, I swear someone has been gossiping about me nonstop. I can feel it!"

    Francesca stifled a chuckle, setting her embroidery aside. "By the way, dear..."

    "Hmm?" Garius hummed, raising an eyebrow at her change in tone. Read exclusive adventures at My Virtual Library Empire

    "Why did you force Marcellus and Cedric to take on that job for your ''friend''?" she asked, emphasizing the word with an arched brow.

    Garius smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Ah, you mean the king?"

    Francesca gave a knowing nod. "Yes, the king. Was it really necessary? They were already busy enough."

    "It''s for their growth," Garius replied with a casual shrug. "They need the experience to level up more. Babysitting those summoned heroes is a perfect excuse to test their patience and skills."

    Francesca sighed, shaking her head. "Haaa... dear, really? You could have just sent Hesbeirn or Alf."

    A sly grin spread across Garius''s face. "Well... there''s more to it, but it''s not something I n to reveal just yet."

    Before Francesca could press him further, the door opened, and Alf stepped inside with his usualposed demeanor. "My lord, the demon territory representative has arrived and wishes to meet with you to discuss the peace agreement."

    Garius groaned, slumping back in his chair. "Again? Haaa... why is it always me handling these things?"

    Francesca let out a softugh, standing up and cing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Because you''re the only one who can, dear. Now go and be the responsible lord you always are."

    "Tch. Responsible, my foot," Garius muttered under his breath as he stood, straightening his coat. Alf raised an eyebrow but said nothing, holding the door open as Garius trudged out, mutteringints about diplomacy and demon politics.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 162 Diplomatic Tensions ( 162 )

    Lord Garius adjusted his coat as he stepped out of his study, nked by Alf and Errte. Both wore expressions of quiet vignce, every step showing their discipline and readiness. Behind them followed a group of elite battle maids, moving with the silent precision of experienced warriors. Each wore a simple maid uniform, but the sharpness in their eyes revealed their true nature.

    Unseen by casual observers, Alf''s secret assassin group had blended in with the estate guards, hiding in the shadows, ready to act at a moment''s notice. Nearby, Hesbeirn, the steadfast general of the Armand household, marched with his special forces unit. Their armored presence added ayer of security, their formation tight and disciplined.

    Errte nced at Alf, her sharp eyes scanning for any sign of danger. "The perimeter is secure, but I don''t like surprises. Who knows what the demons might try during this visit?"

    Alf nodded subtly, his voice calm but firm. "They''ve honored the peace agreement for years, but caution is our strength. Our men are in position. If anything happens, it won''t catch us off guard."

    Garius sighed, rubbing his temples as he walked. "Must we bring half the estate every time I meet with a representative? It''s not like they''re storming in with an army."

    Errte smirked, her tone teasing. "You underestimate your importance, my lord. If something were to happen to you, the entire region would descend into chaos."

    "Yes, yes, I know," Garius muttered, waving her off. "Let''s just get this over with. The faster we settle this, the faster I can get back to my study... and perhaps some peace."

    As they approached the grand meeting hall, the group maintained a tight formation, every member alert. The battle maids had already spread out, positioning themselves strategically around the estate, blending seamlessly with the surroundings.

    Hesbeirn, walking alongside Garius, finally broke his silence. "My forces are stationed at all potential entry points. If there''s even a hint of trouble, we''ll respond instantly."

    Garius nced at him and nodded slightly. "Good. Not that I''m expecting trouble, but better safe than sorry. The demon representatives tend to have... peculiar ways of negotiation."

    Alf''s lips twitched into a faint smile. "I hope you''ve prepared yourself, my lord."

    Errte chuckled softly, earning a re from Garius. "Let''s get through this meeting and pray that no trouble wille."

    With that, the group entered the hall, every step calcted and every movement guarded. The Armand estate had turned into a fortress, a testament to their vignce and preparedness for any situation.

    Lord Garius stood at the head of the table, arms crossed and expression calm but thoughtful. The grand table before him was set with beautiful tea sets and tters of treats¡ªa typical disy of noble hospitality.

    He lightly tapped his fingers on the table, breaking the silence. "Hmm¡­ I wonder who wille today."

    Alf, his dependable butler and closest friend, adjusted his white gloves and stood at attention beside him. "I believe it''s Marquis Jintox, my lord," he replied, his tone steady and professional.

    "The oni demon," Garius said, a faint smirk appearing on his lips. "Not bad. He''s manageable."

    "Yes, my lord," Erie chimed in from her spot near the doorway, hands neatly sped in front of her. As the head maid and Alf''s strong wife, she carried an air of authority that matched her poised demeanor.

    Garius sighed, his smirk fading a little. "At least it''s not Duke Nyxara. If it were her, I''d have to spend half the meeting avoiding her endless marriage proposals."

    Erie''s lips twitched with suppressed amusement, while Alf raised an eyebrow, his serious expression showing a hint of sympathy for Garius.

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    Just then, Francesca entered the hall with her usual grace, walked to a smaller table set up in the corner. Her group of personal maids followed closely behind, efficiently preparing a lovely tea setup.

    She settled into her seat and lifted a delicate teacup to her lips. "Oh dear, you''re still worried about Nyxara?" she asked, her tone light and teasing. Her warm brown eyes sparkled with amusement.

    Garius shot her a look. "You don''t know what it''s like, Francesca. That woman''s persistence is unmatched."

    Francesca chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Perhaps you should have been more careful with your promises, dear. It seems you''ve gotten yourself into quite the mess."

    Before Garius could respond, a servant entered the hall, bowing deeply. "My lord, Marquis Jintox has arrived and is waiting to be received."

    "Good," Garius said, straightening up. "Let''s get this over with."

    He nced at Alf and Erie. "Be ready. While I don''t expect trouble from Jintox, it''s always wise to be cautious."

    "Understood," they replied in unison, their professionalism unwavering.

    As the servant left to bring in the marquis, Francesca sipped her tea, her serene smile never fading.

    The heavy double doors of the grand hall swung open, revealing Marquis Jintox, a towering figure with crimson skin, sharp horns curling from his head, and a confident smile that showed a hint of his fangs. His oni heritage was clear in his muscr build andmanding presence, but there was an unexpected warmth in his demeanor.

    "Ah, good day, Lord Garius!" Jintox boomed, his voice echoing through the grand hall.

    Garius stepped forward, offering a weing smile. "Same to you, Marquis Jintox. It''s good to see you."

    The two men approached each other and shared a brief but polite hug, a gesture that blended formality with friendship. Despite their differences, there was mutual respect between them, built over years of careful diplomacy.

    Trailing behind Jintox were seven escorts, each a formidable figure in their own right. Their eyes scanned the hall warily, hands resting near the hilts of their weapons. The tension was palpable, as if they were expecting trouble at any moment.

    Jintox nced over his shoulder, his expression shifting to mild irritation. "Geh¡­ You lot, wait there," he said, waving a hand dismissively.

    One of the escorts, a tall demon with sharp features and an air of authority, hesitated. "Marquis, are you certain? It''s our duty to¡ª"

    "Haah¡­" Jintox let out an exaggerated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "There''s no need to be so wary. I''m meeting Lord Garius, not some shady people. He''s not a bad human, you know."

    The escort exchanged uncertain nces with the others before nodding reluctantly. "As you wish, Marquis Jintox."

    The group stepped back, positioning themselves along the walls of the grand hall. Although they kept their guard up, their stances rxed slightly, showing the trust their leader had in Garius.

    "Now that that''s settled," Jintox said, turning back to Garius with a grin, "shall we get down to business?"

    Garius chuckled softly. "Of course. Follow me, Marquis. We''ve prepared afortable space for our discussion."

    He gestured toward the main table, where Alf and Erie stood ready to assist. Francesca, still seated at her tea table, observed the scene with quiet amusement, asionally ncing at the demon escorts with mild curiosity.

    As Jintox and Garius moved to the table, the air in the hall seemed to lighten, the initial tension dissolving into a more cordial atmosphere.

    As Garius and Jintox settled into their seats at the main table, the room remained lively yet orderly. One of Jintox''s escorts stepped forward, carrying a neatly bundled set of documents. Bowing respectfully, he handed them to the marquis.

    Meanwhile, Garius raised his hand, signaling Alf. Without dy, Alf approached, holding an equally impressive stack of papers. He ced them on the table with precision, his expression calm and professional.

    Both men began reading their respective documents, flipping through pages with practiced ease. They exchanged nces, nodding in understanding, before reaching for quills. Without hesitation, they signed the agreements in unison, sealing whatever deal had brought them together that day.@@novelbin@@

    With the formalitiespleted, Jintox leaned back in his chair, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "You know, Garius," he began, tapping a finger on the table, "Duke Nyxara turned down another marriage proposal recently. And do you know why?"

    Garius froze, a faint twitch visible in his brow. He let out a resigned sigh, already sensing where this was going. "Jintox¡­"

    "Because of ''certain someone,''" Jintox continued, his grin widening, his tone dripping with teasing amusement.

    Garius groaned, slumping slightly in his seat. "It''s¡­ It''s because of a promise. A childish promise, one I made before I married Francesca," he admitted reluctantly, his voice tinged with frustration.

    Jintox let out a boomingugh, pping Garius on the back hard enough to make him wince. "Ah, you poor man!" he said, shaking his head. "You know, our king himself had to step in when she was ready to storm over here. She''s nothing if not persistent. If the king hadn''t stopped her¡­" He trailed off, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Well, let''s just say things could''ve gotten very interesting."

    Garius rubbed his temples, muttering under his breath. "Nyxara''s always been stubborn. I was foolish back then¡ªthought it was just a passing phase. How was I supposed to know she''d still be hung up on it now?"

    Jintox grinned, clearly enjoying the lord''s difort. "Well, at least Francesca doesn''t seem the jealous type. Otherwise, you''d really be in trouble."

    At the mention of her name, Francesca nced over from her tea table, her gaze curious butposed. Sensing her husband''s plight, she offered a faint smile, as if silently reassuring him that she was above such petty concerns.

    "You have no idea," Garius muttered, trying to ignore the demon''s boisterousughter echoing through the hall.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 164 Grill and Thrill ( 164 )

    Javier slouched at the back of the ss, resting his chin on one hand and twirling a quill with the other. The instructor at the front lectured about the importance of chanting in magic casting, but to Javier, it felt painfully dull.

    Beside him, Liana took notes in elegant script, her expression calm. She asionally nced at Javier, noticing his growing boredom.

    The instructor exined, "Proper chanting aligns the mind and spirit, ensuring the spell''s power reaches its full potential. The incantation acts as a guide, channeling mana and¡ª"

    Javier sighed loudly, attracting a few side nces from other students.

    Liana leaned in, whispering, "Young Master, please pay attention. You might learn something useful."

    He rolled his eyes and slumped further. "Ugh¡­ It''s boring. Seriously? Chanting makes the spell stronger? That''s just basic nonsense."

    "Hmm?" she murmured, pausing mid-stroke.

    "Chanting doesn''t ''collect'' mana or boost a spell''s power," Javier muttered, frustration creeping into his voice. "It''s just a way to focus your mind. Mana control and chanting are two different things. If you can control mana, chanting is pointless."

    Liana''s lips twitched, a small smile threatening to appear. "Is that so? Maybe you should share your wisdom with the instructor, Young Master."

    Javier smirked, leaning closer. "I would, but I doubt he''d appreciate a lecture from an eleven-year-old."

    "Such confidence," Liana whispered back.

    Javier leaned back again, folding his arms. He nced around at the other students, who were busy copying notes or practicing quiet chants. He stifled a groan.

    "These kids will waste years memorizing chants when they could be learning to feel mana. What a waste¡­" he grumbled.

    Liana nudged him lightly. "Young Master, it''s important to follow the curriculum. Not everyone has your... unique abilities."

    "Yeah, yeah." Javier waved a hand dismissively but teased her. "But you agree, right? Chanting spells is unnecessary if you''re skilled enough."

    Liana shot him a sidelong nce, her eyes sparkling. "That may be true, but it wouldn''t hurt to pretend to pay attention. Or would you rather the instructor call on you?"

    "Let him try," Javier said with a sly grin. "I''ll just ''identally'' cast something to make him rethink his life choices."

    Liana sighed, shaking her head as she returned to her notes. "Young Master, you''re incorrigible."

    Javier leaned closer, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Seriously, Liana, why take notes? You already mastered chantless spells thanks to me¡­ eheheh." He tapped his chest smugly.

    Liana didn''t look up. "Yes, Young Master, but what if there''s homeworkter? You''ll need notes to review."

    He gave her a look of mock disbelief. "Homework? You answer questions based on knowledge, not notes! Honestly, Liana.."

    Unfazed, she kept writing, her voice calm. "I''m taking notes whether you like it or not, Young Master."

    Javier threw his hands up in defeat, reclining dramatically. "Yeah, yeah¡­ suit yourself." He sighed and gestured toward the front of the ss. "Just look at Marcellus and Cedric. They don''t chant, and they''re the strongest mages and pdins in the kingdom. Chanting is overrated."

    Liana paused, her pen hovering. "Your brothers are strong because they honed their skills through discipline. I''m sure they paid attention in ss when they were your age."

    "Pfft. Yeah, right," Javier muttered, leaning his cheek on his hand. "Marcellus probably slept through lectures like I do. And Cedric? He''d charm the instructor into giving him extra credit." He grinned, amused by his own words.

    Liana shot him a sideways nce, a mix of exasperation and amusement on her face. "Oh, Young Master. Your confidence is truly unmatched."

    "Thank you!" Javier replied, acting as if it were a genuinepliment.

    His attention drifted out the window, making the lecture fade into background noise. In the courtyard below, Buddy and Pikko lounged in the sun. Buddy, with his glowing orange feathers, stretched and squawked contentedly, while Pikko dozed nearby, her silver-and-orange plumage shimmering.

    Javier chuckled softly. "Even the guards have given up trying to get those two into the stable."

    "They''re bing spoiled," Liana remarked without looking up, though a hint of fondness was in her tone.

    "Who can me them?" Javier shrugged. "Life''s better outside. Fresh air and sunshine are way more exciting than this." He gestured toward the instructor, who enthusiastically discussed intonation in chants.

    Liana sighed and finally set down her pen. "Young Master, not everyone can cast spells effortlessly. For most people, chanting is an essential foundation."

    "Most people," Javier echoed with a grin, "but not me. Chanting is like training wheels. I''m already riding the mana bike without them."

    "Then perhaps," Liana said, raising an eyebrow, "you should share your ''wisdom'' with the instructor. I''m sure they''d value your unique perspective."

    Javier smirked, folding his arms behind his head. "Nah. I wouldn''t want to embarrass them in front of the ss."

    "Of course not," Liana replied dryly, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

    As the lecture droned on, Javier continued to gaze out the window, his mind wandering to the next opportunity for excitement¡ªanything to break the monotony of the ssroom.

    The bell rang, echoing through the halls, and Javier''s eyes lit up. He jumped from his seat with a wide grin, the chair creaking loudly behind him.

    "Oh yeah!! Lunchtime!!" he shouted, grabbing Liana''s hand and dashing toward the door.

    "Young Master¡ªwait!" Liana called after him, exasperated but resigned as if she''d been through this many times before.

    "Nope! No waiting!" Javierughed, his voice echoing down the hallway. "We''re not eating in the cafeteria today! We''re heading to the back of the school!" His mischievous grin made it clear he wouldn''t exin further.

    As they emerged into the courtyard, Buddy and Pikko¡ªperked up at the sight of their master. Buddy hopped excitedly, while Pikko, tilted her head curiously.

    "Buddy! Pikko! Let''s go!" Javier waved enthusiastically, and the birds responded with loud squawks, leaping after him.

    "Young Master," Liana sighed as she adjusted her pace to keep up, clearly unfazed by the chaos. "If you keep acting like this, people will start calling you the delinquent noble again."

    "Let them!" Javier replied. "What''s wrong with skipping boring cafeteria food? We''ve got our spot and our grill!"

    Once they reached a secluded forest area behind the school that Javier had scouted, he immediately got to work. With a dramatic flourish, he pulled out his portable grill from his magic storage.

    "Time to grill, Liana!" he dered, cing the grill on the ground. He retrieved bs of monster meat. Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire

    "Yes, yes, Young Master," Liana replied, her tone more fond than frustrated. She had long since stopped arguing with him about these escapades and instead managed the chaos he left behind.

    Buddy and Pikko hopped around the clearing, their attention fixed on the meat. The scent wafted from the grill, and the two birds squawked eagerly.

    "Patience, you two," Javier teased, flipping the first piece of meat. "You''ll get your share soon enough!"

    Liana, watching the scene, shook her head with a small sigh. "You really have a talent for turning every lunch into an event," she remarked, taking a seat on a nearby log.

    "That''s because lunch should be an event!" Javier replied, puffing his chest proudly. "Good food, goodpany, and an escape from boring sses¡ªwhat more could you want?"

    "Maybe a little less chaos," Liana quipped, but her slight smile betrayed her amusement.

    As the meat sizzled and the aroma filled the air, Buddy and Pikko grew more restless, hopping closer to Javier.

    "Alright, alright," heughed, finally pulling the meat off the grill. He sliced it into smaller pieces, tossing portions to the eager birds, who devoured the meal with gusto.

    Liana set the table with practiced ease,ying out tes for herself and Javier. She handed him his te, watching as he dug in with unrestrained enthusiasm.

    "See? This is perfect!" Javier said between bites. "Nothing beats grilled monster meat and fresh air!"

    Liana nodded, her expression softening as she began to eat. "I suppose it''s not so bad," she admitted, her tone teasing.@@novelbin@@

    The two Pekko mounts finished their meal and settled down near their riders, content and full. Liana nced at them and then back at Javier, shaking her head slightly.

    "You definitely know how to turn a simple lunch into an adventure," she said, her voice a mix of exasperation and fondness.

    "That''s the point!" Javier grinned, leaning back with his hands behind his head. "Life''s too short to spend it stuck in boring ssrooms. Right, Buddy? Pikko?"

    The two birds squawked in agreement, making Liana chuckle.

    As the group settled into afortable rhythm, the peaceful surroundings and sounds of nature made the moment feel almost magical¡ªa perfect escape from the noble school''s rigid routines.

    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 165 Comfort in Each Other ( 165 )

    After finishing their meal, the serene atmosphere of the secluded spot behind the school was amplified by the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze. Buddy and Pikkoy nearby, theirrge frames nestled in the grass, content after their feast.

    Javier stretched his armszily before packing up the portable magic grill with a wave of his hand, stowing it back into his magic storage. With a satisfied sigh, he plopped down beside Liana but then suddenly had a different idea.

    Without a word, heid his head on herp, grinning mischievously.

    Liana blinked in mild surprise, though her smile quickly returned. "Young Master," she said softly, brushing a hand through his hair, "you always get your way, don''t you?"

    "Of course," Javier replied with a smirk, closing his eyes. "It''s one of my best talents."

    Her gentle fingers continued tob through his hair, the motion both soothing and familiar. Moments like these were far from rare¡ªJavier''s antics had be second nature to her by now.

    "Now, now, Young Master," Liana said, her voice carrying a tender lilt. "Just take a nap. I wake you when the bell rings."

    "Okay, Liana," Javier murmured, his smirk softening into a genuine smile.

    As he began to drift off, Liana gazed down at him, her eyes filled with warmth. Her hand slowed, resting gently against his cheek.

    Leaning down, she ced a soft kiss on his lips¡ªan unspoken expression of her affection. Javier''s eyes fluttered open briefly, his lips curling into a sleepy, contented smile.

    "I love you, Liana," he whispered, sinceritycing his voice.

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    "And I love you too, Young Master," she replied, her cheeks faintly flushed. "Now sleep."

    Javier chuckled softly before closing his eyes again. Liana watched over him as he slept, her heart filled with a quiet happiness that only he could bring.

    As the midday sun filtered through the leaves above, the world seemed to slow, leaving only the peaceful moment shared between the two of them.

    After Javier drifted into a peaceful sleep, Liana sat quietly, a gentle smile gracing her lips. Despite her young master''s antics every day, she didn''t mind them at all.

    In fact, she found them endearing.

    She knew he sometimes acted childish just to attract her attention, yet he always made sure she felt valued and secure by his side. His determination to keep her close filled her heart with a mix of fondness and warmth.

    Liana''s delicate fingers ran through his hair, caressing it gently as she began to hum a soft, soothing melody. Her calm and serene voice wrapped around the quiet clearing, lulling Javier deeper into his nap.

    Watching him, she noted how rxed and unguarded he looked in his sleep, and a quiet thought crossed her mind¡ªshe didn''t want this moment to ever end. This small, peaceful world they shared felt perfect.

    The warmth of the midday sun, the rustling of leaves, and Javier''s steady breathing created an atmosphere so tranquil that Liana herself began to feel drowsy. Her hand, still resting lightly on his hair, slowed as her eyelids grew heavy.

    Before she knew it, she too began to drift off. Her body rxed, leaning slightly against the tree behind her as her mind sumbed to theforting lull of sleep.

    Even in his slumber, Javier instinctively hugged her waist, pulling her closer as if to ensure she stayed by his side. Together, they rested under the shade of the trees, their quiet bond unspoken yet unbreakable.

    Liana found herself in a strange ce. She stood at an altar, wearing a beautiful white dress¡ªa wedding gown. Thece designs sparkled softly in the light, and her veil draped over her silver hair, making her look enchanting.

    But confusion filled her mind. Why am I here? Why am I wearing this dress?

    In front of her was a tall man. He looked strong and confident, but she couldn''t see his face clearly. His voice was deep and charming, making her shiver.

    The sound of a ceremony filled the air around her.

    "Do you take this elfdy to be your bride?" the officiant asked the man.

    "Yes, I do," he replied with a steady voice.

    Liana''s heart began to race. Her hands shook as she held the bouquet, which she hadn''t even noticed before. What is happening? Who is this man? And¡­ where is the Young Master?

    Her mind was racing, but before she could react, the officiant turned to her.

    "And do you, Liana Sylverise, take this man as your husband?"

    Before she could think, her mouth answered for her. "Yes, I do."

    Shock filled her body. Why did I say that? I didn''t mean to¡ªYoung Master, where are you?

    As panic rose inside her, the officiant continued.

    "By the power vested in me, I hereby dere you as¡ª"

    Before he could finish, everything around her blurred and disappeared.

    Liana woke up suddenly, her chest rising and falling quickly as she gasped for air. Her hand went to her chest, clutching her maid uniform as she tried to calm her racing heart.

    Her eyes moved around, helping her recognize the familiar sights of the school courtyard. The warm weight of Javier''s head on herp reminded her that this was reality. He was still asleep, his arms wrapped loosely around her waist.

    She took a deep breath, brushing her fingers through his hair as she softly murmured, "It was just a dream... just a dream."

    But her heart wouldn''t calm down. The strange feelings from the wedding ceremony still lingered in her mind.

    Liana looked up at the sky and gasped in shock. The bright midday sun was now dipping below the horizon, turning the sky into beautiful shades of orange and purple.

    "Ahhh! It''s already evening! Young Master, wake up!" she shouted.

    Javier stirred, his eyes blinking open as he murmured sleepily, "Hmm? What''s wrong, Liana?"

    She shook his shoulder gently, her panic clear. "You missed the entire afternoon ss! How could you sleep so soundly, Young Master? I¡ª" She paused, realizing she had also fallen asleep.

    Javier sat up slowly, stretching his arms with azy smile. "So what? Those sses are boring anyway. Who needs lectures about chanting when I''ve already mastered chantless spells?"

    "That''s not the point!" Liana scolded, her cheeks puffing out in frustration. "You still have to attend! As your personal maid, I was supposed to make sure you didn''t miss them!"@@novelbin@@

    Javier chuckled and poked her flushed cheek. "Rx, Liana. No one will notice I was gone. Besides¡­" He leaned back on his hands, smirking. "You enjoyed our little escape too, didn''t you?"

    Liana sighed, her stern expression softening as she looked at him. "¡­ Come on, we should head home now."

    Javier called for Buddy and Pikko, who quickly trotted over, their eyes shining in the fading light.

    "Good job holding down the fort, you two," Javier said, patting both birds on their heads. Buddy squawked proudly while Pikko preened her feathers.

    They made their way out of the school grounds, their Pekko mounts following closely behind. The streets of the capital were full of people finishing their daily tasks.

    Soon, their rented house¡ªa simple but cozy ce in a quiet neighborhood¡ªcame into view.As they stepped inside, Liana quickly turned on themp. Its soft, warm light filled the simple but elegant room. Javier flopped onto the sofa, stretching out with a happy sigh.

    "Young Master," Liana said, her voice a mix of annoyance and amusement, "you really need to take your studies more seriously."

    "Sure, sure," he replied with a wave of his hand, a smirk on his face.

    Liana went to the kitchen, rolling up her sleeves as she started to prepare their evening meal. She picked fresh ingredients from their enchanted cold box, a magical fridge that kept food fresh. The smell of seasoned meat filled the air as she grilled it perfectly, along with freshly baked bread and a hearty meat soup simmering on the stove.

    "Young Master! Go take a shower while I finish up here!" she called, ncing toward the living room.

    "Okay!" Javier replied reluctantly as he got up and headed for the bath.

    Liana sighed softly, a warm smile on her face. Even with all his antics, she wouldn''t trade these moments for anything. She set the table neatly, making sure everything was perfect for when he returned.

    Javier came out of the bathroom, his hair damp and messy. "Your turn, Liana!" he said, sitting down in a chair and sniffing the air happily.

    "Okay, Young Master," Liana replied, wiping her hands on a towel. "You can eat first while I shower."

    "Nope," Javier said stubbornly, crossing his arms. "I''ll wait for you."

    "You don''t have to wait," Liana insisted, shaking her head as she grabbed her clothes and headed toward the bath.

    "I don''t care," he said with a grin. "I''ll wait."

    "Haaa¡­ If you say so," Liana muttered, unable to hide her smile. Her heart felt lighter knowing that, even though he loved to tease her, Javier''s care and sincerity always showed.

    She hurried to freshen up, knowing he wouldn''t touch his meal until she was there to join him.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 166 Tea, Trouble, and Tactics ( 166 )

    The sun shone brightly through the big ssroom windows, making the polished floor sparkle. It was break time, and the sounds of noble children chatting filled the air. Liana, always responsible, was getting tea and biscuits ready for her young master at the refreshment corner in the back of the room. The fancy school made sure to provide nice snacks for every student and their helpers.

    At the back of the ss, Javier leanedzily on his desk, talking to Buddy. The big bird had somehow pushed its head through the open window, getting very close to Javier''s desk.

    "Buddy, you can''t just stick your head in here," Javier said, half-scolding but also amused. "Do you know how much trouble I''ll get in if someoneins again?"

    Buddy squawked softly and tilted its head, trying to look innocent.

    "Oh, don''t give me that look," Javier said, scratching behind Buddy''s beak. "You just want snacks, don''t you?"

    Outside, Pikko was lying on the grass, pecking at the ground.

    From the refreshment corner, Liana watched her young master''s antics. "Young Master, please don''t encourage Buddy to do things he shouldn''t," she said with a gentle sigh as she brought the tea tray back to the desk.

    "Hey, Buddy''s just making the ss more fun," Javier replied with a smirk. "Unlike the rest of these boring nobles."

    Liana ced the tea and biscuits in front of him with care. "That''s because the rest of the ss is studying during break, not talking to their Pekkos."

    Javier grinned and popped a biscuit into his mouth. "Exactly. Boring."

    The other noble children mostly ignored him, as they always did. To them, Javier De Armand was the "troublemaker" who sat in the back of the ss, rarely paying attention, and causing problems. But no one dared to approach him. Even with his bad reputation, he had a confident and mischievous air that made others cautious.

    Liana, always aware of her young master''s behavior, sighed softly but smiled. While others saw a troublemaker, she knew the truth¡ªunderneath the mischief was a boy who was much more capable and clever than he showed.

    The other noble kids in Javier''s ss kept their distance. They nced at him but quickly looked away if he turned their way. No one dared to approach him, especially after what happened a few weeks ago.

    A noble boy from a top ss hade into their ssroom, challenging Javier to a magic duel. Everyone thought the prodigy would easily defeat the "delinquent noble" from the lower ss.

    But the duel didn''t go as expected.

    Before the prodigy could finish his spell, Javier had moved quickly and kicked him in the crotch. The boy fell to the ground, gasping in pain and unable to speak.

    Javier leaned down, his amber eyes shining yfully yet dangerously, and said mockingly, "If you''re going to challenge me, at least make sure you can stand after the first move."

    His grin was devilish, and it scared everyone watching.

    Since that day, no one¡ªnot even the so-called geniuses from the upper sses¡ªdared to challenge or approach him. The memory of Javier''s casual strength, mixed with his smug grin and sharp words, stayed in their minds as a warning that the "delinquent noble" shouldn''t be underestimated.

    In his ss, the incident made him a mysterious figure, both feared and disliked. But for Javier, it was just another day of putting arrogant fools in their ce.

    What really shocked the whole ss¡ªand even the teachers¡ªwas that the so-called "delinquent noble" didn''t even use magic.

    Javier had dealt with the prodigy easily, delivering just a precise kick to the crotch. There were no fancy spells or shy moves, just boldness and quick action.

    The memory was burned into their minds: the proud noble boy from the Klimbert family was now rolling on the floor, groaning in pain and embarrassment.

    It wasn''t just Javier''s physical response that amazed them; it was his confidence. He didn''t seem bothered by the insults or the magical energy the prodigy tried to show off. Instead, Javier just smirked and struck before the boy could even finish his spell.

    The other students couldn''t decide what was scarier: Javier''s bold and brutal tactics or how easily he did it. To them, it felt like he thought the duel wasn''t worth using magic¡ªjust his foot.

    Since that day, the Klimbert family''s reputation suffered, and Javier became known as the untouchable "troublemaker" of the school. Being in thest ss no longer seemed to show his abilities but rather that the system didn''t know how to deal with him.

    Outside the ssroom, Princess Kliatana was storming toward them with her usual group of maids and royal guards. Her loud footsteps echoed in the hallway as students hurried to get out of her way.

    Javier peeked out the window and groaned. "Ugh¡­ here shees. Again. Haaa¡­ When will this end?" He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, looking very annoyed.

    Liana, always by his side, stayed calm and prepared for whatever trouble the princess would bring this time.

    The ssroom door burst open, and Princess Kliatana walked in, her nose in the air. She immediately spotted Liana.

    "You! Elf maid!" she shouted, pointing dramatically. "Leave this boy ande serve me instead!"

    Liana, unfazed, bowed slightly. "I''m sorry, Princess Kliatana, but as I''ve said before, I cannot. I am already serving the Armand household as my young master''s personal maid."

    "Guuuhhh! What''s so special about him?!" Kliatana stomped her foot, clearly frustrated. Then, with a smug smile, she added, "Fine! I''ll pay you 20 silver coins a month if you agree to serve me instead."

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    The room fell silent for a moment.

    Then Javier burst outughing, nearly falling out of his chair as he pointed at the princess. "Bwahahahaha!! Did you hear that, Liana? Twenty??" He exaggerated his words, making it sound ridiculous. "Tw-twenty silver coins? Ahahahaha!"

    Liana, alwaysposed, shook her head gently, a small smile on her face. She bowed again, speaking to the princess calmly. "Thank you for the generous offer, Princess Kliatana. However, the Armand household pays me 50 silver coins a month."

    "WHAAAAA?!" Kliatana''s face turned bright red, her jaw dropping in shock. "Fifty?! That''s crazy! That''s twice what I offered!"

    "Exactly!" Javier grinned, leaning forward on his desk. "See, Princess Bratty? My family knows quality when they see it. You''re trying to get premium service for a cheap price. Get real."

    Kliatana''s fists tightened in anger. "You¡­! You insolent¡ª"

    Javier interrupted her, waving her away. "Shoo, shoo, Princess Bratty. Go y with your guards or something. Liana''s not interested, and honestly, stop pestering us."

    Liana sighed softly but kept her professionalism, offering another polite bow. "If there''s nothing else, Princess Kliatana, I must return to my duties."

    "Guuhhh! This isn''t over!" Kliatana shouted, stomping her foot again before storming out, her entourage following her in a chaotic rush.@@novelbin@@

    Javier leaned back in his chair again, chuckling. "Ah, she''s too easy."

    Liana shook her head, her emerald eyes filled with amusement. "Young Master, one day your teasing will go too far."

    "Maybe," Javier replied with a sly grin. "But not today."

    From down the hallway, Princess Kliatana''s furious voice echoed as her royal entourage struggled to keep up with her angry pace. "Just you wait, Javier de Armand!! I''ll get you for this!!"

    Javier smirked, standing up from his seat and leaning out of the ssroom window so she could hear him. "Just don''t propose to me for marriage!" he shouted mockingly, his voice full of sarcasm.

    The ssroom burst intoughter as the noble students, who had been quietly listening in, couldn''t hold back their giggles. Even Buddy, with his beak sticking through the window, squawked as if he agreed.

    Princess Kliatana froze in the hallway, her face bright red. "YOU... ARROGANT DELINQUENT!!" she yelled, stamping her foot so hard that the sound echoed through the walls.

    Javier casually waved her away without even looking. "Love you too, Princess Bratty!"

    Liana sighed, lightly brushing her forehead. "Young Master, do you really have to provoke her every time?"

    "Of course," Javier replied, his amber eyes sparkling with mischief.

    Liana sighed again but couldn''t help a soft smile. "One day, Princess Kliatana might just take you up on that proposal¡­"

    "Let''s hope not," Javier muttered, flopping back into his chair. "I already have someone in mind for that, don''t I?"

    Liana''s cheeks turned faintly pink, but she didn''t reply, choosing instead to busy herself with pouring his tea.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 168 Playful Challenges ( 168 )

    "More monsters mean more meat!" Javier cackled with excitement, his eyes sparkling mischievously.

    Liana sighed but smiled knowingly. "Yes, Young Master. But I wonder¡ªdoesn''t the meat you''ve stored ever run out?"

    "It''s not running out, but more meat is always better!" Javier dered dramatically. "Meat! Hahaha!"

    Buddy squawked loudly in agreement, sharing Javier''s enthusiasm. The big Pekko dashed forward with determination, while Pikko followed closely, her calm yet graceful movements bncing out Buddy''s excitement.

    Liana shook her head lightly, her silver hair flowing in the breeze. "Young Master, you really do have a one-track mind when ites to your¡­ peculiar treasures."

    "What can I say? It''s an investment!" Javier grinned. "If a horde of monsters suddenly attacks, we''ll be feasting on steak and roasted drumsticks for weeks!"

    Liana chuckled softly, amused by his antics. "Let''s just hope your so-called ''investment'' doesn''t end with us surrounded by those monsters, Young Master."

    "That would be even better!" Javier replied with a mischievous smirk. "More monsters, more practice, and of course, more meat!"

    The Pekkos sped toward the forest, their riders ready for whatever challenges awaited them. Though Liana remainedposed, she felt a twinge of excitement. With Javier by her side, life was never dull.

    Liana pointed to a loud noise in the forest. "Young Master, there''s a group of monsters fighting over there."

    Javier raised an eyebrow and smiled yfully. "Really? How do you know?"

    Liana sighed and shook her head. "Come on, Young Master. You taught me how to find things like this."

    "Ekekeke!" Javierughed happily. "You learned well, my dear Liana. Alright, Buddy! Let''s go see!"

    Buddy squawked with excitement and ran toward the noise. His strong legs pounded the ground as he jumped into the air andnded on one of the big monsters. The monster fell to the ground with a loud crash.

    "Ehehehe..." Javierughed and raised his mana gun at another monster. "Bang!"

    Arge ice crystal flew from the gun and hit the monster perfectly. The monster froze and fell down, covered in ice.

    "Now, let''s make this more fun!" Javier said, his eyes shining with excitement. He put away the mana gun and took out a huge adamantite sword from his storage.

    Standing on Buddy''s back, Javier smiled wildly. "Alright, who''s next?!" he shouted, jumping off andnding loudly in the middle of the fighting. The shiny sword glimmered in the light as he got ready to fight the next group of monsters.

    Liana, watching from a safe distance on Pikko, shook her head with a small smile. "Haaa... He''s having too much fun again." She kept her bow ready, ready to help if needed.

    Javier, in the middle of the chaos, looked back at Liana with a teasing smile. "Liana? Don''t just stand there! Ehehehe... Or could it be that your bow skills and magic are getting worse?"

    Liana tilted her head a little and smiled gently. "Ara, ara... Such bold words from a noble," she replied, sounding a bit like Gloria. She covered her mouth with her hand to act modest.

    Javier stopped swinging and almost tripped over a fallen monster. "H-Hey! Don''t copy Gloria''s ''ara, ara'' nonsense! That''s not fair!"

    "Oh?" Liana''s smile got bigger, and her green eyes sparkled yfully. "But didn''t you say my skills were rusty, Young Master? Maybe I should just watch and enjoy your performance instead?"

    "Ekekeke!" Javierughed and turned back to the fight. "Okay, but don''t me me if I have all the fun! Buddy and I don''t mind taking all the treasure!"

    Liana raised her bow and smoothly pulled back an arrow. "Very well, Young Master," she said calmly. "I''ll show you how a ''rusty'' skill can still hit."

    Before Javier could reply, an arrow flew past him and hit a charging monster in the eye. The monster fell over with a pained howl.

    "Whoa!" Javier turned to see Liana getting ready with another arrow. "Alright, alright! I take it back! You''re still as sharp as ever!"

    "Ara, ara... Thank you, Young Master," Liana said sweetly, her calm tone hiding her yful look as she shot another arrow, hitting true again.

    Javier grinned and charged into the fight with excitement. "You win this time, Liana! But let''s see who can take down more monsters by the end!"

    "I ept the challenge," Liana replied with a calm smile.

    Javier turned just in time to see Liana lift her bow gracefully toward the sky, still sitting elegantly on Pikko''s back. Her silver hair shone in the fading sunlight as she began to chant, her voice calm and melodic:@@novelbin@@

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    "O guiding light, rain down judgment upon the unworthy, piercing through darkness with celestial might..."

    He raised an eyebrow, his big adamantite sword resting casually on his shoulder. "Liana? What''s with the chant? Didn''t I teach you how to cast spells without chanting?"

    Liana nced at him from the corner of her eye, a gentle smile on her lips. "Oh? Nothing much, Young Master. I just felt like taking my time," she replied sweetly, teasing him a little.

    Before Javier could say anything, Liana released her arrow. It shot upward, glowing with a bright silver light as it disappeared into the sky.

    "Eh? What''s that supposed to¡ª" Javier''s question was interrupted by a loud hum filling the air.

    From above, many glowing magic arrows appeared, swirling with light as if the stars themselves hade down. The whole area lit up as the magic arrows rained down, hitting every monster nearby with perfect uracy. The monsters had no time to react; they were quickly overwhelmed.

    Javier stared, his mouth open in shock as he shielded his eyes from the bright disy. "Oi, oi, Liana... Was that too much or what?"

    Liana lowered her bow, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she replied calmly, "Too much? No, Young Master. Just efficient."

    "Efficient, huh?" Javier muttered, looking at the field now covered with monster bodies. "You know, you could''ve left a few for me."

    Lianaughed softly, her calm demeanor unchanged. "Maybe next time, Young Master. But it was fun to practice my skills a bit."

    Javierughed, shaking his head. "Okay, you win this time. But don''t think I''ll let you take the spotlight every time."

    "As you wish, Young Master," Liana replied with a slight bow, a small smirk on her lips.

    Liana suddenly heard a low rumble in the distance. "Young Master? I think there''s a problem approaching!"

    As the group of monsters charged toward Javier, their roars shook the ground, and the air was full of chaos. Javier, however, stood firm with a yful grin, his adamantite sword restingzily on his shoulder.

    "Ehehe, Liana... Now it''s my turn!" he dered, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

    "Buddy, step back!"

    Buddy squawked in protest, clearly unhappy about being left out, but reluctantly walked back toward Liana and Pikko.

    "Young Master, this time you should use a chant," Liana teased, her green eyes shining with fake seriousness.

    "Eh? Why would I need that? I don''t need chanting!" Javier replied with a scoff.

    "Oh?" Liana raised an elegant eyebrow, her tone smooth as ever. "Maybe you don''t remember any chants at all?"

    Javier froze for a moment, pretending to be offended. "Now you''ve gone too far, Liana!" he said with a yful grin. "Fine, you want a chant? I''ll give you one!"

    Taking a dramatic stance, he raised his hand toward the oing monsters and began chanting loudly:

    "Oh great forces of ice and frost, heed my call! Encase my foes in unyielding crystalline might!"

    Liana tilted her head, unimpressed. "That was... generic, Young Master."

    "Ehehe," Javier smirked as he finished, his grin widening as nothing seemed to happen. The monsters were now very close, their snarls loud.

    "Nothing happened, Young Master," Liana pointed out, watching the scene.

    Javier simply turned away from the monsters, casually walking back toward Liana. She blinked in confusion as he reached her and shed a peace sign with a cheeky grin.

    "All done, Liana! Ehehehe!"

    "Hmm?" Liana furrowed her brows, confused.

    Before she could ask, a sudden silence fell over the area. She turned to look at the monsters, only to find them frozen mid-charge, trapped in huge ice crystals. Their forms sparkled in the sunlight, creating a beautiful yet strange sight.

    "Young Master¡­" Liana began, a hint of amusement in her voice. "You didn''t even give me time to notice."

    "Of course not! Why waste time when I can make it shy and quick?" Javier replied, puffing out his chest proudly.

    Buddy squawked again, this time cheering for Javier, while Pikko fluffed her feathers in approval.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 169 Dueling with Dragons ( 169 )

    Liana watched as Javier stood , his adamantite sword held high, striking what he clearly thought was a heroic pose. His eyes gleamed with yful mischief as he bellowed dramatically:

    "All bow to the mighty Javier De Armand!"

    He pointed toward an empty patch of forest as if addressing an imaginary crowd. "Settle down, settle down, my adoring fans!"

    Liana sighed, shaking her head with an amused smile as she observed her young master''s antics.

    Javier pretended to wave at the non-existent crowd. "Oh, you want to shake my hand? Come here,e here¡ªah, yes, it''s an honor for you, I know!" He extended his hand into the air, shaking it with exaggerated enthusiasm as if someone were actually there.

    "Young Master..." Liana called, her voice tinged withughter. "There''s no one there."

    "Shhh!" Javier held up a finger to his lips without breaking character. "Don''t ruin it, Liana! The people demand entertainment!"

    Buddy squawked loudly, as if ying along, while Pikko ruffled her feathers in mild exasperation.@@novelbin@@

    Javier suddenly ced his hand on his chest, looking solemn. "Ah, to be so admired, so loved. Truly, it''s a burden to carry such fame!"

    Liana couldn''t help but giggle softly. "Indeed, Young Master. Truly a burden only you can bear."

    "Exactly!" Javier dered, leaping off Buddy with a flourish andnding dramatically. "And now, we shall continue onward. There are more victories to im, more admirers to awe!"

    He pointed dramatically toward the horizon, then looked back at Liana. "Well? Aren''t you going to cheer, too?"

    "Of course, Young Master." Liana gave a small, graceful p, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Hurray for the mighty Javier De Armand."

    Javier grinned ear to ear. "That''s the spirit! Come on, Liana, let''s find more fun!"

    With that, he climbed back onto Buddy, who eagerly dashed forward, leaving Liana smiling as she followed on Pikko. "Truly, a noble like no other," she mused under her breath, shaking her head.

    Liana turned to Pikko, a yful glint in her eyes. "Pikko, perhaps our young master really wants to take over his father''s spot and be the lord of the Armand region."

    "Hey! I never said that! Ugh, Liana!" Javier eximed, crossing his arms in mock indignation.

    Liana let out a smallugh, covering her mouth to stifle her amusement.

    "Who wants to be a noble lord? Ugh, too much responsibility and..." he continued, rolling his eyes dramatically. "Who wants all that paperwork and meetings?"

    Buddy squawked in agreement with his master, clearly echoing Javier''s sentiments.

    "Fine, fine¡­ if you want to be lord, just tell Lord Garius about your interest in his position once you grow up," Liana continued yfully.

    "No way! I will find a way to make Father live longer so he will keep being lord!" Javier replied, grinning mischievously.

    "Haaa..." Liana sighed. "Really, Young Master... you always want to avoid responsibility."

    "Oh!! This is a good spot! Ehehehe," Javier grinned, scanning the clearing. His eyes gleamed with excitement as he looked around.

    Liana nced about, her eyes narrowing. The forest opened into a wide, empty area, suspiciously devoid of trees or vegetation. The ground was too neat, as though someone¡ªor something¡ªhad been deliberately clearing the space.

    "Young Master..." she said cautiously, her voiceced with unease. "There''s something wrong with this ce."

    Javier tilted his head. "Hmm? What do you mean?"

    Before Liana could answer, the air grew heavy, and an ominous shadow fell over them. A sudden gust of wind rustled the trees violently, and Buddy and Pikko let out panicked squawks, their feathers puffed as they shuffled uneasily.

    Liana''s hands trembled slightly as she reached for her magic bow, her instincts screaming danger. "Young Master, above us¡ª"

    Javier casually looked up, entirely unfazed. "What''s got you all worked up¡ª"

    A massive figure descended from the sky,nding with a thunderous crash that shook the ground. Dust and leaves scattered in all directions, and when the air cleared, a towering white dragon stood before them. Its scales shimmered like freshly fallen snow, and its golden eyes gleamed with intelligence and ancient power.

    The dragon''s voice rumbled like thunder, deep and resonant, filling the clearing as it spoke in an archaic tone: "Oh, what mortals like you dare trespass in the sanctity of my resting ce?"

    Javier scratched his head, looking more annoyed than impressed. "Sanctity? This is just a random clearing in the middle of the forest."

    "Thy ignorance knows no bounds," the dragon retorted, its massive ws sinking into the earth as it lowered its head to level its gaze with the "insignificant" humans. "I am Eridith, Warden of the Skies, Bearing the title of White me!. My presence alonemands reverence."

    Liana stiffened, her voice trembling. "Warden of the Skies... Young Master, this dragon is legendary¡ª"

    "Legendary shmendary," Javier interrupted, waving his hand dismissively. "All I see is a giant lizard hogging a good training spot."

    Eridith''s eyes narrowed, its nostrils ring as it growled, "Lizard? You dare call me¡ªa being who has existed for eons¡ªa lizard?"

    "Well, what else should I call you? Overgrown iguana?" Javier grinned, clearly enjoying himself.

    "Young Master!" Liana hissed, gripping her bow tightly. "Please don''t provoke it!"

    Eridith reared back, its wings spreading wide, creating a gust of wind that nearly knocked Buddy and Pikko off their feet. "Insolent mortal! Thou shalt pay for thy impudence!"

    "Oh, great," Javier muttered, drawing his adamantite sword and resting it on his shoulder. "A dramatic lizard with a temper. Alright, Liana, you stay back. Buddy, you too. I''ll handle this oversized snowke."

    "Snowke?" Eridith roared, the ground trembling beneath its mighty voice. "Prepare thyself, foolish child. Thy arrogance shall be thy undoing!"

    Javier grinned wider, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Finally, something fun. Come at me, Frosty."

    The white dragon let out a loud roar, fire bursting from its huge jaws and burning the ground. Trees caught fire, and the air was filled with smoke and heat. Javier, however, moved quickly, dodging the attacks with a crazy grin on his face.

    "Ehehehe! This is so much fun!" heughed, hopping from spot to spot while the dragon''s mes barely touched him. "Finally, a real challenge!"

    Liana, staying at a safe distance, looked scared. "Young Master! This isn''t a game! This is a legendary dragon!"

    Buddy and Pikko huddled close to Liana, squawking nervously, their feathers puffed up in panic.

    "Legendary or not, it''s still just a big lizard with an attitude!" Javier shouted while dodging again, twisting his body to avoid another wave of fire.

    He stood firmly on the burned ground and raised his hand, a mischievous spark in his eyes. "Alright, let''s see how you handle this!"

    With a burst of magic, Javier used his gravity spell. "Threefold Gravity Bind!"

    A strong wave of invisible force spread out, cracking the ground under its power. The air became heavy, enough to hold down even the strongest creature.

    But the dragon didn''t seem worried. Eridith spread her wings and moved forward smoothly.

    "Oh?" Javier said, tilting his head, clearly interested. "You can resist my gravity magic? Now we''re talking!"

    The dragon''s eyes shone with disdain as it growled, "Your weak tricks are nothing against one like me. You are just a child ying with powers beyond your understanding."

    "Weak tricks?" Javier repeated with a grin, getting even more excited. "You really don''t know who you''re messing with, do you, Frosty?"

    Javier jumped high into the air, easily dodging another st of fire, hisughter filling the clearing. "No hard feelings, Frosty! I just want to see how tough you really are!"

    Javier came down from the air like a missile, his kicknding right on the dragon''s enormous head.

    "Buh!" Eridith''s head dipped slightly from the hit. Her eyes glowed with anger as she snarled, "How dare you, mortal! You will pay for your disrespect!"

    Javiernded nimbly, spinning on his heel with a cocky grin. "Disrespect? Nah, I call it enthusiasm! Here''s more for you!"

    Before the dragon could react, Javier used his air-jump skill, pushing himself back into the sky. He rocketed down,nding a clean punch on her snout.

    "Guh!" The dragon recoiled, mes flickering from her nostrils as her anger grew.

    "You are... unbearable!" she roared, her ws digging into the ground. "A mere child dares to strike me, Eridith the White me?!"

    Javier flipped backward,nding gracefully as he wagged a finger. "You''re not making this very fun, Frosty. I expected more from a big, scary dragon."

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    Eridith''s tail thrashed behind her in frustration. She narrowed her eyes at the quick boy. "Hmph! Fighting someone as small and quick as you in this form is... inefficient."

    Her lips curled into a smirk as she began to glow, shrinking in size. White mes surrounded her, and in moments, she transformed into a human¡ªa striking young woman with long silver hair, pale skin, and icy blue eyes. Her regal robes shimmered with a frosty light, showing her power and majesty.

    "Let us see how you fare now!"

    She dashed forward with incredible speed, moving smoothly. Her hand glowed with icy magic as she thrust it toward Javier''s chest.

    But Javier, always the trickster, easily sidestepped, hisughter echoing in the clearing. "Kikiki! Is that all you have, Frosty? Try harder!"

    Eridith skidded to a stop, narrowing her eyes. "You still mock me? Very well, mortal. I will show you the mistake of underestimating Eridith!"

    "Oh, please do!" Javier said with a yful bow, his grin never fading. "I haven''t had this much fun in ages!"

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 170 Promises of the Past ( 170 )

    Eridith threw a punch at Javier, her speed making her fist blur as it got closer. But Javier casually caught her fist with one hand, smirking as if this were just a game. With a small twist of his wrist, he deflected her strike, causing her to stumble back a step.

    Her icy blue eyes burned with frustration as she spun around, trying to kick him in the side. But Javierughed and dodged easily, as if he were dancing.

    "Ugh! Stop moving so much!" Eridith growled, her voice filled with anger.

    "What? Aren''t we exercising?" Javier teased, his grin widening as he dodged another of her attacks. "You''re making this too easy, Frosty."

    Liana stood nervously on the sidelines, worried about the fight. She knew she couldn''t step in¡ªnot against a dragon, even in her human form. Her bow trembled slightly in her hand, but she kept herposure. "Young Master! Please stop this! If Lord Garius finds out..."

    "Huh?" Javier nced at her mid-dodge. "But she''s the one who started it."

    "That may be true, but provoking her like this is reckless!" Liana''s voice was firm but filled with worry. "We should have left her alone, yet you just had to provoke her."

    Javier scratched the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "Ehehe... okay, fine. That''s maybe my fault."

    Eridith, mid-swing, suddenly froze. Her gaze darted to Liana when she heard Garius''s name. "Wait. What did you say?"

    Javier raised an eyebrow, confused by her sudden stop. "What''s wrong with you, white lizard? Suddenly asking weird questions?" Your journey continues on My Virtual Library Empire

    Eridith ignored him, her expression serious as she spoke again, her voice low and demanding. "I ask you¡ªdo you know Garius?"

    "What''s it to you?" Javier replied, crossing his arms.

    Before he could say anything else, Eridith vanished in a blur of motion. In the next moment, she reappeared behind Liana, her dragon de pressed against Liana''s neck.

    "Oi!" Javier shouted, his yful tone gone as his eyes sharpened. "Let her go!"

    "Answer me!" Eridith roared. "Do you know Garius?!"

    Liana''s hands trembled slightly, but she kept calm. "Y-yes..." she stammered. "Lord Garius is the head of the Armand household. Count Garius De Armand."

    Eridith''s de lowered slightly, her piercing gaze showing a hint of realization. "You speak the truth?"

    "Of course she does," Javier snapped, stepping closer. "Now let her go before I make you regret it, lizard."

    Eridith stayed silent for a moment, her intense gaze softening a bit as she slowly released Liana. Liana quickly rushed to Javier''s side, her steps unsteady, her usual calm reced by fear. Buddy and Pikko, clearly shaken, hid behind Javier, squawking nervously.

    Suddenly, Eridith started chuckling softly, the sound low and eerie. The chuckle grew into a louder, more genuineugh, and soon her voice echoed through the clearing as she burst into loudughter.

    "Garius!! After so long!!" she bellowed, her voice a strange mix of joy and madness.

    Javier blinked, confused. "What is wrong with this lizard?"

    "Young Master," Liana whispered, clutching his arm, "please don''t provoke her anymore..."

    Eridith stoppedughing suddenly, her smirk stretching across her face as she pointed at Javier. "You! Tell me where Garius is!"

    Javier crossed his arms and stared at the dragon-turned-human. "Oi lizard!! Didn''t Liana already tell you? My father is Count Garius de Armand, lord and ruler of the Armand region. What''s wrong with your ears? Do you need help cleaning them?"

    Eridith''s smirk grew wider, her sharp teeth glinting in the light. "Garius..." she murmured, her voice shaking. "I''ve been searching for you. You only told me your name, but you never told me your full name..."

    Her chuckles turned into a sinisterugh, her tone shifting between amusement and something darker. "Heh... heheh... heheheehehe..."

    Javier frowned, taking an uneasy step back. "This lizard is weird... and creepy."

    Eridith''s glowing eyes locked onto him, her smirk bing a grin that sent shivers down Liana''s spine. "So, Garius has a son..." she muttered. "Interesting."

    "This lizard..." Javier whispered, leaning slightly toward Liana. "She''s creepy. Is it just me, or does she seem more unstable now?"

    Liana nodded quickly, tightening her grip on his arm. "Young Master, we should leave while we can..."

    "Oi, kid!" Eridith snapped, narrowing her eyes.

    "Huh?" Javier blinked, confused.

    "Tell me..."

    "What??"

    "How many kids does Garius have now, including you?"

    Javier tilted his head, puzzled by the sudden question. "Huh? Why would you¡ª" He paused, counting on his fingers. "Marcellus, Cedric, and me¡ª are my mother''s kids. Umm... Aunt Garcinia has one son and one daughter... err... Aunt Phenelopie has one son."

    Eridith''s expression darkened, her gaze sharp. "They''re all adults now?"

    "Yes... why?" Javier replied, starting to feel uneasy.

    Eridith clenched her fists, her aura ring slightly as she muttered, "Garius... Garius..." Her voice rose, her wings partially extending as her human form shook with anger. "Now!! I will find you!! And you better keep the promise you made to me!!"

    "Promise?" Javier repeated, his confusion quickly turning into frustration. "What promise?"

    Eridith shot him a re that could freeze the sun. "None of your concern, mortal!"

    Javier nced at Liana, whose face was pale. "I don''t know what kind of mess the old man got himself into, but it''s definitely not my fault,"

    "Young Master, this is not the time for jokes!" Liana whispered frantically. "We need to leave!"

    Eridith roared, her form flickering between human and dragon as she leapt into the air. "Garius!!!" she bellowed, taking off into the sky, leaving a shocked Javier and trembling Liana behind.

    "Well..." Javier smirked, dusting off his coat. "Looks like Father has a dragon problem to handle."

    "Young Master..." Liana sighed, pressing her hand to her forehead. "Why do I feel like this wille back to haunt us?"

    As Eridith soared into the sky, her voice echoed through the forest. "Gariusssss!! You can''t run now!!" Her tone was both angry and strangely joyful, filled with strong determination. "I can''t wait to see you!!"

    Javier and Liana exchanged uneasy nces as her voice continued to ring out.

    "Francesca!" Eridith spat the name like it was venom. "You uptight, goody-two-shoes!" she hissed. "Hmph, now you can''t do anything about it. A promise is a promise!!"

    Javier scratched his head,pletely baffled. "Wait... Did she just call my mother''s name?"

    "It seems she did, Young Master," Liana said cautiously, still watching the sky where Eridith had disappeared. "And from her tone, she doesn''t seem too fond of Lady Francesca."

    "Well, that''s new." Javier let out a low whistle. "I didn''t think Mother had an arch-nemesis who is a dragon."@@novelbin@@

    "Young Master..." Liana sighed deeply. "This situation is much more serious than you think."

    "Serious? Sounds more like family drama to me," Javier grinned mischievously.

    Liana frowned, sensing trouble brewing around the Armand household. "We should head back to the Armand region and inform Lord Garius immediately," she urged, her voice firm.

    "Inform him?" Javier shrugged. "Nah, let''s just wait for her to show up and let Father handle it. It''s his promise, after all. No reason for me to stress about it."

    "Young Master..." Liana shook her head, knowing there was no reasoning with him when he was thisid-back.

    As the forest quieted, the only sound left was the faint sound of Eridith''sughter fading into the distance.

    On his study room, apanied by Alf and Errte, Garius suddenly felt a shiver run down his spine.

    He nced quickly to his left and right. Why do I feel something like...

    "What are you thinking, my lord?" Alf asked, breaking the silence.

    Garius frowned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Ugh... I don''t know, but I suddenly¡ª"

    Before he could finish, an unsettling feeling lingered in the air, a sense of anticipation that made him uneasy. He nced out the window, the forest beyond darkening under the evening sky, and felt as though something¡ªor someone¡ªwas approaching.

    Errte, sensing his concern, leaned forward. "Is everything alright, My Lord?"

    He shook his head, trying to shake off the feeling. "I''m not sure. Something feels... off."

    The atmosphere was charged, and Garius couldn''t shake the feeling that today would be significant, though he couldn''t quite pinpoint why.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 171 Plans and Ponderings ( 171 )

    Garius leaned back in his chair, the tension from earlier fading. "By the way, Alf, Errte," he began, his tone casual but with a hint of authority, "I trust our ''partners'' are being well taken care of?"@@novelbin@@

    Errte bowed slightly, her serene smile unchanged. "Yes, my lord. They are being cared for as usual by our team of caretakers. There''s no need to worry; they are in excellent hands."

    Hesbeirn smirked and crossed his arms. "My lord, no one knows about them, as usual. They stay hidden in the restricted part of the barracks. ess is strictly controlled."

    Garius allowed himself a rare smile and nodded approvingly. "Good. I don''t want anyone finding out about them yet. For now, they remain our little secret."

    Turning his gaze toward Alf, he tapped a finger on the desk. "Alf?"

    "Yes, my lord?" Alf replied, his expression neutral, though his eyes sparkled with quiet amusement.

    "What about my youngest son? Any news from the magical academy in the capital city?"

    Alf''s smirk widened slightly as he reached into his coat and handed Garius a neatlypiled report. "The full report, as requested, my lord."

    Garius opened the document and skimmed its contents. His lips curled into a chuckle that quickly turned into heartyughter. "Heh¡­ this youngest son of mine. Mocking Princess Kliatana, the only princess of this kingdom. Hahaha!"

    Hesbeirn raised an eyebrow. "The princess? That''s bold, even for young Javier."

    Errte sighed softly, though her smile showed amusement. "It seems the young master continues to live up to his reputation as a troublemaker." Discover more content at My Virtual Library Empire

    Garius set the report down, shaking his head with a grin. "Troublemaker or not, that boy keeps life interesting. I almost pity the people dealing with him at the academy... almost."

    Alf adjusted his gloves, his tone dry but respectful. "It''s no surprise, my lord. Young Master Javier has his... unique way of handling things."

    "Unique indeed," Garius replied, still chuckling. "Let''s just hope his antics don''t escte into something that drags me into the capital personally."

    Alf cleared his throat, his voice calm but with a hint of importance. "By the way, my lord..."

    Garius nced at him and raised an eyebrow. "Hmm? What''s wrong, Alf?"

    "The Battleground event at the noble school¡ªwhere Young Master Javier attends¡ª is scheduled for next week," Alf informed him, his tone steady.

    Garius leaned back slightly, a curious glint in his eyes. "Oh? What about it?"

    Alf reached into his coat again and pulled out a sealed envelope with the school''s emblem. "Here is the invitation, sent personally by the headmaster."

    Garius took the envelope and broke the seal with deliberate ease. His sharp eyes quickly scanned the contents. "Hah. It seems they''re really going all out this year. Interesting."

    He looked up and turned his gaze to Errte. "Can you call Francesca here, Errte?"

    "Of course, my lord," she replied gracefully, bowing slightly before leaving the study to fetch the Countess.

    As the door closed behind her, Garius tapped the letter against the desk, a small smile curling on his lips. "I wonder what kind of trouble my youngest will stir up during this event..." he mused aloud.

    Hesbeirn smirked from his ce against the wall. "If it''s anything like his usual antics, my lord, I imagine it''ll be memorable."

    "Memorable indeed," Garius chuckled, leaning back in his chair as he awaited his wife''s arrival.

    Francesca was looking out the window. Without her youngest son here, it felt empty. She really missed him. Why did I agree with Garius about sending him to school? Now here I am, lonely.

    Errte gently knocked on the door to Francesca''s room before stepping inside. The Countess was still standing by the window, gazing out wistfully at the horizon, her hands sped together.

    "Madam, Lord Garius is calling for you," Errte said softly.

    Francesca turned her head slightly, her warm brown eyes meeting Errte''s. "Errte, any news about my honey bun?" she asked, her voice filled with longing and hope.

    Errte''s serene smile widened a bit as she replied, "Madam, Lord Garius is calling about that very matter."

    Francesca''s expression lit up instantly, her cheeks flushing with excitement. "Really? Really, Errte?" she repeated, her tone brimming with joy.

    "Yes, madam," Errte confirmed with a small chuckle. "It seems Young Master Javier''s antics are once again a topic of discussion."

    Francesca sped her hands together, her chestnut-brown hair swaying as she turned toward the door. "Let''s not keep him waiting, then!" she said eagerly, gracefully stepping toward the study.

    Errte followed, her calm demeanor contrasting with Francesca''s clear excitement. "It seems Young Master Javier continues to be the light of your day, madam," she said with a knowing smile.

    "Of course," Francesca replied warmly. "He''s my honey bun, after all."

    The doors to the study burst open as Francesca rushed inside, her elegant demeanor forgotten in her excitement. "Dear! I heard about the invitation! We should go, now!" she dered, her voice filled with determination.

    Garius sighed, leaning back in his chair, amused but unsurprised by her enthusiasm. "Haaa... Francesca, your son isn''t going anywhere. It''s only been four months since he left, and there are still two months before the blessing ceremony. After that, he''ll return to this house."

    "And the journey by horse carriage takes seven days," he added, raising an eyebrow. "Are you really willing to go through all that just to see him?"

    "I don''t care, dear!!" Francesca replied with unwavering resolve, cing her hands on her hips. "Let''s go meet him! And Marcellus and Cedric must attend as well. Send them letters immediately! If the headmaster hasn''t given them invitations, I''ll personally go there and smack his head until he does."

    Garius let out a heartyugh, leaning forward on his desk. "Really, Francesca, don''t give the man too much trouble."

    Francesca''s eyes narrowed yfully as she crossed her arms. "Hmm? It amuses me to hear thating from someone who gave him nothing but problems during your school days¡ªand always managed to outdo him in every challenge."

    Garius chuckled, rubbing his chin. "Ah, you''ve got me there. But that''s ancient history. The poor man has probably had enough of the Armand family by now."

    "Then he should get used to it," Francesca quipped with a sly grin. "Because our honey bun deserves a proper audience at this event. And if anyone dares to look down on him, I''ll handle them personally."

    Alf coughed lightly, suppressing a grin as he handed Garius a fresh sheet of parchment for the letters. Errte, standing by the door, chuckled softly, her serene smile unchanged. "Madam Francesca''s passion never ceases to amaze me," she murmured, her eyes sparkling with warmth.

    Garius waved a hand dismissively. "Rx Dear. I''ll send word to Marcellus and Cedric. But don''t go threatening the headmaster until we see if he''s already handled it."

    Francesca huffed but nodded, her excitement undeterred. "Good. I''ll start preparing immediately. Oh, I can''t wait to see our honey bun again!" She paused, allowing her thoughts to wander. "Each day feels longer without him. I just want to hug him and tell him how proud I am."

    Garius shook his head with a smile, thinking to himself, That boy truly inherited her fiery spirit. Deep down, he shared her excitement but couldn''t shake the feeling that the uing ceremony might bring unexpected challenges.

    Francesca turned on her heel, her excitement practically radiating from her as she called out, "You girls! Come with me!"

    Her personal maids, who had been waiting just outside, quickly stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Yes, Madam?"

    "Help me pack! We''re leaving to see my honey bun! We need to prepare immediately!" Francesca dered, pping her hands with enthusiasm.

    "Yes, Madam," the maids replied in unison, following her as she hurried down the hall with a determined stride.

    Back in the study, Garius watched her go, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "She really does miss that boy," he murmured, shaking his head fondly.

    Turning his attention back to the room, Garius picked up the freshly written letters, sealing them with the Armand family crest. "Alf, Errte," he said, his tone firm yet calm, "tell our mailman to use the wyvern to send these letters. One to the headmaster, and the others to Marcellus and Cedric."

    "Yes, my lord," Alf responded, taking the letters and tucking them securely into his coat.

    Errte bowed gracefully. "As you wish, my lord. They will be delivered swiftly."

    Garius leaned back in his chair as he stared at the door Francesca had rushed through moments ago. He chuckled softly to himself. "That boy has no idea what kind of storm is heading his way."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 173 The Wailing Dragon ( 173 )

    Eridith suddenly dropped to her knees in front of Francesca, sping her hands dramatically. "Francescaaaaaa!" she wailed. "We promised! You said I could marry Garius after he married you! I''ve been waiting for so long! And now I find out that not only has he married you, but he''s also married two more women?!"

    Francesca sighed, cing a hand on her forehead. She knew about the promise; it wasn''t a secret to her. But this kind of scene wasn''t what she had hoped for when it inevitably came up.

    After a moment, Francesca''s curiosity piqued, and she frowned. "Eridith, how did you find out where we live?"

    "Hmm?" Eridith blinked innocently. "Oh, I just flew over here. Some kid told me Garius was the lord and ruler of the Armand region."

    Francesca''s eyebrow twitched. "Kid?"

    "Yeah. He didn''t tell me his name," Eridith continued nonchntly, "but he was super annoying. He challenged me out of nowhere and even intruded on the spot where I was resting and sleeping."

    "Oh..." Francesca murmured, her eyes narrowing slightly.

    "And that boy had two birds. Big ones. Pekkos," Eridith added. "I wanted to eat those birds. They looked so yummy. And the elf girl with him... well, she was scared stiff. I''m sure she nearly peed herself in her maid uniform."

    The air grew noticeably colder as Francesca''s expression darkened. Her aura turned ck and dangerous, making the atmosphere around her suddenly oppressive. "Maid uniform, you say?" she asked, her voice deceptively calm. "Perhaps this boy you mention had two Pekkos, one orange and the other orange with silver feathers? And the maid... was an elf in a maid uniform?"

    Eridith blinked, a nervous chuckle escaping her lips. "Y-yeah, that sounds about right... but why do you look so... dangerous, Francesca?"

    Francesca''s smile didn''t reach her eyes as she took a deliberate step forward. "Oh, no reason..."

    Eridith''s eyes widened in realization as Francesca grabbed her by the horn with a grip that could crush steel. "Eeeekkk!!! Francescaaaa!!!" Eridith screamed, iling helplessly.

    "So, let me get this straight," Francesca said, her voice dripping with suppressed rage. "Not only did you scare the maids and guards here, but you also terrified my son''s personal maid and threatened to eat his Pekkos?"

    "I didn''t know he was your son!!" Eridith wailed, trying unsessfully to pry Francesca''s iron grip from her horn. "Francesca, let me go! I''ll apologize!! Eeeeekkk!!!"

    "Oh, this is just the beginning, Eridith," Francesca replied in an eerily calm tone, tightening her grip as Eridith whimpered like a scolded child. "You have some exining to do."

    "I didn''t know he was your son, believe me, Francesca! Eeekkk!!" Eridith wailed, her voice high-pitched as she squirmed in Francesca''s tight grip.

    Francesca''s eyes narrowed dangerously. "Hmm? You said you didn''t know he was my son, yet you''re telling me he''s the one who told you about Garius? Hmm?"

    Eridith froze, sweat forming on her brow. "Ah... now that you mention it..." she stammered, her voice getting smaller. "He did... uh... mention that Garius was his father... err..."

    "And?" Francesca pressed, her grip tightening slightly, her calm tone carrying an intensity that made Eridith flinch.

    "Eeeeeekkk!! Francesca!!" Eridith shrieked, iling helplessly. "That was after I stopped attacking him! Ah... no... no, wait, I didn''t mean¡ª"

    "I see," Francesca said with a sweet but deadly smile, her grip shifting just a bit. "So, after you scared his maid and tried to eat his Pekkos, you started attacking him, and only then did he tell you about Garius?"

    "No! No, I mean yes¡ªuh, no! I mean, it wasn''t like that!!" Eridith panicked, trying to exin as Francesca began dragging her across the courtyard by her horn.

    "You''re not very convincing, Eridith," Francesca said, her voice steady and calm as Eridith iled in vain.

    "Eeeeeekkk!! Francesca, I''m sorrrrryyyy!!" Eridith cried, her legs skidding along the ground as she was pulled like an unruly child.

    The guards and maids watched from a safe distance, their faces a mix of awe and amusement as the mighty white dragon, Eridith the White me, was reduced to a wailing mess in front of Lady Francesca.

    Garius, still standing on the balcony, rubbed his temples with a long sigh. "Why does it alwayse back to Javier?" he muttered. "That boy is a ma for chaos."

    "It runs in the family, my lord," Alf added with a smirk, earning a groan from Garius.

    Inside their cozy rented house, Javier satzily in a chair, flipping through a book with little interest. Outside, Buddy and Pikko were happily pecking at their feed, their contented squawks asionally drifting through the open window.

    Suddenly, Javier sneezed loudly. "Achoooooo!!!"

    He looked left and right, as if trying to find the source of the sudden sneeze. "Weird..." he muttered.

    Liana, who was tidying up nearby, turned to him with a concerned expression. "Young Master, have you caught a cold?"

    Javier rubbed his nose thoughtfully. "Umm... I don''t think so. It came out of nowhere."

    "Oh," Liana said softly, cing a hand on her chin. "Let me prepare some warm tea for you, just in case."@@novelbin@@

    "Thanks, Liana," Javier replied with a grin, leaning back in his chair.

    As Liana finished setting up the tea tray and brought it to the table, Javier called her name. "Liana?"

    "Yes, Young Master?" she answered, carefully setting the teapot down.

    Javier grinned mischievously, leaning forward slightly. "Chuuuuu!!!" he eximed, puckering his lips exaggeratedly.

    Liana sighed, shaking her head with a gentle smile. "Honestly, Young Master," she said with amused exasperation. Leaning down, she nted a soft kiss on his lips, her touch warm and familiar. "There, there," she murmured, brushing a stray lock of his hair aside.

    Javier beamed up at her, his eyes sparkling. "Ehehehe."

    Liana shook her head again, though her own smile lingered. "Young Master, sometimes you''re just too much."

    Javier grinned mischievously, leaning back in his chair with a yful gleam in his eyes. "What? This is our routine. You love me, I love you... ehehehe."

    Liana let out a soft sigh, her eyes showing fondness despite her exasperation. "Haa... really, Young Master. You should focus on your studies for the blessing ceremony in two months. Don''t forget about the Battleground event next week."

    Javier waved a hand dismissively. "Hmm? We already warmed up before, didn''t we?" he replied with a cheeky smirk. "Besides, I don''t n on winning the Battleground anyway."

    "Young Master," Liana began, arching an elegant brow, "isn''t that the whole point of the event?"

    "Ugh, no way," Javier groaned, folding his arms. "Who wants to show off their magic? I don''t need that kind of attention. People will start bothering me if they think I''m some bigshot mage."

    Liana chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Young Master, you do realize your attitude is exactly why others call you a ''delinquent noble.''"

    "And I wear that title proudly," Javier dered, puffing out his chest theatrically before slumping back with a sigh. "Seriously, though. I hate those kinds of people¡ªalways sticking their noses into things and acting all high and mighty. It''s annoying."

    "Hmm..." Liana hummed thoughtfully, pouring the tea she had prepared. "So, your n is to not win but also not lose too badly, is that it?"

    "Exactly!" Javier said with a grin, picking up his teacup. "Just enough effort to avoid looking weak but not enough to stand out. Perfect strategy, don''t you think?"

    Liana shook her head again, a soft smile on her lips. "Haa... truly, you''re one of a kind, Young Master."

    "Ehehehe," Javierughed, raising his teacup in a mock toast. "And that''s why you love me, Liana."

    Javier smirked as he sipped his tea, ncing at Liana with a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "And Liana?"

    "Yes, Young Master?" she replied, tilting her head slightly, already suspecting he was up to something.

    "You''re also joining the escort bracket in the Battleground next week," he announced casually. "It''s up to you if you want to win, though."

    Liana blinked in surprise before narrowing her eyes at him. "Hmm? I don''t think I want that kind of attention, Young Master," she replied with a soft sigh, cing her hands neatly on herp.

    "Why not?" Javier leaned forward, grinning. "You could totally crush everyone and show them how amazing my personal maid is!" Read exclusive adventures at My Virtual Library Empire

    "Exactly why I don''t want to join," Liana replied with a wry smile. "If I win, it will only bring more attention to you. Isn''t that what you''re trying to avoid?"

    Javier''s grin faltered slightly as he scratched the back of his head. "Uh... well, yeah, but it''d still be fun to see their faces when you beat them."

    "Haa..." Liana sighed, shaking her head gently. "You truly have a way of creating trouble, Young Master."

    "Come on, Liana," Javier teased, leaning closer. "You don''t have to win if you don''t want to. But you could have a little fun, right?"

    Liana gave him a long, thoughtful look, then finally relented with a soft chuckle. "We''ll see, Young Master. If it doesn''t interfere with my duties, perhaps I''ll participate."

    "That''s the spirit!" Javier cheered, raising his teacup in mock celebration. "Just don''t go too easy on them. They need to learn what happens when they mess with the best."

    Liana smiled softly, her cheeks faintly flushing as she looked away. "Haa... what am I going to do with you, Young Master?"

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 175 Laughter and Rivalry ( 175 )

    Eridith''sughter slowed as she suddenly blinked, her expression shifting to one of realization. "Marcellus¡­ Marcellus¡­ Cedric¡­ wait a minute." Her eyes widened as she pointed a finger at Garius and Francesca. "Aren''t those the current strongest mage and the strongest pdin in the kingdom? Those two are your sons?"

    Garius and Francesca exchanged a knowing nce before sping hands together. Without a word, Francesca leaned toward Garius and nted a soft kiss on his cheek before resting her head on his shoulder, her smile warm and content.

    "Ugh! You two lovebirds!" Eridith groaned, throwing her hands up dramatically. "Stop being so disgustingly sweet in front of me! And don''t forget about our promise!" She pointed an using finger at Garius. "I''m still going to be your wife, Garius! Don''t think you can get out of it!"

    Francesca chuckled softly, her eyes glinting with amusement as she nced at Eridith. "Of course, Eridith. But you''ll have to wait just a little longer."

    "Hmph! Fine!" Eridith huffed, crossing her arms and pouting like a child. "But no more dys after this, got it?"

    Garius sighed, shaking his head with a small smirk. "Haaa... as if I have a choice."

    "You don''t!" Eridith dered firmly.

    Francesca stood gracefully, smoothing her dress as she rose from her seat. She leaned down, her warm brown eyes locking with Garius''s as a yful smile graced her lips. Without hesitation, she kissed him passionately, her hands resting gently on his shoulders.

    Breaking the kiss, she whispered softly, "Dear, I''m going to continue with the packing."

    Garius raised an eyebrow. "Already?"

    Francesca turned toward Eridith, her tone light but teasing. "Eridith?"

    "Hmm?" Eridith looked up from her te, still munching on a piece of meat.

    "Garius is all yours," Francesca said with a sly smile before walking toward the door.

    "Hehehe," Eridith''s eyes sparkled with mischief as she wasted no time. She immediately wrapped her arms around Garius, hugging him tightly. Leaning closer, she inhaled deeply, her expression turning blissful. "Ahhh... after so long... finally..."

    Garius froze, his hands hovering awkwardly in the air. "Eridith..."

    "Hush," she said, holding him tighter. "Let me enjoy this moment. I''ve been waiting for so long, you know."

    "Haaa..." Garius sighed, ncing toward the door where Francesca had exited. "Why do I feel like she nned this?"

    From down the hall, Francesca''s softughter echoed, almost as if she had heard him.

    As Francesca walked gracefully down the hallway, she was briefly interrupted by the faint sound of kissinging from the dining room behind her. She paused for a moment, ncing back with a knowing expression.

    "Well..." she murmured to herself, her lips curling into a soft smile. "She has been waiting for so long..."

    Her fingers lightly brushed the edge of her gown as she continued on her way, her heart filled with calm eptance. "And soon, she''ll be his wife and my co-wife. It''s only right for her to have her moment."

    Francesca''s smile deepened, her warmth and understanding reflecting the bond she cherished with Garius. Despite theplexities of their family, she felt nothing but happiness for what was toe.@@novelbin@@

    However, as she continued down the hall, her serene smile suddenly wavered. A thought hit her like lightning, and her steps slowed.

    "Crap!" she muttered under her breath, her eyes widening slightly. "If Nyxara and the other two find out that Eridith is bing the next wife before them..."

    Her mind raced as she imagined the chaos that would follow. Nyxara, with her dramatic ir, would storm the Armand estate, demanding exnations while flirting outrageously with Garius. The other two¡ªno less strong-willed¡ªwould likely have their own intense reactions.

    Francesca sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as she pictured these scenarios. "This is going to be a headache."

    She quickly regained herposure, smoothing her dress and straightening her posture. "Haa... well, nothing I can''t handle. But I''d better prepare myself for their inevitable arrival."

    A small chuckle escaped her lips as she resumed walking. "Dear, you always do find yourself in the mostplicated situations. And yet, somehow, it always works out... eventually."

    Inside the Noble Academy Cafeteria

    Liana gracefully ced a tray of food in front of Javier. "Here is your food, Young Master," she said softly.

    "Thank you, Liana," Javier replied with a grin, his eyes lighting up¡ªuntil he looked at the te. His grin quickly faded. "Ughhh... Liana, do I really need these veggies?"

    "Just eat them, Young Master," Liana replied firmly, crossing her arms.

    "Fine..." Javier groaned dramatically, picking up his fork like it was a heavy weapon. After a moment, he gestured to the seat beside him. "Liana, take a seat next to me."

    "I can''t, Young Master," Liana said gently. "We''re in a public ce. It wouldn''t be appropriate."

    Javier sighed, slumping in his chair. "Ugh, this is why I hate eating in the cafeteria. It''s boring, and people keep staring. That''s why I suggested we go to our usual spot in the forest. We could grill more meat and let Buddy and Pikko eat too."

    "No, Young Master," Liana said firmly, giving him a pointed look. "If we do that, we''ll both fall asleep likest time, and you''ll miss afternoon ss... again."

    Javier leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms and pouting like a child. "Haaa... fine, but I''m telling you, this is no way to live. Veggies and rules? What''s the point of being a noble if I can''t do what I want?"

    Liana chuckled softly, her smile both fond and exasperated. "The point, Young Master, is discipline. Now, finish your food, including the vegetables."

    Enjoy new chapters from My Virtual Library Empire

    Javier poked at the greens with his fork, muttering under his breath. "Yeah, yeah... I''ll eat it."

    While Javier reluctantly picked at his vegetables, the lively chatter of the cafeteria was interrupted by a loud voice.

    "Well, well, well¡­ look who we have here¡ªthe ''delinquent noble,''" the boy smirked, his groupughing behind him as they stopped at Javier''s table.

    Javier didn''t look up, casually taking another bite of his food. "Hmm?"

    "Look at this one," the boy sneered, pointing at Javier. "His father is a count, yet he only has one personal maid. How pitiful."

    His group burst into exaggeratedughter.

    Javier set down his fork and leaned back in his chair, finally giving the boy his full attention. "Hmm? What do you want, ''Viscount'' son?" he said, a teasing grin on his face. "Did youe to get your ''ball'' kicked again?"

    The boy instantly turned pale, his hands flying to cover himself. "H-How dare you!" he stammered, his face flushed with embarrassment. "Just remember this¡ªI''m going to defeat and crush you on the battleground next week!"

    "Yeah, yeah, whatever..." Javier repliedzily, waving a hand dismissively as if the boy wasn''t worth his time.

    The Klimbert boy''s embarrassment turned into anger as he pointed at Liana. "Poor you... only one maid. Ahahaha! How pathetic!"

    Javier smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Hmm?" His eyes gleamed as he added, "But my ''maid'' is a beautiful elf. Not like the ones you have..." He gestured toward the Klimbert boy''s maids, who looked awkward but said nothing. "I''d rather have one Liana than ten of... whatever this is."

    The Klimbert boy''s face burned with embarrassment as his maids exchanged awkward nces, some stifling giggles at the insult. "Y-you¡­!!"

    Liana, standing quietly beside Javier, hid her amusement behind a polite smile, her eyes glinting slightly as she nced at the Klimbert boy. "Young Master," she said softly, "do finish your meal. You wouldn''t want to keep the ''viscount''s son'' waiting for his next embarrassment."

    Javier chuckled, grabbing another bite of food. "Ehehe, you''re right, Liana. Can''t let him get bored before the Battleground, can we?"

    The Klimbert boy, shaking with anger, turned and stormed off, his entourage following. "You''ll see, Javier! I''ll humiliate you in front of everyone next week!!"

    "Sure, sure. Try to protect your ''ball'' until then!" Javier called after him,ughing as the boy stomped away.

    Javier leaned back in his chair,zily watching the Klimbert boy leave with his group. After a moment, he turned to Liana with a curious expression.

    "Err... Liana?"

    "Yes, Young Master?" she replied, her tone calm andposed as she poured tea into his cup.

    "That Klimbert boy... umm... what''s his name again?" Javier asked, scratching the back of his head.

    Liana tilted her head slightly, thinking. "Umm... I don''t really remember, Young Master," she admitted, her voice soft but honest.

    Javier shrugged, waving it off casually. "Well, he''s not important anyway."

    Liana chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with quiet amusement. "Indeed, Young Master. Shall I bring you more tea?"

    "Ehehehe, sure, Liana," Javier grinned, grabbing another bite from his te.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 178 The Golden Feather ( 178 )

    As they walked out of the ssroom, Francesca clung to Javier''s arm, her bright smile never fading. Liana followed closely behind, her expression calm andposed, while Francesca''s personal maids trailed in perfect formation.

    Javier nced down at his mother, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Umm, Mother?"

    "Yes, honey bun?" Francesca replied sweetly, looking up at him.

    "You came here alone?" he asked, tilting his head.

    Francesca chuckled softly, gesturing behind her. "Hmm? I''m not alone. I have them with me," she said, pointing to her group of personal maids, each moving with quiet confidence.

    "No, I mean... you didn''te with Father?"

    Francesca''s smile turned yful as sheughed. "Oh? He''s been with us the whole time."

    Javier stopped in his tracks, blinking in confusion. "Huh? What do you mean?"

    Francesca leaned closer, lowering her voice to a yful whisper. "You''ll see soon enough, honey bun. Don''t worry too much about it."

    Javier''s eyes narrowed suspiciously, but before he could ask more questions, Francesca tugged him along, humming cheerfully as if she hadn''t just said something mysterious. Read new adventures at My Virtual Library Empire

    Liana, watching the exchange, stifled a smallugh behind her hand. "It seems Lady Francesca has a surprise nned, Young Master," she said softly.

    "Haaa... this day just keeps getting better," Javier muttered sarcastically, allowing himself to be pulled along as Francesca continued to lead the way.

    Meanwhile, in the courtyard, Garius stood calmly with his group of personal maids, Alf, and Errte. His strong presence was clear as he stood in front of Javier and Liana''s Pekkos, Buddy and Pikko.

    Garius ced his hands behind his back, a slight smirk on his lips. "Heh, look at them, Alf, Errte," he remarked, his eyes shining with amusement. "They''re smaller than Giddie."

    Errte smiled gently, her hands sped in front of her. "Indeed, my lord," she said softly, her tone light but respectful.@@novelbin@@

    Alf, standing next to Garius, allowed himself a rare smirk. "Yes, my lord. Clearly smaller than ours," he said, his deep voice hinting at humor.

    Garius tilted his head slightly, his smirk growing as he nced at Buddy. "Hmm... I wonder how my youngest son''s ''Muddy'' will react when he finally meets Giddie," he mused, amusement in his voice.

    Errte chuckled softly, covering her mouth with a hand. "I''m sure it will be... an interesting encounter, my lord," she replied, her calm demeanor unshaken.

    Alf shook his head with a faint smile. "Truly," he muttered, crossing his arms. "I''m curious to see how this Pekko will behave when it meets its superior."

    Buddy, standing next to Pikko, let out a long, unhappy squawk, clearly annoyed at being called "Muddy." His feathers ruffled in irritation, but when he spotted the golden feather tucked into Garius''s pocket, he froze.

    Seeing the feather seemed to take away Buddy''s bravado. He let out a quieter squawk before dramatically turning his head, refusing to meet Garius''s gaze.

    "Oh?" Garius chuckled, noticing Buddy''s reaction. "It seems Muddy knows exactly who''s at the top of the hierarchy."

    Buddy squawked again, a longer, more defeated sound this time, as ifining about the unfairness of it all.

    Errte tilted her head slightly, her smile widening a bit. "Even Pekkos recognize strength, it seems," she said lightly.

    "Indeed," Alf replied, his smirk returning. "It''s amusing to see even the young master''s Pekko submit so easily."

    Garius chuckled deeply, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "It''s only natural," he said, ncing at the academy building in the distance. "Muddy will have his day when he meets Giddie... if he doesn''t run away first."

    Garius reached into his pocket and lightly touched the golden feather, ncing at Buddy and Pikko with a knowing smirk. "If this feather wasn''t with me," he said, his voice calm but filled with amusement, "I''m sure these two would be running around like they always do back at the estate."

    Errte chuckled softly, her calm expression unchanged. "Indeed, my lord. They do love to cause chaos whenever they can," she said, her tone hinting at humor.

    Alf smirked, crossing his arms as his sharp eyes checked out the two Pekkos. "Chaos is an understatement. I''ve seen them drive even the most patient caretakers crazy."

    Buddy let out a low squawk, turning his head away as if pretending not to care. Pikko, on the other hand, pecked at the ground casually, as if she didn''t understand the conversation at all.

    "See?" Garius said with a chuckle, holding up the feather. "Even now, they''re pretending to behave, but the moment this isn''t around, they''ll be running off like wildlings."

    Errte''s lips twitched with amusement. "Maybe they''re just waiting for the chance, my lord."

    "Let''s hope they don''t find it while we''re here," Alf said dryly, but the faint smirk on his face showed he was amused.

    Garius nodded, his chuckle warm and deep. "True enough. But I have to admit, it''s funny to watch them try to act innocent."

    "Buddy!! Pikko!!"

    As soon as Buddy and Pikko heard Javier''s voice calling them, they let out excited squawks and turned their heads toward him. Without hesitation, they rushed toward him with energy, their sturdy legs kicking up dirt as they dashed across the courtyard.

    Crash!

    In their excitement, they ran straight through the well-kept flower garden, ttening blossoms and uprooting nts in their way. Their joypletely overshadowed the golden feather, which they''d clearly forgotten about.

    Garius sighed, rubbing his temple as he watched the chaos unfold. "See these two?" he said, pointing at the overenthusiastic Pekkos.

    Errte chuckled softly, her calm smile still in ce. "They seem very attached to the young master, my lord. It''s no surprise he insisted on bringing them to the capital."

    "Ah, that''s right," Alf said with a smirk, crossing his arms. "Javier didn''t want anyone else handling them back at the estate, did he?"

    "Exactly," Garius muttered, shaking his head. "That boy is as stubborn as theye. He couldn''t bear to leave them behind¡ªnot even for something as important as school."

    Errte tilted her head thoughtfully. "Well, it makes sense. They''ve only ever been cared for by the young master and Lady Liana. No wonder they''re so attached."

    "Haaa..." Garius let out another sigh, watching as Buddy and Pikko happily nudged Javier and Liana, squawking as ifining about being away too long. "I suppose they''re a perfect match for that boy''s antics," he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 179 Unity and Authority ( 179 )

    Francesca stood off to the side, her calm smile unchanged as she watched Buddy and Pikko squawk excitedly, nuzzling against Javier and Liana. The scene was chaotic but heartwarming, with Javierughing and scratching behind Buddy''s beak while Liana gently stroked Pikko''s feathers.

    "Haa..." Garius sighed deeply, turning to Alf with a resigned look. "Alf, help me deal with the chaos caused by those two big birds," he said, pointing to the flower garden that had been trampled in their enthusiastic rush.

    Alf smirked, ncing at the ttened flowers and uprooted nts. "Of course, my lord," he replied, his tone calm as always. "Though I doubt the gardeners will be happy."

    "They''ll manage," Garius muttered, rubbing his temple. "It''s not the first time, and it won''t be thest."

    Errte chuckled softly, stepping forward. "Shall I help as well, my lord?" she offered, her calm demeanor barely hiding her amusement.

    "No need," Garius said, waving his hand. "Alf can handle it. Besides, you might have to deal with more surprises if my wife has any other ns."

    Errte raised an eyebrow knowingly but said nothing, while Francesca continued to smile, clearly enjoying the lively scene in front of her.

    Javier eagerly climbed onto Buddy''s back, ready to run around the courtyard with his usual energy.

    "Alright, Buddy! Let''s go¡ª" he started, but his words caught in his throat when his eyes met his father''s sharp gaze.

    Garius stood there, arms crossed, watching his son with a raised eyebrow, as if to say, I dare you.

    Javier froze mid-motion, his usual confidence suddenly gone. Without a word, he slid down from Buddy''s back,nding softly on the ground. His shoulders slumped as he stood silently, scratching the back of his head and avoiding his father''s eyes.

    Liana, standing nearby, covered her mouth to stifle augh. "Young Master, what''s wrong?" she asked softly, though her tone was clearly amused.

    "Nothing..." Javier muttered, ncing at Buddy, who tilted his head in confusion.

    Garius smirked, his gaze steady. "Good decision, son," he said casually, his voice calm but authoritative.

    Javier sighed deeply, muttering under his breath, "This is why I hate being watched..."

    Javier''s gaze wandered to the line of carriages parked in the courtyard¡ªnine in total, each beautifully designed and bearing the Armand family crest. His sharp eyes spotted two familiar figures standing near one of the carriages, trying to blend into the background.

    "Marcellus? Cedric?" Javier muttered, narrowing his eyes as he recognized his two older brothers.

    Marcellus, usually confident andposed, stood stiffly, his posture unusually rigid. Cedric, who often seemed rxed, looked tense, his hands sped behind his back as if trying to make himself smaller.

    Both brothers nced nervously at Garius, their faces showing a mix of respect and fear.

    Javier''s lips curled into a mischievous grin as he muttered to himself, "Heh, so it''s not just me."

    Cedric caught Javier''s gaze and subtly shook his head, his expression pleading as if to say, Don''t make it worse for all of us.

    Marcellus, noticing the interaction, shot Javier a pointed look that clearly meant, Behave.

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    Javier let out a soft sigh, scratching the back of his head. "Even they''re scared of Father," he whispered to Liana, who stood quietly beside him.

    "Of course, Young Master," Liana replied softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Lord Gariusmands respect from everyone¡ªeven his own sons."

    "Yeah, yeah... But I bet I could get them to loosen up..." Javier muttered, a mischievous glint returning to his eyes as he began to plot.

    "Ehem!"

    The sound of Garius clearing his throat echoed through the courtyard, sharp andmanding.

    "Eek!!" Javier froze in ce, his mischievous grin instantly vanishing. His back straightened like a soldier at attention, and he didn''t dare move a muscle.

    Garius''s sharp gaze fell on him, his eyes glinting with quiet authority. No words were spoken, but the weight of that look was more than enough.

    "Umm..." Javier stammered, lowering his head slightly and scratching the back of his neck in a useless attempt to look innocent.

    Marcellus and Cedric, watching from the sidelines, visibly tensed. Both older brothers exchanged a nce, silently thanking their lucky stars that their father''s attention wasn''t on them.

    Liana, standing quietly beside Javier, kept herposure, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. "Young Master," she whispered softly, "maybe it''s best to... stay still for now."

    "Yeah, yeah..." Javier muttered under his breath, feeling the weight of his father''s gaze on him. "This is why I hate being watched," he grumbled silently, his earlier mischiefpletely gone.

    Garius''s smirk was subtle but clear as he turned his attention elsewhere, clearly satisfied that his son had been put in his ce¡ªat least for now.

    Inside the carriage, Javier sat with his two older brothers, Marcellus and Cedric, while Liana sat beside him as his personal maid. Across from them were Lithia, the dark elf maid attending Marcellus, and Meira, the catfolk maid attending Cedric. Both women were quietly poised, their sharp eyes focused on their charges.

    Javier broke the silence with a curious tilt of his head. "Aren''t you two supposed to be with the summoned heroes? Why are you here now?"

    Marcellus leaned back slightly, crossing his arms with a tired sigh. "Seriously, little brother? You do know how strict Father is, right?"

    Cedric nodded, sounding equally resigned. "Yeah, do you really think we can just ignore his request?" He gestured toward the windows of the carriage. "Look at the other carriages. Even our stepmothers can''t refuse when Father calls. The whole family is here, including our half-siblings."

    Javier nced out the window, noticing the other carriages following behind, each carrying a member of the Armand family. It was a clear sign of how powerful Garius''s authority was.

    "Haaa..." Javier sighed, leaning against the side of the carriage. "Yeah, I get it. Father doesn''t mess around when ites to family."

    Marcellus smirked slightly, his tone lightening. "Exactly. So, we''re all here, whether we like it or not."

    "And don''t forget," Cedric added, a grin spreading across his face, "if we hadn''t shown up, Father would probably drag us back himself."

    Javier chuckled softly, though he agreed. "That''s probably true. He really doesn''t give us much of a choice, huh?"

    Liana, sitting quietly beside him, nced at her young master with a faint smile. "It''s because he values the unity of the family, Young Master," she said softly.

    "Unity, huh?" Javier muttered, shaking his head with a small grin. "More like keeping everyone in line."

    Javier leaned against the window of the carriage, his eyes watching the scenery pass by. His focus shifted to Buddy, strutting alongside the carriage with a proud air. The Pekko moved almost smugly, his head held high as if he were leading the whole procession. Pikko followed closely behind, trotting gracefully beside Liana, who asionally nced at the bird with a soft smile.

    Javier''s gaze moved ahead to where his father''s and mother''s carriage was surrounded by a strong escort. At the front, General Hesbeirn rode on horseback, hismanding presence clear. On either side of the carriage were Mr. Alf and Mrs. Errte, their movements sharp and purposeful.

    What caught Javier''s attention most was the personal guard unit surrounding them. Their armor shone with a bluish-white sheen, clearly made of mithril, and their weapons reflected the same quality. These were no ordinary guards¡ªthis was definitely the elite unit of the Armand household, used only for the most important missions and events.

    "Hmph..." Javier muttered under his breath, his gaze lingering on the procession. "Father really went all out this time. Even General Hesbeirn and the elite guards..."

    Marcellus nced at him with a smirk. "Impressive, isn''t it? Father doesn''t do anything halfway, especially when it involves the family."@@novelbin@@

    "Yeah," Cedric added, his voice amused. "It''s like he''s sending a message to the whole kingdom just by showing up like this."

    Javier leaned back, shaking his head with a small grin. "Typical Father... always making a statement."

    Liana, seated beside him, noticed his expression and spoke softly. "Young Master, Lord Garius''s actions show how much he values all of you. Even this disy reminds everyone of the strength of the Armand family."

    "Strength, huh?" Javier muttered, ncing out the window again at Buddy, who was still walking proudly. "Well, at least Buddy seems to be enjoying himself."

    Liana chuckled lightly. "He''s reflecting his master''s confidence, perhaps?"

    "Ehehe... maybe," Javier replied, his grin widening.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 181 A Toast to Trouble ( 181 )

    Garius''s sharp gaze moved over the three brothers, his arms crossed as he made his decision. "You three will share one room."

    "Ehhhh!!?" the three of them yelped at the same time, their earlier confidence disappearing instantly.

    "But¡ª" Marcellus started, but he froze when his father''s piercing re fell on him. Even Cedric, the strongest Pdin in the kingdom, and Marcellus, the famous strongest mage, didn''t dare meet Garius''s eyes.

    Javier, younger but still defiant, opened his mouth to protest but quickly shut it when Garius''s gaze turned toward him.

    The three stood stiff as statues, their energy drained away, leaving them with no choice but to agree. "Yes, esteemed Father!" they said together, their voices filled with reluctant respect.

    "Good," Garius said simply, his tone calm but firm, leaving no room for argument.

    Beside him, Francesca chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Dear, you''re so good at keeping them in line," she said, resting her hand on his arm.

    "It''s the only way they''ll learn," Garius replied, a faint smirk on his face.

    The three brothers exchanged helpless nces, silently epting their fate. Behind them, Aelius, Athine, and Heres watched quietly, relieved they hadn''t been part of themotion.

    Francesca''s serene smile remained as she turned her attention to Liana, Meira, and Lithia, who stood quietly behind their masters. "And you three!" she said sweetly, though her tone had a yful authority. "Since your masters didn''t behave well, you''ll also share a room."

    Liana, alwaysposed, gave a small bow. "As you wish, Madam," she said calmly, her eyes glinting with quiet eptance.

    "Understood, Madam," Meira replied with a polite nod, her tail flicking slightly behind her.

    "Of course, Madam," Lithia, the dark elf, added, her voice smooth and respectful as she inclined her head.

    Francesca''s smile widened, clearly pleased with their prompt obedience. "Good. Maybe some time together will help all of you keep your young masters in check."

    Behind her, Marcellus, Cedric, and Javier exchanged nces, their expressions a mix of guilt and amusement as they watched their maids ept their shared punishment withoutint.

    "Haaa..." Javier sighed quietly, ncing at Liana. "Sorry about this..."

    Liana met his gaze with a faint, understanding smile. "It''s nothing, Young Master. I''m used to it."

    Marcellus and Cedric, meanwhile, avoided eye contact with their maids entirely, knowing better than to risk their quiet disapproval.

    "Well then," Francesca said cheerfully, turning back to Garius. "Shall we make sure everything is in order, dear?"

    "Yes," Garius replied with a nod, giving onest nce at his sons and their maids. "Let''s hope this lesson sticks."

    Francesca''s serene smile remained as she looked at her sons. "And don''t wander outside the mansion, okay?" she said sweetly, though her authority was clear.

    "Yes, Mother!" all three brothers replied in unison, standing up straight like scolded schoolboys.

    Just as Javier was about to rx, his sharp eyes spotted a figure approaching¡ªa beautiful woman with long white hair, glowing horns, and an undeniable air of power. It was Eridith, the White me, walking with her usual regal grace.

    "Aaaaaahhh!!" Javier suddenly pointed at her, his voice filled with shock and disbelief. "That lizard! Why is she here?!"

    Without hesitation, he stepped protectively in front of Liana. "Liana! Get back!"

    "Yes, Young Master," Liana replied softly, stepping behind him, but her calm demeanor remained steady.

    Before Javier could say anything more, a swift smacknded on the back of his head.

    "Eeeeppp!" Javier yelped, rubbing the sore spot as he turned to his mother. "Why, Mother!?"

    Francesca crossed her arms, her smile unchanged. "She''s Eridith, and she will soon be your stepmother.."

    "Ehhhh!!!???" Javier''s jaw nearly dropped. "Father is going to marry this... this lizard!?"

    Eridith''s frosty blue eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms, a smirk appearing on her lips. "What did you just say, kid?"

    Before Javier could respond, he froze as he watched his mother step forward and, without hesitation, grab one of Eridith''s horns.

    "Eeeeek!! Francesca!" Eridith squealed, herposed demeanor disappearing as she iled in protest. "Don''t pull my horn! Let go! It hurts!"

    Javier blinked in disbelief. The dragon woman, whom he had fought and thought was incredibly strong, was helplessly iling under his mother''s grip.

    "This lizard is strong... yet..." Javier muttered under his breath,pletely confused by the scene.

    "Eridith," Francesca said sweetly, still holding her grip on the horn, "you promised not to scare the children. What part of that promise do you not understand?"

    "I wasn''t scaring anyone!" Eridith protested, her voice rising as she squirmed. "You''re the one scaring me right now!"

    Marcellus and Cedric, who had been watching the scene unfold with barely concealed unease, exchanged a quick nce. Knowing it was safer to avoid drawing their mother''s attention, they casually turned away, pretending they hadn''t seen anything.

    "Oi, little brother," Marcellus said quietly, nudging Javier''s shoulder. "Let''s go."

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    "Fine..." Javier muttered, though his eyes were still on the spectacle of Francesca effortlessly pulling on Eridith''s horn while the dragon woman iled helplessly.

    The three brothers walked quickly down the hallway, their steps a bit faster than usual, eager to avoid any potential fallout from their mother''smanding presence. Behind them, Francesca''s voice carried faintly, her tone sweet but firm as she continued to lecture Eridith.

    "You promised to behave, Eridith. Now, do you understand what that means, or do I need to remind you again?"

    "Eek! No! I understand! Just let go of my horn!"

    Marcellus and Cedric exchanged another nce, their expressions unreadable but in sync with the same unspoken thought: Never get on Mother''s bad side.

    "You two are way too calm about this," Javier muttered as they walked.

    "Experience, little brother," Cedric replied with a hint of a smirk. "You''ll learn."

    "Or you''ll just get smacked more," Marcellus added with a chuckle, earning an annoyed re from Javier.

    Javier slowed down when he noticed Marcellus and Cedric sneaking into one of the side rooms, their movements too careful to be casual.

    "What are you guys doing?" Javier whispered, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.

    "Shhh!" Marcellus hissed, ncing over his shoulder to make sure no one was following them.

    "Huh?" Javier tilted his head in confusion.

    "Juste in," Cedric urged quietly, motioning for him to follow.

    "What?"

    "Just follow us, little brother," Marcellus said, his grin widening as he slipped through the door.

    Curious, Javier cautiously stepped inside but stopped in his tracks when he realized where they were.

    "A wine cer?" he whispered, his amber eyes lighting up as he saw the rows of neatly arranged bottles lining the walls. "Wow..." His grin turned mischievous. "Ehehehehe."@@novelbin@@

    "Impressive, isn''t it?" Cedric said with a smirk, pointing at the collection. "This is one of Father''s private stashes. We found itst time we were here."

    "And now," Marcellus added, picking up a bottle and examining it closely, "we get to enjoy the perks of being part of the Armand family."

    Javier''s grin widened as he walked further into the room, running his fingers along the shelves. "Father doesn''t know you''re doing this, does he?"

    "Of course not," Cedric said, grabbing a bottle of his own. "Do you think we''d get away with it if he did?"

    "Haaa... Typical you two," Javier muttered, though he couldn''t hide his excitement. "So, what''s the n?"

    "Simple," Marcellus said, popping the cork on his chosen bottle. "We have a drink before Mother or Father notices we''re missing."

    "And if they find out?" Javier asked, raising an eyebrow.

    "Then you''ll take the me for following us," Cedric teased, clinking his bottle against Marcellus''s.

    "Hey! That''s not fair!" Javier protested, but his grin showed he was enjoying the moment.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 182 Caught in the Act ( 182 )

    Javier scanned the shelves with excitement gleaming in his eyes before grabbing a bottle with an ornatebel. "Well... I''m taking this one," he announced with a smirk.

    Marcellus leaned over, his brow furrowing. "Oi! A little kid like you doesn''t get to hog all the good wine. Go drink juice or something."

    Javier turned to him with an exaggerated look of offense. "Huh? Who wants to drink something for kids? I''m drinking this one!"

    "You''re eleven!" Cedric chimed in, smirking as he reached for the bottle in Javier''s hands. "Give it here. That''s for adults."

    "Toote!" Javier dered, dodging Cedric''s hand and clutching the bottle tightly. "This one''s mine now!"

    "Kid, you don''t even know how to pick good wine," Marcellus teased, leaning back with a chuckle. "What are you going to do? Pretend you''re a wine expert?"

    "Ehehe..." Javier grinned slyly, holding the bottle close. "Maybe I don''t know wine, but if it''s from Father''s private stash, it''s gotta be good, right?"

    Cedric sighed, rubbing his temple. "This kid is going to be trouble."

    "He''s already trouble," Marcellus added, shaking his head, though his amused grin showed he wasn''t about to stop the fun. "Fine, kid, but if you get caught, we''re saying it was your idea."

    "Pfft, like you two aren''t the real masterminds," Javier muttered, uncorking the bottle with a triumphant smile. "Now, let''s see what this is all about."

    Javier grabbed a ss and poured the wine with a flourish, his grin growing wider as he admired the deep crimson liquid. He lifted the ss to his lips and took a slow sip, savoring the taste.

    "Fwah!!" he eximed, his eyes lighting up. "This would go so well with grilled meat! Ehehehe!"

    Marcellus and Cedric exchanged nces, shaking their heads with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

    "He''s acting like he''s a gourmet now," Cedric muttered, taking a sip from his own ss.

    "Let him have his moment," Marcellus replied with a chuckle. "At least he''s appreciating it properly."

    Just as Javier was about to pour himself another ss, a familiar voice called faintly from outside the room.

    "Young Master? Where are you?"

    Javier froze mid-pour, his grin faltering. "Uh-oh..."

    "Is that Liana?" Cedric asked, ncing toward the door.

    "Sounds like it," Marcellus said, smirking as he leaned casually against the wine rack. "What are you going to do now, little brother?"

    Javier quickly capped the bottle and looked for a hiding spot. "She''s going to scold me if she finds me here! Ehehe, you two cover for me!"

    "Oh no, you''re on your own," Cedric said, stepping aside with augh. "This is your mess."

    "Traitors!" Javier whispered harshly, clinging to the bottle as he tried to think of a n.

    "Youuunnnggg Maaasssterrr..." Liana''s voice had a warning tone as it echoed closer.

    "Crap! She''sing in!" Javier whispered in panic, ncing at Marcellus and Cedric, who were both grinning smugly, clearly enjoying his situation.

    "I know you''re inside with Master Cedric and Master Marcellus," Liana called out, her tone calm but firm. "Come out now."

    "Tch!" Javier clicked his tongue in frustration.

    Marcellus leaned closer, smirking. "Caught already, little brother? You''re losing your edge."

    "Shut up!" Javier hissed, his eyes darting toward the door.

    Cedric chuckled, folding his arms as he leaned casually against the wall. "You might want to face her before she drags you out herself. You know she will."

    "Yeah, yeah..." Javier muttered under his breath, straightening up and trying to look innocent.

    The door creaked open, and Liana stepped inside, her eyes scanning the room. She paused for a moment, taking in the sight of Javier standing sheepishly near the table with Marcellus and Cedric lounging nearby.

    "Young Master," Liana began, her voice calm but with a hint of exasperation. "You''re supposed to be in your room, not hiding in a wine cer."

    "I wasn''t hiding!" Javier protested, crossing his arms defensively. "I was just... exploring."

    "Exploring the wine selection?" Liana raised an eyebrow, a faint smile betraying her amusement. "Shall I tell Lady Francesca about your findings?"

    "No! No need for that!" Javier said quickly, waving his hands. "I was just about to leave!"

    "Good," Liana said, gesturing toward the door. "Now,e along before you get in more trouble."

    Marcellus and Cedric chuckled as Javier reluctantly followed Liana, muttering under his breath about how unfair it all was. "Traitors..." he whispered, shooting a re at his brothers, who only waved at him with smug grins.

    "Ehehe!" Javier grinned mischievously, clutching the wine bottle tightly as he followed Liana. "At least I got good wine for tonight!"

    Liana nced over her shoulder, her eyes narrowing slightly as she saw her young master proudly carrying therge bottle of wine. "Really, Young Master?" she said with a soft sigh. "Acting like an adult now, are we?"

    "I am an adult!" Javier retorted, puffing out his chest.

    Liana raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Yes, yes... an ''adult'' at eleven years old."

    "Hey!" Javier frowned, pointing the bottle at her in mock indignation. "In two more months, I''ll be twelve!"

    "Oh, my apologies," Liana replied yfully, bowing slightly. "How could I forget, Young Master? Such a monumental age indeed."

    "Exactly!" Javier said with a triumphant grin. "Twelve is practically adulthood."

    "Yes, yes..." Liana said softly, shaking her head with a warm smile as they walked back to their room. "Though I doubt Lady Francesca would agree with you."

    "Mother doesn''t have to know," Javier muttered, holding the bottle protectively. "This is between us, Liana. You''ll cover for me, right?"

    "Haaa..." Liana sighed, her faint smile never fading. "We''ll see, Young Master."

    "We''re going to be drinking tonight, Liana!" Javier dered, his mischievous grin growing wider as he held up the wine bottle like a trophy.

    Liana, walking calmly beside him, raised an eyebrow. "Hmm? Did you forget? You''ll be sleeping with Master Marcellus and Master Cedric tonight."

    Javier''s grin vanished instantly. "Ugh!" he groaned, slumping his shoulders. "I can''t sleep without you next to me, and you know that!"

    Liana sighed softly, shaking her head. "Haaa... fine. I''ll see what I can do, Young Master."

    Javier''s smirk returned as he leaned closer, lowering his voice yfully. "Just sneak into my bed tonight, okay? Ehehehe."

    "Young Master..." Liana gave him a pointed look, but the faint blush on her cheeks didn''t escape his notice. "You really shouldn''t say things like that so casually."

    "What? It''s true," Javier said with a cheeky grin. "I sleep better when you''re there."

    Liana sighed again, though her soft smile showed she was amused. "Very well, Young Master. I''ll see what I can do... but no promises."

    "Ehehe, I''ll take that as a yes," Javier said confidently as they continued toward their room.

    "Liana?" Javier called, his voice yful as they walked side by side.

    "Yes, Young Master?" Liana replied, her tone calm andposed, already expecting his next move.

    "Chuuu!" Javier grinned mischievously, puckering his lips and leaning slightly toward her.

    Liana sighed softly, her eyes shining with a mix of amusement and resignation. "Haaa..." she murmured, leaning closer to give him a quick, soft kiss on the lips.

    Javier''s grin widened, his eyes sparkling with delight. "Ehehe, I knew you couldn''t resist, Liana."

    "It''s because you never give up until you get what you want, Young Master," Liana said gently as she straightened up, a faint blush on her cheeks.

    "Of course not," Javier said with a cheeky smirk. "That''s why you love me."

    Liana shook her head lightly, her soft smile staying in ce. "Yes, yes, Young Master. Now let''s get moving before someone catches us."

    "Ehehe, fine," Javier said, still grinning as they continued on their way.

    Later that night, the grand dining room was filled with the warm glow of the light and the soft sound of cutlery clinking. Garius sat at the head of the table, with his wives¡ªLady Phenelopie and Lady Garcinia on his left, and Lady Francesca with Eridith on his right.

    As Garius looked around the room, his sharp eyes narrowed slightly. "Hmm? Where are the kids?" he asked, his voice calm but firm.

    Francesca chuckled softly, taking a sip of her wine. "Marcellus and Cedric?" she began, a yful glint in her eyes. "They were found by their maids, already lying on the floor,pletely drunk from your wine cer collection."

    "Haaa..." Garius let out a long, exasperated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Those two... they''ll never change."

    "At least they didn''t break anything this time," Phenelopie added with a soft smile, resting a hand on her growing belly. Read exclusive chapters at My Virtual Library Empire

    "And where is Javier?" Garius asked, looking at Errte, who stood nearby with her usual calm demeanor.

    "Young Master Javier is taking a shower right now," Errte replied smoothly. "Liana is waiting for him in their room."@@novelbin@@

    "Haaa... at least one of them is behaving," Garius muttered, leaning back in his chair.

    His gaze then turned to Aelius, Athine, and Heres, who were sitting quietly at the far end of the table, their postures perfectly straight. "Behave," Garius said simply, his eyes locking onto each of them.

    "Yes, esteemed Father," they replied in unison, their voices steady as they nodded respectfully.

    The tension eased slightly as the conversation shifted. Garcinia, seated to Garius''s left, chuckled softly. "You know, dear, at least this gathering keeps everyone under one roof for a change."

    "That''s true," Francesca added, smiling warmly at Garius. "Even if it takes your authority to make it happen."

    "Well, it''s not over yet," Phenelopie said with a knowing smile, her tone light as she nced toward the door, as if expecting more antics before the night was through.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 183 Dreams and Realities ( 183 )

    "Hyaaarhh! The bath was good! Ehehehe!" Javier eximed cheerfully as he walked toward the dining room, his damp hair still slightly messy. Liana followed closely behind.

    However, the moment Javier stepped into the dining room, his eyes locked onto Garius''s serious, piercing gaze.

    "Eeep!" Javier froze, stiffening as if he''d just been caught doing something wrong.

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    "Good Evening, esteemed Father," he said quickly, bowing politely and trying to salvage the situation.

    Garius''s expression didn''t change as he gestured toward the table. "Take a seat and behave."

    "Yes, esteemed Father!" Javier replied, his voice cracking slightly before muttering under his breath, "Haaa... why is he so serious all the time?"

    "Hmm?" Garius raised an eyebrow, his sharp ears catching the mumble.

    "Eeek! Nothing!" Javier blurted, quickly hurrying to the end of the table, where Liana was already setting up his te.

    As he sat down, Liana ced a tter in front of him, filled with various cuts of perfectly cooked meat. Javier''s eyes sparkled at the sight, his earlier nerves forgotten. "Ahhh, meat! Ehehehe!" he muttered happily, digging in with excitement.

    Garius watched silently for a moment, his stern gaze lingering before he turned back to the rest of the family. Francesca chuckled softly, shaking her head as she sipped her wine. "He''s always so full of energy," she remarked warmly.

    "Too much sometimes," Garius muttered, though a faint flicker of amusement appeared in his eyes as he resumed his meal.

    As Javier eagerly ate, Garius''s voice cut through the lively atmosphere. "And Javier!"

    Javier froze mid-bite, his eyes snapping up to meet his father''s serious gaze. "Yes, esteemed Father!?" he replied, sitting up straighter, eager to please.

    "Try not to cause too much trouble during the battleground event tomorrow," Garius said firmly.

    "Err... umm..." Javier fidgeted in his seat, ncing around as if looking for an escape. "I''ll try..." he mumbled reluctantly.

    "Good," Garius replied, his gaze unyielding. "And try not to lose early on."@@novelbin@@

    Javier straightened again, his confidence returning. "That will be done, my esteemed Father!"

    Satisfied, Garius turned to Liana, who stood quietly by Javier''s side. "And Liana."

    "Yes, my lord?" Liana responded, bowing politely, her eyes calm.

    "Try to win the escort bracket," Garius said, his tone neutral butmanding.

    Liana nodded gracefully. "I cannot promise victory, my lord, but I will try my best," she replied sincerely.

    Garius nodded, his expression unreadable, though a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. Inside, he thought, Hmph... I can''t wait to see her win and face the previous year''s champion. This will be entertaining.

    As the conversation ended, Javier leaned toward Liana and whispered, "You''re totally going to win, right?"

    "Young Master," Liana said softly, her lips curving into a faint smile, "please focus on your own matches instead of mine."

    "Ehehe, we''ll see," Javier said with a grin before going back to his meal with excitement.

    Francesca nced at Garius from the corner of her eye, a knowing smile on her lips as she noticed the change in his mood. Leaning closer, she lightly rested her hand on his arm and whispered softly so only he could hear, "So... she''s not here?"

    Her tone was yful, but her expression showed curiosity about someone important who was missing.

    Garius''s smirk deepened, though he didn''t look directly at her. Instead, he casually took a sip of his wine, his eyes shining with amusement.

    "Not yet," he murmured quietly, his voice low and mysterious.

    Francesca chuckled softly, pulling back to focus on her te. She didn''t ask more, clearly happy to leave the mystery unsolved, at least for now.

    Later that night, after dinner, Javiery in his bed, feeling restless. The muffled snores of his brothers, Marcellus and Cedric, filled the room, adding to his difort.

    With a sigh, Javier quietly slipped out of bed, careful not to wake them. Tiptoeing to the door, he opened it slowly and stepped into the dimly lit hallway, heading toward Liana''s room.

    When he reached the door, he eased it open and peeked inside. The soft moonlighting through the window showed Liana, Meira, and Lithia sleeping peacefully in their own beds.

    From the doorway, Javier whispered, "Liana."

    No response. He frowned and tried again, a bit louder this time. "Liana."

    Still nothing.

    "Haa... if an assassin came, you''d all be dead already," Javier muttered under his breath, shaking his head.

    Taking a deep breath, he whispered once more. "Lianaaaa..."

    Liana stirred a little but didn''t wake.

    "Ugh, fine," Javier muttered, slipping inside the room and sneaking over to Liana''s bed. Without hesitation, he climbed onto the bed and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a gentle hug.

    Liana stirred again, waking slowly as she felt someone holding her. Her eyes opened, and she blinked in surprise before realizing who it was.

    "Young Master..." she whispered, her voice soft but a bit scolding. "What are you doing?"

    "You promised toe to my bedter!" Javier replied quietly, sounding a bit using.

    Liana blinked, then sighed softly. "I forgot... sorry, Young Master."

    "Never mind," Javier said with a grin, snuggling closer to her. "Ehehehe."

    Liana''s gentle smile returned as she adjusted her position, pulling Javier''s head against her chest. She began humming a soft luby, her fingers brushing lightly through his hair.

    "Liana?" Javier mumbled sleepily, his voice muffled.

    "Yes, Young Master?"

    "Kiss?" he asked, his tone innocent yet hopeful.

    Liana paused for a moment before leaning down, cing a gentle kiss on his lips. When she pulled back, she smiled softly. "There... happy?"

    "Very," Javier murmured, his eyes closing as he drifted off,forted by her presence.

    Liana watched him for a moment, her expression tender. "Good night, Young Master," she whispered, continuing to hum as he fell into a peaceful sleep.

    Liana held Javier close, her arms wrapped around him as she rested her chin lightly on his head. The warmth of his presence and the steady rhythm of his breathing made her feel calm. She realized that Javier couldn''t sleep soundly unless she was by his side.

    "Young Master..." she whispered softly, her eyes warm. "I love you."

    Javier stirred a bit, a small smile spreading across his face as he mumbled, "I love you too, Liana... ehehe... my future bride."

    Before Liana could respond, Javier leaned up and brushed his lips against hers in a soft, loving kiss. She hesitated for just a moment before returning it, her cheeks slightly flushed but her heart steady.

    As the kiss ended, Liana ced a hand on his cheek, her smile gentle. "There... now sleep, Young Master," she said softly. "Tomorrow, you''ll need all the energy you can for the battleground event."

    "Okay," Javier murmured, his voice already heavy with sleep. He nestled closer to her, resting his head against her chest as his breathing slowed.

    Liana continued to hold him, a quiet smile on her lips as she hummed softly, watching over him as he drifted into peaceful sleep. "Good night, Young Master," she whispered, her heart full of affection for the boy she cared for so much.

    Slowly, Liana''s eyelids grew heavy as she held Javier close, thefort of his presence and the peaceful night lulling her to sleep. But soon, she found herself in a strange, unfamiliar ce.

    "Hmm? Where am I?" Liana muttered, looking around. The surroundings were blurry, a hazy mix of colors and light that felt both dreamlike and strangely vivid.

    "My love..." a deep, gentle voice called out, sending a shiver down her spine. "What are you thinking?"

    Liana turned quickly, her eyes widening in surprise. Standing before her was a tall man, his features hidden in mystery. His voice was rich and soothing, with an intimate tone, but she couldn''t recognize him.

    "Huh?" Liana gasped, taking a step back. "Who is he?" she thought, her heart racing.

    She opened her mouth to speak, to ask him questions, but to her shock, the words that came out weren''t her own.

    "Nothing much, dear..." Liana heard herself say, her tone soft and affectionate.

    Her mind whirled with confusion. "Why am I saying that? Who is this man?" she thought, feeling trapped in the dream as it continued.

    The man stepped closer, his presence calm andmanding. "You''ve been quiet, my love. Is something bothering you?" he asked, his voice full of genuine care.

    Liana wanted to speak, to ask everything, but the dream held her captive, her lips curving into a soft smile she didn''t mean to give. "It''s nothing... truly," she heard herself say again, her voice not really her own.

    As the tall man leaned closer, his warm, mysterious gaze locked onto Liana''s, she felt her heart race uncontrobly. She didn''t understand why¡ªdespite her confusion and the rm ringing in her mind¡ªshe found herself tilting her head slightly, her lips parting as if drawn by an invisible force.

    "What... why am I doing this?" she thought, panic rising. But no matter how hard she tried, her body wouldn''t let her move away.

    The man''s face was just a breath away, their lips about to touch¡ª

    Suddenly, Liana''s eyes snapped open, her body jolting upright as she woke from the strange dream.

    "Haa..." she gasped softly, her hand clutching her chest as she tried to steady her racing heart.

    The room was quiet, the soft moonlight filtering through the window casting a calm glow. Javier was still peacefully asleep, nestled against her and unaware of her momentary distress.

    "What was that...?" Liana whispered to herself, her eyes wide with lingering confusion. The dream felt too vivid, too real, leaving her with emotions she couldn''t fully understand.

    But as she looked down at Javier''s sleeping face, his soft breaths steady and calm, she felt her heart ease. Gently, she brushed her fingers through his hair, shaking off the lingering unease from the dream. "Just a dream."

    "Why am I dreaming of the same person twice?" she wondered, her heart aching with guilt and unease. She clenched her fists, her emotions swirling like a storm.

    Liana sat still, her thoughts chaotic as the memory of the dream lingered, vivid and unsettling. She clenched her fists again, her gaze falling on Javier, who was peacefully asleep beside her.

    "No..." she whispered fiercely, her voice trembling. "I don''t want that. I only want Young Master."

    Her eyes softened as she looked at him, his innocent expression soothing the storm inside her. She leaned closer, her lips brushing against his forehead¡ªbut the memory of the dream refused to leave.

    A thought struck her, one she couldn''t ignore. If she could rece that unsettling feeling with something real, something that was hers, maybe the unease would fade.

    Without hesitation, Liana leaned down further, her lips brushing gently against Javier''s. She lingered there, letting the kiss anchor her back to the present, her heart steadying with each moment.

    Javier stirred slightly but didn''t wake, a small smile forming on his lips even in his sleep.

    "There..." Liana whispered, her cheeks flushed as she pulled back. "This is real... and it''s all I need."

    She settled back into bed, holding him close and letting the warmth of the moment wash away the remnants of the dream. As her eyes closed once more, her resolve solidified.

    "You''re the only one I love, Young Master. No dream will ever change that," she murmured, her voice barely audible as she drifted back to sleep.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 184 Battlegrounds of Fate ( 184 )

    The loud cheers of the crowd filled the huge stadium, their excitement filling the air as nobles from across the kingdom gathered to watch the prestigious Battleground Event. Banners with different house crests waved proudly in the stands, each representing the studentspeting in this long-standing tradition.

    "Go ss A!!" shouted a group of spectators, their voices booming over the crowd.

    "ss B will win this event!!" another group replied, their enthusiasm just as strong.

    The arena was a grand sight¡ªa wide, open field surrounded by tall stands, with magical barriers shimmering faintly to protect the audience from stray spells or weapon strikes.

    In the center of the arena stood the event''s announcer, a lively man dressed in royal robes, his voice magically amplified to reach every corner of the stadium.

    "Ladies and gentlemen!" he boomed, his voice echoing above the cheers. "Wee to the Battleground Event! The most honorablepetition for our young nobles before they reach their Blessing Ceremony!"

    The crowd erupted in cheers, the atmosphere charged with excitement.

    "This year," the announcer continued, gesturing grandly, "we have an exciting lineup of students, each ready to showcase their skills in magic, physical strength, and tactical brilliance! Who will rise above and im the honor of victory?"

    In the stands, nobles of all ranks watched eagerly. The King himself sat in the royal box, nked by Princess Kliatana and several high-ranking officials. The royal guards stood at attention, reminding everyone of the event''s importance.

    Meanwhile, the students from all six sses gathered near the edge of the arena, their excitement and nerves clear. Javier stood at the back, arms crossed casually, looking unimpressed by the grandeur around him.

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    The announcer stepped forward, his voice booming as the crowd''s cheers began to settle. "Now, it''s time for the bracket assignments!"

    A wave of murmurs rippled through the audience as the students and their escorts leaned forward in anticipation. The tension in the air was thick as everyone awaited the first matchup.

    "Which ss will take the honor of battling first?" the announcer asked dramatically, his tone filled with suspense.

    He gestured toward the royal box, his demeanor shifting to one of utmost respect. "Let us invite our esteemed King to observe the proceedings," he said, bowing deeply.

    The crowd erupted into apuse as the King stood, his regal presencemanding the arena. With a nod, he signaled for the event to proceed.

    The announcer turned back to the crowd, raising his hand dramatically. "And now... let us reveal the first battle!"

    Arge, enchanted wheel appeared in the center of the arena, glowing with magical energy. Each section of the wheel disyed the names of the six sses¡ªA through F. With a wave of the announcer''s hand, the wheel began to spin rapidly, its light dazzling the spectators.

    "Which ss will take the stage first?" the announcer bellowed. "Let the wheel decide!"

    The wheel slowed, its glowing pointer ticking past each ss name until it finally stopped.

    "CLASS A!!!" the announcer shouted, his voice bursting with excitement.

    Cheers erupted from the ss A students and their supporters, their confidence clear.

    "And who will be their opponent...?" The announcer raised his hands, and the wheel spun again.@@novelbin@@

    This time, the suspense in the arena was almost unbearable. The wheel slowed once more, ticking past ss B, ss C... and then stopped.

    "VERSUSSSSSSS..." The announcer drew out the word dramatically, pausing just enough to keep everyone on edge. "OH NO!!! CLASS F!!!"

    The crowd collectively gasped, the dramatic contrast between the top-ranked ss A and thest-ranked ss F setting the stage for an unexpected battle.

    The announcer''s voice echoed through the stadium, magically amplified, as the crowd leaned in with eager anticipation.

    "Let the first representative from ss A step forward and begin the battle with ss F!"

    Cheers erupted from the left side of the arena as the announcer raised his hand. "From the left corner, representing ss A! The strongest among all in ss A, hailing from the prestigious Marquis Jzt household¡ªFenzi Gin Jzt!!"

    Fenzi stepped forward confidently, his elegant robes adorned with his household''s crest. He carried himself with ease, the cheers from his ssmates boosting his ego.

    The announcer then turned to the opposite side. "And in the right corner! Representing ss F! From the humble household of Lower Baron Teruin¡ªMelozin Von Teruin!!"

    A few polite ps rose from the crowd as Melozin entered the arena. He looked nervous, clutching his wand tightly, his simple attire a stark contrast to Fenzi''s polished appearance.

    "Let the battle begin!" the announcer dered, stepping back as magical barriers activated, shimmering around the twobatants to ensure safety for the spectators.

    Fenzi wasted no time. With a smug grin, he began chanting, his voice echoing across the arena as fire mana swirled around him. "Oh, mes of the eternal inferno, heed my call and scorch all who stand before me!"

    A massive fireball formed above Fenzi''s outstretched hand, glowing with intense heat.

    Melozin froze, his eyes widening in panic. He fumbled with his wand, trying to cast a spell, but the fireball was already hurtling toward him.

    "BOOM!" The fireball struck with a loud explosion, the force knocking Melozin off his feet and sending him sprawling across the arena floor. The protective barrier absorbed the excess mes, shielding the crowd from the heat.

    The referee stepped forward, raising a hand. "ss F''s representative is unable to continue! The victory goes to ss A''s Fenzi Gin Jzt!"

    The crowd erupted into cheers and apuse as Fenzi raised his arms triumphantly, basking in the praise. Meanwhile, Melozin was carried off the field by medics, his ssmates watching in silent resignation.

    "This is boring," Javier muttered, stretchingzily before leaning back. He nced at Liana with a mischievous grin. "Wake me up when it''s my turn."

    Before Liana could respond, Javier shifted positions and casuallyy down on herp, using her as a makeshift pillow.

    "Young Master..." Liana sighed softly, her tone a mix of exasperation and amusement.

    "What? You''re the best pillow," Javier said with a smirk, closing his eyes and settling infortably.

    Liana shook her head lightly, but a faint smile crossed her lips as she gently brushed her fingers through his hair. "Very well, Young Master. I''ll wake you when it''s time."

    "Ehehe... thanks, Liana," Javier mumbled sleepily, already halfway to napping as the next battle was called in the arena. The noise of the crowd faded into the background, leaving only the peaceful moment between him and his ever-patient maid.

    The ss F instructor stood near the edge of the arena, nervously biting his fingernails as he watched the current match unfold. Out of his thirty students, twenty-eight had already been defeated, leaving only one struggling desperately in the arena.

    "Please... win!" he whispered to himself, his hands trembling as he watched the student dodge another barrage of spells.

    But deep down, his hope was fading. He nced back at the "delinquent noble," Javier, who was sleeping peacefully in his maid''sp,pletely unbothered by the chaos around him.

    "This kid..." the instructor muttered under his breath, shaking his head. "All he does is sleep, eat, and y with that oversized bird of his. There''s no way he can help turn this around."

    In the arena, the ss F representative was barely holding on, sweat dripping from their brow as they dodged spell after spell. Their opponent from ss A smirked arrogantly, their tone filled with disdain.

    "Hah! Weakling!" the ss A student sneered, pointing at the struggling representative with one finger. "Is that all you can do? Dodge like a coward? Your magic is pathetic!" He pinched his fingers together, mocking their power. "This small¡ªnothingpared to me!"

    The crowd roared withughter, some jeering at the struggling student, while others apuded ss A''s clear dominance.

    Back on the sidelines, Liana paid no attention to the arena or the crowd. Her focus remained solely on Javier, her fingers gently running through his hair as he rested on herp. Her calm demeanor never wavered, as if the chaos around them didn''t exist.

    Thest remaining ss F student gritted their teeth, narrowly dodging another wave of spells. The strain was clear on their face, but they refused to give up just yet. Raising their staff, they began chanting a long spell, their voice shaking but determined.

    "Oh, great earth, heed my call! Gather your strength and strike down my foe with your mighty fist!"

    Mana surged around them, the ground trembling slightly as a massive earthen fist began to rise.

    "Hahahaha!" The ss A studentughed mockingly, his voice full of arrogance. "Too slow, ss Failure!"

    He began his own chant, his movements fluid and confident. "Piercing shards of frost, rain down upon my enemies! Ice Bullet!"

    A flurry of sharp, glowing ice bullets shot forward, slicing through the air with deadly precision. Before the ss F student could finish their spell, the ice bullets struck, sending them sprawling onto the ground with a cry of pain. The unfinished earth spell fizzled out, crumbling uselessly as the studenty motionless.

    The referee stepped forward, raising his hand. "ss F''s representative is unable to continue! The victory goes to ss A!"

    The stadium erupted into cheers for ss A, the triumphant student raising their arms to soak in the apuse. Meanwhile, the ss F instructor slumped in despair, his shoulders sagging as he muttered under his breath. "No... no... not again..."

    He stared at the arena, disappointment etched deeply into his face. "That was ourst hope," he whispered, his voice heavy with resignation.

    He nced once more at Javier, still peacefully asleep in Liana''sp, and let out a frustrated sigh. "What''s the use? He doesn''t care... there''s no way he''ll do anything."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 185 Unconventional Tactics ( 185 )

    The announcer''s voice boomed across the stadium, trying to reignite the crowd''s enthusiasm. "Now, the next battle! Does ss F even have a chance left?"

    Excitement and doubt buzzed among the spectators as the announcer raised his arm dramatically. "Herees the representative from ss A! From the prestigious Marquis Harn household..."

    The ss A student, dressed in finely embroidered robes, stepped forward with a confident smirk, waving to the crowd as cheers erupted.

    The announcer turned toward the other side. "And where is the representative from ss F?"

    Back at the ss F bench, Liana gently shook Javier''s shoulder. "Young Master, wake up. It''s your turn."

    "Hmm?" Javier mumbled, still half-asleep. "Let me sleep a little more..."

    "Young Master..." Liana''s tone became more insistent, though still soft.

    "Ugh!! Fine..." Javier groaned, sitting up reluctantly. "Haaa... I wanted to sleep more." He stretchedzily, letting out a loud yawn, before dragging himself toward the arena with sluggish steps.

    "From the right corner!" the announcer bellowed as the crowd turned to watch Javier shuffle onto the battlefield. "Representing ss F! From the renowned Armand household... Javier De Armand!"

    A few murmurs spread through the audience, but most of the ss A supporters snickered at the sight of the boy who looked like he had just rolled out of bed.

    Javier finally reached the center of the arena and plopped down into azy squat, resting his elbows on his knees and yawning again,pletely ignoring the audience.@@novelbin@@

    "You both ready?" the referee asked, looking between the twobatants.

    "I''m going to make you pay for what you did to mest time!" the Marquis Harn son growled, ring at Javier.

    Javier didn''t even nce at him, his attention seemingly on a scuff on his shoe.

    "Begin the battle!"

    The ss A student wasted no time, raising his hands dramatically as he began chanting, his mana swirling around him. "Oh, great mes of destruction! Burn my enemy to ashes! Massive Fireball!"

    The crowd roared in approval as a huge fireball began forming in the air above the ss A student.

    Meanwhile, Javier remained squatted, scratching his kneezily. He then picked up his shoe, examined it, and casually tossed it.

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    The crowd gasped as the shoe flew through the air¡ªstraight and true¡ªbeforending with a loud whack against the student''s face.

    The fireball fizzled out instantly as the ss A student stumbled backward, clutching his nose and falling t on his back, unconscious.

    The stadium fell silent, the absurdity of what just happened taking a moment to sink in.

    "...ss A''s representative is unable to continue! The victory goes to ss F''s Javier De Armand!" the referee dered, his voice filled with disbelief.

    The crowd erupted into chaos¡ªhalf cheering, halfughing, and some outright stunned by the unexpected result.

    Javierzily walked to retrieve his shoes, squatting in front of Marquis Harn''s son, who nowy unconscious in the arena. Without saying anything, he picked up his shoes and walked out of the arena in a sluggish manner.

    Javier stood up, dusting off his hands casually. "Haaa... can I go back to sleep now?" he muttered, walking off the arena without sparing a nce at his defeated opponent.

    Javier strolled back to the ss F bench, yawning loudly and rubbing his eyes. "Liana... I want to sleep more," he mumbled, hardly noticing the shocked whispers and stares around him.

    "Here, Young Master," Liana said softly, patting herp with a serene smile. Javier plopped down without hesitation, resting his headfortably as she began brushing her fingers gently through his hair.

    Within moments, he was dozing again, a content smile on his face.

    Meanwhile, the other students of ss F sat frozen, their jaws nearly dropping to the floor.

    "Did he just...?" one student muttered, still staring at the arena.

    "He defeated a ss A student..." another whispered.

    "*...With a shoe!?"

    The murmurs spread through the group, disbelief clear on every face. The so-called "delinquent noble," who seemed to do nothing but sleep, eat, and y with his Pekko, had just defeated one of the strongest ss A students in seconds¡ªand in the most ridiculous way possible.

    "Who... who even does that?" one student finally blurted, throwing their hands up in frustration.

    The ss F instructor, who had been biting his nails earlier, slumped back in his chair, his face mixing relief and shock. "I... I don''t even know what to say anymore..." he mumbled, staring at Javier, who was now peacefully asleep on Liana''sp,pletely unaware of the chaos he had caused.

    In the viewing stands, Garius sat calmly, surrounded by all his wives, Eridith, and a group of personal maids, guards, and other staff. The arena buzzed with noise from the astonished crowd, but Garius''s sharp eyes stayed fixed on his youngest son as Javier casually returned to his bench andy down on Liana''sp, unfazed by the uproar.

    A faint smirk tugged at Garius''s lips. "Hmph, as expected of my son," he murmured, a hint of amusement in his tone.

    Beside him, Francesca let out a softugh, shaking her shoulders slightly. "Haaa... this boy..." she said, shaking her head in fond disbelief. "Even in a formal setting, he acts so casually."

    "Casual?" Garcinia chimed in, raising an eyebrow. "Throwing a shoe to defeat his opponent isn''t casual; it''s downright ridiculous."

    "But effective," Eridith added with a sly grin, resting her chin in her palm. "I like his style. That kind of unpredictable tactic keeps people on edge."

    "Unpredictable is an understatement," Phenelopie remarked, sipping her tea calmly. "It''s more like he''s ying a game while everyone else is fighting a battle."

    "He''s just being himself," Francesca said with a warm smile, her eyes never leaving Javier. "My little honey bun always does things his own way."

    The nearby maids tried to hide their smiles, exchanging amused nces. Even the guards, usually stoic andposed, struggled to contain their reactions to the utterly bizarre disy.

    "Well," Garius finally said, his smirk widening, "if nothing else, he knows how to make an impression."

    The family and their entourage watched as the announcer tried to regain control of the event, focused on the chaos Javier had left behind. But for Garius, there was no doubt in his mind¡ªhis youngest son had just made the entire arena remember his name.

    The battles continued through the tough preliminary rounds, with each ss fighting for dominance in the arena. The cheers of the crowd came and went with every victory and defeat, and the students gave it their all to secure a spot in the main event.

    By the end of the qualification battles, the numbers told the story. The announcer''s voice boomed across the arena, drawing everyone''s attention to the center stage.

    "Ladies and gentlemen! The moment you''ve all been waiting for!" he dered, his voice full of excitement. "Which ss will emerge victorious this year? And which individual will earn the prestigious title of Strongest Student of the Year!?"

    The crowd roared in anticipation as the final numbers were disyed:

    ss A: 29 representatives.

    ss B: 20 representatives.

    ss C: 25 representatives.

    ss D: 5 representatives.

    ss E: 10 representatives.

    ss F: 1 representative.

    A murmur rippled through the audience at the big difference between the sses.

    "Hah, ss F barely made it!" someone in the crowd scoffed.

    "One representative? They might as well forfeit!" another jeered.

    Meanwhile, at the ss F bench, Javier remained sprawledzily on Liana''sp,pletely unfazed by the attention. Liana kept stroking his hair, her calm expression never changing.

    "Young Master..." she said softly. "You''re the only one left. Are you ready?"

    Javier yawned, stretching as he sat up slowly. "Haa... so boring," he muttered, scratching the back of his head. "Guess I''ll have to do it,huh."

    The ss F instructor stood nearby, biting his nails again, panic and desperation in his eyes. "He''s the only one left... but it''s him..." the instructor whispered to himself. "Maybe... just maybe..."

    The announcer''s voice rose again, calling attention back to the arena. "And now, let the main event begin!"

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 187 Food and Fowl ( 187 )

    "Liana," he mumbled, a hint of frustration in his voice, "this is boring."

    "Young Master," Liana replied softly, her calm eyes meeting his, "the audience seems to be enjoying the spectacle."

    Javier sighed, waving his hand dismissively. "Why are they all so dramatic? Chanting long spells and showing off their shy skills? In a real battle, if they did this, they''d already be dead."

    Liana smiled faintly but didn''t respond right away. She understood Javier''s point¡ªhis unconventional yet effective methods were very different from the showy disys of the other students.

    "They''re here to impress, Young Master," she finally said, her voice patient. "For many, this event is about recognition, not practicality."

    "Haaa... Recognition doesn''t mean much when you''re six feet under," Javier muttered, closing his eyes. "Let me know when it''s time to deal with the next one. Maybe I''ll use both shoes this time."@@novelbin@@

    Liana chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Very well, Young Master. Rest while you can."

    As the crowd roared with excitement for the next match, Javier remained indifferent, content to wait for his turn while the otherpetitors fought hard for their ce in the tournament.

    "Liana?" Javier mumbled, his eyes openingzily as he looked up at her.

    "Yes, Young Master?" Liana replied, pausing her brushing of his hair.

    "I''m hungry... ehehe," he said with a mischievous grin.

    Liana sighed softly, ncing around the arena. Her sharp eyes scanned the bustling crowd and thepetitors'' area, sensing that something¡ªor someone¡ªwas watching them from afar, making her wary.

    "Wanna go together to get food, Liana?" Javier asked, his grin widening as he sat up.

    "But, Young Master..." Liana hesitated, her eyes narrowing slightly as she continued to scan the surroundings. "What if your name is called while we''re away?"

    "Well..." Javier smirked, stretching his arms. "I''ll just jump back inside the arena while eating. Simple."

    Liana sighed again, shaking her head. "Haaa... okay, Young Master. But stay close to me."

    "Of course!" Javier said cheerfully, standing and grabbing his coat. "Let''s get some meat, Liana! Lots of it!"

    Liana nodded, still cautious as she kept a protective eye on Javier. She knew he could defend himself, but her instincts as his caretaker¡ªand someone who cared deeply for him¡ªwouldn''t let her rx.

    As they walked toward the food stalls around the arena, Liana subtly positioned herself to shield Javier from any suspicious onlookers. "Stay alert, Liana," she thought to herself, her eyes flicking briefly toward a distant figure she''d noticed earlier, hidden in the crowd. "Something isn''t right..."

    Meanwhile, Javier seemed oblivious to her concerns, happily humming as he nned what to eat. "Meat skewers, roasted chicken, maybe some pie... oh, and wine!"

    "Young Master, you''re still underage," Liana reminded him gently.

    Javier grinned mischievously, shrugging off her protest. "Ehehe... I don''t care. I want to drink it," he said confidently, already imagining how the wine would pair perfectly with the feast he was about to enjoy.

    Liana sighed, her expression softening despite her vignce. "Haaa... fine, Young Master. But only a little."

    "Hehe, you''re the best, Liana!" Javier cheered, his carefree attitude never faltering, even as Liana''s eyes darted cautiously around the crowd, her protective instincts on high alert.

    As they walked, Liana''s thoughts drifted, her eyes scanning the busy area with caution. Maybe it would be better if the Young Master had another personal maid to help him... she thought silently. Handling everything alone during events like this makes it hard to stay focused.

    But this thought brought an ufortable feeling to her chest. What if he liked the other maid too?

    Her hand instinctively tightened on the hem of her dress as she continued walking beside him.

    "Liana?" Javier''s voice broke into her thoughts.

    "Hmm?" she replied, turning to look at him.

    "What are you thinking?" he asked, tilting his head slightly and wearing his yful grin.

    "Nothing, Young Master... nothing," Liana quickly said, steadying her voice as she pushed the thought aside.

    Javier shrugged, his grin widening. "Let''s go back, Liana. Ehehe!"

    "Okay, Young Master," she answered softly, a small smile forming on her lips as she stayed close to him, her earlier worries tucked away¡ªfor now.

    "By the way, Liana?" Javier asked, his grin showing a hint of mischief.

    "Yes, Young Master?" Liana replied, her tone calm as always.

    "Buddy and Pikko... who''s going to feed them at the house?"

    Liana chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You don''t have to worry, Young Master. They''re not at the house. I''m sure Lord Garius arranged for them to be brought here. Most likely, those two are already outside the arena, being taken care of by a special caretaker."

    "Huh?" Javier blinked, tilting his head. "We have a caretaker for Pekkos?"

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    "Hmm?" Liana tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I''m not entirely sure, Young Master, but ording to Mrs. Errte, she mentioned that someone would look after them while we attend the battleground event."

    Javier''s grin widened as he imagined the scene. "Oh~ I bet the caretaker is running around, panting and exhausted, trying to chase Buddy and Pikko. Hahaha!"

    Liana''s lips curled into a faint smile as she pictured it too. "You might not be wrong, Young Master," she replied, her tone carrying a hint of amusement. "Those two are quite spirited."

    "Ehehe, I hope Buddy doesn''t cause too much trouble," Javier added, already imagining his Pekko smugly refusing to listen to anyone but him.

    Meanwhile, outside the arena, Buddy and Pikko stood proudly in their designated area. Their usual lively personalities were toned down as they received care from a special team. This team was responsible for secretly taking care of Lord Garius''s prized Pekkos¡ªincluding Giddie, as well as the Pekkos of Alf, Errte, and Hesbeirn. Only a few people, including Lord Garius and his closest friends, knew about this team.

    The caretaker, aposed woman with a strong presence, approached Buddy with a calm yet firm attitude. Standing tall, she reached up to offer a treat directly to his beak. "Oho~ good boy," she said warmly, her voice steady but affectionate.

    Buddy squawked happily, leaning down slightly to ept the treat, his powerful frame showing off his pride. Pikko, not wanting to be left out, let out a soft but insistent chirp, nudging the caretaker''s shoulder with her beak.

    "Alright, alright, Pikko," the woman chuckled, holding up another treat. "You''re next. Patience, girl."

    Pikko epted the treat gracefully, her silver-tinged feathers shimmering in the sunlight as she fluffed them contentedly.

    "You two are far better behaved than I expected," the caretaker remarked, stepping back to observe therge birds. "I was told you''d be a handful. I guess you save the chaos for your masters, huh?"

    Despite the peaceful scene, the caretaker''s watchful eyes never left her surroundings. She knew how important her job was¡ªnot just caring for these majestic creatures but also protecting them from any harm or interference.

    Buddy and Pikko, however, seemedpletely rxed, enjoying the special attention and treats as they stood majestically, showing the pride and strength of their master''s house.

    One of the other secret Pekko caretakers, standing nearby, chuckled softly as she watched Buddy and Pikko behave themselves. Turning to their leader, she said, "These two are surprisingly easy to care for. Not like our lord''s big golden Pekko."

    The leader of the caretaker team smirked knowingly, her arms crossed as she leaned slightly against a nearby post. "Giddie''s not just any Pekko," she said with a wry tone. "That one has a personality as big as its size. Sometimes, you''d think it was running the household instead of Lord Garius."

    The group let out quietughter, careful not to disturb the calm mood of the area or draw unnecessary attention.

    "Remember when Giddie chased the stable masterst week?" one caretaker added with a grin. "I think the poor man is still traumatized."

    "Or the time it refused to eat anything but the fancy fruits from the southern territories?" another chimed in. "No wonder our food budget went up that month."

    The leader shook her head, though amusement sparkled in her eyes. "That golden beast is a handful, but it''s worth it. Lord Garius treasures Giddie like a family heirloom. I just wish it were as calm as these two." She gestured toward Buddy and Pikko, who were now preening themselves happily after finishing their treats.

    "Calm for now," one caretaker pointed out. "But let''s not forget how they love to dash off the moment they see their master. Especially Buddy."

    "True," the leader agreed, a small smile on her lips. "Let''s just hope they don''t cause a scene during the event. If they do, we''ll have our hands full trying to catch them."

    The group shared a knowingugh, their camaraderie clear as they resumed their watch over the majestic Pekkos, each one silently preparing for the inevitable chaos these spirited creatures could cause.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 188 Fire and Finesse ( 188 )

    The announcer''s voice echoed across the stadium, raising the excitement of the crowd.

    "The moment you''ve all been waiting for! The 45 remaining students willpete in the next round!"

    The audience erupted into cheers, the energy in the air electric.

    "However!" the announcer continued, building the suspense. "One student will be excluded from this round, advancing directly to the next stage¡ªthe kingdom''s very own Princess Kliatana!"

    The crowd pped politely, and murmurs spread through the arena as the princess waved gracefully from her seat in the royal box, surrounded by her personal maids and guards.

    "And now, let''s give a round of apuse for our next contestants!"

    The audience leaned forward in anticipation as the announcer gestured grandly. "From ss B! The daughter of Duke Harbor''s household! The radiant, the talented¡ªAMETHIA GAZ HARBOR!"

    Amethia stepped into the arena with poise and grace, her long, flowing robes embroidered with her family crest. She smiled sweetly at the crowd, waving with confidence that matched her noble status.

    "Versus... the youngest son of Count Armand''s household! The one and only¡ªJAVIER DE ARMAND!"

    The crowd buzzed with curiosity, remembering Javier''s unusual victories in the previous rounds. As his name echoed through the arena, Javier casually strolled in, still munching on a piece of roasted meat.

    Amethia smiled brightly at him, her tone polite and sincere. "Let''s hope the best wins," she said, radiating charm and grace.

    Javier barely nced at her. "Oh... okay," he replied through a mouthful of meat, his voice muffled as he continued chewing. "Munch... munch..."

    The audience fell silent for a moment, stunned by the clear difference between the twopetitors. Laughter erupted from some sections while others whispered in disbelief.

    The announcer quickly recovered, raising his voice again. "Are you all ready!?"

    The crowd cheered once more, their excitement filling the arena as the tension between the two contestants grew.

    As the referee shouted, "Begin!" Amethia wasted no time.

    "Fast Cast: Fireball!" she chanted swiftly, a glowing sphere of me forming in her hand before she hurled it directly at Javier.

    Javierzily side-stepped the attack, the fireball whizzing past him harmlessly. Without missing a beat, he reached into his pocket, pulled out several sticks, and tossed them into the mes left by the spell.

    The crowd gasped in confusion as Javier squatted down, rubbing his hands together as he pulled out a piece of meat from his storage and ced it over the makeshift fire. Continue your journey with My Virtual Library Empire

    "Geez, thank you, beautiful," he said with a smirk, waving the smoky aroma toward himself.

    "Whaaa!?" Amethia''s eyes widened, her face a mix of shock and disbelief. "What are you even doing!?"

    "Cooking, obviously," Javier replied casually, poking the meat to check if it was sizzling properly. "This is great timing. I was just hungry again."

    "Ugh!" Amethia''s polite demeanor faltered as sheunched another spell. "Fast Cast: Wind des!"

    Jagged arcs of wind surged toward Javier, but he casually rolled backward,nding back into a squat near his sizzling meal.

    "Whoa, easy there, beautiful," he said, grinning as he reached for a seasoning pouch from his storage and sprinkled spices onto the grilling meat. "Chill out. You''ll ruin the fire."

    The crowd burst intoughter and incredulous whispers as Amethia stared at him, her hands glowing with magic, clearly flustered. The announcer, struggling to keep hisposure, eximed, "What a bizarre turn of events! Javier De Armand is... cooking!?"

    Amethia stomped her foot, her face flushed. "Stop ying around and fight me properly!"

    "But I am fighting," Javier said with a smirk, holding up a perfectly grilled skewer of meat. "This is strategy. You''re the one wasting energy."

    The crowd roared withughter, and even some nobles in the royal section couldn''t help but chuckle at Javier''s antics. Meanwhile, Amethia fumed, determined to wipe that smirk off his face.

    Amethia gritted her teeth, her hands glowing with magic as sheunched several spells at once. "Fast Cast: Fireball! Wind des! Ice Shards!"

    The crowd erupted into cheers as the arena lit up with colorful magic. Each spell flew toward Javier, who casually dodged them with minimal effort, his movements smooth and easy.

    "Wow..." Javier said, his eyes glinting with interest as he sidestepped another fireball. "You''re good. But I have to ask... why are you in ss B? Most of the students in ss A can''t even cast that fast."

    Amethia''s calm demeanor faltered as she stomped her foot, her face flushed with frustration and embarrassment. "Ugh! Don''t just dodge! Fight me head-on!"

    Javier grinned, scratching the back of his head. "Err... no."

    "No!?" Amethia eximed, shocked. "Why not!?"

    "Because this is more fun," Javier replied with a shrug, sidestepping yet another spell. "Besides, look at you! All serious and huffy. It''s entertaining."

    The crowd burst intoughter, some cheering for Javier while others supported Amethia, wanting her to teach him a lesson.

    "Stop ying around!" Amethia shouted, casting another flurry of spells as her frustration grew with each missed attack.

    "Ehehe," Javier chuckled, hands in his pockets as he effortlessly dodged again. "You''re really going all out, huh?"

    Amethia''s determination only grew as she red at Javier. "Fine! If you won''t take this seriously, I''ll make you!"

    Her frustration boiled over, and her magic surged around her. "Physical Boost! Fast Casting! Magic Boost!" she chanted, activating her skills in quick session.

    The crowd roared as her aura intensified, mes swirling around her hands. With a determined shout, she dashed toward Javier, her speed almost blinding.

    "Whoa!! Girl... don''t be that mad!" Javier said with a wide grin, easily dodging her fiery strike at thest second.

    Amethia''s mes scorched the ground where Javier had stood moments before, but she didn''t back down. Twisting her body, sheunched another fiery punch through the air.

    Javier spun to the side,ughing as he avoided her relentless attacks. "Come on, beautiful! You''re gonna tire yourself out at this rate!"

    "Stop evading and fight me properly!" Amethia shouted, her voice a mix of anger and determination.

    "No way!" Javier teased, his grin still in ce. He leaned slightly to dodge another me-enhanced punch, casually reaching into his pocket to grab a piece of meat and take a bite. "Mmm... this is good stuff. Want some?"

    "Ugh!!!" Amethia''s frustration peaked as she poured more energy into her strikes, intent onnding at least one hit.

    The crowd was on the edge of their seats, equally amused and amazed by Javier''s effortless evasion and Amethia''s relentless drive. The announcer, clearly excited, shouted, "An intense sh of speed and strategy! Will Amethia''s fiery determination break through Javier''s calm demeanor?"

    Amethia narrowed her eyes. "Calm or not, I''ll make you take me seriously!" she dered, her mes roaring brighter as she prepared her next move. Meanwhile, Javier''s grin only grew wider, clearly enjoying the chaos she brought to the arena.

    "Are you scared of a girl!?" Amethia shouted, her mes ring brighter as she dashed toward Javier with another strike.

    Javierzily ducked under her attack, munching on a piece of bread he had casually pulled from his pocket. "No..." he replied, his voice calm and teasing as he took another bite mid-dodge. "Why should I be scared? You''re cute."@@novelbin@@

    "Wha!?" Amethia stumbled slightly, her fiery aura flickering for a moment as her cheeks turned pink.

    "Ehehe, you heard me," Javier grinned, stepping to the side to avoid another strike. "You''re cute, but you''re way too mad. Chill out a bit. You''ll tire yourself out before this fight gets interesting."

    The crowd erupted intoughter and cheers, the unexpected moment fueling their excitement. Amethia''s face reddened even more, but her determination didn''t waver.

    "Cute or not, I''m still going to win!" she shouted, channeling her magic into another series of attacks.

    Javier chuckled, effortlessly dodging again while waving his half-eaten bread at her. "Sure, sure. Just don''t overdo it, beautiful. I''d hate for you to lose because you got too worked up."

    "Argh!!" Amethia''s frustration grew, her strikes bing faster and more precise. The audience watched in awe and amusement as the sh between her fiery determination and Javier''s carefree evasion continued, with neither side backing down.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 189 Victory and Heartbeats ( 189 )

    Amethia kept attacking with everything she had,unching spell after spell at Javier. Her mes crackled, wind des sliced through the air, and bursts of magic erupted around the arena. Yet no matter how fast or powerful her strikes were, Javier dodged them all easily, his grin never fading.

    "Ehehe, you''re persistent," he teased, sidestepping another fiery attack. "But don''t overdo it, beautiful. You''ll run out of mana."@@novelbin@@

    Amethia ignored him, her focus solely on trying tond a hit. Her heart raced with determination as she put all her energy into her attacks.

    But then it happened¡ªher mana reserves ran dry. Her movements slowed, her knees wobbled, and her vision blurred slightly. "Ugh..." she muttered, swaying on her feet.

    "Whoa!" Javier reacted quickly, stepping forward and catching her by the waist before she could fallpletely.

    For a moment, everything seemed to freeze for Amethia. The loud cheers of the crowd faded into the background, and all she could see was Javier''s face inches from hers. The sunlight glinted off his hair, and his eyes glow with warmth.

    Her heart raced. "W-what is this feeling?" she thought, her cheeks turning red. To her, the scene felt like something out of a romantic story,plete with an imaginary soundtrack of "Oh My Sunshine~" ying in her mind.

    "You okay?" Javier asked casually, tilting his head in genuine concern,pletely unaware of the effect he was having on her.

    "U-umm..." Amethia stammered, her voice barely a whisper as she looked up at him, totally taken by his charm.

    The crowd didn''t notice the moment between them, too focused on the excitement of the match. To them, it simply looked like Javier had stepped in to catch Amethia before she fell.

    The announcer squinted at the scene, tilting his head in confusion. "It seems... Amethia Gaz Harbor is unable to continue!?" he announced, unsure at first, but gaining confidence as he raised his hand. "The victory goes to Javier De Armand!!"

    The audience erupted into cheers andughter, some impressed by Javier''s skill and others amazed at how he managed to dodge every attack without breaking a sweat.

    Meanwhile, Amethia remained in Javier''s arms, her face burning red as her mind raced. "What just happened!?" she thought, her gaze fixed on the boy who hadpletely disarmed her¡ªnot with magic, but with his infuriating charm.

    Amethia, still cradled in Javier''s arms, looked up at him with a deep blush on her cheeks. Her heart raced uncontrobly, and before she could stop herself, the words spilled out:

    "I love you," she said softly but sincerely, her eyes shining with emotion.

    Javier blinked, tilting his head slightly. "Huh?" he replied, clearly caught off guard. "What are you talking about?"

    "I love you~" Amethia repeated, her voice filled with genuine affection. "Please... be my boyfriend."

    Javier''s expression froze for a moment, then he quickly stood up, releasing her waist as if she had suddenly be too hot to hold. "Ah... no thank you," he said bluntly, waving his hand as he turned toward the exit. "See ya!"

    Without waiting for a response, Javier rushed out of the arena, his pace casual but clearly wanting to leave the situation behind. As he stepped into the corridor, he muttered to himself, "What is wrong with that girl?"

    The crowd, unaware of the exchange, cheered for Javier''s victory, while Amethia remained on the ground, her face still red as she watched him leave.

    "H-he rejected me?" Amethia whispered, her heart caught between disappointment and admiration. Her face flushed as she clutched her chest, feeling her heart race. "He''s even cooler than I thought..."

    Suddenly, a realization sparked in her mind. Father~ Mother~ she thought, her eyes sparkling as a dreamy smile spread across her face. I finally found him... the one I''ll marry!

    Her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red as her mind raced with visions of her future. The youngest son of Count Armand... Javier De Armand... She sighed softly, her earlier frustration and exhaustion reced by a newfound determination.

    The crowd continued to cheer for Javier''s victory, unaware of Amethia''s inner thoughts as she silently vowed, No matter what, I''ll make him mine!

    As Javier returned to the ss F bench, the other students watched him nervously. Some wanted to congratte him for winning yet another match effortlessly, but none dared to approach the "delinquent noble." Hisid-back attitude and unpredictable behavior had earned him an intimidating reputation.

    Javier,pletely unbothered by their hesitance, plopped down on the bench and immediately turned to Liana, his mischievous grin already in ce. "Lianaaaaaaa..." he called out softly, catching her attention.

    "Yes, Young Master?" Liana asked, tilting her head slightly as she stood by his side.

    Javier leaned closer, his voice dropping to a yful whisper. "I want chuuuu!"

    Liana''s cheeks turned faintly pink, but she kept herposure and shook her head gently. "Not in public, Young Master," she replied in her usual calm tone.

    "Haaa... fine..." Javier sighed dramatically, leaning back against the bench with an exaggerated pout. "You''re no fun sometimes, Liana."

    Liana smiled softly, brushing a strand of silver hair behind her ear. "There''s a time and ce for everything, Young Master," she said with a slight chuckle, her voice filled with affection.

    Meanwhile, the rest of the ss F students exchanged nervous nces, none daring to interrupt their conversation. "He''s acting like a kid, but why does it still feel intimidating?" one of them whispered, earning quiet nods of agreement from the others.

    However, Javier was too focused on teasing Liana to notice their reactions, already plotting his next joke for when they were alone. Explore new worlds at My Virtual Library Empire

    The battles continued in the arena, getting more intense as the number ofpetitors dwindled. Spells lit up the sky, weapons shed, and cheers erupted from the crowd as the students fought hard for their ce in the next round.

    By the time the number of remainingpetitors was down to 22, the sun had begun to set, casting a golden glow over the arena. The once-energetic crowd now buzzed with a mix of excitement and exhaustion, eager to see what the next day would bring.

    The announcer''s voice boomed once again, capturing the attention of the spectators and participants alike:

    "Ladies and gentlemen, what an incredible day it has been! We''ve seen amazing talent, fierce determination, and unforgettable matches!"

    The crowd erupted into cheers and apuse, their energy reignited by the announcer''s words.

    "As the sun sets and the evening draws near, we''ll be concluding today''s matches! Out of the originalpetitors, only 22 remain!" The announcer paused for dramatic effect before continuing, "And let''s not forget, our esteemed Princess Kliatana will join the brackets once the list narrows to 11 contestants tomorrow!"

    Excited murmurs rippled through the audience at the mention of the princess, her uing participation adding more intrigue to the already thrilling event.

    "Thank you all for your enthusiasm today! We''ll resume the battleground event tomorrow morning! Until then, rest well and prepare for another day of unforgettable battles!"

    The crowd apuded once more as the announcer''s voice faded. Students began filing out of the arena, some limping from injuries while others walked with their heads held high, their determination clear.

    At the ss F bench, Javier stretchedzily and let out a loud yawn. "Haaa... finally," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "That took forever."

    "Young Master, let''s return to the house," Liana said gently, already preparing to escort him out.

    "Yeah, yeah... but first, let''s grab some meat on the way back," Javier replied with a mischievous grin, already thinking about his next meal as the arena emptied around them.

    As Javier and Liana walked toward the area outside the arena where Buddy and Pikko were kept, Javier stretched his arms and yawned loudly. "Haaa... I wonder if I can just skip the event tomorrow. It''s so boring," he muttered, kicking a stray pebble along the path.

    Liana nced at him with a calm yet knowing expression. "Sure you can, Young Master," she said with a slight smile. "Well... if you''re okay with being scolded by Lord Garius."

    "Eeep!" Javier froze mid-step, his face going pale as he remembered his father''s sharp gaze and strict voice.

    "Remember, Young Master?" Liana continued, her tone gentle but firm. "What Lord Garius said at the dining table yesterday."

    "Ugh..." Javier groaned, scratching his head as he reluctantly echoed, "Try not to lose in the early match."

    "Good," Liana replied with a satisfied nod, her calm demeanor unshaken.

    Javier sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping. "Fine, fine. I''ll show up tomorrow... but I''m still not excited about it," he grumbled, though a small grin tugged at his lips. "Let''s hope Buddy and Pikko are having more fun than I am."

    "I''m sure they''re fine, Young Master," Liana said reassuringly as they continued on their way, the sound of squawking Pekkos growing louder in the distance.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 190 Feathers, Fun, and Foreboding ( 190 )

    "Buddy!!!" Javier shouted happily as they got closer to the holding area.

    "Cuquawk!!!" Buddy replied excitedly, pping his big wings and bouncing on his strong legs.

    "Ehehehe!! Did you miss me?" Javier smiled, running to his Pekko and patting its beak gently.

    Liana sighed softly and shook her head with a small smile. "Haaa... Young Master, it hasn''t even been a day since youst saw him."

    "Yes, yes... but it feels like forever!" Javier said, burying his face in Buddy''s feathers like a child who sees a friend after a long time. "Right, Buddy?"

    "Cuquawk!" Buddy squawked happily, leaning into Javier''s touch.

    Meanwhile, Liana looked at the caretaker, who stood nearby in a neat uniform with the Armand family emblem. She bowed politely. "Thank you, Mrs. Caretaker."

    The woman smiled and returned the bow. "You''re wee, Miss Liana. We''ll keep taking care of them until the event is over. They''ve been good, as always."

    "I see. Thank you for your hard work," Liana replied, her voice calm and polite.

    Javier looked over while scratching behind Buddy''s neck. "Good? Buddy? Ehehe, you''re full of surprises today," he teased, making Buddy squawk happily again.

    "Young Master, we should go back soon," Liana reminded him, pointing to Pikko, who was cleaning her feathers nearby.@@novelbin@@

    "Haaa... fine. But only after I give Buddy a little more attention. He''s been such a good boy," Javier said with a grin, giving Buddy a small treat from his pocket.

    The caretaker chuckled softly, watching them y. "Your bond with them is amazing, Young Master Javier. They''re lucky to have you."

    "Of course! Who else can handle these two so well?" Javier said proudly, then turned back to Buddy with a smirk. "Right, Buddy?"

    "Cuquawk!!!" Buddy answered loudly, making everyoneugh.

    Javier climbed up onto Buddy''s back easily, smiling widely as he gotfortable.

    Buddy, very excited, started lifting his right leg, then his left, switching back and forth like he was doing a funny dance. His big body moved back and forth as if he were performing a bird dance.

    "Buddy, calm down!" Javierughed, holding onto the reins while Buddy continued being silly. "Ehehehe, you''re too excited!"

    Meanwhile, Liana gracefully got on Pikko, her movements smooth and quick. "Thank you again, Mrs. Caretaker," she said politely, bowing her head a little.

    "Don''t mention it," the caretaker replied with a warm smile. "After all, it was Lord Garius''s order."

    Before Liana could say more, Buddy let out a loud squawked and started moving in circles, his excitement overflowing.

    "Buddy!!" Javier called out, half-amused and half-exasperated. "Stop showing off!"

    The big Pekko ignored him and kept dancing, making people step aside quickly. Someughed, while others looked confused.

    "Ehehehe, Buddy! You''re making everyone move out of the way!" Javier grinned, clearly having fun.

    Liana sighed softly, shaking her head as Pikko stood still, calm and collectedpared to Buddy. "Haaa... Young Master, please don''t encourage him," she said, although a small smile showed she was amused.

    "But he''s having fun!" Javier replied, leaning forward to pat Buddy''s neck. "Right, Buddy?"

    Buddy squawked loudly, as if he agreed, and kept circling until Javier finally pulled him in, much to the relief of the onlookers.

    "By the way, where are Mother and Father?" Javier asked, looking around as Buddy shifted excitedly beneath him.

    The caretaker, still nearby, replied calmly, "I believe they are in different areas right now. And Mr. Alf said you both could go first."

    "Ohhhhh!!!" Javier eximed, his eyes lighting up with excitement as he held Buddy''s reins tightly. "Ehehe, let''s go, Buddy!"

    "Young Master... don''t," Liana quickly said, her voice calm but firm as she brought Pikko closer to him. "We should go to them now."

    "Huh? But..." Javier started, pouting a little, his mind racing with ideas to run ahead.

    "No buts!" Liana''s tone was serious. She turned to the caretaker and her team, and her eyes gave a warning. The caretaker understood and signaled her team, who got ready on their horses.

    Liana turned back to Javier with a serious look. "Young Master, if you think about running off and leaving us here..." she paused and leaned closer, "you won''t be sleeping with me tonight."

    "Haa... fine," Javier sighed dramatically, slumping in his seat as Buddy let out a disappointed squawked.

    Liana smiled slightly, but her gaze stayed alert. "Good. Now, let''s go to them calmly."

    Javier muttered under his breath, "Haaa... ruining all the fun..." but he followed her lead, keeping Buddy in check as the group began their journey toward Lord Garius and Lady Francesca.

    Mrs. Caretaker saw the slight worry in Liana''s face as her eyes moved around the area. Concerned, she leaned closer and whispered, "Is something bothering you?"

    Liana, her gaze sharp and steady, whispered back while adjusting her weapon quietly. "I noticed something strange during the event. We may not be alone."

    Understanding how serious this was, Mrs. Caretaker signaled her team subtly. The caretakers, who were more than just animal handlers but highly trained experts, quickly got ready, their hands brushing against hidden weapons as they surrounded Javier and Liana.

    Meanwhile,pletely unaware of the tension building around him, Javier rode Buddy casually, a big grin on his face. Buddy, matching his master''s mood, walked proudly, hisrge feet stomping confidently as if he owned the road.

    "Cuquawk!" Buddy let out a proud squawk, getting a few confused looks from nearby people, while Javier chuckled softly.

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    What none of them knew¡ªexcept for Javier himself¡ªwas that he had already activated one of his skills. His eyes glinted as his detection ability scanned the area for any potential dangers.

    "Haaa... they''re all so serious," Javier thought to himself, his grin growing a little bigger. "Let''s see if anyone dares to make a move."

    Liana, however, stayed focused, her hand lightly resting on her bow as she exchanged a quick nod with Mrs. Caretaker. The subtle change in their team''s position was seamless, making sure their Young Master was protected from all sides without drawing attention.

    As they arrived at the gathering ce, Liana quickly urged Pikko forward, her sharp eyes scanning the area. She approached Mrs. Errte, who was on her horse near the lead carriage. Liana bowed slightly from atop her Pekko and whispered, "We might havepany."

    Mrs. Errte nced at her briefly, her calm smile unchanged. "Ah, Liana," she said softly, her voice steady. "Nothing to worry about."

    "Hmm?" Liana tilted her head, a bit confused.

    "Just stay close to the Young Master," Errte continued, her tone warm but firm. "Make sure he enjoys himself with you by his side. That''s all you need to focus on."

    Still a little confused, Liana nodded. "Understood, Mrs. Errte," she replied, guiding Pikko back to Javier, who was casually patting Buddy''s neck,pletely unaware of the tension around them.

    The scene around them showed the Armand family''s power and preparation. Nine grand and sturdy carriages were surrounded by the elite unit of the Armand household. Knights in shiny mithril armor stood in perfect formation, their strong presence demanding respect.

    Inside the carriages were Lord Garius, Lady Francesca, Eridith, Phenelopie, Garcinia, and their sons and daughters, their noble presence clear even from within the carriages.

    The other carriages held personal maids and a secret elite battle maid unit, disguised as regr maids to hide their true strength and purpose.

    Suddenly, from the sides, another group appeared as if they had stepped out of the shadows. Gloria, the Head of Household Maids, and her team joined the formation with grace, their timing perfect.

    "Hmm?" Liana blinked, narrowing her sharp eyes slightly. "Gloria?"

    "Ara... Liana," Gloria greeted her with a serene smile, her calm demeanor easing some of the tension.

    Before Liana could reply, Javier shouted out, "Ohhh!! Gloriaaaa!" waving excitedly from atop Buddy.

    Gloria chuckled softly, her serene expression brightened by amusement. "Ara... Young Master Javier. It''s always a pleasure to see you so happy."

    Javier grinned widely, guiding Buddy closer. "Of course! The whole gang''s here, right? This is getting more fun!"

    Liana let out a soft sigh, shaking her head. "Haaa... Young Master," she muttered, though a faint smile appeared on her lips. The heavy atmosphere seemed to lighten a bit with Javier''s carefree antics.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 191 Love, Loyalty, and Shadows ( 191 )

    Javier fought the urge to ask Gloria for a kiss, which he would normally do when Liana wasn''t around. Instead, he just smiled nervously, trying to hold back his usual antics.

    Gloria noticed his expression, her serene smile unchanged. "Ara... something on your mind, Young Master?" she asked yfully yet calmly.

    "Ehehe... nothing..." Javier replied, his grin widening a bit as he scratched the back of his head.

    Gloria leaned forward from her horse with graceful ease, Before Javier could react, she gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "There," she said softly, amusement in her smile.

    Liana, who had just returned to Javier''s side on Pikko, caught the scene and frowned slightly. "Gloria... why do you always spoil him like that?"

    "Ara..." Gloria turned her calm gaze to Liana, tilting her head. "But you''re so lucky, Liana. You sleep with him, kiss him every day, he lies on yourp, and he''s even promised to marry you when he grows up."

    Liana''s cheeks turned faintly pink, but she stayedposed. "That doesn''t mean you should encourage him, Gloria," she replied, her tone hinting at exasperation.

    Javier grinned cheekily, clearly enjoying the moment. "Ehehe... see, Liana? Everyone loves me!"

    "Haaa..." Liana sighed deeply, shaking her head, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "Young Master, you truly are impossible."

    "That''s what makes me great," Javier said proudly, earning a softugh from Gloria and an amused shake of the head from Liana.

    Gloria guided her horse closer to Liana, who was still on Pikko. Gloria''s warm smile softened as she looked at Liana, her tone sincere. "You know, I''m jealous..." she began quietly. "You''re lucky he chose you to be his first wife in the future."

    Liana sighed softly, gripping Pikko''s reins a little tighter. "Haaa... Gloria, you''re impossible," she muttered, but there was no hostility in her tone.

    Javier, still on Buddy, squinted at them suspiciously. "What are you two whispering about over there?" he called out, clearly curious.

    "Nothing, Young Master," Liana replied quickly, turning back to him with her usual calm demeanor.

    Gloria leaned closer to Liana, her calm smile showing some determination. "I can''t wait until he bes an adult, marries you as his first wife... and then I''ll be his second wife." she said softly, her voice steady.

    Liana sighed and looked at Gloria with a tired expression. "Haa... fine. Do what you want, Gloria. If he even remembers the promise."

    "Ara... how wonderful," Gloria replied, her voice light but sincere. "Getting permission from his future first wife. But don''t get me wrong, Liana¡ªI''m serious. I''m not joking."

    Liana shook her head and sighed deeply. "Haaa... I know. Let''s just hope he stops with two wives. If he has more, it''ll be chaos."

    "Oh, Liana," Gloriaughed softly, her smile gentle. "You know that with someone like him, chaos is certain."

    Liana nced at her but couldn''t help a small smile. "You''re not wrong..." she admitted, sounding a bit exasperated but fond.

    Meanwhile, Javier was busy making Buddy do his funny "victory strut," making the nearby caretakersugh.

    "Gloria, this isn''t the time to talk about that," Liana said firmly, her voice calm but serious. "We''ll talk when the Young Master bes an adult. Don''t get your hopes up."

    "I know," Gloria said with a soft sigh, still calm. "He''s a noble son. Once he bes an adult, he can easily marry another noble girl."

    "Yeah... no. It''s not just that," Liana said, shaking her head.

    "Hmm?" Gloria tilted her head, curious.

    "There''s something strange happening," Liana whispered. "During the event, it felt like someone was watching the Young Master... and targeting our lord''s family."

    Gloria''s smile stayed calm as she replied, "Oh, that? It''s already taken care of."

    "Huh?" Liana blinked, narrowing her eyes. "What do you mean?"

    Without a word, Gloria reached behind her and pulled out her twin des, showing Liana a bit of fresh blood on the steel.

    "Gloria..." Liana murmured, her voice trailing off as Gloria gave her a knowing smile.

    "Look over there," Gloria said softly, signaling with her eyes toward Mrs. Errte.

    Liana followed her gaze and saw Mrs. Errte sitting calmly on her horse. The head maid smiled as she nced at Mr. Alf, who stood nearby with his usual serious expression, his fingers on his sword.

    "It was handled quietly," Gloria whispered. "Mrs. Errte, Mr. Alf, and a few others took care of it. That''s why you don''t need to worry, Liana. Just focus on the Young Master."

    Liana sighed softly, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. "Haaa... I see," she muttered. "But still, I''ll stay cautious. Just in case."

    "Ara, of course," Gloria chuckled lightly, putting her des away. "That''s what makes you so reliable, Liana."

    Mr. Alf, riding just ahead of the main carriage, suddenly raised his hand. His sharp eyes scanned the horizon. "Halt!" hemanded, his voice calm but firm.

    The carriages stopped immediately. The elite guards surrounding the convoy quickly formed a protective circle around the main carriage. Their mithril armor shone in the fading light, swords drawn and ready.

    Without saying anything, many shadows appeared behind Mr. Alf, moving quietly. These were the House of Assassins, a secret and deadly group under hismand. They moved swiftly, disappearing into the dark woods on either side of the road.

    At the same time, a group of battle maids disguised as household maids vanished from their spots around the convoy. Their absence was only felt for a moment before faint shes of light and muffled sounds echoed from the forest.

    "What''s happening?" Liana whispered to Gloria, gripping her bow as she looked around.

    "Ambushers," Gloria replied, her voice calm. "They won''t get close to the main carriage. Watch." Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire@@novelbin@@

    From the shadows, the ambushers who nned to attack began to fall one by one. Silent des shed, and muted cries were the only signs of their defeat. The battle maids and assassins worked with great precision, eliminating the threat before it reached the main party.

    Mr. Alf, still at the front, didn''t flinch when he heard the sounds of the ambush being stopped. His serious expression didn''t change as Mrs. Errte rode her horse next to him.

    "All ording to n," Mrs. Errte said softly, her serene smile still in ce.

    "Of course," Mr. Alf replied, his tone cold and sharp like his assassins'' des. "They underestimated us. A deadly mistake."

    Inside the main carriage, Lord Garius leaned back, looking calm, though his intense gaze showed he was ready for battle. Lady Francesca and the others remained calm, confident in the elite team.

    Javier, riding Buddy alongside Liana, yawned loudly, seeming unaware of the serious situation. "Haaa... what''s taking so long?" he asked, scratching his head.

    "Young Master," Liana said softly, her tone warning. "Stay alert."

    "Ehehe, don''t worry, Liana," Javier replied with a big grin. "Buddy and I can handle anything."

    "Cuquawk!" Buddy squawked proudly, puffing out his chest like he was echoing his master''s confidence.

    Liana sighed and shook her head while Gloria chuckled softly beside her. "Ara, your Young Master really is something else, isn''t he?" Gloria said.

    "Haaa... he is," Liana replied, still watching for any lingering threats.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 192 Ambush and Antics ( 192 )

    Inside the carriage, Lord Garius leaned back with a calm look, but a faint smirk on his lips showed the excitement inside him. His hand shook slightly, not from fear, but from wanting to join in.

    Ahhh! he thought, trying to stayposed. I want to join too! Ugh... if Alf hadn''t told me to control myself and not show this side in front of my kids¡ªincluding Javier¡ªI could be out there having fun!

    His fingers drummed lightly against his knee as he heard the sounds of fast, precise fighting. The muffled cries of the ambushers and the sh of des only made him feel more restless.

    Ughhh... this is torture! he grumbled in his mind. All I can do is sit here and pretend to be the calm head of the family. Meanwhile, they''re out there having a st...

    Lady Francesca, sitting next to him, noticed his twitching hand and the gleam in his eye. "Dear..." she said softly, teasing him. "You''re itching to go, aren''t you?"

    "Hmph," Garius replied with a small cough, trying to steady his hands. "Of course not. I''m just watching how well our elite units are doing."

    Francesca chuckled and shook her head. "If only Javier could see this side of you. He''d understand where he gets it from."

    Garius''s smirk grew a bit wider, but he stayed silent, looking out the window, wishing the ambush would end quickly¡ªjust to save himself from the pain of waiting.

    While the carriage stayed still, Eridith, the White me, leaned forward. "Hmm? Why are we stopping?"

    Lady Francesca nced at her, giving a calm, knowing smile.

    Eridith''s crimson eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Ehhh! Why didn''t you tell me something fun is happening out there?" she whispered, excitement in her voice. "I could change into my dragon form, fly ahead, and finish them all with a single Fire Breath!"

    Francesca kept her serene expression but suddenly grabbed one of Eridith''s horns firmly.@@novelbin@@

    "Eeeekk!! Francesca!" Eridith squealed, her confident attitude fading as she squirmed in her seat.

    "If you do that," Francesca said in a low, serious tone, "the king will notice you''re here. Do you want to cause more problems for us? Don''t you want to be Garius''s wife?"

    Eridith froze, looking nervously at Garius, who was sitting across from them, keeping his calm facade but clearly listening. She swallowed hard and gave a sheepish grin. "Eh... hehe... sorryyyyy!"

    Francesca released her horn with a sigh, shaking her head. "Haaa... just sit still and let Alf and the others handle it. You''ll get your chance for excitementter."

    Eridith pouted a bit, rubbing her horn. "Fine... but you''re so mean sometimes, Francesca," she muttered, crossing her arms like a scolded child.

    "Mean?" Francesca replied, her smile softening. "I''m saving you from ruining your own ns, you silly dragon."

    Eridith huffed but didn''t argue further, though a small grin appeared on her lips. She knew Francesca was right¡ªeven if she''d never admit it.

    Francesca leaned closer to Eridith, her serene smile carrying a sharp edge. "And if they knew you¡ªthe White me¡ªwere escorting us in your dragon form, they definitely wouldn''t attack this carriage."

    Eridith tilted her head in confusion. "Wouldn''t that be good? Less trouble for us."

    "No, it wouldn''t," Francesca replied, tightening her grip on Eridith''s horn, making her squirm again. "If they don''t attack, we won''t learn which household sent them. That would lead to bigger problems¡ªespecially questions about why a Count''s household is with a White Dragon."

    Eridith''s crimson eyes widened as she realized the implications, but Francesca continued.

    "And don''t forget," Francesca whispered, "they don''t even know the White me Dragon has a human form, let alone that the dragon is... a girl. So behave yourself, Eridith."

    Eridith swallowed hard, her confidence fading under Francesca''s calm yetmanding tone. "Umm... aa... okay... if you say so, Francesca," she muttered, her shoulders slumping slightly.

    Francesca released her horn with a soft sigh, smoothing her dress as she settled back in her seat. "Good. Now sit still and act like the refineddy you im to be."

    "Haaa... fine," Eridith grumbled, pouting as she adjusted her posture, a faint blush on her cheeks giving away her embarrassment.

    Francesca''s serene smile shifted into a yful yet firm frown as she leaned toward Eridith again. "And let me make one thing clear," she said, gripping Eridith''s horn once more, "I already have enough trouble with my honey bun being cheeky and mischievous. Not you too, Eridith."

    "Okay, okay!" Eridith squealed, squirming in her seat. "Chill, girl... ugh!"

    Francesca finally let go of her horn, brushing her hands as if dealing with a stubborn child. "Good. Now behave," she said, satisfied as she leaned back gracefully. Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire

    Eridith rubbed her horn with both hands, ring at Francesca with embarrassment and frustration. "You''re mean, Francesca..." she muttered under her breath, though she didn''t say it loud enough for Francesca to hear.

    Across the carriage, Garius watched their interaction out of the corner of his eye, hiding a smirk behind his hand. Even in the face of danger, Francesca had a remarkable way of keeping everyone in line.

    Javier sat confidently on Buddy''s back, pretending to be oblivious to the tense situation around the convoy. Instead, he focused on having fun, grinning widely as Buddy strutted proudly.

    "Ehehehe!" Javierughed, guiding Buddy in circles around the main carriage. The massive Pekko, feeding off his master''s energy, squawked excitedly, lifting one leg and then the other in enthusiasm.

    "Cuquawk! Cuquawk!" Buddy let out loud cries, his movements growing more exaggerated, making a few knights in the elite unit exchange amused nces despite their serious demeanor.

    "Buddy, let''s show them how awesome we are!" Javier dered, leaning forward dramatically. Buddy squawked in agreement, speeding up slightly, his confident steps causing the mounted knights to subtly adjust their horses to avoid the overexcited Pekko.

    Liana, watching from nearby atop Pikko, sighed deeply. "Haaa... Young Master, please stop messing around," she called out, though her voice held a hint of fondness.

    "What? I''m just enjoying myself!" Javier grinned, clearly reveling in the attention Buddy''s antics attracted.

    Meanwhile, the tension among the caretakers, battle maids, and assassin unit remained high, but their professionalism kept them from reacting to Javier''s yful behavior. The quiet elimination of the ambushers continued, unnoticed by the carefree Young Master and his enthusiastic mount.

    From inside the carriage, Francesca nced out briefly, shaking her head with a small smile. "Haaa... my honey bun really knows how to lighten the mood, doesn''t he?" she remarked.

    "Indeed," Garius muttered, barely containing a smirk as he watched Javier. Although the situation was serious, the boy''s carefree nature brought a strange bnce to the scene.

    As Javier continued riding Buddy in circles, his sharp eyes caught sight of movement behind the carriages. Another group of ambushers was creeping closer, their dark forms blending into the shadows as they prepared to strike.

    Javier grinned to himself, pretending not to notice. "Buddy, let''s y some more!" he called out, guiding his Pekko toward the back of the convoy with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Ehehehe, this is so fun!"

    Buddy, unaware of the danger, squawked happily and sped up, his steps light and eager. The ambushers, thinking they were undetected, advanced toward the convoy, weapons drawn.

    As Javier approached their position, he subtly activated his Gravity Magic. "Let''s turn up the fun, Buddy," he whispered mischievously.

    Instantly, the magic pulsed outward, increasing the weight around the ambushers fivefold. The attackers stumbled, their movements slowing as they struggled to stay upright.

    "Cuquawk!" Buddy squawked, oblivious as Javier cast another spell. This time, he activated Earth Spike, hiding the attack beneath the ambushers'' feet.

    With a faint rumble, sharp spikes of hardened earth shot upward, piercing the immobilized attackers. Their muffled cries were cut short as the deadly spikes ended the threat silently.

    Javier smirked, patting Buddy''s neck as if nothing had happened. "Good boy, Buddy. Let''s head back before Liana scolds us."

    The convoy remained undisturbed, the elite guards and assassin unit unaware that Javier had neutralized another wave of threats.

    From a distance, Liana frowned, noticing Javier''s detour. "Young Master... what are you up to now?" she muttered, guiding Pikko closer to keep an eye on him.

    Inside the main carriage, Garius''s sharp gaze flicked to the rear, sensing a faint pulse of mana before it disappeared. A small smirk tugged at his lips as he leaned back, not saying a word. "Hmph, so he''s learning to handle things on his own... good."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 193 Homecoming and Headaches ( 193 )

    The journey continued smoothly, with the convoy steadily making its way along the quiet roads until they finally arrived at the grand Armand family house outside the capital city.

    As the carriages came to a stop, the elite guards quickly took their positions, securing the area while the maids helped the family members get out.

    Lord Garius stepped out of the main carriage, his sharp gaze scanning the surroundings before he addressed one of the waiting household maids. "Where are my sons, Marcellus and Cedric?"

    The maid bowed politely, her tone professional. "My lord, they are currently... drunk."

    Garius sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Haaa... they didn''t even bother to attend the event to watch. Where are they now?"

    "They are both in their rooms, my lord," the maid replied, a hint of embarrassment in her voice.

    "Fine..." Garius muttered, his tone resigned. He motioned for the other carriages to unload and turned toward the house with amanding stride. "I''ll deal with themter."@@novelbin@@

    Behind him, Lady Francesca stepped out of the carriage gracefully, adjusting her dress with a calm expression. "Dear, you should let them off this time," she said with a teasing smile. "After all, they''re your sons."

    "That''s exactly why I won''t let them off," Garius replied without missing a beat, his voice firm butced with dry humor. "They have titles to uphold. They can''t be acting like carefree fools."

    "Haaa... my honey bun is still more reliable than them, isn''t he?" Francesca mused, ncing back at Javier, who was helping Liana down from Pikko.

    "For now..." Garius muttered.

    "Marcellus! Cedric!" Garius''smanding voice echoed through the halls, sharp and unmistakable.

    From their rooms, muffled groans could be heard.

    "Ugh... Brother... did someone call us?" Marcellus muttered, his voice hoarse as he sat up groggily, clutching his head.

    "Ugh... I don''t know..." Cedric groaned from the next room. "My head hurts... why did we drink so much...?"

    As heavy footsteps approached, they both realized what was happening.

    "Ah... umm... Who is it?" Marcellus stammered, his face going pale.

    The door creaked open, revealing Garius standing in the doorway, his sharp gaze fixed on them.

    "Gyaaaahhhh!!!" The two brothers screamed in unison as they scrambled to sit upright, trying¡ªand failing¡ªto look presentable.

    "Haaa..." Garius sighed deeply, rubbing his temple as he looked at the sorry state of his sons. "You didn''t even bother attending the event, and now I find you like this?"

    "F-Father, we can exin..." Cedric stammered, still holding his pounding head.

    "Now, both of you!" Garius barked, his voice firm. "Go take a shower! Haaa... Why do I have the two strongest sons in the kingdom, yet you act like children? Just like your little brother."

    Marcellus and Cedric exchanged a worried nce, clearly too hungover to argue.

    "Umm... umm..." Marcellus started, but Garius''s sharp re silenced him instantly.

    "Go. Now!" Garius ordered, his tone leaving no room for discussion.

    "Yes, Esteemed Father!" they both shouted in unison, scrambling to their feet despite their grogginess. They staggered toward the bathroom, tripping over themselves as they went.

    Watching them leave, Garius let out a deep sigh, shaking his head in disappointment. "Haaa... Sometimes I wonder if the titles of ''strongest mage'' and ''strongest pdin'' are wasted on those two."

    From the hallway, Lady Francesca chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Dear, they may be powerful, but they''re still your sons. And like all our children, they have their moments."

    "Moments?" Garius grumbled, raising an eyebrow at her. "They''ve had enough ''moments'' for a lifetime."

    Francescaughed again, cing a gentle hand on his arm. "Haaa... Be patient with them, dear. At least they''re not as mischievous as our honey bun."

    "Maybe I should marry them off to a girl," Garius muttered, rubbing his temple in frustration.

    Francesca, standing nearby, smiled and shook her head. "Dear, do you really think marrying them off will solve their behavior?" she asked teasingly, though her tone suggested she knew better.

    Garius let out another sigh, crossing his arms. "It might give them some focus. But for now, I''ll make sure they continue their ''mission'' with the summoned heroes."

    He turned slightly to address Alf, who stood silently at attention. "By the way, Alf," Garius said, his voice curious. "I didn''t see the ''Hero'' party at the event earlier. Any reason why?"

    "Yes, my lord," Alf replied, his tone steady. "ording to our informants, the summoned heroes'' party is currently... busy."

    "Busy?" Garius raised an eyebrow.

    "Yes, my lord. They are reportedly spending their time flirting with women, sleeping, and... other activities," Alf said, choosing his words carefully.

    Garius''s eyes narrowed as he considered the implications. "Hmph! I wonder why the king even summoned them," he muttered coldly. "The kingdom isn''t at war with the demons or any neighboring country. Summoning heroes for... this? What a waste."

    Francesca ced a gentle hand on his arm, her calm voice breaking through his irritation. "Dear, it''s not our ce to question the king''s decisions. At least, not openly."

    "Perhaps," Garius conceded, though his frown remained. "But mark my words, Francesca. If those so-called heroes cause more problems than they solve, We have to deal with them."

    Francesca chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Haaa... Dear, let''s hope it doesn''te to that. You have enough on your te with our children as it is."

    "True," Garius admitted with a smirk. "But at least with them, I know what to expect."

    "Alf?"

    "Yes, my lord?" Alf replied, stepping forward attentively.

    "It seems the bracket for the event has been... ''adjusted,''" Garius said, his tone calm but hinting at amusement.

    "Yes, my lord," Alf confirmed. "However, ording to our other informants, there''s nothing they can do to interfere with the final oues."

    Garius smirked slightly, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Don''t worry about it, Alf. I''m sure he can handle it... easily."

    "It does seem so, my lord," Alf agreed, a faint smile appearing on his usually serious face.

    Garius leaned forward, his tone shifting to one ofmand. "By the way, Alf, Errte, prepare for us to leave for the Armand region before sunrise. I don''t want to risk any of my people getting hurt unnecessarily."

    "Understood, my lord," Alf replied with a bow. Errte, standing nearby, nodded gracefully, her calm demeanor unwavering.

    Francesca, seated elegantly nearby, smiled knowingly. "I see, dear. We won''t be attending tomorrow''s event then?"

    "I''m sorry, Francesca," Garius said with a sigh. "We have important duties in the region that need our attention."

    "Don''t worry about it, dear," Francesca replied with a warm smile. "I''ll exin to our youngest son that we had an urgent matter to attend to in the Armand region."

    "Please do," Garius said, his tone softening slightly. "And those two¡ªMarcellus and Cedric¡ªmake sure their personal maids are helping them as needed."

    "Yes, my lord," Alf replied.

    Garius turned back to Francesca, his expression serious but calm. "And, Francesca?"

    "Yes, dear?"

    "Tell Eridith that once we pass the capital city border, she is to escort us in her dragon form. I want no unnecessary risks during the journey."

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    "Understood, dear," Francesca replied with a nod, her serene smile never wavering. "I''ll let her know."

    Garius leaned back, his sharp mind already nning the next steps. "Good. Let''s move quickly and quietly. I want everything ready before dawn."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 194 Brotherly Banter ( 194 )

    In the grand dining room, the family gathered around arge, beautiful table, enjoying avish meal prepared by the finest chefs. However, Francesca had insisted that Javier sit on herp.

    "Honey bun~," Francesca cooed lovingly as she fed Javier a piece of roasted meat.

    "Yes, Mother?" Javier replied, munching on the food she offered, though he couldn''t help but grin.

    "We''ll be heading back to the Armand region early," Francesca said with a soft smile. "I''m sorry we won''t be able to attend the event tomorrow."

    "Oh, don''t worry about it, Mother. Ehehehehe," Javier said with his usual carefree grin, clearly unbothered by the news.

    Francesca leaned in and kissed his cheek affectionately. "You''re such a good boy," she said softly before turning her attention to Gloria, who sat nearby. "Gloria?"

    "Yes, Madam?" Gloria replied, her calm and polite tone never wavering.

    "Starting tomorrow, you will assist Javier alongside Liana," Francesca announced. "You''ll take care of him until the blessing ceremony isplete."

    "Err... are you sure, Madam?" Gloria asked, herposed expression faltering slightly as she nced at Liana, who was surprised.

    "Yes," Francesca said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I officially assign you as his second personal maid."

    Javier paused mid-bite, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "Ehehehe! Gloria, you''re going to join us? That''s great!"

    "Ara... it seems the Young Master is already looking forward to it," Gloria said with a soft chuckle, though her cheeks were slightly pink. "I will do my best, Madam."

    Liana, sitting nearby, sighed and shook her head, though a small smile crept onto her lips. "Haaa... another trouble..," she muttered under her breath. Experience tales with My Virtual Library Empire

    Francesca smiled warmly at both maids. "Take good care of my honey bun. He''s still growing, after all."

    "Yes, Madam," Liana and Gloria replied in unison, bowing slightly.

    Javier leaned back, grinning from ear to ear. "Ehehe, with both of you around, this is going to be fun!"

    Garius set down his utensils and fixed Javier with a sharp gaze, his tone firm but calm. "And Javier?"

    "Y-yes, Esteemed Father!?" Javier stammered, sitting up straighter on Francesca''sp, his grin faltering under his father''s serious gaze.

    "Don''t cause too much trouble," Garius warned, his piercing eyes narrowing slightly.

    "Y-yes, Esteemed Father!" Javier replied quickly, nodding vigorously, though the corners of his mouth twitched as if he was holding back a cheekyment.

    Across the table, Marcellus and Cedric exchanged nces, their sly grins almost identical as they leaned closer to each other. "Looks like the ''honey bun'' got caught," Marcellus whispered teasingly.

    "Oh, he''ll cause trouble. He always does," Cedric murmured back, stifling a chuckle as they both nced at their younger brother.@@novelbin@@

    Javier noticed their grins and narrowed his eyes at them. "Oi, what are you two whispering about?"

    "Oh, nothing, little brother," Marcellus said, his voice dripping with mock innocence.

    "Just admiring how... ''responsible'' you''re going to be," Cedric added with a grin, teasing him.

    "Hmph!" Javier huffed, crossing his arms and leaning back slightly. "You two just wait. I''ll show you both who''s responsible."

    Francesca chuckled softly, patting Javier''s head. "Haaa... my boys, always teasing each other."

    Garius shook his head, though a faint smirk tugged at his lips. "Hmph. Let''s see if he can keep that promise."

    Later that night, in their shared bedroom, Marcellus and Cedric nked Javier, each cing a hand on his shoulders. Their sly grins immediately put Javier on guard.

    "Little brother..." Marcellus began, his voice dripping with persuasion.

    "We know Father gave you... extra money," Cedric added, mimicking the universal sign for cash with his fingers. "From your sugarcane bonus and that ore mine you found for the family..."

    "Tch!" Javier scoffed, narrowing his eyes. "Didn''t I already give you both a lotst time?"

    "Aw, c''mon," Marcellus teased, tightening his grip on Javier''s shoulder. "Don''t be stingy with your big brothers. We''re only asking for a little help."

    "We''ve been having... ''problems,'' you know," Cedric chimed in, smirking. "Because of your mischief, of course."

    "Ugh!" Javier groaned, realizing they were referring to the fallout from his earlier teasing of Princess Kliatana. "Fine..."

    Reaching into his magic storage, Javier pulled out two pouches of gold and handed them over, ring at his brothers as he did. "Here."

    "Yeah! That''s our little brother!" Marcellus cheered, quickly pocketing his pouch.

    "You''re the best, Javier!" Cedric added with augh.

    Then, as if on cue, they both leaned in and nted a kiss on each of Javier''s cheeks.

    "Ew!! That''s gross!!" Javier yelped, squirming away and rubbing his face furiously. "Don''t do that!!"

    Marcellus and Cedricughed heartily, patting him on the back. "We''re just showing some brotherly love, little brother. No need to get so worked up."

    "Haaa... ," Javier sighed, shaking his head. "If you need more, don''t bother me again. Ask Father instead."

    "Pfft, Father would just lecture us," Marcellus quipped.

    "Exactly why you''re our go-to," Cedric added with a wink.

    Javier rolled his eyes, already regretting his decision to share a room with them.

    A soft knock on the door broke the banter, and the three brothers turned to see Liana stepping inside. She bowed politely, her elegant demeanor never wavering. "Master Marcellus, Master Cedric," she greeted with a calm smile.

    "Oh, Liana," Marcellus said, leaning back with a grin. "What are you doing in our room at this hour?"

    "Nothing, Master Marcellus, Master Cedric," Liana replied smoothly, her eyes ncing toward Javier. "It''s just that... the Young Master couldn''t sleep without me next to him."

    "Oho~" Marcellus and Cedric chimed together, their grins turning mischievous as they exchanged knowing nces.

    "Don''t start," Javier muttered, feeling heat rise to his cheeks. "It''s normal, okay? I''ve been like this since I was little."

    "Oh, we know," Cedric teased, resting his chin on his hand. "But it''s still amusing to see you so dependent on her."

    "Haaa..." Liana sighed softly but smiled, stepping closer to Javier. "Young Master,e now. Let''s get you to bed before you cause any more trouble tonight."

    "Yeah, yeah," Javier grumbled, standing up. He shot onest re at his older brothers. "And you two¡ªdon''t touch my stuff while I''m gone!"

    "No promises," Marcellus said with a smirk, waving him off.

    "Sleep well, little brother," Cedric added, chuckling. "Don''t forget to say ''chuu~'' to your beloved maid."

    "Oi!" Javier snapped, but Liana gently guided him toward the door, her calm presence keeping him from escting.

    "Goodnight, Masters Marcellus, Master Cedric," Liana said politely before escorting Javier out. The door closed behind them, leaving the older brothersughing at their little brother''s flustered retreat.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 196 Embraces and Embarrassment ( 196 )

    Francesca woke up early, the faint light of dawn just beginning to touch the sky. She moved gracefully through the quiet halls, ensuring everything was in order for their return journey to the Armand region. Deciding to check on her sons before they left, she headed to their room.

    When she quietly opened the door, she paused in mild surprise at the sight before her.

    Marcellus was hugging Lithia tightly, while Lithia clung to him just as affectionately, both looking peaceful in their sleep. On the other side, Cedric had Meira sprawled on top of him, her arms draped over his chest. Cedric''s expression was unusually calm, as if he enjoyed the warmth.

    Francesca couldn''t help but smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh my... what do we have here?" she murmured softly, her tone a mix of teasing and affection. "How adorable..."

    Turning slightly, she called out in a calm butmanding voice, "Erisa."

    From the hallway, one of her personal maids, Erisa, quickly appeared and bowed. "Yes, Madam?"

    "Call Lord Garius here," Francesca instructed, her smile growing as she gestured toward the room. "It''s urgent."

    "As youmand, Madam," Erisa replied, her tone professional as she turned to carry out the order.

    Francesca turned back to her sons and their maids, chuckling softly to herself. "Haaa... I wonder how Garius will react to this sight." She leaned casually against the doorframe, deciding to enjoy the moment before waking them.

    With a yful smile, she murmured to herself, "I didn''t know they also love their maids... just like my honey bun... tehe~"

    Hearing soft footsteps behind her, she turned to see Garius approaching, curiosity on his face.

    "What now, Francesca?" he asked, a hint of exasperation in his tone.

    "Oh my, dear..." Francesca stepped aside to let him look into the room. "Just look at them."

    Garius peeked inside and paused, his eyebrows raising in surprise. Marcellus was still hugging Lithia, and Cedric had Meira sprawled on top of him, both pairs clearly lost in their dreams.

    "Haaa..." Garius sighed, shaking his head. "They also love them too? They keep teasing their little brother about his preference for his maid, yet they''re no different..."

    "My my, dear," Francesca chuckled, folding her arms. "Isn''t it sweet?"

    Garius frowned slightly, narrowing his gaze. "Hmm... I wonder if they''ve already... done ''it.''"

    "Oh my, Dear!" Francesca said, yfully smacking his arm. "Let them be! They''re adults, after all."

    "Haaa... adults or not, they should know better," Garius muttered, though there was no real anger in his tone. "I suppose this exins why they''ve been sneaking out so often."

    "Well," Francesca said, her smile widening, "at least they''re following in your footsteps, dear."

    "Hmph," Garius grumbled, crossing his arms. "They better take responsibility if this turns into something serious."

    "Of course they will," Francesca replied confidently. "After all, they''re your sons."

    Garius sighed again, though a small, amused smirk tugged at his lips. "Let''s see how they exin this when they wake up."

    "Ehem!"

    "Ehemmmm!!"

    The loud clearing of a throat broke the peaceful silence in the room. Lithia was the first to stir, her eyes fluttering open. Realizing the situation, her face turned bright red as she found herself tightly embraced by Marcellus.

    "A-a-a... My... Lord... This... is... not... a-a-a..." Lithia stammered, her voice barely above a whisper as she struggled to free herself from Marcellus''s firm grip.

    Hearing Lithia''s voice, Meira groggily woke up, her hair slightly disheveled. "What now, Lithia?" she mumbled, rubbing her eyes. "Do you want to go to the toilet?"

    When Meira took in the scene, she froze, realizing she was sprawled on top of Cedric. Her face turned crimson. "W-wait... What?!"

    Marcellus groaned softly in his sleep, unconsciously pulling Lithia closer. "Mmm... stay still..."

    "M-master Marcellus! Please wake up!" Lithia squeaked, her embarrassment growing as she spotted Lord Garius and Lady Francesca at the door.

    Meira, now fully awake, looked toward the door and froze in horror. "M-my Lord! My Lady! I can exin¡ª"

    "Haaa..." Garius sighed deeply, shaking his head. "Looks like exnations will have to wait until these two wake up properly."

    Francesca chuckled softly, covering her mouth. "Oh my... this is such a heartwarming sight. Lithia, Meira, you''re both so adorable."

    "M-Madam!" Lithia and Meira stammered, their faces turning even redder.

    Seeing no way to escape their masters'' embraces, Lithia and Meira resigned themselves to their fate.

    Francesca''s smile turned teasing as she leaned forward. "So, you both... have already done it?"

    "A-a-a... umm..." Lithia stammered, her cheeks flushing deeply.

    "Oh my," Francesca said with a chuckle. "So you''ve done it, huh?"

    "Umm... Madam... I can exin..." Lithia tried to respond but faltered under Francesca''s amused gaze.

    Turning to Meira, Francesca softened slightly but kept her teasing tone. "And you, Meira? Judging by how you look, I''m sure you''ve been with your Master Cedric."

    Meira''s tail swayed nervously behind her as she buried her face into Cedric''s chest, clearly flustered. "Y-yes... but... it was... umm... an ident..."

    "Hmm?" Francesca raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

    "M-Master Cedric was... umm... drunk..." Meira mumbled, her voice muffled as she clung tightly to Cedric''s shirt. "And he... pulled me closer... and I didn''t realize until..."

    Francesca''s eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Oh my... this sounds like it happened before, doesn''t it?"

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    Meira froze, her ears twitching nervously. "U-umm... I mean... it was around a month ago..."

    "A month ago, hmm?" Francesca''s teasing smile grew. "And judging by the way you''re clinging to him now, I''m guessing you''ve already..."

    Meira buried deeper into Cedric''s chest, her voice barely a whisper. "Y-yes... but... it wasn''t... nned..."

    Francesca chuckled softly, mock-scolding. "Oh, Meira, keeping secrets from me? I''m not upset, but... did Cedric take responsibility?"

    "H-he promised," Meira admitted, her cheeks brightly red. "But we didn''t want to tell anyone..."

    Francesca turned her gaze to Cedric, still sound asleep and oblivious. "Haaa... my son''s such a troublemaker," she mused, shaking her head. "At least he chose someone as dedicated as you, Meira."

    Garius sighed beside her, muttering under his breath, "Another one to keep an eye on..."

    "Oh,e now, dear," Francesca said lightly, patting his arm. "At least she''s already part of the household. That makes it simpler."

    Lithia, trying to stay unnoticed, shifted ufortably. "M-Madam Francesca, I swear nothing like that happened with Master Marcellus and me..."

    Francesca''s eyes sparkled as she looked at Lithia, a yful smirk on her lips. "Really? Hmmm?"

    "M-Madam! I-I.!" Lithia stammered, her cheeks turning an even brighter shade of red. "N-nothing like that has happened with Master Marcellus and me! I-I mean, w-we just..."

    "You will tell me about thister," Francesca said, her tone firm yet teasing, clearly not convinced by Lithia''s flustered response.

    "Y-yes, Madam," Lithia replied, her voice barely above a whisper as she looked down, her embarrassment evident.

    Francesca chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the reactions of the two maids. Garius, on the other hand, sighed and shook his head, muttering under his breath about how his sons were more troublesome than he had expected.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 197 Duty and Distraction ( 197 )

    Liana stirred awake when faint sounds from the next room caught her attention. Instincts on high alert, she turned to her young master, Javier, and froze. Another hand was draped over his body¡ªGloria''s.

    Narrowing her eyes, Liana sat up quickly, her heart racing. She carefully peeled away Gloria''s hand and lightly pped it. "At least tell me when you''re sleeping next to him! You gave me a heart attack!"

    "Hmm? Oh, Liana... morning," Gloria mumbled sleepily, blinking as she stretchedzily.

    "Yeah, yeah, whatever," Liana replied with an exasperated sigh, rubbing her temple. "Just don''t do it again without warning me."

    "Ara... but it was cold," Gloria teased, a yful smirk on her lips. "And young master is so warm andfy to hug."

    "Haaa... Gloria..." Liana muttered, although she couldn''t hide a faint smile. "Just get up and prepare yourself. Morning''s already here."

    "Okay, Liana," Gloria said, sitting up with her usual calm demeanor, the yful glint in her eyes remaining.

    Gloria let out a soft yawn and stretchedzily before ncing at Liana with a teasing smile. Without hesitation, she began to slowly remove her sleepwear, her movements deliberately unhurried.

    "Gloria!" Liana hissed, her cheeks flushing. "Don''t do that in front of the Young Master!"

    "Ara..." Gloria tilted her head innocently, her smirk still in ce. "He''s still a kid, you know. It''s not like he''ll notice."

    "Yeah, but what if he were an adult?" Liana shot back, ring at her.

    Gloria paused, pretending to think, then smiled mischievously. "Hmm? Then he''ll marry us, of course. Tehe~"

    "Haaa..." Liana sighed, covering her face with her hand. "You''re impossible, Gloria."@@novelbin@@

    "Oh,e now," Gloria winked. "You''re already going to be his first wife, aren''t you? I''m just getting ready to be the second. No need to be shy."

    "Just... get dressed already," Liana muttered, exasperated as she turned back to the still-sleeping Javier.

    "This girl is dangerous," Liana thought, eyeing Gloria cautiously.

    "Hmm?" Gloria feigned innocence, smirking. "I am dangerous, but you''re even more dangerous, Liana."

    "Huh?" Liana blinked in confusion.

    "I mean," Gloria crossed her arms with a teasing smile, "you spoil him. You let him kiss you whenever he pleases, and now he can''t even sleep alone anymore, all thanks to you." Her sharp eyes glinted as she pointedly nced at Liana.

    Liana felt her face heat up. "T-that''s different!" she protested. "I''m his maid. It''s my duty to care for him."

    "Oh, of course," Gloria replied, her tone mock serious. "And I suppose it''s also your ''duty'' to cuddle with him and let him call you his future bride?"

    "Gloria!" Liana snapped, though the redness in her cheeks betrayed her embarrassment. "Don''t twist it like that!"

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    "Ara, ara..." Gloria chuckled, clearly enjoying herself. "I''m just saying,pared to me, you''re the truly dangerous one here."

    Liana could only sigh in exasperation, knowing she couldn''t win against Gloria''s teasing. "Haaa... why do I even bother?"

    "Now, now, Liana," Gloria said yfully, leaning against the doorframe. "Wake the Young Master up. I''m sure his mother is waiting to see him before they leave for the Armand region."

    "Haaa... that''s true," Liana sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "We also need to get back to our rental house in the capital city."

    "Oh yes, I saw it," Gloria remarked casually, adjusting her outfit. "It''s a good ce, with plenty of guards patrolling the area. Good choice, Liana. You''ve done well."

    "Hmm?" Liana narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "How do you know about it?"

    Gloria turned to leave the room, moving gracefully. She paused at the door, ncing back at Liana with her usual mischievous smile. Covering her lips with her hand, she tilted her head slightly and said, "Tehe~~"

    "Gloria..." Liana muttered, watching her leave with a mix of exasperation and curiosity. "That woman is impossible..."

    With a small shake of her head, Liana turned her attention back to Javier, gently shaking him awake. "Young Master, it''s time to get up. Your mother is waiting."

    "Hmmm... Liana... let me sleep more," Javier mumbled, pulling the nket higher over his head.

    "Young Master, wake up. Madam is waiting for you," Liana said gently, giving his shoulder a light shake.

    "Ugh... Liana... let me sleep more," Javier groaned, refusing to budge.

    Liana smirked slightly, deciding to test him. "Ahhh... M-My Lord!" she stammered, pretending to be rmed.

    "Eeeekk! I''m sorry, Father!" Javier yelped, bolting upright, only to look around and realize no one was at the door.

    "Ugh, Liana... why did you do that?" he grumbled, flopping back down onto the bed and pulling the nket over himself again.

    Liana tried to suppress a giggle as she leaned closer, but her expression changed when she noticed a familiar presence. Her tone became genuinely nervous as she quickly stood and bowed. "M-My Lord!"

    "Hah! You''re not going to fool me a second time, Liana," Javier said smugly from under his nket. "I''m going to sleep more. Nice try though."

    "Javier!" Garius''s deep voice cut through the room.

    "Eeeppp!!! Father!!" Javier shot up so fast he nearly tangled himself in his nket. His wide eyes darted to the door where Garius stood, arms crossed and a sharp gaze fixed on him.

    "Get ready. Now," Gariusmanded in his no-nonsense tone.

    "Y-Yes, Esteemed Father!" Javier stammered, scrambling to his feet.

    Behind him, Liana covered her mouth with her hand to suppress augh. "Haaa..." she sighed quietly to herself, watching her young master fumble to get dressed under Lord Garius''s stern gaze.

    "Faster!" Garius barked, his sharp tone cutting through the room.

    "Y-yes, Esteemed Father!" Javier stammered, fumbling with his clothes as he tried to dress quickly.

    Liana turned her head slightly, trying to hide her amused smile. However, when Lord Garius''s stern gaze shifted to her, she straightened up nervously. Without hesitation, she stepped forward to assist her young master, her hands moving swiftly to help him with his outfit.

    Garius watched them for a moment longer before turning toward the door. "I''ll see you both in the dining room," he said firmly. "You better not sleep again, Javier."

    "Y-yes, Esteemed Father!" Javier replied, standing straighter than usual.

    Once Garius left, Liana let out a quiet sigh of relief. "Young Master, let''s hurry before hees back," she urged, fastening thest of his buttons.

    "Haaa... why is he so intense this morning?" Javier muttered, though he didn''t dare slow down.

    Once they were ready, Liana took a moment to adjust Javier''s clothes, making sure he looked presentable. As she smoothed out the creases on his shirt, Javier mumbled, "I didn''t even have a shower yet."

    "We can do that at our houseter, Young Master," Liana replied calmly, brushing off a bit of lint from his sleeve.

    "Fine..." Javier grumbled, ncing toward the window. "But what about the battleground event at the school?"

    "Don''t worry, Young Master," Liana reassured him with a small smile. "It''s still too early. The sun hasn''t even risen yet."

    "Haaa... Fine, let''s go," Javier said, adjusting his cor slightly while Liana gave him a satisfied nod.

    "That''s better, Young Master. You look perfect now," Liana said with a gentle smile as they left the room to join Lord Garius and Lady Francesca.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 199 Teasing Tensions ( 199 )

    After the emotional farewell, the brothers slowlyposed themselves. Marcellus and Cedric, regaining their usual cheeky energy, walked over to Javier with wide grins on their faces.

    Pretending to hug him, Marcellus ced a firm hand on Javier''s shoulder. "Little brother," he began in a mock-sincere tone.

    "Yes?" Javier replied, already suspicious of their intentions.

    "Got more money?" Cedric chimed in, grinning slyly.

    Javier groaned, rubbing his temples. "Ugh! I already gave you both somest night. And don''t think I didn''t see Father handing your expenses to Lithia and Meira earlier."

    "Aw, c''mon, little brother. Just a bit more," Marcellus pleaded, leaning in dramatically.

    "Yeah, just a small loan for your favorite elder brothers," Cedric added, shing a charming smile.

    "Haaaa... fine..." Javier sighed in defeat, digging into his magic storage to retrieve a small pouch of gold coins. He handed it over reluctantly. "Here."

    "Woohoo!!!" Marcellus and Cedric cheered in unison, high-fiving each other.

    "I''m going to treat my maids and myself with this!" Marcellus dered triumphantly.

    "Same here!" Cedric said, jingling the coins in the pouch with excitement.

    "Brother."

    "Hmm? What now, little brother?" Marcellus asked, still grinning as he examined the pouch of gold Javier had given him.

    Javier didn''t respond at first; instead, he reached into his magic storage with a flick of his hand and pulled out two intricately designed bracelets. The mithril bands gleamed in the sunlight, and faint engravings of protective runes shimmered across their surfaces.

    "Here," Javier said firmly, handing one to each brother. "Wear these. And don''t even think about selling them. If you do, don''t ever ask me for money again."

    Marcellus held the bracelet up, inspecting the craftsmanship. "Oh! This has a nice design! Where''d you get this?"

    "Don''t ask, just wear it," Javier said, crossing his arms.

    "Oho~ someone''s turning into Father," Cedric teased, slipping the bracelet onto his wrist. "Scaryyyy~"

    "Hmph," Javier huffed, though his stern expression softened slightly as he watched them put the bracelets on.

    Marcellus turned the band around his wrist, noticing the faint magical aura. "This is... pretty good. Is this enchanted, little brother?"

    "It''s just... for protection," Javier said, looking away nonchntly. "You''re both important, so... yeah."

    Marcellus and Cedric exchanged nces and smiled. "Thanks, little brother," Cedric said sincerely, ruffling Javier''s hair.

    "Yeah, thanks," Marcellus added, his tone softer than usual. "Guess you do care about us after all."

    "Don''t push it," Javier muttered, swatting their hands away with a faint grin.

    Nearby, Liana and Gloria watched the interaction with warm smiles. "Young Master really has a good heart," Liana said softly.

    "Indeed," Gloria agreed, her voice teasing. "Though he''d never admit it outright."

    No one knew, except Javier himself, that the bracelets he had given to his brothers were uniquely crafted by him. Using his magic crafting skill, he had embedded them with a powerful barrier enchantment and an enhancement spell to boost the wearer''s strength and defense.

    "Little brother," Marcellus said, adjusting the bracelet on his wrist. "Don''t cause too much trouble at the event."

    "Yeah, yeah..." Javier replied, waving his hand dismissively.

    Marcellus grinned, stepping back and cing his hands on his hips in an exaggerated pose. "We''re off now. Behave, Javier." His tone mimicked their father''s stern authority, drawing an amused nce from Cedric.

    Cedric immediately followed suit, folding his arms and lowering his voice to imitate Garius. "Don''t cause too much trouble," he said, narrowing his eyes as if scolding.

    "Hmph, you two sound ridiculous," Javier smirked, turning away to hide his amusement. "Just go already."

    "Take care, little brother," Marcellus added with augh, giving Javier a pat on the shoulder before walking off.

    "See you soon," Cedric said, grinning as he joined Marcellus.

    As they left, Liana leaned toward Javier and whispered, "They care about you, Young Master."

    "Hmph... they''re just loud freeloaders," Javier muttered, though his smirk betrayed the affection he held for his brothers.

    "Now we should go to school," Liana reminded him as they walked toward Buddy and Pikko. "You have the battleground event today as the only one from ss F who qualified."

    "Yeah, yeah," Javier replied nonchntly, stretching his arms. "I don''t n on winning anyway. Too much effort."

    As they continued walking, Javier turned his gaze to Liana, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "By the way, Liana?"

    "Yes, Young Master?"

    "What did Father tell you when he called you before breakfast?"

    Liana hesitated for a moment, her expression calm but thoughtful. "Hmm? Oh... Lord Garius said I should withdraw from the escort bracket."

    "Huh? Why?" Javier asked, raising an eyebrow.

    "I don''t know what happened," Liana admitted evenly. "But amand is amand, and I must follow it."

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    "Oh..." Javier muttered, scratching his head.

    From the side, Gloria chuckled softly, her serene smile revealing nothing. "Now, Young Master," she said, her tone light but firm, "we should prepare. The crowd will be waiting for your grand entrance."

    "Haa... fine," Javier sighed dramatically, though a faint smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. "Let''s get this over with."

    "Buddy!!"

    Buddy squawked loudly, rushing toward Javier with excitement, while Pikko followed calmly, her silver-tinted feathers gleaming in the sunlight.

    "Ahhh! I forgot!!" Javier suddenly eximed, pping his forehead.

    "Hmm? What now, Young Master?" Liana asked, tilting her head.

    "Gloria doesn''t have a Pekko!"

    Gloria smirked knowingly, folding her arms. "Ara~ I seem to remember a certain young master promising me a Pekko before."

    Liana shook her head with a small smile. "Haa..."

    "Sorry, Gloria," Javier said sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "When we get back to the Armand region, I''ll buy you one."

    "Oh nooo~" Gloria teased, pressing a hand to her cheek dramatically. "I''ll be the only one riding a boring horse while a certain someone enjoys riding her Pekko." She cast a teasing nce at Liana, whose smile remained calm but a little strained.@@novelbin@@

    With a yful glint in her eyes, Gloria leaned toward Javier. "For now, I will ride it with young masterrrr..." she said, her gaze sliding back to Liana as if daring her to object.

    "Gloria..." Liana sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose but keeping her voice steady. "Let''s just go, shall we?"

    "Ara~ jealous?" Gloria whispered softly, earning a sharp but amused re from Liana.

    Gloria gracefully mounted Buddy, settling behind Javier and wrapping her arms around him securely. With a mischievous smirk, she pressed Javier''s head gently against her chest while ncing at Liana.

    "Ara~ how cozy this is," Gloria said teasingly, her voice light and yful.

    "Young master!" Liana called out, her eyes narrowing as she stood beside Pikko, her pout evident. "This is why we need to get her a Pekko soon!"

    "Err... umm..." Javier stammered, trying to pull his head away but failing. "Y-yeah, definitely need to get her one... very soon!"

    Gloria let out a soft chuckle, clearly enjoying the moment. "No rush, Young Master~" she said with a wink toward Liana. "I''m perfectly fine like this."

    "Haa..." Liana sighed, mounting Pikko. "Let''s just go already, Young Master."

    "Yes! Let''s go!" Javier said quickly, eager to escape the awkwardness.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 202 Predator and Prey ( 202 )

    The chains that had bound him glowed brightly for a moment before shattering like fragile ss, falling uselessly to the ground.

    The robed figures froze in shock. "W-what!?"

    Javier stretchedzily, rolling his neck with a crack. "You went through all this trouble just for me? How touching. But now... let''s begin."

    He raised his hand, and the air around him grew dense as a massive gravitational force exploded outward. "Super Gravity!"

    The ground trembled violently as the robed figures were mmed down, their bodies pinned mercilessly to the arena floor. Some groaned in pain, while others struggled to move, but none could stand under the immense pressure.

    Liana and Gloria, stared in awe.

    "Young Master..." Liana whispered, relief and astonishment on her face.

    "Ara~ Looks like he''s finally showing his true colors," Gloria murmured, her smirk growing wider as she tightened her grip on her des.

    Javier''s eyes glowed faintly, a mischievous glint in them as he scanned the struggling attackers. "You wanted to kill me? I hope you''re ready, because now it''s my turn."

    He cracked his knuckles, stepping forward with a predatory grin. "Let''s see how long you canst."

    "Gyahahahaha!" Javier''sughter echoed through the empty arena as he dashed toward one of the pinned robed figures. "Now taste my kick!"

    Javier''s footnded repeatedly on the attacker, each kick sending vibrations through the ground. The robed figure let out a muffled groan but couldn''t move under the immense gravity.

    "Oh,e on!" Javier jeered, tilting his head mockingly as he stood over his victim. "I thought you were better than those noble kids I fought earlier. Show me what you''ve got!"

    His eyes sparkled with mischief as he crouched near another attacker, grabbing their weapon¡ªa dagger¡ªfrom their immobilized hand and holding it out toward them.

    "Here," he said with a grin, waving the dagger mockingly. "Take it back! You wanted to kill me, right? How''re you gonna do that without your weapon?"

    The figure''s arm twitched feebly, but the overwhelming gravity kept them glued to the ground.

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    "Ehhh? Still can''t move?" Javier stood up, scratching his head theatrically. "That''s disappointing... I didn''t even use my full power yet."

    He tapped his chin in mock thought. "Hmm... maybe I''m only at 10% right now? What do you think, Gloria?"

    "Ara~ I think you''re being generous, Young Master," Gloria teased from the sidelines, amusementcing her voice.

    "Young Master," Liana called, half-scolding. "Please don''t y with them too much."

    "Haaa, fine, fine," Javier muttered, rolling his eyes. He turned back to the struggling attackers, his grin widening. "But seriously, how did you guys even think you could kill me? This is embarrassing for you."

    He kicked another weapon toward a different figure,ughing as they tried and failed to reach for it. "Here, I''ll even help you out. Oh? You still can''t move? How pity. Kekekeke!"

    The robed figures, bound by the crushing gravity and Javier''s mocking gaze, could do nothing but endure the torment as he gleefully toyed with them.

    "Hyaaaaarrhhh!" Javier eximed dramatically, raising his arms as if addressing an imaginary crowd. "Come on, guys! I''ve been waiting since day one for you to make a move! Don''t disappoint me now¡ªI know you can do better!"

    "Ehehehe... can''t let all the fun be mine!" Javier called out, his mischievous grin widening as he waved toward the bench. "Lianaaaa... Gloriaaaa...e hereee...!"

    Liana stepped closely, her eyes glinting with focus as she drew her des. Gloria followed , smirking as she tightened her grip on her weapons.

    "Better act fast," Javier teased the immobilized attackers, gesturing toward Liana and Gloria. "It looks like Liana''s ready to show off those twin des. And Gloria?" He nced at her sidelong, chuckling. "Oh no, she''s scarrrrry when she nces like that! Kekekeke!"

    With his maids by his side, the mood shifted from mockery to a synchronized disy of skill and precision. The robed figures watched helplessly as their worst nightmare unfolded.

    "Hey, robe guy..." Javier crouched next to one of the immobilized attackers, tilting his head mockingly. "Come on... move a bit, will you?"

    The assassin red at Javier, eyes filled with rage but unable to muster the strength to respond.

    "Oh, let me help you up," Javier said with fake kindness, reaching for the assassin''s cor.

    With effortless motion, Javier lifted the man off the ground by his cor, holding him in midair like a rag doll. The assassin''s legs dangled uselessly, his struggles futile against Javier''s overwhelming strength.

    "Up you go..." Javier smirked before mming the man into the ground with terrifying force.

    Thud!

    The ground cracked under the impact, and the assassiny motionless, his life extinguished in an instant.

    "One down!" Javier announced with a maniacalugh. "Ohhh!! Come on, guys!" he said, turning to the remaining assassins with his arms outstretched theatrically. "You all came here to kill me, right? Don''t just stand there! Here!"

    He puffed his chest, leaning forward slightly in a mocking gesture. "Here, I''ll give you a chance¡ª"

    He paused, his eyes widening slightly in fake realization. "Oh wait, I forgot... none of you can move!"

    Javier erupted intoughter, his voice echoing ominously in the silent arena. "Gyahahahaha!!"

    The assassins, still pinned under the crushing weight of Javier''s Super Gravity skill, could only watch in terror, their bodies trembling under the immense pressure.

    "Hyaaarrrrr!!!" he shouted gleefully, hands on his hips. "Hey, you guys are supposed to be highly skilled assassinnnnnnnnsss!"

    "Cuquawk!!"

    Javier turned to see Buddy and Pikko stomping toward the arena, their powerful legs shaking the ground with every step.@@novelbin@@

    "Ah, sorry, Buddy! Pikko!" Javier called out with a mischievous grin. "You can join us too! Crush their heads!!"

    The two massive pekko squawked in excitement, their sharp ws digging into the ground as they stomped closer to the pinned assassins.

    "Let none live. I bet they''ve already killed a lot of innocent people before, right?" Javier said, his mocking gazending on the leader of the robed group.

    The leader gritted his teeth, fear evident by the sweat dripping down his face.

    "Young Master," Liana interrupted, her voice calm but cautious. "Should we leave one alive for interrogation?"

    Javier shrugged nonchntly, his grin never faltering. "No need. They don''t deserve that chance. It''s not like I care who sent them anyway."

    He crouched down in front of the leader, tilting his head mockingly. "Hey, robe man. You could''ve chosen honest work, earned money without shedding innocent blood. Yet here you are, trying to kill me."

    The assassins, once hunters, nowy as helpless prey, pinned to the ground and unable to fight back.

    "Buddy! Pikko!" Javier called out, standing tall and gesturing dramatically toward the helpless assassins. "Do your thing!"

    The two pekko let out triumphant squawks, stomping toward the robed figures with dangerous glee.

    Liana and Gloria exchanged nces.

    "You heard him," Gloria said with a wicked smirk, lifting her hammer. "Let''s finish this."

    "Understood, Young Master," Liana replied, drawing her bow and aiming at the nearest assassin.

    "So... who''s next?" he asked, his grin sharp and filled with mischief as he cracked his knuckles. "Come on, entertain me a little before I get bored again!"

    "Oh, how about you?!" Javier''s eyes gleamed with excitement as he pointed at one of the assassins. With a flick of his wrist, he lifted the gravity spell on the chosen attacker, allowing them to move.

    The assassin stumbled briefly but quickly regained bnce. Without hesitation, they dashed toward Javier, weapon in hand, aiming for a fatal strike.

    Javier stood still, hands in his pockets, watching the assassin approach with a bored expression. Just as the weapon came close, he casually stepped to the side, evading the attack with ease.

    "Aw,e on!" Javier taunted, shaking his head. "The brat from Brabus was faster than you! "

    The assassin growled in frustration and swung their weapon again, but Javier ducked, spinning around them with augh. "Really? That''s all you''ve got?"

    Javier sighed dramatically. "Well... whatever..." He raised his hand, smirking. "Vines Rope... binding! Ehehehe."

    Green magical vines burst from the ground, wrapping around the assassin with astounding speed. The attacker struggled violently, but the vines tightened their hold, constricting them further.

    "Looks like it''s game over for you," Javier said, his tone almost sing-song as he watched the life drain from the assassin''s eyes. The binding grew tighter, squeezing any remaining resistance from the attacker until they slumped motionless.

    ( End Of Chapter )

 Chapter 204 The Royal Inquiry ( 204 )

    Javier, sittingfortably on a stack of crates, let out a satisfied sigh as he wiped the crumbs from his fingers. The remnants of a pastry still lingered on his lips as he licked them absentmindedly.

    "Mmm. That was a good snack," he mused, stretching his arms. "You girls sure took your time."

    Liana, adjusting her sleeve with practiced ease, shot him a sidelong nce. "We finished in under five minutes, young master."

    Gloria, her pristine maid uniform still spotless despite the battle, simply smiled as she adjusted her sses. "Ara, was it too slow for you?"

    Javier grinned, swinging his legs yfully. "Oh no, you both did great. Very elegant execution. Super efficient. I had just enough time to finish my pastry."

    A faint sigh escaped Liana''s lips, but a small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth.@@novelbin@@

    "Now, now, young master," Gloria finally said, sping her hands together. "Shall we head home?"

    "Okay! Ehehehe¡­" Javier hopped off the crate, his steps light as if they hadn''t just cleaned up an entire group of enemies.

    Behind them, Buddy and Pikko strutted proudly, their beaks held high and their feathery chests puffed up as if they had been the true victors of the battle.

    As they stepped out of the arena, the cold night air greeted them¡ªalong with the sudden sound of heavy footsteps and nking armor.

    A loud,manding voice rang out. "HALT!"

    Javier blinked.

    Before them stood an entire army¡ªrows of Royal Knights in gleaming armor, Royal Archers with arrows nocked and ready, forming an inescapable blockade. The golden insignia of the kingdom glinted in the torchlight, their presence suffocating.

    Without hesitation, he dove behind Liana, clutching the back of her dress like a terrified child. His eyes widened as he peeked over her shoulder, his voice trembling just enough to sound convincing. "L-Liana¡­ I-I think we''re in trouble¡­" he whimpered, pressing closer as if seeking protection. Then, in a much quieter tone, he whispered, "You two, raise your hands."

    Liana merely sighed. Gloria adjusted her sses.

    "If you say so, Young Master," Liana said without hesitation, lifting her hands in mock surrender. Gloria did the same, unfazed as ever.

    "Detain them!" one of the knights ordered.

    Javier gulped and trembled theatrically. "Uwaaah! Please, don''t hurt me!"

    Liana resisted the urge to facepalm. Gloria simply smiled.

    The Royal Knights advanced.

    ------------------------------------------------

    In the small, dimly lit room, Javier sat casually in a chair, swinging his legs as if the situation was no big deal. Liana and Gloria stood calmly behind him, their expressions unreadable, though Liana asionally nced at Javier to make sure he didn''t say anything... out of line.

    Across the table, a stern-looking female officer leaned forward, her piercing gaze fixed on Javier. Her uniform bore the insignia of the royal guard, and she exuded authority with every movement.

    "So, what actually happened?" she asked, her tone firm but softened slightly since she was questioning a young boy. She clearly expected him to reveal the truth in his excitement.

    Javier''s eyes sparkled as he leaned forward with an excited grin. "Ah, Miss Officer! You wouldn''t believe it! These two saved me!" He pointed dramatically at Liana and Gloria, his voice full of awe. "When I woke up, I was on their backs! They protected me the whole time!"

    The officer blinked, slightly taken aback by his enthusiasm. "Oh... really?" she asked, raising an eyebrow and ncing at the two maids.

    "Yes!" Javier nodded vigorously, his tone growing more animated. "They''re amazing! Liana was like¡ªshwing!" He mimed shing a sword. "And Gloria was like¡ªwhoosh, swoosh!" He mimicked fast movements with his hands, his face lighting up as he continued. "They were unstoppable! They fought off the bad guys while I was just... um, recovering! That''s why I didn''t see much, but I know they were awesome!"

    The officer tilted her head, looking between the boy and the two maids, who kept their calmposure despite his silly retelling. Gloria cleared her throat, a small, knowing smile on her lips. "Young Master tends to get... creative with his stories," she said politely.

    "But it''s true!" Javier insisted, crossing his arms and pouting. "They''re heroes! You should give them medals!"

    Liana sighed softly but smiled at Javier, bowing her head slightly. "Miss Officer, we were only doing our duty to protect our Young Master. Nothing more."

    The officer leaned back, scribbling something in her notebook while ncing at Javier, who was now animatedly reenacting an imaginary battle with sound effects. She couldn''t help but let out a soft chuckle. "Well, you''re lucky to have such capable maids," she said kindly, though she suspected there was much more to the story. "We''ll confirm everything shortly."

    After a while, the female officer returned with a small stack of documents in hand. She looked at Javier, Liana, and Gloria with a neutral expression before saying, "You all can go now."

    "Yay! I''m hungry!" Javier cheered, raising his hands like a child celebrating a festival.

    "Now, now, Young Master," Liana said gently, adjusting his cloak as they prepared to leave.

    As they walked down the quiet street toward their rented house, the tension from the earlier questioning eased. Javier happily munched on a snack he had produced from his magic storage, while Buddy and Pikko trailed obediently behind.

    Liana shot a sideways nce at Gloria, a sly smile creeping onto her lips. "Someone certainly put on quite the performance back there, didn''t they?"

    Gloria smirked knowingly, her eyes ncing toward Javier. "Ara, ara, it seems our Young Master has a hidden talent for drama."

    "What?" Javier mumbled with a mouthful of food, looking up at them with wide, innocent eyes. "I was just telling the truth! You two were amazing! It was all you! Whoosh, pow, shwing!" He mimicked exaggerated fighting motions, earning a giggle from Liana.

    "Young Master," Liana teased, "you really enjoyed ying the clueless little boy, didn''t you?"

    "What do you mean, ''ying''?" Javier tilted his head, feigning confusion. "I was scared! Trapped! I didn''t even know what was going on until you both saved me!"

    "Sure, Young Master," Gloria said with a smirk. "You''re just an innocent little boy who knows nothing about gravity magic, barriers, or... binding spells?"

    "Exactly!" Javier dered, his voice mockingly sincere. "It''s not like I had fun taking care of those bad guys or anything. Nope, not me!"

    Liana sighed but couldn''t hide her amusement. "You really are something, Young Master."

    "Of course I am!" Javier grinned. "Now, can we eat? I''m starving after all that ''danger''!"

    "Haa... fine," Liana said, shaking her head. "Let''s get home first."

    "You''ll spoil him more if you keep giving in like that," Gloria teased, leaning closer to Liana. "You know he''ll make you cook extra meat again."

    "And who''s going to eat half of it along with him?" Liana shot back, raising an eyebrow.

    "Ara, guilty as charged," Gloria replied with augh.

    Javier walked ahead, humming happily, pretending not to hear them as they teased each other. "Let''s go, let''s go! Dinner awaits!"

    As they arrived at their rented house, Buddy and Pikko dashed excitedly around the courtyard, circling the house with yful squawks that echoed like a warning. They patrolled the area, alert and ready to defend their master.

    Liana and Gloria exchanged nces, silently agreeing on their next move. Without a word, they drew their weapons¡ªGloria hefting her massive magic war hammer with ease, and Liana nocking an arrow onto her enchanted bow while keeping her de ready at her side.

    Javier, trailing behind, tilted his head and smiled innocently. "Hmm? Why are you both so tense? This house is safe... right?" He pointed casually toward the side of the house.

    At that moment, shimmering figures began to materialize in the courtyard. A full squad of puppet knights emerged, each d in gleaming mithril armor and wielding deadly mithril swords. Behind them, another group of knights appeared, equipped with glowing magic crossbows, their movements precise and methodical.

    "Ehehehe," Javier chuckled, his smirk widening. "They''ve been here the whole time, you know. Just in case."

    Liana sighed, lowering her bow slightly. "Young Master, you could have mentioned that earlier."

    "Ara, ara," Gloria said teasingly, resting her war hammer on her shoulder. "It''s almost like he wanted to see us on edge."

    "What? Me? Never!" Javier ced a hand on his chest, feigning innocence. "They''re just my little insurance policy. Nothing to worry about. See? The house is totally safe!"

    Liana rolled her eyes but couldn''t suppress a small smile. "Only you would call a squad of mithril-armored knights ''little,'' Young Master."

    "Well," Gloria added with a grin, "at least we can rest easy knowing we have this... ''insurance.'' But next time, warn us before your hidden army suddenly appears, okay?"

    "Fine, fine," Javier said, waving a hand dismissively. "Now, can we go inside? I''m hungry, and my ''little squad'' can handle the outside patrol."

    Buddy and Pikko let out contented squawks as they settled in the courtyard, while the puppet knights silently took up their positions, guarding the house. Liana and Gloria sheathed their weapons and followed Javier inside, both quietly amused by their Young Master''s antics.

    Later that night, after dinner, Javiery on his bed, clearly excited, his feet kicking under the nket. "Lianaaaa..." he called out yfully.

    From the kitchen, Liana replied calmly, "Just wait, Young Master. I''m finishing up the dishes."

    "Okay..." Javier sighed dramatically, rolling onto his side.

    Gloria leaned casually against the doorway with a sly grin, ncing at Liana. "So, you''re going to sleep with him again tonight?"

    Liana raised an eyebrow as she ced another clean dish on the rack. "Yes, as usual. Like you don''t already know that."

    "Ara~ clingy, is he? Or maybe you''re the clingy one?" Gloria teased, resting her chin on her hand. "After all, he can''t sleep without you anymore, can he?"

    "That''s because I''ve been taking care of him since he was small!" Liana retorted, crossing her arms with a smile. "If you''re so jealous, you can try keeping himpany instead."

    "Hmm... tempting," Gloria said, smirking as she stood and stretched. "But I think I''ll enjoy teasing you about it instead."

    "Gloriaaa..." Liana sighed, amusement in her voice.

    From the other room, Javier called, "Liana! Are you done yet? I''m getting lonely!"

    "See what I mean?" Liana said, shaking her head fondly. "He can''t go a night without me."

    "Ara~ such devotion," Gloria added dramatically, hand over her heart. "I might be jealous after all."

    "Then go sleep in the next room," Liana replied mockingly, pointing toward the door.

    "Fine, fine," Gloria said yfully pouting. "But don''t forget, I''m still his second maid¡ªand maybe someday, his second wife. Tehe~"

    "Goodnight, Gloria," Liana said firmly, her cheeks slightly flushed as she turned back to the dishes.

    "Goodnight, future first wife," Gloria replied with a mischievous grin before disappearing into the hallway.

    Liana let out a softugh while drying thest dish, thoughts shifting to her Young Master, who was undoubtedly waiting. "Coming, Young Master," she called, a small smile on her lips as she made her way to the bedroom.

    As Liana held Javier close, his head restingfortably against her chest, she nted a soft kiss on his lips, a part of her nightly routine. "Goodnight, Young Master," she whispered with a tender smile. Slowly, her eyes began to close as she drifted off to sleep, her embrace warm and secure.

    The room was silent, save for their soft breathing¡ªuntil the faint creak of the door interrupted the stillness.

    "Tehe~" Gloria''s voice chimed quietly as she tiptoed inside.

    She slid under the nket on the other side of Javier, a sly smile on her face. "Oh, don''t mind me... I''m just making sure my future Young Master is safe," she whispered, mostly to herself.

    Javier, half-asleep, stirred. "Hmm? Liana?"

    "Shh, shh... go back to sleep, Young Master," Gloria cooed softly, gently patting his shoulder. "Liana''s here... and so am I." Stay updated via My Virtual Library Empire

    Liana''s eyes fluttered open briefly, casting a sleepy yet sharp re at Gloria. "Gloria..."

    "Ara~ Don''t mind me, just keeping things bnced," Gloria teased in a hushed tone, snuggling closer to Javier. "After all, sharing is caring."

    "Haa... fine, but don''t you dare wake him," Liana muttered, too tired to argue further. She tightened her hold on Javier protectively, her eyes narrowing briefly before she drifted back to sleep.

    Gloria smirked, closing her eyes. "Goodnight, future family~" she murmured yfully as the room settled into peaceful quiet once more.

    ( End Of Chapter )

 Chapter 205 Countdown to Freedom ( 205 )

    "Hyaaaaarh! Just 2 more weeks of this boring school life! Kyahaa!!" Javier eximed, standing on his chair with arms raised like a triumphant warrior.

    "Soon! Soon! I can go back home! To Armand region! Gyahahahaha!"

    Liana sighed heavily, pressing a hand to her temple. "Young Master, please don''t shout like that in ss. You''ll cause a scene."

    Gloria, seated nearby, smiled knowingly. "Ara~ Let him enjoy his excitement, Liana. He''s been counting down the days for weeks."

    "Ehehehehe! I can''t wait to go back! More fun, more freedom! Gyahahahaha!" Javier continued, his enthusiasm unabated.

    Liana shook her head, feeling her headache intensify with every dramatic gesture. It had been over a month since the battleground event was canceled due to an assassination attempt. The school had returned to normal, but the excitement before the event was long gone. For Javier, the days crawled by, and his longing for Armand was palpable.

    "Young Master, you know shouting won''t make the days go by faster, right?" Liana remarked, her tone a mix of fondness and exasperation.

    "I know! But it feels good to let it out! Ehehehehe!"

    "And when you get home?" Gloria asked, resting her chin in her hand. "What''s the first thing you''re going to do, Young Master?"

    "Easy!" he dered, proudly pointing a thumb at himself. "Buddy, Pikko, and I are going to explore the whole region again! I miss hunting, grilling meat, and sneaking into ces I''m not supposed to! Gyahaha!"

    The other noble kids in ss F turned their attention to Javier, who proudly stood on his chair,ughing maniacally as if free from the school''s monotony.

    "Hyaaaaarrr!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the ssroom, arms waving theatrically. His eyes sparkled with excitement, and his wide grin lit up the room.

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    The lower-ranked noble kids¡ªchildren of barons and lower barons¡ªexchanged nervous nces. Though ustomed to Javier''s antics, none would approach him casually.

    "The delinquent noble is at it again," one whispered, chuckling uneasily.

    "Yeah, but he''s not so bad, is he?" another replied, eyes fixed on their desk.

    Despite his chaotic presence, Javier had earned a unique reputation. As a count''s son, he could easily belittle others, yet his antics brought a strange energy to dull ss F. His reputation as the "delinquent noble" kept his ssmates at a respectful distance.

    Noticing the stares, Javier shed a devilish grin. "What? You lot jealous of my ns for freedom? Gyahaha!"

    Awkwardughter filled the room as students quickly returned to their tasks, eager to avoid bing the next target of Javier''s yful jabs.@@novelbin@@

    Liana, seated beside him, let out a resigned sigh. "Young Master, if you keep this up, you''ll scare them even more."

    "Ehehehe! Let them be scared!" Javier dered, striking a victorious pose.

    "Haaa... maybe they''re not scared of you. They''re just smart enough to avoid the chaos you always bring," Liana muttered, shaking her head as she adjusted her notes.

    Javier turned his attention to the window, still standing proudly on his chair like the self-proimed king of ss F. His sharp eyes spotted a group of noble kids lingering outside¡ªsons of viscounts, counts, and even a marquis. Known bullies, they sneered at the ss F students, clearly up to no good.

    Javier leaned forward, resting a foot on his desk for emphasis. "Oi!" he shouted, his voice slicing through the ssroom buzz. "Looking for a fight?!"

    The bullies froze, their smirks fading as they realized who had addressed them.

    Javier''s grin turned devilish. "Do you want me to kick your ball again?" he mocked, mimicking a kicking motion. "No? Then scram!"

    The memory of Javier''s infamous crotch kick during the battleground qualifier haunted them. One of the bullies, pale-faced and trembling, grabbed the sleeve of the marquis'' son. "Let''s get out of here!" he hissed.

    The group didn''t need to be told twice. With hurried steps and barely concealed fear, they bolted down the hallway, their bravado vanishing.

    Javier watched them flee,ughing maniacally. "Gyahahahaha! And stay gone!"

    The rest of ss F exchanged amused nces. The delinquent noble might be loud and entric, but he had be their unofficial protector.

    Liana sighed, rubbing her temple. "Young Master, do you have to cause such a scene every time?"

    "Scene? What scene? " Javier replied smugly, hopping down from the chair and plopping back into his seat.

    Gloria giggled softly. "Ara~ At least he''s keeping the ssroom free of pests, Liana."

    Meanwhile, outside, Buddy let out an enthusiastic squawk, bounding across the courtyard as he chased after Pikko. She darted nimbly around trees, teasing Buddy by pecking at the ground before taking off again.

    Determined not to lose, Buddy squawked louder, pping his wings dramatically for extra speed as he rounded a corner, nearly toppling over a small decorative bush.

    The courtyard buzzed with their antics, drawing the attention of passing students, some chuckling at the sight of the yful Pekkos.

    "Are those... really mounts?" one bewildered noble student asked.

    "They belong to that delinquent noble from ss F," another replied, watching as Buddy triumphantly tapped Pikko with his beak.

    Pikko squawked back indignantly, spinning around to chase Buddy in retaliation.

    Their chaotic game continued, rustling leaves and bubblingughter filling the air. The school guards, tasked with maintaining order, simply sighed and let the scene unfold. They had learned long ago not to try to herd Javier''s Pekkos.

    "Two more weeks! Kikiki! Two weeks!" Javier eximed, his eyes wide with exaggerated excitement as he leaned forward to stare intently at Liana.

    "Young Master, please calm down," Liana replied, shaking her head but unable to hide a faint smile.

    Javier pped his hands dramatically. "Two weeks, Liana! Freedom awaits! No more boring school, no more stupid events, and no more pompous noble brats trying to show off their pathetic magic! I''m going back home to Armand region! Gyahahaha!"

    He jumped onto his chair, spreading his arms wide as if proiming victory.

    The other students in ss F nced his way, some rolling their eyes and others chuckling nervously. They had long gotten used to the antics of the so-called "delinquent noble."

    "Two weeks of this..." Liana muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose.

    "And you know what, Liana?" Javier leaned closer, grinning.

    "What is it, Young Master?"

    "I''m going to do absolutely nothing productive for these two weeks. Kikiki!"

    "Young Master, that''s not something to brag about," Liana replied, shaking her head.

    Javierughed harder. "Freedom, Liana! Two weeks till I teach Buddy and Pikko some new tricks before we leave! Gyahahaha!"

    Outside the ssroom, Buddy let out an enthusiastic squawk, seemingly understanding his master''s excitement. Pikko, ever graceful, replied with a dignified chirp, unimpressed by Buddy''s antics but willing to indulge him.

    Liana sighed, ncing at Gloria, who smiled serenely. "You''ve got your hands full, don''t you, Liana?"

    "Every single day," Liana chuckled. "But at least he keeps things... lively."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 207 Grilling Glory ( 207 )

    RIIING!

    "Time to eat!" Javier shouted, springing from his seat like a coiled spring. Without hesitation, he grabbed Liana and Gloria''s hands, dragging them along before they could protest. "Let''s go, let''s go!"

    "Young Master, slow down!" Liana eximed, barely managing to keep her footing.

    "Young Master, this is hardly dignified," Gloria added, adjusting her sses with aposed smile. "But I suppose expecting dignity from you is a lost cause."

    Bursting into the courtyard, Javierughed loudly. "Buddy! Pikko! Food''s here!"

    Buddy, hearing his master''s call, let out an excited squawk and dashed toward him, pping his stubby wings for extra speed. Pikko followed closely, moreposed but just as eager.

    Javier reached his personal lunch spot¡ªa cleared area in the courtyard, unofficially imed as his "grilling station." He grinned, summoning his portable magic grill with a quick flick of his wrist.

    "Time to grill some monster meat!"

    Buddy let out a victorious squawk, hopping up and down in anticipation. Pikko, now mildly more interested, settled onto the grass, watching the grill, waiting for her feast.

    Liana sighed, gently releasing Javier''s hand as she moved to prepare the side dishes. "I''ll get the vegetables ready, Young Master."

    Gloria chuckled as she helped set up the pic nket. "It''s infectious, though. You can''t help but get swept up in it."

    Gloria chuckled as she set up the pic nket. "Ara~ Your energy is endless, Young Master. It''s truly impressive."

    Javier tossed the first b of meat onto the grill with ir, flipping it effortlessly. "Food for me, for Liana, for Gloria, and for my feathered partners in crime, Buddy and Pikko! Let''s eat like champions today!"

    The courtyard buzzed with the cheerful sounds of squawking Pekkos, sizzling meat, and Javier''s boisterousughter¡ªa scene of carefree joy amidst the countdown to their return to the Armand region.

    "Meat! Meat! Meat!" Javier chanted gleefully, circling the grill like a predator stalking its prey.

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    Buddy, fully embracing the energy, began strutting behind him¡ªhead held high, steps exaggerated like a warrior marching into battle.

    "Meat! Meat! Meat! For me, Buddy, and the rest of the crew!" Javier continued, striking a theatrical pose toward the sky, as if delivering a grand speech.

    Buddy squawked in perfect rhythm, lifting his left leg, then his right, mimicking a human victory march.

    Liana, slicing vegetables nearby, sighed and smiled. "Honestly, Young Master, you''re more energetic than the Pekkos themselves."

    "Buddy''s got style, Liana! Watch this¡ª"

    With a flourish, he tossed a piece of grilled meat toward Buddy. The Pekko snapped it out of the air with perfect precision, letting out a triumphant squawk.

    "See? He even eats in style!" Javier dered proudly.

    Gloria covered her mouth, her shoulders shaking as she chuckled. "Ara~ It''s almost like watching two mischievous brothers causing chaos."

    "Meat! Meat! Meat!" Javier sang louder, pping his hands to the beat. Buddy squawked in response, hopping in ce while fluffing his feathers.

    Pikko, lying on the grass, peeked over, squawking long and then turning away, as if to say, "I''m surrounded by fools."

    "Meat!!" Javier shouted, grinning widely, perfectly synchronized with Buddy''s enthusiastic squawk.

    The two began bobbing their heads in unison, their movements perfectly timed.

    "Meat on the grill, meat on my te!@@novelbin@@

    Grillin'' all day, can''t hardly wait!"

    "Squawk!" Buddy responded, stomping the ground, adding a beat to their performance.

    "Buddy and me, we''re the dream team,

    Cookin'' up meat, it''s a carnivore''s dream!" Javier rapped, pointing dramatically at the grill.

    "Cuquawk-Cuquawk!" Buddy chimed in, circling the grill, head bobbing to the beat.

    Liana froze, knife still in hand, her eyes wide in disbelief. "Young Master¡­ are you rapping about meat?"

    Gloria giggled behind her hand. "Ara~ I believe he is."

    Ignoring their remarks, Javier continued his masterpiece.

    "Meat for the grill, meat for the win,

    Buddy and me, let the feast begin!"

    "Cuquawk!" Buddy stomped hard, throwing his head back in approval.

    "Pikko''s watching, Liana''s slicing,

    Gloria''sughing, but we''re still rising!"

    The courtyard erupted in a mix of squawks, ps, and stomps, with Buddy twirling dramatically.

    Meanwhile, Pikko looked utterly unimpressed, her eyes half-closed, as if thinking, "I refuse to be a part of this chaos."

    "Buddy!" Javier eximed, throwing a piece of meat to the giant bird. Buddy caught it midair, letting out a victorious squawk before stomping twice, sealing the performance.

    With a final synchronized head bob, both Javier and Buddy shouted together:

    "Meat forever!"

    The other students and the instructor stood at a distance, staring at the spectacle in stunned silence.

    Some lower-ranked nobles whispered among themselves.

    "Is this... normal for him?" one boy asked, watching Javier and Buddy bob their heads like they were on stage.

    Another shrugged. "It''s the delinquent noble. Is anything he does normal?"

    The instructor pinched the bridge of his nose, trying not to sigh too loudly. "At least he''s not causing trouble for anyone this time. Let him be."

    Meanwhile, Javier twirled dramatically, flipping a piece of sizzling meat off the grill and catching it perfectly on a te. "Liana! Gloria! Your portions are ready!"

    Liana shook her head with a small smile. "Young Master, please sit down and eat properly."

    Gloria chuckled, epting her te. "Ara~ Thank you for the show, Young Master. It''s always lively with you."

    The students on the sidelines felt envious of the carefree atmosphere. "His life looks so much more fun," one muttered.

    Another noble boy sneered, "Fun? He''s making a fool of himself! Nobles should behave with dignity!"

    The first boy raised an eyebrow. "Like when you were defeated by himst month in the battleground event? With his shoe?"

    The noble kid flushed red, ring at his ssmate before stomping off.

    As the courtyard settled back into its usual rhythm, Javier enjoyed his lunch,pletely unbothered by the stares and whispers. Buddy squawked proudly, matching his master''s energy, while Pikko quietly pecked at her share of grilled meat, her calm demeanor contrasting with Buddy''s lively antics.

    Javier leaned back, hands behind his head. "Ahhh... Life''s good, right, Buddy?"

    "Cuquawk!" Buddy replied, bobbing his head in agreement.

    "Now, now, young master, enough with that. Come sit and eat," Liana said, motioning for Javier to sit on herp.

    "Okay!!" Javier chirped excitedly, plopping down without hesitation.

    As he leaned backfortably against her, Liana started her usual routine of feeding him, carefully cutting pieces of meat and holding them to his mouth. "Here, young master, eat properly," she said gently.

    "Ahhh~" Javier opened his mouth, munching happily while Liana smiled softly, brushing his hair back as she prepared the next bite.

    Not wanting to be left out, Gloria moved closer and sat beside them, picking up a fork. "Ara~ Don''t forget me, young master. Let me spoil you too."

    She held up another piece of grilled meat, offering it to Javier.

    Javier grinned widely. "Ehehe... Two beautiful women feeding me... This is bliss!" he dered, closing his eyes with a contented sigh as he took bites from both Liana and Gloria.

    The other students couldn''t help but stare at the scene.

    "Is he serious?!" one whispered.

    "Howe she got two beautiful maids pampering him like that?!" another asked, jealousy clear in their voice.

    Buddy and Pikko squawked happily nearby, their energy matching Javier''s cheerful mood as they pecked at their own share of the feast.

    "Another bite, young master?" Liana asked softly, holding up a piece of juicy meat.

    Javier nodded, chomping it down with a satisfied grin. "Liana, Gloria, you two make everything better. Ehehe~"

    Gloria smirked yfully. "Ara~ Don''t get too used to this, young master. We might make youzy."

    "Lazy? Nahhh... I''m just enjoying this moment," Javier said, puffing out his chest.

    Both Liana and Gloriaughed at his antics, while the rest of the courtyard watched the unconventional noble enjoy his carefree moment.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 209 Friendship and Fortune ( 209 )

    Inside the grand study room of the Armand estate, Garius sat at his desk, his sharp eyes scanning through a towering pile of documents.

    With a heavy sigh, he leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temple. "Haaa¡­ These documents¡­"

    Standing nearby, his ever-reliable butler, Alf, watched with a small, knowing smile. Unlike his lord, he showed no sign of fatigue¡ªonly quiet amusement.

    "You seem troubled, my lord," Alf said in his usualposed tone.

    Garius exhaled sharply. "Troubled? No, just¡­ irritated. I don''t remember signing up for a life buried under paperwork."

    Alf chuckled softly but said nothing. He knew better than anyone that Garius, despite hisints, thrived in this role.

    After a moment of silence, Garius tapped his fingers on the desk. "By the way, Alf."

    "Yes, my lord?"

    "How''s the sugar business?"

    "The demand for sugar is far beyond what we initially expected, my lord. I don''t believe we have enough sugarcane to process at our current rate."

    Garius raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

    "Thanks to Young Master''s¡­ contributions to production," Alf continued, "sugarcane farming has be incredibly popr. Not only have our farmers in the Armand region expanded their fields, but we''ve also begun purchasing raw sugarcane from other territories to keep up with demand."

    Garius chuckled, shaking his head. "That boy¡­ He doesn''t even realize the scale of what he''s done."

    Alf smiled knowingly. "Indeed, my lord. The merchants from the capital and beyond have already begun referring to Armand sugar as white gold."

    "White gold, huh? I like the sound of that." Garius tapped his fingers on the desk, clearly pleased. "And the mines?"

    Alf''s expression grew more serious. "Regarding the mine Young Master discovered before¡ªour chief miner has found yet anotherrge reserve deeper inside. High-quality materials, my lord. In particr, the mithril veins seem exceptionally pure."

    Garius nodded. "And?"

    "As per your orders, the best quality mithril is being reserved exclusively for our ''best cksmith.''"

    Garius smirked at the mention of Rasdingen¡ªthe famed Giant Dwarf cksmith who was responsible for forging weapons and armor for Armand''s Army. A close friend of Garius, Alf, Hesbeirn, and Erte, Rasdingen''s work was considered second to none.

    "And with thergest reserve we''ve ever uncovered," Alf continued, "we''ve been able to expand operations. More of our people are now employed in the mines, strengthening not only our economy but also our military supply lines."

    Garius leaned back,cing his fingers together. "Good. And the farnds?"

    "Thends you designated for agriculture have yielded excellent results," Alf reported smoothly. "With more of our people given ess to fertile farmingnd, the production of wheat and other necessities has not only boosted our tax revenue, but it has also greatly improved the ie of our people."

    Garius smiled, satisfied. "That means we''ve achieved bnce¡ªprosperity for the people while keeping the territory''s wealth growing."

    Alf gave a small nod. "Indeed, my lord."

    A moment of silence passed between them as the sheer weight of their sess settled in.

    The Armand Household wasn''t just wealthy¡ªthey were an economic powerhouse. Between their sugar empire, their mines rich with high-quality minerals, and their flourishing agriculture.

    He looked up at Alf. "Tell me, Alf. With all this wealth at our disposal¡­ how should we spend it next?"@@novelbin@@

    Alf''s smile remained as he responded, "That, my lord, is entirely up to you."

    Alf adjusted his gloves before speaking again. "By the way, my lord, the tribute to the royal family for this month has already been sent."

    Garius nced up from his documents. "And?"

    "The king was pleased with our tribute," Alf reported with a faint smile. "There were noints."

    Garius let out a short chuckle. "Hah. Of course, he was pleased. We send more than any other noble house."

    He leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. "Honestly, the only reason the royal family doesn''t fear our household is because we choose to support them instead of challenging them."

    Alf inclined his head slightly. "A wise choice, my lord. Unlike certain ambitious noble houses¡­ we know where we stand."

    Garius smirked. "Yes¡­ We stand above the others, but just below the throne. Close enough to hold power, far enough to avoid being seen as a threat."

    Alf gave a subtle nod of approval. "As always, a well-calcted position, my lord."

    Garius chuckled again, tapping his fingers against the desk. "Let the other nobles scramble for scraps. We''re already at the table."

    He set thest document aside with a satisfied sigh. "Now then, let''s see how my troublemaker of a son is making use of all this wealth."

    Alf, everposed, tilted his head slightly. "Which one, my lord?"

    Garius exhaled deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. "¡­ All of them."

    Alf chuckled softly, his amusement barely concealed. "Ah. I see."

    He let out a dry chuckle. "The only real question is¡­ who will cost me the most?"

    Alf, ever the loyal butler, simply smiled. "Shall we take bets, my lord?"

    For a brief moment, Garius was tempted.

    But then he remembered that Javier existed.

    "¡­ No," he said tly. "I already know the answer."

    Alf chuckled again. "Indeed, my lord."

    Knock knock.

    Before Garius could respond, the door swung open, and Hesbeirn strode in with a familiar presence. Behind him, arge, broad-shouldered figure followed¡ªthe unmistakable Rasdingen, the Giant Dwarf cksmith.

    "Ah, my lord," Hesbeirn greeted casually as he plopped down at the table,pletely at ease in Garius''s presence. Without waiting for permission, he reached for the nearby wine bottle and poured himself a full ss.

    Meanwhile, Rasdingen didn''t even bother with a ss. He simply grabbed an unopened bottle, popped the cork off with his thumb, and tilted his head back, gulping the rich liquor straight from the source.

    "GAAAH! Now that''s a proper drink, ya sod-dried twig-suckers!" Rasdingen bellowed, his deep voice shaking the room. "Been drinkin'' that weak elven piss fer weeks! Finally somethin'' with a bite!"

    Alf merely sighed, shaking his head in long-suffering patience. Meanwhile, Garius smirked, resting his chin on his fist as he watched the scene unfold.

    Alf crossed his arms, his gaze shifting between Hesbeirn and Rasdingen with mild disapproval. "You both are in the presence of my lord. At least attempt to behave like proper servants."

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    Hesbeirn barely nced his way as he took a long sip of his wine.

    "Aw,e on! He''s our friend! Ain''t like there''s any outsiders ''round ''ere!" Rasdingen grumbled, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "We got manners when it counts, don''t we? Ye''d rather we be stiff-necked peacocks like them prissy noble sods? Bah!"

    Hesbeirn chuckled, raising his ss. "Sorry, sorry, brother-inw."

    Garius let out a rxed chuckle, waving a hand dismissively. "Don''t worry too much about it, Alf. Just rx a bit."

    Alf exhaled slowly, rubbing his temple. "Haaah¡­ If you say so, my lord."

    Meanwhile, Rasdingen took another massive swig from the bottle and let out a satisfied roar.

    "Now that''s a damn fine vintage! Ain''t no finer way ta enjoy good drink than with properpany!"

    After all¡ªthis was just how they always were.

 Chapter 213 Dreams of Pekkos and Glory ( 213 )

    Javier puffed out his chest dramatically and turned to Liana with a gleam in his eyes.

    "You remember my dream, right, Liana?"

    Liana tilted her head, pretending to be confused. "Which one, Young Master? To marry me, or...?"

    Javier grinned and pointed a finger at her. "That''s my main dream, Liana! Don''t ever forget it!" He paused for effect, then leaned closer, his grin getting even bigger. "I mean the other dream!"

    Liana raised an eyebrow. "And what dream would that be, Young Master?"

    Javier threw his hands into the air andughed maniacally. "An army of pekko! Kekekekekeke!"

    Liana sighed, shaking her head as Gloria chuckled beside her.

    "Of course, how could I forget?" Liana muttered, her tone exasperated but affectionate.

    Javier ced his hands on his hips, grinning smugly. "Picture it! Hundreds of majestic pekko, stomping the ground, their beaks shining in the sunlight, carrying an unstoppable army¡ªMY army! Kekekekeke!"

    Gloria covered her mouth, struggling to hold back herughter. "Young Master, you truly never fail to surprise me."

    Liana folded her arms and gave Javier a pointed look. "Young Master, your dreams keep getting more... borate."

    Javier winked. "That''s what makes them fun, Liana! Now, let''s start small¡ªBuddy and Pikko can lead the way!"

    Javier''s eyes widened with excitement as he leaned closer to Liana, his sly grin almost stretching from ear to ear.

    "Kekekekeke! Only Armand Region has pekkos! The other regions?" He scoffed dramatically. "Only horses! Slow, boring horses! Imagine, Liana!"

    He stared right into Liana''s eyes, his enthusiasm bubbling over like a mischievous child nning his grand conquest.

    "An army of pekkos! Riders armed with bows and crossbows! My army! Wearing armor and using tactics that only I know! Thousands of pekkos charging toward the enemy!" Javier spread his arms as if the vision was right in front of him.

    He started acting out the scene, pretending to ride Buddy. "Run and shoot! Run and shoot! Kekekekeke!"

    Liana covered her mouth, caught between sighing andughing. "Young Master, are you nning to rece all the Armand household''s knights with pekko riders now?"

    Javier stood up straight, hands on his hips. "Not rece, Liana¡ªenhance! Horses are fine for other regions, but pekkos? They''re faster, stronger, and way cooler! Kekekekeke!"

    Buddy and Pikko squawked loudly, as if fully supporting their master''s vision.

    Gloria chimed in, unable to suppress herughter. "An army of armored pekkos... truly, Young Master, your dreams are one of a kind."

    Javier puffed out his chest proudly. "Of course! My pekko army will be unstoppable! Kekekekeke!"

    Liana rolled her eyes yfully, her voice filled with affection. "I suppose you''ll need a lot more recruits if you want that dream toe true."

    Javier''s grin grew even wider. "Exactly, Liana! That''s why I''m gathering talent now. Step one of world domination!"

    Both Liana and Gloria exchanged amused nces, shaking their heads as Javier marched around the courtyard, pretending to be a generalmanding his army of pekkos.

    Liana smirked and turned to Gloria, clearly enjoying the moment. "See, Gloria? Our Young Master ims he doesn''t want to take over Lord Garius''s position when the timees, but look at him¡ªhe''s already nning to take over the world with his pekko army."

    Gloria chuckled, joining in on the teasing. "Oh, absolutely. Our Young Master is quite ambitious. Who needs politics when you can just conquer everything with pekkos?"

    Javier pouted and crossed his arms. "Hey! I never said I wanted to take Father''s position! Ugh, who wants to deal with boring politics and pretending to be nice to everyone? Gross." He shuddered dramatically. "Let Father handle all that nonsense. I''m not interested."

    Liana leaned closer, her voice yful. "So, you''d rather run a rebellious pekko kingdom than rule as Count?"

    Javier grinned slyly and pointed a finger in the air. "Exactly, Liana! A free pekko kingdom where nobody has to deal with boring council meetings or fake smiles! It''s all about speed, strength, and glory! Kekekekeke!"

    Gloria raised an eyebrow, pretending to be serious. "And who will handle the paperwork for your grand pekko kingdom, Young Master? Surely even a rebellious ruler needs someone to manage the treasury."

    Javier blinked, his grin faltering for a moment. "Uh... paperwork?" He scratched his head, looking genuinely confused. "Liana! Gloria! That''s what you two are for, right?"

    Liana sighed dramatically and shook her head. "I should''ve known. Of course, we''re the ones who will handle all the hard work."

    Gloria smiled sweetly, her tone dripping with yful sarcasm. "Truly, a visionary leader you are, Young Master. Delegating everything while basking in the glory."

    Javier puffed out his chest again, clearly unfazed by their teasing. "Exactly! That''s what makes me a genius, Gloria! Kekekekeke!"

    Both maids exchanged amused nces, unable to hold back theirughter as their mischievous master continued to enjoy his grand fantasies.

    Javier grinned widely and gave Buddy a yful pat. "Come on, Buddy! Let''s y in the courtyard! Ehehehe!"

    Liana and Gloria exchanged nces, both shaking their heads with small smiles.

    "Now, now, Young Master," Liana said in her usual stern tone. "Don''t go wandering outside the courtyard. Stay where we can see you."

    Javier waved his hand dismissively. "Yeah, yeah, I know! Just the courtyard, no wandering, no trouble. You''ve got my word!" He shed an innocent grin that didn''t fool either of them.

    "We''ll hold you to that," Gloria teased as she turned to follow Liana.@@novelbin@@

    Liana added, already heading inside, "We''ll check on the girls. Make sure they haven''t run off or caused any trouble."

    "Yeah, yeah, you two go do your maid stuff. Buddy and I will hold the fort here! Ehehehe!" Javier replied, already hopping onto Buddy''s back with a triumphantugh.

    As the two maids walked off, Gloria nced back at him and smirked. "Just don''t destroy the courtyard, Young Master. We''re the ones who''ll have to clean it up."

    Javier''sugh echoed through the courtyard as he leaned forward on Buddy. "No promises! Right, Buddy?"

    Buddy let out a squawk, and with a yful trot, the two began their "noble mischief" in the courtyard, much to the amusement and slight exasperation of his loyal maids.

    "Now, girls, wear this." Gloria handed the two small maid uniforms to the trembling sisters, her tone calm but firm.

    The older girl hesitated before taking the uniform, ncing nervously at her younger sibling. "F-from now on, you will be serving the Young Master as his temporary maids," Gloria continued smoothly.

    "Y-yes, Madam," they stammered in unison, bowing their heads.

    "Make sure to apany him, watch over him, and be by his side when he needs you," Gloria instructed, her voice carrying authority. "You will be provided with food and a room to sleep in. Once the blessing ceremony isplete, it will be up to our Young Master to decide if he wishes to bring you both to the Armand region."

    The younger girl clutched her sister''s hand tightly, nodding repeatedly. "We''ll do our best!" she managed to whisper.

    Liana crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly. "Are you sure? Or... do you have parents here in the capital city?"

    The question made the older girl stiffen. She averted her gaze, her lips pressed into a thin line. The younger girl, however, couldn''t hold back her emotions and started sobbing quietly, her small shoulders shaking.

    Liana''s sharp eyes softened slightly as she observed the girls. "I see... Perhaps their parents are gone, or something terrible happened," she thought, maintaining herposure. She didn''t tear up but kept her calm demeanor.

    Letting out a quiet sigh, she stepped closer. "Listen well. Whatever happened in the past, remember this: your first priority is the Young Master. Do you understand?"

    The older girl swallowed hard and straightened her back. "Y-yes, Madam! We''ll do whatever it takes!"

    "Good." Liana nodded curtly, her gaze steady. "Now get cleaned up and dressed. I won''t tolerate anything less than excellence in serving him."

    The girls nodded quickly, wiping their tears and clutching the uniforms as if they were their lifeline.

    From inside the house, Liana could hear her young master''s boisterousughter echoing through the courtyard as he rode Buddy, who squawked happily in response.

    Liana''s lips curled into a soft smile. "When he''s happy, I''m happy," she thought. His radiant smile, safety, andfort were all that mattered to her. Enjoy exclusive chapters from My Virtual Library Empire

    Gloria chuckled lightly beside her, tilting her head toward the sound of Javier''sughter. "Our young master really knows how to enjoy life, doesn''t he?"

    Liana nodded, her gaze distant as she listened to the cheerful noise outside. "He does," she replied softly.

    The two girls nced nervously between Liana and Gloria, clearly confused by their calm expressions despite their young master''s wild antics outside.

    Noticing their hesitation, Liana''s sharp eyes fixed on them, her tone firm. "What are you waiting for!? Go shower and get yourselves cleaned up!"

    The girls straightened immediately, clutching their maid uniforms tightly. "Y-yes, Madam!" they stammered in unison before scurrying off to the bathing area.

    Gloria shook her head, amused. "They''ll learn soon enough what it means to serve him," she said with a chuckle.

    Liana smirked slightly. "They will. Let''s hope they''re ready for everything thates with it."

    ( End Of Chapter )

 Chapter 215 Secrets and Sweet Dreams ( 215 )

    As Javier happily munched on his food, Gloria suddenly leaned forward with a mischievous grin. She picked up a piece of perfectly grilled meat, held it delicately between her lips, and leaned toward her young master. "Here, young master~"

    Javier blinked, his face lighting up with excitement. "Ehehe! Gloria, you''re the best!" He took the meat from her lips with his own, his grin widening even further.

    Liana sighed and shook her head, her expression caught between amusement and exasperation. "You''re spoiling him more than I do, Gloria."

    Gloria tilted her head, her yful smirk unfaltering. "Hmm? Of course I do! After all, there''s only two more weeks left for me to serve as his personal maid."

    Liana raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled. "Huh? What do you mean by that?"

    "Ara~," Gloria teased, tapping her lips with a finger, "didn''t you hear Madam Francesca''s orders before?"

    "What orders?" Liana asked, her tone growing more serious.

    Gloria''s eyes sparkled as she leaned closer, her voice calm yet teasing. "Madam Francesca assigned me to serve as our young master''s personal maid until his blessing ceremony isplete, and he returns to the Armand household."

    Liana''s gaze narrowed slightly, her protective instincts ring. "So... you''re saying you''re only temporary?" Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire

    Gloria chuckled, shrugging lightly. "Temporary or not, I n to make the most of my time as his personal maid. Don''t worry, Liana. I know he''s yours~."

    Javier tilted his head, looking between the two with a curious expression. "Huh? What are you two whispering about? Share with me too!"

    Liana smiled softly, brushing his hair. "Nothing important, young master. Just eat your dinner."

    "Hmm..." Javier narrowed his eyes suspiciously for a moment but quickly shrugged it off, happily diving back into his meal. "Two beautiful maids taking care of me¡ªthis is the best!"

    Gloria leaned closer to Liana''s ear, her tone a mix of yfulness and sincerity. "But I''m still going to be his second wife, Liana."

    Liana sighed softly, her expression calm and unwavering. "Haa... like I told you before, Gloria, it''s up to him to decide. I don''t mind at all."

    Gloria''s lips curved into a teasing smile. "Ara~ thank you, first wife."

    Liana smirked slightly, leaning just enough to whisper back. "You''re wee, second wife~."

    The two exchanged a knowing nce, their camaraderie evident despite the yful banter. Meanwhile, Javier, oblivious to their quiet exchange, continued enjoying his meal with a cheerful hum. "This is great! More meat, please!"

    Liana and Gloria chuckled softly, their light-hearted rivalry momentarily set aside as they tended to their young master.

    --

    As Javiery on the couch, the book he was reading slowly slipped from his hands as sleep overtook him. His soft breathing was the only sound in the cozy room, blending with the quiet clinks of utensils from the dining table where Liana, Gloria, Iria, and Iziya were seated.

    Liana set her fork down and looked at the two new recruits, her tone firm yet instructive. "From now on, when the young master eats, you will attend to him as we do," she said, gesturing toward Gloria.

    Gloria, sensing the younger girls'' nerves, smiled warmly and added, "Watch carefully and learn. Every detail matters¡ªhis preferences, how he likes his te arranged, and even how to anticipate what he needs before he asks."

    Iria nodded quickly, her gaze darting nervously to the sleeping Javier. "Yes, madam!"

    Iziya, though quieter, clenched her fists determinedly. "We''ll do our best!"

    Liana gave them both an approving nod. "Good. Your priority is always the young master''sfort and safety. If you cannot meet these standards, you will not follow us to the Armand region. Is that clear?"

    Both girls answered in unison, their voices resolute. "Yes, madam!"

    Gloria chuckled softly, resting her chin on her hand. "Ara~ They''re eager learners. Let''s hope they can handle the young master''s antics, though."

    Liana gave her a sideways nce but said nothing, her gaze briefly softening as itnded on Javier, peacefully dozing on the couch.

    After dinner, as Gloria, Iria, and Iziya cleared the table, Liana turned her attention to the living room. She smiled softly when she noticed Javier fast asleep on the couch, his book resting on his chest. Surrounding him were eight of his puppet knights, standing silently like unwavering guardians. At the center of them stood a single, imposing adamantite puppet knight, its glowing core illuminating the quiet room with a faint light as it kept watch over its master.

    "Young master, wake up. Let''s go to bed," Liana called gently, kneeling beside him.

    Javier stirred, his voice thick with sleep. "Hmm... oh... Liana..."

    "Come now, young master," she urged with a patient smile, taking his hand to guide him.

    "Mmm... okay," Javier mumbled as he got up, still half-asleep, leaning slightly on her for support.

    As they entered the bedroom, Liana noticed Gloria already waiting beside the bed.@@novelbin@@

    "Where are the girls?" Liana asked, ncing around.

    Gloria smiled. "Oh, I told them to sleep in the next room. No need for them to crowd tonight."

    "Good," Liana replied with a nod. She turned her attention back to Javier. "Now, young master, it''s time to sleep."

    Javier chuckled softly, his eyes barely open as he climbed into bed. "Ehehe... I love you both..."

    Liana couldn''t help but smile at his sleepy confession. She climbed into bed, settling on his right side, while Gloria took her ce on his left.

    "I love you too, young master~," Gloria replied teasingly as she gently draped the nket over him.

    Liana leaned closer and whispered softly, "Sleep well, young master. We''ll always be here for you."

    The room fell into afortable silence, filled only with the soft sounds of Javier''s breathing and the gentle rustle of the nkets. Liana and Gloria exchanged a nce, their hearts warmed by the bond they shared with the young master, knowing that together they would protect and nurture him in the days toe.

    Meanwhile, in the Other Room

    "Sister... do you think it''s good for us to stay with them? The young lord seems scary," Iziya whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

    Iria sighed, pulling the nket closer around her younger sister. "We have no choice, Iziya. At least we have a bed, a roof, and warm food now. It''s better than wandering the streets."

    Iziya nodded hesitantly. "Umm... yeah... and the bed... it''s been so long since we slept in one."

    Iria reached out, patting her sister gently. "There, there... sleep now. Tomorrow, we have to adapt to the work. We can''t let them think we''re not worth keeping around."

    Iziya hesitated before speaking again. "Sister?"

    "Yes?" Iria replied softly, her eyes already half-closed.

    "Today... was good. At least... we got to eat warm food," Iziya murmured, her voice growing drowsy.

    Iria smiled faintly and hugged her sister closer. "Yeah... now sleep, Iziya. We''ll be fine as long as we stick together."

    "Okay," Iziya whispered, clutching Iria tightly. Within moments, the room was filled with the soft sound of their breathing as the two sisters drifted into peaceful sleep.

    The worries of the day faded away, reced by thefort of each other''s presence. In the quiet of the night, they found sce, knowing that together they could face whatever challenges awaited them in this new life.

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 217 Tea, Tension, and Twirls ( 217 )

    The ssroom buzzed with excitement, an unusual liveliness filling the air. With exams finally behind them and only three days left until the long-awaited Blessing Ceremony, ss F was basking in a rare moment of rxation.

    Students gathered in small clusters, their conversations bubbling with anticipation about the futures that awaited them. Some lounged about, relieved to be free from the burdens of studying.

    At the back of the room, Javier was sprawled out in his chair, arms crossed, head tilted back, fast asleep. His chair leaned at a precarious angle, yet somehow, he managed to maintain his bnce.

    Meanwhile, Liana and Gloria stood near the escorts'' section, casually chatting with the other maids and bodyguards who had apanied their noble charges throughout the school year. The usual nervous energy had been reced by a calm, eager anticipation. For many of these noble children, the Blessing Ceremony would determine their paths¡ªwarriors, mages, or something greater.

    But for Javier? He was still blissfully asleep. Experience more tales on My Virtual Library Empire

    Suddenly, his eyes snapped open, and he stretchedzily, letting out a long yawn. "Yaaannnn~"

    Liana, who had been engrossed in conversation, immediately noticed and gently tapped Gloria''s arm.

    "Excuse us," they both said politely, leaving their discussion behind.

    They made their way to the refreshment corner, preparing tea and a te of snacks for their young master.

    Javier blinked a few times, still groggy from his nap, when he noticed three girls standing awkwardly before him. Their faces were uncertain, clearly gathering the courage to speak.

    "Hmmm? What do you want?" he asked, tilting his headzily.

    One girl fidgeted, avoiding direct eye contact. "You know¡­ there are only three days left before the Blessing Ceremony, and there will be a grand¡­ umm¡­ ball¡­?"

    Javier raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Yeah? So?"

    The second girl nudged the first one forward, whispering, "Just say it already!"

    Taking a deep breath, the girl''s face flushed red. "I was hoping¡­ umm¡­ you know¡­ maybe¡­ umm¡­"

    Javier narrowed his eyes slightly, his curiosity piqued. "Umm-umm what?"

    Before the girl could muster the courage to respond, a suddenmotion drew everyone''s attention.@@novelbin@@

    "Javier-sama!!!" Amethia, the Duke''s daughter, rushed forward and hugged him tightly. "Ohh, Javier-sama! You will be my dance partner tomorrow!"

    Javier''s surprise was palpable, but before he could protest, another voice cut through the ssroom,ced with amusement.

    "Oho~ The Duke''s only daughter really has no shame, forcing a gentleman to be her dance partner," teased Princess Kliatana, her yful smile brightening the room.

    The three girls stiffened, their faces paling as Amethia clung to Javier, who was now visibly ufortable.

    "O-Oi, what the¡ª" Javier attempted to pry her off, but Amethia held on tight, rubbing her cheek against his shoulder.

    "Javier-samaaa~! It''s already decided!" she dered proudly, her arms locked around him like a vice.

    Kliatana''s presencemanded attention, and the entire ss froze. "I was nning to extend an invitation myself, but it seems you''ve thrown yourself at him first. How unsightly."

    Javier sighed, rubbing his temples. "Haaaa... Why am I involved in this?"

    Amethia turned sharply, still clinging to his arm. "And what does Her Highness want with my Javier-sama?" she asked with a smug smile.

    Kliatana stepped forward, a glint in her eye. "Oho~ ''Your'' Javier-sama? How bold. You do realize he hasn''t agreed to anything yet?"

    Amethia tightened her grip on Javier''s arm, puffing out her cheeks defiantly. "Hmph! It doesn''t matter if he agreed or not! I already imed him as my dance partner!"

    Kliatana''s smirk widened, and she gracefully walked closer, her royal presence demanding respect. "Oh? imed? How desperate. Last I checked, ady of noble standing waits for a proper invitation, not clinging onto a man like a lost kitten."

    Amethia flinched but refused to back down. "Hmph! And what about you, Your Highness? You nned to do the same, didn''t you?"

    Kliatana feigned innocence, cing a delicate hand on her cheek. "Oho~ I wouldn''t have to resort to such measures. You see, unlike you, I have confidence that Javier would ept my invitation willingly."

    Javier sighed dramatically, leaning back in his chair. "Why does this feel like a trap either way?" He nced at Liana and Gloria, hisst hope for salvation. "Can I please skip the ball?"

    Liana ced a warm cup of tea in front of him, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "No, young master."

    Gloria, ever the mischievous one, chuckled behind her hand. "Ara~ young master, you''re quite popr, aren''t you? Maybe you should enjoy the attention?"

    Javier groaned, slumping in his seat. "I hate this¡­"

    "Now choose!! Me or the Duke''s daughter here! Imand thee!" Princess Kliatana dered, her voice firm and unwavering, resounding in the ssroom.

    "Ugh... again, Princess? Haaa... I don''t care aboutmands or anything," Javier moaned, clearly frustrated by the unfolding spectacle.

    "Now choose!! Me or her!?" Amethia echoed, determination burning in her eyes as she clung to his arm.

    Javier rubbed his temples, exasperated. "Haaa¡­ Why do I have to choose? Can''t you both just leave me alone?"

    Amethia pouted, tightening her grip. "No! You have to pick! Me or the princess! Who is your dance partner!?"

    Princess Kliatana crossed her arms, herposure unwavering. "That''s right! As a nobleman, you should understand the significance of these events. You can''t just ignore us!"

    Javier took a deep breath, looking toward Liana for support. "Liana?"

    "Yes, young master?" she replied, maintaining her sereneposure.

    "Can I pick you instead?"

    The room fell silent. Amethia and Kliatana''s faces froze in shock. Gloria burst intoughter, covering her mouth as she tried to suppress it.

    Liana, unfazed, calmly poured another cup of tea. "I''m afraid I am only your maid, young master. I don''t think a humble servant like myself is qualified to be your dance partner at such an important event."

    Javier slumped back in his chair, sighing in defeat. "Tch. Then I refuse to go. Problem solved."

    Amethia and Kliatana shouted in unison, "You can''t do that!!!"

    Javier groaned again, rubbing his forehead in frustration. "Haaaa... Youdies are really persistent, huh?"

    Inside his mind, he thought, Damn, they are cute, but I can''t see myself in a ball with them¡­ Ugh, but technically, I''m a kid too. This whole situation is annoying¡­

    He sighed deeply and leaned back in his chair, overwhelmed. "Alright, alright. Let me think, okay?"

    Amethia stamped her foot, her frustration palpable. "No! You have to choose now!!"

    Kliatana''s smirk widened, flipping her hair with an air of superiority. "What''s wrong? Afraid to upset one of us? A real noble wouldn''t hesitate, Javier."

    Javier squinted at them both, his annoyance growing. "Tch¡­ You two are really making my life difficult, huh?"

    Gloria chuckled, her eyes bright with mischief. "Ara~ young master, it seems you''ve be quite the topic of conversation."

    Liana sighed, pouring yet another cup of tea, her gaze contemtive. "I have a bad feeling about this."

    ( End of Chapter )

 Chapter 219 Authority and Awe ( 219 )

    Javier and Liana were still frozen in shock, their eyes darting between the elegant woman and Gloria.

    "Hmm? Young master? Liana?" Gloria tilted her head slightly, her warm smile never fading. "This is Mrs. Errte. Head of all the Armand maids. Don''t tell me you both didn''t recognize her."

    "HAAAAAAAAAAAAA!?"

    Their voices echoed through the courtyard as both reacted in disbelief.

    Liana, still struggling against the enchanted vines, stared at the woman who had effortlessly stopped her attacks. This¡­ this is the same Mrs. Errte?

    Javier, still rubbing the sore spot where she had pped him, felt his brain shutting down. He had seen Errte many times at the estate. But that Errte was¡ª

    Old.

    Serious.

    Strict.

    This one was stunningly beautiful, her sharp, youthful features radiating confidence and power.

    His mind refused to process it.

    Javier''s mouth opened, then closed. Then opened again. Then closed.

    Finally, he blurted out the only thing his brain could understand.

    "For real?!?"

    Meanwhile, Errte simply dusted off her sleeves and sighed. "Honestly, young master. Did you think I wouldn''t catch you trying to run away?"

    Liana was still trying to process everything when Gloria''s calm voice reached her ears.

    "You do remember, Liana? Even if we both teamed up, we couldn''t fight her at all."

    Liana''s breath caught in her throat. She knew Gloria was right.

    Even though she had acted on instinct, attacking without hesitation, it hadn''t even been a fight. Mrs. Errte had shut her down effortlessly.

    The vines wrapping around Liana''s body withered and crumbled into dust, releasing her.

    Liana dropped to her feet and immediately bowed. "I''m sorry, Mrs. Errte!" Her voice was filled with genuine respect.

    Errte folded her arms, her sharp eyes sweeping over both Liana and Gloria. "Hmm? But what if I had been an enemy? How could you be so careless?"

    Her gaze narrowed, and for the first time, there was pressure.

    Not just any pressure.

    Absolute authority.

    Liana flinched at the weight of it.

    "You should always be at the young master''s side. And you too, Gloria."

    Silence.

    Then¡ª

    Javier and Liana both turned their heads at the same time.@@novelbin@@

    And stared.

    Gloria¡ªwho was alwaysposed, always calm, always graceful and unshaken¡ªwas¡­

    Stammering.

    Her serene expression had cracked.

    "A-Ah, I¡­ I¡ª" Gloria quickly bowed. "I apologize, Mrs. Errte."

    Javier''s jaw dropped. Liana, eyes wide, was equally stunned.

    Never. Not once. In all their time, had they ever seen Gloria flustered like this.

    Javier''s brain refused to ept reality.

    His voice was barely above a whisper. "No way¡­ Gloria¡­ actually stammered¡­?"

    Liana, still in shock, nodded furiously beside him. "Unbelievable¡­"

    Meanwhile, Errte merely sighed. "Honestly¡­ this generation is so soft."

    Errte''s sharp gaze finallynded on Javier, her piercing eyes locking onto him like a hawk watching its prey.

    "And you, young master."

    Javier stiffened.

    "You should remember¡ªnever leave your maids'' side! Always stay with them. You are the son of the Count Garius, and your safety is their responsibility, just as it is yours to trust them!"

    Javier gulped.

    "I¡­ uh¡­" He tried to think of an excuse, but¡ª

    "I''m sure your father will hear about thister."

    "EEEPPPPP!!"

    "No, please, Aunty¡ªoops! Errr¡­ Mrs. Errte!!" Javier quickly corrected himself, forcing a stiff smile as cold sweat dripped down his back.

    Damn it! My mouth betrayed me!!

    Liana and Gloria, still standing formally, nced at each other, trying not to sigh.

    Then, Errte turned to them.

    "And you two! Liana! Gloria!"

    Both maids straightened up instantly.

    "You should always apany him! You both know this isn''t Armand territory¡ªit''s the capital city! Far from home!"

    Her voice was stern, almost like amander addressing soldiers.

    "Remember your mission!"

    Liana clenched her fists, her expression serious. "Understood, Mrs. Errte."

    Gloria, still somewhat shaken from being scolded, bowed quickly. "Yes, Mrs. Errte. We will not let this happen again."

    Javier, still recovering from the shock of almost being reported to his father, crossed his arms and sighed dramatically.

    "Haaaa¡­ I just wanted to avoid the noble girls, and now I''m getting a full scolding¡­ Life is unfair."

    Errte flicked his forehead.

    "Ow!!"

    Before Javier could recover from the flick to his forehead, Errte suddenly leaned in closer.

    Her breath was calm and steady, but her presence alone sent a chill down his spine.

    Then, in a whisper meant only for him¡ª

    "Even if you are stronger¡­ Even if you''ve mastered every kind of magic¡­ Even if you can instantly cast spells andmand an entire army of puppet knights stored inside your magic storage skill¡­"

    Javier froze.

    "You should never be careless."

    EEEPPPPP!!

    Javier stiffened like a statue, his whole body locking up.

    H-How does she know that!?

    His eyes widened in horror as he slowly turned to look at Errte, who merely smiled knowingly.

    Only Liana and Gloria were supposed to know about that!!

    Did she spy on me? Did she investigate me? Did she¡ª

    No.

    The way she said it, so calmly, so naturally¡ª

    As if it was never a secret to her in the first ce.

    Javier felt cold sweat drip down his back.

    "M-Mrs. Errte¡­ is really dangerous¡­" he muttered under his breath, gulping hard.

    Meanwhile, Liana and Gloria watched Javier closely.

    Liana narrowed her eyes slightly. The young master looks¡­ shaken.

    Gloria, still regaining herposure from earlier, let out a small, amused chuckle. Ara~ the young master just learned why Mrs. Errte is truly terrifying.

    Errte pulled back, her usualposed expression returning.

    "Now then. Any moreints, young master?" she asked with a slight smile.

    Javier quickly shook his head. "N-Nope! Noints at all!"

    Errte remainedposed, her piercing gaze fixed on Javier.

    "I was sent here to check on your progress and ensure you behave during the Blessing Ceremony."

    Javier gulped.

    "It was under your father''s order."

    Cold sweat. Immediate panic. Full system shutdown.

    Javier''s brain went nk.

    H-He sent her to watch me!? The dried plum actually went this far!?

    Readtest stories on My Virtual Library Empire

    Errte''s expression didn''t change. "Now, where do you think you''re going, young master?"

    Javier''s instincts screamed at him toe up with an excuse.

    "Umm¡­ I was¡­ umm¡­"

    His mouth struggled to form words.

    But before he could say anything¡ª

    "Javier-sama!!"

    A new voice interrupted.

    "Javier! You still haven''t answered us! Who are you going to choose¡ª"

    Amethia and Princess Kliatana rushed out, their argument pausing as they hurried toward him.

    But the moment their eyesnded on the stunningly beautiful woman standing next to him¡­

    They stopped dead in their tracks.

    "Oh¡­" Amethia blinked. "Beautiful¡­dy¡­?"

    Princess Kliatana, alwaysposed, narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

    "And¡­ who is this?"

    Javier, still trapped in panic mode, could only think one thing¡ª

    Haaaaa¡­ I just can''t catch a break today, can I?

    ( End of Chapter )