Kapitel 43: Lady Francesca's 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 accordingly."

Javier fought the urge to roll his eyes. Another noble party—boring 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 blah blah blah... 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 glance. "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 a laugh 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 and comforting. 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?"

Liana sighed, folding her arms. "What will happen if, in the future, I'm no longer able to stay by your side?"

Javier's playful grin vanished, replaced 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 playful 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 he lay 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 her lap. 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 relaxed 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 supplies coming 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—raw 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 exclaimed, hands on her hips, looking both annoyed and surprised.

"Ah… umm… but—" 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—ah, 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 dessert later."

Liana laughed softly and shook her head. "Deal, young master. Now, hurry up. The grand hall is waiting for you."

After adjusting his outfit one last 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 playful 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 )

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