บท 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 village. 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—err, villainous 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 'villainous deeds,' young master."

Javier grinned, waving off her comment. "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 playfully at Javier's sleeve.

Once their task was complete, 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 splattered 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 glanced 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."

Javier laughed, 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 growing larger in the fading daylight. The familiar sight of home brought a quiet sense of routine back to the pair, even after a day of playful chaos.

As they entered the estate grounds, Javier shot her a sidelong glance. "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 playful 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 exclaimed, suddenly switching tactics. "Always so radiant, so youthful! Truly, you could pass for my elder sister!"

Lady Francesca narrowed her eyes, unimpressed by his blatant flattery. "Flattery 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—ow 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 glanced at Liana, who was standing a few paces behind, suppressing a chuckle. "And you, Liana—how 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 the laundry basket. The maid who cleaned would come to collect them later. The sound of water pouring over her skin was relaxing, 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 playful 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 planned this time.

She opened the door and stepped inside, her eyes immediately finding Javier, who was lounging lazily on his bed. He had already showered and looked like someone who had no plans 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 playful 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, comfortable 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'—Liana.

She shifted slightly to get comfortable, 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—this small moment of calm she shared with him.

"You're so lazy," 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 too comfortable to resist."

She laughed quietly, her eyes closing as she relaxed in his arms. "I'm glad 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—something neither of them could quite explain, 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—a 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 playful 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—more 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 black hair away from his face. "Young master," she said gently, mixing affection with caution. "You're getting bold."

Javier laughed, 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 playfully. "Behave, or you'll regret it."

( End of Chapter )