บท 40: A Maid’s 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 soft laugh. 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—and I'm sure none of the maids, including yourself, would want that."
Gloria's shoulders relaxed 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 never complain, 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 irreplaceable.
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—young master Javier, his signature messy black 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. Moments later, Liana followed suit, mounting her own pekko—a 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 plans 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—or 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 Francesca later. Let's just hope they're not planning anything outrageous."
As Javier and Liana rode their Pekkos towards the village, 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 guard laughed softly and said quietly, "Looks like trouble and order are riding together again."
Javier smiled at the comment and gave the guards a playful salute. "Trouble? I don't know what you mean! I'm just here to stretch my legs and help the local economy."
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 village 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, "Welcome to the village, young master, Miss Liana. Try not to cause too much excitement."
Javier laughed 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 village streets, filled with merchants, farmers, and children playing, 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—sounds like a perfect day, right?"
Liana sighed but couldn't help smiling a little. "If you say so, young master."
The villagers greeted them warmly as they passed. Some bowed respectfully, while children ran beside their Pekkos, laughing and pointing excitedly. Javier, always charming, waved back happily, making the village 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 village!"
Javier pointed his wooden sword dramatically at the skewer seller, narrowing his eyes like a villain. "Hand me five skewers, or face the wrath of the great Bandit King Javier!"
The seller, an old man with a big laugh, clutched his chest in pretend fear. "Hii!! Someone save me! The Bandit King strikes again!"
The villagers 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, accomplice! You're part of this now!"
The skewer seller laughed 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. Welcome 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 villagers laughed while Liana shook her head, muttering to herself. "He's hopeless."
Javier stood up, pointing his empty skewer stick like a sword. "Onward, accomplice! 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 villagers' 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 declare yourself at every stall?"
"Of course! A bandit must establish his presence!" Javier replied with a playful grin.
He pointed his wooden sword at a fruit vendor. "Surrender those apples, or I shall smite you with my blade!"
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 flat look. "Young master, you just paid her double for those."
Javier grinned. "A generous bandit is a popular 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, playing 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 them laughed 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 accomplice. 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, laughing.
By the time they finished going through most of the market, Javier's saddlebag was filled with "spoils"—bread, fruits, skewers, and even a small bunch of wildflowers. The villagers 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 village 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 accomplice, made it all possible."
Liana shook her head, hiding her smile. "You're impossible."
The villagers waved goodbye, shouting, "Come back soon!" as Javier and Liana rode their Pekkos back toward the estate, the sound of their laughter echoing through the village.
( End of Chapter )
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