《Head Butler of the Fallen Villainess》


 Chapter 1: Prologue | Alpha Knight Sebastian

    Chapter 1: Prologue | Alpha Knight SebastianThe clear sunlight bathed the large stone-made city, Lionshold, illuminating the streets teeming with life.


    A river of citizens¡ªfrom all ranges of age, appearance, profession¡ªflowed through the busy, stone-paved side roads.


    Children darted around, laughing and chasing one another, weaving through the crowd with their boundless energy.


    Merchants in the side stalls bellowed with gusto, offering their wares to the crowd. Be it spices, fresh goods, clothing, accessories, or magical items¡ªtheir voices mingled into a symphony of commerce, blending with the lively chatter of the city.


    People haggled fiercely over prices, while others lingered near food stalls, savoring the enticing aroma of grilled meat and freshly baked bread.


    Adventurers¡ªbe they fighters, rogues, archers, clerics, mages¡ªwere engaged in lively conversation within their parties, either discussing upcoming quests or recounting the results of recent missions, eagerly anticipating the rewards for their hard-earned efforts.


    A steady stream of horse-drawn carriages and carts passed through the broad central road of the city, carrying more people and wares, adding to the city''s vibrant rhythm.


    It seemed to be just another day...


    But... the bustling harmony was abruptly shattered by the blaring of a horn.


    *Horn''s noise!*


    "Clear the road!"


    "Make way, citizens!"


    At the same time as the horn blared, loud shouts rang out as flocks of city guards marched into view¡ªtheir commanding presence drawing all eyes to them...!


    The citizens turned their heads, startled. Rarely were they ordered to clear the crowded streets.


    "What''s going on?"


    "What are they doing?"


    "Is something coming?"


    Common murmurs spread among the crowd as people exchanged uncertain glances. There had been no mention or announcement of any special events from the city''s officials or even the city guards.


    For a moment, hesitation lingered among the people, but... the city guard''s captain appeared, with even more of his men behind him...!


    "Move, people!!!"


    He shouted; his voice carried further authority!


    The citizens were even more bewildered! All hesitation vanished as they scrambled to obey the captain''s command, clearing the main road without delay!


    Even the horse-drawn carriages and carts were halted by the other guards, preventing them from accessing the wide road. This, of course, prompted a chorus of complaints and ire from their drivers, but the city guard paid no heed to them.


    Now... the crowd gathered en masse along the sides, waiting with confusion... and bated breath.


    "...! Look over there!"


    Their eyes turned toward the horizon of the cleared road, where a shadowy figure emerged¡ªan armored knight...!


    A lone knight marched by himself. His figure was hidden by battle-hardened armor, with a grim visage beneath the knight helmet; his large greatsword strapped behind him as he advanced forward without fear or hesitation, under the shocked gazes upon him.


    "Is that...?!"


    "Wait... it''s him!"


    "S-Rank Adventurer¡ªAlpha Knight Sebastian!!!"


    Murmurs spread like wildfire as the citizens instantly recognized the stoic knight.


    Alpha Knight Sebastian.


    One of the few S-rank adventurers in the City of Lionshold. He was a knight of great valor and prowess, yet shrouded in mystery. He had come to this great city half a decade ago, without anyone knowing where he had hailed from...


    Nobody had seen his true visage, hidden behind knight armor. He worked alone as a solo adventurer and had never truly bothered to connect with his fellow adventurers aside from simple pleasantries.


    And yet he managed to prove his merit, clearing quest after quest, with each one more difficult than the previous one. Thus... he climbed to the highest S-rank adventurer in just a matter of a few years.


    His presence alone was even more prominent, commanding both admiration and a sense of intimidation from those around him.


    However, why would the city guards make way for just a single adventurer? Was this really necessary? Was he truly so formidable that they just HAD TO give him special treatment as if he were royalty?


    These questions raced through the citizens'' minds; their confusion was evident in their baffled expressions.


    However, the true answer lay in what the Alpha Knight was holding onto.


    In his right hand was a giant rope that he was pulling... and that rope was connected to a giant cart that he was also pulling behind him with relative ease.


    A giant cart... that was carrying a dragon¡ªa dead dragon...!


    Gasps and shouts of shock erupted upon witnessing the grotesque sight.


    Never had they thought they would witness an actual dragon in the flesh, even if it was already dead flesh. Its body was large enough to fill the wide cobblestone road¡ªalmost wide enough to nearly reach the gathered citizens on the sides.


    The corpse of the red dragon''s scales was riddled with deep, jagged wounds, and its massive webbed wings were tattered beyond recognition.


    If that was not enough proof that it was already dead... the once-mighty, fire-breathing creature had the unfortunate fate of having its head severed from its neck...!


    The Alpha Knight Sebastian kept pulling the cart with the dragon corpse, paying no heed to the clamors erupting from the crowd in awe of his great feat. His eyes, hidden behind his helmet, remained fixed forward...


    Toward the grand, imposing structure of the Adventurer''s Guild.


    < | X | >


    "Guild Master! I''ve brought Sir Sebastian, ma''am!"


    "Bring him in."


    The door to the Guild Master''s office creaked open, pushed by a member of the guild staff. The staff member turned to the towering, armored knight, bowing her head in deference before stepping aside to let him pass.


    Alpha Knight Sebastian did not utter a word in response to the kind gesture, but... he did give a slight nod of acknowledgment before striding into the office.


    He stopped just in front of the large wooden desk... where sat a beautiful, bespectacled brunette woman¡ªthe esteemed Guild Master of the Adventurer''s Guild branch of Lionshold.


    "Sebas~," she greeted, a warm smile etched on her lovely visage. "Good to see you~."


    ''Sebas'' remained silent at first, his imposing figure standing as still as a statue. But then...


    He reached up, taking hold of his knight''s helmet, pausing briefly... before pulling it off to reveal his face.


    The young man beneath the armor had wild, unkempt black hair that bristled slightly, giving him a rugged yet oddly charming look. He let out a sigh of relief, savoring the fresh air as it brushed against his face.


    "Good to see you too, Guild Master," he finally replied, offering her a faint yet genuine smile.


    Without wasting any time, he rummaged through the pouch strapped to his side, producing a neatly folded piece of parchment and promptly handed it over to her.


    "I''ve finished the quest for the Red Dragon''s subjugation, ma''am."


    "You don''t have to be so formal with me~."


    The guild master took the paper with ease, her movements light as she retrieved a stamp from one of her desk drawers. The parchment, bearing the bold title ''S-Rank: Red Dragon''s Subjugation,'' was promptly stamped with the word ''SUCCESS.''


    "And good work as always, Sebas."


    "Sigh, it was one hell of a lizard," Sebas muttered, rubbing the back of his neck, feeling the soreness finally kicking in.


    "Hehe~, isn''t that why we have you~?"


    "Tch. Don''t ''hehe~'' me," he shot back. "That thing nearly roasted me alive! And you suddenly dropped this quest on me out of nowhere, too! Next time, at least give me a heads-up before you throw an S-Rank dragon at me."


    "Oh? The mighty Alpha Knight complaining?" she teased, leaning forward with an amused grin.


    "Damn right, I''m complaining. I barely made it back in one piece, you know?"


    "Of course, Sebas. I know that it was a difficult quest, as with many others, but it was urgent for that ''lizard'' to be subjugated. It had already burned down a few villages... and tasted the flesh of humans."


    "..."


    Sebas couldn''t shoot back a retort after being reminded of the gravity of the quest.


    "Of course..." she continued, her tone softening, "I was, and always would be, fully confident in your ability to complete these difficult quests, Sebas."


    "Guild Master..."


    He couldn''t exactly be mad at her when she had this unwavering trust in him.


    In the end, he just let out another long sigh. "Alright... I get it. Now, if you don''t mind, I''m going to find a bed and¡ª"


    "Wait."


    Sebas paused mid-turn, his shoulders stiffening.


    "... What now?" he asked, his tone dripping with weariness.


    "I have another quest for you," she said, her smile fading into something more... serious.


    His head turned slightly, his brow twitching beneath his unkempt hair.


    "... You''re joking."


    "I''m not."


    "Guild Master, I just got back."


    "I know."


    "And this is my reward? Another quest?"


    "This one''s urgent."


    "Another urgent one?! I just got back from one, you know. Is it really that urgent...?" S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes."


    "..."


    Sebas let out a long, drawn-out groan, dragging a hand down his face.


    "Fine... what is it?"


    The guild master didn''t respond right away. Instead, she opened another drawer, pulling out a new parchment. She held it up in the air, a smile etched on her face as she presented it to the weary Sebas...!


    "S-Rank Quest... Becoming a Head Butler!"

 Chapter 2: S-Rank Quest: Head Butler Position (1)

    Chapter 2: S-Rank Quest: Head Butler Position (1)"Huh...? What did you say, Guild Master...?"


    "You heard me right, Sebas," the Guild Master said, her voice calm but teasing as she continued presenting the quest paper to him, "S-Rank Quest... Becoming a Head Butler!"


    "..."


    And now he was left in stunned silence, still feeling completely incredulous. He couldn''t believe what he was hearing coming out of her mouth, considering how absurd it was.


    "Becoming... a Head Butler?!?''


    He quickly directed his attention to the quest paper itself... and indeed, it was written boldly:


    ''S-Rank: Head Butler Position.''


    "You gotta be kidding me, Guild Master..."


    "No, this is a serious quest, Sebas."


    "You can NOT be serious here!" He shot back, a mix of disbelief and annoyance coloring his words. "What kind of quest asks someone to be a butler?!"


    "I am quite serious, Sebas," she replied with a raised brow. "This is a legitimate quest. You''ve been given difficult jobs before, haven''t you? This one will be no different than before."


    "... As a butler? And it''s not just any butler, but the position for head butler to boot? You seriously expect me to just... play as a butler?"


    "You''re not playing around as a butler, Sebas," she corrected him. "You are indeed going to be appointed as a head butler."


    "... You''re not joking?"


    "No," she answered without any shred of hesitation.


    "..."


    Sebastian continued to stare back at the Guild Master, trying to find any sign of humor¡ªany hint that she was pulling his leg, but... he found none.


    Her expression remained unyielding¡ªserious, focused, as though this was as normal a quest as any. There was no trace of a joke nor any mischievous glint in her eye. None of that.


    Sebastian knew the Guild Master well enough to recognize when she was joking and when she wasn''t. This wasn''t one of those times.


    He had to reel himself back for a moment, trying to comprehend the whole thing carefully. He then came closer to the Guild Master''s table¡ªto the S-Rank quest paper¡ªand carefully took it from her hand.


    The Alpha Knight had to carefully read the quest''s description, examining the content.


    ''S-Rank Quest: Head Butler Position''


    ''A prestigious noble house is seeking a highly capable individual to fill in the position of Head Butler for a new noble house! The ideal candidate will manage the household, oversee daily operations, and ensure the smooth running of the estate. Previous experience in a similar role is NOT required. What''s essential is the ability to handle high-pressure situations and serve with utmost discretion. Apply now for this challenging yet rewarding position~.''


    "... It sounds like some scam job listing."


    "Hehe~, I assure you, Sebas, it''s a completely legitimate quest."


    "Who made the request then? Is it this so-called ''prestigious noble house''? Or is it for this ''new'' noble house they''re apparently backing?"


    "Unfortunately, I cannot disclose the identity of the client by the request of the noble house themselves."


    "And you expect me to believe this quest is legit?" he shot back, his suspicion ever so increasing.


    "Yes, Sebas," the Guild Master confirmed. "I completely understand your wariness about the nature of this quest. However, the situation and circumstances behind it are rather delicate... requiring careful consideration and discretion." Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "..."


    Sebastian contemplated the Guild Master''s words as he looked back once again at the quest paper. He really was still not convinced by it... but the Guild Master herself insisted on its legitimacy.


    "... Why me?"


    "Pardon?"


    "Why are you offering me this quest then, Guild Master?" he asked, his suspicion still lingering. "Shouldn''t this kind of job offer go to someone with actual experience as a butler? You know... someone trained in etiquette, household management, and all that noble nonsense?"


    "As mentioned in the Quest''s description: no experience is required for this role, Sebas."


    "You can''t be saying that, Guild Master," he retorted back. "This quest even specifically asked for the ''Head Butler'' position... an even higher role with a huge load of responsibilities. Like hell someone with no experience nor any service skill could even pull off this job."


    "Don''t worry about that. You WILL be trained to meet the minimum standard for the work, so rest assured."


    "Hey! Don''t assume I''m just going to agree!" he growled, irritation clear in his voice. "I haven''t said anything about accepting this quest! Why would they even make this offer to the Adventurers Guild in the first place?!"


    "Hmmm..."


    "Guild Master...?"


    The Guild Master turned silent, her face shifting into a contemplative expression... seeming as if she was debating whether to reveal the reasoning behind her decision.


    This, however, only served to further confuse Sebastian. He really wasn''t grasping her intentions behind offering him this quest...


    "... You didn''t pick me just because I have a typical name for a butler, did you?"


    "What are you talking about, Sebas?" She finally broke her silence, tilting her head slightly in genuine confusion.


    "Uh... no, never mind, I''m just saying stuff," he muttered, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. "But, really... why me then?"


    The Guild Master closed her eyes for a moment, carefully contemplating his question. Eventually... she stood up from her seat.


    Without another word, she walked toward a large map displayed on the side wall of her office.


    It was the map of Florentia¡ªa grand kingdom bordered at the edge of the continent and the very land where they currently resided.


    "Once again, I cannot divulge much of the information given by the client..." she spoke with a tone of importance, her gaze fixed on the map, "... however, there are a few things that I can at least tell you about this quest."


    The Guild Master''s hand extended toward the map, her index finger tracing a deliberate path before stopping at the northeastern edge of Florentia.


    "This region... is where our new noble will establish their foundation."


    Sebastian leaned forward slightly, his gaze following her finger... only for his expression to harden the moment he recognized the area.


    "Wait... that place¡ª!"


    "Yes..."


    Her voice carried the weight of certainty as her finger hovered over the unmarked region.


    "The unnamed, ungoverned land within our borders... a territory overrun by dangerous monsters... that it has long since been dubbed... The Garden of Hell."


    Sebastian''s brows furrowed as the grim realization sank in.


    The Garden of Hell.


    A place said to be the birthplace of the monsters that had been plaguing Florentia.


    In fact, it was the place where the Red Dragon¡ªthe very one the Alpha Knight himself had slain¡ªmost likely hailed from.


    It was a place so dangerous that the kingdom itself had mandated strict laws and regulations for entering that godforsaken land.


    The borders surrounding that place had also been heavily fortified, with the highest degree of security in the kingdom, in the desperate hope that none of the monsters would ever cross into the heart of Florentia.


    "You gotta be kidding me..." he muttered, his voice dripping with unease. "That''s not a territory... That''s a damned death sentence."


    "Perhaps," the Guild Master conceded, her tone unflinching, "but Florentia has no choice but to act. That land, as wild and dangerous as it is, remains part of our kingdom. The crown cannot afford to leave it untouched any longer."


    "So... they''re sending some unlucky blue-blood brat to govern it?"


    The Guild Master nodded, her expression grim, almost unreadable.


    "Yes... A young noble has been... ''tasked'' with restoring order to that forsaken land. But... they will not survive long enough to establish a foothold there. No one would... unless..."


    The Guild Master turned fully toward Sebastian, expectation evident on her visage...


    "... Someone who is a frequent guest of the Garden of Hell would be their guide."


    "You don''t mean...!"


    "Yes, Sebastian. You are that person for the job," she confirmed, her tone resolute, "You''re the powerful warrior who could vanquish the beasts that call that land home... and help this poor blue-blood youngster build a place they could truly call... their home."


    "... So they needed someone who could become the bodyguard for this noble brat?"


    "Under technicality, yes," she replied, her voice steady. "Your main job is to keep them safe and sound. However, you are also going to help them build their footing in the region as well. That''s why the position of head butler is needed for it."


    "Why so damn complicated?" Sebastian frowned. "Why not just have one person being a bodyguard and the other working as the head butler instead?"


    "In truth, the bodyguard position has already been fulfilled. But... the client feared that this bodyguard would not be enough to fully protect their young noble."


    "So why not hire more...?"


    "The circumstances, Sebas," the Guild Master reminded him, "The client was forced to abide by Florentia''s restrictions, which allowed them to bring only one bodyguard, one maid, and... one butler."


    "What the hell...? Why would the damn kingdom enforce such an unreasonable restriction for the kid?!"


    She sighed heavily, her frustration was quite visible, "unfortunately, again, circumstances."


    "Ugh...! Hold on! That doesn''t explain why me, though. There are plenty of other strong adventurers to choose from, you know?"


    "Yes, but unlike them..." She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper, "No one knows who you truly are."


    "... What?"

 Chapter 3: S-Rank Quest: Head Butler Position (2)

    Chapter 3: S-Rank Quest: Head Butler Position (2)He blinked, caught off guard by the Guild Master''s words.


    "... What do you mean?"


    "Your identity, Sebastian," she said, stepping closer to him, her tone dropped to a near whisper, "no one knows the true face behind the great Alpha Knight. Aside from myself and a trusted few, your true identity is an enigma... a ghost in the public eye."


    "..."


    Sebastian''s silence was answer enough. Slowly, he began to understand the Guild Master''s reasoning.


    "This is why you were chosen among other candidates," she continued, her voice steady, "if you accept this role, your identity as Alpha Knight Sebastian must be kept away¡ªthrown away, even! You will become a simple butler¡ªa head butler¡ªfor this young, upstart noble."


    Hearing this, Sebastian let out a groan, dragging a hand down his face.


    "... I get it, at least some part of it," he muttered, his voice carrying a begrudging understanding. "Our client needs someone strong enough to handle the Garden of Hell, but they also need someone with an obscure background, someone no one can trace. Am I right?"


    "Indeed, you''re spot on, Sebas."


    Sebastian fell silent, contemplating the situation once more.


    "Guild Master... what the hell is happening here?" he asked, suspicion creeping back into his voice. "Was this level of secrecy really necessary, ma''am? Why go to such lengths to provide an extra bodyguard for some upstart noble kid?"


    "..."


    "These restrictions given to them are too damn unreasonable, too," he continued, his frustration building. "Our kingdom is about to send someone into a dangerous region filled with monsters to the brink. LOGICALLY, you''d need an actual battalion for this!"


    "..."


    "And yet, they''re sending an inexperienced youngster with only three attendants by their side? Not gonna lie, Guild Master... but it sounds like this kid is being sent to their death. Why?"


    "..."


    The Guild Master''s silence remained unbroken amid Sebastian''s barrage of questions, her expression grim. It was clear that she understood the weight of the situation all too well.


    "Seriously, Guild Master," he pressed on, "who is this noble brat I''m supposed to babysit? What the hell did they do to deserve this bona fide death sentence?"


    "... You haven''t heard the news lately, have you?"


    "What?"


    "Figures," she said with a faint sigh, "I suppose that''s expected, since you''ve been on the Red Dragon hunt for weeks."


    "What the hell are you talking about...?"


    She sighed again, her gaze drifting briefly to the map on the wall¡ªthe region marked as the Garden of Hell.


    "I''ve told you enough, Sebastian. I cannot disclose more details. I still have to respect the client''s request."


    "It''s not enough, dammit!" he snapped, his frustration boiling over. "If I''m going to risk my life¡ªhell, my entire identity¡ªfor this, I deserve to know what I''m walking into!"


    The Guild Master met his anger head-on, her expression resolute.


    "I''ve said all I can, Sebastian."


    "Ugh...!"


    He took a step back, his hands balling into fists. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Tch! this smells like some royal political bullshit... and I want no part of it. Sorry, Guild Master, but pick some other poor idiot to handle this mess."


    But as he turned to leave...


    "Sebastian."


    ... the Guild Master''s sharp voice sliced through the air like a blade. He stopped in his tracks, his shoulders stiffening.


    "... What now?"


    She drew a deep breath, her tone heavy with gravity.


    "... I am invoking ''that'' favor."


    "What...?!"


    His eyes widened as he spun around to face her.


    "You can''t be serious!"


    "I am," she said firmly, her gaze unwavering.


    Sebastian''s shock quickly morphed into disbelief and frustration.


    "You''re really going to use ''that'' favor... on this?!"


    Her silence spoke louder than words ever could.


    He stared at her, torn between fury and resignation. No matter how much he tried to reason with her, the Guild Master''s unyielding expression didn''t falter. She truly meant with her words.


    Finally, he let out a sharp exhale, running a hand through his hair.


    "You''re not giving me a choice, are you...?"


    "No," she replied, breaking her silence. "But I wouldn''t use ''that'' favor if I didn''t believe this was important."


    "Is this so important for the kingdom that you''d invoke ''that'' favor on me?"


    "Yes... but this isn''t just for our dear kingdom. It is also... for a dear friend of mine."


    "... For a dear friend of yours?"


    "... Yes."


    "..."


    For a long moment, Sebastian said nothing. His expression darkened as he weighed his options. He didn''t want to involve himself in what clearly reeked of political intrigue...


    But the Guild Master had invoked ''that'' favor¡ªa favor he could not refuse. Whatever this was, it was dire enough for her to make such a drastic move.


    "Fine. I''ll do it."


    "...! Thank you, Sebas!" she breathed, her grim expression breaking into a genuine smile of relief.


    He let out a weary sigh, feeling more exhausted than ever. But seeing the Guild Master''s expression lifted his spirits, even if just a little. Unwittingly, a faint smile crossed his lips.


    "So... what now, Guild Master?"


    She didn''t answer immediately. Instead, she clapped her hands twice.


    "Alfred, if you would."


    "Alfred...?"


    "As you wish, Madam Guild Master."


    "...! What the¡ª?!"


    A man''s voice came from behind him, greatly startling the Alpha Knight!


    He spun around immediately and found a man standing there¡ªa seasoned, grey-haired butler, impeccably dressed. His presence was almost ghostly, given how he had managed to approach without Sebastian noticing.


    "Since when...?" Sebastian muttered, dumbfounded.


    He couldn''t believe that someone had managed to sneak up on him. Was he so distracted that he didn''t notice? Or was this butler simply that skilled at concealing his presence?


    "Sebastian, meet Alfred," the Guild Master said, ignoring the bewildered Alpha Knight.


    "... Let me guess, he''s going to be my crash course teacher for the day?"


    "Hehe~, glad you picked up on that quickly~," she teased, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips. "That''s right. Alfred here will be your butler mentor for the next few weeks, teaching you all the essentials of being a proper butler and the head servant of a noble household."


    "Uh-huh... okay," Sebastian muttered, his tone dripping with resignation.


    Alfred stepped forward with a polite bow. "It''s an honor to make your acquaintance, Sir Sebastian."


    Sebastian sighed, dragging a hand through his hair. "Yeah, nice to meet you too, I guess."


    "Hehe~, good luck with your training, Sebas~," the Guild Master added cheerfully, giving him an encouraging thumbs up.


    "Shall we begin, Sir Sebastian?" Alfred asked, his tone steady and formal.


    "Yeah... let''s get this over with," Sebastian replied, his tone as reluctant as ever.


    Alfred made his way to the door, opening it with a smooth, practiced motion. Sebastian trailed behind with a slower, reluctant pace, mentally preparing himself for the task ahead.


    But...


    "Sebastian," the Guild Master''s voice rang out, halting him in his tracks.


    He turned slightly, his brows knitting together, "...what now, Guild Master?"


    "...Before you go, the client has left a message specifically for you," she said, her tone shifting to a more serious one.


    "Hmm... sure, I''m listening."


    There was a slight pause as she closed her eyes for a moment, gathering herself.


    "Guild Master...?"


    And then... she bowed her head deeply toward him.


    "...!"


    His eyes widened, caught off guard by the sight of the Guild Master lowering herself before him. The weight of her gesture wasn''t lost on him¡ªit wasn''t just out of respect, but something heavier¡ªmore solemn...


    "Please," she relayed, her voice steady yet filled with an unshakable urgency, "take care of her."


    For a long moment, Sebastian said nothing. His gaze lingered on her bowed form, a mix of surprise and understanding flickering across his face.


    Then, with a deep exhale, he turned back toward the exit where Alfred waited patiently.


    "Got it... I''ll take care of her."

 Chapter 4: The Journey to Hell (1)

    Chapter 4: The Journey to Hell (1)The grand border wall of Florentia.


    A towering stone structure, almost fortress-like, stretched endlessly across the horizon, bathed in the brilliant sun''s light at noon.


    Its perimeter, both beneath and especially atop it, teemed with border guards. Ever watchful, ever vigilant.


    Despite the oppressive heat, they were always prepared for the looming danger that could emerge from the unknown, untamed region this stone wall had kept at bay for generations... sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Garden of Hell.


    A dangerous region filled with powerful beasts.


    This fortress-wall was Florentia''s greatest line of defense against those chaos-incarnate creatures.


    And in the middle of this grand structure, an equally massive border gate stood resolutely, a testament to its purpose.


    Before it, a modest wooden coach waited. It was plain, almost unassuming, bearing no insignia to mark its origin. What stood out, however, were the black curtains drawn tightly over its windows...


    Two horses were harnessed to the coach, their hooves pawing restlessly at the dirt¡ªas if they, too, could sense the foreboding aura that lay beyond the gate.


    A small cluster of border guards surrounded the coach, their stern yet uneasy eyes darting toward it with suspicion.


    A pony-tailed brunette female knight, clad in well-worn armor that gleamed faintly in the sunlight, stood near the coach''s seat as she spoke to the border guards.


    Her fierce, sharp eyes swept the surroundings, scanning for potential trouble, though they always returned to the coach.


    "Has our permission to pass the border wall been granted yet?" she asked one of the guards, her tone laced with slight impatience.


    Yet beneath it... there was a sense of grim resolve and an anxious anticipation for what was about to come.


    "...Not yet," answered the captain of the border guards, an older, veteran-like figure. "There are still a few matters requiring confirmation."


    While they conversed, a few border guards examined the unassuming coach, their hands running along its wooden frame, searching for hidden compartments or contraband.


    One of them, however, approached the door, his hand reaching for the handle¡ª


    "HALT, YOU SCOUNDREL!!!" the female knight snapped, her voice cutting through the air like steel sword!


    Her hand flew to the hilt of her sword, ready to draw her weapon at a moment''s notice...!


    "Don''t you dare intrude upon the Lady''s privacy without her permission!"


    Her glare was as deadly as her words, sending the offending guard reeling back in fear. He stumbled and fell to the ground...!


    In an instant, almost every guard in the vicinity went on high alert¡ªa few already brandishing their weapons...!


    "Do not interfere with our inspection, General," the captain of the guards warned her. His voice was calm yet carried an air of authority as he addressed her title, "no... Former General. Stand down now, or we will not hesitate to respond accordingly."


    The female knight gritted her teeth in frustration. The guards were unwilling to relent... and so, she readied her blade¡ª


    "Martha, enough."


    A young woman''s voice emerged from the coach, halting the knight, Martha, in her tracks...!


    "...! M-my Lady...!"


    She quickly approached the side of the coach, moving toward its curtained windows.


    "M-my Lady, forgive my insolence, but these brazen fools dare to¡ª"


    "Martha, please do not further antagonize the border guards."


    "B-but, my Lady¡ª"


    "I understand your concern, but they are only doing their job," the Lady said, her tone calm yet resolute. "My sincerest apologies to the guards for my knight''s behavior. Her actions stem solely from her priority for my well-being."


    "I understand, Lady. However..."


    The captain of the border guards stepped forward, addressing the Lady behind the dark curtains.


    "May we see the passengers inside? Simply drawing back the curtains will suffice."


    "Yes, you may," the woman replied graciously. "Thank you for your understanding."


    The curtains were drawn back, revealing the passengers inside¡ªtwo women.


    One of them was The Lady herself, a stunning young woman with long, crimson-red hair cascading over her figure. Her noble disposition was evident in her refined posture and the graceful tilt of her head as she regarded the stern captain.


    Her sharp, piercing emerald-green eyes glimmered with intellect...


    However...


    "...!"


    The captain could feel it¡ªan unsettling weight emanating from her gaze...!


    Her eyes... they were empty, almost lifeless. It was as though he was staring into a bottomless abyss...


    "... You''re Lady Anastasia, I presume?"


    "Yes, my good sir," she confirmed, a small smile gracing her lips, "and the one beside me is my personal maid, Bella."


    "..."


    "Bella?"


    The short-haired blonde maid had been frozen, her expression locked in sheer terror from the confrontation that had almost unfolded.


    But eventually...


    "H-huh?"


    ...She felt the many stares directed at her¡ªnot just from her mistress but also from the guards.


    "A-ah, yes! I-I''m Lady Anastasia''s maid, B-Bella! N-nice to meet you, sir!"


    "...Alright. Is that everyone inside the coach?" the captain asked.


    "Yes, my good sir. The only people accompanying me on this journey are my knight, Martha, and my personal maid, Bella."


    "...For confirmation: what is the purpose of your journey?"


    "I have been tasked with a grand order by our kingdom to claim back the ungoverned land beyond this gate."


    "Is that so...?"


    "Indeed. I am most pleased that our kingdom has graciously entrusted me with this noble task."


    She smiled again, a serene expression that seemed reassuring to those around her.


    However, for the experienced captain...


    He knew better. That smile was a mere facade. Her eyes betrayed her¡ªa deep emptiness still lingered in them...


    Moments passed as the captain scrutinized her words and demeanor.


    Then, at last, he turned toward the gate and raised his hand. "OPEN THE GATE!"


    His command echoed loudly through the grand structure. A groaning creak of gears and the metallic grind of machinery followed as the massive gate began to open...!


    Slowly, the path beyond was revealed¡ªa stretch of meadow wilderness bathed in an eerie, almost lifeless silence.


    The knight Martha quickly approached the side of the coach, "My Lady... shall we depart, ma''am?"


    "Yes... let us depart," Lady Anastasia replied simply, laying back comfortably on the coach''s cushioned seat.


    On the other hand... the maid Bella grew anxious as she anticipated¡ªimagined¡ªthe horrors that awaited them.


    "At once, ma''am."

 Chapter 5: The Journey to Hell (2)

    Chapter 5: The Journey to Hell (2)The female knight Martha straightened and gave a slight nod. Without hesitation, she climbed onto the driver''s seat at the front of the coach, taking hold of the reins.


    With a light flick and a firm call, she stirred the horses into motion. The coach jolted forward, rolling past the towering gates... S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But... as the coach passed the stationed guards at the gate...


    "Traitor..."


    "Good riddance..."


    "Go die already..."


    "Rot in hell..."


    Unpleasant murmurs could be heard coming from the guards... all directly aimed at the Lady in the coach.


    The Lady herself... did not react to the obvious malice directed at her. She remained ever so poised, composed...


    "M-my Lady..." the maid Bella stammered, anxious... but also worried for her mistress.


    "Do not mind them, Bella," her mistress reassured her.


    "B-but... those mean words..."


    "It is fine. I fully understand their malice toward me, and they are quite justified in expressing their discontent, so..." She exhaled softly, closing her eyes as she tried to relax herself, "do not mind them, Bella... and you as well, Martha."


    The maid fell silent, still not accepting such treatment for her mistress... a sentiment shared by her fellow aide, the knight Martha, who was trying her hardest to hold back her fury.


    Both of them understood all too well the "unfortunate" circumstances that had brought their mistress to this predicament, but... they needed to keep themselves together to maintain the last shred of dignity their mistress was still trying to preserve.


    Soon... the coach finally left the massive gate''s shadow, and as they passed beyond its perimeter, the gate itself began to close...


    CLANG!!!


    Its heavy clangs echoed like the toll of a bell as the last remaining barrier of safety sealed shut behind the coach¡ªfor the Lady and her two aides...


    Forever and ever.


    The Lady and her two companions now embarked on their journey... into the foreboding expanse of the Garden of Hell.


    < | X | >


    "U-uhm... My Lady?"


    "Yes, Bella?"


    "Forgive me for asking, ma''am... but how long till we reach our intended destination?" the maid Bella asked, curious, but ever so anxious.


    "Hmm... I wonder..." Lady Anastasia murmured softly, her tone distant.


    They''d been traveling for almost half an hour at a relatively normal pace, and they still hadn''t stopped.


    "Martha."


    "Yes, My Lady!" the knight Martha answered without a moment''s hesitation. She was, of course, still seated at the coach''s driver''s seat, holding firmly onto the reins of the horses.


    "Do you know the whereabouts of the supposed meeting spot?"


    "Ah...! W-well... I''m sorry to say this, ma''am, but... I don''t know..."


    "I see..."


    "B-but, ma''am! I think I remember Alfred saying that we just need to continue traveling straight from the gate!"


    "Alfred said so, huh..." the lady muttered, a melancholic smile etched on her visage, "if he said that, then so be it. Let''s continue onward."


    "Yes, ma''am!" Martha responded, sensing a glimmer of hope in her mistress''s voice. But... a thought crept into her mind. "I''m sorry if this makes you worry, My Lady, but... isn''t this place kind of... peaceful?"


    "Peaceful, you say?"


    "W-well, yes," Martha replied hesitantly, her tone now laced with anxiety. "It''s just that I''ve been preparing myself to confront any danger that lurks within this land! But... we haven''t encountered anything of the sort..."


    "..."


    The knight''s words, however, did make her wary. Anastasia had expected her perilous journey to be met with life-and-death encounters as soon as she stepped out of the great border wall...


    And yet, her journey had been relatively quiet¡ªalmost relaxing.


    She then looked through the coach''s window and observed the scenery of this so-called dangerous landscape.


    It was a meadow, filled with nature''s wilderness. A few forested patches could be seen on the horizon. To her, it felt like any normal journey she''d ever taken in Florentia, albeit with wilder flora and untamed sights.


    "U-uhm, m-maybe the rumors of this place are exaggerated, ma''am!" the maid Bella interjected, trying her best to sound hopeful.


    "... Rumors?"


    "It has to be exaggerated!" the maid continued, her voice growing more insistent. "Maybe this place is, in fact, peaceful after all! M-maybe this place is just so wonderful that those who know its wonders tried to hide it away from others!"


    "Oi, Bella!" knight Martha snapped, irritation evident in her voice. "Don''t say something so absurd to our mistress!"


    "B-but Miss Martha! We haven''t met any dangerous monsters at all! And the scenery of this place is so wonderful too!" Bella kept insisting, her tone filled with unrelenting optimism. "That must be it! This place isn''t the Garden of Hell! This place... is the Garden of Paradise...!"


    "G-Garden of Paradise...?! What in the world are you saying, Bella?!" Martha exclaimed, bewildered by her fellow aide''s strange declaration.


    "Garden of Paradise..." the Lady herself echoed softly, her voice trailing off as if caught in thought.


    Those words lingered in her mind, tugging a string within her. It felt strangely surreal to hear such a thing¡ªsuch ironic words describing this supposed hellhole on Florentia...


    Was it a sliver of hope that still lingered within her? Or was it just a desperate attempt to cope with the foreboding feeling inside her?


    "Sigh, Such nonsense from you, Bella...." the female knight muttered, feeling a bit exasperated. But then, as she turned her gaze back toward the dirt road ahead... something caught her vision.


    "Hmm? Wait a minute... what is that?!"


    "Martha, is there something wrong?" Lady Anastasia asked, her posture straightening at the sudden shift in her knight''s tone.


    "I... I think there''s something up ahead, My Lady," Martha said cautiously, her grip tightening on the reins.


    She didn''t tell her mistress what it was... as if the thing that caught the knight''s eyes was something that even she could not describe...!


    Lady Anastasia turned silent, the sense of foreboding ever so increasing in her heart. The maid Bella herself was frozen in fear, her previous bravado disappearing in an instant, replaced with dread...!


    The coach turned silent as it continued to get closer to whatever was "it" that awaited them...


    And eventually, they reached it:


    A pile mountain of monster corpses.

 Chapter 6: Head Butler ’Sebas’ (1)

    Chapter 6: Head Butler ''Sebas'' (1)All three women¡ªthe Lady and her two aides¡ªwent wide-eyed, utterly stunned by the unbelievable sight before them.


    Dead monsters. Bloody, gory, lifeless. All piled into one place.


    The smell of blood finally reached their noses, a strong, metallic stench that made them recoil for a moment, but their morbid curiosity held them captive, unable to look away.


    The monster corpses were heaped together, forming a large hill¡ªalmost mountain-like.


    From four-legged mammalian beasts to avian-like winged monstrosities, there were even humanoid-like creatures and bizarre abominations mixed into this gore-fest of a scene.


    As their coach drew closer, they realized, with growing unease, that these dead monsters were even larger than they''d initially thought...


    The smallest among them was the size of the very coach they were riding in now...!


    And all of these monsters were undeniably, horrifyingly dead.


    "What is happening here...?" Lady Anastasia finally broke the tense silence as she leaned out from the coach''s window, her voice trembling in a mix of shock and unease.


    Unfortunately, neither of her two aides could provide an answer to their mistress''s seemingly simple question.


    Even Martha, the knight who might have stood a chance against just one of these creatures, could not explain this strange, bizarre, and honestly... quite terrifying scene.


    The only thing they could do now... was press forward. The Knight Martha gripped the reins of the coach tightly, ensuring the horses would keep moving.


    Though it was painfully clear that even the horses were also growing restless from the overwhelming sight and the suffocating stench of blood.


    But then, just as their coach was about to pass by this mountain of corpses...


    They all noticed something¡ªor rather, someone.


    A short distance beyond the grotesque pile of dead monsters... there was a makeshift camp set up beside the road.


    There, near a modest campfire, someone sat comfortably in a foldable wooden chair...


    It was a man, casually grilling a large slab of meat over the fire.


    "Whistle~?."


    The man appeared completely absorbed in his cooking, as though the macabre scene just nearby him were nothing more than a mundane backdrop.


    "Hmm...? Oh!"


    He finally noticed the approaching coach. Turning toward it, he smiled brightly and raised a hand in greeting.


    "Ah! You guys finally came~!" the strange man called out cheerfully. Rising from his chair, he set aside his grilling skewer and began approaching the coach.


    Meanwhile, the occupants of the coach were still in a state of complete bewilderment¡ªnever in their wildest imaginations had they thought of finding someone frolicking amidst this supposed hellscape.


    The gruesome sight of the monstrous corpse mountain was already unsettling enough, but the discovery of someone brave¡ªor perhaps foolish¡ªenough to set up camp near it was beyond shocking.


    And yet, as the man drew closer, the women in the coach finally realized what he was:


    A butler.


    A tall, handsome man, with his black hair neatly combed back. He wore a sharp black dress suit, perfectly tailored to his broad-shouldered figure and exuding an air of refinement¡ªseemingly befitting a servant who served only a master of the highest pedigree.


    And Lady Anastasia was the first to realize who this butler was...!


    ''This is him, isn''t he...?!''


    This man... was most likely the person that she had been told to meet.


    And from his appearance alone, she was sure enough¡ªhe was quite likely the person assigned as her personal butler... the very butler who would be the head servant of her new household...!


    "Martha! Stop the coach! Right now!" the Lady ordered, her voice carrying a rare urgency.


    "H-huh?! Oh, yes! Right away, My Lady!"


    Martha immediately pulled the coach''s reins, forcing the horses to stop. The horses, having been abruptly reined in, neighed in complaint, but in the end, they finally halted, bringing the coach to a stop.


    The female knight then quickly got off from the driver''s seat and promptly went over to the coach''s door. With a practiced, albeit slightly stiff, motion, she gracefully opened the door of the coach for her mistress.


    Lady Anastasia slowly stepped out from the coach, revealing herself to the sunlight and to the man who would be her personal butler.


    The supposed butler had initially kept a cheerful attitude over the arrival of his presumed mistress... but when he saw the true appearance of this very woman, his eyes went wide in surprise.


    "Wait a minute... aren''t you...?!"


    The noble lady slowly stepped forward, trying her best to maintain a dignified appearance amidst the grotesque sight near her...


    "Greetings," the noble Lady said, courtly bowing toward the surprised man. "You must be the butler who has been assigned to serve my new household, I presume?"


    "You...!" The man muttered in disbelief. "... You''re Anastasia...!?"


    "Yes... I''m Anastasia. It''s a pleasure to meet you, Sir Butler."


    Lady Anastasia raised her head, a courteous but also fa?ade smile adorning her face. She observed the butler''s reaction upon learning her identity, expecting most scenarios that could unfold. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And from his shock alone, it was clear that he at least knew of her... and deep inside, there was a gnawing insecurity that maybe this person would also react negatively after his initial shock.


    But instead... he palmed his face, seemingly in contemplative thought. He turned silent as he hid his expression from her sight, which, of course, made her confused.


    "... Is there something wrong, Sir Butler?" The Lady asked, her voice a mix of confusion and a slight bit of anxiety at his odd reaction.


    At her side, even Knight Martha and Maid Bella¡ªwho the latter had just exited the coach¡ªwere also puzzled by their supposed Sir Butler''s sudden quietness.


    But then... a small chuckle could be heard, and it came from none other than THE Sir Butler himself...!


    "Haha... hahaha... Hahaha!"


    "W-what¡ª?!"


    The three women gasped in unison, completely caught off guard.


    The man''s initial light chuckle turned into loud, hearty laughter! All three women were startled¡ªgenuinely not expecting him to burst into such a laugh...!


    "To think that the ''story'' has come this far..."

 Chapter 7: Head Butler ’Sebas’ (2)

    Chapter 7: Head Butler ''Sebas'' (2)"S-Story...?" Lady Anastasia echoed the one word that had come out of the butler''s mouth.


    She didn''t know exactly why, but... that single word alone seemed to carry a strange weight to her.


    "And now I''ve finally gotten myself involved with this ''game,'' after so long trying to avoid it..." The butler continued his loud muttering, all while ignoring the perplexed expression of the red-headed noble lady.


    The Lady''s confusion grew with each passing second, hearing the bizarre words this supposed butler of hers had been spouting. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Some phrases stood out, but none of them made any sense to her.


    And of course, they wouldn''t... because...


    This was knowledge only the butler, a reincarnated ''otherworlder,'' would know.


    The butler knew of this beautiful, red-haired noble and the circumstances that had brought her to this place. It was not just because he had studied the nobility of Florentia or heard recent gossip, no...


    It was even more than that.


    It was because, to him... she had once existed solely as a ''character'' in his mind.


    She was... Anastasia Rosavich, the noble daughter of a grand duke''s family, the woman who was supposed to be married to the crown prince of Florentia, and...


    She was the main antagonistvillainess of an Otome Dating Sim Video Game.


    And now... fate had brought him face-to-face with the villainess herself in this very game world he had been reincarnated into.


    The butler couldn''t help but find the entire situation to be an ironic twist of his life. So much so that he let out a laugh, finding it both humorous and absurd.


    Though, much to the discomfort of the Lady in front of him, who was still baffled by the butler''s unexpected reaction.


    This sentiment was, of course, shared by her two aides, though their reactions varied.


    "Oi! You scoundrel! What nonsense are you spouting?!" Knight Martha interjected, her voice a mix of confusion and irritation. "And why do you laugh in the face of your new mistress?! Have you no shame?!"


    She stepped forward, confronting the strange man. Her hand already rested on the hilt of her sword, ready to draw it should this man continue his mockery of her mistress...


    But instead, the man fell silent. His sudden shift in demeanor only served to further confuse the three women¡ªand to agitate the knight even more.


    "Hey... did you hear what I just said, butler?" she demanded, inching closer, her grip tightening on her sword''s handle. "Cease your foolishness at once, or I''ll¡ª"


    "Martha, stand down."


    "What...?! But, My Lady, this man is¡ª"


    "Do not act rashly," her mistress warned, her previously confused expression turning serious. "We are not here to cause trouble. This man is here for a reason... and you should know by now that your actions could worsen our situation."


    The knight faltered, momentarily puzzled by her mistress''s words. But then she noticed her mistress''s gaze dart to the side¡ªto the grotesque pile of dead monsters just a short distance away.


    It finally clicked in her mind. Her mistress''s meaning became clear.


    This man... was most likely the "culprit" behind that scene of carnage.


    He was the ''true bodyguard'' assigned as one of Lady Anastasia''s aides.


    As Martha turned back toward the butler, she finally grasped the vast difference in power between them. In her eyes, she saw a deadly aura emanating from his entire being...


    If she had attempted to discipline him, she might have ended up joining the pile of dead monsters.


    Lady Anastasia could not sense the aura herself, as she was not an adept warrior. But her logical reasoning had led her to the same conclusion.


    And as for the maid Bella? Well... she was still utterly confused and bewildered by the entire situation in general.


    Eventually, after a tense silence, the butler let out a sigh and dragged a hand down his face. He looked up and faced the three women once more.


    "Ah... sorry, ladies," he said, offering an apologetic smile. "Something crossed my mind for a moment, and I couldn''t help but feel amused."


    "I see..." Lady Anastasia replied, still unsure of the man.


    "Oh wait, I should''ve been more proper about this," he said, realizing his blunder.


    He cleared his throat before bowing his head courteously.


    "Forgive my uncouth behavior, My Lady," the man said. "I am the butler assigned to aid your household. It is a pleasure to meet you."


    "Yes, it''s a pleasure to meet you too, sir..." the Lady replied, before adding, "Forgive me, but... I have not yet received your name."


    "Oh, yeah! Damn...!" the butler cursed, realizing his further blunder. "I still haven''t figured out what I should introduce myself as..."


    "Sir Butler...?"


    ''Sir Butler'' fell silent once more, deep in thought.


    "Oh well, you can just call me... Sebas," he finally said.


    "Sebas?"


    "Yes, My Lady," he confirmed, bowing his head again. "I am your personal butler, Sebas."


    "Sebas..." Lady Anastasia repeated, testing the name. "Sir Sebas, I have a few questions."


    "Hmm? Sure~, what is it, My Lady?"


    "Thank you... My first question is... are you the one who slaughtered the monsters here?" She directed her gaze toward the gruesome pile nearby.


    "Hmm? Oh, yeah, I did."


    "...!"


    His simple answer sent a jolt of alarm through the three women. The Lady and her knight had suspected this, but hearing it confirmed so nonchalantly was another matter entirely.


    "Sir Sebas... since when have you been here?" she asked, now glancing at the small campsite behind him.


    "Hmm? Since yesterday."


    "Yesterday...?!" she exclaimed in shock. "You''ve been here since yesterday... and you killed all those monsters?!"


    "Uh, yeah?" he confirmed again, now confused himself by the Lady''s shock. "Didn''t you already ask that?"


    "No... that was not the matter of my question!" Lady Anastasia exclaimed, her voice trembling slightly. "Why would you go so far as to clear the entire path of monsters? Why not just wait for us at the entrance to the Garden of Hell or somewhere safer?"


    "You''re trying to revitalize this place, right? That''s why I killed all of the monsters on my way here. You can''t build anything with those monsters around, can''t you? So..."


    Sebas clasped his hands behind his back and straightened his posture, a confident grin spreading across his face.


    "Let me assist you in building your legacy here, My Lady~!"

 Chapter 8: The First Step: Survival (1) [REUPLOAD AND UPDATED]

    Chapter 8: The First Step: Survival (1) [REUPLOAD AND UPDATED]"Y-you''re going to assist... me...?" Anastasia repeated, baffled by this strange butler''s sudden proclamation.


    She was honestly stunned¡ªnot expecting such a bold statement coming from someone she had just met just a few minutes ago.


    "That''s right~," he confirmed once again... without any shred of hesitation. His confident grin never faltered.


    "..."


    And she was left in silence, still perplexed by this man''s sudden existence in her life. She couldn''t understand why someone so... strange, and yet so powerful, would lend his helping hand to her...


    Someone who had committed the greatest sin against the Kingdom of Florentia.


    What was his purpose? What was his goal? Did he have ulterior motives?


    A multitude of questions and doubts started to cloud Anastasia''s already dazed mind. She couldn''t help it... after so much malice had been directed toward her.


    Even if she knew full well that her household... her ''former'' household had sent this butler to assist her... she couldn''t bring herself to trust him.


    The only people she could trust right now were her two aides beside her, who had sworn their loyalty to her...


    And she still had regrets over dragging them into her cruel punishment, even if they themselves had said to her that they would follow her to the ends of Erdan...


    But this man? A complete stranger? How could she trust his words that seemed so... tempting¡ª


    "My lady...?" The maid Bella spoke gently, breaking her out of her reverie.


    Anastasia looked back to her loyal aide and saw her loyal aide''s evident worry.


    Bella had been cautiously observing her mistress''s condition, her worried gaze shifting between the silent Anastasia and the butler before them.


    "Ah, yes... Bella. I apologize if I made you worry."


    "N-no, my lady! It should be me who apologizes for not being able to help you much, madam!"


    "Thank you..." The mistress thanked her ever-loyal maid... before directing her gaze back to the butler. "Sir... Sebas."


    "Yeah, Lady Ana?"


    "What-?! Oi! You scoundrel!" Martha suddenly barked, her tone sharp with irritation. "How dare you shorten Her Grace''s name so casually!"


    "Martha, please be quiet."


    "What-?! My lady, why???"


    The female knight didn''t receive an answer from her mistress, ending any argument before the former could even start. So... the loyal but also grumpy knight could only throw a deadly glare toward the damned butler...


    Though it didn''t really faze the man in question¡ªnot one bit, much to her displeasure.


    Lady ''Ana'' stepped in closer, facing the butler head-on. Her previous bewilderment was gone, replaced with a serious, sharp gaze directed at him...


    But...


    ''Those eyes...'' Sebas thought, finding the eyes of his patron to be... intriguing. They revealed the fate that had befallen her...


    Eyes devoid of life.


    Those eyes seemed to manifest without her knowing, as if she subconsciously wished to hide her suffering from her two close aides.


    But to others? She didn''t care. That was what she had become now.


    A fallen noble... a fallen ''villainess,'' and Sebas could make a good guess as to the likely circumstances that had transformed this once red-haired, proud villainess into this despair-filled one.


    ''So, ''she'' chose the main ''love interest'' in the end...''


    The ''Prince'' route, where the main protagonist gained her true love... but the ''villainess'' Anastasia Rosavich lost everything that was important to her.


    And now here she stood before him... as the fallen villainess.


    "Sir Sebas... you said that you can assist me with... ''building'' this land. Is that correct?"


    "Heh, do I need to repeat myself, my lady~?" he said, finding her insistence amusing.


    "Please answer the question," Anastasia pressed, her expression unchanged... or not, as a slight scowl flickered across her face.


    "Sigh, sure. I''ll say it a million times if I have to. So... let me say this again... I want to help you build this place."


    "..."


    His repeated answer brought another silence from her, but her scrutinizing gaze remained locked on him.


    The both of them locked gazes¡ªhers sharp but almost devoid of life, and his confident, almost carefree.


    And she lost the unofficial staring contest, closing her eyes¡ªshe finally reached a conclusion.


    No matter how much she tried to gauge his intention, she couldn''t find any deceit nor... malice from him, and she somewhat could tell if someone harbored ill will to her after receiving so much of it recently...


    "Very well, Sir Sebas... I''ll give you a chance to prove yourself," Anastasia declared firmly, her voice steady yet carrying a cautious undertone.


    "That''s all I ask, my lady," he replied, bowing his head courteously... his ever-confident smile never leaving his expression.


    Anastasia''s eyes narrowed slightly, still weighing the risk of her decision. But after a brief thought, she took a step closer to him. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "In that case... tell me, Sir Sebas... what do you think we should do now?"


    "Heh, I''m glad you asked that, Lady Ana~," he replied, raising his head from his earlier bow. "The first thing we need to do... is to survive!!!"


    "S-survive...?!" she echoed, startled by his sudden outburst.


    "As you might already expect, Lady Ana, the Garden of Hell is a treacherous land filled with untold dangers," he started, his previous carefree tone turning serious. "Not to mention, we are quite understaffed and have little-to-no resources to build your legacy here. So, right now... we have to make the best of our situation at hand."


    "I-indeed, I can see the logic in your words."


    "Indeed it is, Lady Ana~!" he exclaimed, surprising her yet again. "So that''s why... we have to prioritize our survival first and foremost!"


    "A-alright, Sir Sebas! I get it already!" Anastasia retorted, having had enough of his outburst. "So please just tell me already what your plan for our survival is..."


    He didn''t answer her immediately. Instead, he raised his right hand to the air¡ªraising three fingers for her to see.


    "What are you implying, Sir Sebas...? ''Three''...?"


    "Correct, madam, three!" he affirmed her guess, a proud smile spreading across his face for reasons she couldn''t comprehend.


    "One of the many principles of survival... the Rule of Threes!"

 Chapter 9: The First Step: Survival (2)

    Chapter 9: The First Step: Survival (2)"R-rules of Threes...?!" Anastasia echoed his words, taken aback by the strange terms he was spouting yet again. "... What are you talking about, Sir Sebas?"


    "Hehe, I''m glad you asked again, my lady~," the butler Sebas replied, his ever-present grin unwavering. "The Rule of Threes is a set of basic survival principles for how long we, as humans, can survive in a harsh, unknown environment... such as the Garden of Hell...!"


    "...!"


    She fell silent upon hearing his explanation, beginning to grasp what he was trying to convey.


    Anastasia knew all too well that she had been exiled by the Kingdom to this treacherous land¡ªthe Garden of Hell.


    Her fate had been sealed the moment she committed her crime against the royalty of Florentia... a crime that had earned her the death penalty.


    Yet, she had been saved from the gallows through the intervention of her father... no, it was Duke Rosavich to her now.


    However, even his protection could only go so far. Thus, the Kingdom had handed down an alternative judgment for her crime... in the form of a ''punishment.''


    This ''punishment''... was the "grand task" of governing this godforsaken land.


    And Anastasia knew all too well that this "task" was just another form of a death sentence.


    She was fated to die either way...


    But then... this strange man¡ªthis enigmatic butler¡ªhad appeared, wielding the strength to vanquish the beasts that plagued this hellish land, offering her a tempting chance for survival... perhaps even the hope to thrive!


    If there was even the slightest chance for her¡ªand especially for her two loyal aides¡ªto endure in this forsaken land, then perhaps this new butler of hers could be the key to alter her fate...!


    "... Please elaborate further on this, Sir Sebas."


    "Hehe, I''m glad you''re onboard, Lady Ana~," Sebas replied with a satisfied smirk, the glimmer of confidence in his eyes never wavering.


    He also noticed a faint spark of life beginning to kindle in her eyes, and it brought him a small measure of relief to see it.


    Sebas was relieved... because the knowledge of his past, ''past'' life had reminded him of what she, the fallen villainess Anastasia Rosavich, could ''become'' if she was left to her fate.


    He wondered to himself if his existence in this world was ultimately a form of intervention to that fate...


    Though either way... he had things he needed to do.


    "But first, please call your two aides over. Since we''re all in this together, they need to hear this as well."


    Anastasia nodded before turning toward her two aides¡ªthe ever-scowling Martha and the ever-anxious Bella.


    Martha was still throwing deathly glares at the butler, her irritation toward him practically radiating off her. Yet, as usual, Sebas appeared utterly unfazed.


    Meanwhile, Bella was still nervously glancing between her mistress and the butler, trying her best to observe and especially finding an opportunity to help Lady Anastasia.


    Both of them had been listening closely to the conversation, so they already had grasped the gist of it.


    "Martha, Bella, please come over here."


    "Yes, my lady!" they replied in unison. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The two women quickly moved to her side, standing shoulder to shoulder with their mistress as they all faced the enigmatic butler, who still wore that unshakable smile.


    "Sir Sebas, these two are my aides," Anastasia introduced, gesturing toward the women at her side. "Martha, Bella, please introduce yourselves."


    "... Martha," the brunette, ponytailed knight stated curtly, her tone reluctant.


    "Y-yes, my lady! Sir... Sebas, right?" the blonde maid stammered nervously. "I-I am Bella, Lady Anastasia''s maid. P-pleased to meet you, sir..."


    "Yeah, nice to meet you two as well~," Sebas replied in a teasing tone, particularly aimed at the knight who was still glaring daggers at him. "Now then, since we are on the same page... let me tell you about the Rule of Threes."


    "The ''Rule of Threes''...?" Martha repeated, her voice sharp with suspicion. "What nonsense are you spouting now, butler?"


    "It''s not nonsense, miss knight. It''s one of the many basic principles of survival that us humans have refined over centuries, perhaps even millennia."


    "Seriously, what are you talking about, butler? I''ve undergone extensive survival training during my time as a knight apprentice, and I''ve never heard of this so-called ''Rule of Threes.''"


    "Uhm... Maybe it''s called that because there are three rules... it is not?" Bella interjected hesitantly, offering her own interpretation.


    "Not quite, Miss Maid," Sebas replied with a patient smile, his tone calm yet carrying an air of authority. "It''s not because there are three rules... but rather, it''s a set principle of survival that revolves around the quantification of the number ''three.''"


    "Q-quanti... pardon?" Bella tried to repeat his foreign word, finding yet another weird term from the strange butler.


    The strange butler himself gestured lightly with his hand, as if illustrating the concept in the air.


    "You see, the Rule of Threes is based on a study that we humans have discovered over time: when it comes to survival, certain limits to our endurance are most effectively remembered and acted upon when they are quantified into a number that is simple to recall... and that number is three."


    "Endurance..." Martha echoed the one word that stood out from his explanation. She was starting to grasp his intention, as with Lady Anastasia and even the maid Bella.


    Sebas leaned forward slightly, the glint of wisdom in his eyes catching the attention of the three women in front of him.


    "Hear me and heed my words well.... The Rule of Threes, when it comes to survival..." he began, his voice low but commanding their attention.


    He paused, letting the tension rise between him and the three ladies. He gave them a moment to ensure that they would fully grasp the weight of his words¡ªwords they would need to survive in this hellscape of Florentia...!


    "Humans can survive in many harsh environments within the length of time of..."


    "... 3 minutes without air..."


    "... 3 hours without shelter..."


    "... 3 days without water, and lastly..."


    The Butler Sebas grinned from ear to ear¡ªan almost feral-like green that sent chills to the three women...!


    "... 3 weeks without food...!"

 Chapter 10: The First Step: Survival (3)

    Chapter 10: The First Step: Survival (3)The three women turned wide eyes, shocked expressions on their faces as they were taken aback by the weight of the butler''s words...!


    Even the knight Martha, who had already gone through a few survival training sessions during her knight apprentice days, was surprised by these ''Rule of Threes'' and how extreme it sounded...!


    The female knight had never heard of these extreme limits of human endurance in any of her survival training, nor had she ever actually tested the limits of her endurance.


    On the other hand, Lady Anastasia and her maid Bella, the two ''indoor-type'' ladies who had never learned much nor undergone survival training, showed the most shock at this new knowledge...!


    "How... terrifying," Anastasia murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "To think... that survival could be reduced to such brutal numbers..."


    The red-haired lady was shaken for a moment, her thoughts running wild with scenarios of what she might have to face in order to survive. She still clung to the lingering remnants of the comfort she had once experienced as a noble...


    But now... she was faced with the possibility of enduring these extreme trials of survival...


    "... T-three days without... water... T-three weeks without... food...?!?" Bella stammered, her voice trembling as she struggled to process the dreadful knowledge she had just learned. Her fear mirrored her mistress''s, if not greater.


    "H-hold on a moment, butler!" Martha interjected, stepping forward to confront the ever-smiling butler. "W-what nonsense are these endurance limits you speak of?! I have never heard of such principles in any of my training!"


    "... Nor have I, Sir Sebas," Anastasia added, her arms crossing over her chest¡ªnot in anger, but rather as a subconscious shield to steady herself. "Though I must admit that I have limited knowledge of both survival techniques and principles, I have never encountered this so-called ''Rule of Threes'' or what its dreadful principles entail..."


    "How do you even know these endurance limits, butler...?" the female knight questioned him further, her tone filled with both suspicion and frustration.


    Sebas couldn''t help but chuckle at their reactions, finding it somewhat amusing... though his chuckling might have had an unsettling effect on their already tense state.


    Of course, they wouldn''t know these ''Rule of Threes'' survival principles. After all... this was a concept that came from the "other world" of which Sebas''s past life originated.


    The knowledge of this world had not yet reached the pinnacle of his past world''s. Not to mention, the existence of magic had a somewhat stagnating effect on the progress of science.


    "Where I learned such knowledge is not important to the matter, Miss Knight..." he replied, avoiding Martha''s question, much to the dismay of the female knight. "... What is important right now... is how you utilize this knowledge!!!"


    "W-whu-?!"


    All three women gasped at the butler''s sudden outburst. He''d stepped forward, his figure commanding authority over the ladies as they were at the mercy of his wisdom...!


    "These survival principles are your precious guidelines for how you should approach survival in any harsh environment!!!"


    "I-I understand, Sir Sebas...! But..." Anastasia hesitated, stepping back a few steps to regain some personal space from him, "I still cannot fully grasp these principles... So, would you kindly elaborate further on any of them?"


    "Hehe... I''m glad that you hunger for this knowledge, my lady."


    "I would not go so far as to say I''m that interested, Sir Sebas..." she retorted, finding his antics to be rather frustrating.


    "Listen up, ladies," he commanded, ignoring her protest, "I''ll explain each principle as briefly but comprehensively as I can, alright?"


    The three of them could only nod awkwardly. They honestly had never expected this kind of behavior coming from their enigmatic butler.


    "First! Three minutes without air... It is pretty self-explanatory, is it not?" he started, a confident smile adorning his face. "We humans need air to live, by breathing it through our lungs¡ªclean, unpolluted air if possible."


    He touched his chest, demonstrating his respiratory system.


    "As you can see, the air in this region is, surprisingly, quite clean and breathable."


    "... It''s true...!" Anastasia exclaimed, actually surprised by the fact! Even her two aides were also taken aback as they both looked at their surroundings.


    Anastasia had prepared herself for the dangers of this place... which, of course, included the possibility of a toxic, poisonous environment. But... as she looked around once more (while ignoring the bloody pile of dead monsters), trying to fully process the unknown frontier...


    The environment here was quite clean...!


    Wilderness meadows stretched as far as the eye could see, with a healthy amount of forest visible on the horizon. It was a far cry from the noble society environment she''d been used to living and breathing in, but... it was a healthy environment for her and her two aides to live in...!


    Seeing the amazed gaze of Lady Anastasia brought another sense of relief to Sebas, as he saw even more ''life'' returning to her.


    "... And that brings us to the second principle: Three hours without shelter," Sebas declared, bringing the ladies'' attention back to him.


    "That''s right...! That second principle of yours, butler!" Martha interjected. "What do you mean that we can''t survive three hours without shelter?!"


    "Y-yeah, I was also surprised by that," Bella chimed in. "Isn''t that a bit too extreme for a survival principle, Sir Sebas...?"


    "Haha, yeah, I can see why you gals would find this one a bit over the top," Sebas admitted, a playful glint in his eye. "The second principle regarding shelter correlates with the first principle and is mostly measured by what kind of environment you find yourself in."


    He then spread his arms wide, gesturing to their surroundings once more.


    "The environment here is quite ideal for living, isn''t it? So, the second principle... might seem a bit too much to you lot. However..."


    The butler then pointed to the side¡ªto the towering pile of dead monsters he had slaughtered...!


    "... It is affected quite heavily by external factors... such as the dangers lurking in this land...!" S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 11: The First Step: Survival (4)

    Chapter 11: The First Step: Survival (4)"The second principle factors in what kinds of dangers you might face and what sort of protection you can establish against them," Sebas continued his explanation.


    Anastasia shivered faintly, grimly reminded of her situation. She had almost forgotten that this place was the Garden of Hell¡ªa region said to be the birthing nest for monsters and beasts across Florentia.


    "Monsters lurking in the Garden of Hell remain a major factor in how dangerous this region is," he reminded her once more, "and if we ever want to make this region into a place worth calling ''home''... those monsters need to be quelled."


    "Uhm... Sir Sebas, I-I understand this second principle w-well enough, but..." the maid Bella stammered, her voice shaking, "... didn''t you k-k-kill all of those monsters exactly for this purpose?"


    "I did. I cleared the monsters on our path to ensure we had a safer area of entry..."


    "T-then...?"


    "I could continue quelling all the monsters here, but that would require an exorbitant amount of time," he explained, his tone calm yet firm, "and the monsters here would still continue to reproduce at an unknown rate. There''s no guarantee they wouldn''t return and attempt to reclaim the land we''ve liberated."


    "No way..." the anxious maid whispered in fear; the minuscule amount of hope in her heart began to dwindle...


    Seeing the disheartened state of both her mistress and fellow aide, the knight Martha clenched her fists as she stepped forward to confront the butler.


    "Butler... what if I help fend off these monsters as well?" she asked, trying to salvage a bit of courage and pride as Lady Anastasia''s knight.


    "Oh~, that would be quite helpful, miss knight," Sebas said, a glimmer of approval in his eyes, bringing a spark of hope not just for the knight but also for Lady Anastasia and Bella. "I would like to see your strength myself and how you would fare against one of the monsters here. Though from what I can see..."


    The butler''s gaze shifted to Martha, appraising her from head to toe. His analytical stare... brought forth a strange, complex feeling for the knight.


    This was one of the rare instances when she felt... vulnerable. It wasn''t exactly a sense of having her weaknesses exposed, but... it was something else entirely¡ªsomething that left her slightly... flustered.


    "... you can probably take on an A-Rank monster by yourself, miss knight," Sebas concluded, finishing his quick assessment of her, much to her relief.


    "I could take on an A-Rank monster, huh..." she muttered, a renewed sense of determination flowing into her.


    "Martha..." Anastasia murmured softly, understanding the mix of emotions her loyal knight was experiencing.


    "Hate to shatter a bit of your hope, ladies, but the monsters here aren''t exclusive to just A-Rank threats," the butler interjected, drawing their attention back to him. "S-Rank monsters also roam this place, and I''m afraid that miss knight might not be able to handle them."


    His words cast a heavy, grim silence over the group...


    "But... it''s not as though your potential stops here, miss knight." S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What...?" Martha''s attention snapped back to Sebas as she looked up at him. "What do you mean, butler?"


    "It means that you still have the potential to grow stronger," he replied, his grim seriousness giving way to a confident smile. "I can help you become stronger, miss knight~."


    "...!"


    Hearing those words, hope flickered back to life in Martha''s heart...!


    She had been weighed down by the feeling of powerlessness, especially when it came to protecting her mistress. That feeling had started the moment she knew she would enter the Garden of Hell¡ªa place crawling with powerful monsters she couldn''t possibly defeat.


    She had already resigned herself to dying for Lady Anastasia...


    But now... this mysterious butler appeared, offering her something she never thought possible¡ªa chance to grow stronger... and to protect the people she cared about...!


    "... I''ll take that offer, butler," Martha declared, her determined expression contrasting with his ever-relaxed demeanor.


    Sebas nodded, a simple smile forming as if her resolve was all he needed to hear.


    "Alright... putting aside the monsters here, let''s talk about the actual shelter itself."


    "That''s right... the shelter...!" Anastasia finally spoke up, her curiosity piqued. "What would our actual ''shelter'' be, Sir Sebas?"


    "Hmm..."


    Sebas turned contemplative, stroking his chin as he considered her question. After a moment, he spun around and pointed toward... his campsite.


    "... Well, we could use my camping tent for now."


    "Wait what?!" Martha''s voice cut through the air, her tone sharp. "Hold on, butler! You cannot be serious here! How could you allow our mistress to rest in a dingy tent?!"


    "How rude. I''ll have you know that I was a dedicated boy scout," Sebas retorted, pouting in exaggerated offense. "I even earned a patch for building tents in under ten minutes, you know?"


    "What are you even talking about...?"


    "S-Sir Sebas, I''m sorry for interrupting, but..." Bella hesitantly chimed in, "... I also don''t think it would be proper for Lady Anastasia to s-sleep in a... tent."


    "Hmm, I get it, I do. It''s not exactly a good look for a noble lady to sleep in a tent of all things... but honestly, it''s the best shelter we have for now."


    "But..." Martha was about to argue, but as the words formed in her mind, she paused. She hated to admit it, but she understood his reasoning. Still, the thought of her mistress sleeping in such conditions¡ª


    "... I do not mind," Anastasia suddenly said, her voice calm yet resolute...!


    "M-my Lady...?!"


    "A bit of inconvenience won''t kill me. So... I''ll take your offer, Sir Sebas."


    "Hehe, alright. Good to know you''re up for the challenge~," the butler said, his smile widening in approval. "We''ll see if we can upgrade our shelter from this ''dingy'' tent into an actual noble household worth bragging about, alright? Lady Ana?"


    Lady Ana nodded, her determination unwavering as she steeled herself to face the challenges ahead. The sight of her resolute expression sparked a similar strength within both Martha and Bella, bolstering their resolve to support her.


    "Alright, ladies," Sebas called for their attention, clapping his hands lightly, "let''s move on to the next two principles: water and food~."

 Chapter 12: The First Step: Survival (5)

    Chapter 12: The First Step: Survival (5)"T-that''s right!" the maid Bella suddenly exclaimed, quickly stepping forward and confronting the butler face-to-face...!


    "Woah-!?"


    "What should we do with water and food, Sir Sebas?!" she asked directly toward his face; her expression was serious, almost frantic. Her directness was such a surprise to him that he had to step back.


    He looked toward the other two and found that they were also worried about their water and food situation... though not as desperate as Bella was right now.


    Anastasia''s entourage had brought their own water and food rations on their journey to the Garden of Hell, but it was obvious to them that these supplies wouldn''t last for a long, long time...


    "A-alright, alright, Miss Maid. I was just gonna elaborate on that matter," the butler replied with a slightly nervous chuckle, gently pushing her shoulders to calm her down and give himself some breathing space.


    "*Cough*, okay, now let''s talk about the 3rd and also the 4th principles of our ''Rule of Threes,'' shall we?"


    All three women nodded (with Miss Maid, in particular, nodding a bit too enthusiastically), granting him permission to continue. He held up his right hand once more¡ªraising three fingers to emphasize his point.


    "3 days without water... and 3 weeks without food," he started his explanation, his expression turning serious. "As you might already know, all living beings require both water and nourishment to live, and we humans are no exception to that universal rule."


    The three women nodded again, understanding the importance of both resources.


    Sebas turned around once more and pointed back at his campsite.


    "Right now, I have brought enough clean water and food rations for at least a week, and if we divide it among the four of us... hmm, we could probably go for 3 days, at most."


    "... They would not suffice for a longer period of time," Anastasia chimed in; a worried expression etched on her face.


    "Exactly, Lady Ana," Sebas affirmed, raising his clenched fist. "If we are to survive in this perilous region called THE Garden of Hell... we need to immediately find steady sources for our water and food!!!" S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I-Indeed, Sir Sebas," Anastasia responded, a bit taken aback by his usual ''unusual'' outburst. "I am aware that some water could be accessed through digging a well, but..."


    "... how do we even find the water beneath the ground to begin with, right, my lady?" Her loyal maid Bella added, finishing her mistress''s thought.


    "I do have knowledge of water well construction, my lady," the knight Martha added as well, recalling her days serving in the kingdom''s army.


    "I''ve once supervised the construction of one, but... even if I and the butler start digging for one, I''m not confident we could finish it under three days... especially not with the constant threat of unknown dangers..."


    "..."


    They all fell silent, realizing that they had just dampened their morale.


    "Haha, well, Rome wasn''t built in a day, ladies," Sebas quipped, drawing their attention back to him with a reassuring smile.


    "Rome...?" the three of them echoed, confused once again by his odd choice of words.


    "Building a well will be put on hold for now, so we''ll look for another alternative, which is... you know what it is, right?"


    "... A river or a lake, isn''t it?" Martha answered his question, slightly irritated by his teasing tone.


    "Yup! And luckily, I know where we could find a clean river nearby that we could use as our source of water."


    "Truly...?" Anastasia gasped, her hope rising once more at the prospect of crossing another item off their survival list¡ªa sentiment her aides clearly shared.


    "Truly so, my lady. But..."


    "But...?"


    Her rising hope faltered at the butler''s sudden pause.


    "As I said before: ''all living things require water and nourishment''... and monsters are also living things."


    "..."


    His reminder cast a heavy silence over the group, dampening their spirits further. Monsters would also naturally be attracted to water sources just like them... and they would have to fight for access to it.


    "But not to worry, my lady. That''s why Miss Knight and I are here to vanquish the monsters~," Sebas reassured them with a playful grin. "We''ll have access to clean, drinkable water in no time~! Isn''t that right, Miss Knight?"


    "Y-Yeah, of course!" Martha stammered, flustered by the sudden shift of attention to her. "Don''t worry, my lady! I will make sure that no monster will ever come close enough to threaten you or your path!"


    "... Thank you, Martha," Lady Anastasia said softly, ever so grateful to her loyal knight. Then she turned toward her butler with a serious expression. "Sir Sebas... what about our food problem?"


    "Hmm..."


    He didn''t answer immediately, instead opting to gather his thoughts, seeming as if he was trying to come up with a proper way to answer her inquiry.


    "There are a few ways to gather our food, my lady," he began thoughtfully.


    He raised his hand as if to count their options.


    "We could try foraging for edible plants, fruits, berries, and even mushrooms. The wilderness of this place is teeming with these natural food resources... but it is also teeming with NOT EDIBLE stuff, so we would have to be careful with that option."


    "I see..." Anastasia nodded, clearly understanding his implication. "What other options do we have?"


    "Fishing could be a good option, considering that we are trying to access the river. Of course, the risk is the same as I''ve said for it."


    "I understand," she acknowledged, mentally steeling herself of that future endeavor. "Anything else, Sir Sebas?"


    "... Hunting."


    "So, we are resorting to that option, huh..."


    "I understand your hesitation, my lady, but... hunting is the simplest and honestly the most practical method for food resources," Sebas explained, trying to convince the noble young woman to see his reasoning. "In fact... I already hunted us some pretty good meat for the day~. Many of them too~."


    "Oh, really?" Anastasia''s interest was piqued. She, along with her two aides, leaned in slightly, intrigued by the butler''s promising words. "Is it the meat that you are currently cooking, Sir Sebas?"


    He nodded, a wide smile etched on his face.


    "Could it be... a wild boar?" Martha guessed, her eyes glinting with curiosity.


    "O-or maybe... a deer? I heard they''re a delicacy in some parts of Florentia..." Bella chimed in, clasping her hands together in growing anticipation.


    Sebas shook his head, the same smile still plastered on his face... which slowly began to unsettle the three ladies. Without a word, he turned to the side and pointed in a particular direction...!


    Their eyes followed his gesture... and landed on the pile of grotesque, lifeless monster carcasses that the butler had slaughtered...!


    "We can eat those~."

 Chapter 13: The First Step: Survival (6)

    Chapter 13: The First Step: Survival (6)The three women''s eyes went wide once more. Their horror, disbelief, and even disgust were all evident on their faces¡ªplain and unrestrained.


    "W-what did you just say... b-butler...?" Martha stammered, unable to believe the words that had come out of Sebas''s mouth.


    "We can eat those~," Sebas replied, his enigmatic smile unfaltering as he repeated himself without a single shred of hesitation, still pointing toward the pile of monster carcasses.


    "Are you serious...?!" the knight exclaimed, her disbelief slowly turning to anger as she directed it at the butler. "Do you honestly expect Lady Anastasia to consume... that?!"


    "Of course."


    "Don''t be absurd, you damn scoundrel butler!" she barked at him, her voice rising higher as she confronted him directly. "I don''t know what kind of twisted logic is running through your head, but asking Lady Anastasia to eat monster meat is outrageous! She''s a noblewoman, for the gods'' sake!!!"


    "You sure? But these ''monsters'' are quite the high-quality ingredient, you know?"


    "Like hell they are!"


    Her anger rose by the second, still unable to believe the words he''d spouted. But...


    "Martha, please calm down," Lady Anastasia interjected, her voice steady yet commanding enough to cut through the tension.


    "B-but, my lady... you shouldn''t¡ª"


    "I understand your concern, Martha," Anastasia said firmly, her tone softening only slightly. "I know you''re looking out for me, but you mustn''t let your emotions cloud our judgment. In this unforgiving region, we can''t afford to dismiss any possibility of survival... even one as unconventional as this."


    Martha opened her mouth to protest further, but the words caught in her throat. She clenched her fists for a moment, clearly struggling to suppress her frustration...


    And eventually, she backed away from the butler, allowing Lady Anastasia herself to face him.


    Lady Anastasia cleared her throat before finally speaking to him, slightly lowering her head in apology.


    "Sir Sebas... please forgive my knight''s outburst."


    "All forgiven~."


    "... Thank you," she said gratefully, relieved by his graciousness. Her expression then turned serious as she looked up to meet his gaze. "But still... I would like to know if what you have spoken is true, Sir Sebas."


    "About eating monsters'' meat?"


    "Yes... Are they truly... edible?"


    "They are~," Sebas answered cheerfully. "They''re actually a pretty decent ingredient. Some, I dare confidently say, rival even the top-quality beef in the capital~."


    "..."


    Anastasia fell silent, still somewhat doubting his words.


    She had heard a few vague tales about the possibility of eating monster meat, mostly from the accounts of adventurers. Unfortunately, however, all of them had described monster meat as rather... unpalatable.


    Edible, yes... but it was not something you would desire on your dinner table¡ªespecially not in the upper echelons of society.


    "Sir Sebas... I''ve heard of monsters'' meat being... ''impossible'' to cook properly. Are you certain that we could consume it?"


    "Absolutely, my lady," Sebas assured her with a confident nod. "I''ve cooked thousands of them in my lifetime and mastered many ways to properly prepare almost every monster in the world~!"


    "... Truly?"


    "Truly so~," he assured her once more, his confident grin never leaving his face. "If you like, I can show you ladies how to prepare and cook monster meat to make it a delicacy."


    "I see... In that case..."


    Anastasia turned toward her maid, who was still eyeing the pile of monster carcasses with unease, visibly agitated at the prospect of consuming them.


    "Bella, please, come here."


    "A-ah, yes, my Lady!" Bella stammered, hurriedly moving to her mistress''s side.


    "Sir Sebas... I would like for you to share your cooking knowledge with Bella."


    "W-what...?!"


    Bella gasped in surprise, her eyes widening at her mistress''s sudden proposal...!


    "M-my lady... you wish for me to learn how to cook... monster meat?" she asked, still taken aback.


    "Indeed," Lady Anastasia confirmed, nodding gracefully. "Your skill in the culinary arts has always been exceptional, Bella."


    "...!"


    A gasp escaped the maid''s lips, taken aback by her mistress''s sudden compliment.


    "I have no doubt that you can prepare even ingredients as unusual as these. Thus... I trust you completely and believe you are the perfect person to learn this from Sir Sebas."


    "My lady..."


    Bella was touched by her mistress''s words, ever grateful for her trust. She swallowed her uncertainty, then took a breath, straightening her posture.


    "I... I understand, my Lady!" She replied, determination filling her voice before turning toward the butler. "Sir Sebas, please, teach me all that you know...!"


    Sebas gave a simple thumbs-up of approval, smiling at Miss Maid''s determination.


    However, before they could move on to their cooking lesson...


    "Excuse me, Lady Anastasia, Bella... and butler too..."


    Martha''s voice interrupted, catching their attention. A worried expression was etched all over the knight''s visage.


    "Yes, Martha?" Anastasia asked, curious. "Is there something the matter? Do you still perhaps object to consuming monster meat?"


    "U-uh, no, my Lady! I do not dare object to your decision...! However, that is... not my concern right now..."


    "What is it then? Please speak your concern, Martha."


    "Ah yes, My Lady! Well... my concern is..."


    The knight hesitated for a moment, her gaze drifting toward the towering pile of dead monsters.


    "... can we even consume all of this monster meat before it goes bad?" S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A heavy silence descended over the group. The knight''s question hung in the air, forcing them all to confront the glaring flaw in their situation.


    And slowly...


    The ladies'' eyes turned back toward the butler, the very man responsible for the massacre of those monsters.


    Sebas, who had exuded nothing but confidence until now, froze for a moment. His enigmatic smile faltered for the first time as he rubbed the back of his neck.


    "Ah... right... well, you see..." he began, his gaze subtly shifting away from theirs. "I... may not have thought that far ahead."


    "..."


    Their expressions twitched upon hearing his excuse. They hadn''t expected that their all-powerful and all-resourceful butler had overlooked such an obvious concern.


    Martha opened her mouth, ready to voice her complaint, when her nose caught the heavy stench of iron¡ªblood¡ªfrom the pile of dead monsters...!


    "Ugh... the smell is getting worse...! With all this smell, it''s only a matter of time before it attracts more¡ª"


    ROOOOAAAARRR!!!


    "... Monsters..."

 Chapter 14: The Butler in Action (1)

    Chapter 14: The Butler in Action (1)ROOOAAARRRRR!!!


    The four of them promptly turned their sights toward the source of the deafening roar... and there it was, in the distance, high up in the sky...


    "... Wyverns...!" Martha gasped, her voice trembling with shock as her eyes widened.


    Wyverns. Winged, bipedal, scaled monstrosities¡ªthe lesser cousins of the legendary dragon. Even from afar, their massive forms could be compared to the size of Lady Anastasia''s coach...!


    And it was not just a single wyvern...


    It was an entire flock¡ªnearly a dozen of them¡ªflying in unison, their wingbeats growing louder as they rapidly approached their location.


    ROOOAAARRRRR!!!


    One of them¡ªthe largest among the flock¡ªlet out another thunderous roar, its deep, guttural cry echoing across the skies, as if to announce its presence and assert dominance...!


    "This is bad...!" Martha exclaimed, her face slowly turning pale as the gravity of the situation sank in. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The knight understood the threat these creatures posed all too well. She had participated in the subjugation of a few stray wyverns in the past. These were B-Rank monsters, with strength and tenacity equivalent to nearly ten of the kingdom''s knights combined.


    What made them even more dangerous was their nature as group predators...!


    Rarely found alone, they possessed a frightening ability to coordinate their movements and strategies, working together as a pack to hunt down prey...!


    This trait alone elevated their threat level exponentially. A solitary wyvern might be a formidable B-Rank foe, but as a coordinated flock, their danger could escalate to the level of an S-Rank calamity...!


    And what they were witnessing now was exactly that¡ªa flock of S-Rank wyverns, likely led by the Alpha of their species...!


    ROOOAAAARRRRRR!!!!


    The appearance of these wyverns greatly affected the three women...!


    Martha''s hand hovered over the hilt of her sword, but it trembled¡ªher fear was slowly consuming her.


    The maid Bella stood frozen in place, her eyes wide with horror as tears silently escaped down her cheeks.


    And lastly... Lady Anastasia.


    She too was stricken with fear and dread.


    The red-haired, fallen noblewoman had thought she was prepared to accept her fate¡ªto meet her end in this harsh, godforsaken land.


    But now...? She was standing before the embodiment of that fate, and she realized... she was not ready.


    She had never expected fear to consume her so deeply, and it was all because...


    Anastasia... did not want to die.


    Her acceptance of death had begun to waver.


    And it was all because of one man¡ª!


    "That''s right... Sebas!"


    She realized... that the mysterious-but-powerful butler Sebas was now at her side!


    ''If anyone can defeat these wyverns... then it would be him!''


    She turned her gaze toward him, and there he was, standing calmly beside her, overlooking the approaching flock of wyverns.


    His expression was neutral, though faint irritation crept into his features.


    "Hmm... well, this is troublesome," he commented nonchalantly. His tone was calm, almost casual. Despite the irritation visible on his face...


    There was not a hint of fear in his voice... and his casual demeanor was a beacon of hope for Anastasia!


    "Sebas!" She called out, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to grab his attention.


    "Hmm? What is it, Lady Ana?" he asked, his nonchalant attitude startling her for a moment.


    "... How should we deal with these wyverns?" she finally inquired, fighting her fear as best as she could.


    "Hmm..."


    However, he did not immediately answer her inquiry. Instead, he opted to look back toward the incoming wyverns, contemplating their situation.


    "Maybe we should let them take these monsters'' meat."


    "What...? What are you saying, Sir Sebas?"


    "Well, my lady... I gotta admit: I made a blunder thinking we could eat all of this meat by ourselves," he replied with a sheepish smile on his face, "so maybe we should let these wyverns clean it up for us."


    "... I can see the logic behind your reasoning," Anastasia replied hesitantly, her expression softening as she mulled over his words.


    This flock of wyverns was definitely attracted to the pile of monsters'' carcasses and they were directing their attention solely to it.


    When they finally reached it, some of them quickly descended from the sky and flocked around the pile¡ªfeasting on the remains as if they were some kind of delicacy.


    "They are certainly hungry," Sebas commented casually.


    "Indeed..." Anastasia muttered, a somewhat morbid curiosity welling up within her, "... should we fall back, Sir Sebas?"


    "Sure~. Let''s give these flying lizards some privacy¡ª"


    ROOOAAARRRR!!!


    Suddenly, one of the wyverns¡ªthe Alpha of the group¡ªroared! It had spotted the four of them, directing its vicious eyes toward them...!


    ROAARRR!!


    ROAARRR!!


    Its roar simultaneously induced a chorus of roars from the other wyverns around it...!


    "Never mind, they noticed us now," the butler said, letting out a tired sigh.


    "Cursed it...!" Martha exclaimed.


    The knight fought back her fear and finally pulled out her sword, quickly rushing toward her mistress''s position. She immediately took a protective stance in front of Anastasia, facing the frenzied wyverns...!


    "My Lady, please stand behind me!"


    "Martha...!"


    "M-Miss Martha...!"


    Bella also hurried behind the knight in fear, crouching low and clutching onto Martha''s armor as if seeking shelter from the looming threat.


    Anastasia quickly looked back at the contemplative butler. "S-Sebas...! What should we do here...?!"


    "Well, my lady, we can''t really back away from them anymore, so..." he said, a small smile appearing on his face, "let''s just kill them."


    "What...?!" she gasped in disbelief.


    She couldn''t believe his attitude¡ªwitnessing and hearing his surreal calmness against such a threat...! But she had to remind herself once more that this was the person who had supposedly cleaned up part of this region solely for her...


    "... Are you certain that you are able to... kill all of these wyverns?"


    "Certainly, my lady," he answered without hesitation, slightly bowing his head in acknowledgment. "Your wish is my command."


    The butler then turned around, casually walking toward his campsite...! Anastasia was initially surprised by his casual behavior, confused as to what he was trying to do... only to realize that he was actually picking up a long sword resting at his campsite...!


    Sebas then casually returned to them¡ªwalking past them...! Martha and Bella were startled by the butler''s unexpected calmness and determination.


    "O-oi, butler...! What are you¡ª"


    "Miss Knight, please keep Lady Ana and Miss Maid safe," he said, his tone... serious. "I''ll deal with the wyverns."

 Chapter 15: The Butler in Action (2)

    Chapter 15: The Butler in Action (2)Sebas calmly advanced forward, slowly leaving behind the three women who watched his departure with a mix of apprehension and unease.


    ROOOOARRRR!!!


    The wyverns themselves became even more frenzied... as they all witnessed the human who showed neither fear nor hesitation.


    The wyverns that had perched on the corpse pile flew high into the air, rejoining their brethren soaring across the sky.


    Sebas then... raised his free left hand¡ªa green ethereal light glowed from his palm...!


    "He can use magic...?!" the knight, Martha, exclaimed, surprised by the revelation of the butler''s power¡ªa sentiment shared by her mistress and her fellow aide.


    "Wind Arcana..."


    The butler paid no heed to their astonishment, focusing solely on the ''magic'' gathering in his left hand...!


    "... Feathers'' Bound," he chanted the spell...!


    Soon, the greenish mana gathered in his hand flowed swiftly toward his feet, slowly enveloping them in the same green ethereal glow...!


    And before long... he immediately rushed forward!


    The speed of his advance shocked the three women, baffled by the sheer swiftness with which the butler charged toward the wyverns...!


    But that was not the end of the surprise.


    Sebas then jumped high into the air, ascending rapidly toward the nearest wyvern in the sky!


    ROARR!!!


    The wyvern he was approaching roared in alarm, attempting to fend off the "flying" human¡ª


    But Sebas simply dodged the beast''s snapping maw... and then swung his longsword down at its neck¡ª!


    The wyvern''s long, scaly neck was cleanly severed by the butler with no resistance!


    "One down."


    The severed-head wyvern and its headless body soon plummeted to the ground...


    Sebas was now in the air¡ªfloating as if he were standing on solid ground¡ªas he faced the other wyverns. Naturally, they all became agitated, not just by the presence of the human himself, but also by witnessing their brethren slain by the sword of this same human...!


    ROOAAARRR!!!


    The Alpha of the wyverns roared, trying to assert dominance. The other wyverns scattered briefly, flying in erratic patterns and circling the butler warily...


    ROOAAAAARRR!!!


    The Alpha roared once more¡ªa command to the other wyverns to attack the defiant human...! And its brethren surged toward the butler in a unified assault!


    The wyverns struck one after another, their winged claws and massive jaws ready to maim him...!


    But-!


    Sebas "leapt" into the air¡ªhis steps as though the very air itself had become solid beneath him! He dodged each of the wyverns'' assaults, one by one!


    Each attempt on his life he avoided within just a hair''s breadth...! Even when one lunged at him from behind, he dodged effortlessly¡ªhis movements fluid, as if he could see behind him without turning his head.


    On the ground, the three women were awe-struck by the display of unmatched skill and grace by their enigmatic butler. They had never expected such graceful movement from the man... especially not for one battling in the sky.


    No matter how much these scaled flying beasts tried, Sebas simply dodged them with little to no effort... as if he were dancing in the air.


    And then eventually, one wyvern came for him as with the others; its massive form barreled toward him, jaws wide open, ready to tear him apart¡ª


    But Sebas spun in midair... with his long sword flashing as it cut through the wyvern''s neck in a single, clean motion!


    "Two down."


    The beast''s severed head fell first, its lifeless body following as it plummeted to the ground¡ªjoining the remains of its already-slain brethren below.


    His carnage had begun.


    One wyvern tried to avenge its fallen brethren by rushing at him, but Sebas simply "side-stepped" in mid-air, swinging his sword at the same vulnerable neck as its brethren and cutting it clean...!


    "Three down."


    Another tried to attack him from above... but he simply dodged again, quickly circling toward its back. In a swift motion, he stabbed the beast''s spine¡ªpiercing through its thick-scaled hide¡ªright to its heart, killing it instantly!


    "Four down."


    Another attempted to strike from below, but he simply "back-stepped" away from its lunge! As soon as he dodged the wyvern''s massive jaws snapping from beneath, he followed through with a swift stab of his sword right below its mouth, piercing straight into the beast''s skull!


    "Five down."


    The wyverns continued their almost pointless assault on the human. However, not only did he dodge them effortlessly, he countered instantly with deadly, precise strikes...!


    "Six."


    "Seven."


    Each wyvern he slayed fell to the ground lifelessly, leaving fewer and fewer of them... along with their morale.


    "Eight."


    "Nine."


    And eventually, all that remained were just two wyverns¡ªthe smaller, normal-sized ''lesser'' wyvern and the larger Alpha.


    The last two became extremely hesitant, their fear more than evident in their trembling flight patterns and faltering movements.


    ROAARR!!!


    The Alpha roared and glared at the butler, trying its best to intimidate the human who had slaughtered its brethren. But of course, Sebas was unfazed, simply staring back at the Alpha as if it had never been a threat to begin with.


    ROAARRRR!!!


    With another roar, the Alpha ordered its last companion to attack the human, but... the lesser wyvern refused! It opted instead to flee, flapping its wings desperately in an attempt to escape the carnage¡ª


    "No point in running."


    Sebas rushed toward it! In mere seconds, he was already at the beast''s side, his sword raised high above the sky and then... he struck the beast down!


    "Ten down..." he muttered, his voice calm yet foreboding as he slowly turned to face the final wyvern¡ªthe Alpha itself.


    ROAAARR!!!


    With a furious cry, the Alpha launched itself toward Sebas, its massive form cutting through the air in a final, desperate attack. Its claws outstretched, its jaws wide, the beast surged forward with every ounce of strength it had left¡ªdriven by nothing but its fading pride...


    But Sebas had already moved. Effortlessly, he sidestepped the Alpha''s assault, his expression unchanged... as if the Alpha itself was no different than the rest of its fallen brethren.


    "Last one."


    His voice was calm, almost cold, as he raised his sword in the air... And with a single, decisive swing... sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Alpha Wyvern''s life ended.

 Chapter 16: The Butler in Action (3)

    Chapter 16: The Butler in Action (3)Anastasia and her two aides watched with bated breath as they witnessed the enigmatic butler high in the sky... felling every wyvern¡ªeven the Alpha Wyvern itself¡ªsingle-handedly.


    The vast green wilderness that the butler had cleared before... was now littered with the lifeless bodies of the wyverns.


    "... He is the real deal," the knight, Martha, broke the silence, her voice quiet but tinged with disbelief.


    "So strong..." the maid, Bella, whispered, her tone filled with awe and trembling admiration.


    On the other hand, Anastasia did not utter a single word. She could only gaze at the figure of the butler in the sky, her thoughts spiraling as she tried to comprehend what she had just witnessed.


    Like her two aides, Anastasia shared the same sentiment¡ªdisbelief over the very sight of him slaying those wyverns... all by himself, and effortlessly.


    She had once harbored doubts about the butler''s supposed feats of slaying monsters. But now... those lingering doubts were swept away by the display of sheer prowess she had just seen.


    Her doubt was replaced with amazement.


    He truly was, as Martha had said, ''the real deal.''


    More than that, Anastasia began to truly believe...


    This man... this butler... he might be the person who could help her reclaim this hellish frontier on Florentia¡ªthe Garden of Hell¡ªand transform it into something she could confidently call... her land.


    The dread that had been consuming her heart for so long began to wane, slowly replaced by something she had thought was lost forever...


    Hope.


    The butler Sebas, who was still in the air, floating with his magic, looked down at his handiwork scattered on the ground... and let out a sigh.


    "More work," he complained, his tone slightly exasperated at the thought that he would have to clean up this place once more, "... but I guess that''s just what a butler''s job description entails."


    He then slowly "jumped" down from the air, step by step, toward the three ladies who were still awestruck from witnessing his actions.


    Eventually, he landed in front of them with the light thud of his formal dress shoes. The green mana that had been enveloping his feet dissipated.


    "Lady Ana, I''ve returned," Sebas announced courteously, bowing his head to the red-haired noble lady. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lady Ana was still speechless¡ªstill couldn''t voice her disbelief nor even her amazement. But eventually...


    "... Good work... Sebas," she said, her tone formal... but tinged with gratitude that slipped through her composed demeanor.


    "Thank you, my lady," he replied, lifting his head and showing his usual confident grin. However, his smile turned into a sheepish one, "but still... I want to apologize for my blunder, your grace..."


    "Apologize...?"


    "Yes... because," he turned around, a sheepish smile on his face as he gestured toward the very wilderness... now littered with the wyverns'' remains, "I just made an even bigger mess."


    "I-I see..." she murmured, a bit unsettled by the sight of the bloody mess.


    But then, her expression turned thoughtful as she remembered something. She turned toward her knight, who was still struck with disbelief at the smiling butler.


    "Martha, about the thing that you said before, would you kindly repeat it once more?"


    "H-huh? O-oh yes, my lady!" Martha stammered, then cleared her throat. "Uhm... I''ve questioned whether we could even consume all of these... monsters before they would go bad."


    "Yes... that was a valid concern. Thus... Sir Sebas?" Anastasia asked, directing her attention back to the butler.


    "Yes, my lady?"


    "You suggested that we should... consume all of these monsters, but..." She hesitated, "I believe that would be quite the challenging feat, especially when they would go beyond their optimal freshness."


    "Sigh, yeah, you''ve got a point there, Lady Ana," he agreed, his shoulders slumping from being reminded once again of his miscalculation.


    Anastasia, seeing his slightly dejected demeanor... couldn''t help but find him slightly... endearing. However, she quickly shook her head, trying to clear such a thought.


    She realized that it was a bit improper for a noblewoman such as herself to think such things about her servant. Even so, a slight tint of blush could be seen on her cheeks.


    "... W-well, either way, we will have to properly dispose of most of them, lest we attract more monsters encroaching into our land," Anastasia concluded.


    "Dispose them, huh..." Sebas mused, pondering the option... before his face suddenly lit up¡ªa sudden idea crossed his mind! "Lady Ana!"


    "Y-yes, Sebas?" Lady Ana stammered, startled by his sudden outburst.


    "How about we try to sell these monsters'' remains?"


    "S-sell?!" She gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief. Not just her, but even her two aides were equally taken aback by the butler''s unexpected suggestion.


    "That''s right, my lady~," he said with his trademark confident grin, "we could try selling them to the local adventurers'' guild for a good profit~."


    "I-I see..." The redheaded noblewoman murmured, her expression shifting as she began to consider his idea.


    Anastasia did need some form of capital, as what she currently had would not suffice to establish her would-be government.


    Monsters were highly sought after for their materials, which were essential for many aspects of their society. These materials, especially the rarer ones, were also crucial for crafting powerful equipment or serving as ingredients for alchemical purposes.


    And now, these supposedly high-ranking dead monsters would definitely provide the capital she desperately needed¡ª


    "U-uhm... excuse me for interrupting your discussion, my lady..." the maid Bella interjected, breaking her mistress''s train of thought.


    "Ah, yes, Bella... What is it?"


    "T-thank you for your patience, your grace," Bella said, bowing slightly. "I just wanted to ask... how are we supposed to transport all these dead monsters to Florentia?"


    "..."


    The question caught Anastasia off guard. She blinked, her gaze shifting from the massive pile of monster carcasses to the meadow littered with wyvern corpses.


    "Yes... That is indeed a problem..."


    Her eyes naturally shifted to Sebas, who had been silently standing nearby... his confident grin ever-present, as if he had already foreseen this very question.


    "Hehe, not to worry, my lady~!" the butler declared with a slight bow, his voice brimming with confidence. "I''ve got just the thing we can use for this occasion~!"


    He then gestured toward the far distance, beyond the campsite...


    A giant wooden cart.

 Chapter 17: The First Night (1)

    Chapter 17: The First Night (1)The sun had finally set, with the clear orange sky slowly darkening. As the vast meadow of wilderness was gradually consumed by darkness... the only source of light came from a flickering campfire.


    Gathered around it, basking in its warm comfort... were Lady Anastasia and her two aides.


    The maid, Bella, was using the campfire to cook a simple meat and vegetable stew... using monster meat that the butler Sebas had taught her how to prepare, along with his recommended choice of cuts.


    "Humming~?"


    The blonde maid hummed a gentle tune as she continued to stir and check the stew every few moments, pleased to be in her comfort zone¡ªcooking.


    She was also quite delighted, not just because she had learned new culinary techniques from their peculiar butler, but also because she had been provided with all the necessary cooking tools, spices, and ''normal'' ingredients to choose from.


    ''Sir Sebas is quite the resourceful one,'' the maid thought to herself with a touch of admiration while taste-testing the stew she was preparing.


    The knight, Martha, stood a small distance away from the campfire. Her ever-watchful eyes scanned the area around the campsite, trying to discern any sort of danger that might be lurking in this perilous region.


    The butler had assured them that any monsters within the vicinity of this campsite had been thoroughly eradicated by him... and yet the brunette knight couldn''t let go of her unease, considering what had transpired earlier that day.


    Fortunately, the pile of monster remains that had attracted those wyverns had already been hauled by the butler himself back to Florentia. Thus, he was nowhere to be found at this campsite, which he had so carefully prepared. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Still... the knight found the butler to be quite the odd one.


    She had witnessed that single man not only load all of those dead monsters into the giant wooden cart¡ªall by himself¡ªbut also clean up any trace of blood and debris that had smeared the wilderness, effectively erasing the monsters'' presence from the area.


    And after all of that, he had then pulled said giant cart¡ªagain, all by himself.


    That giant cart alone would have weighed quite a lot, but with the addition of that massive pile of monsters? It would have been an impossible feat to pull, even for a whole platoon of the kingdom''s knights.


    Martha mulled over the thought, her emotions in disarray¡ªnot just from her bafflement, but also from something else within her... a feeling of... inadequacy.


    And then there was Anastasia, who sat near the campfire in silence.


    The red-haired noblewoman had been staring at the flames, utterly still. The gentle, warm fire reflected in her eyes, its flickering light casting fleeting emotions across her delicate features.


    She had been lost in this contemplative state, replaying every moment that had transpired today... and also events from before her journey to the Garden of Hell.


    She was relieved that her trek to this perilous land had been successful... and grateful for the strong ally she had gained in the form of that enigmatic butler.


    The fallen noblewoman tried to focus on what their future plans would entail¡ªhow she would begin to cultivate this land into a place she could proudly present to her father... to Duke Rosavich.


    But her thoughts would often stray, dragged toward her lingering wishes, only to force her to remember the sin she had committed against the royal family of the Kingdom.


    No... against the Crown Prince himself...


    Her hands trembled, overwhelmed by the memory of that event¡ªthe one that had hammered the final nails into her coffin... where she had¡ª


    "¡ªMy Lady? Lady Anastasia?"


    The sudden call startled her, breaking her out of her reverie. She looked back toward the source of the voice and found it was none other than her loyal maid Bella... holding out a bowl toward her.


    "M-my lady, are you alright?" Bella asked, her voice soft with concern. "I apologize for interrupting your thoughts, your grace, but... you seemed lost in them. Is something troubling you...?"


    "It''s nothing..." Anastasia replied curtly, not wanting to burden her aides with her troubling thoughts.


    However, it wasn''t just Bella who seemed concerned; even Martha broke away from her watchful vigilance to prioritize her mistress''s well-being, her brow furrowed with silent worry.


    "Please do not trouble yourselves, Bella, Martha. I am... quite well," Anastasia said, offering both of them a small, reassuring smile. She reached out to take the bowl of stew Bella had prepared, gently receiving it from her hands. "And my gratitude for your cooking, Bella."


    "A-ah, yes, my lady! I''m so glad it pleases you," Bella stammered, her cheeks tinged pink with a mixture of pride and relief. "I-I did my best to make it to your taste, my lady."


    Seeing her maid''s slightly flustered but loyal demeanor eased the unease stirring inside Anastasia''s heart. Bella then turned to Martha, presenting another bowl of stew.


    "Miss Martha, here is yours."


    "...Thanks," Martha muttered, her tone quiet but steady as she took the bowl from her fellow aide''s hand.


    Eventually, Bella served herself her own portion of the stew, and the three of them sat near the campfire, each holding their bowls of monster meat stew in silence.


    Not one of them had yet taken a bite.


    An awkward silence hung in the air as both Anastasia and Martha stared at their bowls. The flickering campfire cast shadows on their faces, highlighting their unease.


    "U-uhm... is there something wrong with the meal, your grace?" Bella broke the silence, her voice tinged with worry.


    "Ah, no, there''s nothing wrong with it, Bella," Anastasia reassured her once more, "however, I cannot lie that it is quite unnerving to eat... monster meat."


    "I-it''s okay, my lady! I''ve already taste-tested it thoroughly, and I am confident that it is edible!"


    "Yeah, it smells pretty good too~."


    "Yes! I''m quite proud of it... too..."


    Bella''s face lit up, delighted by the compliment¡ªuntil she realized it hadn''t come from her mistress... nor from her fellow aide.


    All three of them froze as the realization hit. Slowly, they turned their heads toward the source of the voice...


    And it was none other than the enigmatic, smiling butler, Sebas.


    "I''m back~."

 Chapter 18: The First Night (2)

    Chapter 18: The First Night (2)"S-Sebas...?!"


    "Butler...?!"


    "Ah! S-Sir Sebas?!"


    Anastasia and her two aides gasped in surprise, nearly spilling the hot stew bowls in their hands. They found the smiling Sebas standing at the edge of the campfire''s light, casually waving at them.


    "Since when...?" Anastasia muttered, her voice laced with disbelief. She hadn''t expected the eccentric butler to return so quickly, assuming he would have taken at least a full day to finish his business back in Florentia...


    "Only just recently, my lady," he replied smoothly, bowing his head courteously. "I''ve traded all of the monsters to the Adventurer''s Guild as per your wish."


    He then gestured toward outside of the campsite, where the giant wooden cart from earlier stood¡ªthe very same one he''d used to carry the multitude of slain monsters from the Garden of Hell.


    It was still a wonder to all three ladies how this single man had managed to pull that impossibly heavy-looking cart¡ªloaded with a massive pile of monsters¡ªall by himself...


    "And, of course, as per your request, I''ve not only brought back the gold from the trade but also used a portion of it to procure the basic necessities needed to begin developing your land~."


    Just as he said, on the giant cart rested a chaotic assortment of crates, sacks, and barrels, each one tightly packed and secured with sturdy ropes.


    A bundle of fabric peeked out from between the stacks, alongside tools, provisions, and other essentials for establishing a proper settlement.


    Some crates even bore the faint scent of dried herbs, their aroma wafting gently toward the campsite.


    The cart was like a merchant''s treasure trove, overflowing with wares and goods that one might need to start anew in uncharted lands.


    "Well done, Sebas..." Anastasia remarked, quite impressed by the butler''s efforts.


    "Your praise humbles me, my lady," Sebas replied smoothly, bowing his head ever so slightly. "It''s all in a day''s work."


    Anastasia was intrigued by what was on the cart, and she was about to rise from her seat, but...


    "Whoa there, my lady," Sebas interjected, stepping forward and raising a hand to stop her.


    Anastasia was startled by his sudden action, but the butler only showed a reassuring smile.


    "You don''t have to rush now, Lady Ana. These treasures of yours wouldn''t grow legs and run away from you."


    "W-what...? What are you talking about...?"


    The noblewoman was once again confused by his strange manner of speaking, and the butler himself couldn''t help but chuckle at her puzzled expression.


    "It means that we can check the wares tomorrow morning," he clarified, getting closer to the campfire, in particular, to the pot that was still boiling their stew. "You need some good rest after the long journey that you''ve been through, my lady."


    As he got closer, he took a good view of the steaming hot stew, nodding in approval. He picked up the ladle hanging near the pot, scooping a small portion of the stew, and took a sip of it...


    "Whoa...! This is pretty damn good!" he exclaimed in genuine delight.


    He then turned toward the maid Bella, who couldn''t help but startle at the butler''s sudden attention on her.


    "I''ve only just taught you the basics of how to cook monster meat... but you already went beyond my level of cooking," he praised, laughing lightly. "You''re really a great cook, Miss Maid~!"


    "H-huh?"


    Bella was taken aback, not expecting the sudden compliment, but her surprised expression slowly turned into a small blush and a bright smile.


    "T-thank you, Sir Sebas!" she replied, feeling proud of the praise.


    Sebas''s gaze then shifted back toward Anastasia... in particular, toward the bowl of stew in her hands.


    She was... staring at her portion of stew, hesitation written all over her face.


    "Still not comfortable with monster meat, my lady?" he asked, his tone teasing but also laced with genuine concern.


    "N-no, it''s not that..." she murmured, flustered for a moment, before her expression turned downcast. "... though I cannot lie, I still have some... reluctance towards it."


    "My lady..." Martha spoke softly, her voice tinged with worry


    "L-lady Anastasia..." Bella added hesitantly, her expression mirroring Martha''s concern.


    Both of them then glanced toward a plate of monster meat steak near Lady Anastasia''s seat¡ªthe same one the butler had cooked for her earlier that noon before his departure.


    The two aides had managed to eat their portions of the steak, finding them relatively okay, though the distinct gaminess might have been off-putting to some people.


    And her portion remained exactly as it had been served¡ªuntouched, uneaten.


    "I see... well, I can''t force you to eat something you don''t like, my lady, but you still need some nourishment to get through the night," Sebas remarked, his voice gentle yet firm with practicality. He then turned toward Martha. "Miss Knight, did you gals bring any food that Lady Ana could eat?"


    "I-I think we do, but they''re mostly hard jerky and rations..." S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Can you fetch it, please? Maybe a normal-ish food would¡ª"


    "No, please do not trouble yourself, you two!" Anastasia suddenly interjected, her voice firm yet trembling slightly. "I... I can definitely eat this stew...!"


    "My Lady... you shouldn''t force yourself," Sebas said softly, his voice carrying both concern and authority. He then bowed deeply, surprising Anastasia. "I''m sorry if I teased you about eating monster meat and all. I should''ve been more sensitive to your feelings. Had I been, I would have ensured I brought more suitable ingredients for you to enjoy from Florentia."


    "... No, please, you really don''t have to trouble yourself..." Anastasia murmured, her voice low and hesitant as she continued to avoid the worried gazes of her three servants.


    The fallen noblewoman fell into silence... her own thoughts was a tangled mess¡ªher emotions swirling in confusion.


    Seeing her in such a state... Sebas took a step closer to her.


    "S-sir Sebas...?" Anastasia asked, looking up at the silent but serious expression on the butler''s face. She couldn''t quite understand why he was approaching her so quietly, so intent...


    But just as she thought she might, he suddenly took the bowl of stew from her hands.


    "S-sir Sebas?!"


    He didn''t respond to her protest. Instead, he carefully scooped up a portion of the stew with the spoon, lifting it slightly... and holding it out toward her face...!


    "W-what...?! What are you¡ª"


    "My Lady... say ''aahhh.''"

 Chapter 19: The First Night (3)

    Chapter 19: The First Night (3)"W-what-?!?" Anastasia stammered, her face flushed red in a mix of shock and embarrassment.


    This strange butler was holding out a spoonful of stew, offering it to her... directly to her face¡ªhe was about to spoon-feed her!


    She couldn''t believe her eyes. This enigmatic butler of hers would dare to actually offer to spoon-feed her¡ªa young adult noblewoman... as if she were a child...!


    His audacious action was so unexpected that she almost fell from her seat! She backed away from the approaching spoon, her blush of mortification deepening by the second.


    "Come on, Lady Ana, you should eat your food," he coaxed gently, insistently holding the spoon of stew toward the red-faced, red-haired young woman. "Say ''aahhh.''"


    "Oh my...!" The maid Bella gasped at the sight, her expression a mixture of astonishment and disbelief at the rather intimate gesture that the butler was offering to their mistress.


    "Oi! B-butler! What are you doing?!" Martha snapped, pointing an accusatory finger at him. "Halt your foolishness at once! Lady Anastasia is not some spoiled child that needs to be fed! Especially not by a lowly servant like you!"


    "She needs to eat," Sebas stated firmly, his voice resolute... but not unkind. "Regardless of how she feels, my duty and first priority is to make sure she survives another day... and she would not survive in this land if she doesn''t get proper nourishment."


    His unyielding tone left the loyal knight, Martha, speechless. She couldn''t refute him... as what he had said was more or less the harsh reality of their current situation.


    She herself also wanted Lady Anastasia to regain her strength, but she didn''t have the heart, nor the resolve, to force her mistress against her will.


    But unlike her, the butler had little to no patience for such hesitation.


    Sebas directed his attention back to Anastasia. The redheaded lady''s visage remained flushed, her cheeks burning with a mixture of embarrassment and discomfort as she stared at the spoon he held out.


    However, when she heard his reasoning... her hands moved instinctively to clutch the hem of her dress. She couldn''t help but feel frustrated. Not just because of the awkward treatment he was forcing upon her, but...


    She was frustrated with herself... with her own weakness. The fallen noblewoman could not fully let go of her pride, even though she knew full well that it was her own hubris that had led to her downfall.


    "My lady, I can assure you that this is only a minor, temporary inconvenience," Sebas said, his tone softening ever so slightly. "I''m not going to force you to eat wild monster meat for the rest of your life... you''re not going to suffer forever, you know."


    "..."


    She sat silently, frowning, as she stared back at his serious yet strangely gentle expression.


    "There will be times when you feel hardship... times when it seems the world is ganging up on you, whether it''s due to your own mistakes or the malice of others. But... there will also be times when you find happiness. Times when you no longer suffer, and when you can finally be truly happy."


    "Sebas..."


    "And I promise you... that I will be there¡ªat your side, in both your trying times and your happy times," he continued, his serious expression softening into a reassuring smile.


    "S-Sebas...!"


    His oath had surprised her. She was not expecting him to say such a thing, given that they had only just met and barely knew anything about each other.


    And yet... it felt as if he understood the pain she had been enduring... and the sin she had committed.


    And yet again... he did not seem to mind the latter.


    The butler Sebas had made his oath to her, and he was determined to fulfill that oath.


    Sebas then turned his gaze toward Martha and Bella. "And not just me¡ªyour loyal Miss Knight and Miss Maid will also be there as well. Right, ladies?"


    As if on cue, Anastasia turned her eyes toward Martha and Bella... and she finally saw the concern on their faces.


    "Martha... Bella..."


    Both of her loyal aides stepped closer to her, their concern clear, but also... care and warmth radiating from their expressions.


    "Yes, my lady. I will always be there to protect you and your honor," Martha declared, bowing her head in respect, her posture steady and composed... while her lips curved into a reassuring smile.


    "M-Me too, my lady!" Bella added, nodding eagerly. "I''ll always be at your side! I''ll make sure to support you and make even more amazing dishes for you to enjoy!"


    "You two..." Anastasia murmured, trying her best to hold back her emotions from spilling over.


    "Speaking of amazing dishes... this one right here is pretty darn amazing, you know?" Sebas interrupted, the spoon he was holding still hovering in front of her face.


    The butler was still hellbent on spoon-feeding her, and her face''s redness slowly intensified from the sheer embarrassment of the gesture.


    "S-Sir Sebas, I can eat it by¡ª"


    "Nope, no can do, young lady. I don''t believe you would until you accept this offering." He paused for a moment before adding, "Miss Bella worked hard to prepare this dish for you. It''d be a shame not to appreciate her effort, wouldn''t it~?"


    "B-B-But..."


    Anastasia continued to protest against this embarrassing treatment. She darted her eyes toward both of her aides¡ªsilently pleading for their help, but... neither of them intervened.


    Martha let out a sigh, an exasperated look on her face, but then it shifted into a knowing, almost playful smile. Her loyal knight was more or less on board with this strange tactic.


    As for Bella, her loyal maid just offered her usual bright smile of reassurance¡ªshe was fully supportive of Sebas''s approach.


    Left with no other option... Anastasia closed her eyes, swallowing her pride. Then, after a moment''s hesitation, she leaned forward toward the offered spoon... and reluctantly accepted it.


    In an instant... an explosion of flavor burst through her mouth! Her eyes shot open in surprise as the incredible taste of the stew overwhelmed her senses!


    "Pretty good, right~?"


    S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 20: The First Night (4)

    Chapter 20: The First Night (4)As Sebas pulled the spoon from her mouth, Anastasia could finally experience the full taste of the monster meat stew...!


    In her mouth, the meat felt unbelievably tender... as if it were melting with every bite...!


    It lacked the unpleasant pungency or gaminess that was so often associated with wild game¡ªespecially the monster meat steak before that she''d hesitated to eat.


    But this meat? It carried a rich, savory flavor that reminded her of the finest cuts of beef she''d once eaten in the capital...!


    ''It''s hard to believe this is monster meat...!''


    Then there was the broth itself¡ªit was perfectly seasoned, its warmth spreading through her like a comforting embrace...!


    She could taste the herbs, spices, and even the vegetables that had been simmered deeply into the slightly thick broth, enhancing its depth and richness.


    Her taste buds were overjoyed with every bite, and for a fleeting moment... she forgot that she was eating monster meat stew in the wilderness of the Garden of Hell...


    Instead, she felt as if she were back in Florentia... back in her home... where she had once eaten warm... comforting... and delicious stews just like this with her family...


    Anastasia fell silent, her gaze dropping to the grassy meadow beneath her¡ªhiding her expression from everyone present.


    Her three servants watched in silence. Martha and Bella waited anxiously for their mistress''s reaction, while the butler stood patiently, ready to scoop another spoonful of stew for her.


    "Sebas... would you kindly give me back the bowl of stew?" she finally said, her voice soft and steady, though she still kept her head lowered. "I would like to continue eating it by myself."


    "Sure..." Sebas replied gently, promptly holding out the bowl of stew to her. She slowly took it from his hand, her fingers brushing lightly against his as she did.


    Anastasia finally and truly felt the warmth of the bowl in her hands. The stew that she''d viewed previously with hesitation and doubt...


    Now, it looked as if it was the most comforting meal she had ever seen in her life.


    She picked up the spoon resting inside the bowl, her fingers trembling slightly, and began to scoop a small spoonful... Slowly, she brought it to her lips and tasted it...


    She savored the flavor carefully; each bite of tender meat melted in her mouth...


    But then... her pace began to quicken. She took another spoonful, then another, and another¡ªeach one bringing a flicker of life back into her eyes...!


    The warmth of the stew was reigniting something long dormant within her...!


    Before long, the contents of the bowl were completely cleaned out by hers truly. However, the noblewoman... turned silent once more, holding the empty bowl in her hands tightly.


    "My lady...?" Bella called out softly, her concern evident over her mistress''s silence. Martha, too, looked worried as she exchanged glances with the maid, their unease clear.


    Only Sebas remained calm, patiently waiting.


    And eventually...


    A single tear fell into the empty bowl.


    Another tear followed, then another, and another... until streams of tears flowed freely from Anastasia''s eyes.


    "Sob..."


    Anastasia... finally let out her emotions, a burst of tears pouring from her eyes as she wept silently, clutching the empty bowl as if it were her lifeline.


    "My lady...!"


    Both Martha and Bella quickly hurried over to their mistress''s side as Lady Anastasia displayed her emotions¡ªher feelings fully exposed.


    This was... the first time they had witnessed Anastasia crying. They knew that their mistress had always held herself back¡ªappearing strong and maintaining her dignity in front of everyone... and, of course, in front of the two of them.


    But... now, her fa?ade had broken... and she finally let out all of the burdens that she''d been carrying all this time... Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "M-My lady..."


    Her loyal maid couldn''t help but also let out her tears, joining her mistress''s sorrow. Bella gently reached out, her hand trembling as she began to rub Anastasia''s back in a soothing motion, offering silent comfort to her grieving mistress.


    Meanwhile, the loyal knight knelt silently at her side, her quiet presence serving as a steadfast pillar of support in this fragile moment.


    Sebas... only showed a small smile. He then turned around, leaving Anastasia and her two aides some room for solace and comfort.


    < | X | >


    Eventually... Anastasia had calmed down, her tear-streaked eyes drying as her emotions finally subsided. After letting out her pent-up emotions, the red-haired noblewoman succumbed to exhaustion and drifted into sleep.


    She was now resting inside the large tent Sebas had meticulously prepared for her and her entourage. Her tired form lay on the strangely comfortable cloth bedding stuffed with dry grass.


    Bella was also sleeping in the tent, beside her mistress, on her own bedding. She''d tried to stay awake, but the ever-anxious maid had also grown tired from all that had happened today.


    The only one who hadn''t yet rested... was Martha, who stepped out from the tent.


    The first thing she saw was the still-lit campfire, offering warmth in the cold night... and the enigmatic butler, who was sitting nearby. He was casually enjoying a bowl of stew, his gaze fixed on the campfire.


    "Does our dear Lady Ana rest comfortably inside the tent?" he asked nonchalantly, his gaze still on the dancing flames.


    "Yeah... she does," Martha replied, which earned a small chuckle from the butler.


    "Good to know. I thought I would have to make a wooden bed for her," he joked, taking another sip of his bowl of stew. "And if that didn''t work out, I would''ve suggested she sleep inside that coach of yours."


    As if on cue, the nearby horses of the coach neighed in response.


    Martha... actually let out a chuckle of her own at his joke.


    "That wouldn''t be appropriate for a noblewoman to sleep inside a coach."


    "And my tent isn''t?"


    "...This one''s a bit different, much as I hate to admit it."


    "Good to know..."


    He continued to enjoy his bowl of stew, leaving a comfortable silence with only the occasional cackling of the fire.


    But...


    "Butler..." Martha called out, catching his attention. Sebas turned his head toward the brunette knight and saw a serious but also anxious expression on her face.


    "...What is it, Miss Knight?"


    Another silence followed as he waited for her to speak. But eventually... her lips parted.


    "Who are you...?"

 Chapter 21: The First Night (5)

    Chapter 21: The First Night (5)The cold, calm night in the wilderness of the Garden of Hell seemed to grow still as the question from the brunette knight hung in the air.


    "''Who am I,'' you say?" The enigmatic butler repeated... his voice calm, matching his nonchalant expression.


    Unlike the knight, who stood with a rather anxious stance, her unease evident.


    "... I''m Sebas, the butler, you know~?"


    "Don''t be ridiculous, butler," Martha retorted sharply, her voice tinged with frustration, "I know you''re more than just that."


    "What are you talking about, Miss Knight? I am but a humble butler."


    "Don''t lie to me either. You''re not just some run-of-the-mill butler... not after killing a pack of wyverns all by yourself."


    Sebas remained silent, his expression unmoving. Yet... something about his eyes had a chilling effect on Martha, as if she were gazing into the eyes of a warrior concealed beneath his calm demeanor.


    Even so, Martha held her ground, resolutely standing firm as she tried to gauge the man who dared to call himself merely a ''humble butler.''


    From the very moment she first laid eyes on him, suspicion had gnawed at the edges of her thoughts, whispering doubts about his true identity.


    "... Being able to slaughter all those monsters by yourself, casually camping in the most dangerous, untamed land in Florentia, and the fact that you are so unfazed about consuming monster meat in general..."


    She paused, her voice trailing off as her mind replayed the events she had witnessed.


    "These are not feats of any normal human..."


    "Well, true to that. I''m not exactly a normal human myself."


    "... You''re openly admitting you''re not normal?"


    "If that answer satisfies your curiosity, sure, let''s go with that."


    "Of course, I won''t," Martha snapped, her tone sharp. "I cannot rest easy without knowing what kind of danger might harm Lady Anastasia... especially coming from a complete stranger like you whom Her Grace only just met today."


    She paused... her gaze never leaving Sebas, who still remained seated by the fire... unbothered and silent.


    "... I know you were hired by the House Rosavich specifically because of your strength. That much is clear. Without your intervention, neither I nor especially Lady Anastasia, or even Bella... would be alive to see tomorrow''s sunrise," she admitted, her voice steady... yet a trace of reluctance lingered in her words. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "... As her knight, I am sworn to protect Lady Anastasia with my life, and yet... your existence makes me question whether I''m even needed..."


    Her grip tightened slightly around the hilt of her sword... the feeling of frustration¡ªthe feeling of inadequacy welling up within her. But... she stopped herself, steeling her resolve... and bowed her head.


    "But even so, I will prioritize my mistress''s safety above my own feelings, and for that, I am... grateful. Thank you for saving us."


    His eyebrow raised¡ªher sudden display of gratitude did surprise the butler a little, not expecting to receive a thank-you from the seemingly prideful knight.


    "... Though however grateful I am to you, there''s something about you that still... unsettles me."


    "Unsettles you?"


    Martha took a deep breath, steadying herself.


    "Yes... You yourself¡ªYou are far beyond anything I could have imagined. The way you carry yourself and your feat alone. It felt to me that it was... something else entirely. Something... otherworldly."


    "Heh... ''otherworldly,'' you say?"


    Sebas couldn''t help but chuckle at hearing that single word, which of course served to confuse Martha, but she ignored it for now to focus on something more crucial.


    "... I''ve met some of the finest adventurers in Florentia, but..." She paused, choosing her next words carefully, "... not even the top-ranked adventurers I''ve known... not even they possess the kind of presence that you have."


    Her gaze burned into him, seeking answers from his ever-calm visage.


    "If I know any better, you are either one of the few elusive S-Rank adventurers of Florentia¡ªthe few that have reached the pinnacle of an adventurer... or..."


    She looked straight into his eyes once more, trying to break the facade he wore.


    "... you might even be the reincarnation of the legendary hero himself...!"


    When the words left her mouth, a tense silence ensued.


    Sebas, of course, remained silent. His expression didn''t waver from before, his eyes calm as they met Martha''s intense stare.


    "... Hero, huh..." he repeated, breaking the silence. He shifted his gaze from hers, staring at the crackling fire as if he was lost in thought. "... I''m not that grand of a person, Miss Knight."


    "Be that as it may... I cannot help but feel that way."


    "Then what do you suggest for me to ease your doubts?"


    "Obviously, by telling me who you are."


    "That... I cannot do, Miss Knight," he replied firmly. "My so-called employer has stressed that I should never divulge much of my identity to anyone¡ªnot even Lady Ana herself."


    His calm tone silenced the knight, a stark reminder of their situation once more.


    "Though I hate to admit it... *sigh*, I did make a rather fatal mistake of telling you ladies my name," the butler muttered, lamenting to himself.


    "''Sebas''... right?"


    "Yup. You three, and honestly any normal person, would probably connect the dots sooner or later by that name alone," he continued, finishing the bowl of stew before adding, "... but the crown would not care much about my presence in the long run... they are more interested in Lady Ana''s ''death sentence.''"


    He put the empty bowl of stew down on the ground and stood up, turning toward his longsword resting nearby. With deliberate movements, he picked it up, then gestured for her to follow him outside the campsite.


    She complied silently, her gaze wary as she trailed behind him, but... she knew his intention.


    "The crown expected her to die in this godforsaken land..." he began, his voice calm yet carrying an unsettling weight as he casually led her toward a low-grass meadow under the moonlight.


    Yet... she could feel it¡ªfeel the gravity behind every word.


    "And if they realized she was still alive and breathing..." His steps slowed as he turned around, facing the grimacing knight, "... Sooner or later, they would send the entire force of the kingdom to end her life."


    A tense silence enveloped them, the air heavy with unspoken truths, until his voice broke through¡ªsharper, colder...!


    "... After all, they could never let go of the woman who had killed the crown prince."

 Chapter 22 - 2nd Day (1) | Crimson Nightmare

    Chapter 22: 2nd Day (1) | Crimson NightmareAnastasia opened her eyes... and what she saw was a complete void of darkness.


    She slowly shifted her gaze around, turning her head to the sides, trying to find any source of light, but... there was none. She stood still in this complete darkness... all by herself.


    "Martha...? Bella...?" she called, her voice trembling as she sought her two aides¡ªher loyal servants who had willingly accompanied her to hell.


    But... they did not heed her call. She could not find any of them... not even a trace of life in this abyss.


    She tried to venture through this void¡ªtrying to find a way out of the darkness. But... after walking through what felt like an eternity to her, she could not find any end to it.


    Her heart was beating faster with each passing second¡ªthe feeling of dread slowly crawling into it...!


    Her steps became frantic! She tried to run through this plain of nothingness, but no matter how far she ran... she could not find any end to this void¡ª!


    "Is that...?!"


    But there it was... a source of light on the horizon.


    A bright light that eased her heart, which was almost consumed by dread.


    She stopped for a moment, catching her breath. She gazed at the light once more, a feeling of relief filling her heart.


    Anastasia then stepped forward¡ªapproaching this seemingly warm light. With each step she took toward it, she could feel the hope that had been lost in her heart returning to her.


    But then... she saw something within that light.


    A person¡ªa man.


    A blonde man stood in the light, his back turned toward her.


    However, she knew the back of this man quite well...


    "P-Prince Rowan...?!"


    The figure of the crown prince of Florentia, Rowan Alder Florenshire.


    Anastasia had known this man... for almost her entire life. He was her destined one, the man she was fated to be with for the rest of her life... her one true love.


    Seeing him brought the greatest relief to her... as if he had come to save her from this darkness.


    "M-My prince...!"


    She stepped closer... and closer to the dashing figure of her beloved, reaching out her hand to him¡ª!


    But then, all of a sudden, the prince turned around... and revealed his visage to her...!


    "...!?!"


    She gasped at the sight of the prince... or what should have been the "prince"!


    The figure of the man she knew and loved was covered in blood, dripping from head to toe...! Every orifice on his face had been replaced with empty voids, constantly pouring blood from them...!


    But the most prominent feature was what protruded from his chest.


    A knife was embedded¡ªstabbed¡ªright where his heart would be.


    "You... killed... me..." The "prince" rasped, his voice low and guttural, as he inched closer to the frightened Anastasia.


    "No... no... this was a mistake...!" Anastasia stammered, stepping back in horror from the blood-drenched figure.


    The once warm, bright light that had guided her here was slowly turning red¡ªdark, ominous crimson red that suffocated her...! The dread she thought she had escaped began to consume her once again...!


    "You... killed... me...!"


    She reeled back, trembling violently as she staggered away from the horror in front of her.


    "No... no...! You are not supposed to die...!" she cried out, her voice cracking under the weight of her dread.


    The "prince" took another step forward, his blood-soaked form inching closer with each heavy, unearthly step.


    "You... killed me..."


    "No! I-I didn''t...!" Anastasia''s denial came in frantic gasps as she shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "I didn''t mean to kill you...! You''re not the one that should have died there...! It should''ve been HER...!!!"


    She stepped back again... then again... until her trembling legs could no longer support her. Her balance faltered, and she turned around, desperate to flee.


    Her feet pounded against the endless ground of nothingness, her breath growing ragged as panic consumed her.


    But no matter how far she ran... the figure of the "prince" loomed closer and closer... as did the dreadful crimson light that grew brighter...!


    "N-no... no, please...! Forgive me...! I... I¡ª!"


    Her footing faltered.


    She tripped!


    Falling hard onto the ground, she winced, her arms scraping against the void''s non-existent surface...! With a sharp intake of breath, she turned her head, dread clawing at her chest...


    The "prince" was there.


    His bloodied hand, pale and drenched in crimson, reached out toward her. His voice... guttural and warped... spoke once more:


    "You... killed... me..."


    "No... no...!" she whimpered, frozen in terror as the crimson light slowly enveloped her, drowning her in despair...!


    She shut her eyes tightly, bracing for the end she could feel creeping toward her.


    "...!"


    But then... a fleeting thought crossed her mind as her eyes flew open in sudden realization.


    A man.


    The image of a certain man¡ªhis face, his unwavering presence¡ªflashed through her mind.


    Her lips moved instinctively as her trembling voice called out:


    "Sebas...!"


    "Lady Ana!"


    A mysterious, dashing figure clad in black appeared before her, embracing her trembling form in a protective hold...!


    And then... a brilliant, radiant light burst forth, spreading across the void, consuming the darkness entirely!


    The light''s brilliance grew ever stronger, washing away the crimson hue of despair. It eradicated the overwhelming dread, leaving nothing but its comforting warmth behind...!


    The intensity of the light blinded her, enveloping everything in its brilliance...!


    "Lady Ana!"


    < | X | >


    "Lady Ana!"


    Her eyes fluttered open, and the first thing she saw was the face of the enigmatic butler... Sebas...!


    He was kneeling by her side, his face etched with concern as his gloved hand hovered near her trembling shoulder.


    "Are you all right, my lady?" he asked, his tone steady but laced with worry.


    Anastasia blinked, her breathing ragged as the remnants of the nightmare clung to her mind. She stared at him, her heart still racing, as if she could still feel the crimson light''s suffocating grip. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You... you came..." she whispered, her voice faint, as though she was still unsure if he was truly there.


    Sebas nodded, giving her a small smile of reassurance.


    "Of course, my lady... You did call me, after all."

 Chapter 23 - 2nd Day (2) | The Start of A New Life in

    Chapter 23: 2nd Day (2) | The Start of A New Life in "Hell" (1)"I... called you?" Anastasia asked, her voice faint and unsure. Her mind was still clouded, weighed down by the lingering echoes of her horrifying experience.


    Sebas let out a soft chuckle, a bit amused by her bewildered reaction.


    "Yeah, you did. You didn''t realize?" he said, his tone light yet reassuring. "I heard you shouting my name from inside the tent, my lady."


    "The tent...?"


    The noblewoman realized that she was in a tent¡ªthe one this butler had put up for her.


    The first thing she noticed, of course, was that she was lying on a simple cloth bed... which, strangely enough, felt surprisingly comfortable for her.


    "Mmhm... My Lady... five more minutes..."


    Anastasia heard the faint mumbling of someone familiar and turned toward the voice, finding none other than her maid, Bella, sleeping soundly in another cloth bed like hers.


    "Lady Ana?"


    "Y-yes?"


    Anastasia was startled by the call from Sebas. She turned toward him, finding the butler staring at her with concern etched all over his face.


    "S-sir Sebas...?"


    Without another word, the butler reached into the pocket of his suit and pulled out a neatly folded handkerchief.


    "Excuse me, my lady."


    "W-wha¡ª?!"


    To her shock, Sebas began wiping her face with the handkerchief! The unexpected act startled her, causing her to yelp in protest as she tried to pry off the hand that was wiping her face.


    However, she was powerless against his firm but gentle grip.


    "S-Sebas?! What¡ªhmph...! Hah! W-what are you doing?!" she cried out, her words muffled as she struggled to talk through his thorough, albeit sudden, attentiveness.


    "Your face, my lady, was covered in sweat," he replied calmly, his tone steady yet focused as he continued. "It wouldn''t be appropriate for a young noblewoman to be seen with a face drenched like that, would it?"


    "Ummph...! Ah! Y-you''re being too rough...! S-stop it, Sir Sebas!" Anastasia stammered, her cheeks flushed from embarrassment as she squirmed under his treatment. "I''m no child who needs someone to wipe my face!"


    Sebas paused, finally pulling back the handkerchief to give her some space to breathe.


    "Understood, my lady, but it is my responsibility to ensure your well-being," he said, his voice tinged with genuine concern. He added softly, "...especially since it seems that you were crying in your sleep."


    "...!"


    Anastasia froze, her hand instinctively rising to touch her face. It didn''t take long to realize what he said was true¡ªher cheeks were damp not just from sweat but... from tears.


    She couldn''t believe herself... she couldn''t believe she''d cried...


    Again.


    She remembered vaguely crying before sleep had taken hold of her... and now she''d cried again in her sleep.


    For someone of her status and pride... showing such fragile emotions, especially toward her loyal servants... ESPECIALLY toward this strange butler of all people...


    She couldn''t help but hide her face with her hands, concealing her shame.


    "... My lady, was it a nightmare?"


    "..."


    She slowly lowered her hands, but... she didn''t answer him. Instead, her gaze cast downward to avoid his gaze of concern.


    Anastasia was still wrestling with her emotions. Not just from the weight of her shame, but also... from remembering the haunting thought of such a nightmare.


    Her silence, however, was all the answer he needed. Sebas then leaned back and sat on his rear, beside her bed.


    "S-sir Sebas...?"


    "... Would you mind sharing what you saw?" he pressed gently after a moment.


    "P-pardon...?"


    "I only mean to ask if you''d like to talk about your nightmare, Lady Ana," he said, his voice soft and considerate. "Sometimes, sharing what troubles you have can lighten the burden, you know. Maybe there''s something that I could help you with."


    "Sebas..."


    Anastasia was touched by his kindness, but... she shook her head at his offer.


    The nightmare she''d witnessed... it was not only tied to her guilt¡ªher sin¡ªbut also... to what it meant toward the very butler himself who sat beside her.


    "I''m sorry, but... I''m not... comfortable enough to share what I saw..."


    "I see..." Sebas could only nod, showing a faint, understanding smile at her refusal. "I won''t force you to elaborate, but please remember that you can rely on me... alright?"


    She nodded hesitantly, a small smile gracing her lips at his understanding.


    "Well, either way..." the butler said, standing up from the tent''s ground.


    He turned around... and bowed gracefully to her, surprising her a bit.


    "Good morning, Lady Ana. We have much to do today, so I sincerely hope that you are in your best condition."


    "A-ah, yes, indeed, Sir Sebas," she replied, regaining a bit of her noble composure, "we are going to inspect the items that you procured last night, right?"


    "Indeed so, my lady."


    "T-then please wait for me outside so that I can prepare myself."


    "As you wish, my lady."


    He bowed once again. However, before he left the tent, he went toward the sleeping Bella first.


    Sebas crouched down to her... and lightly poked her cheek.


    "Ooiii~, Miss Maid~, wake up~," he called to the sleeping maid, his tone almost teasing.


    "Uhm... don''t wanna~... 10 more minutes, please~..." the blonde maid mumbled in her sleep, which earned a small sigh from the butler.


    However, instead of giving up... Sebas had a mischievous glint in his eye.


    He rummaged through his suit''s pocket for a moment... before pulling out a feather! Anastasia couldn''t believe her eyes at the sort of randomness this butler was pulling...


    And she pretty much understood what he was about to do.


    The butler used that feather... to lightly tickle the cute, small nose of the maid.


    Bella scrunched her face, her nose twitching and lips curling as if to ward off the sensation.


    "Mmm... what''s¡ªah... ahh... ahhh...! Achooo!!!"


    She sneezed; instantly awakened from her slumber, opening her eyes wide!


    And the first thing she met, of course... was the smiling Sebas. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "... S-sir Sebas?"


    "Good morning, Miss Maid~."


    The maid looked confused for a moment, looking around and noticing the exasperated look of her mistress... before realizing the state she was in...!


    She quickly got up from the bed and bowed toward not just Sebas, but also Lady Anastasia as well.


    "I''M SORRY FOR OVERSLEEPING!!!"


    "Hahaha, don''t worry, don''t worry," he said with a chuckle. He then stood up and headed toward the exit of the tent. "We''ve got a lot of things to do, Miss Maid, so please help Lady Ana prepare herself for the day."


    "Y-yes, sir!"

 Chapter 24 - 2nd Day (3) | The Start of A New Life in

    Chapter 24: 2nd Day (3) | The Start of A New Life in "Hell" (2)"Well, then... If you''ll excuse me, I''ll be leaving now, Lady Ana," Sebas said with a calm bow to the still perplexed Anastasia.


    Anastasia herself... could only nod to his words before averting her gaze away from his. The maid Bella was quick on her feet to attend to her downcast mistress, ready to meet any of her needs.


    Sebas... didn''t leave just yet, his gaze fixed on the fallen noblewoman''s state... with a memory of his past life once again reminding him of the fate that ''would have'' befallen this red-haired villainess.


    ''... Even if I prevent her ''fated demise,'' her ''crimson fate'' could still happen, huh...''


    < | X | >


    [Several minutes earlier]


    Sebas hummed a light tune to himself as he worked on cleaning the remnants of the fire pit from last night''s campfire. He then promptly picked up the firelogs he''d prepared nearby, ready to place them into the firepit for a fresh fire.


    He was thinking of preparing a light breakfast for Lady Ana and her two aides, but suddenly¡ª


    "SEBAS...!!!"


    "...!"


    The loud shout of a woman''s voice came from the direction of the tent where Anastasia was sleeping!


    His eyes widened in surprise, and without a second thought, he abandoned the log and rushed toward the tent!


    He pushed aside the curtains... and was immediately hit by a sickening sight...!


    A dark, ominous red light¡ªa crimson glow¡ªwas emanating from the sleeping form of Anastasia.


    The glow filled the air inside the tent, its oppressive presence suffocating even Sebas himself...!


    Worse still, Bella, lying on the other bed, seemed to struggle to breathe, the red light seeping into her...!


    "Damn it...!"


    He quickly went over to Anastasia''s side, kneeling down as his gaze fell on her distressed form. Her face was twisted in pain, and her body writhed as though tormented by an unseen force...!


    "Lady Ana! Wake up! Wake up!!" Sebas called out, his voice desperate.


    He shook Anastasia''s trembling form, trying to reach out with a faint hope, but... it was clear his words had no impact. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her eyes remained tightly shut, her expression hardening with every passing second...!


    ''At this rate, she''ll transform at any moment...!''


    His heart raced as his mind searched frantically for a solution. There was no time to waste as the crimson light slowly intensified¡ª


    "That''s it...!"


    But then, in a flash of clarity, an idea crossed his mind!


    Without hesitation, Sebas extended both hands over her chest, channeling his mana... A white ethereal light began to form between his palms, growing brighter with every passing second...!


    "Light Arcana..."


    He poured more mana into the light, feeling it swirl in his hands, as its glow began to clash with the crimson light emanating from her...!


    And finally... he chanted his spell!


    "... PURIFY!!!"


    A brilliant burst of light erupted, filling the entire tent with its radiant, blinding brilliance!


    < | X | >


    The image of her pained state was still very much fresh in his mind... and he couldn''t help but grimace at it.


    A feeling... a sense of powerlessness from not knowing what would happen.


    He had some knowledge of the ''story,'' but... there were vague, empty spots in that knowledge of his, which included, unfortunately, to what happened to the ''fallen villainess,'' Anastasia Rosavich.


    He took one last glance at Anastasia''s form, being tended to by Bella... before finally leaving the tent.


    < | X | >


    Both Anastasia and Bella finally came out from the tent. Immediately, the morning sun shone on them as they felt the slight warmth mixed with the chill of the early day.


    Their sight landed first on the butler Sebas, tending to the campfire. From the pot prepared nearby, it was clear to the two of them that he was about to cook some sort of breakfast for them.


    However, a small frown etched itself on his face... something they found quite odd coming from the usually cheery butler.


    Seeing that he was about to prepare a meal, Bella, of course, promptly approached him.


    "S-Sir Sebas...!" she stammered, her tone anxious yet determined. "Let me help you with the cooking!"


    "Hmm...? Oh, Miss Maid," he replied with a slight nod, realizing not just Bella''s presence but even Anastasia herself.


    The butler quickly shifted his previously worried expression to a more composed and cheerful one, trying to mask his concern... though it was something that Anastasia still managed to notice.


    "You gals ready for the day?" he asked, his tone lighthearted yet carrying a hint of his previous worry.


    "Y-yes, sir!" Bella answered with enthusiasm, snapping into a soldier''s salute. "I-I''m ready to face any horrifying and d-d-deadly beast roaming the Garden of Hell!"


    "Haha, you don''t have to go that far. That job will be for me and Miss Knight to deal with."


    "A-ah yes! Of course...! Though, wait..."


    Bella suddenly froze in realization at Sebas''s words, as did Anastasia. The latter quickly noticed what¡ªor rather, who¡ªwas missing at the moment.


    "Sir Sebas... where''s Martha?" the Mistress inquired, her gaze scanning the camp for her trusted knight.


    Sebas was about to answer her, but¡ª


    "I''m right here, my lady!"


    The familiar voice of the female knight interrupted, and they all turned toward its source¡ª


    "W-what...?!"


    Anastasia and her maid gasped in shock at the sight of their armor-less, tank-top-wearing brunette knight... who was covered in bandages and bruises from head to toe.


    "M-Martha...!? What happened to you...?!" the Mistress exclaimed, her voice carrying deep concern for the knight.


    Martha chuckled softly, though the motion made her wince. She was glad for the concern her mistress showed her.


    "It''s nothing serious, my lady," she reassured with a faint smile. "I''ve just been... training... with Sir Butler."


    "T-training...?" Anastasia repeated, her brows knitting in confusion as her eyes took in the result of this so-called ''training.''


    "Yes, my lady," Martha confirmed, adjusting the strap of her tank top as she straightened her posture despite her injuries. "Sir Butler insisted that I needed some advanced training in both swordsmanship and combat, especially for dealing with any future trouble... such as monsters and the like."

 Chapter 25 - 2nd Day (4) | The Start of A New Life in

    Chapter 25: 2nd Day (4) | The Start of A New Life in "Hell" (3)"Martha..." Anastasia muttered softly, her voice trembling with emotion as she gazed at her knight''s battered form.


    The mistress was deeply touched by the dedication of her trusted knight. However, seeing the people she cared for in such a pained state...


    "... you don''t have to force yourself," she said, concern etched clearly on her expression.


    "On the contrary, my lady, I WANT this training," Martha replied firmly, her tone resolute. "Sir Butler might have been the one to suggest it, but in the end... I truly want to become stronger."


    The brunette knight stepped forward, a clenched palm pressed over her heart as her gaze cast downward¡ªa look of shame etched on her face.


    "Yesterday''s attack... no, this entire region and even Sir Butler himself have shown me how powerless... how arrogant I''ve been all this time..." she admitted, a tinge of regret lacing her tone. "I had thought my strength alone was enough to protect you, my lady, but..."


    Her clenched fist trembled, her frustration evident.


    "... when faced with the true dangers of this land, I froze in fear¡ªalmost giving up hope of defeating those who threaten your safety..." she continued, her voice cracking under the weight of her words, "... and even when I managed to vanquish that fear for a moment, my only resolution was to die protecting you, my lady."


    Lady Anastasia was speechless upon hearing her knight''s confession. She might have noticed it herself, but... her focus had not been on her loyal knight. Instead, the noblewoman had placed her hopes in the enigmatic butler.


    Anastasia turned her head toward the butler in question... who had returned to tending the campfire, with Maid Bella by his side.


    While her maid was listening intently to Martha''s confession¡ªunderstanding the knight''s feelings of guilt and regret¡ªthe butler was focused solely on the task in front of him. However, his eyes occasionally glanced back toward them.


    To the mistress, it was clear that Sebas chose not to interfere with the important conversation between the master and the knight.


    So, she quickly turned her attention back to her knight, who had been patiently waiting for her attention before continuing.


    "... My lady, I realize quite well how weak I am. I''ve been neglecting my swordsmanship in favor of becoming a general of the Knight''s Order, but now..." the knight finally lifted her head and faced her mistress with determination, "... I want to become stronger! And I will gladly take this opportunity presented by Sir Butler so that I can become the knight you would be proud of!"


    "Martha...!"


    The mistress was struck by the knight''s clear determination... and she felt ashamed of herself for even considering holding back her knight''s wish to grow stronger for her sake.


    "... I understand. If this is what you truly desire, I won''t stand in your way. Train hard, Martha, and grow stronger... not just for my sake, but for yours as well!"


    "...!" Martha''s eyes widened, her heart surging with emotion at Lady Anastasia''s clear support. "Yes, my lady!"


    Anastasia nodded; pleased by her knight''s conviction. She then turned her attention once again to Sebas and Bella.


    "Miss Martha..." Bella murmured, visibly moved by the touching display of loyalty and determination.


    On the other hand, Sebas had finally turned his attention toward them, giving a small smile of approval to the knight''s vow.


    "Sir Sebas, about the matter of checking the supply, would you mind accompanying me to it?" the mistress asked, reminding him of the plan they had made. "I would also like to have you elaborate on the items you have procured."


    The butler stood up and gave a polite bow to her.


    "As you wish, my lady," he responded smoothly. He then turned toward Bella. "Miss Maid, sorry, but do you mind taking over breakfast duty for today?"


    "N-no problem, Sir Sebas! I don''t mind at all! In fact, I would love to!" she exclaimed with determination, clearly inspired by Martha''s earlier display of resolve and dedication.


    "Glad to hear it~! Oh, but wait... just as a precaution..."


    "Hmm? What is it, Sir Sebas?"


    The butler in question turned toward the prepared ingredients near them... and picked up two particular mushrooms from the selection.


    "I planned to make a mushroom dish for breakfast and had gone to the local forest to pick some of them~."


    "Oh my, how wonderful, Sir Sebas! But wait... i-i-isn''t that...!"


    Bella scanned the mushrooms in his hands... and realized, quite shockingly...!


    "T-t-the L-legendary Gold Shrine Mushroom...!!!" she exclaimed with wide eyes, her voice trembling with awe and disbelief! Her astonishment even surprised both Anastasia and Martha.


    "G-gold Shrine Mushroom...!" Martha gasped, her expression quickly mirroring Bella''s, joining in the growing excitement¡ªeven momentarily forgetting the pain she''d been enduring.


    "Gold Shrine Mushroom...!" Anastasia echoed, her mind vividly recalling this rare and legendary delicacy, which was said to be worth as much¡ªor even more¡ªthan a bar of gold...!


    "They are~," Sebas confirmed casually, clearly amused by their astonished reactions. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    All three ladies knew of the mushroom''s existence... but only Anastasia herself had ever had the privilege of tasting one. Its rarity and exorbitant price made it an unattainable dream for most.


    It was said that this mushroom was the very ''essence'' of the Forest Goddess herself. A flavor so divine, it seemed to carry the purity of morning dew, the richness of fertile earth, and the warmth of golden sunlight all at once.


    The noblewoman had savored every bite, the memory of its rich, velvety flavor and the faint hint of earthy sweetness lingering in her mind as one of her most cherished culinary experiences.


    It made her wish that she could taste it once again... and now also share this divine taste with those close to her.


    And now, the very ''essence'' of that goddess... was in the palms of the smiling butler.


    "B-but how did you procure such a legendary mushroom, Sir Sebas...?" Bella asked, voicing the question that both Anastasia and Martha silently shared.


    "Oh, they''re actually quite plentiful in the forest nearby~."


    "Really...?!"


    "Yup~."


    The three ladies couldn''t hold back their excitement at the prospect of being able to eat such a legendary and delicious mushroom¡ªpotentially as a daily occurrence.


    But...


    They all felt something off about these mushrooms... as they noticed the smile on the butler''s face gradually widen into a mischievous grin.


    "S-sir Sebas...?" Bella stammered, her voice trembling with anxiety as she watched his grinning visage.


    "Well, it''s good to know you ladies are excited. However... can you tell which of these two mushrooms is the Gold Shrine Mushroom... and which one is NOT?"

 Chapter 26 - 2nd Day (5) | The Start of A New Life in

    Chapter 26: 2nd Day (5) | The Start of A New Life in "Hell" (4)The once-shining Gold Shrine Mushrooms¡ªone of the most sought-after culinary ingredients in the world¡ªwere now emitting a dark, ominous aura as they rested in the butler''s palms.


    "S-Sir Butler... w-what are you saying here...?" Martha stuttered, clearly confused but also bewildered by the butler''s ominous words.


    "Hmm? Did I not make it clear?" He feigned confusion, contrasting with the three ladies'' unease.


    He even playfully juggled the mushrooms in his hands, which only served to further unsettle them.


    "One of these mushrooms is the Gold Shrine Mushroom," he said, his tone casual despite playing with what could be a dangerous delicacy, "a mushroom so delicious, your tongue might fall off from the divine taste..."


    However, he didn''t specify which one was the supposed divine mushroom, continuing to toss them lightly in his hands.


    "... but, the other one... is the Devil''s Gold Mushroom...!" His tone... turned dark and foreboding. "A mushroom so deadly, it wouldn''t just make your tongue fall off¡ªit would turn your insides to messy mush~."


    The chilling description alone had the three women recoiling in disgust. This was especially true for the maid Bella, who immediately ran away from the smiling, juggling butler, hiding behind the bandaged knight for protection.


    "S-Sir Butler, cease your foolishness at once...!" Martha growled at him, outraged by his recklessness.


    "How dare you bring such dangerous mushrooms so recklessly to Her Grace...?! What would happen if Lady Anastasia or even Bella accidentally consumed them? Shouldn''t you be more responsible in your duties as a butler?!"


    The butler held his chilling smile for a still moment, the knight''s accusation hanging in the air as they waited for a response from the juggling butler...


    But eventually, he stopped juggling the mushrooms in his hand... casting a downward gaze that hid his expression from them. This shift in demeanor brought wariness to the ladies as they waited for his next words...


    But then, he lifted his head... and let out a hearty laugh.


    "Hahaha, sorry, sorry, I was just joking~."


    "... what?" The three ladies muttered dumbfoundedly at the same time, blinking at his audacity.


    "I wouldn''t go around bringing poisonous mushrooms near our food. That would be a bit too much even for me, you know."


    The ladies still stood in silence, unable to voice their disbelief. They couldn''t believe that this butler of theirs had joked about such a thing. Their reaction, of course, brought a bit of amusement to the quite eccentric butler.


    "Don''t worry. I''ve said it before to Lady Ana, but you two are also included: I''m not gonna force you gals to eat something that you don''t like¡ªespecially not poisonous mushrooms," he reassured them.


    "A-are you certain, Sir Sebas...?" Anastasia took a step forward, still wary of her butler''s antics.


    "I''m certain, my lady," he confirmed, a reassuring smile on his face as he bowed his head. "Forgive me for startling you, Lady Ana."


    "A-ah, yes, of course, but please... refrain from this mischief of yours, Sir Sebas," she chided, sighing in exasperation.


    "As you wish, my lady." Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "U-uhm, I''m sorry to interrupt, but..." the maid spoke up, fidgeting from both nervousness and slight excitement, "... is the mushroom in your hands truly the Gold Shrine Mushroom...?"


    "Of course, Miss Maid," he confirmed, presenting the two mushrooms toward the three of them. "These are the real deal: THE Gold Shrine Mushrooms~!"


    As soon as he finished, Bella immediately dashed forward, startling Martha, who had been shielding her.


    The maid stopped just in front of the mushrooms in his hand, her eyes mesmerized by the sight of them as their previous golden glow returned.


    "Such radiance...!" she gasped.


    "Haha, I''m glad you are pleased, Miss Maid. Well then..."


    The butler then promptly handed the two tufts into the maid''s arms, surprising her greatly!


    "W-what-?!"


    "Happy cooking~," he chimed, leaving the surprised maid frozen in place.


    The maid was so overwhelmed from being given such a luxurious ingredient... that she turned into a statue.


    "Lady Ana," Sebas greeted the still-dazed noblewoman, "shall we check our newly acquired items?"


    "Sigh... alright. Please lead the way," Anastasia relented, rubbing her temples. The noblewoman couldn''t really decide whether she should be overjoyed or angry right now...


    "As you wish, my lady," Sebas said smoothly, leading the way with Anastasia following him with a tired gait.


    "M-my lady, please allow me to help," Martha insisted, quickly following after the two... leaving the petrified Bella on her own.


    < | X | >


    The mistress, her knight, and her butler now stood before a massive wooden cart, towering over them and packed to the brim with an assortment of supplies.


    Both Anastasia and Martha were still astonished by its sheer size, unable to comprehend how their butler had managed to haul such a heavy load all on his own.


    The butler in question, however, paid their bewilderment no mind as he effortlessly hopped onto the cart, landing atop the stacked crates with practiced ease.


    With a sweep of his gaze, he began inspecting the contents of what he had procured the previous day.


    "Let''s see here..."


    He kneeled beside the cart, effortlessly pulling out a large piece of lumber with one hand and holding it up to present to Anastasia.


    "First, we''ve got lumbers for construction," Sebas listed, tapping the solid piece in his hand. "Can''t build a settlement without a solid foundation, after all."


    Anastasia stepped forward, examining the piece of lumber with a critical eye. She ran her fingers over the rough texture of the wood, nodding in approval.


    "These should be enough to begin infrastructure," she confirmed. "The quality is decent, though we''ll need more if we plan to expand further."


    "We can always make our own lumber too, my lady~."


    "Indeed, but it would take quite the timely process and labor... which we have not yet acquired."


    "You got a point there, Lady Ana," Sebas agreed with a chuckle, before moving to another part of the cart.


    Just then, Martha, having climbed up to join the butler in his inspection.


    "Be careful, Martha," Anastasia cautioned, her brow furrowing slightly as she watched her bandaged-ridden knight climb onto the cart.


    "I-I''ll be fine, my lady! Don''t worry...!" Martha reassured with a bright smile, carefully stepping around the stacked crates. "I''ve... got this...!"


    "Welcome aboard, Miss Knight~."


    Sebas grinned playfully, his usual cheerful tone a stark contrast to Martha''s more serious but also struggling one. She was slightly annoyed by his usual cheer but ignored it for the moment.


    The knight, now steady on the cart, began to survey the crates with interest. She ran her hand across a crate marked with symbols that seemed to indicate vegetable crops...


    "These look like the farming supplies," she commented as she lifted a sturdy hoe from one of the crates. "I assume we''ll be making our own farm, then?"


    "Exactly, Miss Knight~. Farming tools, seeds for all range of seasons, and even some soil enhancers," Sebas said with a grin, his voice light and playful. "We''re going to grow our own food~!"


    Martha nodded, mutually and genuinely excited by the prospect as well.


    They then moved on to the next set of crates, leaving Anastasia outside the cart. Their mistress, however, scanned through the crates and items stacked along the sides of the cart.


    However, her eyes spotted something of interest, narrowing in curiosity.


    "... What is that...?"


    She moved closer to one of the crates, which had a faint symbol etched into its side¡ªsomething she hadn''t noticed before... but it was something that was quite familiar to her...!


    It was the House of Rosavich''s emblem.

 Chapter 27 - 2nd Day (6) | The Start of A New Life in

    Chapter 27: 2nd Day (6) | The Start of A New Life in "Hell" (5)The Noble Duke House of Rosavich.


    Their emblem was the Red Rose of Florentia¡ªone of the ancient flowers said to have been brought forth by the First King of Florentia, a hero summoned from another world, as he united Florentia under his banner.


    The many flowers were given to many of his allies, who, in turn, used them as the symbol of their households.


    And one particular flower was the Red Rose... a flower given to the First King''s greatest ally, who then established the Rosavich household and swore eternal loyalty to the First King.


    The emblem of the red rose... was marked on one of the supply crates that Anastasia found.


    The redheaded noblewoman couldn''t believe her eyes upon seeing this familiar rose emblem.


    It was an emblem she had worn proudly as the eldest daughter and, more importantly, as the heiress of the Rosavich household...


    But...


    She was not a Rosavich anymore.


    She had been disowned for her crime... her sin against the Crown, and was practically exiled from Florentia.


    She no longer had the right to bear the Rosavich name...


    And yet, she now bore witness to the emblem of her former household on one of the supply crates.


    No other household, nor even the common man, was allowed to use that red rose symbol¡ªlest they find themselves tried for treason against not only the Duke but also the Kingdom itself.


    ''...Did Father... did the Duke send me this...?'' Anastasia thought, reminiscing about the beloved figure who had raised her with his utmost care.


    Anastasia''s fingers trembled slightly as they hovered over the emblem, her breath caught in her throat.


    ''...Why...?''


    She clenched her fist, frustration and confusion stirring inside her heart.


    She should have been grateful... she truly was... but she could not let go of the guilt that plagued her. The disgrace she had brought upon her former household.


    Then... her eyes shifted toward the cart¡ªtoward the enigmatic butler of hers.


    Anastasia knew that Sebas was hired by her former household.


    It made sense why he was able to procure this many supplies in just one night¡ªthe Rosavich household must have had a hand in this.


    She didn''t exactly know who he was or where he had come from, but...


    She was... truly grateful for his presence here. If not for him, Anastasia... and her two loyal aides as well... would not be alive right now.


    But at this moment, the fallen noblewoman found herself in a dilemma.


    How was she supposed to move forward with this much help given to her... when this mistake had been her own doing?


    < | X | >


    "Alright... I think that''s all~!" Sebas declared atop the giant, empty wooden cart.


    In his hands was the last crate of supplies, filled with dried seasoning¡ªthe distinct aroma of spice drifting from it.


    Martha was also helping with handling the supplies, placing them in a designated area near their campsite. Despite her injuries, she was managing well.


    "Phew... finally finished," she sighed, satisfied with her work.


    The knight turned toward her mistress... and found Lady Anastasia staring blankly at the supplies they had just unloaded.


    "Lady Ana...? Is something wrong?"


    "...! Ah, yes, Martha...!" Anastasia jolted slightly, broken from her reverie. "It''s nothing. I was just thinking about the supplies and what to do with them."


    "Are you sure, my lady...?"


    "I''m sure," Anastasia replied with a small, reassuring smile.


    Martha fell silent. She couldn''t exactly press her mistress, even though she could tell that something was troubling her. If only she was bold enough to ask...


    "Oi~, Lady Ana~, Miss Knight~."


    A call interrupted their exchange, coming from the butler himself. They turned to see Sebas approaching, carrying several large crates in both hands... with ease. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "S-Sir Sebas, is there something you need?" Anastasia asked, a small sense of relief washing over her at the timely distraction he had provided.


    Thud, Thud, Thud.


    With a few heavy thuds, he placed the last crates of supplies alongside the others before turning toward Anastasia.


    "Well, firstly, I''d like to report that all the supplies I bought from Florentia have been accounted for, my lady."


    "I see. Good work, Sir Sebas. And you as well, Martha," she said, acknowledging both of her servants.


    Sebas simply gave a thumbs-up, while Martha nodded awkwardly.


    "Anything else, Sir Sebas?"


    "The second thing I wanted to discuss is what you''d like to do with the current supplies." He gestured toward the stacked goods.


    "We''ve got wood for infrastructure, construction tools for building, farming supplies, provisions, rations, and a lot more. So... anything come to mind?"


    "You said yesterday that we could survive three hours without shelter, correct?"


    "Haha, well, that was a rather extreme parameter coming from me," he chuckled, "but of course, having a proper rooftop over our heads would be a welcome comfort."


    "Very much so, Sir Sebas."


    "So, I can safely assume that you want to prioritize building a shelter first?"


    "Yes... I would like that, please."


    The thought of having a proper house reassured her. It finally felt like progress was being made in this forsaken region.


    "Hmm, is my tent not good enough for you, my lady~?" Sebas smirked, his teasing nature surfacing.


    "W-well, I wouldn''t say I hate it... but..."


    Anastasia hesitated, flustered by his teasing, recalling the simple cloth bed that, despite everything, had been surprisingly comfortable.


    "Sir Butler... please don''t tease our mistress," Martha huffed, shaking her head at the butler''s antics.


    "Ahaha, sorry, sorry~. Well then, my lady, it''s settled. We''ll build you a good house to live in, right?"


    "Y-yes, please do so, Sir Sebas," Anastasia ordered. "And not just for me¡ªI want a place where even my servants can live comfortably."


    "As you wish, my lady," he bowed, a small smile of appreciation crossing his lips at her consideration.


    But then, a thought crossed his mind.


    "Lady Ana, I''d like to excuse myself for a moment."


    "Hmm? What is it, Sir Sebas?"


    He didn''t answer right away. Instead, he walked over to the supplies... and picked up an axe...


    An axe made specifically for lumberjacking...!


    "Before we build a house... how about we build ourselves some walls first~?"


    "...Pardon?"

 Chapter 28 - 2nd Day (7) | A Little Trip to

    Chapter 28: 2nd Day (7) | A Little Trip to "Heaven" (1)The butler, Sebas, had temporarily left the party in a hurry, leaving behind a still-bewildered Anastasia and her knight.


    Seeing that there was nothing more to do with the supplies for now, they eventually made their way to the campfire site¡ªwhere they had left Bella cooking breakfast.


    "Walls...?" Martha muttered, trailing behind her mistress with a puzzled expression.


    "...I can only assume that Sir Sebas intends to create a border wall for our settlement," Anastasia replied thoughtfully.


    "Our settlement, huh..."


    The knight''s gaze shifted toward their campsite. The large tent stood prominently in the distance, set against the vast wilderness meadow... the Garden of Hell.


    She was still adjusting to the fact that she, her mistress, and their fellow aide, Bella, had spent a night¡ªone single night¡ªin this land. It was unbelievable how seemingly peaceful this place was...


    ''He wasn''t joking about that, huh...'' she mused, recalling how the butler had cleared out nearly all of the monsters from the entrance of the region to their campsite. Still...


    "Lady Anastasia... do you truly intend to establish your land here?"


    "... I wonder..."


    Anastasia came to a halt... her gaze drifting across the vast meadow¡ªa distant look in her eyes as she took in the somewhat haunting beauty of this supposedly perilous land.


    The fallen noblewoman... was actually struggling to envision what her region would become.


    Truthfully, she was inexperienced in the role of a lord. She had received some degree of education on the matter, but she had never actually put it into practice... until now.


    "...To be frank, I cannot say for certain if this location would be the right place for our future settlement," she admitted, crossing her arms in contemplation.


    "Does that mean you wish to move elsewhere, my lady?"


    "No, I don''t think we should move any farther than this either, but..." she turned toward her knight. "tell me, Martha, what is the distance between our current position and the grand border gate of Florentia?"


    "D-distance...?! Uhm... well..."


    Martha hesitated, trying to recall their journey from the previous day. Truthfully, the knight hadn''t measured the distance precisely.


    Not because she was incapable of doing so... but because her mind had been too preoccupied with the looming threat she had anticipated... which, in hindsight, had been rather pointless considering that the ''danger'' had been temporarily neutralized by the butler.


    "Ugh... maybe roughly half an hour by horse-drawn coach...?"


    "Half an hour... so we are still relatively close to the border?"


    "Indeed, my lady... however," Martha turned toward the horizon, eyeing the dirt path that stretched far beyond the border, "... we are still quite far from the heart of this region..."


    "..."


    This realization left the noblewoman silent, her brow furrowing as she considered the long road ahead.


    The closer they were to the ''heart'' of this land... the more dangerous it would become. And what lay in that center¡ª


    "...You know, Martha."


    "Yes, my lady?"


    "I''ve always heard this tale... ever since I was a child. Even during my time at the academy..."


    Anastasia paused for a moment... memories of her days at the academy flashing through her mind. Martha remained silent, waiting patiently for her mistress to continue.


    "...Sealed by the Legendary Hero himself, there lies a wicked being that once terrorized Florentia..." She exhaled softly, her voice carrying a hint of unease. "...The Demon King."


    "Demon King...!" Martha stiffened, her brows furrowing. Even she knew of that tale. "Isn''t it just a story meant to frighten children into behaving? I can''t say for sure if the Demon King himself was sealed in this land, my lady..."


    "And yet, it is also said to be the reason why so many monsters spawn from this region," Anastasia added, her gaze drifting toward the distant horizon. "They say the Demon King''s corrupted mana seeped into this land... birthing creatures upon creatures filled with malice and chaos..."


    Martha frowned.


    "... It''s just a legend, isn''t it? I mean, if something like that were truly sealed here..."


    Silence fell between them.


    It was just a story. A legend. A tale meant to keep the young from wandering too far.


    And yet... why did it feel so much more real now that they stood upon this cursed land?


    "... Let''s not dwell too much on old stories, Martha," Anastasia said, resuming her walk to their campsite.


    "Y-yes, my lady!"


    Eventually, they both made it to the center of their campsite.


    Right in the middle of it was, of course, the campfire... where the maid Bella was hunched over a steaming pot, stirring its contents with an almost trance-like focus¡ª


    "Hehehe... hehehe..."


    "W-what...?"


    Both of them froze. They had heard strange giggles coming from the campfire... no, it was none other than Bella herself...!


    The blonde maid was stirring the pot, completely entranced... but what was even stranger was how the liquid inside shimmered with a mysterious radiance...!


    "Hehehe... So beautiful...!"


    "B-Bella...?" Anastasia called out hesitantly, exchanging a wary glance with Martha.


    "Hehe¡ªAh!" Bella yelped in surprise, broken from her trance.


    The maid instantly turned around, only to be met with the concerned¡ªyet also slightly creeped-out¡ªexpressions of Anastasia and Martha.


    "A-ah! Lady Anastasia and Miss Martha! You''re back!" She greeted them with a bright, cheerful smile... as if she had no idea how unsettling her behavior had just been.


    "Bella, what are you doing...?" Martha asked, narrowing her eyes. She then turned to the shimmering pot, "...And what is that?"


    "Oh, this?" Bella turned back to her "creation," still smiling proudly.


    "This is our breakfast~!"


    "Are you serious...?" the knight asked again, still baffled by how their supposed breakfast was able to shine like an actual light source. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The maid didn''t answer her fellow aide''s confusion. Instead, with a swift, almost dance-like movement, she promptly took a few bowls and poured them, before handing each bowl of light-emitting stew to both Anastasia and Martha.


    "It''s mushroom chowder~"


    "M-Mushroom chowder...?!"


    The seemingly simple chowder had a thick, creamy texture, yet the way it shimmered made it look almost otherworldly... as if the broth itself held tiny specks of starlight, swirling with every gentle ripple of the bowl...!


    "This is safe to eat... right?" her mistress asked cautiously.


    "Hehehe~ Oh, come on, my lady! Don''t be so suspicious!" Bella giggled, but this time, her expression held no trace of madness¡ªonly pure, unwavering confidence. "I promise, this will be the best breakfast you''ve ever had!"


    Anastasia and Martha exchanged glances, still hesitating over the strange nature of this ''breakfast'' of theirs.


    Taking a deep breath, they both dipped their spoons into the chowder.


    Then¡ªslowly, cautiously¡ªthey placed it into their mouths.


    Their eyes widened as an explosion of flavor burst in their mouths!

 Chapter 29 - 2nd Day (8) | A Little Trip to

    Chapter 29: 2nd Day (8) | A Little Trip to "Heaven" (2)When the seemingly simple yet otherworldly chowder touched their tongues, their vision... shattered.


    A burst of golden light engulfed their sight, as if the very heavens had descended into their taste buds!


    The warmth of the thick broth wrapped around them like a silken embrace, melting into their mouths like liquid stardust...! And the rich, creamy texture danced along their tongues¡ªsmooth yet impossibly light, carrying a taste so deep it felt like they were being pulled into an endless abyss of flavor...!


    Anastasia swore she could hear the distant chime of celestial bells... as if the gods themselves were singing praises to this divine creation...!


    And her loyal knight, Martha... was utterly overwhelmed by a vision conjured by her mind¡ªan image of both Anastasia and the knight herself kneeling before a radiant mushroom deity, basking in its blinding, holy glow...!


    On the other hand...


    "L-Lady Anastasia...? Miss M-Martha...?" Bella called out hesitantly, slightly unnerved by the sight before her.


    They were... in a trance. Their eyes stared blankly at the empty space in front of them... and yet, they gleamed with awe and wonder. They were still holding onto their bowls of chowder, though.


    "U-uhm, h-hello? M-my lady...?! Martha?!" She continued, waving a hand in front of their faces, panic starting to creep into her as she failed to get a response from them.


    The maid had expected some praise for her cooking, considering she had used a rather rare ingredient and all... but she hadn''t expected her mistress and her fellow aide to be stuck in this trance-like state.


    "Oi~! You ladies already start breakfast~?"


    "A-ah! That voice! S-Sir Sebas!"


    Bella instantly recognized the voice! She turned toward it¡ª


    "Sir Sebas!!! Please help!!! Lady Anastasia and Miss Martha¡ªehhh?!"


    As her eyes finally landed on the butler, she saw not just him casually approaching the campsite... but also the massive, thick tree log resting on his right shoulder!


    This wasn''t just any log¡ªit was colossal, both in length and width, almost the girth of a full-grown adult...!


    She knew the butler possessed otherworldly strength, but even so, she couldn''t help but be astonished by his feat...!


    However, the maid quickly shook her head, snapping out of her stupor¡ªthere was a more urgent matter at hand!


    "S-Sir Sebas!!! Please help...!!!" she shouted once more, her voice laced with desperation.


    "Hmm? What''s wrong?" he asked from a distance, wondering by her call for help.


    However, upon seeing the evident distress on the maid''s face... his sharp gaze narrowed.


    THUD!


    Without hesitation, he dropped the massive log onto the ground and rushed toward the campsite! Upon reaching the frantic maid, his gaze swiftly landed on the two women¡ªboth completely frozen in a trance...!


    "What happened to them...?!" he demanded, brows furrowing in concern.


    Bella flailed her arms, her words tumbling out in a panicked mess. "S-Sir Sebas! T-they¡ª! I-I don''t know! They just¡ª! The chowder¡ª! And then¡ª!"


    Before she could spiral further, a firm grip landed on both of her shoulders.


    "Calm down."


    Sebas''s steady voice cut through her panic like a blade, his sharp gaze locking onto hers. Bella was startled¡ªher breath hitched as she gulped nervously.


    "Now... what happened?" he asked again, his tone patient... but firm.


    She didn''t answer... or rather, she still couldn''t answer in her panicked state.


    Instead, she weakly lifted a trembling finger¡ªpointing straight at the pot of chowder on top of the campfire... which still shimmered ominously with its otherworldly glow.


    Sebas followed her gesture, his own eyes landing on the pot.


    A long silence stretched between them as his expression went blank.


    He stared... and stared at the pot... before coming to a realization.


    "...Oh."


    A small chuckle escaped him. Then, he shook his head, amusement flickering across his face... before letting out a hearty, full-bodied laugh.


    "H-huh...? S-Sir Sebas? What''s so funny???" Bella stammered, utterly baffled by his reaction. "This is serious, Sir Sebas! What''s wrong with Lady Anastasia and Miss Martha?!?"


    "Oh, sorry, sorry. I shouldn''t be laughing here," he said, holding back his laughter before it could grow even louder. "Well, not to worry. They''re not in any danger... just a little bit ''entranced.''"


    "E-entranced...?"


    Sebas then turned and approached the two ''entranced'' ladies, with Bella following hastily. He glanced at the bowls in their hands, which shimmered with the same eerie radiance as the pot.


    "Hmm, it''s a good thing they only ate one spoonful of this stuff," he commented casually.


    "W-what? W-what do you mean, Sir Sebas...?"


    The butler then gently took the bowls from their hands¡ªdespite their complete lack of response¡ªand handed them to the still-confused, utterly bewildered Bella. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "S-Sir Sebas...?"


    "Wait here."


    "O-okay...?"


    She watched as he promptly walked toward the tent, leaving her standing awkwardly with the two entranced women. She fidgeted nervously, glancing back and forth between them and the tent... until finally, Sebas reemerged.


    In his hand was a small, clear bottle.


    "S-Sir Sebas? What is that?" Bella asked, eyeing it warily.


    He approached the two entranced ladies, holding up the mysterious bottle¡ª


    "Wait... is that smelling salt?!"


    Her realization only made Sebas grin.


    He uncorked the small bottle with a quiet pop¡ªa sharp, almost acrid scent immediately spilling into the air. Without hesitation, he held it beneath Anastasia''s nose first.


    For a moment... nothing happened.


    Then¡ª


    "Hck¡ª?!"


    Her entire body jerked as if struck by lightning, letting out a sharp, gasping choke as her eyes went wide!


    "Wh-what?! Where am I¡ª? I¡ªI heard bells¡ª?!"


    Sebas gave a satisfied nod before moving on to the next victim: Martha.


    The knight, still deep in her delusion, barely reacted as the bottle was placed beneath her nose... but then¡ª


    "Guh¡ª?!"


    The same violent jolt racked her entire frame. Her eyes shot open like a warrior waking from battle!


    "The gods¡ª!" Martha clutched her chest, trying to calm her racing heart. "I¡ªI saw¡ª! The divine mushrooms¡ª!"


    Both of them were in a state of disorientation... before their eyes landed on the smiling Sebas and the visibly relieved Bella.


    "P-praise the gods..."


    "Welcome back, you two~."

 Chapter 30 - 2nd Day (9) | A Little Trip to

    Chapter 30: 2nd Day (9) | A Little Trip to "Heaven" (3)"H-huh?" Both Anastasia and Martha muttered, dumbfounded.


    "Seems like you gals had a fun trip~," the butler, Sebas, commented playfully.


    However, before either of them could respond, Bella suddenly stepped forward, grasping both of their hands in a tight grip!


    "B-Bella?!" Both of them uttered in unison, surprised by the maid''s sudden burst of emotion.


    "Thank the Gods! Thank the heavens! I''m so glad you two are okay..." She sniffled, tears running down her cheeks as she continued to shower gratitude upon the divine forces of this world.


    In turn, both Anastasia and Martha fell silent, taken aback. They exchanged glances, trying to make sense of what had just happened¡ªwhy they had witnessed something so divine... and why Bella was this emotional.


    Anastasia hesitantly turned to the smiling butler.


    "...Sir Sebas...?"


    "Yes, my lady?"


    "...What just happened?"


    "Well... to put it simply: you two were intoxicated."


    "I-Intoxicated?!" She gasped, utterly taken aback. "H-How?! I did not consume any sort of alcohol or the like...!"


    "Are you certain that you didn''t?" He shot back with an apologetic smile. His eyes shifted to the side, and both Anastasia and Martha followed his gaze...


    The glowing pot of chowder.


    Both of them fell silent as a snippet of memory from before their "trip" to Mushroom Heaven finally returned to their minds... and eventually, they turned their gazes toward Bella.


    The maid, who had been wiping her tears just moments ago, suddenly stiffened as their attention landed on her.


    "H-huh...?! U-uhm... w-why are you guys looking at me like that...?"


    "Bella..." Martha asked gently, "...what exactly did you put in the chowder?"


    The maid jolted, panicking from the supposed accusation!


    "H-huh?! I-I didn''t put anything weird in it!" she vehemently denied, waving her hands in a panic. "I only used the basic ingredients...! U-uhm, like vegetables, the roux, a bit of dried herbs, a splash of wine vinegar... and also! The Gold Shrine Mushroom!"


    Another silence ensued after the maid''s outburst.


    Anastasia and Martha exchanged glances once again, still confused. They knew Bella wouldn''t put anything suspicious in their food¡ªshe had cooked a fine meal with even monster meat just last night, after all...


    But then¡ª


    "My mistake," Sebas suddenly interjected.


    The three of them turned to him, startled.


    "Mistake...?" Anastasia narrowed her eyes, suspicious of his sudden confession. "...Why are you apologizing? What did you do...?"


    Instead of answering immediately, Sebas shifted his gaze back to Bella.


    "Miss Maid, I''m truly sorry for my mistake in not telling you in advance, but... I want to know first: how much Gold Shrine Mushroom did you put in the chowder?"


    Bella flinched again at the sudden question directed at her.


    "U-uhm... I... I think... five? Maybe six? Uh..." She swallowed, pausing for a moment as her anxiety kicked in, "...maybe a little more...?"


    Again and again, another silence.


    "Wait, wait, wait," Martha cut in, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief. "You''re telling me... you put that many in?!"


    Bella shrank back slightly. "W-was that too much...?"


    Anastasia, too, was stunned.


    "Bella... do you have any idea how rare and expensive Gold Shrine Mushrooms are?" the mistress asked, her tone laced with disbelief.


    "I-I know!" Bella nodded frantically. "But I found a lot of them in Sir Sebas''s storage, and... I thought they would make the chowder taste better...! A-and I wanted to make something nice for you two after all that stress lately..."


    Sebas let out a hum. "Well, that makes sense."


    "...What makes sense?" Martha asked sharply, her suspicion sharpening.


    Sebas gave a dry chuckle, his apologetic smile remaining.


    "Well... Gold Shrine Mushrooms have psychedelic effects."


    The three of them blinked.


    "...What?" Anastasia frowned.


    "A... psy-what?" Martha tried to echo.


    Bella herself tilted her head, utterly lost.


    The three of them were still not used to his usual strange, alien terms, which made Sebas let out a sigh.


    "...Basically, the mushroom has hallucinogenic properties."


    Anastasia and Martha stiffened, while Bella''s face paled.


    "Wait..." Anastasia muttered, a sense of foreboding creeping in. "Hallucinogenic? As in... it causes hallucinations?"


    "Yup."


    "The Gold Shrine Mushroom can cause hallucinations...? I have never heard of this..." Anastasia murmured, her confusion rising ever more. "I''ve eaten one before but have never experienced such hallucinatory effects that you speak of..."


    "Well, my lady, they''re usually safe to eat... if consumed in small amounts."


    "A-a small amount...?!"


    "The recommended portion is one to two mushrooms at most. Any more than that, and well... let''s just say it becomes a very different experience."


    Anastasia pursed her lips, then asked, "Then... why is this knowledge not common?"


    "It''s a rare ingredient, after all," he explained, letting out another chuckle. "Almost no one ever gets their hands on even one¡ªlet alone enough to experience the side effects."


    "Then how do you know all this, Sir Butler...?" The knight inquired, her glare sharpening along with her suspicion.


    Sebas smiled knowingly. "...Because I experienced it myself~."


    The three of them blinked again, staring incredulously at him. The butler simply chuckled as a nostalgic glint appeared in his eyes.


    "A long time ago... I happened to consume a bit too much of it myself." He rubbed his chin in recollection. "Ah, I still remember it clearly... I caused a bit of mayhem in this place~."


    Eventually... both Anastasia and Martha let out a tired sigh.


    They couldn''t believe that they''d just experienced something so ridiculous¡ªthis early in the morning, no less.


    "I-I''m sorry! I''m sorry! I really didn''t mean for this to happen...!" Bella cried, repeatedly bowing her head in frantic remorse before rushing back to the cooking table. "I-I''ll cook another breakfast right away!"


    "You know, Miss Maid... we can still save this ''Divine'' Chowder," Sebas mused with an amused chuckle. "You could just dilute it into a soup or something~. That would lessen the hallucination effect."


    "T-that would be terrible, Sir Sebas...!"


    "Hahaha~. Well, either way, I''ll leave it to your hands. Now then..."


    He was about to leave...


    "...And where do you think you''re going?" Martha asked, her voice sharp with suspicion. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her piercing gaze only earned a small grin from the butler.


    "I was about to make the wall~."

 Chapter 31 - 2nd Day (10) | A Simple Wall for All

    Chapter 31: 2nd Day (10) | A Simple Wall for AllThe butler, Sebas, headed outside of the campsite... toward the large log he had just dropped. The two ladies saw it and, naturally, were confused by the presence of such a massive log near their campsite.


    "Hold on... where did that giant log come from...?" Martha inquired, narrowing her eyes in suspicion.


    "I got it from the nearby forest, Miss Knight~," he shouted back, still walking casually toward the hefty log.


    "Such size... I''ve never seen such a thick log before..." Anastasia commented...


    "Lady Ana~, I''d be careful using that phrasing so casually~," Sebas teased, his playful tone unmistakable.


    "Hmm? Why is that?"


    "Oi, you idiot butler! Stop messing with Lady Anastasia!" the loyal knight barked, a bit flustered as she fully grasped the unintended innuendo.


    "M-Martha...? What''s wrong? Did I say something weird...?"


    "H-huh? O-oh, no, my lady! There''s nothing wrong with what you said, ahaha..."


    "Hmm?"


    Anastasia could only tilt her head in confusion over her flustered knight.


    The mistress''s gaze then shifted back to the figure of Sebas... just in time to see him lift the humongous tree onto his shoulder with relative ease...!


    "Truly... his strength never fails to impress me," she muttered under her breath, intrigued by his show of strength. "I''m quite sure that even the strongest man in the capital would not be able to lift something that heavy with just one arm."


    "I-indeed, my lady," Martha agreed, her flustered expression shifting to a more serious one. "I could even attest not only to his strength... but also to his skill, especially with his swordsmanship."


    "That''s right...!" Anastasia suddenly recalled as her gaze flickered toward her knight''s bandaged form. "You had a sparring session with Sir Sebas last night, correct? What kind of training was it? How exactly did you end up this badly injured, Martha...?"


    "W-well, it''s a bit shameful of me to admit, but... it was quite the one-sided spar..." Martha confessed, her expression wavering. "...Sir Butler basically hammered every mistake I made during our bout... while also giving me quite the beating of my life..."


    "M-Martha..."


    The mistress couldn''t help but pity her knight... but Martha quickly shook her head, brushing away her concern. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "D-don''t worry, Lady Anastasia. As I told you before, this is what I wanted, and... while his training was indeed quite harsh, it was truly beneficial for me!" Her knight forced a smile, trying her best to reassure Anastasia.


    "If you insist..."


    Anastasia''s gaze shifted back to her butler¡ªthe latter still carrying the log as he casually walked with it... before eventually stopping at a certain spot and raising it sideways, holding it horizontally.


    "What is he doing...?" she wondered aloud, furrowing her brows. But her question would soon be answered... as he slammed the massive log into the ground!


    THUD!


    The impact sent a tremor through the earth¡ªso sudden that even Anastasia and Martha felt the ground shake beneath them...!


    "W-what...?!" Anastasia gasped, trying to steady herself as the small quake disrupted her balance.


    "What is he trying to do...?!" Martha muttered, furrowing her brows as she tried to maintain her footing. But, upon seeing the satisfaction evident on Sebas''s face, realization struck her...! "... Is he trying to build a makeshift wall with logs?!"


    The knight''s deduction was spot on, as the butler firmly secured the log deep into the ground... before dashing off toward the forest in the blink of an eye. In mere seconds, his figure vanished into the thick foliage...!


    But just as quickly¡ªhe returned!


    Emerging from the woods, Sebas carried yet another massive tree log on his shoulder...!


    Without slowing his pace, he brought it to the edge of the first log, carefully positioning himself and the log horizontally like the first... before slamming it into the ground!


    THUD!


    Another earth-shaking impact! The second log was planted as securely as the first, creating a long line of a "wall" made purely of tree logs!


    "L-lady Anastasia...!! Miss Martha...!!"


    A frantic voice called out.


    Bella, the maid, came sprinting toward them, her face pale with alarm.


    "A-an earthquake! There''s an earthquake incoming, my lady¡ªw-wait... what?!"


    She skidded to a halt, eyes widening in disbelief as she witnessed the true cause of the "earthquake."


    The campsite, once open to the vast wilderness, was now partially walled off by an imposing barrier of logs¡ªstanding firm like the foundation of a fortress.


    And yet¡ªthe wall was not finished.


    Once more, Sebas darted into the forest, only to reappear moments later with a third log in tow. He sprinted toward another edge of the campsite, found his designated spot... and drove the log into the earth!


    THUD!


    The ground quaked again from the sheer force of his action. But this time, the pattern was different¡ªrather than aligning it with the previous two, he positioned it perpendicularly! Creating a corner at the edge of the wall!


    One after another, Sebas continued his relentless work¡ªhauling log after log from the forest, slamming them into the ground with both inhuman strength and precision.


    The result was undeniable...!


    A boundary.


    A structure.


    A wall.


    Each new log reinforced the formation, enclosing their campsite into a square, until¡ª


    THUD!


    The final log was planted... sealing them within an unbreakable perimeter.


    The three ladies stood frozen, their gazes flickering between the completed wall and the butler who had built it in mere moments¡ªhis wide smile purely expressed the complete satisfaction of his work...!


    A sense of awe washed over them as they basked in the glory of this newly constructed "wall."


    "W-wait... how are we supposed to get out now...?!" Bella blurted, her voice laced with growing concern. The worry in the maid''s voice was mirrored by both her mistress and her fellow aide.


    But before their concern could grow¡ªSebas stepped forward.


    Without a word, he pulled out the lumberjack axe he had brought earlier.


    He stood in front of the "wall," gripping the handle of the axe firmly.


    He exhaled... his stance readied...


    And then¡ª


    SWOOSH!


    With a single practiced swing¡ª


    CRACK!


    He cleaved clean through one of the massive logs!


    The sheer ease of his action left them stunned, especially Martha, who witnessed yet another feat of "sword"manship from the butler.


    But, of course, he wasn''t done yet.


    Taking a few steps to the side, he raised his axe once more...


    SWOOSH! CRACK!


    Another clean cut.


    Now, with both strikes aligned, Sebas effortlessly lifted the severed section of the log¡ªcreating an opening large enough for passage.

 Chapter 32 - 2nd Day (11) | The Waterfall in the Garden (1)

    Chapter 32: 2nd Day (11) | The Waterfall in the Garden (1)Roar!!!


    "Hiyaah!!"


    The knight, Martha, swung her sword down upon the approaching monstrous boar, stabbing the charging beast''s temple straight¡ª!


    Roarr!!!


    The boar thrashed violently, trying to shake off the sword embedded in its head, but¡ª


    "Not a chance!"


    Martha pushed back against the beast''s overwhelming strength! And then finally... she plunged her sword deeper into its skull¡ªkilling it instantly! The large, tusked creature fell with a heavy thud... its lifeless body sprawled across the dirt ground of the forest.


    "Hah... hah... hah..."


    Martha steadied her breath, gripping the hilt of her sword still lodged in the dead boar''s head. Even with her body still battered and bandaged, she had managed to fight and slay a powerful beast all by herself.


    "Good work, Miss Knight~," came the voice of praise from Sebas.


    The butler stood watching from a distance, his own longsword dripping with the fresh blood of the beasts he had slain.


    Around them lay the carcasses of many monsters¡ªthe remnants of the battle he and the female knight had fought together.


    Farther away, hidden behind one of the many large trees of the forest, Anastasia and her maid, Bella, observed with bated breath.


    For these two... the scene before them was gruesome¡ªfar too much for non-warriors such as themselves, especially for the anxious maid.


    "I-Is it over yet...?" Bella asked, her voice trembling at the sight of so many slain monsters.


    Her question was soon answered by the butler, who turned toward them and waved cheerfully.


    "Lady Ana~! All of the monsters have been slain~."


    "...It seems so, Bella," the mistress murmured, exhaling softly.


    Anastasia then promptly walked toward the butler and her knight''s side.


    "W-Wait for me, my lady...!" Bella yelped, hastily following after her mistress, struggling slightly with the cloth backpack on her back¡ªcourtesy of Sebas himself.


    On the other hand...


    Martha finally managed to calm both her breathing and her racing heart. The adrenaline that had pushed her past her limits was fading... and now, she could feel it again¡ªnot just the fatigue but the lingering soreness from last night''s training.


    She pulled her sword free from the beast''s skull... and silently stared at the result of her battle.


    "..."


    The knight''s gaze lingered on the lifeless boar''s corpse as a question gnawed at the back of her mind.


    Had she truly improved?


    Her grip on the sword tightened as she struggled to comprehend her own accomplishment...


    Because when she turned her head, her eyes inevitably fixated on the enigmatic butler¡ªhis sword resting casually on his shoulder...


    And behind him... lay the numerous monsters he had slain.


    If she tried to count the beasts she had defeated against the ones he had, then his number was at least five times greater than hers...


    And yet, he had dispatched them all with relative ease compared to her.


    "Ugh..." Martha grumbled, irritation bubbling within her.


    But¡ª


    "Martha! Good work~!" Her mistress called out, smiling warmly.


    Anastasia''s words soothed her frustration... and, with that, the knight''s vision became a little clearer.


    "Miss Martha~!" Bella waved enthusiastically, her own cheerful smile brightening the tense atmosphere as she beckoned her over.


    Even the butler¡ªthe very man she had been quietly resenting¡ªwas giving her a proud nod of approval.


    Eventually... she let out a sigh, finally releasing her pent-up frustration. A small, tired smile etched its way onto her face.


    "Yeah, coming!" she called back, jogging toward the group.


    And with that, the four resumed their journey deeper into the forest.


    < | X | >


    "Is this truly the path to the river, Sir Sebas?" Anastasia asked, following her butler''s lead.


    "Of course, my lady. But it''s not just the river... there''s much more to see~," he teased, a playful lilt in his voice.


    "Sigh, please do not take us somewhere strange, Sir Butler," Martha interjected, slowly growing accustomed to his antics.


    "Haha, don''t worry, I won''t. Where I''m taking you gals is the best spot by the river."


    "T-The best spot of the river, Sir Sebas?" Bella echoed curiously.


    Sebas simply nodded with a reassuring smile.


    The group continued their trek deeper into the dense forest...


    But then... they heard a peculiar sound.


    "That sound...!"


    The knight''s ears perked up¡ªshe recognized that sound!


    As they walked further, the noise grew louder, its rushing force undeniable. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And then, finally... they arrived at their destination¡ª


    A grand waterfall!


    A towering waterfall stood before them, its cascading waters roaring as they crashed into the river below. Mist rose from the impact, drifting through the air like a veil of white.


    The warm noon sunlight filtered through the thick foliage of the trees and made the water glisten, shimmering like countless tiny jewels...!


    The river beneath flowed strong and clear, carrying the cool scent of fresh water, but soon turned into a calm, gentle flow that meandered through the landscape, weaving between rocks and lush greenery before vanishing into the forest beyond.


    "How wonderful...!"


    "Amazing...!"


    Both Anastasia and Bella gasped in awe as they witnessed the spectacular waterfall.


    This was the first time they had ever laid eyes on an actual waterfall in their lives. They had only heard about them through tales and such, and they were quite pleased that their first experience was with something this amazing.


    "Never thought I would see a better waterfall in my life," Martha murmured, recalling her previous experiences.


    "Glad you gals like the view~," Sebas chuckled, a smile of satisfaction on his face. The butler then stepped closer to the calm side of the river, crouching down by the water. "A good resource of clean water for us to use and replenish our supply."


    He showcased it by scooping up the river water with his palms, letting the ladies see its clarity, earning a chorus of amazement from them.


    "So clear...!" Bella marveled, her eyes sparkling. "S-Sir Sebas, is the water here drinkable as well?"


    "Well, it is mostly clean, and if you must, you could drink it directly too, but..."


    "You need to properly purify any source of water before it can be safely consumed, Bella," Anastasia interjected, recalling the lessons she had learned in the academy. "Even clean waters could still contain harmful germs."

 Chapter 33 - 2nd Day (12) | The Waterfall in the Garden (2)

    Chapter 33: 2nd Day (12) | The Waterfall in the Garden (2)"That''s right. That''s why it''s better if we either heat or filter this water first if we want to drink it," Sebas explained, pouring the water in his hand back into the river.


    "Would building an artificial channel to our settlement be possible?" Anastasia inquired, tilting her head in thought.


    "I would say it is possible, my lady," her knight, Martha, replied, nodding slightly. "We could make a direct one by digging a straight line from the river here. However, while it is possible... it would take quite a while to construct one."


    "I see..."


    "Well, all in due time, Lady Ana," Sebas chimed in, offering a reassuring smile. "We can always chalk it up as a future construction project. Right now... let''s just enjoy the water~."


    "That sounds reasonable," the mistress agreed. However, as she stepped closer to the river, her expression grew hesitant. "...Sir Sebas, just to make sure... is this water truly clean and safe to use?"


    "Of course, my lady."


    "Then... it is all right for me to use it..." She paused, a tint of red on her cheeks, "...to clean myself?"


    Sebas smiled, amused by the noblewoman''s bashfulness. "Indeed, my lady."


    Hearing his confirmation brought a bright smile to the redheaded young woman. Her excitement was not hers alone, but also shared by her blonde maid and even her ponytailed knight.


    After all, Anastasia and her entourage had been traveling for the last couple of days before reaching here, and even when they had arrived in this land, they had been too preoccupied with the events of the day to even tend to their hygiene.


    But now... the thought of clean water cleansing their bodies brought them great joy.


    "Bella, please prepare our bathing essentials," Anastasia ordered her maid, her voice carrying a rare hint of eagerness.


    "Y-yes, my lady!" Bella responded, mirroring her mistress''s excitement¡ªperhaps even more.


    The maid quickly unfastened the backpack on her back, pulling out not just Anastasia''s change of clothes but also her own and Martha''s.


    Anastasia then turned toward Martha... her expression slightly concerned as she glanced at her knight''s bandaged form.


    "Martha... would you be able to bathe in your current state?"


    "I... might be able to, my lady," her knight admitted. "Most of my injuries have healed well enough for me to be able to touch water."


    Hearing her words brought relief to Anastasia, who smiled with reassurance as she turned to both Martha and Bella. "Then... would you two kindly help me bathe?"


    "Of course, Lady Anastasia."


    "Y-yes, right away, my lady!"


    The three ladies were quite eager, starting to undress themselves... but then, they stopped in their tracks.


    A moment of silence ensued between them... before a realization struck them.


    At the same time, they all turned their heads¡ªtoward the fourth member of their group.


    And here... they found their male butler, Sebas.


    He was just standing there... a look of interest evident on his face as he watched the three ladies.


    The three ladies themselves stared blankly at Sebas, while he, on the other hand, remained perfectly composed, watching them with his usual calm demeanor.


    If anything, the slight tilt of his head suggested mild curiosity¡ªas if he were wondering why they had suddenly stopped moving.


    And then...


    "K-KYAAAH!"


    Their delayed reaction exploded all at once!


    Anastasia''s face turned a shade of deep crimson, Bella frantically covered herself with her arms, while Martha, in a fit of rage, stomped forward, pointing an accusatory finger at the butler.


    "You¡ª! D-Don''t you dare peep on us while we''re bathing, you shameless butler!" Martha roared, her own face beet red just like the other two.


    "Peep?"


    "YES, PEEP!" Martha shouted again, her face growing redder by the second. "Hurry up and leave, you damn butler!"


    Anastasia and Bella, still flushed, nodded frantically in agreement.


    Sebas let out a quiet hum of understanding before offering a small, amused smile.


    "Understood, my ladies," he said nonchalantly, courteously bowing his head. "Well then... I shall excuse myself."


    Then, as if their outburst had no effect on him at all, he casually turned on his heel, dusting off his sleeves as he walked away.


    "I''ll take this opportunity to clean up the monsters we slew earlier. Do enjoy your bath," he added, waving a hand without looking back.


    The three ladies remained still as they watched his departure.


    "...Tch." Martha clicked her tongue, crossing her arms. "That damn butler... why does he always act like nothing ever fazes him?"


    Bella herself let out a sigh of relief, the feeling of being naked in front of the butler finally subsiding.


    But Anastasia...?


    The redheaded young woman simply stared at Sebas''s retreating figure... an odd tugging feeling inside of her.


    < | X | >


    And so, minutes later¡ª


    They were all in their birth suits, dipping into the cold, yet oddly comforting river water.


    The initial shiver from the temperature melted away as their bodies adjusted, allowing them to fully enjoy the sensation of fresh water washing over their skin.


    "Ahh... this feels divine...!" Bella sighed, sinking deeper into the river, her golden hair floating gently on the surface. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yeah... this feels really good..." Martha agreed, the feeling of the cold water soothing her aching muscles.


    Their mistress, though... was also enjoying the water.


    She scooped the running water into her hands before pouring it over her head¡ªthe cold water ran through her long red hair and down her bare figure.


    ''...Bathing in the open wilderness... and with your own servants, no less,'' she thought, finding the experience somewhat surreal.


    As a noblewoman, Anastasia had only experienced bathing in a private, luxurious bath, with female servants waiting patiently to tend to her every need.


    While the latter part still somewhat held true right now, with Bella and even Martha helping her, she couldn''t help but feel an odd sense of irony in her situation.


    She''d imagined that she wouldn''t be able to properly clean herself for quite a while in this region, nor that she would be able to find clean water for her leisure use...


    But...


    ''...It''s not as bad as I thought it would be.''


    She was proven wrong... and she was enjoying this new experience quite thoroughly.

 Chapter 34 - 3rd Day (1) | Building A Home (1)

    Chapter 34: 3rd Day (1) | Building A Home (1)The bright, warm light of the sunrise seeped through the small gaps in the tent, casting its glow over the sleeping form of Anastasia.


    "Uhm... hmm...?" The young noblewoman grumbled as the light bathed her eyes, finally pulling her from slumber. Upon rising from her cloth bed, she glanced around at her surroundings...


    "...This isn''t a dream... right?" she muttered, a lingering haze of sleep clouding her thoughts, mingling with the surreal feeling from yesterday''s events.


    Her eyes then drifted to her ''tent''-mate... her loyal maid, Bella. The blonde maid was still sleeping soundly... a bit of drool leaking from the corner of her mouth.


    "Mmm... no more chores, please..." Bella mumbled in her sleep, her hand weakly swatting at an invisible taskmaster.


    Seeing her maid''s rather carefree state... brought a small smile to the mistress.


    The old Anastasia would have berated this rather improper behavior from her servant...


    But now, the ''old Anastasia'' was...


    "..."


    Remembering her past self dampened her mood for a moment before she quickly shook it off.


    There was no point in dwelling on the past... especially now that she had a land to govern.


    < | X | >


    Anastasia exited the tent and the first thing that caught her gaze was the sight of two familiar figures:


    Her knight, Martha, and... her butler, Sebas.


    The two of them had propped up a table on the side, vividly discussing a certain matter of interest over its contents.


    As Anastasia approached, the murmuring voices of her knight and butler grew clearer.


    "I''m telling you, it''s only proper that the house faces the entrance," Martha insisted, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. "Not only for safety, in case of direct confrontation, but it also signifies strength and authority. The house stands as the heart of the settlement¡ªit should be the first thing people see."


    Sebas, on the other hand, leaned casually against the table, his expression as calm as ever.


    "Hmm... but wouldn''t it be nicer if it faced the sunrise? Imagine waking up to that warm, gentle light every morning. Comfy, isn''t it?"


    "This isn''t about comfort, Sir Butler..." she huffed, her brow furrowed, a sharp edge to her tone, "...this is about the safety and dignity of Lady Anastasia!"


    Sebas shrugged, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I don''t know... I think dignity can come after we get some comfort of our own."


    "Uhm!" Anastasia cleared her throat as she closed the distance, catching their attention. "What are you two arguing about this early in the morning?"


    "L-Lady Anastasia...!" Martha immediately straightened; her hand placed firmly over her chest in a formal salute. "Good morning, your grace! We were discussing the proper orientation for the first house of your region!"


    On the other hand, Sebas gave a small wave, his tone light and cheerful. "Morning, Lady Ana~. We were just figuring out where to build your future mansion."


    Anastasia raised an eyebrow, glancing between them, "and you two can''t agree?"


    "My lady... I believe the house should face the entrance of the settlement for strategic reasons and to project your authority!" the knight declared, a fire lit in her eyes.


    Sebas chuckled softly, seeing how serious the knight was about this topic. "Well, I think it''d be nice if it faced the sunrise. You know, for that comfy morning light~"


    Anastasia sighed, rubbing her temples. "Of course..."


    The mistress herself came closer to the table, where there lay a crude map drawing of what she assumed to be her "region" in the Garden of Hell.


    Their (temporary) campsite, the (temporary) open-air storage supplies, and the (hopefully temporary) border wall made out of logs¡ªcomplete with names and even, surprisingly, measurements in meters.


    All of these were drawn out by the butler himself as he playfully twirled the pencil in his hand.


    "...I had expected it, but this is quite a large region that we have," she muttered, tracing her fingers against the map.


    Etched on each line of the border wall for this region were ''100 m'' marks¡ªwhich made her region span a full hectare, larger than she could have anticipated.


    For an upstart noble such as herself right now, this was way beyond what her scope of land should entitle her to. It almost rivaled the size of Duke Rosavich''s own noble estate...


    "The larger the land, the grander the opportunity," her butler remarked casually, a glint of amusement in his eyes.


    "Sigh... This is way too large for the manpower we currently have, Sir Butler," her knight grumbled, shaking her head, her tone stern. "Nevertheless, it is of utmost importance that Lady Anastasia''s first house be presented with the utmost dignity!"


    "Come on, Miss Knight~, wouldn''t it be better if the house faced directly to the sun?"


    "Don''t be absurd, Sir Butler. Suggesting such a position would mean that her grace''s noble house would be facing east instead!"


    The knight pointed to the map¡ªto the open entrance of the border wall that was made on the ''left'' side.


    "And if we do that," Martha continued, her voice rising slightly, "Lady Anastasia''s noble residence would have its back against the entrance¡ªthat would be even more absurd!"


    "We''ll just make a new entrance then~."


    "You can''t just make a new entrance! That''s not how a proper estate is structured!"


    Anastasia sighed, louder this time, pinching the bridge of her nose.


    "That''s enough, both of you." Her voice was calm but firm, slicing through their argument like a blade.


    The knight stiffened slightly at her mistress''s stern tone, while Sebas simply smiled, unbothered as always.


    "It doesn''t particularly matter where the first house is positioned," Anastasia continued, letting her hand fall back to her side. "It will likely be temporary anyway, given we lack the necessary materials to construct a noble residence of proper standing."


    The knight opened her mouth as if to argue... but then closed it, biting back her words with a reluctant nod. With Sebas... well, he just chuckled at Anastasia''s pragmatic tone.


    "Temporary or not, it''s still where you''ll wake up every morning, my lady~."


    S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 35 - 3rd Day (2) | Building A Home (2)

    Chapter 35: 3rd Day (2) | Building A Home (2)Sebas''s words stirred a flicker of contemplation in Anastasia, but... she shook her head, a small smile reluctantly tugging at the corner of her lips despite herself.


    "...I am tasked with the duty of a lord for this region... which means I''ll be too busy to even notice the sunrise," the young noblewoman murmured, her eyes meeting the butler''s. "That is why I do not give much thought to what would be comfortable for me. However, with that in mind..."


    She turned her gaze to her brunette knight, a smile of quiet resolve softening her features.


    "...I''m in favor of optimizing our survival above all else."


    Martha was taken aback for a moment by Anastasia''s words, but quickly realized the meaning behind them.


    "L-Lady Anastasia, does that mean... you''re in favor of my plan?" the knight stammered, her voice tinged with a mix of surprise and hope.


    Her mistress simply nodded, maintaining her smile that signified her approval. Receiving this approval, of course, brought a bright smile to the knight''s face!


    Though after that... the proud knight turned to the butler with smug, triumphant eyes¡ªher bright smile twisting into a knowing smirk aimed squarely at him.


    The butler himself simply raised an eyebrow at this smug knight''s attitude toward him, but he turned his attention back to Anastasia once more.


    "If that is your wish... then I will gladly follow through with it..."


    But then... he stepped closer to the young noblewoman, lowering his head slightly to meet her gaze. The playful glint in his eyes dimmed, replaced with something far more earnest.


    "Even so, you shouldn''t disregard your own well-being, Lady Ana."


    Anastasia felt her breath hitch, almost imperceptibly. She took a small, instinctive step back, startled by the sudden seriousness in his voice¡ªa tone she still wasn''t quite used to from him.


    And subconsciously... she found herself averting her eyes from his steady, unwavering gaze.


    For Sebas himself... he didn''t press further. There was no need.


    His words had at least given the fallen noblewoman something to ponder, leaving just enough room for reflection without lingering on it too long.


    Then, as if the moment had never happened, he straightened up, the easygoing smile slipping back onto his face like a mask.


    "Now then, I shall build the house in accordance with your wishes, my lady," he declared warmly, before turning to Martha, "and, of course, under the esteemed direction of Miss Knight~."


    "H-huh?"


    "Come on, now, Miss Knight," he approached the knight and clasped her shoulder, "let''s build ourselves a good house for the lady."


    "A-ah, yes!"


    The butler left promptly, with a hastily flustered knight following after him... leaving the noblewoman to herself and her thoughts.


    ''...My own... well-being...''


    The thought of such a thing was something she had been trying to shelve at the back of her mind... with no further success. Even though she herself had been striving to be a lord with a more pragmatic mindset...


    "L-Lady Anastasia! Where are you?!?"


    "...?"


    A sudden shout echoed from her sleeping tent, snapping Anastasia from her thoughts. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Moments later, Bella burst out, her blonde hair tousled and her apron slightly askew¡ªclearly just roused from sleep.


    The frantic look in her eyes darted around wildly, her breath uneven as if she''d sprinted out the moment she woke.


    It didn''t take long before the maid''s panicked gaze landed on her ''missing'' mistress, standing calmly outside, already dressed and prepared for the day.


    Bella blinked, her mind needing a moment to process the sight... and then¡ª


    "I-I''m sorry for oversleeping again, my lady!"


    < | X | >


    One of the campsite''s large tents had been taken down and stored away, with both Sebas and Martha had set to work transforming it into a construction site.


    Sebas, his sleeves rolled up, hammered a nail into a wooden beam with precise care as his eyes flicked between the measurements.


    Martha moved around, arranging the next set of planks, having forgone her knight armor in favor of a breathable tank top.


    "This should be the last support beam, right?" Sebas asked, glancing at the structure with a critical eye, tapping his finger against the wood.


    "Yeah, but make sure it''s even. We don''t want the roof of Lady Anastasia''s first house to be slanting," Martha replied, inspecting the other side of the frame, her brow furrowing slightly.


    "Got it. Just need to measure once more... and done!"


    Martha wiped a bit of sweat from her brow, letting out a sigh of relief, "Good... We''re almost done with this side then."


    Anastasia, standing off to the side, observed with interest. Since she was still learning what it meant to be a lord, this was quite essential for her to witness and understand.


    Of course, it wasn''t as though there was nothing to do here for her...


    But either way, the noblewoman hadn''t expected her enigmatic super-butler to take his time with the construction.


    "...Sir Sebas, pardon my interruption," she called out, stepping closer. "I would have thought you''d finish this faster, given your previous feats of strength..."


    She had assumed this construction would be done in a matter of hours¡ªminutes, even¡ªnot the steady, measured pace they were working at.


    Sebas chuckled softly, not even glancing back at her.


    "Well, Lady Ana... strength alone won''t do the trick here. I''ve gotta hold back a bit," He remained focus on his task in front him, "wouldn''t want to tear the whole place down by accident."


    He demonstrated by ''gently'' hammering another nail into the frame...


    THUNK!


    But that nail alone was driven in with a single swing of his hammer. On the other hand¡ª


    Thunk! Thunk! Thunk!


    Nearby, her knight was also hammering down a few nails on a beam, but for her, she had to hammer them a few more times before they were even close to fully in.


    "Too much power, and I might tear this whole site down without even realizing it," Sebas chuckled, continuing to work with care. "You gotta be careful with these things."


    "I-I see...That makes sense when you put it that way..."


    "Rushing things isn''t exactly ideal either. You''ve got to make sure it''s well-built. We definitely don''t want our rooftop to fall on us while we''re sleeping, do we?"


    Anastasia couldn''t help but let out a small giggle at his joke. "Indeed, I wouldn''t want that either."


    Their conversation lingered as Sebas and Martha continued working.


    Hours passed by and the sun climbing higher in the sky, and the construction slowly took shape¡ªthough it was still far from finished.


    Just as the midday sun beat down on them, the sound of footsteps drew their attention... and a voice rang out, carrying over the construction site.


    "L-lady Anastasia! E-everyone!! Lunch is ready!!!"

 Chapter 36 - 3rd Day (3) | Building A Home (3)

    Chapter 36: 3rd Day (3) | Building A Home (3)The construction of the first house continued after their brief lunch.


    The sounds of hammering, sawing, and wood shifting filled the entire area as Sebas and Martha worked diligently under the afternoon sun.


    As for the mistress and her maid¡ªthe two non-physically active women were left on the sidelines, watching the slow but steady progress of the construction.


    Anastasia, of course, continued her observations, her mind diligently absorbing the process for her aspirations as the lord of this region.


    Bella was also observing their work, but for her specifically, she waited with a sense of readiness, preparing herself to assist with any possible needs that might arise... which, fortunately, hadn''t happened yet.


    The construction itself was going smoothly... too smoothly, in fact, that it seemed it might even be finished before sundown...!


    Neither of them had expected the house to be completed in just a single day, but from the look of it, the house itself was already halfway done...!


    ''Is it because of the somewhat small size...? Or is it because Sir Sebas is here...?'' Anastasia wondered, amazed at how quickly it was coming together.


    The butler had once again showcased his feat of strength, carrying large amounts of material all by himself with relative ease.


    She was also glad that her knight, Martha, was surprisingly knowledgeable when it came to construction and had carefully led the work with skill and precision.


    However, there had also been some initial concerns from Anastasia and Bella... that Sebas and Martha might have conflicting approaches, but surprisingly...


    "Sir Butler, please hand over that plank," the brunette knight called from atop the roof.


    "Okay~," the butler replied with his usual nonchalant tone, promptly handing over the requested plank before returning to his task.


    They were working in perfect sync, a harmony between strength and knowledge that seemed effortless.


    Though sometimes... they both had their little moments.


    "Miss Knight, you''re not gonna break the roof with all that stomping, are you?"


    "W-what?! I would never! Stop your yapping and get back to work already!"


    Anastasia couldn''t help but sigh at her butler''s antics, while Bella smiled wryly at the exchange. However, both of them were quietly relieved that the two seemed to be getting along just fine... well, somewhat.


    And eventually, the sun reached the edge of the horizon, slowly sinking...


    "...And done!" Sebas exclaimed loudly as he installed the front wooden door of the house.


    He took a step back to admire his handiwork, then came down from the porch of the house by the staircase.


    Waiting in front of their new house were Anastasia, Bella, and Martha, who was wiping the sweat from the day''s work.


    As he stood in front of them with a wide grin, Sebas spread his arms out in a grand gesture.


    "Ladies... I present to you, your new home!"


    Anastasia''s eyes widened, and Bella took a sharp breath as they both stared at the house, taken aback by the finished result.


    The wooden house stood at 6 by 4 meters wide, modest but welcoming. It was lifted slightly off the ground, supported by solid wooden beams.


    The front porch stretched out across the whole house, with a sturdy, humble staircase leading up to the door.


    Simple wooden windows framed each side of the house, letting in the soft evening light. The wood, still fresh from the day''s work, gave off a natural scent that mixed with the cool breeze.


    It wasn''t as grand as the many houses or even mansions that the kingdom''s nobles owned, but... there was something undeniably warm about it¡ªlike it had a soul of its own.


    "Lady Ana," Sebas said, gesturing with a flourish, "shall we go inside?"


    Anastasia took one more glance at the wooden house... before nodding, her voice soft but filled with awe. "Yes... let''s."


    As they stepped inside, the first thing that struck them was the vast emptiness.


    The interior of their new house stretched out before them in one open space, with only a few wooden partitions dividing the area. The ceiling, though not particularly high, gave it an airy, welcoming feeling.


    They moved toward the center of the house itself... as the faint scent of fresh wood filled the air¡ªa lingering reminder of the house''s recent construction.


    The floor beneath their feet was made of smooth wooden planks. Simple but solid underfoot, with, fortunately, no creaking whatsoever.


    Still, this vastness reminded them that there was no furniture or anything in this house... yet.


    "You know, I could try making some bed frames," Sebas suggested with a casual shrug, "especially if you want to sleep in an actual bed, my lady."


    "No... it is quite alright," Anastasia replied softly, shaking her head as she glanced around the empty space. "I would not want to tire you or Martha further after both of your efforts today. Maybe tomorrow we can consider that."


    "If you say so, my lady," he chuckled, but there was a gentle undertone in his voice. "Well, putting aside the lack of furniture here..."


    His mischievous smile faded, replaced by a warmer, kinder one.


    "...What do you think?" he asked softly.


    Anastasia gazed back at the house once more, standing still for a moment¡ªabsorbing the very warmth of the space. She looked around again, beginning to memorize the layout of this house...


    Her house.


    Her gaze then turned to her other two aides: her maid and her knight.


    Bella was still astonished by the house, her eyes sparkling with wonder. Martha, on the other hand, was admiring the very house she had helped build, a proud smile etched on her visage.


    Then Anastasia turned back to her butler.


    Sebas... still maintained that warm smile of his.


    She remained silent, and he patiently waited. The other two, noticing their mistress''s silence, also waited quietly.


    And eventually, she finally opened her lips.


    "I like it."


    With those simple words, her three servants became ecstatic, relieved that their mistress had finally regained something she had once lost... S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A place where she could call ''home.''


    Her butler then took a deliberate step forward, his voice warm as he spoke...


    "Welcome home, my lady."

 Chapter 37 - 3rd Day (4) | Midnight Conversation (1)

    Chapter 37: 3rd Day (4) | Midnight Conversation (1)"Uhm... hmm?"


    Anastasia stirred from her sleep, her brows faintly furrowing as she felt something was... missing.


    She blinked slowly, her eyes adjusting to the dim light of the moon filtering through the wooden windows, before rising from her cloth bed.


    She looked around and found herself in the spacious, empty vastness of her new wooden house... which felt more like a log cabin than a conventional house.


    And of course, she''d slept on the wooden floor with her cloth bed... alongside her other servants, all under one roof.


    She glanced to both sides and found her two servants, Bella and Martha, sleeping on their own cloth beds.


    Her blonde maid was sleeping soundly, but...


    "...No, Lady Anastasia, not the spoons... I already polished them..."


    ...she sometimes sleep-talked. It made the mistress wonder if this was something akin to a habit for her maid.


    Then she turned to Martha... and she was sleeping soundly as well... but...


    Her knight was sleeping in a rather... undignified position. One arm was tossed above her head, the other idly scratching her exposed belly beneath her tank top, while her legs sprawled out carelessly.


    It was a sight unbefitting a knight of her pedigree, and certainly not appropriate for a young maiden either...


    She could even hear light snoring from her too...


    Anastasia was REALLY wondering whether this un-lady-like sleeping posture of her knight was something she''d kept behind closed doors or if it was simply because of exhaustion from their work.


    ''Not to mention... we have a man in the same house... hmm?''


    She realized something... as she shifted her gaze to the other side of the house, across from where the three ladies were sleeping.


    An empty cloth bed lay there¡ªthe very one that should''ve been used by her one and only male servant, Sebas.


    Her brows furrowed slightly.


    They had all insisted he sleep under the same roof. Sebas had initially refused, claiming he didn''t want to intrude on their privacy. But even Anastasia herself had been adamant.


    After all, he deserved to rest in a proper house just like them¡ªespecially after all the hard work he''d put into building it.


    Yet now... he was nowhere to be found.


    "Did he perhaps... go outside?"


    The redhead noblewoman was curious about his disappearance, wondering what could have pulled him away from the comfort of their new home.


    But she saw a faint flicker of light seeping through the gaps in the wooden window... not from the moon, but from something else. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her curiosity deepened, and quietly... Anastasia rose from her cloth bed, careful not to wake Bella or Martha, and made her way to the door.


    The cool night air greeted her as she stepped outside...


    And there he was.


    Sebas sat in front of the campfire, his broad back turned against the house. The fire''s glow danced across his figure, casting long shadows that flickered in the night.


    Anastasia stood there for a moment, silently watching him, before finally taking a step forward.


    "Sebas...?"


    "Hmm...?"


    Her butler finally noticed her presence as he turned his head back from where he sat.


    What caught her curiosity even more was that his expression had, for a brief moment, been rather distant¡ªseeming as if he had just been lost in thought... contemplating.


    But as soon as he realized it was her who had approached him, his expression quickly softened into his usual friendly demeanor, his voice warm and gentle.


    "Lady Ana...! You''re awake?" He offered her a faint smile.


    She slowly nodded, affirming, "I''ve... woken up from my slumber..."


    "...Did something happen, my lady? Are you not comfortable with your sleeping arrangement?"


    "N-no... I am quite content with it..." She averted her gaze slightly, "...it''s just that I woke up feeling something amiss... and found that you were missing."


    "Ah... well, sorry about that," he chuckled softly, "I couldn''t sleep myself, so... I''ve just been chilling by the campfire."


    "I see..."


    "Well, now that you''ve found me... would you like to go back to sleep again, my lady?"


    However, Anastasia rubbed her arms lightly, the cool night air nipping at her skin.


    "I... no longer feel inclined to sleep," she muttered softly, her gaze drifting between him and the flickering flames.


    There was a brief pause before Sebas tilted his head slightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips.


    "Well then... would you like to hang out by the campfire with me?" he asked, his voice gentle, almost teasing.


    For a moment, she hesitated... but to even her own surprise, she nodded.


    "I... suppose I will."


    Without another word, she walked over and promptly sat down in the folding chair beside him, the warmth of the fire brushing against her face as the night stretched on.


    A silence ensued between them... a comfortable one, at the very least. They were both simply enjoying each other''s company.


    But eventually... Sebas broke the silence.


    "So... what do you think so far, Lady Ana?"


    "Pardon...?"


    "Haha, sorry, I''m just asking how you''re feeling. What do you think of this new place of yours, and, well, pretty much everything so far," he chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. "If you don''t mind sharing, that is."


    "A-ah, I see. I don''t mind," she replied softly, but her words trailed off as she shifted her gaze back to the campfire. "It''s... a nice place."


    "A nice place, huh."


    "Yes... although I cannot lie, I did have some bad feelings about what kind of place this land would be..."


    "What? Like a bunch of monsters swarming this whole region?"


    She simply nodded, being reminded of the very scene of rampaging monsters that had attacked them yesterday.


    "Well, that''s just how it is in this place," he said, his tone matter-of-fact, "this land is like the ground zero for their breeding nests, so it makes sense that there''s gonna be a swarm of them here."


    His further reminder brought back the feeling of unease that she''d been trying to hide, which he noticed right away.


    "Ugh... sorry, my lady. I didn''t mean to scare you," he quickly apologized, realizing the effect his words had.


    "I-it is quite fine, Sir Sebas," she said, though her voice was tinged with slight discomfort. "I understand well enough that the monster problem would not just go away, even if you have slain many of them here."


    "Yeah... sadly, those things would likely appear again, and, of course, this place of yours would be their first target in sight."

 Chapter 38 - 3rd Day (5) | Midnight Conversation (2)

    Chapter 38: 3rd Day (5) | Midnight Conversation (2)His words brought another sense of unease to the noblewoman as she stared at the flickering flames, her own thoughts swirling like the smoke rising into the night sky.


    Sebas also noticed this... but he didn''t apologize for it. It was a necessary "evil"¡ªa reminder of the burdensome task she carried...


    A task... or more like a punishment that she''d brought upon herself because of her own mistakes.


    Anastasia''s expression hardened by the second... the feeling of dread she''d kept at bay welling up inside her...


    However, she closed her eyes and let out a shaky breath before turning to Sebas.


    Her eyes opened, and Sebas saw... hope. Small as it was, it was there.


    A hope for the future.


    "I understand... quite well," Anastasia began, her voice soft but firm, the flickering firelight reflecting in her eyes. "As the lord of this region, it is my duty to face this task¡ªno matter how difficult it may be. I will fend off these monsters... and protect what is mine."


    Sebas listened quietly to her proclamation, his gaze steady.


    However, beneath the determination she projected, he could still see it¡ªthe faint tremor in her voice... and the subtle twitches in her posture.


    The fear... and the doubt she tried so hard to mask.


    She wore her resolve like armor, but the butler saw through the cracks.


    He knew the uncertainty still clung to her heart, and the guilt of her past sins weighed heavily on her shoulders.


    But even so... she had shown him the will to fight it.


    And that, in his eyes, was more than enough.


    A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips... a quiet sign of approval.


    "Good to know, my lady," he said, his tone light... but sincere. "Just don''t forget to take care of yourself too, alright? We don''t want our glorious leader to drop down from overwork~."


    She nodded lightly at his remark, her determined expression slowly turning into a small smile. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The tension between them eased as they continued to enjoy the warmth of the campfire...


    "Oh yeah, by the way, how was the waterfall yesterday? Did you see what''s behind it?"


    "There''s something behind it...?!"


    Their conversation flowed naturally. They spoke about many things that had transpired during their first few days, especially through the eyes of Anastasia herself.


    The survival lessons, the monster encounters, the lovely home that had just been built for them all, etc. Just pretty much anything.


    Their talks became quite lively as they reminisced over the past few days that had felt like an eternity for the red-haired noble... and she couldn''t help but feel the comfortable warmth from the fireplace...


    But also... from her butler too.


    "Oh, and if you want, we could find more mushrooms¡ªhuh?"


    Sebas halted his words as he felt a gentle nudge against his shoulder. He paused, glancing to the side, only to find Anastasia''s head resting there, her breathing slow and steady.


    She had fallen asleep.


    Sebas let out a quiet chuckle, his smile softening. "Exhausted yourself, huh..."


    Carefully, he shifted, his arms sliding beneath her delicate frame. He lifted her with ease, cradling her against his chest.


    She barely stirred, her face peaceful in slumber as he carried her back toward the wooden house.


    Inside, the dim glow from the embers outside illuminated the small space. He spotted Bella curled up in a blanket, murmuring softly in her sleep.


    "Mmm... no, that''s my fish..."


    Martha, on the other hand, was still sprawled in her unladylike position, practically exposing her quite shameless state to the butler''s eyes.


    Sebas... couldn''t help but chuckle quietly at the sight, but of course, he had something more important to do.


    With gentle care, he laid Anastasia down on her cloth bed between Bella and Martha. He tugged the blanket over her, making sure she was comfortable.


    Fortunately, she didn''t stir much, her exhaustion pulling her deep into sleep.


    Once satisfied, Sebas turned and stepped outside, letting the cool night air wash over him.


    But as he approached the campfire, he noticed something¡ªor rather, someone.


    Across the fire from where he had been sitting just moments ago, a figure now occupied the opposite seat. Their posture was at ease, shoulders relaxed, as if they had been waiting for him.


    Sebas raised an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing slightly...


    But then, the crisp black attire, the sharp lines of the suit, and the familiar gray strands of hair gave the stranger away instantly.


    A smirk tugged at Sebas''s lips.


    "Yo, Alfred."


    The man called Alfred lifted his head toward the approaching Sebas, a smile tugging the veteran butler''s lips.


    "Sir Sebas, it''s good to see you."


    "The feeling''s mutual, mentor."


    "How''s Lady Anastasia and the other two faring? Do they find their new accommodation well?" the older butler inquired, visibly curious.


    "Haha, they certainly do. It''s like seeing some urban brats finally getting comfortable with their new family''s farm life."


    Sebas promptly sat down where he had been before, the warmth of the campfire brushing against his skin, its flickering light casting long shadows between them.


    There was a moment of silence between the two butlers...


    "So... how''s the investigation, Alfred?" Sebas broke the silence, his smile fading... his expression hardening.


    "...Unfortunately, there was not much that we could find on our end," Alfred admitted, his voice calm but tinged with regret. The veteran butler''s composed smile wavered ever so slightly. "We have found some semblance of clues... but nothing solid to pinpoint it anywhere."


    "Seriously? Sigh, what a pain in the ass..."


    "Quite the frank words, but the feeling is certainly mutual, Sir Sebas," the older butler remarked. "...Whoever orchestrated this... they made sure to cover their tracks well."


    "Hah, well, that was expected," the younger butler let out a dry chuckle, finding some small amusement in their predicament. "We wouldn''t call them a mastermind if they were easy to track."


    "Certainly, as you say, Sir Sebas."


    "Well, either way... I''ll continue to handle things here, but..." Sebas muttered, his expression darkening. He exhaled slowly, the firelight casting sharp shadows over his face. "...You all better find whoever put that knife in her hands."

 Chapter 39 - 4th Day (1) | Well Then... Let’s Build A Well! (1)

    Chapter 39: 4th Day (1) | Well Then... Let''s Build A Well! (1)"Attention, ladies!"


    "Sir! Yes, sir!"


    "Y-Yes, sir...!"


    "Y-Yes...?"


    Sebas and the three ladies now stood in the open field near their house and, conveniently... there was a chalkboard stand prepared, perfectly suited for the occasion.


    "When and where did you even get this chalkboard, Sir Sebas...?" The redheaded Anastasia inquired, clearly baffled by its existence.


    "I got it as an extra during our supply trip before~," he explained with a knowing smirk, "but that''s beside the point, my lady!!!"


    "Y-Yes?"


    "Right now... we have more important matters at hand!" Sebas declared loudly, startling the three with his sudden outburst.


    The butler then tapped the chalkboard loudly, emphasizing its presence to the three.


    And there, on that chalkboard, was another one of those crudely drawn maps of Anastasia''s region¡ªjust like the one he had made before for their house planning.


    Of course, now, it had been updated to include the latest addition to the startup noble''s domain¡ªtheir newly built house.


    "As you three ladies can see here: we have established a proper region and even a great shelter for Lady Ana... which I would say is quite the feat by itself," he stated with a smile of approval, "congratulations, ladies, you all have made great contributions to the prosperity of this land."


    "Thank you, sir!" The knight, Martha, declared with pride, feeling accomplished for her role in constructing that ''great shelter.''


    The maid, Bella, clapped her hands happily, sharing in the sense of accomplishment with a bright smile.


    Their mistress, on the other hand, simply stared blankly at their antics, unsure how to feel about this, considering she had mostly just given orders without lifting much of the heavy weight herself.


    "But returning back to the matter!!!" Sebas suddenly interjected again, startling them once more and regaining their utmost attention. "We will now proceed to the next objective for our survival!"


    "Yes, sir!" Both Martha and Bella responded in unison, leaving Anastasia slightly bewildered.


    "Miss Maid!" Sebas pointed a finger at the blonde maid, startling her greatly. "What do you think our next course of action should be?"


    "E-Eh? W-Well... Ugh..."


    Bella was clearly flustered and visibly distressed. She hadn''t expected their head butler, Sebas, to suddenly throw out a question like some sort of pop quiz.


    Seeing the maid racking her brain for an answer brought a small chuckle of amusement from the butler. "Let me give you a hint... it''s something essential to our survival that we discussed before."


    "Ah! Yes! The Rules of Threes!" She lit up, finally realizing what he was getting at. "Uhm... what was it again...? Three minutes without air... three hours without shelter... that''s it! Three days without water!"


    She stepped forward in excitement, answering the butler''s quiz with pride.


    "Indeed, Miss Maid," he said with a thumbs-up of approval. "And now, with that in mind, what would our course of action be?"


    "We need to find a proper water source!"


    "Correct! And that is why we have two options: digging a well or creating a water channel from a river source."


    He turned his attention back to the chalkboard.


    "Let me reiterate quickly," Sebas began, his tone shifting to a more instructional one. "There are two options that we could do to get our proper source of water."


    He then began to draw a crude drawing on the chalkboard... that seemed to resemble a well.


    "Our first option is to dig a well. A stable and reliable source of water, provided we locate an underground reservoir. Of course, this requires manual labor and time... but once completed, it will serve us indefinitely."


    He then turned his gaze toward the knight. "And as I recall... Miss Knight, you mentioned before that you have experience in well construction, did you not?"


    Martha straightened her posture, placing a fist over her chest in determination. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes, sir! I may not be an expert, but I have assisted in well-digging before in the Army. If we have the means, I am ready to help however I can."


    "Excellent!"


    Then, he turned back to the chalkboard and again began to draw on it: a crudely drawn line from Anastasia''s region box to what appeared to be the river they had discovered before.


    "Now, as for our second option... we could create a water channel leading from the river to our settlement."


    Anastasia narrowed her eyes slightly at the suggestion. "Is that even possible, Sir Sebas...?"


    Before Sebas could respond, Martha spoke up first.


    "Pardon the interruption, but I would like to answer that question, my lady."


    "Permission given."


    "Thank you, my lady! Well, in that matter alone: it is possible... in theory."


    "In theory?" Anastasia tilted her head slightly, curious about her implication.


    "Yes... because it would require significant construction. We''d need to dig out a channel or, better yet, build an aqueduct to guide the water flow toward your region, my lady. Not to mention... we''d also have to construct a reservoir to store the water properly."


    "...And how much effort would that take, Martha?"


    "...A massive labor force and also materials. A lot of them."


    "Then it''s out of the question. We barely have any resources as it is," the mistress decided, her tone firm with finality. "There are only four of us here to begin with, so building a channel would be quite excessive. Instead, we will focus on digging a well for now¡ªone that we can actually make use of right away!"


    "Yes, my lady!" the three servants responded in unison, their voices ringing with obedience. Even Sebas casually followed along, as if he were simply playing along with the mood.


    However, before they could take any action, the maid suddenly raised a hand hesitantly. "Uhm... but where would we even find a water source for the well?"


    Her question brought an immediate halt to both Anastasia and Martha''s determined spirits.


    Anastasia folded her arms, scanning the vast meadow before them.


    "Water sources... should be locatable through geological indicators. The composition of the earth, moisture levels, vegetation..." She trailed off, her brows furrowing slightly. The sheer size of the open land made the task feel daunting.


    Sebas, however, let out a knowing hum. "Hmm... there may be a way for us to track the water source."


    His words immediately caught their attention. Three pairs of eyes turned toward him in unison.


    "How, Sir Sebas?" Anastasia asked, arching an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued.


    Sebas simply smiled.


    "With magic~."

 Chapter 40 - 4th Day (2) | Well Then... Let’s Build A Well! (2)

    Chapter 40: 4th Day (2) | Well Then... Let''s Build A Well! (2)"M-Magic...?!" Anastasia echoed, her voice laced with disbelief.


    "That''s right~," he affirmed with a smile, directing his attention not just to Anastasia but also to Bella and Martha. "As you all might know, magic¡ªor, more formally, Arcana¡ªis one of humanity''s greatest tools. It''s the very foundation that allows us to wield and mold mana to our advantage~."


    "I-Indeed, Sir Sebas," the mistress nodded, regaining her composure. "You speak of Arcana¡ªthe practice of using mana, a natural energy inherent in all living beings. Through training, one can harness this energy for various purposes... including the very use of Arcana itself."


    "Well put, Lady Ana. If I''m not wrong, you''ve undergone advanced Arcana training as well in the Academy, haven''t you? You even got the highest score in your first year''s midterm exam."


    "T-That is correct, Sir Sebas," Anastasia admitted, though her brows furrowed slightly. "...Though, how do you know such details about me?"


    Her eyes narrowed slightly, eyeing her smiling butler with suspicion. However, her sharp gaze only elicited a light chuckle from him.


    "Don''t be so tense, my lady," he teased, tilting his head playfully. "Let''s just say I did my homework for my future master~."


    "I-I see..."


    "Well, moving aside from your accusation toward me¡ª"


    "I was not making an accusation, Sir Sebas."


    "¡ªwhat''s important now is that the nature of magic and mana could help us with our water dilemma," he continued smoothly, ignoring the redhead''s indignant huff.


    "S-Sir Sebas, I''m sorry to ask the obvious question, but," Bella interjected, raising a nervous hand as if asking for permission, "h-how exactly are we going to do just that?"


    "Yeah... how then, Sir Butler?" Martha followed up on Bella''s question, crossing her arms.


    The brunette knight then stepped closer to the chalkboard, scrutinizing the rough sketches on it carefully... as if trying to figure out the supposed location of an actual water source herself.


    "As far as I know, I''ve never heard of using magic to locate a water reservoir. If that were possible, every mage in the kingdom would already know about it¡ªincluding the ones I''ve worked with before."


    "Well, you''re not wrong in that regard, but..." Sebas paused, a knowing smirk creeping onto his lips. "That only applies in normal circumstances~."


    "N-Normal circumstances?" the knight echoed, her brows knitting together in confusion. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sebas responded with a sly smile, as if he alone held the secret to the unknown.


    He took a few slow steps to the side as the ladies watched him in quiet yet anxious curiosity, their confusion growing by the second.


    The butler spread his arms wide¡ªpresenting the very sight behind him...!


    Before them stretched the vast expanse of Anastasia''s current territory¡ªa wild, flatland meadow guarded by the towering log border walls...!


    "Ladies," Sebas began, his voice carrying a weight that made them instinctively listen, "The Garden of Hell is teeming with mana... far beyond what you might expect."


    "W-What do you mean, Sir Sebas...?" Anastasia asked, her brows furrowed in bewilderment.


    "Simply put, my lady," he continued, "as we all know, mana has always been thought to exist only within living beings. Humans, animals, monsters¡ªwe all carry it within us, naturally flowing like the blood in our veins. Even plants, though lesser in comparison, contain traces of mana to sustain their growth."


    "That is correct... but what does that have to do with your claim, Sir Sebas?"


    He smiled once more; his gaze swept over them before he lifted a hand, gesturing toward the land again.


    "Here... in this forsaken land... even the earth, the water, and the very wind around us are brimming with mana!"


    Silence.


    Bella and Martha exchanged a confused glance. Neither of them was particularly adept in Arcana¡ªespecially Bella, who had little-to-no training in magic.


    Martha, at least, possessed a warrior''s instinct, allowing her to sense mana to some degree and utilize basic body enhancement techniques. But even then, her abilities paled in comparison to a true mage''s mana sensing.


    On the other hand, their mistress, Anastasia, who had undergone mage training, stared at the butler as if he had gone senile.


    "That''s absurd, Sir Sebas..." she murmured, shaking her head. "Only magical artifacts or specially enchanted objects can store mana. The idea that raw earth, water, or even the air itself could do the same... that shouldn''t be possible."


    "It''s possible, my lady. The land beneath your feet, the very water that you three bathed in, and even the air you''re breathing right now¡ªevery part of this region is infused with magic."


    "That couldn''t be possible, Sir Sebas..." the redheaded noble challenged in disbelief, "if what you''re saying has any sort of truth, then why have I myself not noticed it...?"


    "It''s because you''ve been trained to sense mana the same way¡ªby detecting fluctuations, movements, and signatures that contrast against a baseline. But here, the baseline itself... is mana."


    "...What?" She stiffened, her lips parting slightly.


    "To put it simply..." Sebas took a step forward, tapping a finger against his temple. "Imagine standing in an empty, silent room. If someone whispers in your ear, you can hear it clearly."


    "...Okay...?"


    "But now, imagine standing in the middle of a roaring storm¡ªwould you still hear that whisper?"


    "...Are you saying... the mana here is so overwhelming that it drowns out all other sources...?!"


    "Exactly." Sebas snapped his fingers. "The mana here is so thick¡ªso overwhelmingly present¡ªthat your ''normal'' senses are drowning in it. Normally, mages detect mana because it stands out against the surroundings¡ªbut here, there is no contrast. Just an endless, seamless flood of mana."


    Anastasia fell silent; her eyes widened at his revelation. She was still grasping the very concept he''d just spouted, still unsure if he was truly telling the truth or if this was just another one of his maddening riddles.


    "...Then how are we supposed to sense it at all?" She finally broke the silence with a wary breath.


    "Well, that''s the trick, isn''t it?" Sebas smiled knowingly. "The key isn''t trying to search for the mana itself... but learning how to filter it."

 Chapter 41 - 4th Day (3) | Well Then... Let’s Build A Well! (3)

    Chapter 41: 4th Day (3) | Well Then... Let''s Build A Well! (3)He stepped closer to the bewildered noble, meeting her gaze directly.


    "S-Sir Sebas...?" Anastasia''s voice wavered, taken aback and also... flustered by the closeness that he had suddenly closed between them. "W-What are you doing...?"


    "My lady... you''ve been taught to expand your mana sense outward, reaching for any sort of disturbances, right?"


    "Y-Yes, I have... That is why I questioned your assertion of this because I could not sense any mana..."


    "That won''t work here. Instead, you must do the opposite¡ªshrink your focus, refine it, and... listen past the noise."


    Anastasia hesitated, trying to grasp his meaning.


    Seeing her uncertainty, Sebas took another step closer, his voice dropping to a softer, instructional tone.


    "Close your eyes."


    "E-Excuse me?" She blinked at him, startled by the command.


    "Close your eyes..." he repeated, more gently this time, "...and slowly breathe."


    After a moment of reluctance...


    "...Okay."


    Anastasia finally complied, letting her eyes slip shut.


    "Now... listen carefully to my instruction, alright?" sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She slowly nodded to his guidance.


    "Listen well," he started, his tone patient yet firm, "don''t reach out for the mana¡ªdon''t chase it. Instead, let it settle... Let it flow naturally... as if you''re watching the currents of a river."


    She inhaled slowly, trying to follow his words. When he mentioned ''river,'' though, her mind couldn''t help but wander back to the river she and her servants had visited yesterday...


    However, the image of that river had turned into a raging stream that could not be quelled.


    She couldn''t understand why that river had become so turbulent, even though she had remembered it quite fondly before as being a gentle stream...


    This imagery, of course, was reflected in her state of self as her face winced in distress.


    But this was something the butler had expected to happen.


    "At first, it will feel like a roaring flood. Wild, uncontrollable, and overwhelming..." he murmured, his voice low and steady against her ear. "But... listen carefully. Beneath the surface, you''ll find something steadier... deeper..."


    Seconds passed in silence.


    The redheaded noble remained focused on her senses while her butler observed her progress.


    Her two other servants, Martha and Bella, watched in silence. They were worried by the somewhat painful expression their mistress was displaying right now...


    However, they would have to trust Sebas. In this short span of days, brief as they might be, the butler had proven his reliability whenever it was needed.


    Thus, they would have to see how his method would unfold as they waited anxiously for their mistress...


    But then¡ª


    Anastasia''s breath hitched.


    Her closed eyelids tightened as something¡ªsomething immense¡ªcame into focus!


    And then her eyes shot wide open, trembling with newfound clarity as she stared at the very sight before her...!


    "The ground... the air... everything¡ª!" she whispered deeply... before she shouted out loud! "It''s glowing...!"


    What she saw with her own eyes was the sight of the ''mana'' itself¡ªvibrant ethereal glows that were all around her...!


    The ground and grass where she stood. The air that she was breathing. Even the simple rock that lay in her vicinity.


    All of them were glowing with an ethereal glow...!


    Anastasia could not believe her own eyes at the very sight. It felt like she''d just opened her eyes to an entirely new reality¡ªone different from what she had always known...


    And it felt almost surreal... nauseating even...!


    Her eyes trembled, confusion and awe overwhelming her. She reeled back, taking a few steps backward as she tried her hardest to stay sane...!


    "Lady Anastasia!"


    "M-My lady!"


    Both Martha and Bella called out in alarm, concern and near panic filling their voices at the state of their mistress. But¡ª


    "You two, calm down."


    Sebas halted their advance with a simple raised hand. The butler stood behind Anastasia, placing a firm yet steadying hand on her back to prevent her from falling.


    "S-Sir Sebas...?" Anastasia herself stammered as she felt his rough hand on her back¡ªbut not the butler himself.


    She turned her head slightly, glancing over her shoulder¡ª


    And then she saw it.


    A massive, surging aura of mana¡ªdense, suffocating, and far more intense than anything else around her...!


    Unlike the somewhat gentle, ambient glow surrounding everything else...


    His mana felt like an unfathomable abyss, vast and deep, pulling everything into its presence... a force of nature beyond human comprehension, dominating the space around them...!


    Her breath hitched. The sheer magnitude of it made her body tense on instinct...!


    And Sebas, the source of this suffocating pressure, noticed her apparent discomfort. He then calmly lowered his mana ''level'' in response to her state.


    In her eyes, his overwhelming surge of mana began to shrink. He controlled it with unnerving ease... until it reached a level no different from an ordinary mage.


    At the very least, his mana no longer crushed her under its weight.


    "Lady Ana, focus," he ordered, his voice steady but firm. "Your vision should not waver. Do not let yourself get distracted."


    "I-I understand..."


    Anastasia swallowed hard, forcing herself to return her gaze forward. The world still shimmered with mana, but... she couldn''t ignore the lingering unease in the back of her mind.


    ''...What even is he...?''


    "My lady," he called, his voice breaking her out of her reverie.


    "Y-Yes, Sir Sebas?"


    "In your own eyes... what do you see?"


    "H-Huh..?" She blinked, confused, but then realized what he meant. "...I-I am seeing the mana."


    "The mana...?"


    "Yes..."


    "From where, pray tell?"


    "The ground, the grass, the rocks and pebbles, and even the wind itself..." she murmured, "...everything in my sight glows with mana."


    "I see... Then can you tell me what kind of glow these things are emitting?"


    "Y-Yes, I could..." she responded, "the ground glows with a light brown hue, the grass a dark green, the wind that is blowing against my face a light green..."


    "Very good, my lady," he acknowledged, stopping her description for a moment. "Then... can you scan the ground and grass once more?"


    "H-Huh? W-What for, Sir Sebas? Didn''t I just tell you about it...?"


    "Indeed, you did, my lady," the butler replied cheerfully, "but I want you to once more just scan them again. Very, very thoroughly..."

 Chapter 42 - 4th Day (4) | Well Then... Let’s Build A Well! (4)

    Chapter 42: 4th Day (4) | Well Then... Let''s Build A Well! (4)"I-I understand..." Anastasia complied with her butler''s request.


    The redheaded noble then focused her ''enhanced'' mana-sensing eyes on the sight in front of her. Her vision was still filled with the same glow as before... and she was starting to question her butler''s wish...


    However, something caught her attention¡ª!


    There was a patch of land in the far distance where, instead of the same brown and dark green hues, this time, it glowed a different color...!


    "W-what is that?" She hesitated, finding an anomaly among the anomalous. "There''s something... different about that part of the land..."


    "I see..." Sebas mused, a small smile appearing on his face. "Care to explain what you are seeing, my lady?"


    "That part over there... is blue."


    "Blue, you say?"


    "Yes... an odd blue hue glow that is radiating and contrasting against the other glow around it," she noted, her voice wavering with a mix of awe and confusion.


    "Is that so?" he asked, earning a nod from the mistress. "With that in mind, could you imagine why that particular patch of land is glowing blue, my lady?"


    "W-what do you mean, Sir Sebas?"


    "I''m just asking if you know why that would be blue instead of another color," he explained. "Then let me ask you another question: What color is the grass and ground emitting in your eyes other than that patch of land again?"


    "A-ah, yes. The ground itself glows an earthy brown and... the grass is dark green, like a plant''s color... wait¡ª!" She quickly realized his intention! "The colors! It represents an element! Which means¡ª!"


    Sebas let out a smile of approval at her finding as she quickly scanned back to that particular patch of land once more.


    "...Water!"


    "Correct, my lady~."


    "A-are you truly serious, Sir Sebas...?" she asked, her voice rising with the beat of her heart. "Does that patch of land... truly contain water...?!"


    Sebas could tell the excitement that was apparent in her words, and it brought a smile to the butler. "Yep, that''s water alright."


    His approval brought a smile to the young noblewoman; the feeling of triumph welling up inside her.


    Anastasia''s heart raced with excitement, and without another thought, she rushed forward toward the glowing patch of land.


    She lifted the hem of her long red dress, her steps quick and determined as her eyes locked on the destination ahead...!


    "L-Lady Anastasia?!"


    "M-my Lady?!?"


    Her two female servants, Bella and Martha, exchanged a quick glance before darting after her, their footsteps frantic as they struggled to keep up.


    "W-wait, my lady!"


    "Where are you going, Your Grace?!?"


    They hadn''t expected their mistress to start running out of nowhere, especially not with such urgency.


    Sebas, who had been watching with mild amusement, let out a soft chuckle at their frantic running. The butler wasn''t really concerned, and instead, he walked casually after them.


    The closer she got, the brighter the blue glow became, and she felt a surge of triumph in her chest... and finally, Anastasia came to a stop at the glowing patch of land...!


    "This is it...!" she exclaimed loudly, as if she had discovered a hidden treasure!


    Bella and Martha arrived at her side, breathless from their chase¡ªespecially the blonde maid, who had to take a moment to catch her breath, her hand resting on her chest.


    "L-Lady Anastasia...! What''s going on? Why did you run off like that, my lady?" Martha asked, her voice tinged with concern.


    The mistress turned toward her two loyal servants, her face lit up with excitement, her eyes sparkling. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This spot right here, Martha!" she said, her voice filled with confidence. "This is where we''ll get our water!"


    "H-huh...?!"


    Bella and Martha exchanged puzzled glances, their confusion clear, before they turned back to the elated Anastasia.


    "H-how can you be so sure, my lady...?" Bella asked, still catching her breath. "I-if I may ask, w-what makes you believe there''s water beneath this spot of land...?"


    "Allow me to answer your confusion, ladies~."


    Just as they were about to voice more questions, the deliberate steps of their eccentric butler grew closer. As they all turned their attention to him, they were met with his usual grin.


    "Our Lady Ana here can now see the glow of mana that''s emanating from this godforsaken land, and it''s no surprise that even the water, especially one that sits still and gets exposed to a ton of mana for a long time, would emit a similar glow."


    "W-wait, what...?!" The knight was taken aback; never had she thought such a thing was possible. "Are you for real, Sir Butler?!"


    Her skepticism was met with just a smirk of amusement from the butler.


    "Exactly! The mana is the clue!" Her mistress suddenly chimed in, her excitement still overflowing. "This spot right here is saturated with the water''s mana!"


    Her two female servants stood still for a moment, still trying to process the whole thing¡ªthe butler''s revelation and, especially, their mistress''s enthusiasm.


    They didn''t fully understand how it worked, but seeing the certainty in Lady Anastasia''s eyes made them trust her judgment.


    "W-well, if my lady says so, then it must be true," Martha relented, nodding hesitantly.


    "Ah, what~? You don''t trust me, Miss Knight?" Sebas teased with a playful pout. "I thought you had been warming up to me..."


    "W-wha¡ª?! Don''t get me wrong here, Sir Butler! This isn''t about some trust issue!" She stammered, flustered. However, she then pointed an accusatory finger at him instead. "But even so¡ªif you knew how to detect a water source yourself, why didn''t you tell us in the first place?!"


    "Hehe~, where''s the fun in that if I just give you ladies everything from the get-go?"


    "Y-you scoundrel butler...! Don''t toy around with Lady Anastasia''s life!"


    Sebas merely let out a hearty laugh at her outburst, unfazed by her glare.


    "Oh, don''t be like that, Miss Knight~," he mused, waving a hand dismissively. "You''ll hurt my poor heart."


    "You damn butler...!"


    She was about to shoot another retort, but... in the blink of an eye, that butler had pulled out a sturdy-looking shovel out of thin air!


    "W-what, w-where did you¡ª"


    "Now then," he cut her off with a grin, resting the shovel over his shoulder. "Let''s get to work, ladies. We''re digging ourselves a well~."

 Chapter 43 - 4th, 5th, 6th Days | Well Then... It’s time to Dig the Well! (1)

    Chapter 43: 4th, 5th, 6th Days | Well Then... It''s time to Dig the Well! (1)The single, small patch of land where Anastasia had pointed out as their water source had been marked, and preparations were in place.


    The butler, Sebas, had forgone his butler coat once more, the sturdy shovel resting on his shoulder as he observed the marked spot with interest.


    Beside him, the armor-less knight, Martha, stretched her arms and body, ready for the labor ahead.


    "Alright then, let''s get this over with," the knight muttered, already bracing herself for the grueling work.


    "Glad to see you''re so eager, Miss Knight~," Sebas mused, amused by her determination. "Shall we begin?"


    Martha shot him a side glance, exhaling sharply. "Yeah, yeah, let''s start already."


    And with that, the digging commenced.


    The first day was all about breaking ground.


    With shovels in hand, the ragtag duo dug through the dry earth, piling the excess dirt to the side in neat mounds.


    "You two, make sure the pit doesn''t exceed the planned width," Anastasia ordered, her voice firm as she overlooked the process.


    Their mistress, Anastasia, supervised the entire process, occasionally offering feedback on the hole''s dimensions.


    Not only that, but she was also keeping a steady stream of fresh air flowing into the deepening pit using wind Arcana.


    "E-everyone, I''ve made some lunch...!" Bella called out, balancing a tray of food and drink.


    The maid, of course, took on the role of ensuring everyone was well-fed, preparing meals and refreshments throughout the day while also helping out in any way possible.


    By the time the sun set on the first day, the well had begun to take shape, and the pit had already reached a depth of three meters... yet, there was still no sign of water.


    "Hah... hah... is there really water here...?" Martha asked, a bit doubtful of their work. She was lying on her rear on the ground, tired and somewhat annoyed.


    Hearing her knight''s exhaustion, Anastasia felt a pang of guilt. "Martha... forgive me if I''ve troubled you..."


    "Ah! M-my lady! I''m sorry! I did not mean to doubt you...!" the knight quickly added, sitting up straight in alarm.


    She knew Lady Anastasia had been the one to spot this patch of land, and she would never doubt her mistress. So... the next best thing was to glare at the butler, who stood watching the well alongside a curious Bella. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Oi, butler. Are you sure there''s really a water reservoir down there? You''re not joking here, right?"


    "Hmm? Oh yeah, it''s there. Don''t worry," Sebas said casually. "I can feel the water''s strong mana, so we''re digging in the right spot."


    His certainty left Martha momentarily silent... before she let out a sigh. "Fine, I guess."


    < | X | >


    Now on the second day, the real challenge began.


    The deeper they dug, the harder the soil became, requiring more force. The constant removal of dirt became an ordeal in itself, and with each passing hour, the air inside the pit grew heavier.


    "Ugh..." Anastasia groaned, trying to maintain her focus as she channeled her wind Arcana.


    She worked tirelessly to maintain a steady current of fresh air, ensuring that her two servants didn''t suffocate in the confined space.


    "Y-you can do it, everyone...!" Bella cheered on the side, trying her best to support the rest.


    Their well-digging continued until sunset again, with the pit''s depth increasing to six meters deep.


    < | X | >


    Then, on the morning of the third day¡ª


    Splurt!


    "There it is!!!"


    "W-what-!?!"


    At first, there was only a faint trickle of water seeping in through the soil... then, all at once¡ªSPLURT!¡ªa sudden surge erupted from the ground, dousing both Sebas and Martha in an instant!


    "Water~!!!" Sebas exclaimed loudly, finally getting the promised water!


    On the other hand¡ª


    "¡ªBwah?!" Martha barely had time to react as the water soaked her face and her body to the bone.


    Both Sebas and Martha leaped out of the well just as the water erupted wildly, surging all the way to ground level!


    "Wha¡ª?!" Anastasia gasped, stepping back in shock¡ªnot just from seeing her two servants jump out of the well but also from the burst of water shooting up from it!


    Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of the strong surge of water continuously spurting, seemingly with no end...!


    But eventually... her initial surprise melted into excitement.


    "We did it! We did it!!!" she cried out, her eyes gleaming with triumph.


    "W-what''s going on?! E-everyone...!" Bella''s frantic voice rang out as she came running toward the commotion.


    However, she skidded to a stop upon seeing the source of all the noise.


    "...Eh?" The maid blinked at the gushing water, then at the drenched duo, her brain struggling to catch up with everything happening.


    But then her mistress turned around to her and quickly grasped her delicate hands in a tight grip.


    "W-whu-?!"


    "Bella! We did it! We found the water!" Anastasia beamed, practically bouncing in place as she shared her excitement with the startled maid.


    Eventually, Bella came to her senses, her expression mirroring Lady Anastasia''s elation.


    "H-hurray~!!! My lady! You guys found the water!"


    "We sure did~!"


    Back to the drenched duo...


    Sebas wiped the water from his face as he observed the bursting stream with satisfaction, a smile of triumph tugging at his lips.


    "We did it..." Martha muttered, catching his attention.


    He turned toward his digging partner and saw that she, too, was smiling¡ªnot just in relief but in genuine pride. Any doubts she had harbored before had been washed away, proving their efforts were not in vain.


    But... the drenched knight suddenly realized something.


    She looked down at herself and saw her tank top, which she had chosen for better mobility, clinging tightly to her body from being wet¡ªturning it see-through under the sunlight!


    Her eyes widened as she caught Sebas''s gaze lingering on her. Her face flushed instantly, and she froze, realizing the state of her appearance.


    "...!"


    In a split second, her face turned deep crimson with embarrassment!


    "D-don''t look...!!!"


    Without hesitation, she spun around and hid away her chest from Sebas''s knowing gaze. The butler himself only threw a sly smile before turning away from the grumpy knight.


    "I''m not looking, Miss Knight~."

 Chapter 44 - 6th - 8th Days | Well Then... It’s time to Dig the Well! (2)

    Chapter 44: 6th - 8th Days | Well Then... It''s time to Dig the Well! (2)The embarrassed knight continued to glare daggers at the mischievous butler; irritated by his nonchalant attitude.


    On the side, both Anastasia and Bella, who had been watching their antics, couldn''t help but let out giggles of their own, always amused by their usual banter.


    "Martha~! Sir Sebas~!" the mistress called as she approached them, followed by Bella, who had promptly brought out towels for the two to dry off.


    "Lady Anastasia! We found the water reservoir that you spoke of!" Martha quickly reported, brushing wet strands of hair from her face. She also graciously took the towel from Bella''s hand to dry herself off.


    "Hehe, indeed, I can clearly see that," Anastasia remarked, amused by their drenched state, much to her knight''s embarrassment. "So... the next plan would be to build the well structure itself, correct?"


    "Correct, my lady. But still..." The knight turned toward the gushing water, which seemed to be slowing down gradually. "...What would be the best material for the well''s structure itself?"


    "Materials, huh... Wouldn''t lumber suffice?"


    "Well, we could use it, but... I''m afraid it wouldn''t last long enough and would eventually rot."


    "Hmm, indeed... that would be a problem," the young noblewoman mused, tapping her chin in thought. She then turned to her other drenched servant, who was also drying himself with a towel, courtesy of her maid.


    "Sir Sebas, pardon me for asking, but... what do you think? How should we build the well structure?"


    "Hmmm... I think I heard that in the old days, they would use stone for reinforcement," he suggested.


    "The old days...?" She blinked, curious but also confused by his choice of words. "W-well, either way, yes, we could use stone for the foundation. However..."


    "We don''t have any stone material, do we, my lady?" Martha interjected, already realizing the issue with that choice. Anastasia solemnly nodded in agreement.


    "And there''s no stone in sight either, huh..." Bella also added, glancing around.


    The vast meadows of her mistress''s region were mostly flatlands without any rocky terrain they could use.


    Their head butler had also not brought any stone building materials from Florentia during his last supply trip, making stone an unviable option...


    "I should have instructed you to buy stone building materials instead of just lumber..." Anastasia admitted, somewhat guilty for not thinking ahead.


    "No, no, my lady. We don''t have to go all the way back," Sebas reassured her, waving a hand dismissively. "We can''t use lumber without processing it first, but stone? We can gather it locally and use it immediately."


    "Locally...?"


    "I-immediately, Sir Sebas...?!?"


    "...What do you mean, Sir Sebas?" Anastasia inquired, a bit of doubt creeping into her voice.


    Her butler simply smiled before turning around... and dashing away!


    "W-what?! Sir Sebas?!"


    They all just stood there, stunned by the butler''s sudden departure. His figure vanished from sight as he leaped over the region''s border wall, leaving them in silent shock.


    "Where is Sir Sebas going...?" Bella broke the silence with the question on everyone''s mind.


    "...Finding stone, if I had to guess," Anastasia sighed, exasperated by her butler''s unpredictability.


    "Where exactly would he even get some to begin with...?" Martha grumbled, folding her arms.


    The three of them could only wait for his return, idly lingering around the well hole that had filled with water¡ªdiscussing the well''s structure and, of course, their on-errand butler.


    But eventually... that butler returned¡ªcarrying a giant boulder on his shoulder.


    "Everyone~! I''m back~!"


    "Wh-where did you even get that...?!" Anastasia asked, genuinely baffled.


    "From a nearby mountain~," he answered cheerfully, as if carrying a boulder the size of a carriage was an everyday task.


    He then brought down the giant boulder to the ground¡ª


    THUD!


    ¡ªcausing a small tremor in the ground, temporarily startling Anastasia and Bella. The one who remained unfazed was Martha, though her annoyed expression was deepening by the second.


    "...And how exactly are we going to use this giant boulder, Sir Butler?" Martha asked as she approached Sebas, eyeing the massive rock beside him.


    "We crack it open, of course~."


    "...What?"


    Without further delay, the butler suddenly took an odd fighting stance. Legs spread, one arm extended, the other pulled back¡ª


    Martha raised a brow. "...What in the world are you¡ª"


    He punched the boulder straight on!


    Crack...! Crack...!! Crack!!!


    With a single, precise punch, the massive boulder shattered into smaller, usable chunks!


    "Now we have stone materials~," he declared, satisfied.


    The silence that followed was almost deafening.


    Anastasia blinked. Bella gawked. Martha rubbed her temples, as if nursing an oncoming headache.


    "You absolute monster of a butler..." the knight muttered under her breath, exasperated.


    Ignoring her remark, Sebas dusted off his hands and smiled. "Well then, shall we get to assembling?"


    < | X | >


    It took another two days, but the well''s structure slowly came together.


    Stone by stone, they lined the interior, ensuring its stability. With meticulous care, they constructed a sturdy frame, reinforcing it with wooden beams for additional support.


    And finally, as the sun set on the last day of construction...


    "This is the last one, Sir Butler," Martha said as she carefully carried the last part of the Well with Sebas himself.


    "Got it. Just a bit more... and done."


    Sebas and Martha finally put and installed the finishing touch: a roofed structure over the well, complete with a pulley system that the butler himself had gone and retrieved¡ªin a flash, no less¡ªfrom Florentia.


    The moment the final piece was set in place, he and the three ladies stepped back to admire the finished well...!


    "...We did it," Anastasia breathed, pride swelling in her chest as she witnessed another step of progress in her region come to fruition.


    Martha, despite her exhaustion, smirked. "Hah, we sure did, my lady." S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "It looks amazing...!" Bella cheered, eyes sparkling.


    Sebas himself... only smiled at their reactions, glad that they liked the end result.


    The young noblewoman turned to her three servants, the completed well standing behind her... and gratitude shining in her eyes.


    "Everyone, well done. You have all worked so hard and made this possible," she praised, drawing their attention. They all gladly looked to their mistress as they saw a proud smile etched on her beautiful visage. "Thank you for your hard work."


    Martha, Bella, and Sebas exchanged a glance, their faces lighting up with smiles, before they turned back to their mistress and gave their gratitude back to her.


    "Thank you, my lady!"

 Chapter 45 - 8th Days (2) | Another Midnight Conversation (1)

    Chapter 45: 8th Days (2) | Another Midnight Conversation (1)The night had fallen in Anastasia''s region, with only the crescent moon in the sky offering its dim light...


    But there was also another source¡ªthe flickering glow of a lone campfire in the middle of the vast land.


    Accompanying and enjoying its warmth was the lonely yet content butler as he sat near it. He wore only a simple white t-shirt, as his other clothes were still damp from all the well-digging he had contributed to earlier.


    The butler gazed into the crackling flames... a wooden cup of beverage resting in his hand. He took a small sip, then returned his unfocused stare to the almost hypnotic firepit.


    He would have continued to idly indulge in his solitude... but the sound of a wooden door creaking open caught his attention.


    He turned his head back toward the source of the sound¡ªthe small wooden house¡ªand found the familiar, beautiful visage of his mistress, Anastasia.


    "Can''t sleep again, Lady Ana?" the butler asked, his voice teasing... yet also laced with quiet understanding.


    ''Lady Ana'' smiled sheepishly at his remark. "Somewhat so, Sir Sebas... However, I also wished to take a small night stroll to burn some of my earlier excitement."


    "Is that so, huh..." He smiled at the sight of Anastasia''s bright expression, already able to tell her mood.


    He could tell that the young noblewoman was still feeling the lingering thrill, the exhilaration from seeing yet another step of progress being made for her region.


    Thus, now, she couldn''t exactly sleep.


    She stepped closer to her nonchalant butler by the campfire... But, as she came near him, her gaze flickered downward, and she blinked in surprise¡ªher eyes settling on the cup in his hand, then on the subtle red tint across his usually composed face.


    "Sir Sebas...! I did not expect you to consume alcoholic beverages," she gasped, her voice carrying a hint of disbelief.


    "Heh, surprised?" he mused, a small chuckle escaping him at her reaction. "Well, I suppose I''m feeling a bit festive tonight, so I couldn''t help myself."


    "You too, huh...?" she murmured in amusement, feeling oddly entertained by this newfound discovery about her butler. "...Do you mind if I also enjoy a bit of warmth here?"


    "Heh~, you want a sip of alcohol too~?"


    "N-no, I must politely decline the offer, Sir Sebas," she stammered, a bit flustered by his teasing. "I-I simply wanted to ask if I could sit here with you..."


    "Hahaha~, of course, my lady," he mused with a hearthy chuckle before taking another sip from his cup, exhaling a satisfied sigh.


    The redheaded noble then promptly sat on the wooden chair near her butler, the warmth of the fire brushing against her face.


    However, the warmth she was feeling was not just from the crackling flames but also... from the presence of her enigmatic butler, who was casually enjoying his drink.


    A comfortable silence settled between them as they simply enjoyed each other''s company... S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But eventually...


    "...Sir Sebas?" Anastasia broke the silence, calling his attention.


    "Hmm? What is it, my lady?"


    Anastasia hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering between the fire and the butler beside her. Then, as if gathering her thoughts...


    "Sir Sebas... You have taught me how to filter my mana sense, yes?"


    Sebas glanced at her, tilting his head slightly. "Mm, I did. Is something on your mind, my lady?"


    She nodded, fidgeting with her hands on her lap.


    "W-well... I was simply wondering... How did you come to know such things?" She shifted her gaze to him, her expression tinged with curiosity. "You explained it so clearly to me, yet... I have never come across such a method in the Academy''s Arcana curriculum. That is why I cannot help but wonder¡ªwhere did you discover this?"


    Hearing her curiosity, the butler let out a small chuckle. "Well, to put it simply... I experimented."


    Anastasia blinked, not expecting such a blunt answer. "You... experimented?"


    "That''s right," Sebas replied, further amused by her reaction. "The first time I visited this place, I didn''t fully realize the overwhelming amount of mana in this land. The mana here is so dense and deeply intertwined with the surroundings... that it''s almost impossible to detect with a normal mage''s mana sense."


    She continued to listen to his explanation, intrigued by his findings.


    "At first, you might feel somewhat suffocated by the pressure emitted from this land, but I found that the longer you stay here, the easier it becomes to breathe," he continued. "It might have something to do with our bodies adapting to this environment, though I wouldn''t know for sure if that was the case."


    "That... does explain a lot..." she murmured, digesting his words. "...When my two aides and I first arrived in this land, there was a moment when we felt somewhat suffocated by the air... but eventually, that feeling subsided, and we returned to normal."


    "Well, good for you ladies then~," the butler mused, smirking slightly. "It could mean that you three were lucky enough to adapt to the new environment."


    "Is that how you see it, Sir Sebas?"


    "Well, it might be, because... the possible alternative ''worst case scenario'' would have been you three succumbing to mana poisoning."


    "M-mana poisoning...?!" Anastasia stiffened, eyes widening in alarm. "I-is that even possible, Sir Sebas...?"


    "Well, in theory, yeah," Sebas answered casually, taking yet another sip of his alcohol. "There''s a chance that the overwhelming mana in this place could seep into your body, accumulating slowly like a poison."


    His words sent a chill down her spine, a momentary dread creeping into her thoughts. She couldn''t help but imagine the worst-case scenario¡ªher and her loyal aides succumbing to a slow, agonizing death from an unknown force...


    "Ah, sorry, sorry. Didn''t mean to scare you there," he quickly reassured her, noticing the distress on her face. "Don''t worry, my lady. The amount of mana here is relatively safe for you three."


    "I-is that true, Sir Sebas...?"


    "Yeah, I guarantee you it''s somewhat safe here," he replied, swirling his drink lazily. "We''re pretty much at the outskirts of the Garden of Hell, where the mana levels are more tolerable... however¡ª"


    His gaze drifted toward the horizon¡ªto the deeper parts of the godforsaken land.


    "¡ªThe closer you get to the center, the stronger... and possibly more toxic, the mana will become."

 Chapter 46 - 8th Days (3) | Another Midnight Conversation (2)

    Chapter 46: 8th Days (3) | Another Midnight Conversation (2)Hearing his explanation made Anastasia pause, filling her with curiosity and unease. But a thought crossed her mind regarding this new information she''d received.


    "...Was that why you stopped us in this spot of land?" she inquired, recalling the memorable moment when she had witnessed the mountain pile of dead monsters... and, of course, her first meeting with Sebas. "...I''ve been wondering why we chose to establish our settlement here in the ''outskirts'' of the Garden of Hell, given how vast this region is."


    "Yup, spot on~," he chuckled, grinning. "You''re a pretty sharp gal, my lady."


    "Your words flatter me, Sir Sebas," she remarked, a small smirk gracing her lips, further amusing the butler.


    "Well, what you said was indeed true: I''ve made this spot right here the ''safe zone'' for your region."


    "''Safe zone,'' you say? From the toxic mana environment and even stronger monsters, I presume?"


    "Yeah... ideally, you''d want the very center of the region to be the capital of the territory itself, but that wasn''t a viable option due to that reason," he explained, his tone turning more serious, "and of course, there''s also the matter of the strategic placement of our region."


    "Such as logistics and trade routes, correct?" she noted thoughtfully. "I understand that the further we are from Florentia, the harder it is for us to acquire the supplies needed for our region... and especially considering the matter of safety as well."


    Anastasia thought through his reasoning well, finding the logic behind it sound. The young noblewoman... had also expected to receive praise from Sebas for her insight, but... his expression was different.


    He had a small frown adorning his face as his serious gaze stared at the flickering flame...


    "...Yeah, I thought about that as well. But to be honest... I would''ve preferred if we were as far away from Florentia as possible."


    "What...?!" she gasped, taken aback by his statement. "W-why would you prefer for us to be away from Florentia, Sir Sebas...?"


    "..."


    He did not answer her question, further confusing her. She was somewhat shocked that her own butler would even say such a thing... as if he himself harbored a negative view of the kingdom.


    "S-Sir Sebas, do you..." she paused, finding it hard to convey her words, but she forced herself to continue, "...do you perhaps harbor resentment against Florentia?"


    She feared that her own butler held a certain disdain for the kingdom... as she herself had experienced hatred and malice from the same kingdom...


    Even if those were a somewhat ''reasonable'' consequence of her crime against the kingdom''s royalty.


    Even so... she couldn''t let this go further.


    No matter the reason, harboring such negativity toward the kingdom would not bode well for anyone... and she feared that if her butler truly resented Florentia, it might lead to actions she could not condone.


    Her butler remained silent, further worrying her as the flickering firelight cast shadows over his unreadable expression...


    But then¡ª


    "Pffthaha¡ª!"


    A hearty laugh burst from his lips, breaking the tense atmosphere!


    "...Huh?"


    She blinked, staring in bewilderment at the laughing butler.


    Just moments ago, he had been deep in thought, his gaze heavy with unspoken words¡ªand now he was laughing as if she had told a ridiculous joke.


    "Hahh... sorry, sorry." He wiped a stray tear from the corner of his eye, his shoulders still shaking with amusement. "You looked so serious just now, my lady. You really thought I held some deep grudge against the kingdom?"


    "W-was that not the case...?"


    "Nah, nothing like that," he replied smoothly, taking another sip from his alcoholic beverage before letting out a satisfied sigh. "Hah...! Well, I just think it''d be best if this region of yours stood on its own rather than relying too much on Florentia. Independence is a good thing, don''t you think?"


    His words were reassuring, but something about them felt... off.


    Anastasia couldn''t quite place it, but there was a weight behind his explanation¡ªlike a truth left unspoken...


    Still, she decided not to press the matter. If he truly meant what he said, then there was no point dwelling on unnecessary doubts.


    "...I see." She exhaled softly, choosing to let the topic rest. "T-then, let''s return to that mana thing you mentioned, Sir Sebas."


    "Sure~. What do you want to know, my lady?"


    She had to pause for a moment, collecting her thoughts... and with it, one stood out from the rest.


    "...The monsters in this region... are they the result of that extreme amount of mana?" She asked cautiously, her voice tinged with curiosity and concern.


    "The monsters?" He raised an eyebrow, feigning curiosity at her words. "What makes you think that?"


    "...If this land is overflowing with mana... then the monsters here must also be affected by it. That explains why they are so powerful compared to those outside this region."


    "Sharp as always, my lady," he praised her once more, "but that itself is still a theory."


    "A theory...?"


    "There are a lot of theories as to why the monsters here are so damn strong, and that one IS among the most plausible," he admitted, but his voice carried a hint of uncertainty. "...The problem is that nobody knows why this place has such a high mana density to begin with."


    "...Wouldn''t it be because of the fabled sealed demon king?"


    "That too could be a reason, but nobody has ever found the so-called demon king here... not even me~."


    "Y-you have tried?"


    "I sure did~," he confirmed with a grin, but his smile turned melancholic. "...But I couldn''t find any sort of clue or evidence that the demon king is even here."


    "I see..."


    Anastasia frowned slightly, mulling over his words. But... another thought crossed her mind once again.


    "Sir Sebas... If the creatures here are truly affected by the dense mana... then would the same apply to us as well?" She asked, her voice lowering slightly with concern, "...You, me, Martha, Bella... and anyone who decides to live here in the future?"


    Sebas swirled his drink for a moment before answering truthfully...


    "Yup. No exception."


    "...!" Anastasia inhaled sharply. "T-then, does that mean...?!"


    "Ahahaha~," he let out another hearty chuckle, shaking his head. "Relax~, my lady. You won''t just turn into a monster overnight."


    "A-are you sure about that?"


    "Yup, pretty sure." He took another sip, exhaling once again. But this time... his expression was melancholic. "You''re not gonna turn into a monster... I promise you that."


    His promise brought her silence for a moment, the sudden seriousness behind his words catching her off guard. She wasn''t sure why... but something about it unsettled her.


    "Well, either way, I advise you ladies not to stray further into the region... yet."


    "Y-yet...?!"


    "Sooner or later, we will have to venture into the heart of this region, you know," he said, his voice carrying an odd mix of excitement and something else... something heavier. "So be prepared for a future adventure, alright, my lady?"


    "...Alright, I guess." She sighed, glancing toward the distant darkness that swallowed the land beyond their camp. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And so, the night continued, their conversation drifting beneath the star-strewn sky of the Garden of Hell...


    ...With the prospect of this region''s future hanging in the air, uncertain yet inevitable.

 Chapter 47 - 9th Days (1) | Don’t ’Waste’ Your Time (1)

    Chapter 47: 9th Days (1) | Don''t ''Waste'' Your Time (1)The rhythmic sound of hammering echoed through Anastasia''s territory, the morning sun already high in the sky, casting a gentle warmth over the land.


    Thonk. Thonk. Thonk.


    "Whistle~?."


    A light whistle accompanied the rhythmic strikes, almost melodic in nature. The culprit behind the hammering worked with an easygoing tune, relaxed as he handled the wooden materials in his hands.


    Naturally, such noise would attract curious passersby... in the form of a red-haired noblewoman and her two aides.


    Anastasia, with Martha and Bella following closely behind, made her way toward the source.


    Her brows furrowed slightly as she took in the sight before her...


    Her butler, Sebas, was busy assembling what appeared to be... a tiny wooden structure?


    "Sir Sebas... what are you working on?" she asked, curiosity lacing her tone.


    Her question naturally caught the butler''s attention. He halted his hammering, turning back toward them.


    Surprise was etched all over his face upon finding the trio of women watching him with interest, but his surprise quickly turned into a cheerful smile.


    "Oh, hey! Good morning, ladies~!" He greeted them cheerfully, as usual, ever nonchalant.


    "What is this, Sir Butler?" Martha asked, crossing her arms with the same curiosity as her mistress. "I didn''t realize we had any plans to build something."


    "S-such a tiny building, too..." Bella added, tilting her head in confusion. "I-if I may be so blunt, w-what exactly is the purpose of this building, Sir Sebas...?"


    Of course, they were all confused by the sudden construction of such a structure.


    It wasn''t a house, nor a shed¡ªit was too small for that. And yet, the door took up nearly the entire front...


    Then, as Sebas turned around to face the trio, a bright grin spread across his face. With both arms open wide, he proudly introduced them to his creation¡ª


    "A toilet~."


    "..." Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The ladies fell into silence, their thoughts momentarily halting.


    Then, after a brief pause, the gears in their minds finally clicked.


    "A toilet...!?"


    Their reaction earned a hearty laugh from the butler.


    "That''s right," Sebas said, turning back to his work, reinforcing the structure of the ''toilet.'' "Since we have a steady source of water, the next best thing we''d need, of course... is somewhere to dump our dump~."


    His blunt remark earned a collective stare from the three women.


    "W-well, I guess that makes sense, Sir Sebas," Anastasia muttered after a moment, brushing aside her initial surprise. "Good job, Sir Sebas."


    "Why, thank you, my lady," he replied, glancing back at them... but the smirk on his face was far too knowing. "After all, we''ve all been doing it in the open wild. A bit of privacy would be nice, wouldn''t it?"


    "..."


    Yet another blunt remark.


    A heavy silence fell upon the three ladies as an unpleasant memory from the past week resurfaced in their minds¡ªone they would have preferred to forget.


    "P-please do not remind me of such things, Sir Sebas..." Anastasia stammered, flustered, a faint shade of red creeping up her face.


    A sentiment shared by her blonde maid, who was blushing like a ripe tomato.


    "Sigh... Don''t make your mistress lose her dignity, Sir Butler," Martha huffed, exasperated by his antics.


    As someone who had her fair share of outdoor life during her time in the Kingdom''s Army, the knight wasn''t particularly fazed by the topic. However, that didn''t mean she didn''t appreciate the thought. Privacy was a luxury¡ªeven for a knight.


    But even so, something else came to the knight''s attention.


    "Wait... how do you plan to handle the waste, Sir Butler?" she asked, crossing her arms.


    Sebas, still hammering away at the wooden frame, simply replied, "I dug a huge hole underneath."


    Martha blinked. "A-all by yourself?"


    He gave a casual nod. "Yup."


    They were indeed surprised by this fact alone, as they all remembered yesterday''s well-digging that took them days to even finish...


    Yet, apparently, it took the butler just one night for this ''toilet.''


    "S-since when did you start making this, S-sir Sebas...?" Bella chimed in with her question.


    "Hm? Oh, from last night," he answered nonchalantly, adjusting one of the wooden planks. "I couldn''t sleep, so the next best thing was to spend my time doing something useful."


    "F-from last night?" Anastasia muttered, staring at the almost-finished structure in disbelief.


    She vaguely remembered dismissing herself to sleep, leaving Sebas still hanging around the campfire... but never had she thought he would choose to do something else instead of resting.


    "S-Sir Sebas, you shouldn''t have forced yourself to work so much," the mistress said, concern evident in her voice. "I don''t want you to overexert yourself..."


    "Don''t worry, Lady Ana, I''m fine," he reassured her with his usual ease. But still, he smiled¡ªpleased that his mistress was worried about him. "Well... it''s really just a simple waste dump, so it wasn''t too much trouble on my own. Compared to the large well we dug yesterday, this is nothing~."


    Martha, on the other hand, had another concern in mind. "Still... wouldn''t it start piling up and... well, stink?"


    The waste would have to be dealt with at some point¡ªnormally a task for the lower servants in a household. But here, with only the three of them... that responsibility would inevitably fall on one of them...


    And that was something both Martha and Bella would rather avoid at all costs.


    However, instead of answering immediately, a grin stretched from ear to ear on Sebas'' face¡ªas if he had been expecting that question from the very start.


    "Good question, Miss Knight~!"


    "H-huh? W-what do you mean...?" she asked, staring suspiciously at the butler''s mischievous expression.


    But again, he wasn''t fazed, the grin on his face still wide as ever...


    But that grin? The three ladies soon realized¡ªdreadfully¡ªthat it was the kind of grin that meant their eccentric butler had prepared yet something unsettling for them...!


    He put down his hammer for a moment... then walked over to an unassuming ''box'' near the pile of tools and lumber nearby.


    "Uhh... what are you doing?" The knight continued to press, but his silence only further confused her and even other two.


    The butler picked up the single ''content'' inside the box... and then showed it to the three ladies!


    "This is the solution to our waste problem~!"


    And in his hand... was a blob of slime.

 Chapter 48 - 9th Days (2) | Don’t ’Waste’ Your Time (2)

    Chapter 48: 9th Days (2) | Don''t ''Waste'' Your Time (2)The three ladies stared at the very thing¡ªthe very creature¡ªthat rested on the palm of their butler''s gloved hand.


    The slime was a simple, round-shaped blob of water... almost resembling a clear drop of liquid...


    But, of course, it was much larger and quite bouncy. With just a simple movement of the butler''s hand, the little thing jiggled uncontrollably.


    "Sir... Sebas?" Anastasia hesitated, her brows furrowing in confusion.


    "Yes, my lady?"


    "What is this...?"


    "It''s a slime," he stated matter-of-factly.


    "Yes... I understand it''s a slime, but..." The mistress narrowed her eyes, glancing between the butler and the creature in his hand. "...why?"


    "Why what?"


    "Why is this slime here?" she questioned further, her confusion deepening. "Is there a purpose to this particular slime of yours?"


    "Why, of course, my lady," Sebas answered with a grin, jiggling the tiny creature in his hand to further emphasize its existence. "This little guy here is the one that will be responsible for our waste disposal."


    "Huh...?"


    The young noblewoman was still confused, not understanding the intention behind her butler nor the real reason why he''d brought this thing...


    However, it was a different story for her knight.


    Martha blinked for a moment. Then, as if a switch had flipped in her mind, realization finally came upon her¡ª


    "Wait... You don''t mean to say that this thing is supposed to..." Her voice trailed off as she stared at the smiling butler, searching for confirmation.


    "Martha...? Do you know something about... this thing?" Anastasia turned her attention to her knight. "...What exactly is so significant about this slime?"


    The brunette knight grumbled for a moment, a bit uncomfortable with the topic.


    "Yeah, I know about them, my lady..." She sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "Slimes... they''re often called the forest''s cleaners. They have a tendency to consume waste, remains, leftovers... things like that."


    Then the knight shifted her gaze to the tiny creature in Sebas'' hand, her lips pressing into a thin line. "...And I''ve even seen one devour the remains of a dead goblin before. Basically, they can consume almost... anything."


    "A-Anything...!?" The mistress recoiled slightly, a feeling of disgust creeping up her spine.


    The red-haired noble wasn''t exactly keen on anything dirty, and seeing this tiny creature that would consume... anything, even corpses and remains, was something that unsettled her deeply.


    However, her other female servant had a completely different reaction...!


    The maid, Bella, who had been listening closely, suddenly perked up.


    A thought seemed to strike her, making her hesitate for a moment... but¡ª


    "Miss Martha..." She leaned forward, a strange glint in her eyes as she turned to her fellow aide.


    "Y-Yes, Bella...? What''s wrong?"


    "Forgive me, but I would like to confirm one thing..." The blonde maid spoke slowly, her expression unreadable to the rest. "If this thing can eat anything... does that mean it could even eat... ''that''?"


    "That?" It took a moment for Martha, but she realized what her fellow aide meant... and with an awkward, wry smile, the knight simply nodded.


    Then, instead of mimicking disgust like her mistress¡ªexcitement flashed across Bella''s face¡ª!


    "That means... we don''t have to deal with waste disposal anymore!" She clasped her hands together, looking at the tiny slime like it was some divine gift. "It''ll handle everything for us!"


    With newfound enthusiasm, she stepped closer, her eyes practically sparkling as she peered at the little blob.


    "Sir Sebas..." she began, her voice laced with anticipation, "...can I touch it? Without gloves?"


    "Huh-?!" Both Anastasia and Martha exclaimed at the same time, shocked by Bella''s request!


    The butler himself let out a small chuckle, amused by their contrasting reactions.


    "But of course, Miss Bella. Go right ahead~."


    His confirmation brought a bright smile to the blonde maid as she eagerly pressed her two palms together, motioning for the butler to hand it over.


    Sebas, understanding her request well, gently placed the small blob into her waiting hands.


    "So cute~," Bella cooed softly. The maid jiggled the tiny creature in her hands, and in response, it jiggled right back.


    Anastasia and Martha stood frozen, their expressions a mix of disbelief and silent bewilderment.


    Bella, on the other hand, was completely unfazed¡ªhappily poking and jiggling the tiny slime in her hands like it was nothing more than an innocent pet. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The little creature even wobbled in response, as if enjoying the interaction.


    The two women exchanged glances.


    ''Is this... normal?'' The thought ran across their minds.


    Anastasia herself quickly shook her head, clearing the lingering confusion¡ªthere was a more important matter at hand.


    She cleared her throat, gathering the attention of everyone once more.


    "...Sir Sebas," she began, her voice regaining its usual composed tone, "pardon me, but you still haven''t explained specifically how this slime is supposed to be used for waste disposal."


    "Oh? Yeah, sorry about that," he said with a sheepish chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "Let me show you how."


    He turned back toward the toilet that he had built, gesturing for them to follow.


    As he stood in front of it, with a smooth motion, he opened the wooden door, revealing the interior...!


    Inside stood a seat-based toilet, constructed entirely from wood. Though simple-looking, it appeared to have been carefully crafted¡ªsmoothly carved to ensure comfort.


    Sebas ran a gloved hand along the surface, a hint of pride in his smile.


    "It''s all hand-crafted by yours truly," he remarked with a satisfied nod. "Made it and carved it from scratch. Pretty good, right~?"


    "I-I see..." The mistress hesitated, conflicted about whether to praise him or not.


    "Well, it''s not exactly a modern bidet, but it''ll do~."


    "...A what?" Martha muttered, confused.


    "A... bidet?" Anastasia echoed, also equally confused.


    Sebas simply chuckled at their confused stares, unfazed by the usual reaction to his ''alien'' words. "Either way... this is our toilet."


    Anastasia let out a sigh at his usual antics, crossing her arms. "And then what?"


    The butler''s smile remained unwavering.


    "Miss Maid, if you would kindly return the slime?" he asked the maid, who was still caressing the slime in her hands, breaking her out of her daze.


    "A-Ah, yes!"


    The maid nodded eagerly to his request, bringing the slime to him. She gently placed it back onto Sebas'' waiting palm.


    He looked down at the tiny creature in his hand, while the three ladies watched with anticipation...


    And then¡ª


    He threw the slime directly into the hole of the toilet.

 Chapter 49 - 9th Days (3) | Don’t ’Waste’ Your Time (3)

    Chapter 49: 9th Days (3) | Don''t ''Waste'' Your Time (3)"Whaaaat???"


    All three ladies gasped, shocked that their butler had just tossed the very creature into the hole underneath their new toilet!


    Especially Bella, who was the most distraught out of the three. The blonde maid immediately rushed forward to the toilet¡ª


    "Joeee!!!" She screamed into the abyss that was the toilet''s hole.


    "You already gave a name to that thing...?" Her fellow aide, Martha, muttered in disbelief upon seeing the devastated state Bella was in...


    The maid was even bawling her eyes out as she looked into the dark hole, helplessly lamenting the loss of the little buddy she had bonded with in just a short amount of time.


    "S-Sir Sebas, what is the meaning of this?" Anastasia inquired, trying her best to ignore her maid''s dramatic display. "Why did you throw that... ''thing'' into our toilet?"


    Sebas himself... just smiled like usual, showing no remorse for his action.


    "Like I said, my lady... they''re our waste disposal experts," he explained smoothly. "Their job is to take care of it¡ªdirectly."


    Anastasia''s face paled as the realization dawned upon her.


    "Sir Sebas... you cannot be serious here..."


    "I am quite serious, my lady~."


    "...I can understand their usefulness," she admitted, her voice laced with hesitation, "however, do you not remember the mana problem we discussed last night? Won''t these creatures be affected by it...?"


    "...Mana problem...? Last night...?" Marth echoed quietly, both curious and concern of the implication behind her mistress''s words.


    On the other hand, Sebas remained unfazed by her concern... sporting the same smile as before. "Not to worry, my lady."


    Then, with a flick of his wrist, another slime suddenly appeared in his palm¡ªas if he had pulled it from thin air...!


    The tiny creature jiggled slightly, its gelatinous body glistening under the morning''s light.


    "It will be fine," he assured her. "I''ve already taken precautions."


    "Precautions...? What kind of precautions...?"


    With the same smile on his face, he declared, "I made a tamer pact with them~."


    "You tamed it...?!"


    Her eyes widened, as did those of her knight, both shocked to hear the butler''s revelation.


    Her maid, on the other hand, gasped dramatically before rushing toward him.


    "Another one!!!" she squealed, immediately reaching out to pet the slime in his hand. "Joe Two~!"


    "I didn''t think you could tame slimes..." Martha interjected, disbelief lacing her voice. "I heard their intelligence is way too low compared to other monsters for a tamer pact to be possible."


    The butler let out a hearty chuckle at the knight''s remark.


    "Surprisingly, if raised correctly, they''re quite smart." He lifted the slime slightly, letting it jiggle in affirmation. "And since they''ve entered a tamer pact with me, they''ll follow my every order¡ªwhich, of course, includes orders from their master''s master¡ªLady Ana herself~!"


    "I... see..."


    The ''master'' hesitated, conflicted once more on whether she should be impressed or exasperated with this new addition to her region.


    "So, as of this moment," Sebas continued, ignoring his mistress''s conflicted expression as he raised the slime high into the sky, "the slimes are officially the Waste Disposal Experts of this territory~!"


    Bella clapped her hands in delight, joining the cheerful declaration.


    Martha and Anastasia, meanwhile, exchanged glances before turning back to the scene in front of them¡ªwatching their butler and maid hold up a wobbly slime like it was some sort of trophy...


    In the end... a long sigh escaped the redhead noble''s mouth.


    < | X | >


    A short while later, they stood before the familiar chalkboard, where the crude, hand-drawn map of Anastasia''s territory was once again on display.


    However, this time, there was a new addition¡ªan unmistakable toilet sign doodled near their house''s crude legend mark.


    Gathered around the board were the four human residents of the estate. But unlike before, there was now another presence¡ªa tiny slime sitting comfortably on Sebas''s shoulder, wobbling in place as if it, too, was a part of the discussion.


    Anastasia, the lord of this region, stepped forward. She cleared her throat, collecting her words before she turned toward the three individuals plus one slime.


    "Everyone... I would like to open the discussion for the next step of this region''s development," she announced with composure... while trying her best to ignore the jiggling slime on her smiling butler''s shoulder.


    "Yes, my lady!" The three servants responded in unison.


    Seeing their determined expressions brought a smile to the upstart noblewoman''s face, feeling glad to have these reliable-yet-ragtag servants on her side.


    "Now that we have secured a stable source of water, I would like to continue our sustainability efforts," she declared, her sharp gaze sweeping over her gathered servants. "And, of course, that means securing our own source of food."


    Martha and Bella both straightened at her words, while Sebas simply smiled, waiting for her to continue. The tiny slime on his shoulder wobbled slightly, as if listening attentively.


    "One week ago, we procured supplies necessary for the further development of this region," she continued. "Of course, I would like to direct my gratitude to the man who has given his support for this effort¡ªSir Sebas."


    When his name was mentioned, everyone briefly directed their attention to the butler, who casually lifted a hand and waved cheerfully. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "...And now that we have them, it is time to put them to use," Anastasia declared, her voice carrying determination. "Let us commence the start of my region''s agricultural revival!"


    Immediately, her three servants responded with enthusiasm.


    "Yes, Lady Anastasia!" Martha stepped forward, her expression firm with resolve. "I will help create a farm worthy of your greatness!"


    "I-I will gladly help as well, my lady!" Bella stammered, clutching her hands together. "I... I think I know a bit or two about farming from my distant cousins¡ªthey were farmers, so..."


    "Sure thing, Lady Ana~," Sebas chimed in with his usual easygoing smile.


    The tiny slime on his shoulder jiggled excitedly, as if offering its own form of support.


    Anastasia took in their responses, her lips parting slightly as she processed the sheer contrast between their attitudes, but overall... she was glad that they were enthusiastic.


    "Sir Sebas, as you were the one who procured our farming supplies," the mistress turned to the butler, "would you kindly oversee the start of the farming process?"


    Sebas smiled in amusement before brandishing a hoe and resting it on his shoulder.


    "As you wish, my lady~."

 Chapter 50: ### Days | Cold Sleep [UPDATED]

    Chapter 50: ### Days | Cold Sleep [UPDATED][Stagborne, the Grand Capital of Florentia]


    Night had graced the Grand Capital, bringing a calm and quiet veil upon the city, with many of its denizens having returned to their dwellings to rest... leaving only a few still burning the midnight oil.


    And one such place was the heart of the capital itself¡ªthe Grand Castle of Florentia, where the Crown resided.


    Bathed in silver, its towering spires reached toward the heavens... basking in the moon''s gentle embrace. It was the pinnacle of regal splendor... yet, beneath its beauty...


    A solemn stillness lurked within, leaving the castle itself... restless.


    And deep within, past the great halls adorned with banners of Florentia''s crest, lay corridors draped in darkness.


    The only light that touched these empty halls came from the moon''s glow, slipping through the tall, arched windows.


    Clack, clack, clack.


    The sound of heels tapping echoed through the dark corridor¡ªa shadow advancing through the large passage all alone...


    But under the moon''s glow, the ''shadow'' of a person emerged... their golden locks reflecting the silver light.


    A blonde woman.


    Her golden hair shimmered under the moonlight, strands catching the glow as she moved with quiet grace.


    Her expression was difficult to read¡ªserene, yet... distant. But when the light graced her face... a small frown could be seen upon her lips.


    The frowning beauty continued to walk through the almost lifeless corridor... until she reached her destination.


    A large door flanked by two of the Castle''s Guards.


    They stood in silence, yet their presence and unyielding posture imbued them with authority and an air of unwavering vigilance.


    They were the pinnacles of the kingdom''s knights themselves, proving their worth as those who would protect the Crown...


    Yet, the door behind them radiated a greater presence¡ªan aura that carried a heavy, suffocating weight... an unseen force pressing upon the soul.


    The very thing that had caused this Grand Castle to be restless.


    Finally... or rather, they had already noticed the blonde woman''s approach, straightening their armored figures in response... then offered a respectful nod.


    "Lady Luciana," one of them greeted. His tone was formal, yet unwavering. "Do you wish to meet with His Highness?"


    A question asked out of duty... despite already knowing the answer.


    Luciana, the blonde woman, gave a solemn nod.


    At once, the two guards shifted to the sides, stepping away from the massive double doors. Then, in perfect sync, they pressed their hands against the grand entrance, pushing it open.


    A deep, resonating creak echoed through the dim corridor as the doors parted, revealing the chamber beyond.


    A dark chamber.


    Luciana did not speak. Without hesitation, she stepped inside.


    And as her figure disappeared into the shadows, the doors behind her shut once more¡ªclosing with a loud, resounding thud.


    Now engulfed in darkness, her gaze wandered across the barely lit room... before settling on the large bed at its center.


    She held her hand up for a moment... as magic gathered at her palm.


    "Wind Arcana..."


    Then... with a flick of her wrist and a soft whisper...


    "...Silence."


    ...the air shifted. A faint hum of magic pulsed around the room¡ªsealing away all sound within its walls.


    When she confirmed that her magic was working as intended... she moved toward the large bed in the chamber.


    Her eyes gazed upon the grand bed... and soon found a man lying upon it.


    A blonde man.


    His face was peaceful, undisturbed¡ªas if he had not noticed the loud entrance nor the magic surrounding his chamber...


    He was lost in his slumber, unaware of the woman now standing beside his bed.


    But how he slept did not matter.


    What did... was the knife buried deep in his chest.


    Right through his heart.


    A slow, pulsating glow coursed through the blade, its crimson veins throbbing with an eerie light. Yet, despite the weapon embedded so cruelly within him... the man remained still.


    Silent.


    As if the pain did not even reach him.


    As if he was lost in a sleep he could never wake from.


    "...My prince," the blonde woman muttered under her breath, her voice soft¡ªaching.


    Her hand trembled as it reached for his, fingers brushing against his pale skin. Cold. Always cold now... yet she still sought his warmth.


    She slowly fell to her knees, leveling herself to the ''sleeping'' prince''s form as she gazed upon the quiet¡ªbreathless¡ªexpression he wore.


    "My love... you were supposed to be mine..." she whispered, her voice quivering as her grip on his hand tightened.


    She mourned for his ''death''...


    And yet...


    Her expression twisted.


    "...Tch."


    A deep frown marred her delicate features... before it curled into something else entirely.


    Rage.


    "Damn you..." she hissed, her voice laced with venom.


    Her fingers traced the edge of his hand, almost tender¡ªuntil her nails dug into his skin.


    "Damn you...!" she spat again, the venom intensifying¡ª! "Damn you, you redheaded bimbo bitch¡ª!"


    Luciana''s breaths came out ragged¡ªher whole body trembled with rage!


    "You had to get in my way... you just had to¡ª! How dare you disturb my prince''s route¡ªmy path to our happy ending?!"


    Her lips quivered, the rage twisting into something far darker¡ªa desperate, clinging possessiveness.


    "You don''t love him... not like I do," she hissed under her breath. "You never did... so why¡ª"


    Her eyes burned with unbridled fury as she tore her gaze away from the prince''s lifeless face and onto the cursed knife buried deep in his chest.


    Her teeth clenched.


    "No matter how many times I try... No matter how much divine magic I pour into you... you still won''t wake up..." she whispered, her voice shaking before it twisted into a snarl.


    Luciana''s hands shot forward¡ªletting the prince''s cold hand slip from her grasp¡ªbefore wrapping around the knife''s handle.


    She pulled with all her strength¡ª!


    But the blade did not budge.


    It was stuck. Embedded into his chest like a sword in stone.


    Luciana''s lips curled in frustration.


    "PURIFY¡ª!"she shouted, her hands glowing with brilliant light as she grasped the knife, pouring her magic into it¡ª!


    Nothing.


    The blade did not move.


    The crimson veins did not disappear.


    The prince did not stir.


    Her breath hitched¡ªlivid from helpless rage.


    "You won''t even budge¡ª?!" She yanked at it again, her fury spilling over.


    She continued to pull, pouring divine magic into the blade...


    But it was a hopeless endeavor. The blade remained buried deep within the prince''s chest.


    "...Agh!!!" She screeched in sheer frustration before tearing her hands away from the knife''s handle.


    She reeled back from the bed, her breath ragged as she braced herself on trembling arms, still kneeling.


    She continued to glare with pure contempt at the very thing that separated her from her prince''s love...


    Before her voice cracked with bitter hatred as she seethed.


    "Fine¡ª! I''ll just wait for the day I hear the news of that bitch''s demise...!"


    She stood up, anger still painting her face... before she steadied her breathing.


    Her expression turned serene once more... yet, the small frown upon her lips never disappeared.


    Luciana raised her hands over the prince''s body¡ªethereal golden light swirled around her fingertips.


    "Revive."


    The glow enveloped him¡ªslowly, it seeped into his flesh.


    Color returned to his skin. The coldness left his body.


    Warmth returned¡ª S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡ªbut he did not breathe.


    Luciana''s eye twitched.


    "...Tch." She clicked her tongue in annoyance.


    Her hand fell to her side as she turned away from the prince''s still form.


    Her steps carried her toward the exit¡ªbut at the doorway, she halted.


    She glanced back; her expression unreadable... yet sorrow flickered in her gaze.


    "My love..."


    Even as her lips parted, her voice was cold.


    "I''ll find a way to bring you back..."


    Her eyes darkened.


    "...Even if I have to rip the heart out of that witch."

 Chapter 51 - 10th Days (1) | Sowing the Future (1)

    [Anastasia¡¯s Region in The Garden of Hell (Not Named Yet)]


    The morning sky shone brightly on the vast region of this forsaken land, basking the wild meadow and the large log border walls with its warmth¡­


    And within those border walls lay the region owned and governed by a young upstart noblewoman, alongside the help and support of her three most trusted servants.


    At present, those four current denizens of the region stood before an empty plot of land, their gazes fixed on it with varying degrees of curiosity and concern.


    "So¡­ would this place suffice, my lady?" The butler¡ªand the only man in the group¡ªSebas inquired with his usual calm demeanor, directing not only his attention but also a warm smile toward the red-haired woman at his side.


    On his shoulder rested a hoe, held with the ease of someone long accustomed to physical labor.


    "Hmm¡­ I am still undecided¡­" The young noblewoman murmured, her expression contemplative. "Though I must admit, I do not possess the slightest knowledge regarding farming¡ªthus, I cannot say whether this placement would be suitable or not."


    The empty plot of land they stood in front of was¡­ at the bottom-left of her region.


    Not exactly tucked away, but still far enough from the central campfire pit and the wooden manor on the center-right.


    It also sat opposite the storage area, giving it a practical yet somewhat unimpressive position within the territory.


    "...I¡¯m still not convinced this is a good place," the knight of the group, Martha, huffed, crossing her arms in annoyance. "I mean, are we really putting a farm inside Her Grace¡¯s personal region?"


    She gestured broadly with both hands, as if to emphasize the absurdity.


    "We should be using this land for something more majestic¡ªworthy of Lady Anastasia¡¯s status!"


    Her words drew a wry smile from the mistress and her fellow aide, Bella. They both understood her concern, but the knight¡¯s complaint wasn¡¯t finished yet.


    "Why not place it outside the walls instead?" Martha continued, her brow furrowed in deep dissatisfaction. "Wouldn¡¯t that make more sense? That way, we wouldn¡¯t be wasting precious space within the region."


    Sebas chuckled softly at her objection, lifting the hoe from his shoulder and twirling it absentmindedly.


    "Well, as much as I understand your concern, Miss Knight¡­" He turned his head toward the towering log walls. "Keeping the farm inside makes it easier to patrol. Pests, wild animals, and even monsters could easily trample through the crops if they¡¯re left outside."


    "Y-you got a point there... but, still..."


    "Well, if you still insist on making the farm outside," his smile widened as he teased, "you could take the night shifts defending our precious cabbages~."


    "...!"


    His playful jab made the knight hesitate, taken aback by his audacity. But she gave it a thought for a moment.


    She didn¡¯t really mind taking such a task¡­ but considering what kind of danger lurked in this place, it would be a task of greater difficulty...


    She eyed the butler once¡­


    ¡¯He could probably help if I ask¡­¡¯


    Her passing thought reminded her of his prowess, but¡­ her stubborn pride wouldn¡¯t let her utter that request.


    Instead, she threw a glare at the butler, which he met by tilting his head in mock confusion at her rising irritation toward him.


    "...I would like to remind you that..." Sebas beckoned to the sides¡ªto everyone, "...there¡¯s only four of us here, you know. We¡¯re not YET feeding a whole village¡ªjust ourselves. A small farm inside the walls will be easier to manage and keep safe."


    Martha¡¯s mouth opened to argue further but fell shut as she considered his point. It¡­ made sense. But still¡­


    "M-Miss Martha, I-I think a farm close to our home would be quite wonderful..." Bella chimed in, raising a nervous hand in support of the idea. "A-and also¡ª! I-I think having a farm inside would, uh¡­ show Lady Anastasia¡¯s region¡¯s prosperity¡ª! Y-yes!"


    "Ugh¡­ I guess you do have a point there, Bella¡­"


    Seeing that she had finally relented, Sebas couldn¡¯t help but let out a small chuckle, glad that it didn¡¯t take much to convince her with the help of their fellow aide.


    Though¡­ it did make the butler wonder if she would only listen to her two female comrades rather than him, the single man in the group. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Well, either way: we gotta show future guests that Lady Ana¡¯s territory is worth living in, and this farm could be one of the main attractions~," he declared, brandishing his hoe as he stepped forward to the would-be field of theirs.


    "...¡¯Guests,¡¯ you say, Sir Sebas?" Anastasia echoed, her voice tinged with skepticism. "Would anyone actually visit this place¡­?"


    The red-haired noble wasn¡¯t exactly optimistic regarding future residents for her territory. It didn¡¯t sit well with her either, knowing not just the danger of the monsters lurking in this place but also¡­ the toxic mana environment.


    But for her butler? He only chuckled at her doubtful tone.


    "My lady, your question should not be ¡¯would anyone want to visit here,¡¯ but instead¡­" he turned his head, gazing at Anastasia with a warm smile, "it should have been ¡¯how would they live here.¡¯"


    "W-what?" She was stunned by his words. "...¡¯H-how would they live here¡¯?"


    "Hehe¡­ there we go," he grinned, before returning his focus to the field. "Your job as the lord of this region is to figure out how your citizens would live in your territory."


    "Figure... out...?" She echoed once more, still not quite sure of his intention.


    "It¡¯s more than just providing food and shelter," he continued, his tone steady yet thoughtful. "A good lord creates a place where people want to stay¡ªa land where they feel safe, where their efforts are rewarded, and where their futures are worth building."


    He paused briefly, letting his words sink in for the young upstart lord.


    "...It could be something as simple as protecting their harvest from monsters, ensuring they have clean water, or providing a safe place for their children to play... or... as grand as giving them a reason to believe this land holds something better than the life they left behind."


    Anastasia fell quiet, his words lingering in her mind longer than she expected.


    "If you¡¯re able to figure that out, my lady..." his gaze softened as he glanced her way, "then anyone would gladly live on your land."

 Chapter 52 - 10th Days (2) | Sowing the Future (2)

    Anastasia... was stunned.


    Once again, the red-haired noblewoman was stunned by the very words that came from her butler.


    She could never guess what her eccentric butler would say, and even when she thought she had a bit of a grasp on what he was as a person¡ªthe man was always full of surprises.


    And this surprise was the piece of ¡¯grand¡¯ advice he had given to her to help support her endeavor as a lord.


    This... left her speechless¡ªleft her thinking of what it truly meant to be a lord.


    ¡¯...figure out how... my citizens would live in my territory...¡¯ she repeated his advice in her own words.


    Those words kept echoing inside her mind, leaving her in a contemplative state¡ªthinking of what she should do next to become a worthy lord for her future citizens.


    Of course, it was not just Anastasia who was left speechless¡ªeven her two female aides were quite stunned from hearing the butler¡¯s wise words. A mix of surprise, admiration, and even a tinge of disbelief filled their expressions.


    And as for the wisecracking butler himself... he let out his usual chuckle of amusement from seeing their reactions.


    But even so, he was glad¡ªproud, even¡ªto see that Anastasia took his words with genuine thoughtfulness.


    It made the butler feel satisfied doing his job as this upstart noble¡¯s head butler.


    With that in mind, he returned once more to his focus on the current task at hand: creating the farm field for said upstart noble¡¯s land.


    He raised the hoe in his hand into the air, preparing to till the land...


    And with a swift motion, he swung it down¡ª


    CRACK!


    "W-what¡ª?!?"


    The earth beneath their feet shook with a tremor! Anastasia, Bella, and even Martha were caught off guard, stumbling on their feet in shock!


    But as soon as they managed to regain their balance... they realized¡ªdreadfully¡ªwhat, or rather who, the impact had come from¡ª!


    Their eyes landed on the field of their supposed planned farm... and found a jagged fissure splitting through the once-flat earth, stretching far and wide¡ªalmost as if the very ground itself had been torn apart.


    The three ladies stood frozen in place, their mouths hanging open in sheer disbelief. The carefully planned field they had just chosen... was now a ruined mess.


    And, of course, as they followed the source of the fissure, their eyes landed on the figure of their butler¡ªhis hoe planted right at the root of the destruction.


    Sebas, still holding the hoe, slowly turned his head toward them. A sheepish, apologetic smile crept onto his face.


    "Ah... It seems I forgot to hold back a little, ahaha..."


    They all had almost forgotten... that their butler also possessed monstrous strength.


    And now, before any farming could begin... they would have to fix this mess first.


    < | X | >


    The plans for their farming project had been somewhat delayed as all efforts were now put toward fixing the land back to its (mostly) original flat state, with all hands helping in the restoration.


    Even with Sebas¡¯s overwhelming strength to help speed things up, restoring the land to its original flat state was no small task.


    Every jagged crack and uneven patch had to be carefully smoothed out, and the displaced soil had to be evenly spread again across the field to prevent future issues.


    "Ugh... you damn butler...!"


    Martha was obviously quite pissed.


    It wasn¡¯t just that she was livid at the butler¡¯s mistake¡ªbut also because she hated the very thought of fixing someone else¡¯s mess to begin with.


    However, she begrudgingly did so anyway because she was obliged to fix the land owned by her mistress.


    Anastasia and Bella also helped out with the restoration of the land in any way they could.


    The red-haired noble even had to forgo her favorite red dress for a more practical, easy-to-move-in white shirt and red pants combo.


    This noble Anastasia was ready to fix her destroyed land.


    And in her hand, she slowly and carefully raised the small garden hoe above her head¡ªonly to strike the earth with as much strength as her delicate arms could muster.


    Beside the red-haired working noble, though, was her loyal maid Bella¡ªalso sporting her own fieldwork getup similar to her mistress (though hers was in yellow), as she helped gather the scattered earths and debris.


    "M-my lady, you don¡¯t have to work as well," Bella tried to protest, worry evident in her voice.


    However...


    "Hah... No, I would like to help as much as possible, Bella..." the mistress insisted, brushing away a strand of sweat-drenched hair from her face as she exhaled a bit raggedly, "this is my land... and I am its lord. Thus, I would like to help with its revitalization as soon as possible."


    "B-but..."


    "It will be fine, Bella," she assured her maid with a smile. "This will be an important experience for me as well, so please... let me handle my share."


    And thus, they continued to work until the land was (mostly) flat once more, with the sun setting on the horizon.


    The three ladies were naturally exhausted from this work¡ªespecially Anastasia and Bella, who now sat on their rear on the ground, utterly drained.


    As for Sebas himself...


    "Sorry for the trouble!" the butler apologized, bowing his head quite low to the three of them¡ªhis usual air of confidence replaced by genuine remorse. "If there is anything you¡¯d like as compensation, my ladies... I am at your service."


    "H-huh?" they all muttered dumbfoundedly¡ªsurprised not only by his apology but also by his ¡¯IOU¡¯ offer. They all glanced at each other for a moment, not sure how to receive his apology.


    "...You really don¡¯t have to, Sir Sebas..." Anastasia said hesitantly, "you¡¯ve already been incredibly helpful to me, so... it¡¯s not really a big deal." sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I-Indeed, like Lady Anastasia said¡ªSir Sebas has been helping us a lot, s-so... please don¡¯t bow to me, Sir Sebas..."


    Naturally, Anastasia and Bella hesitated. They owed him a lot for his help, so it was hard for them to even think of requesting anything more from him...


    However, the same could not be said for the other individual receiving his apology.


    "I want more training," Martha cut in without missing a beat, her arms crossed and eyes gleaming with determination. "And I want to know the secret behind your strength."


    "Martha...!"


    "M-miss Martha¡ª?!"


    Both her mistress and her fellow aide were surprised by the knight¡¯s sudden request.


    The butler himself blinked in mild surprise... then chuckled softly. "Sure thing, Miss Knight. I¡¯ll help you train after we finish this farming business, alright?"


    "Sure, but you better keep your word," she shot back, a triumphant smirk etched on her face.


    And with that... they were ready to make their farm.

 Chapter 53 - 11th Days (1) | Sowing the Future (3)

    A new day had arrived, and with it came the sun, rising at the edge of the horizon and basking its light on the (mostly) restored field.


    And the sun¡¯s appearance itself was the starting mark where the real farming work began.


    Gathered once again at the farm were the four rag-tag individuals¡ªone master and her three servants.


    Anastasia, Bella, and Martha had changed once again into their easy-to-move work clothing, with the two formers wearing the same color-coded outfits while the knight simply stuck to her usual tank top.


    Sebas? The only man in the group? He¡¯d just discarded his butler¡¯s coat as usual.


    "Alright, ladies~!" Sebas clapped his hands together before raising one hand to the air¡ªhis voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Let¡¯s turn this patch of land into a farm worthy of Lady Ana¡¯s name!!!"


    "Yeah~!" Bella joined the cheers, similarly imitating his hand-raising gesture in a burst of excitement.


    "Y-yeah..." Anastasia also joined in their spirit, albeit rather shyly, with a small, hesitant smile and a weakly raised fist.


    This young noblewoman had not yet gotten used to the rowdy spirit that her two servants were sharing.


    And Martha? She just let out a sigh, shaking her head at the usual antics these two were up and about.


    "Is this going to be the same routine for them...?" the knight muttered under her breath.


    Now that their cheer was done, with sleeves rolled up and hoes and shovels in each of their hands...


    "Sir Sebas, please be mindful of your strength and hold back properly," the mistress cautioned her butler sternly, reminding him of yesterday¡¯s mishap before they began with anything.


    "Ahaha, sure thing, my lady," he replied, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. His nonchalant answer only elicited another sigh from Anastasia¡ªand even Martha¡ªwhile Bella let out a small giggle at his silly attitude.


    And with that warning set in stone... they finally began.


    The process itself... went smoothly¡ªsmoother than expected, in fact!


    It seemed, in a strange twist of fate, the result of yesterday¡¯s mishap and also the fixing of that mishap itself did them a favor...!


    Because of the butler destroying most of the hard earth and all of them cleaning up much of the debris, the soil had already been loosened enough to work with!


    With just a bit more effort, it was tilled and cleared, leaving behind soft, workable rows of earth.


    Sebas (in extra cautious mode) and Martha took the lead in marking and sectioning out the plots¡ªneatly dividing the field into long, even rows. Each plot was carefully measured, ensuring space for everything they planned to plant.


    Anastasia and Bella followed closely behind, spreading a mix of soil enhancers and fertilizer across the freshly dug earth.


    "I did not think farming required such meticulous care..." the redhead noblewoman commented, shoving another scoop of soil enhancer from the burlap bag.


    Behind her, Bella was also working diligently, scooping out another burlap bag¡ªbut this one was filled with the pungent-smelling fertilizer.


    "I-Indeed so, my lady. My cousin¡¯s family runs a farm, so I¡¯ve once helped out a little before in the past," she admitted, her tone dry as she adjusted the cloth that blocked the smell from her face. "They do a lot of things, like crop rotations, pest management, producing manure for livestock, and so much more."


    "I see..." the upstart lord absorbed the knowledge well, but... she couldn¡¯t help but notice the pained expression her maid was showing. "...Bella, are you well? Is there something wrong with the fertilizer?"


    Anastasia herself couldn¡¯t help but scrunch her nose. Even when she was standing a few paces back from it, the smell of this one was quite the pungent one.


    "I-I¡¯ll manage, my lady..." Bella reassured her. However, she hesitated, "...I would not lie to you because this particular fertilizer is somewhat... different."


    "D-different...?"


    "Y-yeah... compared to the manure my cousin¡¯s farm has been using, this one has a much, MUCH worse stench," she groaned through the muffler, "even with this thick cloth, it¡¯s like the smell seeps straight through it."


    Anastasia was starting to worry if this was actually normal or not, so... she looked for an answer to the one who brought this fertilizer¡ªSebas.


    "Sir Sebas, a moment, if you will?"


    "Hmm? Oh yeah! What¡¯s up, my lady?" he responded, stopping his hoe from striking the next row.


    "...Something¡¯s odd about the fertilizer according to Bella." Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hmm...? Oh, right! I almost forgot to mention this," he realized his blunder with yet another sheepish smile. "This is a special fertilizer~."


    Both women paused, exchanging glances before Anastasia raised an eyebrow.


    "...Special?"


    "Yup~, rare, premium quality product," the butler nodded cheerfully, with an innocent smile plastering his face, "crafted specifically from monster dung~."


    Silence...


    ...


    ...


    "Monster dung¡ª!?"


    "Yup~," he replied back; seemingly rather pleased with himself, "I got it from a friend of mine who specializes in weird alchemy stuff. Said that it works really damn well and all, but couldn¡¯t come up with a way to remove the distinct smell."


    "¡¯Distinct¡¯ is an understatement, Sir Sebas..." Anastasia muttered, looking back at the smelly burlap bag that the poor Bella had to carry around.


    Bella herself... had a bit of tears running down her eyes. "The smell¡¯s going to be stuck with me forever..."


    "Ahaha, don¡¯t worry, Miss Maid~. I also got a special soap that could get rid of even the smelliest smell in the world¡ªcourtesy of another friend of mine~."


    "You sure seem to know a lot of people, Sir Sebas," Anastasia remarked, eyeing the butler¡¯s ever-casual demeanor.


    "I know a variety of people, my lady," he replied with an amused glint in his eyes.


    "Is that so..."


    His answer didn¡¯t exactly satisfy her curiosity. If anything, it only left her wondering what other peculiar acquaintances her eccentric butler had...


    Though either way, she was more interested in whether this ¡¯special¡¯ fertilizer he bought was really that special.


    ¡¯We¡¯ll just have to see, I guess...¡¯


    And soon, by midday, the farm had taken shape¡ªa neat and orderly expanse, row after row of freshly prepared soil stretching across approximately 1/5 of a hectare of land.

 Chapter 54 - 11th Days (2) | Sowing the Future (4)

    They all stood in front of the finished-but-empty rows of tilled land¡ªready to be filled with crops that would nourish them in the near future. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sebas was glad, seeing how proud the other three were of their hard work so far.


    The butler saw the satisfaction on Anastasia¡¯s face, reminiscent of someone who had finally experienced the joy of farming for the first time and come to understand the simple pleasure it could bring.


    The knight, Martha, was also proud of herself¡ªnot just from the good work she had contributed, but also from seeing that her efforts once again did something beneficial for her mistress.


    Bella shared the same sentiment as her fellow aide, but she was also quite excited as a chef¡ªthrilled by the possibility of cooking food raised and nurtured by her own hands.


    Although, for the maid¡­ she also regretted volunteering for fertilizer duty, as the pungent smell still clung to her¡ªwhich had not gone unnoticed by the other two, who had subconsciously distanced themselves because of it.


    Sebas, who saw this, couldn¡¯t help but let out a small chuckle¡ªamused but also pitying the blonde maid¡¯s unfortunate circumstance. This did not go unnoticed by Bella, who directed a "sad puppy eyes" look toward the butler.


    "S-Sir Sebas, you didn¡¯t lie about having this amazing super soap, r-right¡­?" she pleaded, hoping for a miracle.


    "Haha, why, of course, Miss Maid," he replied with a reassuring smile. "I would never lie to you ladies, you know~."


    "Honestly, I find that statement of yours hard to believe, Sir Butler," the knight remarked, throwing sarcasm at the butler.


    Meanwhile, the mistress herself, standing a bit further away, pinched her nose delicately between her fingers¡ªclearly trying to block out the pungent odor clinging to her maid. Her lips twitched in silent agreement with the knight¡¯s words, though she chose not to voice it aloud.


    Their doubtful antics only earned another laugh of amusement from the butler.


    Nevertheless, there was something more important at hand.


    Anastasia stepped forward, standing between her servants and the still-empty farmland.


    "Everyone," she called out, catching their attention¡­ and with a smile of genuine pride, "great work with everything so far."


    The three servants glanced at each other, sharing a smile of their own before returning their focus to their mistress.


    "Thank you, my lady!" they shouted in unison, earning a nod of approval from her.


    "Now then, we can begin the next step of our farming endeavor," Anastasia announced. "We will begin the seed¡ª"


    "Hold it!"


    "H-huh-!?" The redhead noble was startled, blinking in surprise from the sudden interruption.


    And the one who had stopped her was none other than her own butler¡­!


    The other two were also surprised by Sebas¡¯s abrupt interjection, looking back and forth between their mistress¡¯s shocked expression and the butler¡¯s own serious one.


    "S-Sir Sebas¡­ is there something the matter?" the redhead inquired, confused but also concerned at his seriousness.


    "Unfortunately, we cannot plant our crops right now," he explained in a calm, matter-of-fact tone.


    "W-what?!"


    All three ladies were equally shocked by the butler¡¯s unexpected statement, their faces filled with disbelief.


    "W-what do you mean we can¡¯t plant them right now, Sir Sebas¡­?!"


    "Sir Butler, what is the meaning of your objection?! We already made the land fit for a farm befitting of Lady Anastasia¡¯s greatness, so what¡¯s the problem now?!"


    "W-w-what¡­ is it perhaps because I-I-I didn¡¯t spread the fertilizer properly¡­?! Was it that?! Or did I do something that I wasn¡¯t supposed to?!?"


    All three of them naturally threw questions at the butler, demanding an answer to his sudden refusal.


    Seeing the desperation clearly evident on their faces¡­ he couldn¡¯t help but let out a small chuckle, further confusing them.


    "Calm down, calm down, ladies," he said, raising a hand slightly in a soothing gesture. "It¡¯s not anything serious like that. This is just a matter of basic farming principles."


    "B-Basic farming principles¡­?" Anastasia echoed back, still not quite sure what he meant.


    Sebas had a small smile, seeing Anastasia¡¯s apparent interest in the matter.


    "Newly tilled soil can¡¯t be used right away because of the unstable soil composition, my lady."


    "U-unstable soil composition¡­?!" she stammered, further confused but also curious. This, of course, was a sentiment shared by her two aides, who were equally puzzled.


    "Ahaha, don¡¯t worry if you ladies don¡¯t get it," he reassured them. "There¡¯s like a whole bunch of things happening inside the soil, especially when we are using stuffs like soil enhancer and even more so with fertilizer."


    His brief explanation brought silence to the three of them, not expecting that there was more than what meets the eye.


    "So, with that in mind¡­" he continued with a serious expression, "if we plant our crops¡¯ seeds now, they would risk being damaged."


    "Ah¡ª! Now that you mention it¡ª!" Bella suddenly jolted upright, nearly bouncing in place as her voice rang out. "I-I finally remember my cousins mentioning this¡ª! They said you shouldn¡¯t plant crops in freshly tilled soil right away too¡ª! Lest they waste a perfectly good seed!"


    The butler chuckled softly at the maid¡¯s excitement, nodding in approval of her recollection as well.


    "Exactly, Miss Maid. So, we¡¯ll let the soil settle for at least a day or two before we plant anything."


    "I see¡­" The upstart noble murmured, a grim expression gracing her face. "I never expected that farming would be this complex."


    "They sure are, Lady Ana. There¡¯s a ton of stuff that farmers need to watch out for in their crops," he remarked, "if they¡¯re not careful, it could cause quite the catastrophic failure for their entire harvest."


    Anastasia fell into silence¡ªdisbelief and also frustration simmering beneath the surface as she realized just how much she was lacking in knowledge¡­ especially when it came to being a proper lord.


    The na?ve lord lowered her head slightly; the weight of her ignorance gnawed at her pride¡ªa reminder of how little she truly knew.


    "¡­I¡¯m sorry, everyone," she said softly, her voice trembling with genuine remorse, "If Sir Sebas hadn¡¯t stopped me, I might have ruined all of your hard work¡­ all because I rushed without understanding the basics..."


    Her fists clenched at her sides, frustration welling inside of her.


    "I called myself a lord, yet I almost destroyed the very foundation we¡¯ve built together... I owe you all an apology for my carelessness."

 Chapter 55 - 11th Days (3) - 13th Days | Sowing the Future (5)

    "L-Lady Anastasia¡­!?"


    The mistress¡¯s sudden bow startled both of her female aides. They¡¯d never expected Anastasia to lower her head in remorse¡ªespecially not to her own servants¡­!


    "M-my lady, please raise your head¡­!" Martha blurted out, visibly flustered. "You didn¡¯t do anything wrong! Even I don¡¯t know much about this farming stuff!"


    "I-Indeed! What Miss Martha said, my lady!" Bella added hastily, nodding along. "Y-y-you only suggested planting the seeds right away without knowing! I-I mean¡­ even I almost forgot about it myself¡ª!"


    Even so, Anastasia didn¡¯t lift her head. Her stubborn silence hung heavy in the air, leaving the two maids exchanging uneasy glances. It was clear their words weren¡¯t enough to shake her guilt.


    So¡­ they turned to the only person who might be able to¡ª


    Sebas.


    The butler stood quietly, arms crossed. His expression gave nothing away¡ªno teasing smile, no stern frown, and certainly no anger. Just a calm, unreadable look that made it impossible to guess what he was thinking.


    After a long pause¡­ he let out a sigh as he finally spoke.


    "You¡¯re making too big a deal out of this, my lady."


    "¡­P-pardon?"


    "You heard me," Sebas said, shrugging. "You messed up ¡¯cause you didn¡¯t know? So what? It happens. No one expects you to know everything."


    "B-but this is important, Sir Sebas¡ª!" she argued back, her voice trembling slightly. "I¡¯m supposed to be a lord for the people¡¯s sake¡­ but I didn¡¯t even know something as basic as this... What if my ignorance causes something worse in the future...? What if my decisions¡ªmy mistakes¡ªend up ruining the lives of the people counting on me¡­?!"


    "¡­And?"


    "A-and?! S-Sir Sebas, this isn¡¯t¡ª"


    "Who the hell said you have to know everything and handle all the burden by yourself?"


    His words cut through the tension like a blade!


    "Lady Ana, no ruler knows every answer to every problem, nor can they handle everything on their own," he went on, his voice steady. "That¡¯s what your people are for. If you try to do it all yourself, you¡¯re just gonna burn out¡ªor even worse¡ªyou¡¯ll screw up something that REALLY matters."


    Anastasia was taken aback, her lips parted as if to speak¡ªbut no words managed to come out from them¡­


    "¡­My lady, look around you."


    "Y-yes¡­?"


    "Remember¡ªyou got capable people around you," he continued, gesturing to Martha and Bella, who had concern etched on their faces. "Use them. Trust them. That¡¯s part of being a leader too, isn¡¯t it?" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The two of them stepped forward with determined faces¡ª!


    "M-my lady, w-we¡¯re here to help you! You don¡¯t have to figure everything out on your own¡­!" Bella pleaded, clenching her fists tightly.


    "Exactly! We¡¯ll cover the things you miss¡ªyou just need to rely on us a little more, Lady Anastasia!" Martha added, offering a reassuring smile despite the tension in the air.


    Sebas folded his arms, his tone easing slightly, "¡­And a good leader isn¡¯t someone who does everything alone... They¡¯re someone who knows when to lean on the people by their side."


    Their words struck something deep within her¡­ as she finally remembered.


    She wasn¡¯t alone. She never had been.


    No matter how inexperienced she was, there were people willing to stand by her¡ªto catch her mistakes and help her grow.


    "¡­I see," she murmured, her voice softer. The weight pressing down on her shoulders began to ease¡ªjust a little.


    She straightened up and took a steady breath, lifting her gaze to meet theirs.


    "Thank you¡­ all of you. I understand now¡ªI don¡¯t have to bear this burden alone. And¡­ Sir Sebas¡­?" She hesitated for a beat before offering a small smile. "¡­Thank you for always guiding me, even when I¡¯m this stubborn."


    "Ahaha~, it¡¯s just part of my job, my lady."


    At that, a quiet laugh slipped from her lips¡ªsmall, but genuine...


    Then¡­ she straightened herself once more¡ª!


    "Everyone, heed my words," she declared firmly, her voice steady with newfound resolve. "We¡¯ll hold off on planting until the soil¡¯s ready. And¡ª" her gaze softened just a little, "¡ªmake sure everyone gets some proper rest, alright?"


    "Yes, my lady!"


    < | X | >


    Two days later¡­


    In front of the empty but ready-to-use farm plot stood the four of them once more, each holding baskets of crop seeds¡ªready to be planted!


    "Alright, everyone," Anastasia declared, "let¡¯s get started!"


    "Yeah!"


    And with that command, they all scattered to their designated sections of the farm.


    The field had already been divided into specific spots¡ªan organized layout planned out for both efficiency and sustainability.


    Root vegetables occupied the largest portion, with potatoes as the main focus.


    "Potatoes go in this main section, right?" Martha asked, kneeling down as she eyed the baskets brimming with seed potatoes.


    "Yup," Sebas nodded, already marking neat rows with practiced ease. "They¡¯re the most viable and versatile crops, so they get to be the star of this farm. Carrots and radishes will follow after¡ªbut they¡¯ll take up less space."


    "Got it!"


    With a determined huff, Martha began planting the cut seed potatoes, making sure each piece was spaced properly.


    Bella, meanwhile, worked on the side rows where the alliums would go.


    "Onions and garlic here¡­" she murmured, carefully pressing the sets and cloves into the soft earth. "¡­It¡¯s a bit smelly, but it¡¯s a whole lot better than that darn monster dung fertilizer¡­!"


    Then there was Anastasia¡ªnot one to be left out¡ªcrouched down on an empty row of the farm.


    "Sir Sebas, this section on the edges of our farm is for the beans and peas, right?"


    "Yeah, we put them there ¡¯cause they¡¯ll help restore the soil¡¯s fertility while also providing a reliable protein source for us."


    The redhead hummed softly as she planted the first row of peas, careful to follow his guidance. "¡­Farming sure does take a lot of planning, huh."


    "Haha, yeah," Sebas chuckled at her remark, "that¡¯s why we gotta plan carefully and get the best harvest later on~."


    His lighthearted tone brought a small smile to her lips. "Hehe, of course."


    Just beside the legume section, leafy greens like lettuce and cabbage occupied another spot¡ªanother staple in the vegetable lineup.


    Outside the main planting area, they also built a few secluded boxes meant for fruit-like crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and eggplants, along with a variety of herbs planted nearby.


    "Hehe~, I¡¯m looking forward to fresh tomatoes~," Bella sighed dreamily, placing another sprout into the ground.


    "Oi, Bella! Hurry up and help me with these herbs too!" Martha called out, snapping her from her reverie.


    "A-ah, yes! Coming!"


    By the time they finished planting, the afternoon sun had already hung low in the sky. With the final seed tucked into the earth, Anastasia dusted her hands and turned to face the others.


    "Everyone! You¡¯ve all done well," she said, her voice warm. "I couldn¡¯t have done this without you all. Thank you... truly."


    "Hehe, anytime, my lady!" Martha grinned, stretching her back.


    "Y-yes, Lady Anastasia! I-it¡¯s our duty, after all!" Bella added with a proud nod.


    Sebas simply smirked and shrugged.


    And with the farm complete, all that remained was to wait¡ªuntil their hard work bore fruit¡­ literally.

 Chapter 56 - 14th Days (1) | A Bed Fit for a Lady (1)

    The sharp sound of a hammer striking nails echoed through the crisp morning air, mingling with the steady rasp of a saw cutting through wood.


    Near the side of the wooden manor, Sebas knelt by a half-assembled wooden frame, his hands working with practiced ease as he drove another nail into place.


    Each strike from his hammer was slow, but precise and powerful¡­ specifically so that he would not just obliterate the very thing that he was working on.


    "Miss Knight, requesting a few more planks, please~," the butler called out to his ¡¯trusted¡¯ working partner.


    "Y-yeah, right away," the knight, Martha, replied hastily.


    She¡¯d been busy sawing another set of planks for a similar wooden frame project of her own. Retrieving a few already-sawn planks near her feet, she promptly brought them to the butler.


    "Thank you, Miss Knight~," Sebas said in a sing-song voice as he received the planks, his teasing nature ever present.


    "Yeah, yeah..." she grumbled under her breath, but¡­ her lips curled into a small smile that was barely noticeable by the butler¡­


    However, it was noticed by both her mistress and her fellow aide.


    "May I ask what exactly you two are doing?" Anastasia¡¯s voice cut through the morning air with a tone that, while polite, carried a hint of suspicion.


    "W-what¡ª?!"


    Anastasia and Bella had appeared out of nowhere in Martha¡¯s sight, surprising the brunette knight greatly!


    "L-Lady Anastasia¡ª?!" Martha blurted out, nearly dropping the remaining planks in her hands. However, she quickly straightened herself. "S-Since when did you arrive, my lady¡­?"


    "Only just recently, Martha," the redheaded mistress replied with a warm smile to her knight. Anastasia herself couldn¡¯t help but let out a small giggle at seeing Martha¡¯s flustered state.


    The mistress and the maid had only just come out from the house, finding it odd that both the butler and the knight had gone missing first thing in the morning.


    But they¡¯d heard the sounds of people working near the manor¡ªthe rowdy, distracting noises were impossible to ignore in the quiet of early morning.


    And thus, the mistress found both her knight and her butler here... working side by side.


    She directed her attention to Sebas, who was still quite focused on his work.


    "Sir Sebas, care to explain what exactly you two have been up to?"


    "Hmm? Oh! Lady Ana and Miss Maid~!"


    The butler finally realized their presence, pausing his work and immediately standing up.


    "Good morning, my lady~," he greeted, bowing his head with his usual flair.


    Seeing the butler¡¯s ever-calm gesture made the knight jolt in place, finally remembering her supposed position and duty! "A-ah! Yeah! Good morning, my lady!"


    The knight hurriedly bowed to her mistress in a panicked fashion, eliciting another giggle from not just Anastasia but also Bella as well.


    "Good morning, you two¡­ Now, seriously, what are you two even doing?" She inquired with a slight huff, as if feeling left out of something interesting. "What kind of project are you brewing again, Sir Sebas?"


    "Ahaha, sorry, sorry. We must have been quite loud this morning, huh?"


    She placed her hands on her hips, pretending to be mad at the two. "Very much so, Sir Sebas."


    "Forgive me if that was the case," he said smoothly, though his smile of amusement had not left him yet, "we¡¯ve been working on your requested items, Lady Ana."


    "My¡­ requested items?"


    The butler did not answer her directly. Instead, he stepped aside and gestured toward the wooden frame he had been working on¡ªpresenting it as if it were some grand, prized treasure¡ª!


    "My lady¡­ this is our bed!!!"


    And there he presented¡ªan (unfinished) wooden bed!


    The wooden frame stood proudly under the morning sun¡ªa simple, sturdy structure for a single bed. Though unfinished, the clean cuts and smooth edges hinted at the skill behind its creation.


    Anastasia, however, merely stared blankly at both the frame and the butler¡¯s grand presentation. Her expression was unreadable¡­ though the silence itself spoke volumes.


    Beside Sebas, Martha could only offer a wry smile. After all, she had been the one helping him from the start.


    In contrast¡­ Bella¡¯s eyes sparkled with curiosity.


    "Wow¡­!"


    Without hesitation, she rushed forward to the (unfinished) wooden frame! She was clearly captivated by it, her fingers brushing against the wooden surface as if admiring a masterpiece in the making.


    "This is amazing, Sir Sebas¡­!" she exclaimed excitedly, tracing the smooth finish.


    She was right to be excited, of course, because this meant she would finally get to sleep on a proper bed frame instead of just a cloth bedding on the floor.


    Sebas, naturally, puffed his chest out with pride at her praise. "Hehe~ Thank you kindly, Miss Maid. I always aim to deliver the best~."


    Seeing her maid¡¯s excitement and even hearing her butler¡¯s boasting earned a sigh from the redheaded noble, before her lips curled into a smile of endearment at the usual antics of her servants.


    Still¡­ something else crossed her mind.


    "Sir Sebas¡­ Since when did you start making this?" Her voice was calm yet stern, and her narrowed eyes hinted at suspicion. "Don¡¯t tell me¡­ have you been skipping sleep again?!" S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ahaha~! You wound me, Lady Ana. I promise, no such thing happened this time," the butler replied smoothly, amused by her apparent concern.


    He then lightly tapped the wooden frame in emphasis, "I only started working on this thing right before daybreak. So I assure you I did get a decent sleep~."


    "¡­Good," she muttered, her shoulders relaxing just a little.


    But then¡ªher gaze shifted toward her knight.


    Martha flinched. "L-Lady Anastasia¡­? What¡¯s the matter, my lady¡­?"


    "And you?" Her tone was light, yet there was no mistaking the question behind it. "Since when did you wake up? Have you been helping Sir Sebas with all of this?"


    "H-Huh?"


    Caught red-handed, Martha let out a sheepish laugh, scratching her cheek.


    "Ehehe¡­ I, um¡­ woke up around the same time as him¡­" she admitted awkwardly, "so, well¡ªI figured I¡¯d lend a hand¡­"


    However, this was heard by the butler; his eyes held a sly glint.


    "Hahaha~, Miss Knight, don¡¯t be shy now," Sebas chimed in with a teasing grin. "She¡¯s helping me here only because she wanted her training session with me~."

 Chapter 57 - 14th Days (2) | A Bed Fit for a Lady (2)

    "Wha¡ª!? S-Sir Butler¡ª?!?" Martha¡¯s face flushed red as she spun toward him. "Y-You didn¡¯t have to tell her like that!"


    Anastasia, however, merely let out a soft giggle¡ªshe had already suspected as much.


    After all¡­ if it were any other day, her knight would¡¯ve been bickering with her butler over every little thing... even if they were working toward the same goal.


    But from what she¡¯d seen just now? The brunette knight had been surprisingly¡­ docile.


    "Sigh... and here I thought you two finally learned to get along," Anastasia mused, her tone light but knowing. "I should¡¯ve known there was something else behind it."


    "W-well, he did promise that training after all, but he kept postponing it in favor of the farm..." she mumbled under her breath, crossing her arms as her voice lowered into a grumble, "¡­even though there were, like, one or two days when we actually had free time¡­"


    Her low grumbling, however, was still heard by the butler in question and earned her a soft chuckle from him.


    "Come now, Miss Knight," Sebas drawled teasingly while resuming his work on the wooden frame.


    His back was against the knight herself and his mistress; his eyes focused on the job, but the maid beside him could see the playful glint in them. "I highly prefer to focus on one job at a time~."


    "You could¡¯ve made some time if you really wanted to," the knight huffed in irritation, clearly not convinced by his nonchalant excuse. "I¡¯ve seen you back then¡ªjust lazing around watching the farm as if something¡¯s gonna pop off from it... and it turned out nothing happened!"


    And she was right on that matter¡ªthe butler had mostly been idle on those two days of no actual farming work, waiting on the once-empty tilled soil of their farm.


    "...I¡¯ve been wondering about that too," Anastasia admitted quietly, her curiosity piqued.


    "Uhm... S-sir Sebas," Bella tried to catch his attention amidst his work, "was there perhaps something wrong with the soil before...?"


    Despite the confusion and the growing concern over the strange matter, the butler only let out another chuckle as usual.


    "It¡¯s nothing serious, ladies. I¡¯m just curious about what our magic fertilizer would do to our farm."


    "M-magic fertilizer...?" the maid echoed in further confusion but quickly realized¡ª "You mean that super smelly one!? Was there something wrong with it, Sir Sebas...?!"


    "Hahaha~, don¡¯t worry, don¡¯t worry, there was nothing wrong with it or even with our farm~," he replied smoothly, "...I think."


    "Y-y-you think...?!"


    "Oi, butler, don¡¯t mess around with Bella¡¯s head," Martha reprimanded the butler who was snickering to himself, before her eyes narrowed. "And also... care to explain this magic fertilizer? Should I also be wary of any potential mishap of yours...?"


    "It should be fine~," Sebas reassured them, returning to his usual nonchalant light as he continued working on the wooden frame. "The magic fertilizer will work as intended and our crops will grow well¡­ hell, well enough that they might even grow faster than usual."


    Upon hearing his reassurance, the maid¡¯s face instantly brightened with relief.


    "Oh, thank the gods above¡­ I was worried I messed something up again," she mumbled in earnest, her shoulders visibly relaxing.


    She would have felt quite horrible if, after all that work (and enduring the vile stench to boot), it had gone to waste.


    However, the thought of ¡¯faster-growing crops¡¯ made the blonde maid quite excited about the prospect. "S-sir Sebas, if that magic fertilizer really works well as you said... then our harvests will be amazing, won¡¯t they...?"


    "They will, they will~."


    "Yeah~!"


    Both butler and maid cheered together at the thought of their would-be bountiful harvest.


    However, the same could not be said for the other two ¡¯serious¡¯ gals of the group.


    Anastasia and Martha exchanged a glance¡ªboth catching on to the part the butler wasn¡¯t saying...


    "...Sir Sebas," Anastasia called out, her voice holding a suspicious edge as her gaze narrowed on him, "...how can you be so sure it¡¯ll work as you imagined it would be?"


    Sebas only let out a soft chuckle at her sharp, unyielding curiosity toward him.


    "Remember that I mentioned a friend of mine?"


    The mistress gave a slow nod, her suspicion still lingering.


    "I¡¯ve seen the results of her research firsthand. Amazing stuff, I tell you, and especially with this magic fertilizer that she gave to me," he added, as if he still couldn¡¯t quite believe it himself, "she tested them on common crops and flowers, and they yield damn incredible results in just a shorter period of time."


    "Truly...?" Anastasia remarked; intrigued. Her curiosity piqued by the way her butler recalled his friend in quite the fond tone.


    "Yup. That¡¯s why I was confident with using it on our farm..." he admitted... but, his voice dipping slightly, "...I ¡¯was,¡¯ though, because I¡¯ve just realized the problem¡ªit was only tested on ¡¯normal¡¯ soil."


    "...! The mana problem¡ª!"


    Upon hearing his words, Anastasia¡¯s expression shifted to shock as realization dawned on her.


    Her mind immediately returned to the peculiar nature of this godforsaken land¡ªthe dense mana it constantly emitted...! S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Martha, however, tilted her head in confusion. "Mana... problem?"


    The knight had heard of a similar conversation before¡ªparticularly the first time during the toilet slime case.


    "...Lady Anastasia, I apologize for intruding upon your deliberations, but..." she pressed cautiously, carefully gathering her words, "...what are you two talking about? What is this ¡¯mana problem¡¯ that you speak of, Your Grace?"


    The mistress didn¡¯t answer her knight¡¯s inquiry right away¡ªshe hadn¡¯t even told Martha nor Bella of the circumstances within this land...


    It was not because she couldn¡¯t articulate her thoughts well enough for it... but because... she¡¯d realized that the revelation might shock them greatly.


    "Lady Ana, let me handle the long-winded explanation," Sebas offered smoothly.


    And Anastasia reluctantly agreed. "...Yes, it might be better if it¡¯s coming from you, Sir Sebas."


    "W-what are you two even talking about here...?" Martha demanded, her confusion rising from their cryptic exchange.


    With one final strike, the butler hammered the last nail into the wooden frame¡ªfinally completing the bed.


    Rising to his full height, he dusted his hands off before turning toward the two women.


    It¡¯s gonna be a long story, Miss Knight," he said with a faint smile. "So... how about I tell you while we also get your training session going?"

 Chapter 58 - 14th Days (3) | Windy Training Session (1)

    [Northeast of Anastasia¡¯s Region (Not Named Yet)]


    "...You¡¯re not joking around, right, Sir Butler...?" The brunette knight questioned, following behind his trail as they ventured into the forest¡ªnortheast of Anastasia¡¯s current region.


    "I¡¯m not, Miss Knight," he replied smoothly, "now why would I be joking around with something so crucial?"


    His casual remark was only met by a collective blank stare¡ªnot just from Martha, but even from Anastasia, who was tagging along with the two warriors of the group.


    "...You¡¯re not exactly convincing anyone here, Sir Sebas," the redhead mistress chimed in, her arms crossed as she gave him a pointed look.


    Of course, the ever-anxious Bella was also included in the group, following along not just to hear the butler¡¯s explanation, but also... to witness her fellow knight aide¡¯s training session with said butler.


    Unfortunately, though, at the moment... she was too preoccupied¡ªface stricken with fear¡ªby the horrifying thought of what living on this godforsaken land would entail for all of them...


    The two female aides of Anastasia had just learned of the ¡¯mana problem¡¯ that the Garden of Hell had¡ªthat being the issue with the high-density mana that enveloped this very land so thickly.


    The dense mana properties of this land weren¡¯t exactly surprising to them, though, as they had already learned about it during the well-digging venture...


    However, what brought their alert was what they¡¯d just heard¡ªnot just from the butler, but even from their mistress...


    Which was the effect of this dense mana¡ªhow it warped the very environment and living beings exposed to it.


    And the most alarming examples of that effect...


    Were the looming threat of mana poisoning for anyone who lingered too long in these lands¡ªand the theory that the extremely dangerous monsters plaguing all over Florentia were caused and influenced by the dense mana itself.


    "...To be honest, I can¡¯t fathom such notion," the knight continued to doubt his words. However, it was not just from her skepticism, but also... from the dread that was creeping into her. "To think that we are walking on the very ground that could breed those monstrosities..."


    "T-Then¡­ doesn¡¯t that mean¡­" Bella¡¯s voice trembled with anxiety, "If this mana can create those monsters¡­ what if¡ªwhat if we end up turning into one too...?!"


    The maid¡¯s words struck a heavy chord with everyone present... as an unsettling thought began to burrow deeper into their minds¡ªdeeper than the mere threat of a somewhat ¡¯simple¡¯ death by mana poisoning.


    And that thought¡­ caused a sudden ripple of turmoil within Martha.


    She had been skeptical at first¡ªrefusing to accept such a bizarre notion from the get-go¡ªbut Bella¡¯s question had changed her mind, bringing forth a more horrifying possibility.


    "Humans... turning into monsters...?" the knight muttered under her breath, her tone wavering between disbelief and unease. "That sounds even more absurd..."


    This worry, too, still plagued Anastasia, even as she tried to maintain a calm composure... The redhead noblewoman found herself glancing toward Sebas¡¯s back with a flicker of concern.


    After all¡­ she herself had once posed that very same question to him...


    Their collective gaze gathered on the butler once more as they all sought answers to their growing concerns.


    "...You don¡¯t need to worry about that," Sebas spoke at last, his voice steady... and firm, as he continued to lead the group deeper into the forest. "As long as you don¡¯t get exposed to an overwhelming amount of mana in one go¡­ you¡¯ll be fine."


    "R-Really...? So... we¡¯re not turning into... m-m-monsters...?" Bella pressed again, unable to hide the tremor in her voice.


    This time, however¡­ Sebas did not answer immediately.


    For a brief moment, there was only silence¡ªthick and tense¡ªbroken only by the faint rustling of leaves beneath their steps.


    His silence brought further worry to all three of them...


    But eventually, without looking back, he finally spoke once more, "You won¡¯t turn into grotesque monsters, if that¡¯s what you¡¯re afraid of."


    His words should have been a comfort for all of them¡ªBut¡­ he wasn¡¯t finished.


    "...With that being said¡­" He trailed off briefly before continuing, "Long-term exposure to this dense of a mana¡ªwhile it won¡¯t turn you into a mindless beast... could still affect you."


    "...!"


    The weight of his words settled heavily on the group. Instead of easing their fears, his chilling honesty only deepened the unease curling within their chests...!


    Anastasia¡¯s lips parted slightly¡ªhesitation flickering across her face¡ªbut the gnawing unease pushed her to speak¡ª!


    "Sir Sebas¡ª!" Her voice tightened with urgency as she quickened her pace to close the distance between them. "Do you truly mean what you said before...? That I¡ªno... WE won¡¯t turn into monsters...?"


    The butler didn¡¯t answer right away.


    Instead, to their surprise¡ªhe stopped in his tracks.


    His sudden halt sent a ripple of tension through the group. The faint rustling of the forest seemed louder in the stillness he left behind.


    And with that, another silence hung heavy between them. Heavy... and deliberate.


    But...


    "You won¡¯t... none of you will turn into monsters."


    He broke his silence once more. He did not show his expression to the three of them, but... his words¡ªspoken with such certainty¡ªwere meant for all of them.


    A reassurance.


    And then slowly, Sebas turned his head¡ªhis sharp gaze settling on them.


    On Anastasia. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "... And I¡¯ll make sure that it never will."


    His firm words were a promise that he made to them... and Anastasia¡¯s breath caught in her throat¡ªremembering the same promise that he¡¯d made toward her.


    Yet¡ªeven now¡ªhis conviction had not wavered.


    If anything¡­ it felt heavier. More absolute.


    She couldn¡¯t explain why, but... there was no doubt in her heart¡ªhe meant every word in his promise.


    Both in the past... and even in the present.


    And now, the weight of his vow settled over the three women... leaving their concerns lingering in the air, unspoken... but ever-present.


    No one pressed further to this slow, ever-growing concern, and with that, the butler then resumed his stride.


    And... they followed after him without question.


    The only sound was the soft crunch of leaves beneath their feet as they continued deeper into the forest, shadows curling around their path.


    For a time, no one dared to break the silence...


    But eventually¡­


    "Um¡­ S-sir Sebas?" Bella¡¯s voice cut through the stillness, hesitant and small. "W-where¡­ exactly are we going?"

 Chapter 59 - 14th Days (4) | Windy Training Session (2)

    "That¡¯s right¡ª!" Martha blurted out, snapping back to the present as the realization hit her. "Where are we even going, Sir Butler? I thought you said we were also heading out for my training...!"


    "Where else?" He turned his head back, a small smile curling on his lips. "We are heading toward our training spot~."


    And as those words left his mouth, the shadows of the forest faded as their ragtag group of four emerged into a wide clearing...!


    A sudden burst of light pierced through the dense canopy of the forest¡ªblinding them!


    "W-wha¡ª!"


    "Ah¡ª!"


    "Ugh...!"


    Anastasia, Bella, and Martha winced at the same time; their eyes were assaulted by the strong light...!


    They quickly raised their hands to shield their eyes! However, the harsh sunlight poured down without mercy, momentarily disorienting them...!


    But... their vision began to adjust to the sudden change in brightness, allowing them to finally see what lay behind the shining light... Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And their eyes widened.


    What they had come across was not just the plain meadow of the Garden of Hell that they¡¯d seen almost forever, no... it wasn¡¯t just a simple clearing.


    What stretched out before them... was a vast plateau, bathed under the open sky...!


    They all stood in silence, their eyes fixed on the vast, low-grass highland, where the edge of the plateau dropped away into open air and a boundless horizon.


    The air in this highland itself felt clearer¡ªcrisper¡ªwithout the dense forest that had crowded around them. A gentle breeze swept through, cool and refreshing against their skin.


    And as they moved closer to the center¡­


    "¡­W-wow...!" Bella gasped softly, stopping just near enough to the cliff as her sight landed on what was beyond it¡ª!


    Just as they¡¯d expected¡ªbeyond the plateau¡¯s edge was a steep drop, revealing an endless sea of green below. The sprawling forest stretched far beneath them¡ªan unbroken ocean of foliage swaying gently in the breeze.


    "A vantage point, huh¡­" Martha murmured under her breath, her voice laced with awe. From here, she could see how useful this spot would be for scouting¡ªoffering a clear view of the surrounding terrain.


    The forest trail had seemed unremarkable¡ªbut from the plateau¡¯s edge, the vast land that Lady Anastasia would govern under her lordship stretched before them.


    Neither Anastasia nor her two aides had realized just how high they had climbed... they had merely followed the butler¡¯s lead, unaware of where he was taking them...


    But now, they had finally found what he had been trying to lead them to¡ªand they were not disappointed by the outcome.


    "M-my lady, this is amazing, isn¡¯t it...?" Bella¡¯s voice trembled softly as she held her hands together, trembling with excitement. "I didn¡¯t think we would come across such a wonderful landmark¡­!"


    "Indeed, Bella..." the mistress murmured, her voice soft with wonder. Then, her sight landed on a peculiar landmark in the distance. "...Is that...!"


    "Yup... that¡¯s the waterfall where you ladies like to freshen up~," Sebas chimed in smoothly.


    Their eyes caught the sight of the waterfall¡ªthe top of it¡ªwhere a steady stream of the river fell into the chasm below, disappearing into the forest¡¯s depths.


    "So that¡¯s where the waterfall continued from..." Anastasia mused aloud, tilting her head slightly as her crimson hair fluttered in the breeze.


    "By the way; the river flows from the northwest border¡ªoutside of Florentia¡ªdown to the eastern beach at the edge of your region, my lady."


    "I see... but, wait, there¡¯s a beach in this land, Sir Sebas?"


    "There is~," he confirmed with a grin, but his smile soon turned wry. "Though I wouldn¡¯t recommend them right now."


    "...It¡¯s because of the monster infestation, isn¡¯t it?"


    "Yup, spot on..." Sebas solemnly nodded to her astute observation, "right now, the beach inside your land is not really ideal for a beach vacation, Lady Ana."


    "I figured as much..."


    "But don¡¯t worry," he declared with a playful glint in his eyes, "we¡¯re going to vanquish every monster there and conquer the beach eventually!"


    His bold promise elicited a small giggle from the redhead. "I¡¯m looking forward to it."


    Their eyes then resumed roaming the endless expanse, continuing to be captivated by the breathtaking sight of the valley below them...


    Yet, amidst their astonishment¡­ Martha shook her head, breaking herself out of her daze¡ª!


    "Hold on¡ª!" She turned toward the butler with a furrowed brow. "Sir Butler, is this place our training spot?!"


    "Correct, Miss Knight~," Sebas answered without hesitation.


    "...!"


    His cheerful affirmation only deepened her surprise.


    The brunette knight swept her gaze across the plateau once more. Despite her initial disbelief¡­ she couldn¡¯t deny the possibilities... and even the charm of training in this highland plateau.


    An open space like this¡ªfree from the dense forest¡ªwas quite ideal for physical combat training.


    The cliff edge itself, though, was a matter of concern, but... it wasn¡¯t really a big deal for either herself or especially the butler, for that matter.


    Though Bella seemed to be inching closer by the second, so it would not be ideal for either her mistress or especially for her fellow aide...


    Shoving aside the worrying thought for a moment, the knight turned back toward the smiling butler... as her own lips curled into a challenging smile.


    "So..."


    "Hmm? What is it, Miss Knight?"


    "Well, what are we waiting for? Should we start my training¡ª"


    "Not yet." He cut her off mid-question, his tone dropping into a more serious edge.


    "N-not yet? W-what do you mean¡ª"


    Before she could question him further¡ª


    A large shadow fell over the plateau¡ª!


    "*Gasped...!*"


    "Kyaah!!!"


    The sudden rush of wind whipped against Anastasia and Bella¡¯s faces¡ªmultiple gusts! The fierce turbulence made them reel back in surprise, almost tripping themselves near the cliff!


    And from the forest below¡ª


    They rose.


    "¡­What the...?!" Martha¡¯s breath caught in her throat.


    Large figures soared upward from the lowlands¡ªbursting into view against the clear sky. Their wings spread wide, casting jagged silhouettes as they circled above the plateau.


    Bird-like monsters¡ªeach ranging in size from a dog to a bear¡­


    And there were¡­ many of them.


    "We gotta deal with these feathery fellows first, but... you could say it¡¯s a little warm-up before our actual training," the smiling butler quipped to the stunned-shocked knight as he brandished his longsword out of thin air.


    "So... let¡¯s get physical, Miss Knight~."

 Chapter 60 - 14th Days (5) | Windy Training Session (3)

    "B-Bloodwings...!?" The knight, Martha, gasped, her voice trembling slightly as she quickly brandished her sword¡­!


    "That¡¯s right~," the butler, Sebas, answered smoothly, stepping forward to prepare himself for the upcoming assault. "C-Rank avian monsters known for their signature red ¡¯bloodied¡¯ wings."


    Those ¡¯bloodied¡¯ wings¡ªavian monsters numbering in the dozens¡ªrose into the blue sky, soaring higher than the plateau highland. They circled the four humans below, their sharp eyes fixed on Anastasia and her servants¡­ like birds of prey stalking their next meal.


    "But there¡¯s too many of them¡­!" She clenched her teeth, gripping her sword tighter. "I thought they were solitary monsters¡ªnot these pack-hunting fiends...!"


    "Usually, they are. However, remember, Miss Knight¡­ this is The Garden of Hell," he explained calmly, his tone unshaken. "Different monsters adapt to different behaviors depending on the environment they live in."


    He raised his longsword into the air, pointing at the avian monsters that continued to circle above¡ªwaiting for the perfect moment to strike¡­!


    "The ones found in the ¡¯wilds¡¯ of Florentia are solitary because of competition for prey¡ªeven amongst themselves. But here¡­? They wouldn¡¯t survive long against the more powerful monsters that roam this place. Thus, they¡¯ve adapted a pack mentality." S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He glanced back at the still-shocked knight with a faint, almost playful smile. "Pretty interesting survival tactic of theirs, right?"


    "Like hell it is! This is even worse!" the knight snapped, her frustration bleeding into her voice. "A single Bloodwing is already bad enough because of its annoying hit-and-run attacks¡ªa whole flock of them will tear us apart from every direction!"


    "Ahaha~, don¡¯t be such a worrywart, Miss Knight~. It¡¯s not like they¡¯re any stronger here¡ªthey just decided that sharing a bit means more survival for the lot," the butler quipped without shred of worry in his voice.


    He then tilted his head slightly, a playful glint in his eyes. "While their pack attacks are annoying to deal with, they¡¯re relatively the same monsters regardless... though they do pack a slightly meaner punch because of the amplified wind magic in their wings..."


    "So, they are stronger after all?!"


    "Well, yeah, I guess, but it feels like they¡¯re the same to me overall."


    "That¡¯s because of your ridiculous strength, you damn monster of a butler..."


    Amidst their bickering, a distressed Anastasia and a fear-stricken Bella finally retreated from the edge of the cliff¡ªhaving almost fallen off from the shock of the bloodwings¡¯ sudden appearance.


    "Martha! Sir Sebas!" The red-haired mistress called out, worry etched across her face as she and her blonde maid approached the duo for protection.


    However, Bella quickly ran and hid behind both Sebas and Martha, seeking shelter as panic gripped her.


    "What¡¯s going on? Why are so many of these bloodwings gathered in one place...?!" Anastasia demanded, confusion and unease clear in her voice.


    It seemed that neither of them had caught the conversation between the butler and the knight...


    "Hmm, well, we could go over the whole explanation bit again, my lady, but..." The butler shrugged. "Let¡¯s just say these birds like to group up here rather than feeling lonely in the wild~."


    "H-Huh...?" Anastasia blinked, a bit taken aback by his usual nonchalant demeanor. "W-Well, in any case¡ªhow should we fend off these avian monsters?"


    "For sure, my lady. In fact¡ªwe are specifically looking for these bloody-winged fellows~."


    "W-What?!"


    "H-Huh?!"


    "Wait, what did you say, butler?!"


    Anastasia and Bella were obviously in shock over the revelation, while Martha¡¯s own surprise quickly turned to fury.


    "You damn butler! How could you bring your mistress to a place knowing the danger?!" the knight barked, eyes blazing with anger.


    "You really expect this whole place to be monster-free?" He shot back with a raised eyebrow.


    "Ugh... You¡¯ve got a point there..." Martha begrudgingly admitted, though the irritation in her tone remained. "But you could¡¯ve at least warned us if we were going to face these kinds of monsters! And what did you mean by specifically looking for them, huh?!"


    "Ah, my bad~," Sebas replied, his voice light and casual¡ªfar too casual for the situation. "I wanted to collect their wings."


    "For what exactly...?" Anastasia chimed in, tilting her head in confusion.


    "For your bed, my lady."


    A heavy silence fell over the group.


    "Huh...?"


    Martha, Anastasia, and even Bella muttered in disbelief. They blinked a few times, staring at him, struggling to process his absurd answer to such a serious situation.


    The butler only chuckled softly, always amused by their dumbfounded reactions.


    Without another word, he turned his focus back as he stepped forward¡ªhis eyes fixed on the flock of bloodwings circling above.


    "Skreeee!"


    And as if provoked by his attitude, one of the larger bloodwings screeched in fury. Soon... several of the avian monsters suddenly dived¡ªFAST.


    Martha¡¯s grip tightened on her sword¡¯s hilt as she quickly moved forward to stand between the descending bloodwings and both Anastasia and Bella. "My lady! Please stay close¡ª"


    But she didn¡¯t even get to finish.


    Because... the first bloodwing to reach them... was already dealt with.


    In one smooth motion, the butler had already swung his longsword¡ªno flourish, no wasted movement. Just a clean, merciless strike.


    SLASH!


    The first few bloodwings didn¡¯t even have time to screech¡ªeach of their bodies split clean in half, both pieces falling lifelessly to the ground.


    And the others of their brethren?


    Another pack of bloodwings tried to rush him¡ªswarming like a wave of talons and beaks¡ª


    But it didn¡¯t matter.


    Because the only thing they met... was his blade.


    SLASH¡ªSLASH¡ªSLASH!


    In the blink of an eye, limbs, wings, and severed heads scattered across the ground¡ªslaughtered without a shred of mercy. It was as if they¡¯d been butchered like common livestock chickens.


    Sebas, with the now-bloody longsword, glanced back at the shocked Martha with a grin.


    "See? Like I said, they¡¯re not really much different than the ones we¡¯d find anywhere else."


    He was met with only silence from the knight¡ªand even from the mistress and the maid. Of course, as usual, their stunned expressions only further fueled his amusement.


    "So get to work, Miss Knight," he turned his focus back to the avian monsters above. "We gotta hunt down a whole bunch of them to even get one regular bed."

 Chapter 61 - 14th Days (6) | Windy Training Session (4)

    "Skreee!!!"


    The supposed Alpha of the bloodwing flock screeched in rage after seeing its brethren slaughtered without much hassle.


    "Skreee!!!"


    The large red-winged avian monster screeched once more and then... more bloodwings began to descend with a fast dive¡ªanother volley attack!


    Of course, their target was still the same as before: the smiling human in the black formal suit.


    "These feathery fellows of ours," the butler mused as he readied his sword at his side, "they¡¯re not any cleverer than their ¡¯wild¡¯ counterparts, are they?"


    And as soon as he finished his words, the second volley of the bloodwings¡¯ assault reached him¡ª


    SLASH¡ªSLASH¡ªSLASH!


    ¡ªBut just like the first volley, they were met only with the butler¡¯s blade, meeting their end in the same way as their braver brethren: cleanly cut into pieces and limbs.


    Martha¡¯s grip on her sword tightened as she watched the display.


    His swordplay¡ªprecise, effortless¡ªwas leagues beyond anything she¡¯d ever seen.


    Each strike was delivered with chilling accuracy, as if the blade itself knew where to cut... and she couldn¡¯t help but be mesmerized by it.


    For someone who had always pushed herself to become a better swordsman¡­ the sight was both impressive and humbling.


    ¡¯I¡¯ve got much to learn from this butler...!¡¯ She bit the inside of her cheek, her pride battling against the undeniable truth.


    Anastasia, on the other hand, could only stare¡ªwide-eyed and speechless.


    This wasn¡¯t the first time she¡¯d seen the butler in action, yet every time¡­ it felt surreal. No wasted movement. No hesitation. Just cold, efficient slaughter.


    It was a feeling of relief to have someone so powerful at her side, but at the same time, it was still a rather unsettling reminder to see a man who possessed the strength to trample anything in his path¡­ without breaking a sweat.


    But not everyone shared their awe¡ªor their fear.


    "Eek¡­!" Bella whimpered, trembling as she clung to Anastasia¡¯s sleeve.


    Her legs felt weak¡ªso weak that she nearly keeled over when a severed wing landed with a sickening thud near the butler¡¯s feet.


    The ground was already littered with the bloodied remains of the slain monsters, and the sheer gruesomeness of it made her stomach churn.


    Sebas, of course, paid no mind to their reactions. Instead, he glanced toward the knight with a faint smile.


    "Miss Knight," he called out, his voice smooth but instructive, "how about a little lesson while we work?"


    Martha blinked, snapping her focus back to him.


    "H-huh? Lesson...?" She furrowed her brows, confused. However, he still continued without waiting for her to catch up.


    "While it¡¯s true that these bloodwings have developed a pack mentality here, they¡¯re still nowhere near as refined as wyverns... nor as strong as their scaled-winged cousins," he explained casually, swatting down another diving bloodwing without even looking. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "C-cousins? W-wait¡ªthey¡¯re related...?!"


    The only confirmation she got was another amused smile before he continued again.


    "These ¡¯Garden of Hell version¡¯ of bloodwings? Their tactics basically boil down to one thing¡ªswarming their prey with as many dive-bombs as possible, hoping to overwhelm through sheer numbers." He slid his bloodied sword back into position, his posture never breaking. "If you understand that, you can handle them without much trouble."


    There was a moment where Martha was still trying to grasp the confusing stuff he kept uttering... but eventually, she gave a sharp nod, her earlier confusion fading into quiet gratitude.


    She adjusted her sword stance¡ªpreparing to meet the challenge head-on!


    "Thanks for the lecture...!"


    Because at the same time¡ª


    "Skreee!!!"


    The Alpha screeched again, but this time¡­ the flock didn¡¯t just target Sebas.


    The bloodwings broke formation, splitting off into smaller groups¡ªsome diving straight for the three women.


    "Tch¡ª!" Martha moved first, stepping in front of Anastasia and Bella as the first wave closed in.


    CLANG!


    Her sword clashed against the razor-sharp talons of an incoming bloodwing, pushing it back before she swung her blade in a wide arc¡ªcutting down two more in a single stroke.


    Another lunged from her blind spot, but she twisted her body, slicing clean through its wing before it could strike.


    Anastasia and Bella, realizing the dive attacks were aimed higher, ducked low to the ground¡ªkeeping themselves out of the immediate path of the bloodwings¡¯ strikes.


    And so... the relentless slaughter continued.


    Sebas moved with the same eerie precision¡ªeach swing of his blade cutting down bloodwings the moment they dared to dive at him.


    Feathers, blood, and torn limbs scattered across the plateau, staining the ground in a growing sea of crimson.


    Martha wasn¡¯t far behind. With her sword flashing in wide, controlled arcs, she cut down any bloodwing that slipped past the butler¡¯s reach.


    Her strikes weren¡¯t as effortless¡ªbut they were effective. The ground beneath them grew slick with gore as more and more avian bodies piled up.


    And yet¡­ the bloodwings kept coming.


    High above, several of the monsters hovered just out of reach¡ªcircling like vultures waiting for an opening.


    Anastasia realized this; fists clenched in frustration...


    She¡¯d stayed low to avoid the diving attacks, but watching Sebas and Martha handle everything¡­ it gnawed at her pride as their master and the lord of this land.


    Thus... she couldn¡¯t just sit here and do nothing¡ª!


    ¡¯If I can¡¯t reach them with a sword¡­¡¯


    She shifted herself on the ground¡ªkneeling to her knees and then raising both hands toward the sky...!


    The redhead poured mana at her fingertips¡ªglowing ethereal red¡ªbefore a glowing red circle began to form before her palms!


    Martha, noticing the sudden surge of mana, glanced back¡ªher eyes widening in surprise.


    "H-huh? Lady Anastasia¡­?!"


    Bella gasped softly beside her, shocked by her mistress¡¯s attempt to use an Arcana but unable to tear her gaze away.


    Sebas, however, only raised an eyebrow as he witnessed Anastasia¡¯s magic.


    While his vision focused on his mistress, his blade still moved without pause, cutting down yet another bloodwing that dared to rush him without him even needing to pay them any attention.


    The magic circle flared brighter¡ªcrimson flames crackling to life¡ª! Anastasia¡¯s voice rang out, clear and resolute!


    "Flame Arcana: Inferno Lance!"


    A blazing spear of fire burst forth from the magic circle¡ªsearing-hot and deadly. Without hesitation, it shot toward the bloodwings hovering above.


    BOOM!

 Chapter 62 - 14th Days (7) | Windy Training Session (5)

    The flaming lance had struck true¡ªpiercing through the air with blistering speed before exploding within a tightly packed cluster of red-winged avian monsters!


    The impact of the explosion caused a dense, billowing cloud of smoke to engulf the entire sky, obscuring the flock from view...


    And when the smoke began to clear, what was revealed was a gruesome sight¡ªscorched feathers and charred bodies of the bloodwings raining down as the burning magic tore mercilessly through their ranks.


    Several more of the bloodwings shrieked in agony before plummeting to the blood-soaked ground, leaving behind a dozen of their brethren¡ªstunned and visibly shaken by the devastation.


    One of the survivors was, of course, the Alpha of the bloodwings, which had twisted itself mid-air¡ªnarrowly avoiding the blast from Anastasia¡¯s destructive fire arcana.


    Anastasia herself lowered her hands, breathing hard after unleashing a mana-intensive arcana for the first time in so long... but a smile tugged at her lips.


    Seeing the results of her magic¡­ it was satisfying, to say the least.


    And even more so upon witnessing the charred remains of the avian monsters plummeting from the sky...


    Something within the fallen noblewoman stirred... ever since she had unleashed her flame arcana upon those bloodwings.


    A strange sensation¡ªsurreal, yet intoxicating... in a way that felt almost twisted.


    And slowly... her smile turned into a grin¡ª


    "Y-you did it, my lady!" Bella cheered, relief washing over her trembling voice. "You took care of those scary birds with that brilliant fire lance of yours, your grace~!"


    "...!"


    The blonde maid¡¯s exclamation had broken the mistress¡¯s momentary trance... halting the strange sensation that had almost taken hold of her.


    "That¡¯s right...! That was a splendid arcana, my lady!" Martha joined in with the praise, genuinely impressed by her mistress¡¯s display of magical prowess. "I¡¯ve always known how amazing you are with your arcana, but you simply blew away my expectations! Literally!"


    Their shower of praises left the redheaded noblewoman stunned and speechless. That strange sensation within her heart had vanished completely, replaced by a much lighter, more pleasant feeling.


    And so... she smiled, a sincere expression of gratitude toward her two ever-loyal aides. "Thank you, you two."


    Seeing their mistress¡¯s warm appreciation, the two female servants beamed with joy¡ªcompletely unaware of what had almost transpired within their redheaded lady.


    But not Sebas.


    The head butler watched them closely, observing the two female aides as they continued to shower their mistress with praise¡ªall while he effortlessly fended off any bloodwings that attempted to launch ¡¯sneak attacks¡¯ on him.


    His attention, after all, was fully set upon his charge instead... and his eyes narrowed slightly at her.


    ¡¯...She was almost consumed by the ¡¯crimson¡¯...¡¯


    Through his vision, he could see faint traces of crimson mana lingering around her¡ªits tendrils reaching for Anastasia, trying to sink into her very being.


    But fortunately...


    ¡¯...So the ones who broke her free were those two, huh...¡¯


    Anastasia¡¯s two female aides had unknowingly pulled her out of her near-trance-like ¡¯crimson¡¯ state, preventing the redheaded noblewoman from succumbing to that.


    A small smile graced the butler¡¯s lips as he realized something.


    His charge would not fall so easily to the temptation of the ¡¯crimson¡¯¡ªnot with him and these two loyal aides by her side


    "Lady Ana, that was indeed a splendid arcana you just cast. Quite effective against airborne targets, I must say," he added, joining the barrage of praise from her other servants.


    "A-ah, yes... thank you..." Lady Ana murmured, a small rosy blush gracing her cheeks.


    Being endlessly praised by her two female servants was a pleasant feeling, but from her enigmatic butler? That was... something different.


    A peculiar sensation tugged at her heart...


    Seeing his mistress¡¯s bashful reaction, Sebas couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. "...But I¡¯d prefer you avoid fire-based magic next time, my lady. It ruins the feathers of these bloodwings, you know."


    "A-ah! I-I see... I¡¯m sorry..." she stammered, a sheepish smile etched on her bashful visage as she suddenly recalled his earlier objective¡ªsome the bloodwings¡¯ remains, now partially charred beyond use...


    "Oi, butler, don¡¯t you scold our mistress," Martha huffed, crossing her arms. "She just saved our skins from being pecked to death, you know? Show some appreciation!"


    "That¡¯s right, Sir Sebas, please don¡¯t be so mean to Lady Anastasia...!" Bella pouted, glaring at the butler. "S-she was only doing it to help you too, you know!"


    "Ahaha~, is that so?" The butler¡¯s amused chuckle deepened into a hearty grin. Seeing his fellow servants gang up on him in defense of their mistress was quite the sight. "Well, either way, we¡¯ll need to clear these bloodwings off your property, my lady."


    And just as he finished speaking, another wave of bloodwings attempted to launch a surprise attack on the seemingly ¡¯unprotected¡¯ back of the butler, but...


    He simply swung his longsword in a wide arc without even bothering to turn around, bisecting the reckless avian monsters cleanly in half¡ªsideways.


    "Y-yes, sir!" Martha barked out, once again raising her sword to face off against the rest of the bloodwings.


    Both Anastasia and Bella also returned their focus, preparing themselves for the incoming threat¡ª


    But¡­ something was different.


    The once-aggressive creatures no longer circled overhead. Their once-apparent ferocity had faded, replaced by a clear, undeniable hesitation.


    It was obvious¡ªthey had realized their usual tactics weren¡¯t working. Seeing their kin torn apart so effortlessly had shaken them greatly...


    And without warning¡­ they fled. Flapping their wings in a frantic rush, the bloodwings scattered across the sky, retreating beyond the horizon. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Those avian monsters¡¯ retreat left the four humans stunned into silence, clearly not expecting the creatures¡¯ sudden withdrawal.


    "Ah, they ran away." Bella¡¯s voice broke the brief silence, a bit of her shock still lacing her tone as she couldn¡¯t help but feel pity for those birds.


    And now¡­ they were left with a plateau littered with the gory remains of the bloodwings.


    Sebas turned to Martha, his usual calm expression unwavering. "Let¡¯s clean this place up first before we get to our training, alright, Miss Knight?"


    And Martha... just sighed, relieved but also slightly exasperated. "Roger, sir."

 Chapter 63 - 14th Days (8) | Windy Training Session (6)

    The three servants¡ªSebas, Martha, and even Bella (reluctantly)¡ªworked together to clean up the plateau highland.


    What had once been a clean and green low-grassland that was perfect for any outdoor activity and, of course, perfect for warrior training... was now stained with the aftermath of their battle.


    So, they had a lot of work to do here.


    By the way¡ªAnastasia had tried to offer her help with the cleaning too, but all three servants just vehemently refused her assistance.


    "Don¡¯t worry, my lady. I¡¯ll clean this place up so that you can enjoy it once more," Martha assured her mistress confidently, straightening herself.


    "I-Indeed, Your Grace. Please allow us to clean this place up..." Bella added, though there was a slight hesitation in her voice¡ªa clear evidence of her reluctance against these gory messes...


    "Yeah, Lady Ana. Don¡¯t worry about it and just enjoy the view," Sebas chimed in casually, his usual composed smile lingering on his lips.


    "I see... well, if that¡¯s the case, then please work hard for me," Anastasia responded with a graceful nod.


    "Yes, ma¡¯am!"


    And now, they began to work.


    Limb after limb, chunk after chunk of bloodwing remains were gathered into one spot near the forest entrance. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sebas made sure to separate the precious red wings of the bloodwings while the rest of the grotesque mess was piled together.


    It was a sight that would make any normal person¡¯s stomach churn¡­ and that held especially true for the blonde maid.


    Though the bulk of the remains had been cleared, the blood¡­ the blood was still everywhere¡ªthick, dark stains seeping into the ground. The heavy stench of iron hung in the once fresh air of the plateau... refusing to fade away.


    "¡­What should we do about all this blood, Sir Sebas?" The mistress, Anastasia, finally asked, pinching her nose slightly. "It¡¯s¡­ well, it¡¯s everywhere."


    Sebas, ever the calm butler that he was, wiped his hands off from the blood sticking to them.


    "Well, I could use a simple water arcana to wash it away. It¡¯s how I disposed of the dead monsters when you first arrived here, my lady." His tone was casual¡ªlike cleaning up piles of corpses was no different from sweeping a dusty floor. "But¡­ I have a better idea."


    "A better idea?"


    Her inquiry was only met with a smile. Without another word, the butler reached into his coat and, as if pulling it from thin air, produced a familiar round creature¡ªa soft, jiggly slime!


    "It¡¯s the slime...!" The mistress exclaimed softly, surprised to see the water-droplet-like creature again after so long.


    "...It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve seen these things," the knight muttered, tilting her head. "I thought they were all busy back home."


    "Well, I always carry some of them in my coat~," the butler said with an amused chuckle.


    "Seriously, Sir Butler...?" Martha further questioned, but only received the same smile as before from him.


    However, someone else was quite excited to see this little jiggly fellow¡ª


    "Joe 7!" Bella suddenly squealed, clasping her hands together in delight. "Awww, you¡¯re back~!"


    "Joe¡­ 7?" Martha¡¯s brow twitched. "Did you seriously name it again? What¡¯s more, you used the same name and numbering system as before..."


    "Of course, I would, Miss Martha," Bella huffed, a small pout gracing her lips. "These guys are our precious, hardworking friends who keep Lady Anastasia¡¯s region clean!"


    "I-I see..."


    Martha was left baffled by Bella¡¯s enthusiasm, with the maid now returning to pet the slime in Sebas¡¯s hand, her eyes sparkling as if she had reunited with a long-lost pet.


    Sebas allowed the maid her moment before turning to address the slime in his hand.


    "Joe 7, we¡¯ve got work to do," he addressed the slime firmly. "You and your brethren¡ªclean up every drop of blood, every piece of meat and guts. But¡­ leave the feathers untouched. We¡¯ll need those for the bedding, alright?"


    The slime gave an enthusiastic wiggle, jiggling in what seemed like agreement.


    Then, with a small hop, it leaped from Sebas¡¯s palm onto the blood-soaked ground.


    And in the next instant¡­ more slimes appeared¡ª!


    Dozens¡ªno, an entire army of them emerged from the edge of the plateau, squishing and bouncing as they spread across the battlefield!


    "W-what the¡ª?!" Martha staggered back, wide-eyed. "Where did they all come from?!"


    Even Anastasia, with all her noble composure, couldn¡¯t hide her surprise. "There are¡­ so many¡­"


    The slimes wasted no time. They wriggled and slid across the ground, absorbing every trace of blood in their path.


    Some of the more eager ones even darted toward the bloodwing remains, devouring the flesh and organs with impressive speed¡ªall while carefully leaving the valuable feathers untouched and spotless.


    Bella clapped her hands in endearment. "They¡¯re so diligent~! Aren¡¯t they adorable?"


    Martha, on the other hand, just sighed in exasperation. "Adorable isn¡¯t exactly the word I¡¯d use¡­"


    < | X | >


    After properly setting up the place for the knight¡¯s training session...


    A tense silence had fallen over the plateau.


    Sebas and Martha now stood several paces apart, the distance between them heavy with anticipation.


    Both the butler and the knight held their swords at the ready¡ªeach blade gleaming beneath the sunlight.


    Martha¡¯s expression was cautious, her body tense as she adjusted her stance.


    After all... this wasn¡¯t just some casual sparring session¡ªshe knew better than to underestimate the man before her. Anticipation coursed through her veins¡­ along with a hint of anxiety.


    In contrast, Sebas appeared as calm and composed as ever. His posture was relaxed¡ªalmost too relaxed in the eyes of everyone present, but...


    Martha¡¯s sharp gaze caught the truth beneath the surface.


    In his supposed casual stance¡ªthere was no opening. Not a single weak point in his stance.


    He was¡­ perfect. A figure of a swordsman that Martha had been aspiring to become.


    On the sidelines, Anastasia and Bella watched in bated breath, their eyes fixed on the two warriors.


    And then¡ª


    Martha moved first!


    With a swift step forward, her blade cut through the air, aiming straight for the butler¡¯s side¡ª


    CLANG!


    But the butler had already anticipated such a strike as he lifted his longsword to meet the knight¡¯s blade.


    Their training session had now... begun.

 Chapter 64 - 14th Days (9) | Windy Training Session (7)

    CLANG!


    Martha¡¯s sword clashed against Sebas¡¯s blade¡ªa sharp, ringing sound cutting through the tense silence¡ª!


    The knight¡¯s attacks were relentless. With each swing, she poured all her strength into her strikes, trying to force an opening¡ªor at the very least, shake the butler¡¯s unyielding guard¡ª


    Yet, no matter how fiercely her blade came down, it was met with the same casual ease.


    The butler simply... remained perfectly composed, deflecting her strikes with almost perfect ease.


    His sword moved as if it weighed nothing¡ªgraceful, fluid... and devastatingly efficient.


    And yet for Martha¡ª


    CLANG¡ªCLANG¡ªCLANG!


    "Ugh...!"


    Every clash of steel sent tremors up her arms. Her grip tightened as frustration gnawed at the edges of her focus¡ª


    ¡¯Why¡­ why can¡¯t I break through...?!¡¯


    With a sharp inhale, she shifted her stance and struck again¡ªharder, faster¡ª!


    CLANG¡ªCLANG¡ªCLANG!


    But no matter how much force she put behind her blade, the butler countered every move effortlessly... as if he barely needed to try.


    It was... such an infuriating sight for the brunette knight.


    Because¡­ she knew her own strength. The Kingdom¡¯s Knights had always trained rigorously every day, and among her peers, she stood at the top.


    Yet against him¡ª S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    CLANG!!!


    ¡¯...It¡¯s like my strength means nothing...!¡¯


    A bead of sweat trailed down her temple as their swords locked again. She gritted her teeth, pushing with all her might¡ªtrying to overpower him¡ª!


    But... it didn¡¯t even budge.


    Sebas tilted his head slightly, raising an eyebrow at her.


    "...You¡¯re still making the same mistake as before, Miss Knight," he remarked dryly, his voice calm¡ªtoo calm for someone being attacked with such ferocity. "Especially with relying on brute strength alone¡ªthat won¡¯t get you anywhere here, you know."


    "I¡ª!"


    She bit her tongue, resisting the urge to snap back.


    Because¡­ he wasn¡¯t wrong.


    No matter how hard she pushed, it felt like trying to move a solid wall.


    His sword didn¡¯t waver¡ªdidn¡¯t even tremble under her pressure. It was as if she were fighting something inhuman.


    "...Your strength isn¡¯t the problem either," Sebas continued, almost as if he found the situation mildly amusing. "In fact¡­ it¡¯s quite impressive. But against someone stronger¡ª"


    He lightly shifted his grip, twisting his wrist with subtle precision.


    A sharp clang echoed as her sword was knocked aside¡ªeasily, like brushing away a leaf.


    "¡ªyou¡¯ll only exhaust yourself."


    Martha stumbled back a step, her heartbeat pounding in her ears... the hand that was gripping her sword¡¯s hilt trembled slightly, despite her best efforts to steady it.


    ¡¯Stronger¡­?¡¯ She clenched her jaw. ¡¯...Just how strong is this man...?¡¯


    While she was catching her breath, the butler¡­ didn¡¯t pursue. Instead, he lowered his sword slightly¡ªoffering her a brief reprieve.


    "You¡¯re trying to overpower me," he said, as if reading her thoughts. "But I¡¯ll be blunt with you¡ªthat¡¯s just damn pointless. You¡¯ve already realized that, haven¡¯t you?"


    Martha¡¯s fingers trembled against her hilt.


    Of course, she realized.


    ¡¯How could I not?¡¯


    His strength¡­ it was on a whole other level. No matter how much force she used, it wasn¡¯t enough to tip the scales.


    And yet¡­


    "...You¡¯re not even using your full strength, are you?" The words slipped from her lips before she could stop herself.


    Sebas¡¯s smile widened¡ªjust slightly.


    "You got me there, Miss Knight~."


    He raised his sword again, that same air of effortless grace clinging to him that made Martha tense up¡­!


    "Well, if I were really serious¡­ you wouldn¡¯t still be standing~."


    The weight of his nonchalant words hit her like a blow.


    He wasn¡¯t even trying.


    And that cold, hard truth was a dagger twisting deep into her heart.


    Her pride as a knight... no, as a swordsman demanded that she fight harder¡ªthat she prove herself worthy against a swordsman of his caliber.


    A flicker of determination burned in her eyes.


    If ordinary swordplay wouldn¡¯t break through¡ªthen she¡¯d use ¡¯that¡¯...!


    Martha inhaled sharply, mana surging through her veins as she tightened her grip. Energy pulsed through her arm¡ªfierce and raw¡ªas it gathered along her blade.


    A faint glow traced the length of the sword, growing brighter with every heartbeat until the steel shone like molten silver...!


    Sebas raised another eyebrow out of interest. "Hmm... Using an ¡¯Art,¡¯ aren¡¯t you?"


    She didn¡¯t respond. There was no point in holding back now¡ª!


    "Blade Art¡ªSunder Fang!"


    With a fierce shout, she lunged forward¡ªher blade gleaming as mana surged through it!


    The air grew heavy. Every muscle in her body tensed as she swung down with all her might¡ªaiming to break through the butler¡¯s seemingly impenetrable guard¡ª!


    It was a strike honed through countless hours of training¡ªa technique meant to shatter any defense standing in its way.


    And yet¡ª


    Sebas didn¡¯t even budge.


    His sword met hers head-on¡ª


    CLANG!!!


    A deafening impact echoed across the plateau, but... the butler remained as calm as ever, his arm steady despite the raw power behind her strike.


    "Not bad," he mused lightly, "but again... a bit pointless trying to overpower me."


    Before Martha could process his words¡ª


    A sharp, precise twist of his wrist deflected her blade to the side¡ªrobbing her attack of its momentum.


    And in the very next instant¡ª


    CLANG!


    His sword swept low in a blur¡ª


    In one clean motion, Martha¡¯s sword was ripped from her grasp and sent spinning through the air, embedding itself into the ground several paces away.


    The plateau fell deathly silent.


    Martha froze¡ªchest heaving, fingers trembling in the empty air where her sword had been.


    Sebas lowered his blade, brushing an invisible speck of dust from his glove.


    "That¡¯s enough for today," he declared with an air of finality.


    "W-what...?!" Her breath hitched. "N-no¡ª! I-I can still¡ª"


    "Nope, it¡¯s already past noon¡ªlunchtime," he cut her off smoothly, as if her efforts had been nothing more than a passing distraction.


    He moved past her and went toward the astonished Anastasia and Bella, who had been watching with bated breath.


    "...We still have jobs to do, Miss Knight, so we¡¯ll continue this training another time, alright?"


    "Ugh..."


    Martha¡¯s jaw clenched in protest¡ªbut deep down, she knew he was right.


    Even if her pride burned at the thought of ending things like this¡­ she knew there was no point in pushing further right now.


    She had responsibilities¡ªto Lady Anastasia and to the estate.


    Still, as she retrieved her fallen blade, the bitter sting of defeat lingered as she directed her burning gaze to the butler¡¯s back.


    Of course, this didn¡¯t go unnoticed by him as he then turned his head back toward the frustrated knight.


    "...Strength alone won¡¯t be enough to protect the people you care about... Miss Martha."


    "...!"


    His words hung heavy in the air as he left the ¡¯battlefield¡¯ that was their training ground in favor of Lady Anastasia¡¯s presence¡ªthe mistress watching his arrival with calm curiosity as he then discussed their next plan of the day.


    But... what the knight saw¡­ was her own reflection flickering in the gleam of his polished blade¡ªher expression still twisted in silent frustration, not just from the defeat, but also... from his words.

 Chapter 65 - 14th Days (10) | S-Rank Bed (1)

    It was already past afternoon¡ªalmost evening¡ªwith the sun nearing the horizon as Anastasia and her three servants approached the upstart noblewoman¡¯s region¡­ her home in this godforsaken land.


    While Anastasia and Bella led the way, having remembered the simple downhill path between the Lady¡¯s region and the plateau¡ª


    Sebas and Martha followed closely behind¡­ each carrying a heavy sack filled to the brim with feathers¡ªmostly red feathers¡ªof the bloodwings they had hunted down.


    "...How in the world do these feathers weigh so much?" the knight grumbled to herself.


    She was quite confused¡ªand somewhat bewildered¡ªthat a whole bunch of feathers felt like she was carrying a giant boulder on her back. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "...Is it really that heavy, Martha?" Anastasia asked as she turned around to face her knight, who was showing a rather pained expression herself.


    "U-uhm, of course not, my Lady!" the knight stammered, quickly fixing her posture to properly carry the sack behind her back. "W-well... it¡¯s just that I didn¡¯t... quite expect these feathers to be so much heavier than I thought they¡¯d be..."


    "I see..." The mistress hummed softly, her gaze lingering on the knight¡¯s strained posture.


    "M-Miss Martha," her fellow aide, Bella, hesitantly spoke up, her hands twitching as if unsure whether to reach out or not, "s-s-should I also carry some of them? I could help lighten your burden..."


    "Ah, no, you don¡¯t have to, Bella," the knight waved off the maid¡¯s concern with a forced, reassuring smile, "don¡¯t worry! I can definitely carry this back!"


    "I-is that so, Miss Martha...? W-well, if you say so, I guess..."


    Nevertheless, at the same time, their attention gradually shifted toward the butler... who was, just as expected, carrying his sack of bloodwing feathers like it was nothing compared to the struggling knight.


    "Hmm? What¡¯s up, ladies?" he asked, tilting his head in faux confusion at their collective stare.


    "Sir Sebas..." Anastasia called out, her tone more curious than accusatory.


    "Yes, my Lady?"


    "...Would you kindly explain why we need all of these feathers?" she inquired, her voice steady yet laced with underlying suspicion.


    Her question, however... only elicited the familiar smile of amusement from him.


    "Well... they are quite special feathers, Lady Ana."


    "Special... feathers?" She blinked, curiosity flickering in her crimson eyes. "What do you mean by that, Sir Sebas...?"


    The butler¡¯s smile deepened ever so slightly.


    "Well... these bloodwing feathers are quite valuable as magical materials, my Lady," he explained smoothly, the ease in his voice making it clear he found the question entertaining. "They¡¯re actually quite sought after for use in alchemy and magical tool creation."


    "Alchemy and... magic tools?" Anastasia murmured, her brows furrowing as she tried to recall. "...Come to think of it, I¡¯ve read about that once or twice before in the academy..."


    She tried to remember the lessons and classes she had attended during her time there¡­ particularly those regarding alchemy.


    "However, I won¡¯t lie¡ªI didn¡¯t pay much heed to such subjects," she admitted with a faint sigh. "The only thing I remember is that there was once a high demand for bloodwing feathers among certain craftsmen¡­ but I never knew exactly why."


    Sebas chuckled softly, clearly amused by her sudden interest.


    "Well, just so you know, they¡¯re quite the versatile stuff¡ªmore than their appearance lets on~," the butler remarked with a playful lilt.


    "But... considering that bloodwings are a pretty rare monster back on the mainland of Florentia, getting these feathers isn¡¯t exactly easy. They¡¯re a hassle to hunt down, given their nature and limited numbers."


    "I see..." Anastasia murmured again, her inner scholar-self beginning to stir with curiosity.


    Seeing this inquisitive side of her made the butler feel relieved¡ªglad that she was showing much more life with each new discovery.


    "Now, with that being said and done¡ªwith this many¡­" He adjusted the sack effortlessly over his shoulder, emphasizing the sheer quantity of the feathers. "The possibilities are rather endless, Lady Ana~!"


    His casual explanation had further sparked Anastasia¡¯s curiosity, drawing her focus entirely on him.


    Even Bella and Martha, despite their earlier doubts, now looked at the feather-filled sacks with new intrigue.


    That is¡­ until one shared realization struck them.


    "Hold on for a moment¡­ Sir Sebas, weren¡¯t you the one who wanted these feathers for..." Anastasia¡¯s words faltered, her gaze narrowing with suspicion.


    "...A bed, wasn¡¯t it, my Lady?" Bella finished, her voice quiet¡ªalmost hesitant, as if she couldn¡¯t quite believe it herself. "S-sir Sebas¡­ you¡¯re planning to make... a feather bed with all of these?"


    Sebas gave a simple nod, the same amused smile tugging at his lips. "Indeed, Miss Maid~."


    A beat of silence passed.


    Then¡ª


    "You¡¯re joking, right, Sir Butler?" Martha blurted out, nearly dropping her sack, her tone a mix of disbelief and exasperation. "You¡¯re telling me¡ªyou gathered all these rare, precious feathers... just to make a bed...?"


    He didn¡¯t answer right away.


    Instead, he tilted his head slightly¡ªletting the silence stretch just enough to stir their already-building confusion.


    "You gotta be kidding me," the knight pressed on, her voice rising with every word. "What are you even thinking? These feathers are ridiculously heavy too, so who¡¯d want a bed like that? The only good thing about it is that no one would bother trying to steal it for the virtue of it being heavy."


    That¡­ finally earned a hearty laugh from the butler.


    "Oh, Miss Knight," he said, shaking his head in amusement. "You¡¯re thinking way too small."


    "W-wha¡ª?!" Martha was taken aback by his words, which, to her ears, sounded like an insult. "Why, you damn butler...!"


    "A-ah, please calm down, Miss Martha...!" the maid hurriedly tried to intervene, her hands rising in a panic as the knight looked like she was about to lunge at the butler. "D-don¡¯t fight, please...!"


    As usual, this only elicited another hearty laugh from Sebas¡ªmuch to the dismay of both Martha and Bella.


    "Uhum!"


    Anastasia suddenly cleared her throat, gaining the attention of all her servants. Yet, her gaze remained solely focused on the butler.


    "Sir Sebas... I still do not understand your intentions with these feathers," the red-haired mistress admitted, her voice carrying a faint edge of exasperation. "I understand that you would like to use them for my requested bed... but why exactly these feathers?"


    And the butler, well, he smiled at her inquiry¡ªhis usual playful charm intact.


    "Hehe, you¡¯ll see, my Lady. You¡¯re going to get the best bed in the world~!"

 Chapter 66 - 14th Days (11), 15th Days (1) | S-Rank Bed (2)

    The night had fallen over Anastasia¡¯s walled region. However, it was not yet the time to rest the tired minds and bodies of its denizens. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Because... they had some precious monster feathers to prepare.


    After dinner, Sebas¡ªwith the reluctant help of Martha¡ªhauled six barrels of holy water out from the region¡¯s supply area.


    Each barrel sloshed heavily, with the rather faint aroma of the blessed liquid wafting from within.


    "...I almost forgot that we have holy water supplies in the inventory," the lord of the region, Anastasia, remarked with a mix of surprise and disbelief.


    The mistress stood nearby, watching as her two servants set the heavy barrels down with a resounding thud.


    "Never hurts to have one of these holy things ready for an occasion, my lady~," her butler quipped, his usual playful tone lingering in the air.


    "...And do tell, what would you use this much holy water for, Sir Sebas?" she inquired with a raised brow.


    "First things first¡ªcleaning out any impurities," the butler announced, his playful tone hidden away by a calm tone carrying a matter-of-fact certainty.


    He opened the lid of each barrel, releasing the ¡¯antiseptic¡¯ scent of the holy water into the night air.


    The butler then turned to the nearby blonde maid, who stood next to two sacks filled with bloodwing feathers. "Miss Maid, would you kindly help me bring out the feathers?"


    "A-ah, yes, Sir!" She straightened herself at the head butler¡¯s request but tilted her head in confusion. "...P-pardon me for asking, Sir Sebas, but... w-what exactly are we doing with these feathers and holy water...?"


    The head butler simply smiled at the maid¡¯s innocent question¡ªa question shared by both the mistress and the knight.


    But... all three of them had an inkling of a bad feeling about what he was about to do.


    Without missing a beat, he scooped up a bundle of bloodwing feathers from one of the sacks, carried them over to a barrel of holy water... and dumped them in.


    "..."


    All three of them fell silent; blank stares were directed at the butler¡¯s rather unorthodox method of ¡¯cleansing impurities.¡¯


    The crimson feathers floated for a moment on the surface of the holy water... before sinking into its depths.


    "We¡¯ll let them soak overnight~," he declared cheerfully.


    He then grabbed another handful of bloodwing feathers and dropped them into the next barrel¡ªacting as if he didn¡¯t notice the disapproving looks the three ladies were giving him.


    "That should clear out any lingering traces of impure mana."


    Anastasia could only palm her face, suppressing the sudden headache threatening to split her head apart from Sebas¡¯s absurd antics.


    "I get why you¡¯re being thorough, but..." she sighed, finding it quite hard to phrase her next words, "...do we really have to use holy water for this?"


    "Yeah. This feels¡­ kind of wrong," Martha muttered, folding her arms across her chest. "I can¡¯t, in good faith, say I support this crude method of yours, Sir Butler."


    "Hmm? Why so, Miss Knight?"


    "W-why so¡ª?! Because we are literally using sacred holy water like it¡¯s some kind of detergent, you damned butler!" the knight snapped, her voice rising in frustration. "What if the Holy Church catches wind of this? Lady Anastasia¡¯s going to get in trouble with believers all over the world, dammit!"


    Her outburst, however, was only met by a faux tilt of confusion from the butler, which only served to further aggravate the knight.


    "P-please, don¡¯t fight, you two...!" Bella tried to intervene before turning to Sebas with a worried expression. "S-Sir Sebas, I-I¡¯m sorry, but... I also want to know if... if it¡¯s really okay to use holy water for such a cleaning method...?"


    Sebas, however, only chuckled softly at Bella¡¯s timid question.


    "It¡¯s fine~. As long as it¡¯s for a good cause, there¡¯s no harm in it," he said, waving off their concerns with a relaxed smile. "I don¡¯t see any sort of evil in us using it to make a simple bed... wouldn¡¯t you agree~?"


    His reasoning didn¡¯t exactly put their worries to rest, but¡­ it wasn¡¯t like they had a better solution.


    For now, the three ladies let the matter drop.


    < | X | >


    The next morning¡ªafter breakfast¡ªall four of them returned to the line of holy water barrels... which were still filled with the bloodwings¡¯ feathers.


    Without much care, Sebas pried open the lid of the first barrel¡ªa faint, refreshing scent wafted out as the soaked feathers came into view...!


    What they saw left the ladies stunned.


    The once-deep crimson feathers had turned a soft, pinkish red...!


    It was as if the holy water had stripped away whatever darkness clung to them, leaving only their purest form behind.


    Anastasia leaned closer, eyes wide. "T-they changed color¡­?"


    "Yeah. It seems the dark red tint was the residual impurity," Sebas mused, lifting a handful of the softened feathers. Droplets of holy water clung to them, gleaming under the morning light¡ªwhich, of course, left the ladies astonished at the sight of the ¡¯purified¡¯ feathers.


    They had doubted his crude method before... but seeing an actual, visible result convinced them that the butler was on to something.


    "Here, my lady~," he promptly handed the glimmering, wet feather to the redhead.


    "A-ah, yes!" She quickly accepted the feather into her hands... before her eyes widened further in surprise. "...It¡¯s so light now...!"


    Anastasia had expected them to be as heavy as the crimson feathers from before¡ªalmost like holding a brick.


    But now, they were literally as light as a feather¡ªlighter even! It was as if the feather was gently floating in her hands...


    "...A-amazing..." she couldn¡¯t help but voice her genuine awe.


    "It is, right~? That¡¯s probably the wind magic still infused within," he explained smoothly. "These feathers are imbued with wind mana¡ªenough to grant bloodwings their aerial agility. But once plucked, the mana inside becomes unstable, weighing them down instead."


    He tossed another wet feather from the barrel to Bella, surprising her for a moment before she caught it effortlessly. The maid, like her mistress, was equally impressed by the feather¡¯s transformation.


    "By cleansing and stabilizing the mana, we¡¯ve restored their natural properties. Now they¡¯re as light as they should be."

 Chapter 67 - 15th Days (2) | S-Rank Bed (3)

    "So... are we leaving these feathers to dry in the sun, Sir Sebas?" Bella asked curiously, brushing her damp hands on her apron.


    The feathers had been laid bare on a drying cloth on the open field; the sun shone these glistering feathers.


    Sebas simply shook his head, his ever-cheerful smile never fading.


    "Well, we could do just that, but... I¡¯ve got a better idea~."


    Without further explanation, he whistled sharply¡ªand his slime pets wriggled into view, eager as always.


    "I¡¯ll have these fellows of ours draw out the moisture~."


    "Ah! It¡¯s the Joe Brothers~!" Bella exclaimed happily at the sight of the slimes, which jiggled in delight at the maid¡¯s excitement.


    "T-the Joe Brothers...?" Martha muttered in disbelief, struggling to understand her fellow aide¡¯s bizarre naming sense for the butler¡¯s slime pets.


    The butler himself didn¡¯t seem to mind at all¡ªhe merely laughed heartily before addressing his gelatinous companions with authority.


    "Listen up, Joe Brothers!" he called out, and the slimes immediately straightened themselves¡ªmimicking the disciplined stance of an army soldier. "You will all absorb every last drop of moisture from these feathers without damaging a single one! Is that clear?"


    The slimes jiggled enthusiastically in response, saluting in their own wobbly way.


    And with that, they swarmed the feathers, their jelly-like bodies carefully wrapping around the damp plumes...


    With a soft squelch, they absorbed every last drop of water, leaving the feathers dry and fluffy!


    The slimes worked fast¡ªfaster than any of them expected.


    One after another, more and more damp feathers were dried to perfection, their soft, fluffy texture restored without losing any of the mana infused within them.


    The faint shimmer along the edges only confirmed the success of the butler¡¯s yet another unconventional method.


    "...Wow," Anastasia muttered under her breath, eyes widening slightly.


    Despite her earlier doubts about these jiggly creatures, the slimes¡ªstrange as they were¡ªhad certainly proven themselves useful.


    Even her knight, Martha, who had been watching with crossed arms, a hint of skepticism on her face... couldn¡¯t deny the efficiency these tamed monsters under the butler¡¯s command were showing.


    "...I suppose they¡¯re not just squishy freeloaders after all," she admitted grudgingly, finding these slimes to be a bit... endearing.


    Bella, as expected, practically beamed with pride at the ¡¯Joe Brothers.¡¯


    "Good job, everyone~!" she cheered, clapping her hands together like a proud mother.


    Sebas followed suit, his smile warm as he addressed his slime companions, but his tone carried the weight of a commanding officer praising his loyal soldiers.


    "Excellent work, Joe Brothers. You¡¯ve done us proud today~!"


    The slimes, as if understanding the praise given by these two humans, wobbled and jiggled in unison¡ªclearly delighted.


    But rather than lingering for more admiration, they soon scattered in all directions, disappearing back to whatever mysterious tasks the head butler seemingly had assigned them across Anastasia¡¯s region.


    And just like that¡­ the four humans were left alone, standing before a mountain of dry, purified feathers.


    Anastasia stepped closer, reaching down to pick up a handful of them.


    The light pink feathers were so soft¡ªalmost ethereal in her grasp. It was hard to believe these were the same dense, crimson plumes from last night.


    "So¡­ these are the ones we¡¯re using for the feather bed, I presume?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.


    With how weightless they were now, she could already imagine the possibilities that could be applied to them.


    And, of course, one such possibility was the planned bed. She already imagined in her mind what could be a floating bed above the ground¡ªlike some sort of magical floating item.


    Sebas gave a satisfied nod, a glint of amusement in his eyes from seeing how intrigued his mistress was.


    "Indeed, my lady~. In their current state, they¡¯re already perfect for crafting a bed. But..."


    His voice trailed off, the hint of a playful smile curling on his lips.


    "...But?"


    "...We could do more with them~!"


    "Really...?!"


    The redhead noble was visibly intrigued, even more curious about what this butler of hers was suggesting.


    "Yup. While we could leave some of them as they are for certain uses, I have other plans for the rest of these feathers~," he answered, his tone teasingly mysterious.


    The redhead raised an eyebrow at the butler¡¯s cryptic words. "Other plans, Sir Sebas?"


    "Mm~. You¡¯ll see soon enough," Sebas smoothly dodged the question as he turned on his heel. "For now... why don¡¯t we move on to the next step~?"


    Without waiting for a response, he gestured for them to follow him to a nearby open field... and led them toward a large wooden board nearby.


    "Hmm? What is that?" Bella was the first to voice the strange finding.


    At first glance, it seemed like nothing more than an oversized board... but as they drew closer, something caught their attention.


    Magic circles. Many of them, in fact. Several of them¡ªetched across the surface in an intricate, interconnected pattern.


    They were naturally confused by the existence of these magic circles¡ªeven more so by their appearance.


    Unlike ordinary enchantment circles they¡¯d seen used by most mages, these formations resembled... a maze, with each path winding and curling into the next until they converged into a large central circle.


    "What... is this?" Martha questioned, her brows furrowing in confusion.


    Bella tilted her head, equally confused as her fellow aide. "I-I¡¯ve never seen magic circles like these before either..."


    But for their mistress, Anastasia... she understood quickly.


    Her sharp gaze swept over the formation again¡ªconnecting the dots as realization struck.


    "This is¡­ a mana-gathering formation!" she exclaimed, her gaze shifted to the butler with sharp curiosity. "You¡¯re planning to extract the magic from the feathers, aren¡¯t you?"


    "Sharp as always, my lady~," Sebas chuckled softly, tipping his head in approval. "That¡¯s right... and with this formation, we¡¯ll be able to harness and store the residual mana for future use~!"


    Sebas clapped his hands together and then suddenly the very air around them began to shifted, surprising everyone present!


    "Now then~," he said, stepping closer to the board. "Let¡¯s begin the extraction process, shall we?" S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a flick of his wrist, a handful of the feathers from nearby drying cloth came to them and then planted themselves at the edge of the circles!


    The magic circles flared to life¡ªpulsing with a soft, crimson glow.

 Chapter 68 - 15th Days (3) | S-Rank Bed (4)

    The outer ring of the magic circles continued to glow brighter, shifting its color from crimson to pinkish, and then slowly... to light green, signifying the mana residue from the feathers now flowing into each and every one of them...!


    Without a word, Sebas reached into his coat and pulled out a solid block of Black Iron¡ªa special metal favored by alchemists for its ability to contain and stabilize mana with ease.


    With practiced ease, he placed it at one of the centers of the formation.


    The moment the Black Iron touched the ground, the magic circle reacted¡ªits glow pulsing as the mana began to flow more rapidly through the maze-like lines, converging toward the metal. Slowly but surely, the Black Iron started to hum faintly, absorbing the concentrated mana pouring into it.


    Without missing a beat, Sebas repeated the motion¡ªpulling out more Black Iron from his coat and placing one at the center of each magic circle, the same pulsing reaction following every time.


    "Wow...!"


    "...So this is how you extract mana, huh..."


    Bella and Martha watched with bated breath as the glowing circle grew brighter by the second¡ªalong with the feathers, which reacted in the same way, surrounded by an ethereal glow.


    Their mistress, Anastasia, watched in silent awe as so many magic circles activated at once¡ªcaptivated by their existence on a whole other level.


    Unlike her two servants, Anastasia understood how complex these magic circles truly were. Crafting one required painstaking precision¡ªone wrong line, and the entire thing could blow up in your face.


    And these circles? They were on an entirely different level of difficulty.


    These magic circle formations were, in fact, the advanced version of the ¡¯mana-extraction¡¯ formation¡ªas she had mentioned before.


    She¡¯d learned this advanced formation in her arcana classes at the academy, but seeing it in action... was an entirely different matter.


    ¡¯...Multiple extractions all at once...¡¯


    This formation wasn¡¯t limited to drawing mana from a single source¡ªit could extract from multiple objects simultaneously. Efficient, large-scale, and... notoriously difficult to construct.


    "Sir Sebas...?" She hesitated for a moment before finally asking, "How... did you draw all of these?"


    "Hmm? Yeah, I did."


    "T-Truly...?!" She blurted out, a bit taken aback not just by the revelation but also by how nonchalant he was about it. "S-since when...?"


    "Last night."


    "L-last night?! And all by yourself?!"


    "Yeah?" He answered back, raising an eyebrow at her apparent shock.


    Anastasia was truly quite astonished by this butler¡¯s sheer audacity; amazed that a man of his caliber was capable of constructing such delicate formations¡ª!


    But then she remembered.


    This was Him. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The most resourceful butler that she¡¯d ever known... though maybe he was second to another butler she¡¯d known in terms of being resourceful, he was still quite resourceful in regards to many unexpected things.


    "...Outrageous. Simply... outrageous," she couldn¡¯t help but voice her disbelief, "you¡¯re truly one of a kind, Sir Sebas. To be able to construct these many magic circles all by yourself... simply outrageous... and quite frankly amazing of you."


    "Hahaha~, I¡¯m glad you are impressed by my handiwork, Lady Ana," he said with a playful chuckle, "but... I didn¡¯t really do much, honestly."


    "Huh...? W-what do you mean, Sir Sebas? These are pretty amazing works that you have done. I couldn¡¯t be more impressed as a fellow mage myself."


    "I¡¯m glad that you feel that way, my lady, but... really," the butler reached behind him¡ªand pulled out a humongous wooden board out of thin air, "it¡¯s not that hard to make~."


    It was not just a wooden board¡ªit was a wooden board with cutouts in the middle... resembling the magic circles they were using right now, complete with the intricate maze-like structure.


    "Because I just traced them~," he said casually, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.


    "...Y-you... traced... them...?"


    Her voice cracked slightly, eyes twitching, and mouth agape.


    All those words of praise... wasted on a stencil.


    For all her admiration and amazement¡ªhe had simply traced them like a child following a coloring book.


    Anastasia felt her face grow warm as a surge of embarrassment hit her.


    ¡¯Unbelievable... I really wasted all that praise for this?!¡¯


    And to make matters worse, the butler stood there with his usual carefree smile, as if nothing about this situation was even remotely unusual.


    On the other side, Bella and Martha exchanged glances. Disbelief was evident on their faces, but another part of them was completely numb¡ªdesensitized by the butler¡¯s antics.


    The very idea of using a magic circle stencil was ridiculous enough. But the fact that he actually had one...


    At this point, it wasn¡¯t really a surprise for them.


    "Where do you even get an actual cutout stencil of this, Sir Butler?" Martha inquired, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.


    "Oh, I bought them from a friend of mine~."


    "From a friend, huh..."


    Yup, it wasn¡¯t really surprising for both the knight and even the maid of Anastasia. Though it made them wonder just how many friends this butler really had to possess such conveniently useful items...


    Suddenly, Sebas clapped his hands together, drawing their attention back to him.


    "Well, ladies, this whole extraction process will take about... hmm, maybe half a day. So... let¡¯s prepare the other component of the bed~."


    He then shifted his gaze toward Bella, startling the blonde maid.


    "Y-yes, w-what is it...?"


    "Miss Bella, would you mind helping me with something?"


    "Eh¡ªh-helping, you say...?" She blinked rapidly, trying to process his sudden request. "O-of course not. I¡¯m happy to help! B-but... what do you need help for, Sir Sebas?"


    "It¡¯s really simple, really," he said, flashing his usual relaxed smile, "since we already got the whole feather filling going through the last process... I¡¯ll need your assistance in making the ACTUAL cloth for the bed~. You¡¯re up for it, right?"


    "A-ah, of course! I¡¯ll do my best, Sir Sebas!" She straightened up, eager to accept the task.


    "Good answer, Miss Maid. Let¡¯s not waste any time, then~."


    With that, Sebas turned on his heel and strode off, leaving Anastasia and Martha behind. Bella hurried after him, still flustered but determined.


    Anastasia, on the other hand, remained frozen in place¡ªher mind still struggling to process everything she had just witnessed... and the sheer embarrassment of being impressed for nothing.


    Martha, watching the current state of her mistress, sighed softly, shaking her head before stepping closer. "¡­Shall we return inside, My Lady?"


    "¡­Yes, let¡¯s do that..."

 Chapter 69 - 15th Days (4) | S-Rank Bed (5)

    Later that day, when the sun was almost dipping toward the horizon...


    They all gathered once again around the large magic extraction circle board¡ªcourtesy of their head butler and his trusty magic circle wooden-board-cutout stencil.


    They all witnessed the "mana gathering" formation circles still glowing with an ethereal light, along with the feathers and the prominent Black Irons placed at the center of each circle.


    But... what was interesting about the process was not just the lightshow these circles produced.


    What was even more fascinating was... the end-product result of both the feathers and the Black Irons.


    The previously pinkish-colored feathers of the Bloodwings... had now turned a completely pure white, almost colorless. They were feathers in their most purified form ever.


    Rather than resembling feathers from an avian monster, they looked as if they had come from just regular old geese.


    Though... the size of these feathers was still monster-like.


    "W-Wow... they¡¯re so white!" Bella gasped, reaching out but stopping just short of touching them¡ªremembering that the process had not yet finished. "T-They don¡¯t even look like monster feathers anymore, do they, Miss Martha?"


    "Yeah... I couldn¡¯t believe it myself," Martha muttered, narrowing her eyes in disbelief. "They look like regular geese feathers... but they¡¯re not¡ªthey¡¯re the Bloodwing¡¯s feathers that were crimson red."


    Sebas, meanwhile, chuckled softly at their reactions.


    "These, my dear ladies, are the purest and most refined form of Bloodwing feathers that you could possibly get," he explained, gesturing toward the pile of gleaming white plumes. "Every bit of residual mana has been extracted¡ªleaving only the monster feather¡¯s natural properties behind."


    "That¡¯s... amazing," the knight whispered, still awestruck. She was almost tempted to grab one of these plumes and feel what 100% purified monster material would feel like.


    But then, their attention shifted to the next¡ªand probably the most important¡ªpart of the magic circle extraction... the Black Irons. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And their surprise was even greater than the pure white feathers.


    Those metals that had once been entirely black lumps? They were now lumps of green metal.


    These green metallic blocks looked almost like an entirely new metal altogether¡ªplus the ethereal glow they were emitting made them even more otherworldly.


    Anastasia¡¯s eyes widened as the soft, green light reflected off her face, even from a distance.


    "Incredible... I¡¯ve never seen such condensed mana in Black Iron with this much intensity...!" she murmured, unable to hide her fascination. "It¡¯s completely green, unlike any Black Iron I¡¯ve seen before that only emitted faint ethereal traces. But these ones? It feels as if the metal itself is alive...!"


    Sebas gave a small hum, tilting his head slightly as he observed the glowing blocks.


    "Well, it¡¯s no surprise there, my lady," he remarked casually. "These Black Irons have absorbed all of the Green Mana from the Bloodwing feathers. With that much concentrated energy, they¡¯ve now become what many alchemists call... Mana Metal."


    "Green Mana... Wind Mana... Mana Metal...!" Anastasia whispered under her breath, as if the implications of such a discovery were only just sinking in.


    "Pretty neat, right~?" Sebas grinned, clearly pleased with the results. "These things will be really useful, I bet~."


    "Indeed, Sir Sebas..." she nodded slowly, her gaze lingering on the glowing blocks, as if already imagining the countless applications these newly transformed metals could offer.


    As if on cue, all the magic circles began to dim¡ªone by one¡ªuntil the glowing lines faded completely.


    What remained were the purified, snow-white plumes and the green, glowing Mana Metals... the fruits of their labor.


    Sebas clapped his hands together, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips.


    "Well then, ladies... let¡¯s get these beds filled~!"


    His voice, filled with a strange enthusiasm, echoed throughout the whole region...!


    And to his excitement¡ª


    "Yes, sir!" Bella chirped, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.


    "This is going to be interesting," Martha added with a small chuckle.


    "...I am curious myself," Anastasia admitted, though her composed tone couldn¡¯t quite hide the spark of excitement in her gaze.


    Without missing a beat, Bella promptly brought out one of the thick white cloth covers¡ªthe ticking for the bed¡ªthat both she and Sebas had carefully knitted together.


    "Here it is, Sir Sebas~!" She held it up with pride, the sturdy fabric stretching wide between her hands.


    With that, they all got to work.


    Piece by piece, they began gathering the purified feathers, stuffing those soft, white plumes into the cloth. The downy feathers filled the ticking with surprising ease, swelling and fluffing as they slowly shaped it into what would soon become a bed.


    For a while, the soft rustle of feathers and the occasional murmur between them were the only sounds that could be heard...


    But everyone could feel the anticipation building up within each of them...!


    And eventually, after stuffing about a quarter of the white plumes in the field, they finished crafting... a single bed.


    It had been laid carefully on the wooden board where the magic circles had once glowed.


    Then... silence.


    The three ladies stood side by side, gulping quietly as they stared at the newly made bed in front of them¡ªeach of them clearly curious, perhaps even a little nervous, to see just how it felt.


    Sebas, still wearing that amused smile, tilted his head in faux confusion.


    "Well? What are you gals waiting for?" he teased, raising an eyebrow. "Go on¡ªtry it out~."


    The three ladies exchanged glances with each other for a moment...


    But no words were needed. A shared understanding passed between them... and in the next instant¡ª


    "Hyaah!"


    "Whoah¡ª!?"


    With a burst of synchronized excitement, they all jumped onto the bed at the same time.


    Even the ever-composed butler raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised by their eagerness.


    And the moment they landed¡ª


    "...Ah..."


    A collective sigh escaped their lips.


    Soft. Light. As if they had just fallen into a bed of clouds.


    The weight of their bodies seemed to melt away, cradled by the sheer fluffiness beneath them. It was unlike anything they had ever experienced.


    "I-It¡¯s so soft...!" Bella rolled onto her back, giggling uncontrollably. "Hehehe~, I could just sink in forever...!"


    "This... this is incredible," Anastasia murmured, her voice softer than usual as she rested her head against the plushness.


    "This is bad... I might not want to get up again," Martha admitted, with a rare smile tugging at her lips.


    Sebas chuckled quietly to himself. He was glad that all the effort they had made bore success as he continued to watch over their satisfied and smiling expressions.


    And so, with that, they had finally completed their bed quest.

 Chapter 70 - 16th Days (1) | The First... (1)

    "Lady Ana, time to wake up..."


    A gentle yet firm voice broke through the quiet wooden manor in the morning.


    This voice... came from the eccentric head butler of the household as he kneeled beside the lord¡¯s new, exquisite bed...


    With the lord herself still sleeping soundly on this ¡¯S-Rank¡¯ bed that they had just constructed last night.


    "Uhm..." The red-haired mistress of the butler began to stir in her bed¡ªslumber still had its hold on her, but...


    "...Sebas...?" she murmured, recognizing the voice of her butler. "...Is that... you?"


    "Of course, my lady. Sebas at your service~," the butler bowed his head courteously.


    The mistress began to rub her drowsy eyes in an almost futile attempt to shake off her sleepiness, but... the sleepiness won the battle as she turned to go back to her wonderful sleep.


    "My~, sleepy, aren¡¯t you?" the butler mused, a small chuckle escaping from his mouth. "But skipping your duties and even breakfast? Now, that wouldn¡¯t be such ladylike behavior, would it, my lady~?"


    "...Duties...? Breakfast...?" She echoed his words, slowly processing them... but then¡ª


    Her eyes widened in an instant as she quickly sat up! She looked around her surroundings, seeing that the bright morning light had already seeped into the small wooden manor before her gaze landed on her smiling butler.


    "...What time is it...?" she asked, eyes still groggy.


    "Hmm... let¡¯s see here." The butler promptly raised his left hand and pulled back the sleeve of his coat, revealing a silver wristwatch. "Hmm... it¡¯s already 11:35, my lady~."


    "E-eleven thirty¡ª!?!?"


    "Whoa now¡ª!?"


    The young noblewoman quickly got up from her bed as a tiny rush of adrenaline from her shock erased any lingering traces of sleepiness.


    "Whoa there, my lady. It¡¯s not good to suddenly jump up like that, you know." He propped his index finger up¡ªa gesture of wisdom. "They say it¡¯s bad for your health ¡¯cause of the sudden rush of blood to the head."


    "H-huh...?" She tilted her head in confusion, wondering about yet another strange ¡¯wisdom¡¯ of his. "W-what are you even talking about, Sir Sebas...?"


    "Haha~, let¡¯s just say it¡¯s a piece of advice for your health. But moving aside the lecture..." The butler once again bowed his head in a courteous manner to his now fully awake mistress. "Good morning, my lady... or in this case, good almost noon~."


    "...U...huh..."


    Anastasia blinked away the last traces of drowsiness... before a thought crossed her mind, turning her gaze back to the butler.


    "Sir Sebas... What about the other two?" she asked, her voice still heavy with sleep, referring, of course, to her two aides.


    Sebas simply smiled, raising a gloved hand as he gestured toward both sides of her bed. "Still in dreamland, my lady~."


    True to his words, her loyal aides¡ªMartha and Bella¡ªwere still fast asleep on their newly crafted beds, one on each side of Anastasia¡¯s own.


    And as usual...


    Her armorless knight lay sprawled out in the most unladylike posture imaginable¡ªbelly exposed, limbs tossed in every direction, and...


    "Snore..."


    ...a snore was escaping her mouth.


    Meanwhile, her maid... was lost in whatever pleasant fantasy occupied her dreams, murmuring softly to herself with a blissful smile... even drooling a little as she giggled.


    "Lady Anastasia... please let me take the cloud home... zzz..."


    Anastasia... slowly sighed, dragging a hand down her face in silent shame. To think her aides had not only overslept but in such an unruly state...


    But then again... she herself had overslept too.


    The bed they¡¯d crafted really was top-notch quality if all three of them had slept in like this, but...


    ¡¯...We¡¯ve been sleeping on simple, ragged cloth beds on the floor all this time, so... I guess I can allow them a little more rest.¡¯


    Shaking off her thoughts, she turned her attention back to the ever-smiling butler of hers.


    "...Is there anything planned for today, Sir Sebas?" S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hmm... not much, my lady," he mused, tilting his head slightly. "Although, if I may suggest¡ªhow about paying a visit to your region¡¯s farm?"


    A brief pause... before she gave a small nod.


    "Good idea... Let¡¯s."


    < | X | >


    "Hmmm~, looks promising, right, my lady?"


    "...I don¡¯t know if I could see it that way, Sir Sebas..."


    The butler Sebas and his mistress Anastasia had been crouching near one of the vegetable patches of their newly planted farm.


    It had been a few days since they¡¯d planted these crops, and now the duo of master and servant were inspecting the result of their blood and sweat, and it was... very surprising, to say the least.


    "Three days in, and these potatoes are already sprouting tall~!"


    The farm that they¡¯d just planted just recently had already been sprouting row after row of healthy green shoots.


    While Anastasia wasn¡¯t exactly well-versed in the matter of farming... she at least knew that all of these sudden growth spurts weren¡¯t exactly normal... again, to say the least.


    "Amazing, isn¡¯t it~?"


    "Again... I¡¯m not sure if I could see it that way," she admitted, "in contrast... this is making me quite worry."


    "Haha~, what¡¯s there to worry about, my lady?"


    "...That the plants would suddenly turn into monsters?"


    Her blunt remark brought another chuckle from the butler, but she wasn¡¯t exactly joking here.


    Although quite rare, plant monsters did exist in Florentia, and they could vary from one type to another¡ªwhether from the daily farmer¡¯s crops or... even to your everyday beautiful flowers.


    And... they were always carnivorous. No exception.


    "Don¡¯t worry, they won¡¯t, they won¡¯t~," he offered a reassuring smile... but his smile turned into a sheepish one, "...well, if they do turn into one, we could still eat them though."


    "Please don¡¯t subject me to another one of your monster-based diets, Sir Sebas."


    But nevertheless... the two of them were delighted to see that their farm was thriving beyond expectations.


    And they were looking forward to the fruition of their farm¡ª


    "Well, this is quite the sight~."


    "¡­!"


    A voice suddenly broke their moment, sharp and unexpected. Both Sebas and Anastasia swiftly turned their gaze toward the source¡ª


    A visitor.

 Chapter 71 - 16th Days (2) | The First Visitor (2)

    Sebas and Anastasia¡¯s eyes snapped toward the source of the unfamiliar voice¡ª!


    Even the ever-composed butler... was surprised.


    And what they found was¡­ a woman. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A woman clad in light, almost revealing, leather armor.


    Without a single doubt, both of their minds reached the same conclusion¡ªan adventurer!


    Her orange, almost fiery-red, short wavy hair seemed to flutter with each step she took. And at her hips... a pair of sleek daggers rested comfortably in their sheaths, swaying lightly with her movements.


    This beautiful stranger of an adventurer held a small smile¡ªalmost a smirk¡ªas she casually came closer to the master and servant without a shred of hesitation.


    "Hello there~," the female adventurer greeted, her voice light and playful... amused by the two surprised individuals before her.


    But this cheerful adventurer then shifted her gaze elsewhere, scanning the vast flatland that stretched across Anastasia¡¯s region.


    And her lips curved slightly as she seemed to find further amusement.


    "Gotta say¡­ I was surprised to find a giant wall made out of equally massive logs just propped up out of nowhere." She let out a soft chuckle, a hint of disbelief dancing in her tone.


    Her eyes drifted back toward the pair.


    "...And what¡¯s even stranger... is seeing what looks like a cozy little settlement sitting in the middle of this dangerous, godforsaken land~."


    A faint trace of sarcasm laced her words¡ªwhether intentional or not, it was hard to tell.


    Anastasia¡­ subconsciously took a step closer to her butler. Her body seemed to move on its own, instinctively seeking protection from this uninvited stranger who had so casually entered her ¡¯safe haven.¡¯


    Of course, Sebas noticed immediately.


    His sharp gaze softened as he turned his head slightly, catching the sight of his mistress¡ªher hand lightly trembling at her side, her posture tense. There was... a faint semblance of fear.


    And for a brief moment, it reminded him of the first time they met.


    Back then, she had put on a brave front¡ªan act of defiance, a shield of pride against the unknown.


    But this time¡­ it was different.


    There was hesitation. Uncertainty within her. Something that the red-haired noblewoman had thought she¡¯d managed to control...


    "Lady Ana..." Her butler whispered quietly, his voice laced with concern.


    "...!"


    But... upon hearing the worry so plainly evident in her butler¡¯s voice...


    Anastasia shook her head, pushing aside the uncertainty lingering in her chest. She took a slow breath¡ªsteadied herself¡ªbefore stepping forward.


    If this stranger had come to her land uninvited...


    Then as its lord, she would meet them head-on.


    Anastasia stopped a few steps away from the stranger¡ªher posture straightening as she lifted her chin ever so slightly.


    Despite the lingering hesitation from before, she now carried herself with the dignity befitting her noble blood...!


    "I am Anastasia," she declared, her voice calm and composed, "¡­the lord of this region."


    This female adventurer¡¯s brows lifted in mild surprise...!


    "Anastasia¡­? Lord...?" The female adventurer echoed¡ªher tone curious, as if the name stirred a faint memory.


    Her gaze lingered on the red-haired noblewoman, brows furrowed slightly in thought.


    And of course, this did not go unnoticed by the upstart noble.


    But before this female adventurer¡¯s mind could wander any further¡ª


    "Forgive me for inquiring, but... would you kindly share your name?" Anastasia¡¯s voice cut through the air, smooth and unwavering as she shifted the conversation back toward the stranger.


    The woman blinked¡­ before a playful smile tugged at her lips.


    "Me? Name¡¯s Vivi~!" she answered cheerfully, resting her hands on her hips. "Just your friendly neighborhood adventurer passing by~."


    Anastasia studied the woman with a steady gaze¡ªtaking in the casual confidence, the ease with which she carried herself. Meanwhile... Sebas remained silent, his ever-present smile unfaltering as he quietly observed this... peculiar visitor.


    There was a beat of silence.


    And in that brief pause, both master and servant found themselves... processing the rather wild energy that was emitting from this... ¡¯Vivi.¡¯


    Then...


    "Miss... Vivi¡­ welcome to my humble abode," Anastasia finally said, slightly bowing her head.


    However, the tone that she¡¯d used against stranger? There was a faint, almost monotone edge to her words.


    Vivi¡¯s smile widened as she tilted her head. "My, my~. What a proper little lady."


    Anastasia¡­ chose to ignore the comment.


    Vivi¡¯s amber eyes shifted¡ªlanding squarely on the butler who had yet to utter a single word. His expression remained unreadable, a perfect poker face that betrayed neither approval nor disapproval toward this eccentric visitor.


    A smirk tugged at her lips...!


    "And who¡¯s the handsome butler you¡¯ve got there, my lord~?" she purred, a teasing tone dancing in her voice.


    "¡­!"


    Anastasia stiffened¡ªcaught entirely off guard. It wasn¡¯t just the fact that she had forgotten to introduce her servant¡­ but the way this adventurer so casually called him handsome¡ª!


    Quickly, she cleared her throat, struggling to regain her composure. "Ahem¡­ This is¡ª"


    "Forgive me for not introducing myself. I¡¯m Lady Anastasia¡¯s personal butler and the head of her household¡¯s servants," Sebas smoothly cut in, his tone polite but firm.


    And... with a graceful bow, he added, "It¡¯s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Adventurer."


    His delivery was flawless¡ªcalm, precise¡­ effortlessly professional.


    Vivi blinked in surprise, her smirk widening. "Oho~! What a sharp one you¡¯ve got working for you," she remarked, clearly entertained by his unwavering demeanor.


    Even Anastasia, for all her composure, found herself momentarily speechless...!


    She hadn¡¯t expected him to take the initiative away from her¡­ let alone address her with such formality¡ª


    Lady Anastasia.


    And yet¡ª


    Neither woman missed the subtle detail in his words.


    He had introduced himself¡­ without ever mentioning his name.


    A deliberate choice.


    Anastasia¡¯s eyes lingered on him, a flicker of curiosity rising within her.


    ¡¯...why...?¡¯


    But... she snapped back from her curiosity... and concern over her butler¡¯s strange choice of introduction.


    Whatever questions she had about Sebas¡­ could wait. For now, her focus shifted back to the unexpected visitor standing before them.


    Vivi¡¯s casual demeanor, her playful words¡ªnone of it masked the fact that she had entered this land uninvited. And as the lord of this territory, Anastasia would not allow such an intrusion to go unchecked.


    Her expression hardened ever so slightly as she met the adventurer¡¯s gaze head-on.


    "Miss Vivi¡­ what business do you have in my domain?"

 Chapter 72 - 16th Days (3) | The First Visitor (3)

    Upon hearing the lord¡¯s question, the female adventurer... continued to smile¡ªa mischievous one that found further amusement in the apparent naivety of this young lord.


    "Hehe~, oh dear, are you seriously asking the most obvious question, my lord?" she teased, maintaining her almost playful grin.


    "W-what are you implying, Miss Vivi...?" the lord, Anastasia, stammered, her voice wavering slightly.


    The female adventurer let out a small giggle at the lord¡¯s obliviousness. "My lord... I¡¯m an adventurer... so of course, I¡¯m here to hunt down some monsters~!"


    "...!"


    The female adventurer¡¯s casual yet bold statement made Anastasia tense, almost forgetting to maintain her dignified composure.


    "Y-you¡¯re here... to hunt down monsters...?!"


    "That¡¯s right~."


    And her quick, nonchalant answer only affirmed the lord¡¯s bewilderment over the female adventurer.


    Anastasia had almost forgotten what kind of land she had been trying to govern.


    The Garden of Hell.


    A godforsaken land that was said to be the birthing nest for monsters all over Florentia. Thus, ¡¯naturally,¡¯ it was also filled to the brim with monster after monster¡ªespecially ones capable of wreaking havoc on the Kingdom.


    Thus... anyone who tread on this land would be either those who sought to forfeit their lives... or those strong enough to quell the very unholy creatures residing in this place.


    And judging by this female adventurer¡¯s composed demeanor and playful ease, Anastasia firmly believed that this woman likely belonged to the latter category.


    "Still... I must say, this is quite the surprise," Vivi continued, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "When I crossed the border, I was expecting the usual¡ªclaws, fangs, something to keep me on my toes¡ªbut instead..."


    She tilted her head, tapping her chin playfully.


    "It was almost... peaceful. A little too peaceful for a place called the Garden of Hell, wouldn¡¯t you say, my lord?"


    Anastasia furrowed her brow slightly, her wariness returning. "You find that strange?"


    "Of course~," Vivi chimed, spreading her arms wide. "I mean, this land¡¯s infamous for a reason. Yet, the only thing I stumbled upon was a settlement that looks like it¡¯s been freshly built." Her smile turned sly. "It piqued my interest, so I thought¡ªwhy not take a peek inside?"


    Anastasia held her composure, though her hands instinctively tightened against her dress.


    "And that¡¯s how you came to find my abode," she concluded.


    "Exactly~!" Vivi¡¯s voice lilted with amusement. "And, well... I couldn¡¯t resist seeing what kind of person would be "bold" enough to settle in this place."


    Anastasia studied the woman before her¡ªan enigma wrapped in an easygoing smile. For all her playful words, there was something sharp behind those eyes.


    "And now that you¡¯ve seen me," the red-haired lord asked, her tone cool and measured, "what do you think?"


    Vivi¡¯s lips curled into a fox-like grin.


    "I gotta say, my lord, you¡¯ve done quite the fine job of getting rid of the monsters at the entrance~."


    "Your observation is appreciated," Anastasia acknowledged, a bit of her pride mixing in. "It is, after all, my duty as the lord of this region to ensure that no monster threatens the land or the people I govern."


    "Hahaha~, you don¡¯t have to be all formal with me, my lord~," Vivi teased, waving a hand lazily as if brushing off Anastasia¡¯s stiff demeanor. "However, I would be lying if I said I wasn¡¯t a bit disappointed as well~..."


    "Disappointed, you say...?"


    "Yup~. While I did enjoy the peaceful stroll from the border to here..." The female adventurer¡¯s mouth curled into a playful pout. "Your monster extermination job took away all the thrill I used to get whenever I entered this place, you know~!"


    "H-huh?!" Anastasia was taken aback once more by this strange adventurer¡¯s sudden complaint, and it took a moment for the red-haired lord to collect her composure. "A-ah, yes, I apologize if that has ruined your excitement, Miss Vivi. H-however, that is simply the responsibility I must uphold... of ensuring the monsters do not pose a threat to the region under my rule."


    "Hmmm~, well, you¡¯ve got a point there, my lord," Vivi conceded with a playful shrug. "Still... I can¡¯t help but wonder¡ªhow did you even manage to get rid of that many monsters?"


    "...I have very capable people working under my command," Anastasia revealed, but again, there was a small bit of pride lacing her voice¡ªa proud confidence in the servants who had sworn their loyalty to her.


    "Oh~? I see, I see, that would make sense after all," the female adventurer mused thoughtfully. However, her gaze soon drifted toward the smiling butler standing calmly at the lord¡¯s side. "Then... is this handsome butler of yours one of those capable people you speak of?"


    "W-what...?"


    Anastasia blinked, momentarily stunned by the sudden shift in conversation. Was this strange adventurer... trying to tease her butler again?


    Sebas, however, remained unfazed. With his usual calm demeanor, he responded with a gentle smile. "I am merely an ordinary butler, Miss Adventurer. Nothing more, nothing less."


    "Oh~? Is that so?" Vivi¡¯s playful grin only grew wider¡ªbefore, in an instant, she vanished from sight. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "¡ª?!"


    Anastasia¡¯s eyes widened in alarm. Her gaze darted around her vast, walled region until she realized¡ª!


    She quickly spun around, finding Vivi had appeared right in front of Sebas, her face just inches away from his.


    "My, my~. If you¡¯re just a regular butler... would you kindly give me a little tour of this place?" Her voice was light, teasing¡ªbut there was a spark of curiosity beneath her playful tone. "And... if you¡¯re feeling adventurous, maybe join me for a monster hunt~?"


    Sebas offered another polite smile, unfaltering by the female adventurer¡¯s directness. "I¡¯m afraid I must decline both your request and your offer, Miss Vivi. After all... neither of us should act without the lord¡¯s permission."


    "Tch~, how troublesome," Vivi pouted, placing her hands on her hips before turning her attention back to the startled Anastasia.


    "Well then, my lord," she said, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. "I do apologize for interrupting your fun time with your handsome butler~."


    "...huh?"


    It took a moment for Anastasia, but eventually... she realized the implication¡ª!


    "¡ªH-huh?!"

 Chapter 73 - 16th Days (4) | The First Visitor (4)

    "W-w-what nonsense are you talking about?!?" A deep blush crept onto Anastasia¡¯s face, her composure cracking under the unexpected remark. "I-it¡¯s not¡ª! I-I-I¡¯m not¡ª!"


    "Ahahaha~! Oh my, your face is as red as your hair now, my lord," the female adventurer continued her teasing, further delighting in the blushing lord¡¯s flustered state. "I¡¯m just kidding, my lord~. You don¡¯t have to be so uptight about it."


    "Miss Adventurer," Sebas interjected, his voice calm yet firm, "I would kindly ask that you refrain from troubling my mistress with such playful remarks."


    His words, polite as they were, held a subtle weight¡ªone that only deepened Anastasia¡¯s embarrassment.


    Anastasia took a sharp breath, forcing herself to regain what little remained of her scattered composure. "E-exactly! Such jokes are highly improper, Miss Vivi! Master and servant r-r-relationships... s-such nonsense!!!"


    Vivi, however, only snickered at the lord¡¯s flustered protest. "Fufu~, is that so? Your face, my lord, seems to be saying otherwise~."


    Anastasia¡¯s expression darkened, her lips twitching in mild displeasure. "I-I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about! Please stop with this nonsense at once!" S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Fufu~, well, alright then. I suppose I¡¯ve overstayed my welcome too." Vivi twirled on her heel, tossing a glance over her shoulder. "I¡¯ll be sure to visit again after my little monster hunt, Lord Anastasia. And... who knows~? Maybe your place here could become a nice resting spot for adventurers like me in the future~."


    The female adventurer then walked past the stunned Anastasia, heading toward the entrance from which she had come.


    However, she turned her head back¡ªmeeting Anastasia¡¯s still-flustered gaze before her eyes drifted toward Sebas with a playful wink.


    "See you later~."


    And with that, the female adventurer strode toward the exit, her cheerful hum slowly fading as she departed¡ªleaving Anastasia standing there, still trying to process the whirlwind of her unexpected guest.


    But... even as the female adventurer finally left the region¡ªgone from their sight¡ªa silence between the master and the butler had been ensuing this whole time.


    Anastasia¡¯s blush had eventually faded, leaving behind a tired, exasperated look on the young lord¡¯s face. On the other hand, her butler remained composed, though a raised eyebrow hinted at his lingering thoughts about their peculiar visitor.


    Anastasia let out a soft sigh before turning to face Sebas. Her expression, caught somewhere between concern¡­ and anxiety, lingered as she studied her ever-composed butler.


    Sebas, noticing her gaze, tilted his head slightly. "Is there something troubling you, my lady?"


    She hesitated for a moment, but eventually... she finally spoke her mind. "It¡¯s just¡­ I didn¡¯t expect my first visitor to be such an eccentric person. Of all the people who could¡¯ve come, it had to be someone like that."


    Sebas offered a faint smile, folding his hands neatly behind his back. "An uncommon visitor for an uncommon land, I suppose."


    A small huff escaped Anastasia¡¯s lips before her expression softened into something more thoughtful.


    "Still¡­ how did I do...?" Her voice was quieter now¡ªuncertain. "In handling my first visitor, I mean."


    Sebas closed his eyes briefly, as though weighing her words with careful consideration.


    "As far as first impressions go, I would say you handled yourself quite well, my lady."


    "You¡­ truly mean that?"


    "I do," he affirmed, though a glimmer of amusement touched his tone. "Granted, some parts were a bit stiff on your end¡­ but considering the oddity that was your first visitor, it is hardly your fault. It would have been far simpler if it had been someone more sensible."


    Anastasia sighed again before a small chuckle escaped her lips at the thought of such a notion. "Sensible, huh¡­"


    "Well, it is what it is right now, my lady," Sebas continued, his voice gentler now. "I doubt any sensible person would venture into this land¡­ at least, not yet."


    He cast a brief glance toward the distant horizon. "Still, if this region could indeed become a resting place for adventurers¡ªas that Miss Adventurer just suggested¡ªit may draw more people over time... A pivotal point of respite amid the frontier¡¯s dangers."


    He presented her with the very idea, offering a glimpse of what the future might hold¡ªa land no longer isolated, but instead, a vital haven for travelers.


    Anastasia gave a slow nod, her expression thoughtful as she considered his quiet hope for this land¡¯s transformation.


    "That¡­ would be ideal," she murmured, more to herself than to him.


    A brief silence settled over the two once more, broken only by the faint rustle of the wind outside. Anastasia shifted her weight slightly, her brows furrowed in quiet contemplation...


    "...You know¡­ that woman, Vivi¡ª" Her words slowed as if choosing them carefully. "¡ªshe kind of reminds me of you, Sebas."


    Sebas raised an eyebrow at her sudden observation. "Oh? And what, may I ask, brings you to such a curious conclusion?"


    A faint blush crept back to Anastasia¡¯s cheeks as she crossed her arms.


    "Well¡­ for one, you both have a way of acting so casual¡ªlike nothing ever fazes you. And¡ª" Her voice grew sharper with mild indignation. "¡ªyou both seem to enjoy teasing me far more than is appropriate!"


    At that, a low chuckle slipped past Sebas¡¯s lips. He lifted one hand to his mouth in a half-hearted attempt to stifle it.


    "Haha, I assure you, my lady, any resemblance is purely coincidental."


    Anastasia narrowed her eyes at him, unimpressed by his attempt to downplay it.


    But after a brief pause, her tone shifted, turning more serious.


    "Still¡­ is she strong?"


    Sebas¡¯s amusement faded into a more thoughtful expression.


    "Indeed," he answered, his tone growing more solemn. "Miss Adventurer there is no ordinary adventurer... In fact, I do recognize her."


    Anastasia blinked, surprised by his sudden revelation. "You recognize her?"


    He gave a slight nod. "S-Class Adventurer, The Sonic Thief Vivian."


    "An S-Class Adventurer...?!" Anastasia echoed in disbelief. "And A thief as well...!?"


    Of all things, an S-Class Adventurer¡ªand a thief at that¡ªwandering so casually into her territory? The thought alone was enough to unsettle her...


    For a moment, she struggled to process the information¡ªbut the more she thought about it, the more it made sense. Given Vivi¡¯s confidence¡­ her ease in handling herself¡­ it was only natural.


    "I suppose¡­ that explains a lot," she finally muttered, though a faint shiver ran down her spine at the realization. "That was the caliber of person wandering into our lands¡­"

 Chapter 74 - 16th Days (5) | The First Visitor (5)

    "Yup. That¡¯s going to be the majority of people visiting this region, my lady¡ªthose willing to tread into dangerous territory," Sebas remarked lightly¡­ yet, it carried an underlying truth as both their gazes lingered on the entrance of the border wall. "¡­And the majority of them will be highly capable adventurers who walk the fine line between danger and insanity."


    "That¡­ doesn¡¯t sound very reassuring."


    "It isn¡¯t¡­ but such is the nature of this land. Only those bold¡ªor reckless¡ªenough would dare step foot here." He glanced at Anastasia, his expression calm, though the gravity of his words hung heavy. "It¡¯s inevitable¡­ and you¡¯ll see more of her kind in time."


    Anastasia¡¯s gaze hardened, a mix of concern and anxiety over the future of her land creeping into her expression. "And¡­ what if they¡¯re not as ¡¯playful¡¯ as she was?"


    Sebas paused for a moment, considering her words carefully¡­


    "Then¡­ I¡¯ll deal with them."


    Upon hearing his calm yet unwavering declaration, her eyes widened¡ªstartled by his bold conviction¡­!


    "You need not worry, my lady," Sebas continued, his voice steady and resolute, "anyone who seeks to bring harm to you, your people, and your land¡­ will have to answer to me."


    Anastasia¡¯s lips parted slightly, surprised and even slightly concerned by the sheer certainty in his words¡­


    Yet, there was something reassuring about it¡­ something that gave her hope.


    The warm feeling of being protected and supported by someone reliable.


    Still¡­ the thought of handling adventurers like Vivi on a regular basis? She couldn¡¯t help but imagine how exhausting it would be¡­ and thus, a sigh escaped her lips. "If that¡¯s the case¡­ I almost wish the next visitor would be someone a bit more sensible."


    "Haha~, I wouldn¡¯t hold my breath on that one, my lady."


    She huffed softly at his remark¡­ but her amusement faded as her gaze sharpened, a flicker of concern settling on the butler.


    "Sir Sebas¡­?"


    "¡­Yeah?"


    Her lips pressed together briefly, trying her hardest to carefully gather her words¡­


    "¡­Why didn¡¯t you give out your name to that adventurer?" she finally inquired, her voice quiet yet laced with curiosity.


    Sebas¡­ did not answer immediately¡ªa rare contemplative expression surfacing on his face. This moment of silence worried Anastasia, imagining that this might be something he wasn¡¯t comfortable answering¡­


    Yet, she wanted¡ªneeded¡ªto know as it might concern not just the safety of this land, but also¡­ how she would come to understand the enigmatic butler of hers¡­


    But eventually¡­


    "It¡¯s¡­ complicated," he admitted at last.


    "Complicated¡­? How so¡­?"


    "A lot of things to consider, my lady, and telling you why would defeat the purpose of that secrecy I have been trying to uphold¡­" he sighed, but then a small chuckle escaped from his mouth. "Though, I gotta say that I¡¯ve already made a fatal mistake by telling you ladies my ¡¯shortened¡¯ name."


    "Yeah, you did¡­" she muttered under her breath, remembering her first meeting with him. "I¡¯ve been wondering myself too¡ªwhy DID you hesitate on giving your name back then?"


    "You wouldn¡¯t trust some no-name stranger, would you?"


    "¡­Hehe, yeah, I would definitely not. Still... you could have just used a fake name."


    "I... didn¡¯t think it through, honestly. I¡¯ve got a lot of stuff running through my mind, and I thought that giving myself a fake alias would just give me a goddamn identity crisis~."


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but giggle at his casual honesty, which also made him chuckle too.


    But he was not done yet¡­ as his voice dipped into something quieter¡ªsomething more¡­ serious. "Besides¡­ I would rather not have my name known so easily."


    That sudden shift in his tone only deepened her curiosity. "Why? You said you recognized her¡ªdoes that mean... she would recognize you?"


    For a brief moment, silence hung between them.


    "It is¡­ possible."


    Anastasia¡¯s eyes widened slightly.


    "Wait¡­ were you¡ª!" She hesitated, the thought lingering on her tongue. "...were you an adventurer yourself...?!"


    Sebas smiled faintly, though the gleam in his eyes hinted at something far more complex. "Would it truly surprise you, my lady?"


    Her lips parted, but no immediate words came. The more she thought about it, the more everything began to add up¡ªhis combat prowess, his unshakable composure¡­ even the way he seemed utterly unfazed by someone like Vivi. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You¡­ You really were, weren¡¯t you¡­?" Her voice softened, trailing off as the realization struck. "¡­And probably an S-Rank one too, right?"


    Sebas neither confirmed nor denied it outright¡ªbut the absence of denial was answer enough.


    "As I said before," he spoke, his tone light yet¡­ deliberate, "anyone who seeks to bring harm will have to answer to me."


    Anastasia found herself both relieved and troubled by his words. Just who exactly had she hired as her butler¡­?


    ¡¯¡­No, I didn¡¯t hire him. It was¡­ my father¡­¡¯ Anastasia reflected bitterly, being reminded once again that she was being backed by her former household¡­


    That thought still didn¡¯t sit well with her yet¡­


    Still¡­ for now, perhaps it was best not to press too far.


    "¡­I see," she murmured at last, her voice thoughtful. "Well¡­ if someone like that comes again, I¡¯ll be counting on you, Sebas."


    His response¡­ was a simple thumbs-up that showed his unshakable confidence, and that display of confidence was more than enough to ease her mind.


    However, her expression turned thoughtful once again.


    "Sir Sebas, since you knew her¡­ could you at least tell me what¡¯s the deal with that woman? Is she TRULY that strong of an adventurer? I just¡­ couldn¡¯t picture her as an S-Ranker¡­"


    "Well, looks can be deceiving, you know."


    "But with that kind of attitude¡­?"


    Sebas let out a snort at that, raising an eyebrow. "Hah, didn¡¯t you say my personality¡¯s almost similar to hers? Are you saying I¡¯m unreliable, my lady~?"


    "N-no, that¡¯s not it! Jeez!" She huffed in frustration, her cheeks puffing slightly. "Please answer my question seriously!"


    "Alright~, alright~," he relented with a lazy grin, though his expression grew contemplative for a moment. "Hmmm, while I do have the general gist of what this Vivian gal is as an adventurer¡­ I don¡¯t have much clue in terms of what she¡¯s like behind closed doors."


    "I¡­ see."


    "But if you still insist on knowing¡ªother than what you¡¯ve already seen, there¡¯s one thing you might want to know about her."


    "¡­And what is that?"


    There was a moment of silence from him¡ªa sudden, heavy stillness that made her wary¡­


    "The title ¡¯Sonic Thief¡¯ is her public alias," he explained, a somewhat grim tone lacing his voice. "But her other name? She¡¯s also dubbed as¡­ the Sonic Assassin."

 Chapter 75: ### Days | Busy Days in The Office [UPDATED]

    The Adventurer¡¯s Guild was as busy as ever, a constant hive of activity, with an endless hum of voices echoing off the grand stone walls that made up the towering structure.


    Adventurers bustled in and out of the building.


    Some arrived with hopeful steps, eager for another day of questing and adventuring. Others returned to report their latest jobs¡ªthough their attitudes couldn¡¯t be more different.


    Some were happy and relieved to have finished their quests, already thinking of the rewards¡ªand the promise of a well-earned rest after days of grueling work. And others¡­ well, they weren¡¯t quite as composed, dragging themselves toward the counter with only one thing in mind¡ªto get their report done and leave as quickly as possible.


    Be that as it may, a crowd had already gathered around the massive quest board, eyes scanning the parchment sheets pinned across its surface¡ªsearching for a potential (and hopefully profitable) job to take.


    From simple monster subjugation to high-paying escort missions, the board offered a little something for everyone¡ªif they were willing to risk their necks.


    At the long wooden counter, a steady line of adventurers stretched toward the entrance. Behind it, rows of female receptionists worked tirelessly, processing both quest reports and quest acceptance while also managing and issuing new assignments to the already packed quest board.


    Some adventurers leaned against the counter, flashing grins at the (slightly overworked) staff, while others just wanted to finish their business and be on their way.


    In the hall, groups of adventurers also lounged across the guild¡¯s lobby¡ªtrading stories, boasting about their latest feats, or simply... killing time, since there was no rule against adventurers hanging out in the guild.


    Unless, of course, they made too much noise before getting reprimanded by either the staff or other, more no-nonsense adventurers.


    But today, one rumor seemed to dominate the air.


    "¡ªI¡¯m telling you, the kingdom¡¯s making another push into the Garden of Hell," one adventurer shouted to his party member, his voice carrying over the usual din of the hall.


    "Yeah, right," another snorted, lazily leaning against one of the guild¡¯s many lobby tables. "No one¡¯s that stupid. That place is a death trap."


    "Pfft, yeah, I agree," another chimed in. "I bet it¡¯s just a fancy way of getting rid of troublesome nobles."


    "Still, if they are serious¡­" a fourth voice added, quieter and a touch uneasy, "I couldn¡¯t imagine what life would be like in that kind of hellhole."


    "Hahaha~, I hear ya! Like hell anyone wants to live in that place!"


    And thus, laughter broke out, mixing with the already bustling hall, making it feel even rowdier.


    Though despite the laughter and noise, a shadow of unease settled over the conversation.


    The Garden of Hell¡ªa place where even seasoned adventurers hesitated to tread. Whether it was a new frontier or a death sentence, no one could say for sure.


    But upstairs, behind the heavy oak door of the guild master¡¯s office¡­ the matter was far from idle gossip.


    The scent of parchment and ink lingered in the air, a quiet, tranquil presence¡ªa sharp contrast to the chaos outside.


    "Guild Master, here¡¯s the last report from the northern border of Florentia that you¡¯ve requested."


    A female guild staff member handed another set of documents to the already piling-up desk.


    "Thank you."


    And at her desk, the beautiful guild master sat in perfect composure, working through an almost endless line of paperwork.


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    Behind her glasses, sharp eyes scanned the report in hand.


    Despite her youthful appearance, there was an unmistakable weight in her gaze¡ªone that came from years of bearing the guild¡¯s burdens.


    The guild staff member nervously shifted her stance, fidgeting to herself, waiting for a response from the guild master.


    "¡­So, that¡¯s the latest happening from the northern border," the staff member finished, her voice steady despite the tension hanging between them.


    The guild master remained silent for a beat longer, her fingers lightly tapping against the polished wood of her desk.


    "Borealis," she murmured, almost to herself. "They¡¯re more persistent than I gave them credit for¡­"


    With a sigh, she leaned back in her chair¡ªeyes narrowing as she contemplated the rising stirrings not just in Florentia¡­ but also across every nation bordering the kingdom.


    The guild master¡¯s fingers tapped rhythmically against her desk, the sound soft yet sharp in the quiet office. Her mind, however, was anything but calm.


    A scandal within the Crown¡­ If the rumors were true, the royal court would soon be thrown into turmoil. And while the Adventurer¡¯s Guild was meant to stay neutral, there was no avoiding the ripples such chaos would bring.


    She sighed quietly. "As if that wasn¡¯t enough¡­"


    Across Florentia, monster sightings had increased¡ªfar beyond the usual levels for this time of year. Isolated villages were reporting strange, aggressive creatures appearing near their borders. If it kept up, even major cities wouldn¡¯t remain safe.


    Her brows furrowed, frustration flickering beneath her composed exterior.


    And then, there was her.


    "Anastasia¡­" the guild master murmured, her tone unreadable.


    A fallen noble turned frontier lord¡ªan upstart with no experience¡­ and yet tasked with the most cruel duty of trying to govern a godforsaken land¡­


    ¡¯...But for how long¡­?¡¯


    Sebas, the only man she could trust to observe that cursed land and guarding this young fallen noble, had gone silent¡­ until recently. She had been waiting for news from him, but there had been none for two weeks straight.


    She had persistently requested that he provide a report every week¡­ but was that too much, even for him? She would have to send a message herself if that was the case.


    However, a sudden knock on the door broke her thoughts¡­!


    Without waiting for permission, a guild runner burst in, panting and holding a sealed letter.


    "A message¡ªfrom Sebastian!"


    The guild master¡¯s eyes sharpened instantly.


    "Give it to me."


    Breaking the seal with practiced ease, her gaze swept across the contents. And as she read, her serious expression slowly softened¡­ before curving into a small, amused smile.


    "...Honestly," she murmured, shaking her head slightly.


    The two guild staff exchanged glances, confused by her sudden change in demeanor.


    "Guild Master¡­? Is there something the matter?" one of them asked cautiously.


    "No, it¡¯s nothing," she said, waving them off. "Go back to work¡ªand find me more information regarding the northern border while you¡¯re at it."


    "Understood, ma¡¯am!" Both staff members gave a quick bow before hurrying out of the office, leaving her alone with the letter still in hand.


    Once the door shut behind them, the guild master leaned back in her chair, exhaling a long, tired sigh¡ªsomewhere between relief¡­ and frustration.


    "After so long, this is what you give me? A headache? I already got tons of them, damnit," she muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose before tossing the letter onto her desk.


    Yet, despite her words, the faint smile lingered.


    A moment later, she reached for a fresh sheet of parchment.


    Dipping her pen in ink, she began to write¡ªswift, precise strokes filling the page....


    A formal request to establish... a branch adventurer guild in the Garden of Hell.


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 Chapter 76 - 16th Days (6) | Hospitality 101 (1)

    Night had fallen once again on Anastasia¡¯s walled region.


    However, the current four denizens of this region had not yet retired to rest¡ªquite wide awake¡ªnot just from the surprising news of their very first visitor to this desolate land...


    But also¡­


    Two of them had spent almost all day sleeping through it¡ªmissing out not just on breakfast and lunch, but even their duty as supposed ¡¯loyal servants¡¯ of Lady Anastasia.


    And now, all four of them had gathered in the central firepit...


    With those two ¡¯slackers¡¯ being thoroughly scolded by their mistress.


    Under the dim light of the campfire, two figures knelt before Anastasia¡ªheads bowed low, faces heavy with shame.


    The knight, Martha, and the maid, Bella, both wore expressions that could only be described as defeated, their usual liveliness nowhere to be found.


    And looming over them was their mistress¡ªAnastasia.


    Arms crossed under her chest, the redhead exuded an aura of authority that made the air feel... heavier, with an almost faint crimson-red glow surrounding her very figure...!


    Sebas, standing off to the side, raised an eyebrow at the ominous sight.


    Fortunately, after a quick check, he¡¯d confirmed the aura wasn¡¯t anything dangerous¡ªthe likes that he would have to step in and intervene immediately¡ª


    But this was just a ¡¯normal¡¯-ish aura that was a result of their mistress being thoroughly pissed off.


    Which, honestly, was almost as bad.


    Martha shifted uncomfortably under the weight of Anastasia¡¯s stare, while Bella¡¯s shoulders slumped even further¡ªboth clearly regretting their decision to sleep through the day.


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    The butler, again, was watching this scene unfold... and he felt a small twinge of guilt.


    With a quiet sigh, he stepped forward.


    "Lady Ana, forgive me, but¡­ cut them some slack, will you? It¡¯s not entirely their fault they overslept. I mean¡­ I might¡¯ve gone a bit overboard making those luxurious beds, you know."


    "S-Sir Butler...!"


    "M-M-Mr. Head Butler...!"


    At this, both Martha and Bella perked up ever so slightly, their eyes shining with desperate hope directed at their head butler, clinging to his words as if they might somehow save them from further scolding¡ª


    But Anastasia, without missing a beat, shot Sebas a sharp look.


    "Don¡¯t try to cover for these slackers, Sir Sebas," she said flatly, directing her stare filled with cold authority to him. "Comfortable bed or not, they¡¯re the ones who decided to slack off and ignore their duties."


    "...Sure, I guess," Sebas replied, raising his hands in mock surrender. With a slight shrug, he added silently to the two kneeling figures¡ª¡¯I tried.¡¯


    Anastasia¡¯s frown deepened as she returned her gaze to the two offenders.


    "I expected more from you both," she said, her voice was... cold and unwavering. "As my only knight and maid in this entire region, you should have better control over your impulses¡ªor at the very least, the basic sense to prioritize your duties."


    Sebas chuckled quietly to himself, shaking his head. ¡¯You would¡¯ve been the same as them if I didn¡¯t wake you up, my lady.¡¯


    Realizing that this lecture wasn¡¯t going to end anytime soon, Sebas decided to actually step in¡ªbefore the two unfortunate aides melted into puddles of shame.


    "Ahem." He cleared his throat, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. "If I may interrupt, Lady Ana¡ªperhaps we should focus on the reason we¡¯ve gathered here tonight... shouldn¡¯t we?"


    Anastasia¡¯s eyes shot back to the butler, directing her anger to the smiling butler once more with a look that screamed ¡¯You dare interrupt me again?¡¯


    Unfortunately for this mistress, her intimidating glare wasn¡¯t exactly effective against him... as per usual, and in fact, it only amused him rather than anything.


    And after an ¡¯intense¡¯ staring contest between the two...


    The fierce aura that had been emitting from Anastasia finally died down. She let out a sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose.


    "...Fine."


    "Thank you, my lady."


    "H-Head Butler...!" Both the knight and maid murmured in unison; gratitude glimmered in their eyes for their head butler¡¯s effort to ease their mistress¡¯s wrath, and now, they were able to let out a sigh of relief.


    Seizing the opportunity, Sebas retrieved the usual chalkboard to their attention, bringing it close enough so that the light from the firepit would illuminate the surface of the board.


    And now, with chalk that he pulled out from his trusty butler¡¯s coat, he tapped the chalkboard a few times to really get their attention.


    "Now then," he said smoothly, the faintest smile tugging at his lips, "let¡¯s discuss the next step in developing Lady Ana¡¯s land."


    With practiced ease, Sebas raised the chalk to the board and, in neat strokes, wrote down the first matter of concern:


    ¡¯Visitors and Future Citizens.¡¯


    "Before we begin... I would like to remind you ladies once more... that we have just gotten our first visitor~."


    In contrast to Sebas¡¯s cheerful tone, both Martha and Bella instead stiffened¡ªshoulders going rigid as the tension crept back into their forms.


    The first visitor to Lady Anastasia¡¯s region¡ªa female adventurer known as The Sonic Thief, Vivian.


    They¡¯d learned about this visitor from their head butler when he woke them up...


    Only to find out that they¡¯d missed her entirely AND that the sun was already on the horizon¡ªsinking, instead of rising like it would in the morning.


    Nevertheless, the very first person to ever grace their mistress¡¯s land... and they both had missed her because of their sleeping blunder.


    They would have to be more careful next time...


    But, beyond missing the opportunity to meet this person directly, they both had their own concerns over the very individual herself...


    Being that this solo female adventurer was none other than an S-Rank adventurer. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "To think¡­ an S-Rank adventurer would be the first to step foot here," Martha muttered, her tone grim, as though the weight of those words alone was enough to sink her spirit further. "And a solo adventurer at that¡­"


    "S-S-Rank...!" Bella echoed, her voice barely above a whisper before she shook her head in disbelief. "Y-you just don¡¯t see them every day¡ª! I-I mean¡ªthere are only a few dozen in all of Florentia, right? A-a-and yet... one of them just happened to show up here...?"


    A rare existence, for sure¡ªalmost divine-like...!


    S-Rank adventurers were as rare as they came, their numbers barely making up one percent of the entire adventurer registry in Florentia.


    However small their numbers were... their very presence alone was worth 10¡ªno, nearly 100 times more than even the average A-Ranker.


    And it wasn¡¯t just power alone¡ªthe criteria to be recognized as S-Rank by the Adventurer¡¯s Guild were notoriously strict, with only those who possessed overwhelming strength or exceptional skill ever reaching such heights.


    For someone of that caliber to arrive at this isolated region... to this godforsaken corner of the kingdom... was nothing short of extraordinary.


    "...W-well, I guess it sorta makes sense, doesn¡¯t it...?" Bella mumbled, fidgeting with the hem of her apron.


    "Makes sense?" Martha raised an eyebrow. "How so, Bella...?"


    "I-I mean... uh, no sane person would ever step foot in this place unless they were, you know... ridiculously strong or something...! W-who else would even bother coming all the way out here¡­?"


    "Bella, you..." the knight gave her a long, incredulous stare. "...You do realize you just called the four of us insane, right?"


    "H-huh¡ª?! N-n-no! T-that¡¯s not what I meant, Miss Martha...!"


    While these exchanges continued between the two aides...


    Their mistress... Anastasia¡¯s gaze flicked¡ªever so subtly¡ªtoward Sebas.


    She threw a glance laced... with a quiet knowing.


    A strong belief that this butler of hers was among those extremely rare existences that had ever graced Florentia... even if he himself had not yet confirmed or denied her suspicions toward him before.


    And the butler himself?


    As if perfectly in tune with her unspoken thoughts, he merely raised an eyebrow in mild amusement¡ªlips tugging into the faintest hint of a smirk.


    "..."


    This, though, only served to further annoy the young noblewoman, a pout forming on her small lips because of his indifference.


    Still, she said nothing... as if she still had some semblance of respect for the butler¡¯s wish to remain... anonymous.


    Sebas let the moment pass before he clapped his hands softly, pulling their focus back to him.


    "Let¡¯s get back to the point, ladies," he continued smoothly, "it¡¯s not just S-Rank adventurers we need to think about. What matters now... is how we plan to handle any future visitors AND potential residents to this place¡ªbe they high-ranked adventurers or, more importantly, regular civilians."


    He gestured toward the board again, drawing a crisp underline beneath the topic.


    "If we want any hope of developing this land," he said, his tone taking on a sharper edge, "we¡¯ll need more than just the four of us, you know."


    He tapped the chalk lightly against the board, casting a glance at the three women¡ªeach holding a nervous lump in their throat as they waited for his explanation.


    "Farmers, laborers, craftsmen, merchants... actual people who can breathe life into this place... or, to be more precise¡ªwe need more human life here. Unless, of course, you ladies are content living a solitary life without outside interference, that is~."


    His joke, though light-hearted, carried an unsettling truth.


    "But before any of that," Sebas continued smoothly, resting the chalk against the board¡¯s edge, "we need to decide how to welcome anyone willing to enter Lady Ana¡¯s region. ¡¯Cause if we make the wrong impression... they¡¯ll never want to visit this place again."


    His gaze lingered on each of them in turn, his voice calm but deliberate.


    "So¡­ everyone, how do you propose we welcome future visitors?"

 Chapter 77 - 16th Days (7) | Hospitality 101 (2)

    When the butler had proposed the Grand Question to the three ladies... they all fell silent.


    "¡­ ¡­ ¡­"


    "¡­uh, ladies?" Sebas prompted, his tone as patient as ever. "Anyone here with a good idea on how to welcome future visitors?"


    Unfortunately, still, none of them had spoken an answer...


    He shifted his gaze first to Anastasia¡­ but the redheaded lord of this region only looked away from his steady, expectant gaze.


    Then... he shifted his gaze to both Martha and Bella, and¡­ these two aides of the lord also averted each of their own gazes away from his.


    "...You guys really don¡¯t have any clue, huh?"


    "¡ª!"


    Their response was a unified startle¡ªa clear sign that none of them could answer the butler¡¯s question.


    Or at the very least, they didn¡¯t have the courage to express their ideas.


    Sebas let out a quiet sigh, the sound filling the heavy silence.


    "You know," he began, his tone calm yet holding a hint of his exasperated spirit, "...I don¡¯t think I should be the one leading this whole planning to begin with, so... Lady Ana?"


    "¡ª!"


    "H-Huh?" Anastasia flinched again, her head snapping toward him. "Y-yes, Sir Sebas...?"


    Without a hint of hesitation¡ª


    "I entrust this matter to you, my lady. Please lead the way."


    "W-what...?!"


    ¡ªSebas turned the responsibility over to her.


    And now, with the spotlight suddenly thrown on her, Anastasia¡¯s mouth hung slightly open in shock.


    All eyes shifted to her.


    Instantly, a wave of nervousness prickled at the back of her neck.


    Still frozen, her lips parted as if to speak¡ªonly for no words to come out. But after a moment, she forced herself to take a breath, smoothing down the front of her dress before clearing her throat.


    "A-Ahem... Then¡ª" Her voice wavered slightly before she straightened her back, attempting to regain some composure. "¡ªAs the lord of this region, I will now discuss how we should properly welcome any future visitors."


    Her tone was stiff. Awkwardly monotone.


    And, as if to make her feelings painfully clear, she shot a sharp glare toward her butler who was pretending not to notice said "passionate" gaze upon him.


    "...So," she continued, barely restraining the twitch at her brow, "how do you suggest we go about it, Sir Sebas?"


    Rather than answering right away, Sebas tilted his head¡ªfeigning confusion.


    "Hmm... That¡¯s a good question, Lady Ana, but..." he mused, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips, "I have not a single clue~. So surely... you must have some ideas yourself, haven¡¯t you~?"


    "¡ª!"


    Her breath hitched.


    With just a single, effortless deflection, the butler had thrown the spotlight right back onto her again.


    ¡¯That damn butler...!¡¯


    For a moment, Anastasia could only stand there, flustered, as her mind scrambled for a proper response. But with the weight of everyone¡¯s attention still on her, she clenched her fists¡ªforcing herself to think.


    And then¡­


    "What if¡­" Her voice softened, thoughtful. "What if we make an inn?"


    "An inn¡ª?!" Both Martha and Bella exchanged wide-eyed glances, their surprise clear in their voices.


    "Think about it¡ªif we had an inn, adventurers wouldn¡¯t have to return all the way to the mainland just to rest. They could stay here¡ªsomewhere safe¡ªbetween expeditions. It¡¯d not only make this region a reliable stop, but it could also encourage more adventurers to explore the land. Isn¡¯t that¡­ worth considering?"


    "...That¡¯s right! That¡¯s a great idea, my lady!" Martha¡¯s eyes sparkled, fist raised to the air in excitement. "It makes perfect sense! With how dangerous the frontier is, having a secure place for adventurers to rest would make a world of difference!"


    "I-I also think it¡¯s a great idea, my lady...!" Bella chimed in with an equal amount of eagerness despite the nervousness in her voice. "I-if we build an inn that has proper facilities... it could attract many high-ranked adventurers too¡ª! A-and if they find this place convenient, they might even treat it as their base while exploring the deeper territories¡ªi-isn¡¯t that right, my lady?!"


    "Indeed, you two! That¡¯s why this is a great idea!"


    A hint of pride flickered in Anastasia¡¯s chest at her two loyal aides¡¯ enthusiasm¡ªglad to have their utmost support for her idea.


    "A fine suggestion, Lady Ana," Sebas remarked smoothly, turning his attention to their excited expressions, a proud smile evident on his face toward the upstart lord. "An inn would indeed benefit the region in the long run."


    "Y-you think so too, right, Sir Sebas?"


    For a fleeting second, her heart swelled at the praise.


    "But¡ª"


    The word dropped like a stone in the air.


    "¡ªnot highly recommended at the moment."


    "W-what...?!"


    His sudden declaration had completely deflated the joyous mood of the three ladies¡ªespecially Anastasia herself.


    "P-pardon me, Sir Sebas... b-but what do you mean that you don¡¯t recommend it?" Anastasia inquired, her voice wavering with confusion.


    Sebas¡¯s own expression turned almost apologetic, feeling a tad guilty for raining on their parade, but this was a "necessary evil" he had to do.


    "Listen, my lady... an inn requires a significant amount of labor, you know," he began, his tone even and measured.


    "W-well, indeed so, Sir Sebas...! I-I do know that we would need a lot of laborers to build one!" Anastasia tried to argue, scrambling to defend her idea. "B-but we can leverage it with our own labor¡ª"


    "¡ªNOT just to build it, mind you... but to ACTUALLY run it."


    "R-running it...?" the mistress echoed, blinking in disbelief.


    The shock and confusion on Anastasia¡¯s face¡ªand those of her two aides beside her¡ªwere clear evidence that they hadn¡¯t fully considered this idea¡¯s biggest flaw.


    The butler couldn¡¯t help but let out another sigh¡­


    "Okay, please listen carefully," he said, his voice firm with quiet patience. "Any sort of large-scale accommodation facility would need a massive labor force to function properly. You wouldn¡¯t just need people to build the structure¡ªyou¡¯d need people working around the clock to keep it running..."


    "...From housekeepers to maintain cleanliness, cooks to prepare meals, staff to manage guests, and security to ensure safety¡­ an inn isn¡¯t just a place with a roof over one¡¯s head¡ªit¡¯s an operation that requires constant attention and manpower."


    "And considering the four of us are already stretched thin in our daily schedules... trying to also run an inn would be an impossible endeavor¡ªunless, of course... you want to change your profession from lord to innkeeper, my lady."


    "Ugh..." Anastasia grimaced, her excitement draining as reality set in.


    The mood instantly dampened¡ªerased even, with not just Anastasia feeling the brunt of disappointment, but even the eagerness of her two aides wilting under the same weight.


    And as Anastasia¡¯s own shoulders sagged as the weight of reality settled in...


    "...You¡¯re right¡ªthis is a bad idea," she finally admitted, a sigh slipping from her lips. "It¡¯d be too much for us to handle right now."


    "Lady Anastasia..."


    "M-my lady..."


    Both Martha and Bella sympathized with her, sharing the disheartened feelings of their mistress.


    "I apologize, you two, for trying to rope you into something quite impossible¡ª"


    "Hey now! I still haven¡¯t finished yet, my lady~."


    "H-huh...?"


    The sudden interruption from Sebas had halted her apology as she quickly looked back to the butler¡­ who was smiling.


    "I never said that it¡¯s a bad idea, my lady¡ªjust not the right time," he clarified, "an inn is definitely something worth keeping in mind for your region¡¯s future¡­ once you have the manpower, alright?"


    "I-Indeed, Sir Sebas, but¡­ what are you trying to say here?"


    "Well¡­ until we get that huge labor force in the near future," he continued, folding his arms, "why not start small?"


    "¡­S-start small¡­?"


    "Yup, something more manageable¡ªlike a simple lodging house. A place not just for visitors¡­ but for future residents."


    Anastasia blinked, taken aback by his suggestion¡­ before her eyes widened as she began to understand where he was going.


    "A-a lodging house¡­" Martha echoed, her voice brightening. "That¡­ actually sounds doable, doesn¡¯t it?"


    "I-it is! A-and it wouldn¡¯t need constant staff if it¡¯s only meant for occasional guests," Bella added, nodding along. "We could maintain it ourselves in the meantime! W-well¡­ I could try cleaning it once a day, but¡­ yeah! I-I think a simple lodging house would be great!"


    Their renewed enthusiasm lifted the atmosphere once more.


    Anastasia, still absorbing the butler¡¯s words, found herself slowly nodding.


    "¡­A lodging house," she repeated softly. "I¡­ I like that idea."


    Sebas¡¯s lips curved into the faintest smile. "Then it¡¯s settled."


    She nodded to his affirmation, before stepping forward and taking a stance in front of her servants, the flickering firelight casting shadows across her determined expression.


    Anastasia took a breath, her previous hesitation replaced with a newfound resolve¡­ as she straightened her back, her gaze sweeping over her three loyal servants. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Then hear me well¡­ our next step in developing this region of mine¡­ will be to construct a lodging house for our future guests!"


    Martha, Bella, and Sebas exchanged determined glances before bowing in unison, a smile etched on each of their faces as they turned toward their mistress.


    Continue reading on FreeNovelFire


    "As you wish, my lady!"

 Chapter 78: ### Days | The Sonic Thief in Action [UPDATED TITLE]

    Amid the dense jungle of the Garden of Hell, through the thick underbrush¡­ a blur of black streaked forward, darting swiftly from one shadow to the next!


    A panther.


    A monster.


    A panther-like monster.


    The creature advanced through the forest with deadly swiftness.


    And yet¡­


    Its sharp, golden slit eyes burned with panic as it darted from tree to tree¡ªdesperation evident in its every frantic attempt to run away!


    But no matter how fast it ran¡­ she was right behind it.


    "Hmm~ hm-hm~."


    A soft, carefree hum drifted through the thick foliage¡­ echoing faintly across the jungle, reaching the ears of every creature within.


    A gentle, yet foreboding sound of doom for this monster.


    And it all came from one source¡ªThe female adventurer, Vivi.


    Her amber-colored hair swayed in the breeze as she glided effortlessly through the jungle, her steps light and unhurried.


    One of her daggers dangled loosely from her finger, spinning and swinging playfully with each stride.


    Compared to the panting beast ahead, she looked like a girl taking a pleasant evening stroll.


    "You¡¯re not getting away, kitty~."


    The beast growled low, ears flattened against its head¡ªa subconscious effort to make itself faster. It poured every ounce of strength into its limbs¡ªleaping over roots, tearing through bushes¡ª


    But no matter how it twisted or turned, that foreboding hum never faded.


    She was still there. Always a few steps behind.


    Vivi tilted her head, watching the creature¡¯s desperate sprint with mild amusement. Its ragged breaths and trembling legs told her everything.


    It wouldn¡¯t last much longer.


    "Aww, tired already?" she cooed at the desperate creature. "But we were just getting started~."


    The monster only snarled, pushing itself harder¡ªfaster¡ªuntil the dense jungle suddenly broke open.


    A light! A clearing!


    The creature surged forward into the blinding light, expecting freedom¡ªonly for its claws to skid against the dirt as it stumbled to a halt. Its pupils shrank in panic.


    A dead end.


    The towering base of a sheer cliff loomed before it, smooth and unscalable.


    Trapped.


    For a brief moment, the panther-monster staggered backward, claws digging into the earth as if trying to will itself to keep moving¡ªbut it was too late.


    By the time it turned around¡­ she was already there.


    Vivi had been leaning casually against a tree, her dagger twirling between her fingers¡­ as a wicked smile curled her lips before she herself stepped into the clearing.


    "Nowhere to run now, kitty~."


    The panther monster¡¯s whole being became tense; frightened, its sleek frame coiling like a spring. The reality of its situation finally settled in¡ªthere was no escape.


    This human woman would not let it go... at least, not without its life taken away by her hand.


    If running wouldn¡¯t save it¡­ then it would fight!


    A low, menacing growl rumbled from its throat as its golden slit eyes locked onto the female adventurer¡­!


    Mana began to crackle through its four limbs, surging into and gathering at its claws until they shimmered with a faint, eerie glow¡­!


    Vivi tilted her head, watching with a glint of wicked amusement.


    "Done running around, are you?" she purred, her voice dripping with mock sympathy.


    And the monster¡­ answered with an action¡ª! S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In a blur, it lunged¡ªfaster than any ordinary creature had the right to be¡ª! Its claws sliced through the air, aiming straight for the adventurer¡¯s neck¡ª!


    But¡ª!


    Vivi simply stepped to the side. Smooth. Effortless. As if she had all the time in the world.


    The panther¡¯s strike missed, claws tearing through empty space. Its paws slammed into the ground, sending dirt flying¡ªbut there she was, still humming softly, still smiling.


    The beast wasn¡¯t finished. Not yet.


    With another guttural snarl, it twisted its body, mana flaring brighter around its claws. It lunged again¡ªfaster, more ferocious¡ª!


    But she simply swayed aside, the same light and fluid movement. The wind barely stirred as the deadly swipe passed harmlessly by.


    Again.


    And again.


    Each failed strike only seemed to fuel the creature¡¯s frenzy. It lashed out with relentless speed, claws gleaming as it darted left, right¡ªanywhere to land a hit¡ª!


    But nothing touched her.


    Vivi danced around the assault like it was a game. With every near miss, the smile on her face deepened¡ªgrowing sharper¡­ more wicked...!


    "What¡¯s the matter, kitty~?" she giggled, her voice laced with cruel delight. "Can¡¯t keep up~?"


    The panther-monster¡¯s frustration boiled over¡­!


    Its growl deepened¡ªa low, vibrating sound¡ªbefore its entire body began to shimmer. Mana surged through not just its claws, but its sleek form, weaving across its fur in a soft, radiant glow¡­!


    And then¡ª


    It vanished!


    "Hmm?"


    Vivi tilted her head, somewhat surprised by its sudden disappearance¡­ however, she realized quickly.


    "Oh~ Here it is¡­ that famous ¡¯Phantom Shroud¡¯ of yours~. What a perfect stealth ability you have, kitty~."


    Her amber eyes swept the clearing, but she found nothing.


    No shadow. No breath. No trace of mana.


    A vanishing act executed to perfection.


    "Body invisible¡­ presence erased¡­" She twirled her dagger absentmindedly, as if the rare monster before her was nothing but a passing illusion. "No sound, no scent, not even a flicker of magic leaking out. Pretty impressive stuff~."


    A breeze stirred the air. The jungle fell deathly silent.


    "But¡ª"


    Her smile sharpened, lifting her dagger with languid ease.


    "You can¡¯t hide that killing intent, kitty~."


    CLANG!


    Steel rang against claw, sending sparks scattering through the clearing!


    The invisible panther had lunged straight for her side¡ªbut Vivi had already raised her blade, catching the strike with insulting ease! Your journey continues on FreeNovelFire


    Another strike followed¡ªfaster, wilder¡ªbut she tilted her body, letting the deadly claws graze harmlessly past her shoulder.


    "Aww¡­ are you getting serious now?" Her voice held the same light, teasing tone as before, further aggravating the already enraged monster¡­!


    And the monster itself didn¡¯t answer her taunt with its usual growling.


    It couldn¡¯t afford to anymore. It was too focused on ¡¯trying¡¯ to end the life of this female human... before it would burn out all of its life and mana¡ª!


    And thus... the next flurry of strikes came faster¡ªsilent, quick, lethal swipes aimed at her throat and heart¡ª!


    CLANG-CLANG-CLANG!


    Yet, no matter how quick its strikes were, Vivi danced around them all¡ªher dagger flicking out to block and deflect many of them with playful precision!


    Vivi swayed effortlessly to the side, dodging another silent, lethal strike.


    And then¡ª


    "Well, playtime is over~."


    Without missing a beat, she raised her dagger hand¡ªswift and precise¡ªand swung it down through the empty space in front of her.


    STAB!


    The blade struck true.


    For a heartbeat, nothing happened¡ªjust an eerie stillness. But then¡ª


    A spray of blood burst from the empty air, gushing out in a violent torrent¡ª! Like a barrel split open¡ªspattering the ground beneath her feet!


    And soon¡­


    A faint shimmer flickered before the female adventurer¡ªphantom light rippling and breaking apart¡ªuntil the limp, lifeless body of the panther-monster appeared, its sleek frame crumpling to the earth.


    Her dagger pierced deep through its neck.


    Vivi tilted her head, giving the cooling corpse a soft, satisfied smile.


    "Goodnight, kitty~."


    < | X | >


    Vivi crouched beside what was left of the monster-panther¡¯s carcass, her hands moving with practiced ease as she finished dismantling the monster.


    She neatly sorted pieces of its rare materials¡ªfur, claws, fangs¡ªonto a simple cloth, each item arranged like a perfectly organized inventory.


    She tilted her head curiously, admiring her handiwork.


    "Hunting down the Phantom Stalker. Check. Getting its fur. Check. And now¡­ getting back to Florentia¡­"


    She paused, tapping a finger against her cheek in thought¡ªcontemplating the very idea... before a sigh escaped from her lips.


    "Ugh... but just getting back now would be such a bore¡­"


    Her amber eyes shifted toward the jungle canopy as she mulled over her options once more.


    The thrill of the hunt still buzzed through her veins¡ªa rare, delightful spark from chasing down such an elusive creature. Yet now... that the excitement had faded, boredom crept in once more.


    What else was there to do?


    "If only Sebastian didn¡¯t just up and vanish like that¡­" she huffed, a pout tugging at her lips as a certain Alpha Knight crossed her mind.


    A fellow S-Rank¡ªone of the few who could actually keep things interesting.


    "Only he could make things fun¡­ the other bozos are just too boring."


    But then¡­ her thoughts shifted.


    To someone else.


    A handsome butler.


    The image of that strange man¡ªstanding beside a particular red-haired noble¡ªslipped unbidden into her mind.


    "Hmm¡­ That butler of that ¡¯precious¡¯ noble brat¡­"


    An odd sense of familiarity stirred in her chest¡ªsomething rare. Something she hardly ever felt. Only those who truly piqued her interest ever managed to leave an impression like that.


    And he did. Somehow, with just a single exchange of glances.


    She didn¡¯t know why exactly... but...


    Her smile slowly widened.


    "¡­Alright, I¡¯ve decided."


    With a swift, fluid motion, she gathered the dismantled monster parts and packed them neatly into her cloth bag. Slinging it over her shoulder, she rose to her feet, her amber eyes gleaming with mischief.


    "Let¡¯s visit that redhead lord and her handsome butler~."


    And with that, she vanished into the jungle.

 Chapter 79 79: 19th Days (1) | Check-In at The Hell’s Lodge (1)

    With a final, graceful leap, the Sonic Thief Vivi burst out from the shadowed depths of the Garden of Hell''s inner forest, landing lightly on the sunlit expanse beyond.


    The endless stretch of twisted trees and tangled undergrowth was finally behind her¡ªreplaced by the vast, open wilderness that rolled out like a sea of golden grass...


    The sun hovered at the horizon, casting its brilliant orange light that slowly dimmed as it sank.


    "Sigh¡­ finally out¡­"


    The solo adventurer dropped the bloody cloth bag from her shoulder to the ground, then began stretching her arms above her head in a languid, cat-like motion... stretching out the kink and even the built-up frustration from days stuck in the forest.


    "No more endless trees for at least a week. Period."


    Her eyes then scanned the open wilderness with its comforting familiarity, tracing the seemingly simple dirt path that stretched from the heart of the Garden of Hell... to the mainland of Florentia...


    And of course, along this dirt road lay the supposed "rest stop" owned by that precious, upstart redhead noble... alongside that cheeky-looking butler of hers.


    When that thought crossed her mind once more... a small smirk curled onto her lips as excitement slowly bubbled up within her chest.


    It was a strange yet also familiar feeling within her... something that Vivi herself had come to recognize as a sign that something quite... interesting was bound to happen.


    "Hehe... I wonder what those two are up to..."


    And so... she picked up her bloody cloth bag from the ground, then stepped onto the dirt path as she began her leisurely stroll along it.


    < | X | >


    After venturing through the dirt path for quite some time, the sun had finally touched the horizon, and the vast wilderness was slowly succumbing to the abyss of the night...


    But...


    "Ah... there it is~."


    The amber-haired adventurer had already found her destination: the strange region wall made entirely of two massive logs stacked horizontally.


    Vivi let out another giggle, still finding amusement over the sheer simplicity and effectiveness of this upstart noble''s region wall.


    She couldn''t help but wonder who had come up with such a "bright" idea to build a make-shift border wall out of purely stacked giant logs, imagining them to be someone who was quite the eccentric.


    "It couldn''t be the noble brat¡ªshe''s too much of a prim-and-proper type to even think of such a wild idea..." she mused to herself as her steps carried her closer and closer to the peculiar border wall. "...so, it must have been her servant''s idea..."


    With a casual sway in her step, Vivi continued toward the young noble''s region... before finally reaching the border wall of that noble, Lord Anastasia.


    The sheer size of the structure didn''t impress her much, but... the way it was built?


    Now that was another story.


    Without breaking her stride, she slipped through the open "gate" section¡ªa simple gap between the two massive logs. Even the entrances here were charmingly straightforward...


    Yet, there was something peculiar about it.


    Her sharp gaze lingered on the edges of the opening¡ªcut sections of the logs.


    The cut was too clean.


    No ordinary tool¡ªno matter how refined, sophisticated, or magical¡ªcould ever produce such a smooth, seamless slice through wood this thick¡­


    And to her, that meant only one thing.


    "Someone around here is playing in my league¡­" Vivi murmured to herself, the corner of her mouth curling once more into a playful smirk.


    But before she could entertain the thought further¡ª


    ¡ªher eyes caught sight of the figures standing just beyond the gate, at the center of this region itself.


    A small group, positioned as if¡­ they were waiting for someone.


    One figure stood in front of the others... with her vivid crimson hair shining under the fading sunlight. The young, almost-naive lord of this land¡­ Lady Anastasia, standing tall and noble with a determined expression.


    The other three behind her were her subordinates¡ªthe servants of Anastasia. Two women and one male, each holding their own disposition...


    One female knight¡ªthe grumpy, always-serious one¡ªstood tall, ready for any sort of mishap or trouble that might happen.


    One maid¡ªthe anxious, clumsy one¡ªwas being a nervous wreck, eyes darting from here and there like a frightened rabbit.


    And finally... the lone male between these three flowers... the very one who was the most peculiar in this female adventurer''s eyes.


    The nonchalant yet confident expression that he wore¡ªa clear contrast against those possessed by the women near him¡ªstruck a chord within her that really, REALLY stirred something she''d thought had been lost from quite while... S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But, this female adventurer still held some semblance of manners, alright, as she shifted her gaze back to the lord of this region, Anastasia, who still maintained her poised and composed expression.


    "Yahoo~! Lord Anastasia~!" Vivi chimed, breaking the tension that was quite evident in the air. "What''s with the groupie here? You guys are partying or something~?"


    Anastasia took a single step forward, her posture flawless as she responded with a graceful nod. "I have been expecting your arrival, Miss Vivi. It is a pleasure to welcome you back to my territory."


    That¡­ wasn''t what Vivi had expected.


    Blinking in surprise, she tilted her head with an amused chuckle. "Oho~? You were expecting me?"


    "Indeed so, Miss Vivi," the redhead lord affirmed with a calm yet knowing tone, "I understand quite well that you have¡ªor had by now¡ªa matter of importance in the deeper part of the Garden of Hell¡ª"


    "I sure am~," the amber-haired adventurer chirped, hoisting up the bloody cloth bag and presenting it to Anastasia and her entourage. "I just got done hunting down my quest target~."


    "...I-Indeed so, Miss Vivi," the redhead lord affirmed once more, trying to regain her composure after being so rudely interrupted. "...I understand quite well that you are an adventurer¡­ a high-ranking one at that¡ªbearing the title ''Sonic Thief Vivi.''"


    "My~? So even a young fledgling noble like you knows my name~?" Her tone dripped with mock surprise, her voice airy and carefree. "I must be pretty famous if you''re addressing me so politely too, huh~?"


    For the briefest moment, Anastasia''s eye twitched¡ªan involuntary reaction to the thinly veiled sarcasm lacing Vivi''s words. But, as expected of a noble, her composed mask held firm.


    "...As I was saying... Miss Vivi, as an adventurer, you must be quite exhausted after completing such an arduous hunt, correct...?"


    "Hehe~, you''re not wrong there, little lady," Vivi quipped, shifting the bloody cloth bag back onto her shoulder with ease. "I''ve been working these legs off non-stop... so, I sure as heck could use a little¡­ relaxation."


    The female adventurer''s playful tone lingered as her amber eyes flicked¡ªoh-so-casually¡ªtoward a certain butler standing quietly behind Anastasia.


    The butler for his part... maintained an easy, unreadable smile.


    He neither became flustered nor fazed by the amber-haired adventurer''s wandering gaze that seemed to be sizing him up like a prize worth claiming.


    Of course¡­ that only made Vivi''s grin widen.


    "...And, you know..."


    The Sonic Thief stretched her arms above her head again... a light moan escaping from her lips as she arched her back with a satisfied sigh.


    "Mmm~, this whole job really took a toll on me and made me crave a little leisure time¡­ like being pampered and praised for my hard work... especially if it comes from a handsome butler... wouldn''t that sound lovely~?"


    This time, the twitch of Anastasia''s eye was much more visible.


    And she wasn''t the only one. Both the female knight, Martha, and the anxious maid, Bella, cast uneasy glances between Vivi and their ever-unflappable butler¡ªclearly unsettled by the adventurer''s not-so-subtle implications.


    But¡ª


    "Uhm!"


    Anastasia cleared her throat sharply, the sound infused with her irritation cutting through the thick tension in the air with enough weight to immediately draw all eyes back to her!


    "Miss Vivi, I''m afraid that I cannot provide you with such¡­ indulgences," Anastasia declared in a firm, resolute voice, her narrowed eyes locked onto the vixen-like adventurer.


    Vivi herself... only pouted, brushing off the pointed glare coming from the young lord.


    "Aww¡­ what a shame then~."


    "Indeed... what a shame... however, I have another proposition for you instead."


    "Hmm?" The sudden shift in tone piqued Vivi''s curiosity. "What do you mean, Lord Anastasia?"


    "Miss Vivi," Anastasia continued, lifting her chin with a touch of pride, "I can offer you the opportunity to rest within my territory."


    That¡­ made Vivi pause.


    Her gaze sharpened¡ªjust a little¡ªstudying the young noble with renewed curiosity. She hadn''t expected Anastasia to be this accommodating¡­ especially after the teasing and all.


    "Oh~? You''re offering me a place to kick back?"


    The redhead lord answered... only with a confident smile¡ªone that spoke of a woman proud of her accomplishments.


    With a graceful gesture, she extended her hand toward a new structure standing proudly in the distance.


    A wooden manor that¡ªVivi was sure¡ªhadn''t been there the last time she visited¡ª!


    "Miss Vivi," Anastasia declared, her voice clear and unwavering, "I offer you the pleasure of becoming the first guest... to my newly built lodge house!"

 Chapter 80 80: 19th Days (2) | Check-In at The Hell’s Lodge (2)

    [A few days before...]


    It was a busy day where yet another construction spot was held inside Anastasia''s region.


    Located in the northeast section, the land had been cleared, the foundations laid, and now¡­ the framework of a new lodge house had been established.


    And as expected, it was a sight filled with controlled chaos.


    Hammers rang, sawdust drifted through the crisp spring air alongside the scent of freshly cut wood, and, of course, the mingling and banter between the ''construction workers.''


    "Miss Knight, don''t forget to check the beam alignment~," Sebas called out, his voice laced with that usual teasing smoothness.


    "I know, I know¡­ you don''t have to tell me twice¡­" Martha huffed, adjusting the wooden support while shooting a brief glare his way¡ªsomewhat irritated by his constant reminders.


    These two had been working diligently, making sure that the lodge house their mistress had envisioned would come to life¡ªdespite their occasional bickering here and there.


    Naturally, their mistress was watching their every bit of work, acting as the bona fide foreman of the site.


    "Reinforce that corner joint before moving on," Anastasia instructed, her tone crisp and authoritative.


    "Yes, my lady!"


    "Sure thing, Lady Ana~."


    She occasionally gave instructions and input on what her two trusted servants were doing. But, being mostly inexperienced with construction work, she left the more technical decisions¡ªand practically everything else regarding civil works¡ªto those two.


    "E-everyone, I brought lunch~!"


    And, of course, not forgetting about Bella¡ªthe ever-diligent maid¡ªwho arrived with a basket in her hands, carefully balancing trays of food and freshly brewed beverages. While her current role mostly involved cooking and making sure everyone was well-fed, she would often lend a hand with small tasks whenever needed.


    Basically put¡­ it was the same kind of scene that had transpired during their first construction project. Only this time, they were more coordinated than ever¡­ and the size of what they were building was twice as large and far more complex.


    After all, this wasn''t just some simple structure¡ªit was a lodge house meant for future guests. And if they wanted to leave a good impression¡­ it had to be done right. Which was why there was a subtle tension that was felt by everyone present...


    Except for the butler who still maintained his cheery demeanor.


    Sebas hopped off from the almost-finished rooftop of the lodge house.


    "Coming along quite well, wouldn''t you say, my lady?" he remarked, stepping beside Anastasia, who held a serious expression that contrasted with his.


    The young noble¡­ could only exhale softly.


    "Honestly, I cannot say for sure..." she admitted, gazing at her would-be lodge house with a puzzled expression, "but if this is anything like last time¡ªthen I trust that it''s going well."


    "Haha~, your trust is reassuring, my lady. Though I''d say we''re ahead of schedule, and at this rate, the lodge should be ready for guests sooner than expected."


    Anastasia''s gaze flickered slightly.


    "¡­Guests," she echoed, as if the word itself felt foreign to her.


    "Yeah... That is the purpose of this lodge house, is it not?"


    A brief pause.


    "¡­Yes, but... I''m wondering who our first guest will be..." Anastasia mused, almost absentmindedly. "It''s still quite... difficult for me to imagine anyone willingly coming here."


    "Hmm? Still not sure yourself?"


    "¡­I guess I am," she nodded slowly, a sheepish smile etched on her lips.


    "¡­Didn''t we plan this to attract adventurers first?"


    "W-well, yes... but..." she turned to him with a slight frown, "¡­do adventurers even want to be here?"


    "Many of them do, my lady~," Sebas chuckled softly, "many of them thrive in danger. Seek it out, even."


    "R-really¡­?"


    A single nod from Sebas confirmed her disbelief. However, his smile turned into one that felt¡­ oddly melancholic.


    "Be that as it may, there''s still one thing that we¡ª...they still value... and that is a place where they can rest, recover... and prepare for their next venture... thus, this lodge house will provide just that."


    Anastasia fell silent; her lips pressed into a thin line as she contemplated his words. There was something about the way he said they¡ªa subtle weight behind it¡ªthat hinted at something more.


    And, of course, she didn''t miss that slip of the tongue of his that seemed to refer to those adventurers as if he were still one of them.


    "I do hope that we could make this place into that very place, my lady," he glanced toward the structure, eyes filled with a quiet longing, "and if this succeeds..."


    "¡­More will come," she continued his thought, "Word will spread that civilization is taking root here¡­ and eventually, others may follow."


    He glanced back at her, a faint, almost wistful smile for her hopeful outlook.


    "Yup. That''s the plan."


    "¡­Would it really be that simple?"


    "Well, not always, but..." Sebas gave her an easy, knowing smile. "I believe that you could do it, my lady... You''ll find a way."


    A soft breeze rustled through the construction site, along with the occasional sound of hammering that came from Martha''s working.


    The young noble''s expression remained unreadable¡ªyet, there was a quiet resolve in her eyes.


    "¡­Let''s hope you''re right."


    A brief, heavy pause settled between them. Only the distant clang of tools filled the silence.


    But... the mistress broke the silence.


    "¡­Sir Sebas," Anastasia spoke again, her voice softer this time. "What kind of adventurer¡­ do you think will be our first guest?"


    The butler''s lips curled into a knowing grin¡ªone that instantly put her on edge.


    "Oh, I have a good guess, my lady~," he mused, a glint of mischief flickering behind his golden eyes. "In fact¡­ you''ve already met her before."


    Her brow furrowed as she turned to him, suspicion creeping into her tone.


    "¡­Her?"


    Sebas didn''t answer right away. He let the silence stretch¡ªjust long enough for the realization to creep in.


    And when it did¡ª


    "No¡­ please not her. Anyone BUT that woman¡ª!"


    < | X | >


    "Woooooah! Amazing~!"


    ''That woman'' dashed ahead, her wide eyes sparkling as she took in the sight before her¡ªa freshly built lodge house!


    "W-wait, Miss Vivi!"


    Trailing behind her, Anastasia and her three servants followed hastily after the female adventurer, still taken aback by the boundless energy that this woman radiated.


    But as they reached the very building¡­ they too admired it.


    The second building that had been built in Anastasia''s region¡ªthe simple yet sturdy lodge house.


    Raised slightly off the ground by thick wooden beams, it stood 10 by 8 meters wide, with a broad front porch welcoming any who approached. The natural scent of wood still lingered in the air, carried by the soft breeze.


    Vivi, of course, wasted no time making herself comfortable.


    With a quick bounce, she landed on the porch, her boots thudding lightly against the polished floorboards.


    "Hmm~, not bad~, not bad at all~," she beamed, brushing her fingers over one of the support beams. "This place feels so solid¡ªI love it!"


    "She''s acting like she owns the place..." Martha commented with a slight scowl. The knight wasn''t exactly too keen on this woman''s rather brash behavior, but¡­ she had to hold back her sword for this unique occasion...


    "U-uhm, w-well, I guess it''s a good thing that she likes the place, r-right?" Bella stammered, trying to lighten the mood. "I-it means the lodge house itself is well made, r-right¡­?"


    "¡­I guess so..."


    Their mistress herself was baffled as well, still surprised by this woman''s rather overly familiar attitude. But... she did find pride in what this house had become.


    "I-I indeed so, Bella," she began, her voice lifting with a hint of satisfaction, "it''s only natural that it turned out this well."


    The mistress herself stepped onto the porch (using the actual stairs to do so) and then gestured toward the whole structure with her noble pride quite apparent.


    "After all, we designed this lodge house to provide a safe, comfortable place for any adventurer brave enough to venture here!" Anastasia declared grandly to the astonished Vivi. "Thus, I proudly present to you the finest of my hospitality!"


    "Really...?" Vivi breathed out in awe, touched by the redhead lord''s generosity. "You would do that for me, Lord Anastasia...?"


    "Indeed so, Miss Adventurer," Sebas chimed in smoothly, standing at Anastasia''s side with that ever-present, teasing smile. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This lodge house is a testament to my lady''s vision and also... her unyielding resolve. It''s a beacon of her region''s civilization, rising from the wilderness of this harsh land... and also her pledge to offer refuge and respite to the brave souls who dare to venture here."


    "My~, that''s amazing~!" Vivi gushed, clasping her hands together with a sparkle in her eyes.


    "Hmph. As it should be," Anastasia said, lifting her chin slightly, her pride rising by the second. "This is why you should show proper respect to me as the lord of this region¡ª"


    "Excuse me~!" Vivi''s voice rang out again¡ªthis time from inside the lodge house.


    "¡­What the¡ª?!" Anastasia''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Did she just¡ª?!"


    Indeed... the Sonic Thief Vivi had already made herself right at home.

 Chapter 81 81: 19th Days (3) | Check-In at The Hell’s Lodge (3)

    Without waiting for an invitation¡ªnor even permission from the rightful landlord of the lodge house...


    The Sonic Thief, Vivi, had already barged right in, slamming open the newly installed wooden door¡ªripping it off most of its hinges!


    This female adventurer''s curiosity had apparently overridden any concept of patience or decorum, and now the lodge house was left with a half-hanging entrance...


    The lord and her three servants could only stare, eyes blinking for a moment¡ªstill trying to process what had just happened.


    But eventually, the redheaded lord, Anastasia, was the first to snap out of her stupor¡ª


    "What in the world...?! Unbelievable...!" Anastasia fumed, her fists clenching at her sides. "That damn barbarian of a woman...! I had a proper welcome speech prepared and everything¡­!"


    Sebas, who was also a bit stunned himself by the female adventurer''s rather brash attitude, finally exhaled a sigh of disbelief before snorting a small laugh, still managing to find amusement in the situation.


    And Anastasia, upon hearing this laugh, immediately snapped her sharp glare to the butler.


    "...Sir Sebas, I assure you that this isn''t some laughing matter...!"


    "Haha, sorry, sorry, I just couldn''t help myself, my lady."


    "Oh, you couldn''t help yourself, could you...?!"


    Anastasia''s voice sharpened, as did her dagger-like glare toward him.


    "Then perhaps you''d like to help me instead...?! What exactly am I supposed to do about that woman?!" She stepped forward, her presence growing heavier as she squared up to him. "Should I drag her out myself, or do you intend to stand there and laugh while she turns my lodge into her playground?!"


    "Whoa there, relax, my lady. There''s no need for such drastic measures. It''s not a big deal¡ª"


    "N-Not a big deal¡ª?! This is important, Sir Sebas! That damned adventurer just stormed right into MY property without MY permission!"


    She even stepped forward, closing the distance between them until she was right in front of him, her frustration laid bare for the butler to see.


    "W-Whoa, whoa, relax, relax, Lady Ana!" he stammered, surprised and actually taken aback by his mistress''s sudden aggression. "I don''t think this warrants such an overreaction, you know. She''s just a bit excited, that''s all¡ª"


    "''A bit excited'' is quite the understatement, Sir Sebas!" Anastasia snapped back at him, already quite exasperated with her butler''s infuriatingly calm demeanor regarding the rude first guest of theirs.


    She then turned on her heel toward the entrance of her lodge house¡ªa determined and commanding expression set upon her face.


    "Martha! Bella! Come to me¡ªwe must go before she wrecks something inside!"


    And there she went¡ªmarching straight into the lodge house, passing through the door that was barely hanging by one of its hinges.


    "A-Ah! Yes, my lady!"


    "M-My lady! P-Please wait!"


    Martha and Bella hurried after her and entered the lodge house, leaving a still-stunned Sebas outside¡ªstill trying to comprehend how things had escalated so quickly.


    Before long... the butler simply let out a sigh, shrugging with an amused smile as he stared at the broken door.


    "Looks like more work for me," he muttered in resignation before pulling a screwdriver out of his butler coat.


    < | X | >


    Inside the lodge house itself¡­


    The ever-energetic Vivi was already making herself at home. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she spun around, eagerly taking in every detail of the cozy interior that Anastasia and her servants had painstakingly crafted...


    Of course, Anastasia and her three servants were also present¡ªstanding just a few steps behind, watching the adventurer with cautious eyes, as if wary of what chaos she might unleash if left unchecked.


    Yet, despite their vigilance, even they couldn''t help but admire the fruits of their labor, their gazes drifting across the lodge house''s interior with a quiet sense of pride.


    The lodge house''s main hall was a simple yet welcoming sight¡ªjust as intended. A spacious area stretched before them, its high ceiling supported by sturdy wooden beams. The scent of fresh timber still lingered in the air, blending with the faint warmth of the hearth built on one side of the house.


    On the far side of the hall, a long wooden table stood ready¡ªspacious enough for both meals and casual gatherings. Along the walls, several plain yet well-kept beds were neatly arranged, each accompanied by a modest storage chest at its foot.


    Everything about the space was clean, sturdy, and practical¡ªbuilt for comfort rather than luxury.


    And at that very table¡­ a freshly prepared meal awaited, arranged neatly across wooden trays. A simple grilled steak (monster meat) rested beside a bowl of hearty stew (also added with monster meat), its rich aroma filling the air. Wild mushrooms and foraged herbs had been added for flavor, making the most of what they could find in the wild.


    "Wow~! You guys really went all out!" Vivi grinned, clasping her hands together as she turned on her heel toward the four denizens responsible for crafting such a well-prepared lodge. "I mean, a place to sleep and a feast? This is amazing~!"


    Anastasia, still nursing her irritation, took a step forward with a huff.


    "Well, of course, Miss Vivi. This lodge house was carefully planned to provide¡ª"


    "Hey, this looks really delicious! Let''s eat, everyone!" Vivi cut her off mid-boast, already moving toward the table without a second thought. "C''mon, no need to be shy¡ªjoin me!"


    The four of them could only stare blankly at the audacious offer before them.


    Vivi, the one who had barged into their lodge uninvited, now sat grinning at the table¡ªacting as if she had prepared the feast herself.


    A heavy silence filled the room, the kind that made it unclear whether they should be baffled, amused, or just outright exasperated.


    Eventually, it was Sebas who broke the quiet. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "My, how gracious of you, Miss Adventurer," he said with a light chuckle, stepping forward with that ever-composed smile of his. "I do believe it would be best if my lady were to accept your generous invitation."


    At this, Anastasia snapped her gaze toward him, her expression painted with unmistakable disbelief¡ªAre you seriously still playing along with her antics?


    Sebas, in turn, merely smiled. And with just that, his expression answered everything.


    Yes. Yes, he was.


    Anastasia''s shoulders slumped, and a weary sigh slipped from her lips. She had already spent far too much energy trying to rein in this unpredictable woman.


    What was the point of fighting it?


    Seeing her reaction, Sebas let out a small, amused chuckle.


    "Consider it a learning opportunity, my lady. Not everyone you''ll deal with in the future will follow the rules of etiquette. Some will have different energies and some will have different approaches to your lordship, you know."


    Anastasia gave him a deadpan look before letting out a small, resigned huff. "¡­Fine."


    And with that, she strode toward the table, accepting the ''offer'' given by Miss Vivi.


    But just before she could take a seat, she paused¡ªthen turned toward her servants.


    "Martha, Bella, and... Sir Butler..." she called, her voice softer now. "You should all join us as well."


    Martha and Bella blinked in surprise.


    "W-what¡ª?! M-my lady, surely you don''t mean¡­?"


    "E-e-e-ehhhh¡ª?!"


    Sebas, too, raised an eyebrow at the unexpected invitation.


    This was meant to be a meal for the lady of the house and her guest. It wasn''t their place to sit at the same table.


    Even though Anastasia and her servants could be said to be quite close, this kind of invitation could still be seen as unusual by normal noble household etiquette.


    But Anastasia only smiled.


    "I do mean it," she assured them, "I''d actually prefer it if you joined us," Then, casting a glance toward Vivi¡ªwho was now grinning ear to ear¡ªshe added, "Besides¡­ I doubt our guest would mind."


    The grinning female adventurer even gave them an eager thumbs-up. "The more, the merrier!"


    Martha and Bella exchanged glances for a moment, still carrying a bit of hesitation... before their uncertainty melted into delight.


    "Thank you, my lady¡­!"


    "Y-yes, truly¡­! Thank you so much!"


    Sebas, on the other hand, simply let out a small chuckle, shaking his head as he pulled out a chair. "Well, if my lady insists¡­ I''d be quite rude myself if I didn''t accept~."


    And just like that, what had started as an unexpected intrusion turned into an unexpectedly warm gathering.


    As they settled at the table, their seating arrangement naturally reflected their roles.


    Anastasia took her place at the middle edge, signifying her position as the lord of the region and, of course, the lodge house itself.


    To her left, Vivi sat alone, happily kicking her feet under the table.


    Meanwhile, on the opposite side, Sebas, Martha, and Bella were seated together, their presence forming a quiet but supportive front.


    The warm glow of the hearth bathed the room as they began their meal.


    The clinking of utensils and soft murmurs of appreciation filled the air, the tension from earlier fading into a rare moment of shared comfort. Even Anastasia, who had been so on edge, found herself easing into the atmosphere.


    But just as she took another bite of her meal, Vivi suddenly broke the peace¡ªher voice cutting through the air with casual bluntness.


    "So, you''re that Anastasia? The one who got exiled by the kingdom, huh?"

 Chapter 82 82: 19th Days (4) | The Resolve of a Lord (1)

    Silence.


    Everything fell into silence.


    The moment The Sonic Thief''s words left her lips, the air in the room suddenly grew heavy¡ªthick with something unspoken yet painfully present.


    Everyone else at the table froze, utensils hovering mid-air, as if time itself had stalled.


    Martha and Bella''s eyes went wide, their mouths parting in stunned disbelief. Bella, in particular, trembled slightly¡ªthen, with a faint clatter, her spoon slipped from her grasp, landing onto the wooden tray with a sharp, ringing note.


    Sebas, too, remained silent. His brows lifted ever so slightly in initial surprise, but his gaze quickly narrowed, sharpening as it settled upon the female adventurer.


    And at the center of it all, Anastasia quietly lowered her utensil. Her movements were slow, deliberate. Her green eyes, once softened by the warmth of the meal, darkened as they locked onto Vivi¡ªdangerous and unreadable.


    Their shock and disbelief were quite apparent¡ªlike this brazen adventurer had just uttered the unspeakable. No... as if she had struck down something sacred without a second thought.


    Yet, the woman who had thrown out those words so carelessly into the air remained unfazed. She simply picked up another bite of her meal, chewing idly as if she hadn''t just shattered the unspoken rule of the room...


    Nay, the rule of the region itself.


    The heavy silence continued, gripping the air with an unrelenting weight.


    Anastasia herself... hesitated for a moment. She tried to part her lips¡ªtried to speak her thoughts¡ªbut hesitation and the uncertainty of truth held her back.


    But eventually, someone else broke the silence¡ª


    "You damn scoundrel adventurer...!"


    The sharp outburst cut through the air.


    All eyes turned toward the source¡ª!


    Lady Anastasia''s knight, Martha!


    A dark shadow marred the knight''s expression; her fists trembled and clenched hard...


    Then¡ª


    BANG!


    ¡ªwith a sharp slam, she struck the wooden surface, startling both Bella and Anastasia!


    She stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor, and leveled a deathly glare across the table at the still-nonchalant Vivi!


    "I''ve had enough of your foolishness!" Martha seethed, her voice low but brimming with barely contained fury. "First, you trespass into Lady Anastasia''s territory without her permission... Then, you belittle her hospitality and kindness...! And now this¡ª?! You dare to insult my lady''s honor?!!!"


    Vivi blinked, tilting her head, an almost innocent curiosity in her expression.


    "Wait... so Lady Anastasia isn''t an exile?"


    "¡ª!" Martha''s face twisted with fury. "...Such blasphemous words¡ª!"


    Before she could finish, another voice, timid yet firm, joined in¡ª


    "Miss Vivi... Lady Anastasia is not an exile." sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was Bella...!


    Despite her usual meek demeanor... she had risen from her chair, standing beside Martha. Her hands clenched into trembling fists; her breath uneven...


    But she held her ground¡ªfor her mistress''s honor.


    "Lady Anastasia..." Bella continued, her voice shaking, "...is a respectable noble and a good lord. She was not exiled¡ªshe was never exiled¡ªbut entrusted with the grand task of governing this land... and turning it into a land worthy of her nobility... all for the sake of the Kingdom of Florentia itself!"


    The maid swallowed hard... trying her best to maintain her own composure... before she continued, "So... please... do not tarnish her grace any further. I¡ªI ask that you apologize to Lady Anastasia at once!"


    Anastasia''s breath caught.


    She stared at her two servants¡ªone fiercely protective, the other unexpectedly bold. Their unwavering loyalty pressed against her chest, heavy with warmth... and guilt.


    Because deep down¡ªbeneath their steadfast belief¡ªshe knew the truth was not so simple.


    Vivi, still unfazed, merely echoed Bella''s words with mild curiosity. "Grand task, huh? That''s a first I''ve heard."


    Anastasia, uncertain, shifted her gaze. Her eyes landed on the one person in the room who held the most rational mind...


    Sebas.


    He remained calm, watching her.


    In fact, he''d been watching her from the very start. He had been assessing the situation calmly and was prepared to intervene at any given moment...


    And only if it was what was best for the situation.


    She saw his expression¡ªunreadable at first... but, slowly, he gave her a nod.


    And with that single, silent gesture... she understood.


    ''I got your back. So... speak your mind.''


    She exhaled... steadying herself... then turned toward Martha and Bella.


    "...Enough."


    Her words were firm, composed.


    "Please, both of you. Sit down."


    "M-My lady¡ª?!"


    They both stiffened at the request.


    "B-But, Lady Anastasia¡ª!" Martha started¡ª


    "I appreciate your support." The mistress cut her off, her tone remaining firm; unwavering... though gratitude flickered in her gaze. "Truly... However, this is my conversation to have. I will not allow you to be rude to our guest of honor."


    Martha clenched her jaw, glaring daggers at Vivi, but ultimately, she obeyed. Bella followed suit, though worry still lingered in her eyes, and both of them returned to their seats.


    Once they settled, Anastasia turned to Vivi.


    "Miss Vivi... I thank you for your patience," she said, her voice polite yet stern. "Now¡ªclarify your words."


    Vivi blinked at first, still as if unsure what the red-haired lord was requesting of her. But then, as if replaying the moment in her head and finally remembering...


    "What...? About you being exiled?"


    A bitter pang struck Anastasia''s chest at the mere mention of that word¡ªexile.


    "...Yes." She steadied herself. "Please... explain how you came to that conclusion."


    "Hmm..."


    Vivi hummed in thought... before shrugging.


    "Well, it''s a pretty common rumor floating around the Guild."


    "...Rumor?"


    "A rumor has been going around in Florentia, especially within the Guild, saying that a noble was just recently getting sent¡ªor exiled¡ªto the Garden of Hell as punishment for their crime."


    At the word ''crime,'' Anastasia flinched once more. The same kind of bitterness, if not greater than before.


    The Sonic Thief herself didn''t seem to notice the red-haired lord''s momentary reaction and simply continued, "And well, I also heard that the eldest daughter of Duke Rosavich went missing, so I just put two and two together."


    Silence.


    Anastasia. Martha. Bella.


    All three were wordless.


    Because despite being a mere rumor¡ªthere was an undeniable truth within Vivi''s words.


    Martha and Bella turned to their mistress, worry clouding their faces.


    But Anastasia... only sat there, downcast and silent...


    On the other hand, Sebas remained still, watching. Waiting. He contemplated whether to intervene¡ª


    But he noticed something.


    Slowly... Anastasia finally lifted her head¡ªHer emerald eyes burned with renewed determination...!

 Chapter 83 83: 19th Days (5) | The Resolve of a Lord (2)

    "Miss Vivi... I cannot say whether the rumors you''ve heard are true or false," Anastasia began, her voice firm and resolute. "But what I can confirm is this¡ª"


    She took a deep breath... before finally admitting it herself!


    "I have indeed committed a crime... Or rather, I have committed a great sin against the Kingdom and the Crown!"


    "L-Lady Anastasia...!"


    "M-M-My lady...?!"


    Both Martha and Bella gasped and recoiled, not expecting their mistress to openly admit her transgression. After all, both of them had tried to protect their mistress''s honor...


    But... they all saw the unshaken resolve, clearly evident in her expression¡ª!


    She did not need their help after all.


    "...But even so," Anastasia pressed on, her hand above her chest¡ªher heart¡ªas she continued, "I was not exiled. Instead... I was given a punishment by the Kingdom... to govern this land, and I have accepted this duty."


    "Hmm... A punishment, you say?" Vivi mused, curious at the notion that Anastasia was calling it that.


    "Indeed... this is a grand task given by the Kingdom of Florentia... and I will not leave this place until I have proven that I can cultivate it into a proper territory worthy of the Kingdom¡ªbecause I am still loyal to Florentia!"


    Her voice grew stronger by the second, as did her resolve and conviction¡ª!


    "It is my homeland¡ªmy birthland. It is the land I love...!"


    And finally... with a quiet, hopeful resolve...


    "...And one day, I will return to it... and I will reclaim my honor!"


    A profound silence settled over the room.


    Martha and Bella sat frozen, eyes wide, still reeling from their mistress''s words of conviction.


    Shock, admiration... and something deeper flickered in their gazes.


    "M-my lady..." Bella whispered, hands clutched over her chest, as though trying to contain the swelling emotion within.


    Martha... clenched her fists¡ªher own lips parted, yet no words escaped. But the trembling in her fingers, the flicker of newfound understanding in her eyes... they spoke volumes.


    She too... was astounded by her mistress''s conviction...!


    And even Sebas, for all his composed demeanor, found himself slightly taken aback.


    But not just because of Anastasia''s conviction.


    No...


    It was something else.


    A distant memory stirred within him¡ªone that came from his past life.


    A memory... of a ''game.'' An ''otome game.''


    The villainess of that story... standing amidst a field of corpses, her once-elegant red dress drenched in crimson blood...!


    Hatred burned in her eyes. The very same emerald orbs that now shone with conviction... of vengeance.


    < | X | >


    "This wretched kingdom¡ªthis filthy land! The land that I loathed...!"


    The fallen villainess howled, her voice laced with ''crimson'' malice¡ª!


    "One day, I will return...! I will claim my vengeance and burn it all to the ground!!!"


    < | X | >


    "¡ª!"


    Sebas exhaled, slow and steady, as the memory faded into the back of his mind.


    The contrast between that ''scene'' and what he was witnessing right now...


    It was almost surreal... like a dream clashing with reality.


    But in the end... relief settled in his chest.


    The Anastasia before him was... different.


    She was not swallowed by hatred.


    Not consumed by vengeance.


    She had chosen a different path.


    She was not the fallen villainess of that story anymore...


    And... she was not the ''Witch of Crimson'' either.


    She was now just Anastasia, the upstart lord of this region.


    And for that¡ªhe was truly relieved.


    So...


    Clap.


    A single applause broke the silence.


    Clap. Clap.


    Sebas continued, the crisp sound reverberating through the hall.


    All eyes turned to him.


    Yet, he did not stop. He simply clapped, unhurried, unwavering¡ª


    Then, with a small, knowing smile...


    "A magnificent declaration, my lady," he praised, his tone calm yet resolute.


    Anastasia blinked, momentarily stunned.


    Sebas''s previously unreadable expression... now had formed into a smile¡ªa proud smile directed at her.


    "And I shall hold you to it," he continued, dipping his head slightly. "If that is your conviction, then allow me to assist you in achieving it. You have my word as your butler."


    Martha and Bella were taken aback too at first, but then they exchanged glances before¡ª


    Clap.


    Clap. Clap.


    One by one, they joined in, the warmth of their loyalty manifesting in their applause!


    "We will aid you too, my lady!" Martha declared, her voice brimming with resolve. "Not just for this land... but for you! We will support you every step of the way!"


    "M-me too, my lady...!" Bella nodded hastily, her clapping intensifying. "I-I too will support you, Lady Anastasia...!" S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Everyone...!"


    Anastasia''s chest tightened. Their unwavering support... it was overwhelming.


    She exhaled softly, then nodded.


    "Thank you... truly," she said, her voice gentle yet full of gratitude. "I will not take your loyalty for granted!"


    Then¡ª


    Another set of claps.


    Light. Casual. Amused.


    Anastasia turned, only to find Vivi smirking at her.


    "Well, color me impressed," the Sonic Thief mused; surprised herself. "Not just talking big, but actually making me believe you might pull it off."


    "...Shall I take that as a compliment?"


    Vivi chuckled at the lord''s own amused expression.


    "Oh, it is~."


    The mood was now lightened. The heavy tension that once loomed over them had finally lifted¡ªas if it had never been there!


    And with that shift in the atmosphere, Anastasia, the lord of this land, made an offer¡ª!


    "Then, let us toast to this night," she declared, raising her mug of alcohol.


    All of them nodded in agreement before raising a mug of their own!


    "Cheers!"


    "Cheers!!!"


    Mugs clinked.


    Laughter echoed.


    And warmth filled their very hearts and souls.


    Yet¡ª


    Amidst the festivities, a subtle shift in the air went unnoticed.


    Vivi had suddenly fallen silent.


    Her smirk had faded, her gaze locked onto the mug in her hand.


    This went unnoticed by both Anastasia... and Sebas.


    Anastasia herself tilted her head, puzzled. "...Miss Vivi? Is something the matter?"


    ...No response.


    Worried, she followed Vivi''s gaze¡ªtoward the drink in her hand.


    "...Is it the taste? Did something feel off?"


    Vivi remained still... then¡ª


    "Old Crownguard Bourbon."


    The words left her lips in a whisper, yet the weight behind them was undeniable to both everyone else... and especially Sebas.


    A brief silence followed... before Bella blinked in realization.


    "O-Oh! Yes, that''s the brand of the liquor we''re serving tonight," the maid quickly addressed, thinking that the adventurer was merely curious about the drink. "I-it''s a very rare one, Miss Vivi, b-but Sir Sebas personally acquired it himself~."


    "Sir... Sebas."


    Vivi''s grip on her mug tightened.


    And then¡ª


    The air changed.


    A sudden shift¡ªdifferent from before.


    Not tension.


    Not unease.


    But¡ª


    BLOODLUST!


    "...So this is where you are..."


    In the blink of an eye¡ª


    Vivi vanished from her seat.


    A flash of silver.


    A dagger¡ªdrawn and ready to strike.


    And her target¡ª


    "SEBASTIAN~!!!

 Chapter 84 84: 19th Days (6) | The Butler and The Thief (1)

    A streak of silver¡ª!


    The dagger sliced through the air.


    In that very second¡ª


    Vivi had lunged herself across the dining table, her body surging with mana and a manic grin stretched across her face, her flushed expression alight with exhilaration¡ª!


    Time itself seemed to stop.


    No one could react.


    Not Anastasia. Not Bella. Not even Martha.


    The speed of the Sonic Thief was beyond human common sense and even capability. It was the speed that had earned her that very same title.


    Even the head butler Sebas appeared caught within that suspended moment. He himself was unmoving¡ªfrozen in place, as if he was not aware of the very danger that was solely focused toward him...!


    And in that fleeting instant¡ªbefore anyone could even gasp, her dagger had already swung... Aimed straight for his throat¡ª!


    CLANG!


    A sharp, ringing impact shattered the silence¡ª! S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Metal met metal! Sparks flew!


    Sebas, still seated, had raised a single steak knife into the air¡ª!


    A mere iron utensil¡ªit should have been nothing against the razor-sharp dagger of the Sonic Thief¡ª


    And yet, it blocked it anyway¡ªbecause of the mana surging through the butler''s hand, coating the knife and hardening it like mithril!


    It was only then that the world caught up, the intense clash between the thief and the butler erupting into a small shockwave that rippled through the lodge!


    A rush of sound. A jolt of movement.


    Eyes widened. Mouths parted.


    Chairs scraped as the other three immediately stood up from their seats¡ªsome even toppled over!


    "Gasp¡ª!?!"


    "W-what¡ª?!?"


    "Kyaah¡ª!?!"


    Shock. Disbelief. Horror.


    Anastasia gasped in stunned disbelief, Martha''s hand flew to her sword, and Bella''s scream tore through the lodge.


    But neither the thief nor the butler paid them any mind.


    Still airborne, Vivi pressed her dagger forward, pushing harder against the butler''s unwavering knife¡ªtrying to behead him with all her might!


    You''d think she''d be insulted¡ªclashing evenly against a mere steak knife with her prized dagger. But no, it was the opposite. It excited her.


    Because this alone proved her suspicions¡ªthis man was exactly who she thought he was.


    "Hehehe~! It is really YOU, Sebastian~!"


    S-Rank Adventurer¡ªThe Alpha Knight, Sebastian.


    "I''ve been looking all over for you, you know~? And to think this is what you look like underneath all that~!"


    The one and only¡ªin the flesh. Without his iconic armor. Without the heavy steel that had kept his true form hidden from the world¡­!


    Sebas¡ªno, Sebastian¡ªwas simply unfazed. Holding firm, the mana-coated knife gripped tightly in his hand, inches from his neck. His gaze locked onto hers.


    A bloodlust-crazed grin clashed against calm, narrowed eyes that held an unmistakable danger.


    Then¡ªSebastian began to rise from his seat, pushing back against Vivi''s dagger¡ª!


    "Oh wow~!"


    A sudden force sent Vivi skidding backward midair! But she was quick¡ªtwisting her body, flipping back in an instant¡ª


    And landed¡ªgracefully¡ªacross the hall of the lodge house, feet planted firm against the wooden boards.


    The space between them now stretched wide¡­ but the intensity in her eyes had not faded.


    No¡ªit only sharpened.


    "Hah... hah... hehehe~..."


    ¡­a breathless chuckle escaped her lips, her grin widening¡ªface still flushed with exhilaration, eyes gleaming with untamed bloodlust.


    And Sebastian himself... simply let out a sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose in annoyance.


    Because not only did he have to deal with the bloodlust-fueled Sonic Thief... but also¡ª


    "Sebas! What''s going on?! Why is Vivi attacking you all of a sudden?!"


    ...he had a whole lot of explaining to do to Anastasia and her two female aides.


    "...I''ll explain later, my lady," he muttered, placing the chipped steak knife back onto the table.


    "W-what...?" Anastasia stammered, shifting her gaze back and forth between her butler and their crazed guest of honor. "S-Sebas! Please! What is happening?!"


    "Like I said... later, my lady. I''ll explain... everything. But right now..."


    He rose from his seat, nonchalantly striding past the battle-readied Martha, the frightened Bella, and of course, Anastasia herself¡ª


    Pausing only to retrieve a longsword hanging from one of the lodge house''s many support beams... as if he had prepared for this from the very beginning.


    Then, he turned toward the trembling Vivi, who was practically vibrating with excitement¡ªher gaze locked onto the butler... no, the Alpha Knight she had been searching for all this time.


    "Hehehe~, Sebastian~, you''re such a tease, you know that~?" Vivi cooed, her dagger hand twitching with barely restrained anticipation.


    "Sigh... What are you talking about, Vivian?" Sebastian muttered, raising an eyebrow at the thief''s shaking form. "How am I a tease here?"


    "Hehe~, don''t you get it? All this time you''ve been missing, and now..." She raised her dagger¡ªnot just toward the butler, but even to the startled Anastasia. "...I find you here¡ªplaying house with some noble brat. What gives~?"


    Sebastian exhaled through his nose, gripping the hilt of his longsword as he met Vivi''s gaze with calm resolve.


    "I''m on an important quest," he stated plainly. "One directly assigned to me by the Guild Master, mind you. It entails a ton of secrecy and all of that stuff¡­ so really, I can''t elaborate on it."


    He shrugged his shoulders, his expression nonchalant.


    "And even if I could, I don''t have any obligation to tell you, Vivian."


    Vivian merely blinked, absorbing his explanation¡ªbefore her expression shifted. Then¡ª


    "Pfft¡ªHahaha~! A quest of being a butler?!" she cackled, throwing her head back in laughter. "Oh, that''s rich! That''s real rich, Sebastian~!"


    "Laugh all you want, Vivian, but I have my orders," the butler replied, unshaken¡­ though a flicker of annoyance crossed his face at the laughing thief.


    Vivian wiped the corner of her eye, still chuckling¡ªstill clutching her stomach like she might keel over from all the laughing.


    But eventually, she let out a long exhale and straightened up, her smirk returning as she eyed the now mildly-irritated butler.


    "Oh, I knew you were on some mission¡ªcould smell it from a mile away, Sebastian. But I didn''t know what kind," she mused, though another small chuckle slipped out. "And trust me, I tried to squeeze it out of the Madam Guild Master too~."

 Chapter 85 85: 19th Days (7) | The Butler and The Thief (2)

    Vivian''s grin widened, pointing her dagger at him in amusement.


    "And guess what? She told me the same load of crap you''re saying now. ''It''s confidential,'' ''It requires secrecy,'' blah, blah, blah~."


    "That''s because it does require secrecy, Vivian," he said dryly. "I thought you, of all people, would understand, given your ''second profession'' and all."


    "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, butler boy~." Vivian teased, jabbing at what was now his second profession. "But seriously, I thought for sure you''d be off somewhere important."


    "More important, you say?"


    "Yeah! Like, for example¡ªdealing with the northern civil war in Borealis. Those cold-hearted bastards still can''t get along with each other, even though they''ve got the same blood running through them~."


    "Or maybe even tangling with those Sea Dragon folks across the eastern ocean¡­ they''ve been busy trying to appease their dragon god deity¡ªbut surprise, surprise, no dice! Hahaha~!"


    Her grin stretched wider, amusement brimming in her eyes.


    "But nooo~." She spread her arms wide, gesturing at the lodge. "Here you are¡ªin this hellhole, babysitting a noble brat. What happened, Sebastian? Did you lose a bet?"


    "A-A noble brat¡­?!" Anastasia muttered, finally snapping out of her stunned silence. "Excuse me¡ª! I''m not this ''noble brat'' you speak of, Miss Vivian!"


    Vivi barely spared her a glance, an almost mocking look marring her face.


    "Oh, don''t get me wrong, sweetie~. You are the precious daughter of the Duke¡ª''cause that old crook REALLY had to force him to watch over you."


    "O-Old crook...?! You¡ª!" The redheaded noble stiffened, her hands clenching into fists beneath the table. "My father¡ª... D-Duke Rosavich is an honorable man! You have no right to belittle his name, nor question his judgment!"


    "Hahaha~, don''t be such a stiff, my lady~." The thief teased, waving her off like it was nothing.


    But her laughter slowed¡­ her gaze sharpening as she took a sudden interest in the noblewoman before her.


    "But that just makes me wonder¡­" Her eyes gleamed with something dangerous. "Why you? I thought you, the would-be queen, would be in the capital, enjoying your sweet time with the prince and whatnot~."


    "¡ª!?"


    Anastasia''s breath caught for a split second.


    Her grip on her dress tightened.


    She had just admitted her crime. Just stood tall in the face of judgment.


    And yet¡ªjust hearing his title, spoken so carelessly¡ª


    Something inside her wavered.


    And seeing this hesitation, the Sonic Thief couldn''t help but be further amused.


    "Oh, my~. What''s wrong, future queen Anastasia? Did you and the lovely prince perhaps have a lover''s quarrel¡ª"


    "Enough."


    A cold, commanding voice cut through the air.


    Sebastian stepped forward, shifting subtly between Vivian and Anastasia. His expression turned sharp... dangerous. His eyes, like steel, bore into the thief and her ever-running mouth.


    "That''s not something you need to concern yourself with, Vivian."


    "Oh? Is that how it is? Geez, pardon me~." Vivian snickered, lazily twirling her dagger. "Though personally? I can''t stand getting tangled up in the political bullshit of the Crown and their lackeys... which is why I''m extra curious about why you''re knee-deep in it, Sebastian."


    "..."


    "Hmm? What''s with the silence, Sebastian~?" She tilted her head, mock innocence dripping from her voice. "Cat got your tongue? ''Cause I''m pretty sure I killed a kitty cat just before coming here."


    "Do I really need to tell you everything here, Vivian?" He shot back, raising an eyebrow at her.


    "Gosh, no! Not everything! I''m a woman who values privacy, mind you!"


    "I find that hard to believe."


    "Well, believe whatever you want... but right now," The Sonic Thief smirked, resting her weight on one leg, "I''m just satisfied to know that the fun Sebastian I know didn''t just up and vanish into thin air~."


    "..."


    "I should''ve known, honestly... After all¡­ it should''ve been obvious where you''d be, huh?" She giggled, tapping her leather boots against the wooden floor. "This place is practically your playground. Of course, you''d be here~."


    "What are you implying, Vivian?" Sebastian exhaled sharply, his irritation growing by the second. "I''m not some monster, you know."


    "Hahaha~, as if! Your strength alone is damn monstrous~!"


    "I could say the same about you and your monstrous speed."


    "Well yeah, but I''m cute, so that evens it out." She winked.


    Sebastian rolled his eyes. "Right¡­ let''s go with that."


    "But really now," Vivian leaned in slightly, resting her hands on her hips, "playing butler? Of all things, wouldn''t ''bodyguard'' be a more fitting title for you?"


    "Honestly, I had the same question at first..." sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "See? You get where I''m going after all~." Vivian grinned, though her head tilted slightly in curiosity. "Which is why I still can''t believe you''re wasting your time here. I mean, come on~. Why don''t you ditch the noble brat and come back with me to Florentia? We could do something way more fun. Something more¡­ exciting."


    "Tempting..." His voice was dry, unimpressed. "But I''ll have to decline."


    "Aww~? But why?"


    "Because I have a quest to fulfill." His grip on his longsword tightened slightly. "And more than that¡­ I made a promise."


    "Promise?" Vivian echoed curiously.


    While on the other hand...


    "P-Promise¡­?" Anastasia echoed in a daze, that one word striking a chord within her already turbulent heart...


    "I vowed to help Lady Anastasia regain her honor," Sebastian said simply, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "I''m not leaving... Not until I see that promise through."


    "...!"


    Anastasia''s breath hitched. Her hands instinctively clutched her chest... her heart pounding wildly at the sheer certainty in his tone.


    Vivian, on the other hand... merely chuckled.


    "Hah¡­ haha~! Oh, Sebastian, you always were the sentimental type, weren''t you?"


    The thief took a step forward, drawing one dagger, then another from her hip, her grin widening with mischief.


    "But you see... I wasn''t asking anymore."


    She brandished her daggers, presenting her threat to Sebastian.


    And the butler himself... his longsword readied in response...!


    Then... they both dashed toward each other¡ª!


    And in an instant¡ª!


    The front of the lodge house exploded into splinters and dust!

 Chapter 86 86: 19th Days (8) | The Butler and The Thief (3)

    Before the dust could settle, two figures tore through the thick haze, leaping straight through the newly ''created'' entrance of the lodge¡ª!


    Their silhouettes barely took shape before they both lunged forward to each other¡ªblades flashing in the dim light as their battle spilled into the open night!


    CLANG!


    Longsword met twin daggers¡ªsteel clashing in a fierce contest of dominance as a burst of sparks scattered into the air, illuminating their locked struggle.


    Their gazes met¡ªone sharp with vigilance, the other twisted with a manic grin.


    "Ooooh~! Not bad¡ªlooks like you haven''t gone rusty playing house!" Vivian cackled, pressing harder against his blade. "For a second, I thought you''d gotten soft on me, Sebastian~."


    Sebastian exhaled sharply, shoving back her two daggers with equal force¡ªgreater even!


    "Like hell I will, Vivian," he snapped, irritation lacing his voice. "And you talk too much for your own good."


    "Hey now, that''s rude! I''m just appreciating the moment~! What''s wrong with that, hmm~? Sebastian~?"


    "That''s the reason why you always get yourself into trouble, dammit!"


    And in that instant¡ªboth fighters wrenched back their respective weapons before surging forward¡ª!


    CLANG¡ª CLANG¡ª CLANG¡ª!


    Steel screamed against steel in a storm of relentless strikes, their silhouettes vanishing and reappearing through the night! Each exchange sent sparks bursting into the darkness, their weapons a blur of silver arcs.


    They wove through not just the ruined lodge but across the open ground of Anastasia''s region. Boots pounded against dirt, kicking up dust, gravel, and torn earth as their battle spread¡ªa violent, erratic dance of flashing blades and ringing steel...!


    < | X | >


    Meanwhile, back inside the ruined lodge house¡ª


    Debris littered the floor¡ªshattered wood, broken beams, and splintered furniture. Dust hung thick in the air, swirling through the gaping hole in the wall as the structure of the house groaned under its own imminent collapse.


    And those left inside were Anastasia, Martha, and Bella¡ªthe three of them still frozen in shock over how quickly things had spiraled into chaos.


    The lord of the region, Anastasia, was barely able to stand.


    It was not just from the sheer force of the two combatants¡ªthough that itself was a crushing weight, a form of pressure the redheaded noble had never, ever experienced before...


    No, it was not just that...


    It was... the storm of emotions within her that made her almost falter...


    A turmoil that felt almost equal to the moment when her life had taken a sudden nosedive.


    "M-my lady!"


    "Lady Anastasia!"


    Two familiar voices called out, their hurried footsteps rushing toward her.


    Both Bella and Martha reached her just in time, steadying their mistress as her legs threatened to give out beneath her.


    "M-my lady! A-are you alright?" the blonde maid asked, worry evident on her face as she struggled to keep Anastasia upright. "¡ª! M-my lady...!"


    ...And Bella could feel it¡ªthe trembling that wracked her mistress''s body. The maid didn''t know why exactly her mistress was trembling on her feet... however, it didn''t matter for now as she put more strength into holding up her mistress.


    "...Lady Anastasia, please hold on," the brunette knight urged as she, too, supported Anastasia with one arm, her other hand gripping the hilt of her sword¡ªready.


    And she, too, could feel it¡ªwhat Bella had felt. That same trembling that her mistress was trying to suppress.


    It made her fall silent... her teeth grinding in frustration.


    Not at Anastasia, of course¡ªshe could never direct such feelings toward the one to whom she had sworn her fealty.


    No... what frustrated her... was herself.


    Her own weakness... Again.


    However, she shoved aside that frustration, forcing herself to focus on what mattered most: Lady Anastasia''s well-being.


    With ease, she steadied her mistress, keeping her upright.


    They all turned their gazes to the ruined lodge, its walls and support beams fractured by the sheer force of their butler''s battle against the so-called "guest of honor"¡ªthe Sonic Thief.


    "..."


    Silence.


    A heavy weight settled over them as they took in the sight of the lodge¡ªthe very place where they had poured their sweat, blood, and tears¡ªnow reduced to near rubble, slowly crumbling away.


    "...Let''s get out of here, my lady." Martha''s voice broke the silence, laced with regret. Then, she turned to Bella. "Help me support her."


    Bella only gave a solemn nod.


    With Anastasia supported by her two aides, the three of them carefully navigated through the wreckage, stepping through what had once been the front porch of their now-ruined lodge house.


    And as they stepped into the open night that was the region belonging to Anastasia...


    They saw a sight that both astonished and frightened them to their very core.


    Blades clashed¡ª


    Sparks flew¡ª


    The shadows of two figures blurred and crashed against each other in a whirlwind of both strength and speed.


    And for only a fraction of a second, they could make out who these two combatants were...


    Of course¡ªit was Sebas... Sebastian, their head butler, and Vivi, the Sonic Thief¡ªlocked in a battle of dominance, sword against daggers.


    Vivi danced through the fight like a streak of silver and shadow, her daggers flashing under the moonlight.


    Each step she took was light¡ªunpredictable.


    Her form shifted with afterimages upon afterimages, her ''monstrous'' speed allowing her to lunge at the butler from every possible angle.


    Front¡ª S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Left¡ª


    Right¡ª


    And then suddenly behind¡ª


    Each strike aimed for a gap... a blind spot... an opening that could spell the end of the butler''s life at any given moment.


    But¡ª


    Sebastian was there.


    He was always there.


    A single shift of his foot. A precise flick of his wrist. His blade met hers in perfect deflections, his controlled movements a stark contrast to Vivi''s relentless assault.


    Where she was wild, almost unpredictable... he was measured.


    Where she was fast, he was faster¡ªnot in movement, but in thought.


    Every swing, every parry, every step he took was calculated to the smallest detail, conserving his strength while keeping her at bay.


    And that contrast stretched further with his chosen counterassault¡ª


    A single sneaky strike that went to one of his sides¡ª


    "Got you¡ª!"


    "Try again."

 Chapter 87 87: 19th Days (9) | The Butler and The Thief (4)

    Sebastian parried that one single dagger thrust to his liver before delivering a devastating swing that cut through Vivian''s¡ª


    "Okay~! I will~!"


    She dodged his counter swing¡ª! Her body twisted in an inhuman motion!


    "¡­Damnit."


    Sebastian could only grow annoyed at every failed attempt of his.


    And now, their bout would only reset once more, like a constant dance of death, the limit being whoever let their guard down for a single fatal mistake.


    And for those who could only witness their true extent¡ª


    Martha, the knight with aspiring potential, stood at the sidelines, her hands clenched into fists.


    "¡­Absurd¡­" she muttered under her breath, watching in sheer disbelief¡ªwitnessing the true prowess of two ''supposedly'' S-Rank Adventurers.


    "Martha¡­?"


    Anastasia, whom the knight was currently supporting alongside Bella, called, trying to catch her attention.


    Neither Anastasia nor Bella could follow the intense battle unfolding in the enclosed, box-walled region belonging to the redhead lord.


    The sheer speed¡­ the overwhelming force¡­ it was beyond what the two non-combatants could comprehend.


    So the red-haired mistress turned to the one closest in strength to these¡­ two almost inhuman warriors.


    "Martha¡­ can you tell what''s going on? What is happening with Sebas¡­?"


    "¡­"


    But the knight only pursed her lips.


    She was unable to speak¡ªunable to properly describe the battle before her.


    However, for Anastasia herself, her knight''s silence alone was more than enough of an answer.


    She quickly understood. It was simply too absurd to put into words.


    So¡­ she chose to focus her sight back on the battle before her¡­ no matter how blurred it was in her own eyes¡­


    And she chose to pray¡­


    To pray for his safety¡­ for his life¡­


    ¡ªReturning to the intense battle itself¡ª


    Another dagger strike was parried by the butler, followed by another attempt to strike down the thief. But alas, she continued to dodge his counters with practiced ease.


    However¡ª


    The thief''s grin widened all of a sudden.


    Because she had noticed it from the very beginning of their deadly clash.


    "Holding back, are we~?" she mused, ducking under another counter slash, her footwork barely making a sound against the dirt. "If you were serious, this whole place would be a crater by now~."


    Sebastian narrowed his eyes. He had no words for her¡ªonly the quiet, simmering annoyance in his gaze.


    Because she wasn''t wrong.


    He was holding back.


    If he let loose, Anastasia''s land wouldn''t survive the aftermath.


    And as her butler, that was simply unacceptable.


    "Hehe~, you''re going to regret that~!"


    Vivi took full advantage of his restraint¡ª!


    Her speed suddenly turned erratic, her movements unnatural, a blur of illusion and misdirection¡ª!


    One moment, she was in front of him¡ªthe next, she was at his flank! A split second later, behind him!


    Her afterimages flickered in and out of reality, her daggers coming dangerously close to slipping past his guard.


    Then¡ª


    A sharp sting!


    A thin, crimson line appeared on Sebastian''s cheek!


    Vivi''s eyes widened in delight as she distanced herself from him¡­ admiring her handiwork.


    "Ohhh~! Is that blood?! Yes~! Finally~!"


    Vivi twirled on her heel, laughter escaping her lips, as if she had just won the grandest prize!


    She continued her celebration, spinning both of her daggers between her fingers, her movements carrying a playful rhythm¡ªlike a dancer reveling in her victory.


    "Ahaha~, I never thought today would be the day I''d see you bleed, Sebastian~."


    She pivoted mid-dance, throwing him a mischievous glance, her eyes alight with wicked glee.


    "You always wore that big, clunky armor back then. The only blood I ever saw on you was from the monsters we slaughtered together. But this¡ª"


    She licked her lips, her grin curling with satisfaction.


    "¡ªThis is different~."


    Sebastian himself... could only exhale sharply. It wasn''t pain that registered in his mind, but irritation.


    Vivi was enjoying this far too much.


    Still, she wasn''t done. Not yet.


    "Let me see more¡­"


    In a single heartbeat, she vanished from his sight¡ª! Appearing just behind him¡ª! S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Let me see more of your blood, Sebastian~!!!"


    ¡ªher dagger poised for the back of his neck!


    ''Victory.''


    Or so she thought.


    Because the moment her blade was about to pierce his flesh¡ª


    Sebastian disappeared¡ª!


    A surge of mana exploded in the air, his form vanishing like mist.


    And before Vivi could even react¡ª


    He was already behind her.


    "¡­Ah."


    She managed to see it on the edge of her vision.


    His calm, unreadable expression. His effortless precision. His sheer, unshaken presence.


    She had never once doubted his power.


    But this¡ª


    This was a clear reminder.


    "...I guess you really are holding back on me."


    Sebastian raised his blade, coated with intense mana.


    The Sonic Thief¡­ could only brace herself, a smirk still playing on her lips even as she prepared to meet her fate¡ª


    But the strike never came.


    Instead¡ª


    Clank.


    His sword dropped to the ground.


    "¡­Huh?"


    Before Vivi could even process it, his hands had already seized her wrists, his grip like iron. A sharp twist¡ªher daggers fell from her grasp!


    Clank. Clank.


    In an instant, she was completely restrained, held in place with no room to escape.


    "¡­Tch, you big softie~," Vivi huffed in annoyance before testing his hold on her wrists. "Ugh... aagh! You know¡ª! If you wanted to hold my hands so badly, you could''ve just asked~!"


    Sebastian''s brow twitched, his irritation far more genuine than her feigned one. "Don''t test me, Vivian."


    "Oh? What are you gonna do, Mr. Gentleman Butler?" she teased, her smile turning sly.


    Even while restrained, she couldn''t help herself.


    She playfully struggled in his hold, pretending to act like some helpless damsel in distress.


    "Are you going to punish me? Maybe you''re going to push me down and¡ª!"


    Her words were cut off¡ª


    Because in the next moment¡ª


    "Eh?"


    Her vision was rotated and turned upside down.


    Then¡ª


    Boom!


    Sebastian¡­ had suplexed her into the ground with the force of a falling boulder!


    Dirt and dust shot up from the impact alone¡­


    And as the dust finally cleared, there was Vivi herself¡­ partially buried in the dirt, limbs twitching, a dazed expression frozen on her face as she processed what had just happened.


    "¡­You¡­" she croaked, her voice slightly muffled by the dirt. "¡­You didn''t have to go that hard¡­"


    Sebastian had already stood up, dusting off his gloves, his face as composed as ever.


    "You were asking for it, Vivian."


    Vivian, still firmly planted into the ground¡­ could only groan in defeat.


    "Not¡­ fair¡­"


    And finally¡­ she was knocked out for good.


    Sebastian simply straightened his posture¡­ before exhaling a sigh of relief...


    The fight... was over.

 Chapter 88 88: 19th Days (10) | The Aftermath of A Messy, Flimsy Secret

    Sebastian¡­ Sebas scanned through the ''battlefield'' where he and his ''former adventurer'' buddy, Vivi, had clashed¡­


    And he couldn''t help but facepalm at the sight.


    The ground was a mess¡ªscarred with deep grooves and uneven patches where their movements had torn through the earth.


    Scattered debris littered the area, kicked up by the sheer force of their exchanges. Yet, for all the chaos... the damage was mostly contained.


    Thankfully, their fight had taken place mostly in a relatively empty lot near the top-left section of Anastasia''s walled domain, sparing the more occupied and crucial areas from destruction.


    That sheer fact alone was a relief for the head butler...


    But even so¡­


    Sebas exhaled through his nose, irritation quite evident on his face¡ªbecause now, he was going to have to clean up this mess.


    On the sidelines...


    Anastasia, Martha, and Bella¡ªthe mistress and her two aides¡ªstood frozen.


    Stunned.


    Mouths agape, they had just witnessed what was both the most climactic and anti-climactic end to a duel.


    Not to mention¡­ the single most unique¡ªand possibly most humiliating¡ªway for someone to be taken down.


    And yet, there he was, Sebas, their head butler... already shifting into work mode, scanning the aftermath of the battlefield... possibly thinking of how to clean up the mess he''d made...


    All while completely ignoring¡ªno, possibly abandoning¡ªhis supposed "sparring" partner, who remained sprawled out in the most un-ladylike position imaginable.


    Though, eventually, the butler''s eyes landed on the three of them... and his serious expression mellowed out into a small smile.


    "Yo~! Guys~!" he called, nonchalantly waving at them.


    And they could only blink, staring at his cheerier demeanor. They weren''t exactly in the right state of mind considering the chaotic turn of events that had just happened...


    And Sebas himself noticed this quite well as he approached them.


    "Lady Ana," he called once more, specifically to the redheaded mistress of his, his usual composed expression softening into concern, "...are you three alright?"


    That snapped them out of it¡ªat least, for Anastasia, who blinked again before nodding.


    "Y-Yes¡­ I''m fine," she confirmed, though there was still hesitation in her voice¡ªone that was not missed by the butler.


    The butler himself... studied her carefully... remembering how shaken she had been earlier...


    And he couldn''t help but feel guilty over it, remembering once more that Anastasia WAS still dealing with her own ''demon''¡ªthe ''incident'' with the Crown Prince.


    So, much to their surprise... he bowed his head.


    "¡ª! S-Sir Sebas...?!"


    "...My apologies," a somber, yet sincere tone laced his voice. "I... I messed up. Literally, I''ve just made a mess of your region, my lady¡­"


    "S-Sir Sebas..."


    "But that''s not all," he added, his voice lowering slightly, tinged with regret. "I''m sorry for my carelessness. I should have stopped Vivi before she caused trouble in your domain."


    Anastasia opened her mouth, as if to refute him¡ªbut then hesitated. Her fingers lightly curled into her dress, her gaze wavering.


    She wasn''t sure how to respond... whether to accept his apology or reject it entirely. A mix of emotions swirled inside her, making it hard to form the right words¡ª


    But suddenly¡ª


    "I''m sorry!"


    "¡ª!"


    Bella''s voice broke through the moment, startling everyone. They all immediately turned their heads to the flustered maid.


    "B-Bella¡­? What are you apologizing for?" Anastasia inquired, her previous nervousness turning into confusion, but more so toward worry for her blonde maid.


    The young maid herself... clenched her fists, her face filled with guilt.


    "I... I-I''m sorry, everyone," she continued to apologize, choking on her tears that were threatening to spill. "T-This¡­ t-this whole thing with Miss Vivi suddenly attacking Sir Sebas¡ªit was my fault!"


    She finally managed to confess, her voice shaking. "I blurted out S-Sir Sebas''s name¡­ a-and I didn''t know it was supposed to be a secret¡­"


    Silence fell over them.


    Anastasia and Martha exchanged looks, both of them looking guilty themselves.


    After all¡­ they had known about the circumstances behind his name. They had been trying to keep it secret, especially in front of the Sonic Thief, in respect to the butler''s wish for anonymity.


    But... they''d neglected to inform the maid.


    And so, with a knowing glance at each other...


    "I''m... sorry, Bella," Martha said sincerely. "I should have explained things to you properly."


    "Indeed, I should have as well," Anastasia admitted with a regretful nod. "I apologize for my blunder, Bella..."


    ...They both apologized.


    "H-huh?"


    However, that only made Bella more flustered.


    "W-Wait! N-no¡ª! Y-you don''t have to apologize to me¡ª! E-especially L-L-lady Anastasia¡ª!"


    But even so, the two of them couldn''t just let it slide, the guilt clearly evident on their faces as they looked at the overwhelmed maid.


    And Sebas, who had been watching from the side... felt a bit frustrated.


    Not just because of his guilt¡ªthat alone was already enough of a headache¡ªbut more so because he felt this whole exchange was going in circles.


    "God, this is never going to end, is it...?"


    "S-Sir Sebas? Did you say something?" Anastasia blinked, tilting her head slightly.


    And eventually...


    "Sigh!"


    "W-what-?!"


    He let out a big sigh that startled everyone¡ª! Instantly snapping their attention to him.


    "S-Sir Sebas...?" Bella was the first to react, her voice small, uncertain. The tears that had been on the verge of spilling were held back by his sudden interruption.


    "...Look, again, I should have neutralized any threats before they became a problem," he admitted, before his gaze softened. "But more importantly... I should have been more upfront about myself with all of you. This whole mess was because I was being half-assed about this whole secrecy thing... and now it came back to bite me."


    Their silent yet conflicted expressions said it all; none of them could refute his words.


    Then, his gaze landed on Anastasia.


    "Lady Ana... I did promise you that I''d tell you... everything, right?"


    "...Yes, you did."


    "...And I will. I''ll tell you... and even you two as well," his gaze shifted to both Martha and then Bella, "...about who I am, and why I took this position as a head butler."


    The three of them were visibly taken aback; surprised!


    They somewhat knew how delicate the circumstances were regarding his employment with Anastasia¡­ yet, here he was, willing to open up.


    The weight of his words lingered over them, leaving the three women silent.


    But then¡ª


    "Later," he added, snapping them out of their thoughts as he gestured toward the still-ruined landscape of Anastasia''s domain.


    With Vivi still knocked out in the background, still sprawled out in a rather undignified position for all to see.


    "...Let''s put that discussion aside until AFTER I clean up this mess."


    And with that, his gaze shifted toward the ruined lodge house behind them¡­ a bittersweet smile forming on his lips.


    "...And I really am sorry about that, too," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know how much effort you all put into that place." Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The three ladies turned to the wreckage, their expressions souring as the reality of their ruined lodge settled in¡­


    And it only piled onto the butler''s already mounting guilt.


    "...I''ll rebuild it, from the bottom up if I have to," he declared, surprising everyone. "...Alone, alright? That''s my punishment for all of this¡ª"


    "Not a chance, Sir Butler," Martha interrupted, arms crossed. "We''re all responsible for it."


    "Huh...? Ugh... look, don''t feel bad for me, alright¡ª"


    "She''s right, Sir Sebas," Anastasia cut him off before he could argue further. "That lodge was something we built together¡­ and we should rebuild it together, too."


    "...Lady Ana..."


    "T-that''s right! W-we should all rebuild it together¡ª!" Bella chimed in, fighting back against her nervousness as she wiped the corner of her eyes, clenching her fists with determination. "I... I''ll do my best to help, too!"


    Sebas was taken aback by their unwavering stubbornness; despite everything, they still insisted on sharing the burden with him.


    For a moment, he debated pushing back against their decision¡­ but then, he sighed, a small, resigned chuckle escaping his lips.


    "...It can''t be helped, huh," he mused, a familiar smile of amusement gracing his face¡ªthe same one the three ladies had come to know well.


    Then, turning to Anastasia with a knowing look, he spoke¡ª


    "Lady Ana... if you would?"


    She knew what he meant¡ªher role as both their master and as the lord of this (temporarily ruined) region of hers.


    Her face brightened amidst the night, renewed determination shining in her eyes.


    She took a deep breath.


    "Everyone," she declared, her voice firm, unwavering, "starting tomorrow, we''ll rebuild this lodge¡ªtogether."


    Her gaze swept across her three servants; her expression resolute.


    "No one shoulders this burden alone. We''ll clean up the aftermath, assess the damages, and restore what was lost¡­ as a household..." a warm yet determined smile curled on her lips, "my household."


    They all collectively nodded to her resolve, firm smiles forming on their own.


    "And until then¡­" Anastasia gestured toward the unconscious Vivi, her brow twitching slightly. "Someone, please move her somewhere less... unsightly."


    Despite the exhaustion of the night, despite the mess surrounding them, a small chuckle passed between them.


    And as one¡ªSebas, Martha, and Bella placed a hand over their chests, bowing their heads in perfect unison¡ª!


    "As you wish, my lady!"

 Chapter 89 89: 20th Days (1) | A Conversation with Miss Adventure (1)

    A new morning arrived, bringing with it the warm sun that bathed the domain of the upstart noble...


    However, the bright light also revealed the aftermath of last night''s chaos¡ªdebris scattered across the land, and the signs of a recent struggle still etched into the soil.


    Fortunately, this mess wouldn''t be here for long because¡ª


    The cleaning crew had arrived to fix the land! Which, of course, consisted of all the denizens of the region: Anastasia and her three loyal servants.


    Dressed in their usual working attire, they diligently moved across the land.


    Martha and Sebas took on the heavier labor, shoveling dirt into potholes and hauling larger debris, while Anastasia and Bella handled the lighter tasks, gathering and sweeping smaller rocks and clearing away scattered twigs.


    "Tsk, what a mess," Martha grumbled, wiping sweat from her brow before driving her shovel into the dirt once more. "You just had to go all out, huh?"


    "Ahaha, sorry, sorry," Sebas replied with a sheepish smile. The butler then effortlessly picked up another large rock before tossing it onto the growing pile. "I did try holding back as much as I could, you know."


    His response, however, only made the knight sigh, shaking her head in disbelief. "...I don''t even want to imagine you not holding back..."


    Meanwhile...


    Bella diligently picked up smaller stones and debris, before then hurriedly placing them into a provided basket.


    Letting out a small sigh of relief, she turned toward her mistress, who was currently sweeping the ground with a broom.


    "U-um... my lady, I-I think this place is already clean enough," she muttered, glancing around uncertainly. "S-so, should we clear that side next?"


    "Hmm... let''s see..." Anastasia paused, sweeping her gaze over the area before giving a small nod. "Yes, let''s. But make sure nothing gets left behind before we move on."


    "Y-yes, my lady!"


    With that, the four of them pressed on with their work, making slow but steady progress...


    However, the three ladies would occasionally pause, their gazes shifting toward the center of the campsite¡ªunease flickering in their eyes.


    There was something that had been lingering in the back of everyone''s mind...


    And that was... the tent standing in the middle of their camp. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once used as their sleeping quarters, the tents had since been repurposed¡ªone serving as temporary storage for their belongings, another as a makeshift pantry for Bella and Sebas''s cooking ingredients.


    Normally, these campsites held a sense of familiarity and nostalgia.


    But now... something¡ªor rather, someone¡ªwas inside the largest tent.


    "Sir Sebas?" Anastasia called, her grip tightening on the broom as unease welled up inside her.


    Sebas stopped mid-step, balancing two large stones in his hands. "Yeah, my lady?"


    There was a brief pause before she hesitantly asked, "...Is it really safe to leave her there?"


    "Hmm..." The butler hummed in thought. "I think it should be fine. Last I checked, she was still sound asleep, believe it or not."


    "R-really...?"


    That "sleepy someone" was none other than their so-called "guest of honor"¡ªand the very culprit behind the mess they were now cleaning.


    The Sonic Thief, Vivi.


    Having knocked her out last night, Sebas had unceremoniously thrown her into the tent, using it as a temporary holding space for the mischievous adventurer.


    With their wooden lodge in ruins¡ªthanks to the clash between the butler and the thief¡ªkeeping her inside the main house had been out of the question. The mere thought of Vivi''s presence had been enough to stress out the three ladies.


    "That damn scoundrel of an adventurer should be locked in a cell..." Martha muttered with a scoff, shoveling dirt with renewed vigor.


    "Hah, I''d like that too, Miss Knight," Sebas chuckled, "but you really can''t lock her up¡ªshe''d escape from just about anything."


    "R-really, Sir Sebas?" Bella asked, though there was a slight tremor in her voice. "I-Is she like one of those escape artists I''ve heard about?"


    "Haha~, yeah, you could say that. That''s why I didn''t even bother tying her up¡ªnothing would hold her down anyway."


    His remark did little to ease the concerns of Anastasia and Martha.


    "...Shouldn''t we check on her, then, Sir Sebas?" Anastasia asked, her brow furrowing slightly. "If she''s awake, she might start making a mess of our supplies..."


    "Hmm... let''s see..." Sebas, still holding onto the large rocks in his hand, took a glance at his wristwatch. "Yeah... it''s almost noon, so let''s check on her, my lady."


    And so... leaving the rest of the work to Martha and Bella for now, Sebas and Anastasia made their way toward the tent.


    < | X | >


    Inside the tent, sunlight seeped through the gaps in the fabric, casting a soft haze over the supplies and scattered belongings¡­


    And, of course, revealing the one anomaly within.


    Lying atop an old cloth bed¡ªone that had originally belonged to Sebas¡ªwas Vivian, sleeping soundly. Blissfully, even. As if she had not a shred of guilt over the chaos she''d caused just the night before.


    Sebas stood over her, arms crossed, staring down at the sleeping adventurer with sheer exasperation.


    "¡­Still sleeping, huh," he muttered before letting out a sigh.


    The butler was understandably annoyed by this woman''s complete lack of shame.


    After all, he had been the one to knock her out and toss her into the supply tent like a sack of potatoes.


    Yet now? The amber-haired thief had made herself right at home, even claiming his cloth bed as if this were her personal quarters.


    Her expression was one of utter peace¡­ as if she hadn''t just thrown the entire domain into disarray the day before.


    Beside him, Anastasia watched in silence. But unlike Sebas¡ªwho was clearly irritated¡ªher gaze carried something else.


    Worry.


    A justifiable worry.


    This wasn''t just some foolish troublemaker. This was an S-rank adventurer.


    An unpredictable force.


    A dangerous one.


    The battle from last night still replayed vividly in Anastasia''s mind, reminding her exactly what kind of person was currently resting within her domain.


    "¡­Are you sure it''s safe to wake her like this?" she asked, lowering her voice. "She seems¡­ quite volatile."


    Sebas sighed again¡ªthough this time, there was something different about it. A certain weightlessness. It was almost¡­ amused.


    His expression softened slightly as he turned to his mistress, offering her a calm, reassuring smile.


    "It''s alright, my lady," he assured her, his voice firm yet easygoing. "She''s reasonable¡­ with the right amount of ''coercion,'' that is."


    His words should have been comforting, but¡­ the way he said them sent a different kind of chill down Anastasia''s spine.


    And just as quickly, the warmth in his expression faded, replaced by sheer annoyance as his gaze returned to the still-slumbering thief.


    Sebas crouched down beside the cloth bed, resting an arm on his knee as he reached out to the sleeping adventurer.


    "Alright, enough lazing around." He gave her shoulder a light shake. "Time to get up, Vivian."


    "Ugh¡­"


    Vivian only let out a soft grumble before rolling slightly to the side, her face half-buried into the makeshift bedding.


    "Mmn¡­ five more minutes¡­" she murmured in her sleep.


    "Sigh¡­ I don''t think so."


    This time, he shook her a bit more firmly¡­ but to no avail.


    Vivian remained completely still. Far too still.


    And then¡­ a faint curve appeared at the corner of her lips.


    "Hehe~."


    A small, knowing smile.


    Slowly, one eye cracked open, revealing a glint of mischief as she peeked up at him.


    "You''re no fun, Sebastian~," she teased, amusement lacing her voice.


    "So you were awake already, huh."


    Vivian lazily stretched her arms before flopping back onto the bed with a satisfied hum. "Mmm¡­ kinda. But I am still tired, y''know? After all, someone went all out last night."


    "Went all out?" Sebas scoffed. "That''s rich, coming from you."


    Vivian let out a breathy laugh, clearly enjoying herself.


    Sebas, however, was far less amused.


    "Enough of this nonsense. Get up already."


    But just as he was about to grab her arm¡ª


    ¡ªshe suddenly latched onto him.


    "Wha¡ª?!"


    Before he could react, Vivi wrapped both arms snugly around his neck, pulling him down toward her.


    The unexpected movement threw him off balance, forcing his hands onto the bedding as he hovered dangerously close over her.


    "W-what¡­?! W-what are you two doing¡­?!" Anastasia''s voice wavered, eyes wide in disbelief.


    "O-oi! Vivian, let go already¡ª!" Sebas tried to pull back, but her grip was surprisingly strong.


    The thief tilted her head, a slow, playful smirk gracing her lips.


    "Didn''t you say something about ''coercion'' earlier, Sebastian?" Her voice was practically purring now. "Maybe I need some of that to get me up properly~."


    "Seriously¡­?" His shot back at her. Then, he braced himself, pushing against her hold. "Quit screwing around, Vivian."


    "Oh? But I like screwing around~."


    "G-Good grief, knock it off already!" Anastasia''s voice cracked as she turned away, visibly flustered by their rather inappropriate act. "Both of you!"


    After a brief struggle¡ªone that lasted far longer than it should have¡ªSebas finally wrenched himself free, immediately backing away with a sharp glare.


    Vivi, now sitting cross-legged on the bed, only grinned up at the two of them as if nothing had happened.


    "Hah~ What a refreshing morning." She stretched her arms overhead before flashing them both a cheeky smile. "Good morning, you two."

 Chapter 90 90: 20th Days (2) | A Conversation with Miss Adventure (2)

    "It''s already noon, Vivian," the butler retorted dryly.


    "What''s the difference? The sun''s out, and I just woke up¡ªso it''s morning for me~."


    Her response only elicited another sigh from Sebas, his shoulders slumping in defeat. He then shifted his attention back to Anastasia¡­ who was now glaring at the carefree female adventurer with an intensity that could almost pierce through steel.


    A stark contrast to her previous hesitation toward the woman. It was as if something had suddenly stirred within the redheaded noblewoman¡­!


    "¡­L-Lady Ana? What''s wrong?" Sebas inquired, confused by her sudden shift in demeanor.


    The redheaded mistress merely grumbled under her breath, clearly annoyed¡ªnot at Sebas, of course, but... at the audacious woman before her.


    A woman who had shown little regard for rank, propriety¡­ or boundaries.


    It wasn''t just the way this female adventurer carried herself so carelessly, but... it was the way she acted around him¡ª


    The way she was so brazen toward him¡ª


    To be so familiar with him.


    And Anastasia wasn''t sure why it irked her so much...


    She shouldn''t care... and yet¡ª! The image of Vivi pressing herself against Sebas from before¡ªso shamelessly... so naturally... kept replaying in her mind, an unshakable irritation settling in her chest.


    On the other hand, the ''him'' in question was still puzzled by his mistress''s rather strange demeanor toward the Sonic Thief.


    ''Does she really despise her...?'' he thought, wondering if Vivian had truly struck a nerve with Anastasia.


    However, Anastasia slowly took a deep breath... carefully composing herself.


    Then, she took a step forward¡ªher gaze locked onto the woman sitting casually on the cloth bed... a darkened expression that betrayed her apparent dislike toward her supposed ''guest of honor.''


    "Miss... Vivian," Anastasia called, her tone steady but laced with an unmistakable edge.


    The female adventurer tilted her head at the sudden address, her lips curling into a playful smirk.


    "Hmm? What is it, oh Lord Anastasia?" she mused, her tone light... almost mocking.


    Anastasia chose to ignore the lack of respect coming from her... as she''d already expected from someone so brazen...


    She crossed her arms, her gaze locking onto the adventurer with a piercing stare.


    "Tell me the truth¡ªwhat exactly was your purpose in coming to my domain?"


    "Huh...?" Vivian blinked, looking genuinely confused. "Uh... didn''t you all expect my arrival in the first place?"


    "We did¡­ but only because Sir Sebas predicted it."


    At the mention of his name, Vivian''s expression shifted. Her eyes flicked toward the butler, amusement dancing within them.


    "Oh~? Sebastian did?" she drawled, her smile turning mischievous. "I knew it¡­ You do miss me after all, don''t you?"


    Sebas merely let out a quiet sigh, his expression unreadable at her attempt at teasing.


    "Don''t flatter yourself, Vivian."


    "Ah~, but I did really miss you though~."


    "Do you, now?"


    "Of course¡ª"


    "ENOUGH!"


    Anastasia''s voice rang sharp, cutting through their exchange. The redheaded noblewoman''s eyes burned fiercer by the second as she glared at the smirking adventurer.


    "Miss Vivian..." Her voice was low¡ªcarrying a dangerous edge. "As the lord of this region, I''m admonishing you for your misdeeds within my domain."


    "Oho~? Misdeeds, you say?" Vivian hummed, tilting her head as if entertained by Anastasia''s thinly veiled hostility toward her.


    "Yes... Not only did you trample on my hospitality... but you even attempted to harm one of my people¡ªmy butler, Sebas!"


    When his name was spoken, Sebas raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by his mistress''s concern for him.


    Then Anastasia continued, the intensity¡ªthe authority¡ªbehind her voice unwavering¡ª!


    "So tell me¡ªwas your visit to the Garden of Hell really just about hunting monsters? Or did you have another reason?"


    "Hmmm~?" Vivian''s smirk remained, though her eyes narrowed slightly, a glint of something unreadable behind them. "Are you perhaps doubting me, my lord?"


    Anastasia met her gaze without hesitation. "I am¡­ because I know for a fact that you are not just an S-Rank adventurer¡ª" she paused, her grip tightening at her sides, her next words laced with unwavering certainty, "¡ªbut also an assassin...!"


    Silence. The moment those words left Anastasia''s lips, the air inside the tent seemed to freeze.


    And then¡­ something shifted. The smile on Vivian''s lips remained, but there was something darker beneath it.


    Then... pressure¡ª!


    "¡ª!"


    Anastasia stiffened as a suffocating presence filled the space, pressing down on her like an unseen force!


    It wasn''t just mana¡ªit was sharper, more instinctive¡ª!


    A predator''s bloodlust.


    "My¡­ where did you find out about that, oh Lord Anastasia?" Vivian''s voice was soft¡ªyet it cut through the air like a blade...!


    Her narrowed eyes gleamed in the dim light of the tent¡­ and her smirk deepened¡ªwidened¡ªinto something feral...!


    "¡ª!"


    Anastasia felt her breath hitch, eyes widening, her body instinctively tensing against the overwhelming aura as she took a step back.


    A creeping sense of fear and dread slithered into her chest¡ª!


    The pressure was suffocating¡ªthick, heavy, as if invisible hands had wrapped around her throat¡ª


    But then another wave of pressure burst forth¡ª! Crashing against Vivian''s presence like a storm!


    The suffocating bloodlust vanished in an instant, erased by something even greater...!


    It was not the same dreadful pressure that crawled beneath her skin... but instead, it felt... pleasant.


    It felt warm... protective.


    And Anastasia quickly realized to whom this overwhelming aura belonged as she turned toward him¡ª


    Sebas.


    His eyes narrowed dangerously as he took a single step forward, his mere presence silencing the room.


    "Don''t try anything funny, Vivian." His voice was calm, yet... the weight behind it was undeniable.


    Vivian''s almost feral grin remained, but her attention now shifted entirely to the butler. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Oho~?" she hummed, tilting her head, amusement flickering in her eyes. "How scary~."


    For a long moment, neither of them moved¡ªbut their auras clashed in the air¡ª! Creating an invisible tension so thick that even Anastasia could feel it...!


    But then¡ªjust as quickly as it appeared¡ªVivian''s aura faded.


    "Ahaha~, alright, sorry for that, my lord~," the female adventurer chimed, acting as if she had not just threatened the very lord of the region herself.

 Chapter 91 - 20th Days (3) | A Conversation with Miss Adventure (3)

    The moment the intense pressure within the small confines of the tent disappeared, Anastasia let out the breath she had been holding¡ªrelief washing over her as the suffocating weight lifted from her chest.


    Even so, her eyes remained wary as they fell upon the grinning female adventurer...


    "..."


    "Hmm? What¡¯s wrong, my lord?" Vivian mused, her voice laced with amusement as she tilted her head, noticing the lingering stare from the red-haired lord.


    Anastasia continued to remain silent...


    She still remembered the intense bloodlust this woman¡ªno, this assassin¡ªhad exuded mere moments ago, and she realized that it was the same kind of bloodlust she had felt last night during the failed banquet.


    And she remembered how suffocating it had been¡ªeven if it was not directed toward her and even if it had been brief¡ªhow utterly oppressive that presence had felt.


    But just now... being at the receiving end of that same bloodlust was... a horrifying experience, to say the least.


    For a split second, she had thought her heart had stopped¡ªthat her life had reached its final moment.


    But it hadn¡¯t.


    Fortunately, she did not meet her end there...


    And it was thanks to him¡ªSebas.


    The butler, who had also "turned off" his own overwhelming presence, now wore an exasperated look as he regarded Vivian. A stark contrast to the sharp, unwavering aura he had projected just seconds prior.


    However, the moment he noticed Anastasia watching him, his expression softened. The exasperation faded, replaced by something calm¡ªreassuring. A silent promise reflected in his gaze.


    ¡¯Don¡¯t worry, you are safe.¡¯


    It was the same reassurance he always gave her...


    And deep down... she appreciated him for it.


    Truly, she did.


    His unwavering support, his quiet strength¡ªit was a comfort beyond words.


    And because of that... the nagging irritation that had been tugging at her since Vivian¡¯s arrival slowly unraveled, replaced by something firmer. Something more certain.


    Yes... she was the lord of this land. She could not afford to be shaken.


    With a steadier grip on herself, Anastasia faced the female adventurer once more.


    But this time, there was no lingering resentment. No misplaced frustration.


    Instead, she held herself with the composed authority befitting a noble... nay, a lord of a region.


    "Miss Vivian," Anastasia spoke, her tone even. "I must apologize."


    "...Huh?"


    That, of all things, seemed to catch the assassin off guard. Her grin twitched, her brows raising slightly.


    "Wait, really? For what, my lord?"


    "For revealing your secondary profession in such a manner," Anastasia stated, watching Vivian¡¯s expression closely. "It was not my place to do so, and I admit¡ªit was rather brazen of me."


    A beat of silence. Then¡ª


    "Oh~? No problem~."


    "W-what...?" Anastasia blinked, taken aback by how effortlessly and nonchalantly the female adventurer had brushed it off. "A-are you sure...?"


    "Ahaha~, no harm done, my lord~," Vivian dismissed the unexpected apology with the same carefree attitude, seeming as if the matter was of little-to-no concern to her.


    And Anastasia could only weakly nod to her, somewhat glad but also perplexed by how easily the assassin dismissed the matter, as if it truly did not bother her in the slightest.


    "I-I see..."


    However, there was an unmistakable glint of curiosity in Vivian¡¯s eyes. "Though I do wonder¡ªjust where did you hear about me and my secret life, oh Lord Anastasia?"


    "H-huh?" The lord herself flinched slightly, startled by the sudden shift. "W-well, I heard it from... Sebas."


    "Ah¡ªso from Sebastian, huh?" The female adventurer immediately turned her attention to the butler, a playful pout forming on her lips. "Spreading a woman¡¯s secrets, are we? How cruel~."


    Sebas, in turn, merely sighed, his expression flat with mild exasperation as he gave a light shrug.


    "I was simply informing my master of any potential threats," he stated matter-of-factly. "Nothing more, nothing less."


    Vivian puffed up her cheeks in exaggerated offense, her pout deepening. "How rude, Sebastian. You make it sound like I¡¯m some kind of dangerous woman."


    Both Sebas and Anastasia stared at her, deadpan.


    "..."


    "..."


    Neither of them could tell if she was being serious or just messing with them again.


    But, surprisingly, Vivian¡¯s expression shifted. While still playful, her demeanor turned more... reassuring and friendly.


    "Well, just so you know, I don¡¯t have any intention of targeting you, my lord. Nor any of your precious subjects, for that matter~," she admitted, leaning back on the cloth bed casually. "I know, I know, I can be a bit much sometimes, but... I do have a line I won¡¯t cross, you know."


    Anastasia blinked, caught slightly off guard.


    She hadn¡¯t expected those words coming from her...


    "...Also," Vivian muttered lightly, rubbing the back of her neck with an almost sheepish air, "I suppose I should apologize for some of the things I said last night. I might¡¯ve been a little... harsh."


    For a moment, Anastasia could only stare.


    Vivian¡¯s usual playfulness had softened¡ªjust a little. Not quite serious, not quite teasing. But still, there was something oddly sincere in the way she spoke.


    Anastasia hesitated, not knowing how to react.


    "...I see," she finally murmured, somewhat perplexed, but also... glad. A feeling of relief to know that the woman in front of her actually meant no harm.


    But before she could dwell on it, Vivian tilted her head, shifting the conversation entirely.


    "ALTHOUGH, I¡¯m still wondering¡ªwhy are you even here?"


    "H-huh?"


    "I mean, come on, the esteemed eldest daughter of Duke Rosavich? And the fianc¨¦e of the Crown Prince to boot? You must¡¯ve done something real bad to get exiled here, huh?"


    Anastasia stiffened.


    The question was so casual¡ªso offhanded¡ªbut it struck her like a bolt to the chest.


    Vivian... didn¡¯t know?


    It should¡¯ve been common knowledge. Her crime. Her disgrace. Her sin. The reason why she was cast aside and sent to this wretched land.


    ¡¯So... why...?¡¯


    Anastasia¡¯s hands curled slightly, an uneasy feeling creeping into her chest.


    But before she could respond¡ª


    "Actually, this is a matter of concern of mine as well," Sebas interjected, his calm voice breaking through the growing tension.


    Both Anastasia and Vivian turned to him, surprised. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The butler regarded them both with his usual composed expression... though there was a certain weight behind his words.


    "Later, I would like to clarify as much as possible regarding this matter," he continued. "For the sake of my employment under Lady Anastasia, I must ensure there are no more... misunderstandings, alright?"


    A brief silence followed.


    But it was broken by Vivian, who let out a low whistle in amusement. "I¡¯m sensing some juicy scandal~."


    Anastasia, however, could only swallow, the unease lingering at the back of her mind.


    Just... how much of this truth was Sebas planning to uncover?


    And more importantly¡ª


    Would she be ready to face it?

 Chapter 92 92: 20th Days (4) | Time of Many Revelations (1)

    The sun was slowly sinking into the horizon, casting long shadows over the walled region.


    But... its golden light revealed the result of the hard labor that had gone into restoring the land¡ªeffort poured by its denizens, or more accurately, by the cleaning crew who had worked themselves to exhaustion.


    The deep scars left by yesterday''s deadly bout¡ªthe shattered ground, scattered debris, and gaping holes¡ªhad all been patched up.


    Loose stones and rubble had been cleared away, and the uneven land had been flattened once more.


    Though traces of destruction still remained... the area was no longer the chaotic battlefield it had been just a day prior.


    Then... what about the ruined lodge house? It had been the starting point of the chaos, left in complete shambles...


    But now, it had been mostly cleaned up.


    Whatever could still be salvaged was carefully set aside¡ªplanks of wood, sturdy beams, anything that might be useful for rebuilding later.


    Some furniture had also been rescued from the wreckage¡ªbeds, tables, chairs that hadn''t been completely destroyed. Especially the beds¡ªof all things inside, those were the most valuable.


    "Phew... good thing these beds are practically untouched~," Sebas remarked cheerfully, balancing a stack of them effortlessly on top of his head as he carried them out of the wreckage.


    And standing nearby were Anastasia and Martha. The two of them remained quiet for a moment, simply taking in the sight of a land that, while not fully restored, was at least no longer in shambles.


    But then their attention shifted to the butler of theirs, with Anastasia greeting him with a soft smile.


    "Ah, Sir Sebas, good work," the redheaded mistress acknowledged with a nod. "Is everything that can be saved accounted for?"


    He gave a simple thumbs-up, a confident smile gracing his face. "Yup. All wrapped up, my lady~!"


    However, not everyone was as pleased as the butler¡­


    "Sigh... so annoying..."


    With a tired sigh, another figure approached them¡­


    And it was none other than the Sonic Thief, Vivi.


    Dressed in a work outfit¡ªan orange one lent to her by Bella¡ªshe dragged her feet across the dirt, a shovel slung lazily over her shoulder¡­


    Yet, despite all the labor, there wasn''t a single trace of fatigue or sweat on the thief. What she was feeling right now was¡­ boredom and frustration.


    Sebas greeted the frowning adventurer-turned-temp-worker with an amused smile.


    "Good work, Vivian."


    Vivian shot a glare at the butler, clearly unamused by the forced labor she had been roped into.


    "You¡­" her frown deepened into a pout. "I am a delicate woman, you know. Should I really be doing such menial labor?"


    Sebas scoffed at her excuse.


    "A delicate woman, huh?"


    Martha interjected, giving the troublesome thief a pointed look. "If you''re so delicate, then maybe you shouldn''t have caused this mess in the first place¡ª"


    "Huh?"


    "¡ª!"


    However, the Sonic Thief suddenly threw a sharp glare¡ªa cold, piercing one that sent a shiver down Martha''s spine¡ª!


    The knight instinctively tensed, a jolt of caution running through her. She almost forgot... This woman wasn''t just some nuisance. She was still an S-Rank adventurer¡ªa level far beyond Martha''s own merit¡ª!


    Out of (knight) survival instinct, Martha immediately went for her sword on her hip¡ª


    "Vivian..."


    But a simple disapproving look from the butler was enough to snap the thief out of it, her murderous glare subsiding instantly.


    "Hmmph!"


    And instead, she opted for another pout at Sebas.


    On the other hand, Martha let go of the breath she had been holding¡ªrelieved, yet frustrated by the fact that she had been intimidated by this woman... feeling the irony that a knight of her caliber would get overwhelmed by a thief, of all people...


    Sebas himself then turned his attention back to Anastasia, a more sincere expression for the redheaded mistress of his.


    "So... was this satisfactory, Lady Ana?" he inquired, gesturing his head toward the cleaned-up land of hers.


    Anastasia took one last look at the cleaned-up area that was her region before offering a small smile for her butler.


    "Yes¡­ it''s more than enough." Then, glancing at the others, she added with a sincere voice, "Thank you all for your hard work... and even you too, Miss Vivi."


    Vivi only huffed, looking away, though the corners of her lips twitched¡ªwhether in irritation or reluctant amusement was hard to tell.


    And before anything else could be said, a voice called out from a distance.


    "E-everyone! D-dinner is almost ready...!"


    It was Bella, waving from the firepit in the center of the region.


    Anastasia folded her arms, her gaze settling briefly on Sebas. "Hmm¡­ let''s get our fill for dinner first¡­ and after that, we will begin our ''talk.''"


    Her eyes lingered on him for a moment¡ªsubtle, yet pointed.


    "Yes, my lady," both Sebas and Martha responded in unison, giving a respectful nod.


    "Yeah, yeah," Vivi muttered, rolling her shoulders as she lazily trailed behind.


    And with that, the group made their way back¡ªthe promise of food a welcome reward for their exhaustion.


    < | X | >


    By the time dinner had ended, night had fully settled over the walled region, swallowing it in darkness...


    The only source of light against the abyss was the lone firepit at the center, casting flickering shadows over the four denizens and the lone adventurer seated around it.


    It was the same spot where they had gathered for dinner¡­ and the only place where they could truly hold a discussion.


    Had the lodge house not been destroyed, it would have served as the intended gathering place for moments like this.


    But... this firepit itself was more than enough...


    In fact, it might even hold a stronger meaning for the very topic they were about to discuss¡­


    And now¡­ it was time.


    All eyes turned to the butler, who wore a rare, serious expression... S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sebas... no, Sebastian exhaled as his gaze swept over the four women seated around the firepit, taking in their tense expressions...


    Except for Vivian, who remained as nonchalant as ever.


    "...Let''s start with the obvious," he said, his tone measured. "I''m... Sebastian, an S-Rank adventurer."

 Chapter 93 93: 20th Days (5) | Time of Many Revelations (2)

    Silence¡­


    Everyone had kept their silence...


    No one had spoken a word upon hearing the butler''s simple yet staggering declaration.


    And yet¡­ none of their expressions had changed.


    Sebas blinked. His brow rose ever so slightly.


    "Uh¡­ ladies?" He looked around at them, expecting at least some kind of reaction. But¡­ nothing. Not even a flinch. Just the same expressions as before.


    Well, except for Vivian, his fellow S-Rank adventurer, who merely shrugged, clearly unbothered by the whole revelation.


    Now that he thought about it¡­ was it really that surprising?


    He had never hidden his prowess, after all. His sheer strength, his abilities, his unnatural feats to boot¡ªthey had all seen them firsthand.


    Well... it was only natural that they wouldn''t be too shocked by this reveal¡ª


    "YOU''RE AN ADVENTURER, SIR SEBAS?!"


    Sebas flinched, genuinely startled by the sudden outburst¡ª!


    His head snapped toward the source of the commotion, and it was the maid Bella, who sat there, wide-eyed, mouth agape in sheer astonishment...!


    The sheer suddenness of her exclamation actually caught him off guard...


    "¡­Yeah," he answered slowly, still recovering from the unexpected outburst. "That''s what I just said, Miss Maid. I was an adventurer. And technically, I still am one¡ª"


    "ALPHA KNIGHT SEBASTIAN?!"


    "¡ª!?"


    This time, everyone flinched¡ª!


    All eyes snapped toward the source of the exclamation.


    Martha.


    The knight had practically shot to her feet, staring at Sebas in outright shock¡­!


    Anastasia and Bella both turned to her, their expressions mirroring her own disbelief.


    Even Vivi let out a small chuckle, clearly entertained.


    "¡­Huh," was all Sebas could muster, momentarily caught off guard by the sheer intensity of her reaction.


    Anastasia furrowed her brows, glancing at her knight in confusion. "M-Martha¡­ do you perhaps know Sir Sebastian as an adventurer?"


    "I¡ª" Martha faltered, still struggling to process what she was seeing. Her stunned gaze remained locked onto Sebas, as if confirming the impossible truth...!


    "You¡­ you''re Alpha Knight Sebastian...?! THE Alpha Knight...?!" she breathed. "The man they call the strongest adventurer in history? The winner of the Florentia Martial Arts Tournament¡ªwho defeated a hundred warriors singlehandedly in a row!?!"


    Bella audibly gasped, Anastasia''s eyes widened¡ªall from hearing the feat that their Sir Sebas had seemingly accomplished.


    But Martha wasn''t finished... no, her voice still carried an almost reverent disbelief as she continued¡ª S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You''re the same Alpha Knight who singlehandedly hunted down the Alpha Wolf Fenrir¡ªthe monstrous beast that had terrorized Florentia for decades...?!"


    "T-T-The Alpha Wolf F-F-Fenrir¡­!?!" Bella''s breath hitched as she clutched her chest. "T-T-That was you, Sir Sebas...?!?"


    And then the mistress, Anastasia¡ªshe too... looked visibly shaken.


    "Fenrir...! That creature was practically an urban disaster," she murmured, still trying to wrap her head around the revelation. "It would disappear for years, only to resurface out of nowhere¡ªrazing villages, destroying farmlands, and even slaughtering many of the kingdom''s knights...!"


    "I-I-I also remember hearing that someone had finally slain it too, my lady...!" Bella added, her wide eyes flickering between Sebas and Martha. "B-But... I never would''ve thought¡­ it was you, Sir Sebas...!"


    Martha exhaled sharply, still staring at him as if he were a phantom.


    "Y-You... you didn''t just slay a mere monster," she muttered, almost to herself. "You ended a calamity...!"


    For a brief moment, a heavy silence settled between them. The weight of his deeds¡ªones that had once been nothing more than stories to them¡ªnow felt real.


    Sebas himself... just shrugged, not quite sure whether he should welcome or be weirded out by apparently being praised so fervently by these three.


    "Well¡­ I''m not really sure if that''s something worth bragging about or anything, but yeah, I did kill that wolf."


    "...!"


    His simple response sent a shiver through the three ladies, their expressions flickering between awe and disbelief.


    "Wow, you gals really didn''t know that this guy is Sebastian?" Vivian chimed in, somewhat amused by their complete lack of awareness regarding Sebas''s identity and feats.


    Sebas, though, on the other hand, had an amused expression toward Martha.


    "W-Wha...?" The female knight stammered, somewhat flustered by his knowing smirk.


    "¡­So, let me get this straight," he began, eyes glinting with amusement. "You just now realized I''m the Alpha Knight Sebastian¡­ even though my name is literally Sebas-tian?"


    "H-Huh¡ª?" Martha stiffened, before her face flustered in embarrassment. "I¡ªI wasn''t thinking about that!"


    "Did you now?"


    "W-Well, I had other things to worry about, you know! And besides¡­!" She huffed, folding her arms. "The Alpha Knight Sebastian was always covered in full armor! No one''s ever seen his¡ªyour face before! So, of course, I wouldn''t know!"


    The Alpha Knight himself couldn''t help but let out a small chuckle at her reaction.


    "Well, fair enough," he shook his head in mild amusement. "But let''s move on to another important matter regarding my identity."


    His tone shifted, the weight of the conversation returning as he addressed them once more. The three ladies'' expressions turned serious, preparing themselves for yet another revelation to come...


    "We are continuing with another obvious one... and that is¡ªI was hired by a certain noble to serve as Lady Anastasia''s butler in this new territory." His gaze flicked toward Anastasia herself... with a knowing look. "...And, let''s be honest here¡ªit''s pretty clear who that noble was."


    Silence fell upon the group once more, but... it was a silence of understanding that passed between them.


    And Anastasia... lowered her gaze slightly, a complex mix of emotions stirring within her once more.


    There was no need to say the name aloud.


    That noble... was none other than the Duke of Rosavich.


    Her father...


    A nobleman who had always carried himself with pride, who had always upheld his family''s honor.


    And now¡­ here was undeniable proof...


    A proof that he had supported her¡ªeven after everything. Even after she had brought nothing but disgrace to the household she had once held in such high regard¡­


    Her hands clenched slightly in her lap, her eyes darkening with... shame.


    "¡­I see," she murmured softly, unable to look up at the very butler who now stood as a symbol of her father''s... love.


    The flames flickered, casting shifting shadows over her solemn expression¡ªnot just hers, but even those of the others, who now felt the weight of this revelation¡­ one that had been the most obvious of all.


    Sebas remained quiet, giving her time to process this undeniable truth¡­


    Before he would bring forth yet another truth¡ªone that might shake her very being.

 Chapter 94 94: 20th Days (6) | Time of Many Revelations (3) [UPDATED]

    As the firepit crackled softly, embers flickered¡ªdancing through the air and casting light on the faces of those present¡­ revealing the tension written across them.


    A heavy silence still lingered¡­ filled with unspoken thoughts and emotions.


    The butler''s gaze remained on his mistress''s downcast expression¡­ and despite everything, he couldn''t help but feel a tinge of pity for the young noblewoman.


    However, he would have to pour more rain on her already struggling emotions.


    "Alright, ladies." Sebas''s voice cut through the hush, drawing all eyes back to him. "Now that we''ve got that out of the way, let''s move on to the next topic¡ªmy actual role here."


    "Y-your actual role?" Bella asked, voicing the question that lingered in both Anastasia''s and Martha''s minds. "U-uhm, a-aren''t you our head butler, S-Sir Sebas¡­?"


    "Well, I am. I''m indeed Lady Anastasia''s Head Butler¡­ however, that is only a partial truth."


    "W-what are you trying to say, Sir Butler¡­?" Martha furrowed her brows, confused by his somewhat cryptic answer.


    "I''m¡­ many things all at once," he began, closing his eyes in brief contemplation. "I''m a butler, an extra bodyguard, and I''m also here to assist Lady Anastasia with whatever troubles her. But to put it simply¡­ I''m here to keep an eye on Lady Anastasia."


    "Huh? Then isn''t that just the basic gist of being a butler itself?" Martha questioned, her expression skeptical.


    She still didn''t understand where he was going with this¡­ and that sentiment was shared by both Bella and, most of all, Anastasia¡ªthe one directly in question.


    "...Indeed, it is the same, but¡ª" He opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as he locked onto them. "I am the Head Butler and Lady Anastasia''s personal butler¡­ and my true purpose is to help her prepare."


    His words fell heavily upon them, a sudden weight pressing down on the room.


    "P-prepare¡­?" Anastasia finally broke her silence, her voice barely above a whisper. "F-for what, Sir Sebas?"


    Sebas did not answer immediately. Instead, his sharp gaze remained fixed on her, startling the young noblewoman.


    "Tell me, Lady Anastasia," he spoke at last, his tone calm¡­ yet deliberate. "Do you actually know the purpose behind this ''Grand Task'' of yours?"


    Anastasia stiffened. A flicker of hesitation crossed her face for just a moment¡­


    But she straightened her posture, steeling herself, donning the same determined expression she had shown him before.


    "This Grand Task," she began, carefully choosing her words, "was given to me as punishment. A way to atone for my sins¡­ and with it, to prove my loyalty to the Kingdom of Florentia."


    Her voice held conviction¡ªthe same conviction she had displayed before¡­


    But Sebas could hear the slight waver beneath it.


    He hummed at her answer.


    "I see¡­ That is quite the noble mindset, my lady." A small smile tugged at his lips. "It reminds me of what you said yesterday¡­ along with how much you love your homeland."


    Anastasia''s lips parted slightly, caught off guard by the remark.


    "And I respect that," he continued, his voice firm. "I fully intend to support you in this endeavor."


    She was taken aback by his conviction¡ªthe same unwavering stance he had shown before¡ªand she truly appreciated it¡­


    But before she could voice her gratitude¡­


    His expression shifted. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Gone was his usual casual demeanor. In its place, a piercing gaze bore straight into her¡ª!


    "¡­But tell me, Lady Anastasia," he continued, his voice slow, heavy¡ªalmost suffocating, "do you truly believe that''s all there is to this?"


    "¡ª!"


    Anastasia inhaled sharply¡ªstartled and shaken. However, as she gathered herself, a brief second of composure that allowed her grasp what he was implying¡­


    Realization struck her and came along with it another heavy truth that she had been so desperate to pushed away.


    And Anastasia... lowered her gaze, as if unable to meet his eyes. Her hands clenched slightly in her lap.


    "M-my lady¡­!"


    Martha, seeing this, immediately stepped in.


    "S-Sir Sebas, what are you implying here?! Of course she does!" the knight retorted, her voice sharp with conviction. "This is a mission given by the kingdom¡ªan official decree! What reason do you have to doubt it?"


    And then¡­ Bella, despite the nervous tremor in her voice, quickly followed suit¡ª!


    "I-indeed¡­! W-what is there to doubt about Lady Anastasia''s words, S-Sir Sebas?!" the maid pleaded, manifesting her bravery despite the growing unease curling in her stomach. "I-it may be difficult, but this is Lady Anastasia''s duty! And we, as her aides, will stand by her no matter what¡­!"


    However, Sebas merely shifted his gaze toward the two¡­ with the same piercing eyes that had just moments ago pinned their mistress in place.


    "¡­And you both believe that?"


    Martha and Bella stiffened; caught off guard by the weight of his words¡ªso simple, yet impossible to answer outright.


    That moment of hesitation¡­ was all the answer he needed.


    "Then let me ask you instead," he continued, his voice calm yet unwavering. "Do you truly believe this Grand Task is nothing more than a simple punishment chore?"


    Silence.


    Martha''s jaw clenched. Bella fidgeted, her hands tightening at her sides, her gaze desperately avoiding Sebas''s piercing stare¡ªthe one that demanded the truth from them both.


    However, they couldn''t say it.


    They already knew it.


    But they just couldn''t bring themselves to admit it.


    "¡­Hah." A small chuckle escaped from the side.


    It was Vivian, a sly smirk tugging at her lips as she shook her head.


    "Well, aren''t you two just the most loyal fools," she mused. "Blindly following a suicidal brat into the depths of hell itself. How admirable¡­ but frankly, really stupid."


    Both Martha and Bella snapped their heads toward her, their glares locking onto the female adventurer¡ª!


    "You¡ª!" Martha started, her voice rising¡ª


    But Vivian merely raised a hand, cutting her off with a lazy flick of her fingers.


    "Oh, don''t get me wrong," she added, waving a finger in their direction, her tone as casual as ever. "I''m not mocking your loyalty."


    Her words only deepened the confusion in Anastasia''s two aides.


    And yet, the Sonic Thief laid out the cold, hard truth for them.


    "I''m just saying¡­ none of you would''ve survived a single day in this godforsaken land¡ªat least, not without Sebas holding your hands."


    Vivian''s words hit their mark.


    Martha''s expression tightened. Bella looked away, shame flickering in her eyes... and their mistress, Anastasia... her breath hitched for a moment.


    Because¡­ she wasn''t wrong.


    "Sigh..." Sebas exhaled, rubbing his temple. "Vivian."


    "What?" She shrugged, completely unbothered. "I''m just stating the obvious."


    Sebas shook his head at her. But even so¡­ he did not deny her.


    "Well¡­ I can''t say I completely disagree with her."


    His gaze flickered toward the three, their silence speaking louder than any protest.


    "Vivian might be laying it a bit harsh on you ladies, but..." Sebas exhaled for a moment, rubbing the bridge of his nose in a growing headache... before he cast his gaze back at them, firm and unyielding. "She''s not exactly wrong here."

 Chapter 95 95: 20th Days (7) | Time of Many Revelations (4)

    Not just Martha and Bella, but even Anastasia froze at his words¡ªher breath hitching as her head finally lifted to meet his gaze.


    Because what he said next¡­ would shatter whatever illusions they had left.


    "¡­Because the truth is¡ªthis wasn''t just a punishment." His gaze settled on Anastasia, unwavering.


    "This place¡ªthis so-called Grand Task of yours, my lady¡­ you were sent here to die."


    "¡ª!"


    They all instantly stiffened, their bodies going rigid as the weight of his words settled upon them like a crushing boulder.


    And then... silence.


    A deep, suffocating silence.


    The three of them were frozen in place, unable to react¡ªunable to even breathe.


    Because the truth they had all tried so desperately to ignore... had just been spoken aloud.


    Laid bare by the butler''s unflinching words.


    Anastasia''s hands clenched tightly in her lap, her knuckles slowly turning white. Her lips parted slightly as if to speak¡ªbut no words would come out.


    No denial. No protest. Because... she couldn''t.


    She couldn''t refute this truth.


    Neither could Martha. Neither could Bella.


    Because this was the reality of their situation.


    And deep down, they had always known it.


    They''d tried to hide it away for so long... but now the butler had finally broken that fragile illusion.


    "...No reaction, huh...?" Sebas''s voice broke the heavy silence, his gaze sweeping over them... with a look of pity. "Well... I suppose that means you all understand exactly what I mean."


    Martha could only grit her teeth in deep frustration, the feeling of weakness once again crawling back into her as she turned away¡ªnot just from the piercing eyes of the butler, but also from her mistress. To look her in the eye now... would be unbearable.


    Bella''s own two hands trembled in her lap, fingers digging into the fabric of her maid''s skirt... not just because of the truth itself, but because of the creeping dread that slithered up her spine¡ªthe dread she had tried so hard to mask with false bravado.


    And then... there was Anastasia. Her gaze lowered, her chest tightening with every passing second... a feeling of helplessness welling within her, threatening to swallow her whole.


    But again... none of them were able to speak up against this.


    And so... Sebas continued.


    "This so-called ''Grand Task''¡ªthis noble mission of atonement¡ªis nothing more than an old tradition. A convenient way for the kingdom to dispose of political nuisances," he stated, his voice level, unwavering. "It has been used time and time again... to rid themselves of those they deem... troublesome."


    He held out his hand, counting his fingers with each example.


    "Minor nobles, influential figures, even members of major noble houses¡ªthose who have outlived their usefulness or posed a potential threat to the Crown. All of them... were sent here to ''prove their worth''¡ªto ''prove their loyalty to the kingdom'' in lands where survival is little more than a cruel joke."


    His words cut deep, slicing through whatever feeble hope they might have held onto.


    Anastasia''s breath was shallow, unsteady. Martha''s fists trembled at her sides. Bella swallowed hard, gripping her own wrist as if it was the only thing keeping her grounded.


    And then¡ª


    A whistle.


    Low, drawn-out, laced with mild amusement.


    It was Vivian.


    "Well, well... You sure know a lot about this shady crap, don''tcha, Sebastian~?" The Sonic Thief smirked, resting her elbow on her knee as she shot Sebas a knowing look.


    Sebas only raised an eyebrow at the smirking Vivian, while the three silent women barely reacted¡ªstill reeling from the weight of the butler''s words.


    But Vivian? She only chuckled in amusement, shaking her head.


    "...I''m just repeating what I''ve heard before, Vivian," Sebastian said evenly, his tone unreadable.


    "Do you, now?" She shot him a look of amused doubt, her lips curling slightly. However, her eyes glimmered with something else¡ªcuriosity, perhaps. "Y''know, I did ask you once before what you thought about the Crown... and as I recall, you said that you couldn''t care less~."


    Sebas... didn''t respond, maintaining his usual impassive expression at Vivian''s teasing grin.


    "And not just that¡ª" she continued, grinning from ear to ear, "¡ªI also vividly remember that one time, Sebastian~."


    "That one time?"


    "You don''t remember? Well, I don''t blame you if you don''t, seeing that it was probably not that important to you... but," Vivian tilted her head slightly, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips, "I saw it firsthand¡ªwhen the Crown invited you to some big fancy banquet after you took down that Alpha Wolf Fenrir~."


    "...Oh, yeah. That one."


    "Glad you remember~. Though... what was it again?" She tapped her chin, feigning deep thought before snapping her fingers. "Oh, right! You told the Crown''s envoy to ''fuck off~''!" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She burst into laughter, clearly enjoying the memory.


    Sebas... only sighed, running a hand down his face. "I''m pretty sure I didn''t give them the bird."


    "But you did give them the meanest glare known to man!" Vivian shot back, still laughing. "Hah! You should''ve seen those poor sops pissing their pants! Just one look from you and they nearly dropped dead from sheer terror! Hahaha!"


    Sebas could only sigh again, rubbing his temple.


    Vivian''s laughter continued to hum in the air, a constant background noise that refused to fade. However, the air around them all was still thick with the weight of everything that had been said by the butler.


    The butler himself exhaled quietly... his gaze shifting back to Anastasia and her two aides.


    "Sigh... putting aside where I learned all this, the real question..." Sebas finally spoke again, his voice calm... yet pointed. "If this ''Grand Task'' is nothing more than a convenient way to get rid of nuisances... why doesn''t the public even know you were sent here at all?"


    Anastasia''s breath caught. Her fingers twitched slightly before curling into the fabric of her dress.


    "What...?"


    Her heart pounded in her chest, her eyes widening as she snapped her gaze to Sebas.


    "The only thing that people know... is that you went missing," he continued, his gaze steady. "Which means... the Crown made sure they never heard the truth."


    The weight of his words pressed down on her like a stone in her chest. She had assumed¡ªno, she had resigned herself to the fact that the world saw her as an exile. A fallen noble meant to atone. But this... this was something else entirely.


    "You''re saying... they never even announced my exile...?"


    Sebas... simply nodded his head, before meeting her gaze again, unflinching.


    "Now tell me, my lady... why do you think that is?"

 Chapter 96 96: 20th Days (8) | Time of Many Revelations (5)

    A heavy silence stretched between them.


    Anastasia could barely register¡ªlet alone hear¡ªthe last question her butler had thrown at her. Her mind was still struggling to process the weight of what he had uttered before that.


    She didn''t understand.


    She didn''t know why.


    Had the Kingdom failed to announce her exile...?


    Or had they never announced it in the first place...?


    But that was not all.


    The sheer notion that no one even knew where she had gone...


    "W-what are you saying, Sir Sebas...?" Her voice wavered, barely above a whisper, as her throat tightened. "A-are you saying that¡ªThat no one knows...?"


    It was as if her existence had been erased.


    She turned to face him, eyes wide with disbelief.


    It didn''t make sense.


    Nothing made sense.


    Even if the Crown had chosen to keep her exile a secret¡ª


    Her crime¡ª


    Her sin¡ª


    It should have been known by everyone in the kingdom...!


    Her sin should have been a public disgrace, something etched into history books for generations to come.


    Everyone should have known how her hands had been bathed in blood.


    And it should have only been a matter of time before the entire kingdom sought her death in retribution for her crime.


    And yet¡ª


    "Sir Sebas¡ª!"


    Bella''s voice broke through Anastasia''s spiraling thoughts.


    The maid''s face was pale, her hands wringing nervously¡ªalmost as if trying to grasp onto something solid, something that made sense. But even so, she stepped forward toward the butler.


    "That...! ...That can''t be right, can it...? H-How could no one know? The ''Grand Task'' is a matter of public record, isn''t it? Lady Anastasia being sent here¡ªto the Garden of Hell¡ªshould have been known by everyone¡ª!"


    She stopped, hesitation flickering in her eyes. Her mind raced, fumbling for some kind of logical reasoning behind this¡ªanything that could explain it.


    But then, a certain memory surfaced in her mind¡ª!


    "That''s it...! S-Sir Sebas! There must be something wrong! I know that¡ª! W-w-when we crossed the border from Florentia to the Garden of Hell, the guards¡ª"


    But she faltered.


    The mere recollection of that moment¡ªthe sheer weight of the dread and malice she had felt¡ªstopped her dead in her tracks.


    However, when she looked at her mistress''s face¡ªshe could see it.


    The same realization was evident in Lady Anastasia''s expression.


    "Those guards... they called my lady a traitor... they spat curses at her... and they told her to die..." The maid''s voice grew quieter, as if speaking the words aloud made them more real. More cruel words had been thrown at her mistress¡ªwords that she had tried to push away in her mind.


    But now...


    She clenched her fists, her gaze sharpening as she turned back to the butler.


    "If¡ª! ...If no one knew, t-then how did they...?"


    Anastasia herself stiffened slightly, recalling that memory with vivid detail.


    At the time, she had expected the venomous words from the border guards. They had hardly fazed her.


    But now...


    Sebas sighed, as if anticipating the question.


    "That is how it has always been." His voice was steady¡ªmatter-of-fact, even. "The so-called ''Grand Task''¡ªI''ve told you before. It''s an old ''tradition'' of the Crown, one that has lasted for decades... and it has always been synonymous with treason."


    His gaze swept over them¡ªcalm yet unwavering, carrying an unspoken expectation that they would finally accept this bitter truth of his.


    "Guilt or innocence never really mattered to them. Once someone was sent to partake in the ''Grand Task,'' they were branded as traitors."


    His eyes flickered toward the distance¡ªtoward the towering border wall that loomed over Anastasia''s lands, a grim reminder of her exile.


    "The border guards didn''t know the details of our mistress''s case. But to them, it didn''t matter. They saw an exile¡ªone they assumed had committed some great crime against the Crown. And that was enough."


    His voice dipped, carrying a somber weight. "Enough to curse her name. Enough to see her as someone who was no longer welcome in the kingdom."


    Hearing this, Bella''s expression wavered.


    "But... but that means..."


    "It means their words held no true knowledge¡ªonly assumption," Sebas finished for her.


    A heavy silence followed.


    Bella pressed her lips together, uncertain.


    The head butler''s explanation finally made sense to her. And to a certain extent, even to the others...


    But it did not ease the tension.


    Nor did it dispel the lingering confusion gnawing at everyone present.


    And now...


    Martha¡ªthe ever-loyal knight¡ªfurrowed her brows, her expression dark with something caught between unease, frustration, and... denial.


    "No... that still doesn''t make sense," she muttered, voice tight. "This isn''t just some simple treason...! This is different! The entire kingdom should have known! After all¡ª!"


    Her breath hitched.


    "This is about how Lady Anastasia¡ªkilled the Crown Prince¡ª"


    The words fell like a blade between them.


    Martha''s eyes widened in horror, realization crashing into her the moment it left her lips¡ª!


    Bella gasped, hands flying to her mouth¡ªnot because she hadn''t known, but because Martha had dared to say it aloud.


    The unspoken taboo.


    The weight of Anastasia''s true crime.


    And as that taboo was shattered, the air around them grew thick¡ªheavy with an unnamable pressure, a suffocating stillness that threatened to swallow them whole¡ª


    And, of course, all eyes naturally shifted to Anastasia.


    She felt them.


    The stares pressing against her skin, like daggers poised to carve her apart.


    Her own crime¡ªher own sin¡ªhad been laid bare.


    Her gaze dropped to the floor, her expression darkening. She didn''t speak, but the way her hands clenched, the way her shoulders tensed, spoke volumes.


    And her knight¡ªher ever-loyal knight¡ªregretted it.


    Deeply.


    "I¡ªM-my lady¡ª!" Martha choked out, her voice a desperate whisper. "I... forgive me. I spoke out of turn¡ª"


    "EH?! SHE KILLED THE CROWN PRINCE?!"


    Vivian''s voice rang out, shattering the tension like glass!


    The Sonic Thief stared at the redhead, slack-jawed!


    Her shock was pure¡ªgenuine!


    Her eyes darted between everyone present around the fire pit, searching for some kind of confirmation! And finally, they landed on the butler with an unreadable expression.


    "You''re telling me this brat actually killed royalty?!" Vivian blurted out, her voice laced with disbelief. "And not to mention, it''s her own fianc¨¦ to boot?! The DAMN Crown Prince himself?!?" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sebas... could only let out a sigh¡ªanother headache threatening to split his head apart.


    "Yeah... she did," the butler admitted, his tone carrying both exhaustion and finality. "She killed the Crown Prince, and that''s why she got into this whole mess to begin with."


    And then his gaze shifted toward the other three, who were still frozen in their stunned state.


    "Well, as you can see..." He gestured toward the surprised Vivian. "Even our guest of honor here had no knowledge of this crime. And given her... ''second profession'' in the underground society, one would expect her to have caught wind of such a scandal."


    "Oi~! Sebastian~! Don''t go around telling a woman''s secret so casually~!" Vivian threw a pout at him, but Sebas chose to ignore it.


    But what was more important was the implication behind this ''second profession'' of the Sonic Thief... the Sonic Assassin.


    Which meant¡ª


    Even the underworld hadn''t heard of it.


    The realization sent a chill through everyone.


    They had been so focused on Anastasia''s exile, her crime, her punishment¡ªbut they had never questioned the lack of information surrounding it.


    Even now, Anastasia could barely process it.


    She had assumed¡ªno, accepted¡ªthat the kingdom saw her as a fallen noble.


    A sinner sent to atone.


    But if no one even knew she had been exiled...


    If no one even knew what her sin was...


    Then the truth had been buried so deeply that not even rumors had escaped...!


    But... that brought another question...


    A crucial question¡ª


    What had the Crown been trying to hide?


    And why...?


    Anastasia''s fingers tightened, clutching the fabric of her work clothes, still stained from the cleanup earlier this morning.


    She... and her two aides... they had known nothing.


    Especially Martha¡ªthe knight was scowling, frustration welling inside her as more questions plagued her mind.


    "Oi... Sir Butler, what is the meaning of all this...?" She demanded, her tone sharp with impatience. "If you know the answer already, then spit it out¡ª"


    "Nope, I will not reveal it," he interrupted smoothly, not even sparing her a glance. "This is something Lady Anastasia must come to understand on her own."


    Martha grit her teeth, but she fell silent.


    And everyone followed suit.


    All eyes turned back to Anastasia.


    She swallowed hard, turning her gaze to the flickering flames in the fireplace. Her mind raced, piecing together everything she had heard, everything she had learned.


    No announcement. No exile. No crime. No rumors.


    Why? Just... why?


    The answer gnawed at the edges of her thoughts, slipping just out of reach.


    But then¡ª


    Her breath hitched. Realization finally hit her¡ª!


    But... it was a single, dreadful thought that had slithered into her mind.


    "A coup."


    Silence.


    Sebas''s gaze didn''t waver.


    Then, with quiet certainty, he nodded.


    "Correct." His voice was solemn. "A coup transpired within the Crown."

 Chapter 97 97: 20th Days (9) | Time of Many Revelations (6)

    Anastasia''s breath hitched¡ª! Her eyes widened¡ªnot just in shock, but in sheer disbelief.


    A coup...?


    That single word rang in her ears... echoing through her mind.


    It was absurd.


    Ridiculous, even.


    And yet... she was the one who had spoken it into existence.


    And her own butler had confirmed her words without hesitation.


    Those around them were just as equally bewildered¡ªperhaps even more so.


    Her two loyal aides, Martha and Bella, both stood frozen, eyes wide, mouths agape as if their jaws might unhinge at any moment. Especially Bella¡ªthe poor blonde maid looked one gasp away from fainting outright.


    And then there was their guest of honor, Vivian¡ªwho had already been thrown off balance by the revelation that the redheaded noble brat she had been teasing...


    Not only had she killed the Crown Prince... but she was also one of the central figures in an even greater scandal.


    And a scandal of this magnitude...


    It was like a storm brewing in the heart of the kingdom... waiting for the moment to break loose and decimate everything.


    Anastasia swallowed hard, her mind spinning as she struggled to grasp the full weight of it. She managed to wrangle her thoughts before shifting her gaze back to her butler... who was calmly waiting for her.


    "Sir... Sebas..." she called him, her voice hoarse, barely above a whisper. "...Are you... certain of this... of this... coup?"


    Sebas... simply said nothing, maintaining the same neutral expression.


    He didn''t need to answer... because his silence was already confirmation itself.


    "That''s..." Anastasia clenched her fists. "That''s absurd... If something like that truly happened... why has no one heard even a whisper of it? How could something so massive be buried so completely?"


    "You''re the one who suggested it, my lady," Sebas simply shrugged, his expression nonchalant¡ªalmost uncaring, "I merely confirmed it."


    Anastasia flinched, taken aback by his calm response.


    He was right¡ªshe had been the one to voice the thought... and yet, now she was the one doubting her own words.


    The thought had come to her naturally, like a puzzle piece snapping into place.


    But... why?


    No... how had she even arrived at such a conclusion?


    Sebas, seeing Anastasia''s struggle, exhaled softly...


    "...My lady, if I may be so bold as to ask you once more."


    "H-huh...? W-what is it, Sir Sebas...?"


    "...How did you even come to that conclusion to begin with?"


    "¡ª!"


    How...?


    She froze, his inquiry echoing in her mind... and she looked deep within herself.


    To her crime.


    To her punishment.


    To her exile.


    And they all started from the moment she had¡ª


    In that moment, her chest tightened¡ª


    "...The Crown Prince," she murmured. "I killed him."


    Silence hung in the air.


    Sebas met her gaze, waiting.


    "...And?"


    Anastasia swallowed hard.


    "And... I was exiled," she continued, her mind racing. "I was branded a sinner and sent here."


    "Yes. And yet..." The butler gestured lightly, "no one knew about it."


    That single fact gnawed at her very being. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The lone anomaly that she still found hard to grasp.


    After all, it didn''t make sense.


    The kingdom should have been in an uproar. The Crown Prince had been killed by his own fianc¨¦e¡ªan act of treason, of madness!


    There should have been trials, outrage, nobles clamoring for her execution.


    Because in reality¡ª


    Someone who killed royalty would never be spared.


    It didn''t matter if she was a Duke''s daughter.


    It didn''t matter if Duke Rosavich had pulled every string, spent every ounce of influence he had.


    No one could escape the consequences of regicide.


    Even if she had been the Crown Prince''s fianc¨¦e, even if she had been next in line to be queen¡ª


    She should have been executed... in front of the masses, no less, as they cursed her name¡ª


    And yet, there was none of that.


    Instead of the guillotine, instead of the noose¡ª


    Her crime had never even been made public.


    The whole kingdom remained ignorant.


    The nobles didn''t riot.


    The people didn''t protest.


    The knights didn''t demand her head.


    They had simply... removed her.


    Sent her to the Garden of Hell¡ªa death sentence by another name.


    Not a swift execution. Not a public trial.


    But quiet, inevitable erasure.


    As if the Crown had wanted her to disappear.


    As if they had needed her to die quietly, lost in the dangerous frontier where no one would ask questions.


    "...They didn''t want anyone to know," she realized, her visage darkening.


    Sebas simply nodded once again, a confirmation. "...Go on."


    Anastasia exhaled sharply.


    "If my crime was truly my own¡ªif I acted alone¡ªthen the Crown would have made an example of me," she said, her voice gaining strength. "They wouldn''t have just exiled me... They would have paraded my punishment. They would have made sure everyone knew."


    "But... they didn''t." Sebas''s gaze sharpened. "...Why?"


    Anastasia flinched, unsettled by his piercing gaze, as pieces of the puzzle began to form once more... revealing the bigger picture.


    "Because my crime... wasn''t just mine."


    The words spilled out before she could stop them.


    "If they covered it up... then it means my crime served someone else. Someone powerful enough to bury it." Her voice trembled, but she forced herself to keep going. "Killing the Crown Prince wasn''t just a scandal¡ªit was a move. A piece of something bigger... and I¡ª"


    She was just a pawn in a game she never even knew she was playing.


    And with that realization... her vision swayed¡ªher whole reality became a daze...


    Sebas leaned back, watching her with quiet approval.


    "Now, tell me, Lady Anastasia..."


    His next words sent a chill down her spine.


    "Who benefited from the Crown Prince''s death?"


    Silence.


    No one spoke. No one dared to answer that question.


    Because now... they all understood.


    This was never JUST about Anastasia.


    This was about the kingdom itself.


    A coup... had already happened.


    And she had been its executioner¡ªthe one who set it all into motion.


    But then¡ª


    "Lady Anastasia, I ask your forgiveness once more for my boldness, but... a question¡ª" He leaned forward slightly, his sharp eyes locking onto Anastasia''s own, which brimmed with unspoken turmoil. "¡ªIf a coup already transpired within the Crown, why was it never made public?"


    Anastasia became tense as a lump forming in her throat.


    Why, indeed?


    If the Crown Prince had been assassinated¡ªif the royal family had suffered a betrayal from within¡ªsurely, the kingdom would have been shaken. There would have been outrage, power struggles, accusations thrown like daggers.


    Yet none of that had happened.


    Florentia remained whole.


    The throne remained stable.


    The world had simply... moved on, continuing to function as it always had.


    As if nothing had ever occurred.


    Anastasia... couldn''t help but cross her arms, her hands gripping her upper arms as if to steady herself, as the answers began to come naturally into her consciousness.


    "...There are only two possibilities," she murmured quietly, barely above a whisper.


    But Sebas heard it... and nodded lightly, waiting for her to continue.


    "Either..." She exhaled slowly, piecing it together. "The true culprit was never found."


    A dangerous thought.


    If the one who orchestrated this was still lurking in the shadows, manipulating events from behind the scenes¡ª


    Then this wasn''t over.


    Her exile, the secrecy, the buried truth¡ªit meant the coup wasn''t finished.


    And the one who set it all into motion... was still in play.


    She shuddered.


    Sebas simply remained silent, watching her with quiet patience.


    Anastasia clenched her jaw, gritting her teeth.


    "...Or."


    The second possibility.


    The worse one.


    She hesitated, feeling the weight of her own words before she even spoke them.


    "Or... the one responsible is someone so powerful, so deeply entrenched within the kingdom, that making this public would cause even greater chaos."


    A truth too dangerous to expose.


    Sebas simply tilted his head. "...And what would happen if such chaos were to erupt?" he asked, a faux curiosity lacing his voice.


    Anastasia swallowed hard.


    "...Civil war," she whispered. The words felt heavy on her tongue, yet she continued, "...a civil war would break out and swallow Florentia whole."


    And her butler... confirmed it all once more.


    "Indeed... you are quite wise, my lady."


    His praise felt more like an affirmation of the worst outcome, as if he had merely waited for her to reach the inevitable conclusion herself.


    Because he had confirmed the worst that could have happened.


    A Florentia divided, noble houses turning on each other, the land soaked in blood¡ª


    If the coup had been hidden to prevent that from happening...


    Then her crime, her exile, everything had been a calculated move to keep the kingdom from breaking apart.


    Had she unknowingly played a role in keeping the nation intact?


    Or¡ª


    Had she simply been discarded, silenced, and used?


    She didn''t know which was worse.


    Martha''s fists trembled, her knuckles white with quiet frustration and dread, realizing that her mistress''s fate had been nothing more than a pawn''s sacrifice to prevent an imminent catastrophe.


    Bella''s face had gone pale, her eyes darting between Sebas and Anastasia, slowly coming to terms with the sheer scale of the conspiracy they had been entangled in.


    Even Vivian, normally indifferent to politics, looked tense¡ªher eyes narrowed as she imagined the worst possible implications.


    Because now, they all understood.


    This wasn''t just some hidden scandal anymore.


    This was a buried war¡ªone that had never truly ended.


    And not just Anastasia, but all of them had been caught in its wake.

 Chapter 98 98: 20th Days (10) | Time of Many Revelations (7)

    And with everything unfolded¡ªfinally revealed for everyone to bear witness...


    The only thing that was left... was silence.


    Not a single breath, not a single word.


    Not from the lord of the land, not from the two loyal aides, not from the guest of honor, and not even from the nonchalant butler.


    The weight of the truth bore down on them... suffocating them in its oppressive grasp.


    They had all been caught in a great scandal of Florentia¡ªone unlike anything the ''original'' residents of this world had ever seen.


    One that had already unfolded right under everyone''s nose...


    And at the center of it all¡­ was Anastasia.


    Unknowingly or not, she had played the most crucial role¡ªthe first move in a grand game of treachery...


    And that revelation was weighing down heavily on the fallen noblewoman already burdened by disgrace.


    But... a voice cut through the silence.


    "Lady Anastasia," the butler, Sebas, called out. His voice cut through the stillness¡ªsteady, unshaken... yet firm.


    His voice broke her out of her reverie... and she managed to lift her head, allowing her to see his calm expression.


    "Remember what I told you before all of this?" he inquired, maintaining his usual composed demeanor.


    Anastasia blinked for a moment, trying to grasp his meaning. Her thoughts were still a tangled mess, but his words... struck something deep in her mind.


    "...To prepare, right?"


    "That''s right..."


    "But... what do you mean that? What exactly should I... prepare for?"


    For a moment... Sebas did not utter a word. But... eventually, he smiled.


    Not his usual smirk of confidence, nor even his mischievous one either...


    But instead... it was a smile of reassurance.


    "My lady, your exile to this land," he began, his voice unwavering, "...may have been the best possible outcome."


    "B-best¡­?" she echoed, her voice laced with disbelief. "Y-you''re saying... this is the best outcome...?"


    "A rather fortunate one, actually," Sebas corrected, his tone as composed as always. "You are alive, my lady. And more than that¡­ you have been given an opportunity."


    "O-opportunity...?!" The fallen noblewoman stammered, struggling to comprehend his words.


    Her butler... simply tilted his head slightly, a knowing look etched onto his face.


    "Tell me, my lady¡­ what do you see when you look at this land of yours?"


    "H-huh?"


    Anastasia hesitated; his question caught her off guard.


    Her mind was still clouded with the weight of everything she had just learned, but... at his prompting, she forced herself to consider it.


    She looked around at the vast walled region that was now hers. Though shrouded in the darkness of night, she could still see her own region that was faintly illuminated by the dim light of the moon...


    However, that was not what her butler wished for her to see. No...


    What he meant... was the land itself in its entirety.


    The Garden of Hell.


    A forsaken land, known only for its harsh environment and the swarms of monsters that called it home... the very birthing nest of these creatures.


    It was a land untamed, unclaimed¡ªleft to fester beyond the kingdom''s borders... as nothing could have been done to tame it...


    Until now¡ª!


    Anastasia''s eyes widened in realization! And she quickly turned back to the smiling butler of hers¡ª!


    "This place¡ªthis land... is a foundation," Sebas answered before she could speak, "a chance to build something from nothing. This land, as wretched as it may seem, is still part of Florentia. If you were to cultivate it¡ªif you could turn this dangerous frontier into something prosperous¡­"


    Anastasia''s breath hitched as the answer began to form in her mind.


    "...It would prove my merit as a lord," she answered, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Sebas nodded approvingly, his smile shifting into one filled with unmistakable pride toward the young noblewoman.


    "Indeed so, but... not just as a lord, my lady," he added, his gaze unwavering. "A testament that you are, without a doubt, a noble of Florentia."


    Anastasia drew in a sharp breath in realization. However, she was not the only one.


    Her knight and her maid both gasped quietly, eyes widening as they too began to see the same vision that both Anastasia and Sebas now shared.


    Even Vivian looked intrigued, her sharp eyes glinting with interest.


    This land¡ªone that so many had tried to tame and failed miserably...


    Where so many so-called "traitorous" nobles had their lives cruelly cut short, given the doomed ''Grand Task'' of conquering this hellish domain...


    And yet here, Anastasia and her subjects sat comfortably within this wretched land.


    They had not only proved that this land was habitable for mankind...


    But they had already begun to build what could be considered the foundation of a frontier civilization¡ªwithin the very depths of this forsaken territory...!


    "But that is not the only opportunity at your disposal," Sebas continued smoothly. "The Garden of Hell is more than a mere untamed wilderness. It is said to be the very cradle of Florentia''s monsters¡ªa land where beasts breed and multiply without restraint."


    A chilling truth. It was still a mystery why this land spawned a multitude of powerful monsters, each one bringing chaos throughout Florentia.


    "The kingdom has long struggled to contain its influence," Sebas went on, his voice carrying the weight of undeniable truth. "Should you, in your exile, succeed in handling this threat¡­"


    The realization clicked within the minds of everyone present around the flickering firepit.


    But none felt it more profoundly than the young noblewoman¡ªthe one who had been cast into this land and had now been made to rule over it...!


    "You mean¡­ I could also prove my worth by subduing the monster problem," Anastasia murmured, the words slipping from her lips as the weight of it settled upon her.


    "Yup," Sebas confirmed cheerfully, his pride evident in his tone as he watched her grasp the full scope of his plan. "If you accomplish that, no one will be able to deny your legitimacy as the ruler of this region¡­ nor your right to stand among the nobility of Florentia once more."


    Anastasia''s mind reeled, struggling to grasp the weight of Sebas''s words.


    All this time, she had believed her exile was the end. A cruel punishment. A silent execution.


    But now¡­


    Now, it was something else entirely¡ªthe very thing that her butler had said¡ª!


    An opportunity. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And she turned to silence... as more and more of the possibility began to take shape in her mind.


    Sebas let the silence linger for a moment longer before he spoke again, his voice laced with rare amusement.


    "Truth be told¡­ I commend this entire coup," he admitted.


    "W-what...?"


    Anastasia''s gaze snapped to him.


    "Y-you commend it?" she repeated in disbelief.


    Sebas chuckled with a low knowing sound.


    "Why wouldn''t I? The Crown is preoccupied with its own internal struggles. No one is watching you. No one is interfering. You, my lady, have been given a rare luxury that almost no noble in Florentia has¡­ and that is freedom."


    Anastasia felt a chill run down her spine.


    Freedom.


    She had never considered it that way.


    And yet, when she thought about it¡­


    The Crown wasn''t watching her. The kingdom wasn''t expecting anything from her other than her demise.


    For the first time in her life¡ª


    She was free to do as she pleased.


    No expectations. No obligations.


    Nothing but an empty land and a future she had yet to shape.


    "...I see," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else, her thoughts swirling in newfound realization.


    But... the butler wasn''t done.


    "However," he continued, his voice dipping slightly, "we must tread carefully. The Crown may not be paying attention now¡­ but they will eventually. If nothing else, they will want to ensure you and your people are truly dead."


    Anastasia stiffened, her expression hardening, while her subjects reacted in their own ways¡ªMartha cursed under her breath, and Bella clenched her fists in dread.


    "Whistle~, way to crush a gal''s hope, Sebastian~," Vivian teased with a wry smirk.


    Sebas ignored her quip and instead focused on Anastasia.


    "They''ll send a scout to confirm our demise, and if they find us alive and well... well, they may decide to correct that mistake~."


    It was a sobering thought¡­ a cruel reality that washed over their already fragile sense of hope.


    "Then... what should we do?" Anastasia finally asked.


    "For now," Sebas said, "we continue as planned. We build. We prepare. If the Crown''s agents come, we will deal with them when the time comes."


    "...And if they don''t?" Anastasia asked.


    Sebas''s lips curled slightly, a mischievous smile playing on his face.


    "Then, my lady... we use their own system against them~."


    The others exchanged wary glances.


    "What do you mean?"


    "We lobby them," Sebas answered simply. "If you turn this land into something valuable¡ªsomething Florentia cannot ignore¡ªyou will have a bargaining chip far greater than mere survival. You will have leverage."


    Anastasia''s eyes widened.


    "If this land prospers, if it becomes something the Crown sees as beneficial to the kingdom¡­ they may have no choice but to acknowledge you once more," Sebas continued. "Not as an exile, not as a disgrace¡­ but as a noble worthy of their recognition."


    Silence fell once more, but this time, it was different.


    Not weighed down by dread.


    But something else.


    Something like possibility¡ª


    Hope.


    Anastasia took a slow, steady breath before turning to her butler, her face filled with a determination she had thought she had lost.


    "...Then we should get to work."


    A small smile played on Sebas''s lips.


    "As you wish, my lady."

 Chapter 99 99: 21th Days (1) | Learning His Style

    Morning arrived once more, casting its golden light over the walled region belonging to the redheaded upstart lord. The land itself still somewhat bore scars from a deathly bout, but... they had all been patched and cleared¡ªevidence of the denizens'' efforts to restore what had been lost.


    But... soon, this healed ground might have to suffer once again.


    On the northernmost part of the walled region, two figures stood face to face, mere meters apart.


    Martha, the knight of Lady Anastasia, and...


    Sebas, the butler of Lady Anastasia... and also a (former) S-Rank Adventurer.


    Martha had donned her knight armor that gleamed under the sunlight, her sword already drawn and held in a firm grip.


    Her stance was solid, her breathing controlled, but... the pounding of her heart betrayed her anticipation.


    Every muscle in her body was braced¡ªready, her eyes sharp and unwavering as they locked onto the man before her.


    On the other side, though...


    Sebas, in contrast, was far more composed and unfazed than the brunette knight.


    His usual butler coat had been forgone for the occasion, leaving him in only his white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up.


    His expression was indeed calm¡ªrelaxed, even¡ªas if he were merely indulging her rather than treating this as an actual match.


    Yet despite that, he held his longsword in his hand¡ªa clear sign that he was not making light of this challenge.


    "Motivated much, Miss Knight?" the butler mused, a somewhat teasing tone lacing his voice.


    "...Yeah," ''Miss Knight'' responded, the grip on her sword''s handle tightening as she narrowed her eyes at the butler in cautious determination. "So you better not go easy on me, Sir Butler..."


    Her challenge only elicited a small smile from the butler as he let out a light chuckle. "Haha~, I''ll try."


    Indeed, just a few minutes before, Martha had issued a challenge¡ªa duel¡ªto the butler in hopes of receiving more of his training.


    The knight of Lady Anastasia had been restless since last night after learning that their eccentric and somewhat enigmatic butler was, in fact, an S-Rank Adventurer¡ª


    Alpha Knight Sebastian. A swordsman said to be the strongest adventurer in history.


    Martha had always suspected from the very beginning that Sebas must have been someone with quite significant skill... but to think that he was that much of a legend...


    She was baffled; frightened even, but also... excited, because right now she was truly facing off against someone who had reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship.


    And she was delighted¡ªhonored¡ªto be graced with the opportunity to train under him.


    On the side, in between these two swordsmen, their self-appointed referee leaned lazily, idly twirling a dagger between her fingers... a mischievous smile curling on her lips.


    "Heh~. Now this is a sight I never thought I''d see," she purred, her amber eyes gleaming with amusement. "Someone actually bold enough to ask Sebastian for a duel¡­ and him actually entertaining it? Oh, this is gonna be fun~."


    Her gaze then flicked to Martha, sizing her up with casual interest.


    "Not that it''s a fair fight or anything," she added, lips curling into an amused grin. "A hundred years too early, Miss Knight~."


    For a moment, the knight flinched at the sudden attention¡ªespecially when this female adventurer had so casually dismissed her abilities.


    However, her focus remained solely on the man before her. She couldn''t afford to let distractions shake her resolve, not when the head butler had generously granted her this opportunity to train against him.


    And then... further back, beyond Vivian, two more figures stood watching on the sidelines¡ªLady Anastasia and her maid, Bella.


    Anastasia observed the duel with a calm, assessing gaze. Though she had no personal stake in the outcome, she placed her silent hopes in her loyal knight¡ªa quiet prayer for Martha to grow stronger, not just for her sake, but for the knight herself.


    Beside her, though, Bella was far less composed.


    The blonde maid fidgeted, her uneasy gaze flickering between the two combatants. She had already witnessed their overwhelming power once before, back on that Windy Plateau¡­ yet even now, the thought of them clashing again sent a nervous shiver down her spine.


    And returning to the two combatants once more...


    Sebas, ever the composed butler, merely tilted his head slightly, gesturing toward Martha.


    "Shall we begin, Miss Knight?"


    At that, Martha tightened her grip on her sword, her eyes sharpening with unwavering resolve.


    "Yes...!"


    And as that word left her lips, the air grew thick with tension, with everyone standing still in anticipation...


    But the Sonic Thief took the initiative.


    "Well then, you two¡ª" she raised her dagger between them, holding it at eye level, marking the official start of their bout... before suddenly lifting it high into the air¡ª!


    "Begin!"


    Martha lunged forward the instant the duel began, closing the distance in a heartbeat!


    Her sword then came down in a sharp arc¡ª!


    CLANG!


    ¡ªonly to be caught by Sebas''s longsword, steel meeting steel with a sharp clash!


    A burst of wind rippled outward from the impact, rustling the dirt beneath their feet.


    Without hesitation, she pressed forward, her blade becoming a relentless storm against his calm, unwavering defense.


    CLANG¡ª! CLANG¡ª! CLANG¡ª!


    Strike after strike, their swords clashed¡ªeach impact of steel against steel ringing through the air like a steady drumbeat of battle...!


    But as their deadly bout continued, the butler noticed something...


    ''She''s improving¡­''


    Sebas''s eyes flickered with interest as he deflected another strike.


    Unlike before, Martha wasn''t just relying on brute force¡ªher movements were sharper, her footwork more precise...


    And instead of blindly trying to overpower him, she was studying him, seeking openings, adapting mid-fight... as if...


    She was... imitating his sword style.


    This genuinely surprised him. He had never taught her his style of swordsmanship. Previously, she had relied on the Knight''s Royal Sword Style, a discipline used by the Kingdom of Florentia''s Knight Army.


    And in his opinion, she was already quite skilled with it.


    But his own technique¡ªhis way of the sword¡ªwas something else entirely. It was self-taught, honed through years of battle and refined by studying and adapting the best of Florentia''s many sword schools.


    Yet somehow... she had nearly replicated that style¡ªmelding it into her own.


    And thus... a faint smirk played on his lips.


    ''Not bad¡­ but¡ª''


    CLANG¡ª!


    Martha''s blade struck again, aimed at what she thought was a vulnerability¡ªonly for Sebas to parry it with ease.


    She winced in annoyance, having thought that she''d managed to get a grasp of his defensive rhythm, only for the butler to effortlessly deflect her attack.


    She knew that she was still far behind in terms of skill and precision compared to Sebas. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She had seen what he was truly capable of when facing someone with an almost similar level of mastery, such as the acting referee¡ªthe Sonic Thief, Vivian.


    The female adventurer had used her superior speed and trickery against the butler, and at certain points, had managed to break through his ultimate defensive style through sheer unpredictability.


    But the result had been obvious: brute force alone would not work against him. He would still overpower you with his sheer strength and mana.


    And thus... the brunette knight was at a clear disadvantage.


    However, Martha didn''t falter.


    If anything, his effortless defense only spurred her forward. Her grip tightened. She knew she couldn''t match his strength¡­ so she had to be better against his timing...!


    Then, in a bold move¡ª


    CLANG!


    Sebas''s sword was pushed aside¡ª!


    "¡ª!"


    His eyes widened¡ªshe had parried him¡ª!


    And in just a split-second opening¡ª!


    Martha lunged, her sword flashing toward him in a decisive counter¡ª!


    But this time, she wasn''t done yet.


    Mana surged through her body, flowing into her blade like a roaring tide... and then¡ªshe lifted her sword high before he could recover his guard.


    "Blade Art¡ªSunder Fang!"


    The knight shouted; a radiant arc of energy flared to life as her sword carved through the air¡ª!


    For the first time, Sebas''s expression shifted¡ªnot in alarm, but in approval.


    ''Good. That''s more like it.''


    And then¡ª


    His blade moved¡ªfaster than she could track¡ª!


    CLANG¡ª!!!


    A sharp tremor rippled outward as their swords met, mana clashing in a brief but fierce struggle¡ª!


    For a moment, it seemed like Martha might push through¡ª!


    But then¡ª


    Sebas shifted his body.


    With precise, almost effortless motion, he turned his block into a parry¡ªredirecting her strike just enough to destabilize her balance¡ª!


    In that same instant¡ª


    Martha''s sword was wrenched from her grip, spinning through the air before embedding itself in the dirt several meters away.


    The battlefield fell silent.


    She froze, wide-eyed, her breath caught in her throat.


    ''Again...?! He disarmed me... effortlessly...!''


    But before she could process what had just happened¡ª


    A hand hovered over her head... and flicked her forehead.


    "¡ªOw?!"


    Martha''s head reeled back from the sudden sting of pain, and she immediately clutched her forehead.


    "Much better than before¡­ but still not quite there."


    "H-huh...?"


    She was still trying to process everything, especially his strange, sudden forehead flick.


    She was about to protest, but¡ª


    "And that''s the match!"


    Vivian''s voice rang out, clear and firm as she declared the duel''s end.


    "The winner¡ªSebastian~!"

 Chapter 100 100: 21th Days (2) | A Farewell… and an Overlooked Detail

    A few hours had passed since the friendly bout between Sebas and Martha, with both of them having to clean up the new mess they''d made from their duel¡ªwhich, fortunately, was only minimal damage in comparison to the previous one.


    And now, at the entrance of Anastasia''s walled region, all of its denizens had gathered along with their guest of honor¡ªthis time, not for battle, but to send her off and bid farewell to the woman who had, in one way or another, shaken their quiet frontier.


    Leading them at the front was Anastasia, her steps steady as she walked ahead, the others naturally following in her trail.


    Among them, Martha was still grumbling under her breath, clearly not over her defeat.


    "Ugh... I almost had him that time," she muttered, crossing her arms in frustration.


    "U-uhm... don''t be so down, M-Miss Martha, y-you did your best back then¡ª! Y-yes...!" Bella chimed in from beside her, hands nervously clasped together as she tried to console the knight. "A-and, well, y-you''re improving a lot¡­! I-I mean, Sir Sebas wouldn''t say that if he didn''t mean it¡­ r-right...?"


    "Well, of course, I meant it, Miss Maid~."


    "Wah¡ª?!"


    The man in question suddenly chimed in beside the poor, startled maid, smoothly inserting himself into their conversation.


    "I''d say Miss Knight here is slowly getting better at handling her swordsmanship," Sebas remarked with an amused glint in his eye, his arms crossed as he nodded approvingly. "So, I''m looking forward to seeing her progress."


    Hearing the rather genuine praise left Martha taken aback, surprised... and then somewhat flustered by it. She quickly turned her head away, trying to hide the faint redness creeping onto her face.


    "T-thanks..." she muttered, clearing her throat as if to shake off the warmth rising in her chest.


    As if to interrupt the moment, Vivian¡ªnow holding the familiar bloody bag filled with monster materials she''d hunted a few days ago¡ªlet out a long, exaggerated sigh.


    Everyone naturally shifted their attention to the female adventurer, who stood before them with a melancholic smile, her gaze briefly lingering on the simplistic yet charming entrance of the walled region.


    "...Well, well~ I suppose this is where I say my goodbyes," she mused, lifting the bloody bag slightly as she passed Anastasia.


    But then, she turned around, and her melancholic smile shifted into one of genuine gratitude¡ªespecially toward the red-haired lord.


    "My lord, thank you so much for your hospitality and all that," she said smoothly, before adding, almost too casually, "Oh! And also¡­ sorry about the trouble."


    The words left her lips so naturally that, for a brief moment, everyone stood frozen in place, somewhat taken aback by the unexpected apology from this rowdy adventurer.


    But then...


    "¡­sigh, honestly..."


    A sigh escaped Anastasia''s lips. But... rather than exasperation, there was a small, tired smile on her face as she regarded the unpredictable adventurer.


    "You are forgiven, Miss Vivi," the red-haired lord replied, her voice carrying the grace befitting of nobility. "But please¡­ next time, I hope you refrain from going on another rampage when you visit."


    Vivi blinked for a moment, somewhat surprised by Anastasia''s leniency... before her surprise melted into a mischievous smile.


    "Next time, you say~?" she echoed playfully, tilting her head as if she had just caught something amusing. "I didn''t think you''d miss me that much, my lord~."


    Anastasia merely let out another sigh at the adventurer''s teasing, rubbing her temple as if already regretting her choice of words.


    "You''re an S-Rank Adventurer, and from what I can already tell, this place is practically your playground, isn''t it?" she muttered, shaking her head in resignation. "Not to mention¡­ now that I know there''s likely nothing that can actually stop you from visiting... I might as well accept this new reality."


    A beat of silence, Vivi''s expression briefly frozen... but then¡ª


    "Pfft¡ªAHAHAHA!"


    The female adventurer threw her head back in laughter, finding the noblewoman''s resigned acceptance utterly endearing.


    Naturally, her boisterous laughter earned an exasperated sigh from Anastasia herself, along with wry smiles from her three servants.


    But eventually... her laughter softened into a smile¡ªa more subdued one.


    Then... a rare moment of seriousness etched onto the Sonic Thief''s expression as her gaze shifted back to the region behind her.


    "¡­You know... I really do hope this place of yours becomes something great, Lord Anastasia," Vivi said, her voice quieter now, her eyes reflecting something almost wistful. "A haven for people like me¡­ and for many others as well."


    The unexpected sincerity in her words caught everyone off guard.


    For a moment, they simply watched her, slightly surprised and taken aback...


    But then... a smile formed on Anastasia''s lips.


    "I''ll try to live up to your expectations, Miss Vivi," the red-haired lord responded, her voice carrying a quiet yet firm resolve.


    And seeing this, Sebas at her side couldn''t help but let out a small chuckle¡ªhis own quiet sign of approval for his mistress with a smile of his own.


    But, just as the moment settled...


    Vivian suddenly turned toward them.


    But this time, there was something else in her expression¡ªa glint of mischief.


    And her gaze shifted directly to Sebas¡ª!


    Both Sebas and Anastasia stiffened slightly, their instincts flaring up¡ªa silent warning of whatever trick the mischievous female adventurer was about to pull...!


    And then¡ªThe Sonic Thief made her move¡ª!


    In a swift, almost playful stride, she closed the distance, rising onto her tiptoes¡ªher face suddenly mere inches from Sebas''s own.


    "Whoah¡ª?!"


    "W-what¡ª?!"


    Sebas flinched back, instinctively stepping away from the sudden intrusion of his personal space!


    And Anastasia¡ªher breath hitched as she witnessed the bold advance Vivi was making toward her butler. Even Martha and Bella were caught off guard, their expressions flashing with shock.


    "W-w-what are you doing, Miss Vivi?!" Anastasia demanded, her surprise quickly twisting into something sharper¡ªannoyance, frustration... and something else.


    A strange, unwelcome yet somewhat familiar tugging sensation in her chest.


    But the bold female adventurer simply ignored the red-haired lord''s rising protests.


    "Mhm~," Vivian hummed, her mischievous smile lingering as she met Sebas''s gaze.


    "¡­What are you trying to do?" the butler finally asked, his tone neutral yet edged with caution.


    Vivian didn''t answer right away.


    Instead, her smile shifted¡ªturning softer... before she leaned in just a little closer.


    "¡­You held something back, didn''t you?" she whispered, her voice just low enough for only him to hear. "I could tell from your face last night¡­ when you told them all of those things¡­ you didn''t tell them everything, right...?"


    Sebas''s expression remained unreadable.


    But¡ª


    The subtle narrowing of his eyes did not escape the Sonic Thief''s sharp gaze.


    Because... she was right.


    He had not revealed the full truth behind the conspiracy¡ªthe scandal surrounding the Crown and, more specifically, the Crown Prince himself...


    Because there was one thing¡ªone singular truth¡ªthat, if spoken, might shake Anastasia''s resolve... might interfere with her growth as a leader¡­ and as a person.


    And he couldn''t bring himself to reveal that truth...


    Not yet, at least.


    And Vivian¡ªwhile she didn''t know what that truth was¡ªhad still pieced together that something wasn''t adding up. Something was missing from the whole picture.


    But even so... she didn''t push further.


    Instead...


    A soft chuckle escaped her lips.


    "Hah~ You''ve always been the sentimental type," she teased, stepping back, the amusement returning to her features.


    As she withdrew from his personal space, Sebas exhaled¡ªnot in relief, but in acknowledgment of her understanding.


    Vivian then turned¡ªtoward Anastasia, Martha, and Bella, all of whom were still taken aback, still processing the somewhat intimate exchange with varying degrees of confusion... and, in Anastasia''s case, an unshakable discomfort she still couldn''t quite place.


    "Well, my dear lord~," the female adventurer drawled, her usual playful tone returning, "I''ll be sure to spread the word about this place of yours. I''m sure plenty of adventurers would love to hear about it~"


    Anastasia blinked for a moment. Both Martha and Bella looked equally surprised as well.


    The red-haired noblewoman was still cooling down from the earlier frustration that had welled up inside of her... but eventually, she mellowed out, gathering her composure before facing the Sonic Thief.


    "¡­I suppose that''s not a bad thing," Anastasia admitted before exhaling once more. "Very well. I''ll take you up on that offer, Miss Vivian. Thank you."


    Vivian couldn''t help but giggle upon hearing Anastasia''s begrudging tone.


    "Awww~, look at you, actually thanking me~."


    And Anastasia merely gave her a dry look... the kind that said she already regretted those words.


    "Please do not get used to it," she said flatly, earning another snicker from the female adventurer.


    But before the banter could continue¡ª


    Vivian suddenly paused. Her smile faded into a slightly puzzled expression as she tilted her head.


    "...What''s wrong, Miss Vivi?" Anastasia asked, brow slightly furrowed in concern¡ªa sentiment shared by everyone else.


    "Wait¡­ my lord..." she murmured, turning to Anastasia, a finger tapping against her lips in thought. "...What is this place of yours even called, anyway?"


    Silence.


    Dead silence.


    Everyone''s expressions turned blank as realization settled in.


    Because they had only just realized it now.


    Anastasia, Sebas, Martha, and Bella all simultaneously turned their gazes toward the frontier settlement behind them¡ªthe place they had all poured their sweat and blood into building.


    "¡­"


    "¡­"


    "¡­"


    "¡­" sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And yet... they had not yet figured out the name for this place.

 Chapter 101 101: ### Days | Hell Besides

    [Carrionreach, Northeastern Florentia¡ªBordering the Garden of Hell at the East and Frozen Kingdom Borealis at the North]


    A land plagued by misfortune.


    A land plagued by corruption.


    A land plagued by humanity''s malice.


    To the east lay the Garden of Hell¡ªan untamed, godforsaken land where monsters spawned endlessly, slipping past the great border wall to wreak havoc upon the great nation of Florentia.


    To the north, the ever-frozen kingdom of Borealis, where war and bloodshed were a constant cycle.


    ...And trapped between these two merciless frontiers was Carrionreach.


    A forsaken region of Florentia, where might and greed ruled, while the weak and poor were left to rot.


    Its soil was barren, its rivers ran murky, and the air carried the stench of filth and decay.


    The farmland, sparse as it was, could barely sustain those who worked it, and hunger was a familiar torment for the people who called this place home...


    Those who couldn''t afford to eat either stole... or starved, left to wither on the side of streets filled with mud, filth, and the stench of decay.


    These dirty streets themselves were cracked and uneven, bearing the scars of a land long abandoned by prosperity.


    The buildings¡ªif they could even be called that¡ªwere crumbling, barely fit to be used as shelter, let alone a home.


    Some leaned precariously, as if a single gust of wind could send them tumbling down, many already ruined by the destruction wrought not only by the monsters that breached the borders but also...


    The constant raids from Borealis.


    Desperate men, seeking to claim land unfrozen, driven by the never-ending civil wars of their homeland.


    And Carrionreach itself had barely begun to recover from the last calamity¡ªthe Red Dragon''s rampage just a month prior.


    The winged beast had torn through half the city, reducing homes to rubble and leaving hundreds dead in its wake.


    Yet even before that catastrophe, Carrionreach had already been rotting.


    Because the true disease of this land was not the monsters that lurked beyond its borders... nor the desperate invaders that sought to claim it.


    No...


    The true disease of this land... was the people who ruled over it.


    Crime festered here like an open wound.


    The city streets belonged not to its so-called guards, but to the criminals, slavers, cutthroats, and black-market traders who conducted their business in the open, unafraid.


    All of them ran under the banner of the many mafia families and criminal syndicates that had claimed this wretched region as their base of operations.


    The law itself was nothing more than ink on paper¡ªignored by most, and enforced only when it suited the whims of those who wrote it.


    The men who wore armor and called themselves ''enforcers'' of this region were nothing more than extortionists, their rusted blades drawn only when it suited their pockets...


    Rarely did they draw them against the monsters that terrorized the people.


    That task fell to adventurers from central Florentia, though by the time they arrived, it was usually far too late to prevent the destruction of land and life.


    Because no one truly cared for Carrionreach.


    Not the kingdom.


    Not its rulers.


    Not even the ones who lived here.


    And sitting atop this crumbling region of filth and suffering was...


    The Oleanderis family.


    For generations, they had ruled Carrionreach, their authority dating back to Florentia''s earliest days.


    Once, they had been warriors and mages of great renown, entrusted by the First King of Florentia himself with guarding the borderlands and ensuring no invaders and especially the beast of chaos slipped past the great border walls.


    But... somewhere along the way, they had fallen.


    Some claimed it was greed. Others whispered of darker dealings¡ªof pacts made with powers best left undisturbed.


    Whatever the truth, one thing was certain: no noble dared challenge them.


    Not when their wealth, their alliances with the criminal underworld, and their sheer martial prowess made them untouchable.


    And so, despite the suffering of its people¡­ despite the corruption bleeding through every corner of the city¡­ the Oleanderis remained in power. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Because no one else would dare take their place.


    Because no one wanted to rule a land cursed by both man and monster.


    And so, Carrionreach remained what it had always been¡ªa land of despair, where hope had long since withered away.


    < | X | >


    One building stood among the many shambled structures of Carrionreach.


    Its wooden frame was rotting, its walls lined with cracks and holes that let in the cool night air.


    The sign hanging above the entrance was barely clinging to the side of the building, its name already faded, with only the mere word for "tavern" as the only indication of what it was.


    And inside... dim candlelight flickered ever so faintly over the uneven tables, casting long shadows across the rough wooden floor.


    The very air reeked of cheap ale and unwashed bodies, the scent clinging to the walls like a stain that would never fade.


    Drunkards slumped over their drinks, abusing their barely surviving livers with another gallon of alcohol as they mumbled half-forgotten songs.


    Criminals sat in clusters, speaking in hushed tones between bouts of laughter, their knives resting on the table alongside half-eaten plates of stale bread and watery stew.


    And tavern wenches moved between the tables, serving drinks to those who still had coin to spare. Some joined in the laughter as they entertained the occasional flirtation, while others... their expressions dulled with exhaustion, merely tolerated the hands that wandered a bit too "freely."


    Though... a few of them, whether by choice or necessity, had a second profession that took them upstairs with certain patrons before the night was through.


    Yet for all the usual debauchery within this establishment, the tavern''s true entertainment was not just from the beverages nor the eye candy that brought out those liquors to them.


    No...


    It came from talk¡ª


    The "gossip," of which many of these men discussed the latest "whisper of the wind."


    Loud, booming voices filled the shambling tavern as men swapped rumors, their drunken words carrying across the dimly lit space.


    And what was tonight''s favorite tale?


    The Garden of Hell.


    "Oi~! Did ya hear? Another damned noble got sent east!" one man bellowed, slamming his mug onto the table with a laugh.


    "Again?" someone scoffed. "How many idiots does that make now?"


    "A dozen? A hundred?" another cackled, fumbling with his fingers in a lazy attempt at counting. "Hell if I know. The Crown keeps throwing them into that hellhole, and none ever come back."


    More laughter erupted, harsh and mocking.


    "Imagine trying to tame that wasteland," one man sneered at the thought, "a land filled with monsters, seemingly cursed by the gods themselves... Bah! I''d sooner kiss a plague-ridden whore than set foot there."


    "Yeah! Yeah!"


    "You got that right!"


    A chorus of agreement followed, mugs clinking together in amusement.


    Yet, amid the drunken jeers, one man leaned back in his chair, his gaze hazy with ale.


    "You know... hic, ugh... what if¡­" he murmured, his words slurring as he swiveled the mug in his hand, "what if someone actually did it...? What if... hic, the Garden of Hell became livable...?"


    Silence.


    Everyone''s eyes turned to this one drunkard as they all, for a moment, contemplated his words...


    But then¡ª


    A sharp smack to the back of his head!


    "OW!!!"


    "Idiot," the one who hit him muttered, shaking his head with a sigh. "You''re drunker than I thought."


    "What kind of fool dreams of such things?"


    "You''ll start saying the gods are merciful next! Hah!"


    And then laughter followed once more, dismissing the foolish idea as nothing more than drunken fantasy.


    Yet... one voice cut through the noise.


    "Well, if they''re dead already... we could always loot what''s left~."


    The words came from one man near the bar, his lips curling into a sly smile.


    "There''s that old smuggler''s route, right? The one leading past the border wall?"


    Another silence ensued... as everyone then turned to him now.


    But... his suggestion was met with immediate disapproval.


    "Are you mad...?"


    "You''d risk stepping foot into that hellhole...?"


    "For what? Some scraps...? A noble''s corpse...?!"


    "Ain''t nothing worth taking¡ªnot unless you wanna end up monster food like the idiot noble that got sent there."


    The idea was quickly abandoned, drowned beneath another round of ale.


    The men continued to drink, the tavern grew louder, and one by one, they all forgot the conversation entirely.


    After all, that was what they did. They drank to forget.


    To drown out the misery of another day spent in Carrionreach.


    To ignore the suffering, the rot, the decay.


    But... not everyone forgot.


    In the far corner of the tavern, a hooded figure sat in silence. They had not touched their drink, nor had they joined in the laughter.


    Yet at the mention of the smuggler''s route...


    Their hood twitched ever so slightly.


    Two pointed tips shifted beneath the fabric, barely visible in the dim candlelight.


    And then¡ª


    A glint.


    Faint, but unmistakable.


    Piercing yellow slit eyes gleamed from beneath the hood, watching the drunken men with quiet interest.


    The figure sat for a moment longer, their fingers tapping against the table. Then... without a word, they stood up.


    A few gold coins clinked softly against the worn wood¡ªpayment left behind as they turned toward the exit.


    The tavern doors creaked open. The noise of the drunkards faded behind them.


    And as the hooded stranger stepped outside, their gaze lifted up... narrowed eyes...


    To the crescent moon hanging in the sky.


    "...The Garden of Hell..."

 Chapter 102 102: 25th Days (1) | Progress on the (Magical) Farm

    [Anastasia''s Region, Garden of Hell, Northeasternmost Territory of Florentia¡ªBordering Carrionreach to the West and the Frozen Kingdom of Borealis to the North.]


    To the east of Carrionreach lay the untamed, (mostly) ungoverned, godforsaken land known as the Garden of Hell¡­ and within it was a region belonging to a young upstart noble¡ª


    Anastasia''s small, walled-off sanctuary¡­ a still-growing haven inside the perilous, dangerous frontier.


    And inside this little sanctuary belonging to the red-haired noblewoman¡­ life continued.


    At the southwestern section of this small region, a humble patch of farmland stretched across the cleared earth¡ªa testament to the effort put forth by its four current denizens.


    Rows upon rows of tall crops stood neatly in place, their green leaves swaying gently with the breeze.


    But¡­ this charming little farm wasn''t exactly as it seemed at first glance.


    "¡­Is it just me, or do these look way too ready to harvest?"


    Martha, still clad in her knightly armor despite working the fields, crouched near a row of radishes. She narrowed her eyes, a frown forming on her lips as she inspected the soil¡­ then the plump, white bulbs peeking out from the ground¡­


    And she was honestly baffled¡ªshe couldn''t believe how fast these crops had been growing.


    "¡­These should''ve taken at least a month, right?" she inquired to her fellow aides at her side¡ª


    Bella, the ever-diligent but-always-anxious maid.


    The blonde maid had been crouching near another row of crops¡ªthe humble lettuces.


    She brushed her hand against one of the heads of lettuce¡­ and found herself experiencing the same kind of bafflement as Martha.


    "Y-yes, Miss Martha¡­ A-and yet, after only a few weeks, they''ve already grown this much¡­!"


    She gave the leaf a slight tug¡­ only to pause at the sight of the large head of lettuce. "...And why do they shine?"


    Indeed, the many crops that had reached their full size seemed to be glistening under the sunlight¡­!


    The radishes, smooth and firm, reflected a faint luster, while the lettuce leaves shimmered like polished glass¡­


    "¡­Huh¡­" The knight muttered dumbfoundedly, realization finally hitting her as she witnessed the brilliant shine of the crops as well. "...That can''t be right."


    Both aides glanced at each other, the same look of concern etched on their faces¡­ before they simultaneously turned their gazes¡ª


    Toward the red-haired lord of this land herself¡­ and her loyal, smiling butler at her side, who was likely the culprit behind these unusual crops of theirs.


    Anastasia, arms crossed, observed the sight of her humble farm with a mixture of awe¡­ and then skepticism. She then turned her head to the side¡ªto her butler¡ªconcern also etched on her face.


    "¡­Sir Sebas?" she called, her voice laced with wariness. "I assume this isn''t normal, correct¡­?"


    And Sebas¡­ chuckled at the absurdity of the situation, not to lighten the tension that everyone was feeling toward the strange sight before them. Eventually, he stopped his laughter¡­ before shifting his attention back to Anastasia.


    "Not in the slightest, my lady," he simply answered, his tone calm and composed.


    Naturally, she frowned upon his simple, matter-of-fact answer, before she threw yet another question at the butler. "¡­Then how?"


    There was a moment of silence, with the butler holding a contemplative expression, seeming as if he was thinking of an answer¡ªan actual answer. And eventually¡­


    "The soil," he answered simply, gesturing at the land they had been using as farmland. "I did mention before, did I not? The land here is heavily saturated with mana. It was only natural that whatever grows from it would be affected."


    Anastasia''s eyes widened for a moment¡ªrealization, and also memory, finally returning to her. She remembered!


    The red-haired noblewoman finally recalled what her butler had mentioned before all of this¡­ and how he had also taught her how to ''observe'' the mana around them.


    And naturally¡­ she shifted her gaze back to the farm itself before closing her eyes for a moment¡­ concentrating.


    ''Let it settle¡­ Let it flow naturally¡­ Look deeper¡­'' she chanted the ''mantra'' inside her mind¡ªthe ''spell'' of sorts to access her enhanced vision¡­


    Then¡­ she opened her eyes¡ª!


    And she was met with the astonishing sight of mana¡ª


    A farm filled with rows upon rows of crops brimming with mana¡­!


    Anastasia''s breath hitched; stunned in disbelief. She had not expected to see that her precious farm, along with its crops, was glowing in her eyes with a somewhat ridiculous amount of mana¡­!


    And not to mention¡ª


    ''Why are they even brighter than the rest of the land¡­?!'' S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The ethereal glow that accompanied the farm was brighter and more vibrant than the rest of the land around it¡­ as if the farm itself was like a sacred sanctuary untouched by the corruption of the outside world.


    Everything about this was unnatural¡­ and naturally, her concern rose with each second she continued to witness these glowing crops that looked like twinkling stars in the sky. So she quickly ''turned off'' her enhanced ''mana vision'' and reverted her eyes back to normal¡­


    Before directing her concern toward the butler with a wary expression.


    "Sir Sebas¡­" she called, her voice hushed.


    "Hmm? What is it, my lady?" He blinked, seeming as if he had yet to realize the full extent of the problem.


    "Why are these crops¡­ filled with such an abundance of mana?" she questioned, her voice firm yet uncertain.


    "¡­Like I said, my lady¡ªthe crops here were bound to be affected by the mana-rich land you now own," Sebas explained patiently, his tone steady. "So¡­ given that these crops have been feeding on soil teeming with mana, it would be natural for them to also develop¡ªor perhaps absorb¡ªan abundance of it."


    "Y-yes, I also came to that conclusion, but¡­" She hesitated, furrowing her brows, "is this even normal¡­?"


    "¡­Certainly not, my lady."


    "¡­"


    An uneasy silence ensued following his blunt confirmation¡ªsomething that was also affecting both the knight and the maid, who had been quietly listening to their conversation.


    "¡­And what about that magic fertilizer you got from your friend¡­? The one made from monster dung?" she finally asked, glancing back at the gleaming crops. "Did that also affect the farm as well¡­?"


    "Hmm¡­ yeah, those likely contributed as well," Sebas admitted nonchalantly, crossing his arms in thought, "but I''d wager it had more effect on the speed of their growth rather than their¡­ quality and mana-storing characteristics."


    The two of them exchanged glances before scanning the rest of the field... and they could clearly see the effect of this magic fertilizer.


    Beyond the radishes and lettuce that were already nearing the harvest stage, the other crops had also grown to an almost absurd degree.


    Some were already towering over the usual height, with some even surpassing the expected size of common crops they would usually see on a normal farm.


    For example, the legumes¡ªsuch as peas and the like¡ªa supposedly normal, common crop that would usually grow as tall as a child''s waist... they had all shot up to an alarming height, with some nearly reaching the height of Anastasia¡ªa grown woman.


    Martha and Bella continued to wander through the fields, checking on the other plants, and every now and then, they murmured something about how concerningly well everything was growing...


    And that left Anastasia with a long, contemplative pause¡­ thinking about what had become of her farm...


    But then, she finally broke her silence with yet another very important question for her butler:


    "¡­Are these even safe to eat?"


    A heavy silence followed, with the butler''s expression remaining neutral as he continued to observe the farm with careful eyes...


    And then... he broke his own silence.


    "Probably."


    "¡­P-probably?!" Anastasia snapped her head toward Sebas, her expression immediately twisting into an incredulous look toward her butler. "¡­Please be honest with me."


    "I am being honest with you, my lady."


    His answer was met with the same disbelief as before... which elicited another chuckle from his mouth.


    But seeing that nothing he said would convince his redheaded mistress, Sebas could only offer her a wry smile.


    "¡­It should be fine," he tried to reassure her, but to no avail, as Anastasia still held deep skepticism over his answer.


    "Should, huh..."


    "If anything, I imagine consuming them would be no different than drinking a mana potion."


    Anastasia squinted at him. "Drinking... a mana potion..."


    His comparison was not reassuring at all, only adding to Anastasia''s concern...


    Anastasia was about to press Sebas further, her concern far from settled¡ª


    But then¡ª


    "Hey, guys, I''m back~!"


    A voice suddenly interjected them, cutting through the tension like a blade.


    Both of them snapped their heads toward the source, their expressions shifting into one of surprise¡ª


    A voice they knew all too well...!


    And sure enough¡ª


    There she was.


    "Miss Vivian???"


    "Vivian...?"


    The lively adventurer stood at the edge of the farmland, grinning ear to ear. But it wasn''t just her unexpected return that left them stunned¡ª


    It was what¡ªor rather, who¡ªshe had with her.


    Slung over her shoulder... was an unconscious woman.


    Anastasia''s eyes widened. Sebas raised a curious brow.


    And the Sonic Thief Vivi smirked grew wider by their surprised expression.


    "I brought someone really important~."

 Chapter 103 103: 25th Days (2) | The Guild Representative for the New Branch

    Everyone gathered at the scene¡ªAnastasia, Sebas, Martha, and Bella¡ªall standing before their previous "guest of honor."


    Vivian, the Sonic Thief and S-Rank Adventurer, had returned after a few days'' of her supposed returned to Florentia.


    Her sudden reappearance was already surprising enough... but what was even more shocking was the fact that she hadn''t come back alone.


    Because slung over her shoulder, like a sack of grain, was an unconscious woman.


    With an almost casual motion, Vivian dropped the poor woman onto the ground... with a dull thud followed.


    And then...


    The woman''s eyes spun wildly in place, her entire body twitching as if she had just endured the most turbulent ride of her life.


    Sebas narrowed his eyes, then turned to the grinning adventurer.


    "...Vivian," he began, his tone laced with suspicion, "did you drag this woman all the way here on your shoulder?"


    Vivian didn''t even hesitate, "yep!" she answered cheerfully, not a hint of guilt in her voice.


    And then a long silence followed with everyone simply stared at her...


    "What?" She shot back to each of them, not understanding why the sudden attention to her.


    "...Nothing," Sebas eventually sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before shifting his gaze toward the unconscious woman. "...And just who exactly is this?"


    At this, Vivian pressed a finger to her lips, her expression thoughtful.


    "...Hmm. No clue!"


    Another silence.


    Then¡ªfour simultaneous deadpan stares.


    "Oh, wait, wait! I do remember something!" She snapped her fingers in realization. "Madam Guild Master of Lionshold said this lady is some kinda Adventurer''s Guild representative or something."


    Martha crossed her arms, frowning. "Madam... Guild Master of Lionshold? What business would she have with this region...?"


    Sebas, however, suddenly muttered to himself.


    "...Ah, so The Madam has read my letter."


    At Sebas''s quiet remark, everyone instinctively shifted their attention to him.


    Anastasia furrowed her brows. "...Sebas? What are you talking about?"


    The butler responded with a calm, knowing smile. "I submitted a request to the Adventurer''s Guild... to establish a branch in your territory, my lady."


    Silence.


    Total silence.


    And then¡ª


    "EEEHHH?!?!"


    The collective outburst shook the air.


    "You¡ªyou did what?!" Anastasia nearly stumbled back.


    "A Branch Guild here?! In this place?!" Martha gawked.


    "Wait, for real?!" Even Vivian''s usual easygoing demeanor cracked slightly. "I didn''t even think about something like that¡ª"


    Sebas, as composed as ever, simply waited for them to calm down. Once their exclamations settled into stunned murmurs, Anastasia let out a deep breath and rubbed her temples.


    "...Alright... please explain, Sir Sebas. What exactly do you mean by a Branch Guild?"


    "As I mentioned... I''ve been making arrangements with the Adventurer''s Guild to establish a branch in this region. It''s part of my efforts to assist in revitalizing your land, my lady. If we have a guild presence here, it will naturally attract more foot traffic. Adventurers will have easier access to guild facilities, quests, and communication, making this land a far more appealing destination."


    Anastasia listened intently, absorbing every word. She had never once considered such a possibility.


    "...You mean to tell me you offered this to the Adventurer''s Guild? Was this after everything with the Lodge House and the potential adventurer guests we had discussed before?"


    Sebas, still smiling, shook his head.


    "Not quite."


    "Not quite?"


    "I had already set this plan in motion far earlier," he revealed, his voice steady. "Given the state of this land, it was inevitable that adventurers would be among our first visitors. Rather than waiting for them to trickle in aimlessly, I thought it best to prepare in advance."


    Once again, Anastasia was stunned.


    He had planned this far ahead...?


    She could only stare at him, utterly speechless at his foresight.


    With that, Sebas took a step forward, his eyes shifting to the unconscious woman sprawled on the ground.


    Reaching into his butler''s coat, he began rummaging through its inner pockets.


    Naturally, the others couldn''t help but watch with curiosity. Even Vivian, still casually standing with her hands on her hips, raised an eyebrow.


    "Uh... What exactly are you about to do to her?" Anastasia inquired suspiciously.


    But Sebas didn''t answer right away. Instead, he smoothly pulled out a familiar clear glass vial from his coat¡ªone that immediately caught Bella''s attention.


    "Oh! Isn''t that...?!" The maid exclaimed, her face lighting up with recognition.


    Sebas simply responded with a small chuckle and a knowing wink before crouching down beside the unconscious woman. With practiced ease, he popped open the vial and carefully brought it close to her nose.


    A clear vial... of smelling salts.


    The effect was immediate.


    The woman''s eyes snapped wide open, her pupils instantly sharpening as if her soul had been yanked back into her body. She let out a sharp gasp, her entire frame jolting as she shot upright on her rear.


    "Hhaahh¡ª!"


    Her chest rose and fell in quick succession, the lingering sting of the sharp scent still burning in her nostrils. She was awake, alright¡ªviolently so.


    It took her a few more seconds before her breathing steadied... and only then did she start taking in her surroundings.


    And the first thing she saw¡ª


    ¡ªwas a strange butler crouched right in front of her, watching her with an easygoing smile.


    "Good morning, Miss Guild Representative," Sebas greeted smoothly.


    The woman blinked at him.


    Tilted her head.


    And with a blank stare, she let out a slow, confused¡ª


    "...Huh?"


    For a brief moment, everyone remained quiet, allowing the woman to fully regain her composure.


    Slowly but surely, she took a steadying breath, pushing herself up from the ground until she was finally standing on her own two feet again.


    With slightly shaky hands, she reached into her breast pocket and pulled out a pair of glasses. Carefully, she slid them onto her face, her fingers adjusting the frame despite the clear nervousness she felt¡­ especially with multiple pairs of eyes locked onto her.


    Still, she managed to straighten her posture, clearing her throat before speaking.


    "...Ahem. My name is Sophie," she introduced herself.


    Now that she was properly standing, everyone got a better look at her appearance.


    She was beautiful, with rich brunette hair neatly tied into a small bun. Dressed in a crisp white dress shirt and a fitted pencil skirt, she certainly looked the part of someone who spent most of her time in an office.


    And yet...


    "...Sandals?" Anastasia muttered under her breath, her gaze flicking down.


    Indeed, despite her otherwise professional attire, Sophie was wearing a simple pair of sandals¡ªa sight that felt entirely out of place.


    Everything about her screamed ''office worker''... or, in this case, someone who handled administrative work. And judging by the clear discomfort on her face, everyone could already tell¡ª


    This woman was completely out of her element.


    She was someone who probably spent her days buried in paperwork, safe within the walls of a guild office... and now, she had been plucked from that comfortable world and thrown into this place, completely against her will.


    That realization led to a slow, synchronized turn from Anastasia, Martha, Bella... and Sebas.


    All four of them shifted their eyes toward Vivian. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Their expressions silently¡ªbut loudly¡ªasked the same thing:


    "You didn''t actually kidnap her, did you?"


    Vivian, completely unfazed, simply crossed her arms with a smirk. "Hey, don''t look at me like that. I was just following orders from Madam Guild Master, alright?"


    Despite her casual tone, her words only made Sophie visibly flinch.


    Anastasia turned her attention back to the woman, causing her to straighten up on reflex.


    "So, tell me," Anastasia began, her gaze firm, "Are you really the representative sent by the Adventurer Guild?"


    Sophie hesitated.


    For a second, silence stretched between them.


    Then... with a quiet, nervous gulp, she finally nodded.


    "...Yes, I am the Adventurer Guild''s representative... regretfully..."


    Sophie''s reluctant confirmation only deepened the already perplexed silence among the group.


    Anastasia stared at her, arms crossed, while Sebas observed with mild amusement. Martha and Bella exchanged glances, as if silently trying to process what kind of representative would arrive in such a state.


    Even Vivian, despite being the one who brought her here, whistled lightly. "Wow, you sound really thrilled about this job."


    Sophie let out a strained laugh, her glasses slipping slightly down her nose as she quickly pushed them back up. "I, uh... was not exactly given a choice in the matter."


    "...I knew it," Anastasia muttered under her breath before throwing another sharp look at Vivian. "You did kidnap her, didn''t you?"


    Vivian raised her hands defensively. "Whoa, whoa! I said I was following orders!"


    "That does not make it sound any better."


    Sophie cleared her throat again, hoping to steer the conversation back on track.


    "U-uhm! Forgive me for not being clear, my lady, b-but... well... the Guild Master did personally assign me to this. She told me, and I quote, ''Sophie, I trust you to handle this with the utmost professionalism.''"


    She sighed, rubbing her temple.


    "Before I could even argue, I was thrown onto Miss Vivian''s shoulder... then dragged by this woman at breakneck speed all the way here."


    Anastasia, Martha, and Bella all turned to Vivian again.


    Vivian just grinned. "What? I saved time."


    Sebas let out a small chuckle. "That explains why you looked like you''d been through a storm upon arrival, Miss Guild Representative."


    Sophie could only groaned. "You have no idea."


    But with a deep breath, she straightened up once more. "That aside... as I said, I am the Guild''s official representative. I was sent here to discuss the establishment of a Branch Guild in this region."

 Chapter 104 104: 25th Days (3) | The Risk and Reward

    "A branch guild, you say¡­?" The redhead lord echoed, taking in the weight of the proposal that the guild representative had presented to her.


    Anastasia took a deep breath for a moment¡­ before stepping forward¡ªher usual air of uncertainty shifting into something more composed¡­ something more befitting of a noble lord.


    Her gaze settled on the bespectacled woman¡­ her sharp emerald eyes carrying a quiet authority over her second guest of honor to her domain.


    "Miss Sophie, I understand the Guild''s intention to build a branch in my region¡­" she stated, her tone steady¡­ but scrutinizing. "However, what does its establishment entail, and what benefits does it offer for this land entrusted to me by the Crown? Would you kindly elaborate in detail?"


    At this, Sophie straightened her posture, instinctively pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose as her own gaze sharpened¡ªfocused on the red-haired lord standing before her. This bespectacled woman''s shift in demeanor¡­ it was as if a switch had flipped within her¡ªher nervousness melting away into something more¡­ professional.


    "Of course, Lady Anastasia¡ªno¡­ Lord Anastasia," Sophie responded¡ªeven correcting herself, lowering her head into a respectful nod before adjusting her stance.


    "For starters¡­ the establishment of this branch guild would allow for a direct line of communication between your territory and the wider Adventurer Guild network."


    "A direct line¡­?"


    "Indeed, my lord," the bespectacled woman gave a small nod, maintaining her composed demeanor toward the redhead lord. "Having a branch here would make it easier for adventurers to access guild resources and handle requests, improving their ability to do business in your region." S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She took a small glance toward Anastasia, eyes carefully observing the young noblewoman¡­ as if ensuring she had the red-haired lord''s attention.


    "But that''s not all." Sophie''s tone carried a quiet confidence now. "It would also grant the people of your region direct access to adventurer services¡ªbe it monster extermination, escort missions for traders, material procurement for local craftsmen, or even specialized tasks that require skilled individuals. In essence... it would serve as a stabilizing force, making your region more attractive for commerce, travel, and general security."


    Anastasia found herself silently absorbing more and more of the explanation. She had already gotten the general idea behind this branch''s usage and benefits for her land, but hearing it laid out so clearly made her realize the full extent of it...


    Even so¡­ there was something that she was still concerned about.


    "I see..." she murmured, crossing her arms in contemplative thought. "While I admit that those sound¡­ beneficial, I must ask: what are the risks of such an establishment?"


    That question seemed to shift the atmosphere into high tension, bringing attention to the most pressing concern when it came to such an establishment¡ª


    Safety.


    And this was especially true for the ever-dutiful knight of Lord Anastasia¡ªMartha.


    "Indeed, as my lady has pointed out," the brunette knight interjected, stepping forward with a firm presence as she narrowed her eyes toward the guild representative, "but as the one who oversees the protection of her lordship''s region, I must ask that you elaborate further, Miss Sophie¡­!"


    Sophie''s confident posture wavered for a split second under the combined scrutiny of both Lord Anastasia and her loyal knight¡­ However, she steadied herself as quickly as the pressure settled¡ªseeming as if she was quite used to this type of interrogation.


    Taking a breath, Sophie resumed, this time with a more measured tone. "While an Adventurer Guild branch provides many benefits, there are also certain¡­ complications that must be considered."


    "Complications...?" Martha repeated, her gaze narrowing further.


    Sophie nodded in confirmation... seemingly unfazed by the knight''s increased scrutiny.


    "First and foremost, the Guild operates independently. While we abide by local laws, we are not directly under the jurisdiction of any ruling noble. This means that while the Guild will work alongside you, it will also prioritize its own interests."


    The knight frowned at this, clearly not in favor of this notion, but Sophie continued before she could speak, maintaining a composed yet firm tone that subtly pressed the tension in the air.


    "There is also the matter of adventurer activity itself. While they are valuable assets, adventurers are¡­ unpredictable. Some are honorable, but many are mercenaries who prioritize their own gain. The influx of adventurers could lead to increased disorder¡ªbrawls, disputes, and even potential crime if not properly managed."


    At this, the female adventurer, Vivian, who had been listening on the sidelines with little to no interest... actually let out a small chuckle.


    "She''s got a point there~," she remarked with an amused smirk, arms crossed lazily. "Adventurers ain''t exactly known for being the most law-abiding folk. But that''s what makes ''em effective. They''re willing to do jobs others wouldn''t."


    A heavy silence followed¡­ before Martha''s gaze slowly, deliberately, turned toward the female adventurer.


    A glare¡ªa deep, soul-piercing glare.


    Because out of all the adventurers she could think of¡­ Vivian had to be the single most troublesome one to have wreaked havoc in Lady Anastasia''s region.


    And now, she of all people had the audacity to comment on adventurers being ''unpredictable'' and ''not the most law-abiding folk''¡ªas if she weren''t the biggest offender of them all¡­


    Martha''s eye twitched, trying her best not to lash out in front of an important guest.


    Vivian, on the other hand, felt that glare burning into the side of her face¡­ and slowly turned to meet it with a mischievous smile.


    "Oho~? What is it?" she asked, feigning innocence. "Is there something wrong, oh Miss Knight?"


    Martha clicked her tongue in annoyance... before shaking her head in exasperation as she returned her attention back to the discussion.


    "Miss Sophie, I apologize for¡­ the ''interruption,'' but regarding what you have just spoken of, I cannot ignore those risks," she stated firmly, reaffirming her stance on the matter. "If too many of those ''troublesome'' adventurers were to flood into Lady Anastasia''s domain, maintaining order would become more difficult. And if the Guild becomes too influential, people may start looking to them for leadership instead of Lady Anastasia."


    At that, the knight''s fellow aide, Bella, shifted uneasily, concern flickering across her face. "¡­T-That doesn''t sound good for Her Grace¡­" she murmured, casting a worried glance toward Lady Anastasia.


    The redhead noblewoman, however, remained silent, her expression hardened as she weighed the risks of inviting such adventurer activity into her land.


    "It''s a valid concern, yes," the guild representative nodded, already expecting such a reaction¡­ and she was prepared to deliver even more dire details. "Additionally, while the Guild would bring in business, it also takes a portion of the profits through quest commissions. This means that while trade may increase, some of the wealth generated will ultimately flow back to the Guild rather than remain within your region, my lord."


    All this information added another layer of tension, not just concerning the safety risks to the region, but also raising concerns about its economic growth. It weighed heavily on Anastasia as she contemplated the potential balance of risk and reward...


    Sebas, who had been silent so far, finally spoke up.


    "My lady, I understand quite well that you are concerned about these risks... however, I had already considered all of them when I made the request."


    His words drew everyone''s attention, and Anastasia turned to him, blinking. "So, you were already aware of these downsides?"


    The butler nodded lightly, a reassuring smile on his face.


    "Of course, my lady. I''ve strived to support you... even before I made that vow to you," his voice calm, but with quiet certainty, reminding Anastasia of his vow to help in her endeavor, "...with that said, I believe the benefits far outweigh the risks¡ªespecially for a region like this."


    He turned to face Anastasia fully, his expression composed yet unwavering.


    "The land here is harsh, and the presence of monsters is a constant threat. Even if we build up the village and lodge house, we cannot expect prosperity if the danger remains unchecked," Sebas continued, his tone steady. "A Guild branch would naturally attract capable adventurers who can mitigate these threats while also bringing in much-needed economic activity."


    "...Wouldn''t you and Martha be enough to handle all those monsters?" Anastasia asked; reminded of what Sebas was capable of as an S-Rank adventurer himself. Even Martha was also quite capable to boot.


    Sebas couldn''t help but let out a small chuckle, a melancholic smile tugging at his lips.


    "I would, and I believe Miss Knight would also be able to handle them, given more training. But... there will be times when neither I nor Miss Knight will be available for the occasion..."


    He paused... looking at her with a knowing glance.


    "Which is why I personally think you should have the means to utilize all resources available to you¡ªwhether it be those working directly under your household... or adventurers working under your leadership."


    "Sebas¡­"


    Anastasia was starting to understand his intention. He had thought about improving her region in his own way... and had also planned for her growth as a lord and a leader.


    Which was why... she needed to be more decisive.


    The redhead lord then turned to the waiting Guild Representative with a firm stance. "Miss Sophie," Anastasia addressed her, her voice now carrying a newfound steadiness. "I will need to think this over carefully. However, I do admit that the idea is¡­ intriguing."


    "Of course, Lord Anastasia," Sophie gave a small, relieved nod, "I will be here to answer any further questions you may have."

 Chapter 105 105: 25th Days (4) | The Same and Improved Lodge House

    Anastasia let out a small breath before giving a firm nod.


    "Sebas, Bella. Take Miss Sophie to the lodge house."


    "Yes, my lady," both of them acknowledged in unison, immediately stepping forward to carry out her order.


    But just as they were about to leave¡ª


    "Oooh! The lodge house?" Vivian''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "It''s been so long since I last saw it. I wanna come too!"


    The cheerful declaration should have been harmless enough, but it immediately earned her a sharp glare from both Anastasia and Martha.


    "¡­?" Vivian tilted her head, completely lost as to why the two of them were suddenly looking at her with such deep distrust.


    Sebas, on the other hand, merely chuckled, while Bella gave a wry smile, already understanding why they were wary of Vivian''s presence at the lodge. Miss Sophie, however, was simply confused by the shift in attitude, which she had just seen before with the knight of Lady Anastasia.


    "Are you sure you won''t destroy my lodge house this time?" the redhead lord asked with a teasing smile. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hmm?" Vivian blinked, a faux confusion on her face. "What are you talking about, my lord?"


    "...Have you already forgotten what happened to the first lodge house?"


    "...Ah, that one."


    Vivian had conveniently forgotten about that, which served to further displease Anastasia.


    The very first lodge house that Anastasia and her servants had built¡­ which no longer existed thanks to her.


    "Pfft! That was an accident," Vivian waved her hand dismissively, trying to laugh it off. "C''mon, I''ll be on my best behavior this time! I promise!"


    No one looked convinced.


    Anastasia let out a tired sigh, rubbing her temples. "If you break that promise¡­ I''ll send Sebas to deal with you."


    "Oho~?" Vivian actually perked up, suddenly looking far more interested than she should. Her mind was already spinning with ways to break her promise on purpose.


    But before she could voice any of those thoughts¡ª


    "Vivian," Sebas said, his voice gentle yet somewhat stern as he spoke her name.


    That was all he said¡ªjust her name, softly spoken too.


    And surprisingly¡­


    "¡­Fine, fine," Vivian relented with an exaggerated sigh, "I''ll be a good girl¡­ just for you~."


    And Sebas himself let out an actual exasperated sigh... before then turning into an amused, if tired, smile¡ªalready had gotten used to her usual antics.


    Anastasia, however, merely felt annoyed by the entire exchange. She didn''t voice it aloud, but the irritation still burned within her...!


    "Sebas!" she suddenly snapped, startling both Sebas and Vivian.


    "Y-yes, ma''am?"


    "Please guide our guest to the lodge house! NOW!"


    The unexpected sharpness of her command startled him even more!


    "Y-Yes, ma''am!" he responded instinctively before quickly approaching Sophie, who was still thoroughly confused by everything, and Bella, who had been waiting for him.


    Meanwhile, Vivian... only giggled.


    The Sonic Thief had a pretty good grasp on the young noblewoman all too well.


    That frustration? That irritation? She knew¡ªit had nothing to do with the lodge house and everything to do with how she acted around Sebas... and she was thoroughly enjoying this bit of knowledge.


    "Later, My Lord~" Vivian teased, giving a playful wave as she followed after Sebas.


    Anastasia''s fuming glare bored through the back of the retreating adventurer, while Martha¡ªwho had also been glaring at Vivian (though not as intensely as her mistress)¡ªnow found herself confused by the mistress''s sudden shift in mood.


    < | X | >


    Sebas and Bella led Miss Sophie to the newly rebuilt lodge house, with Vivian trailing behind them, her steps light and eager.


    The lodge house stood in the same spot as before, nestled in the northeast corner of Anastasia''s domain.


    The old building had been thoroughly cleaned out, its foundations completely erased, and in its place... a newer, sturdier lodge now rose, taller and more robust than the one before.


    "Wow~! Home sweet home~!" Vivian exclaimed with a playful grin... as if she had seen the same lodge house as before she''d involuntarily destroyed it.


    Because... the lodge did look identical to the one that had been destroyed¡ªsame wooden frame, same design, same size. It was as if the past disaster had never happened.


    Sebas nodded, a calm smile on his face.


    "Yes, but this time, we made it with sturdier wood," he explained, leading them closer to it. "Given the kind of trouble that might happen in the near future, we figured it was best to improve... the materials."


    If they couldn''t control the cause, they might as well make it so that their facilities were ''adventure''-proof.


    < | X | >


    A few days ago¡­


    Anastasia had ordered Sebas and Martha to find a wood that could stand up to such extremes, and after much searching, Sebas had come up with the perfect solution¡ªa rare tree in the Garden of Hell called the Durachis Oak, known for its near-impenetrable bark and resistance to both fire and decay.


    Though under normal circumstances, such a tree couldn''t be turned into lumber quickly.


    Freshly cut wood¡ªcalled green wood¡ªstill held moisture inside and needed to be dried out, or else it would warp, crack, or even rot.


    Normally, the drying process involved leaving the wood to air out for weeks, but... Sebas had other ideas.


    Sebas had dug a large square hole just outside the walled region, reinforcing the surface with earth magic to make it heat-resistant.


    And then... he had dumped the freshly cut Durachis Oak into the hole.


    With Anastasia''s help, the two of them used their combined magic¡ªfire from her, earth and flame from him¡ªto heat up the hole.


    A bona fide makeshift kiln!


    The process was exhausting though. For days, Sebas kept the flames roaring while Anastasia rested, her mana not as limitless as his, though she kept up with him as best she could.


    Sebas barely stopped, only to sleep and take the occasional break. But the effort paid off when the heat finally dried the wood, turning it into sturdy lumber.


    With the lumber ready, the group had worked together to rebuild the lodge. They used the same blueprint as before, so the structure mirrored the old one exactly, but now it stood much stronger, its walls reinforced with the rare wood.


    < | X | >


    "I-it does look like the old lodge house, doesn''t it, Sir Sebas?" Bella said quietly, inspecting the lodge with a small, approving nod.


    "Yup~, and this time, it''ll last," the butler agreed.


    Sophie herself was admiring the humble yet sturdy lodge house with wide eyes¡ªimpressed that seemingly just four people had managed to build such high-quality accommodation.


    Vivian, however, was far more interested in the result than the effort.


    "It''s perfect! Exactly like the old one, but better!" She walked around the lodge with a smile, inspecting every corner, the familiar feel of the place almost making her nostalgic. "I could get used to this!"


    Sebas himself let out a small chuckle from hearing her praising, not minding the past destruction that Vivi had caused to the past lodge house.


    Then... his gaze fixated on the lodge house in its entirety as he watched their two guests of honor wander inside of it.


    He wasn''t one to show his emotions easily, but even he couldn''t deny that this project had been a point of pride for him. The satisfaction of seeing the lodge stand tall and solid, seemingly untouched by the past''s chaos, was enough to make the grueling work worth it.


    Eventually...


    Anastasia entered the lodge house with Martha quietly following behind her. The air was still warm with the scent of freshly built wood, and the soft sound of Sophie''s footsteps echoed as she looked around.


    But, upon realizing the lord''s presence, the guild representative smiled as she turned to meet Anastasia''s gaze.


    "So, Miss Sophie," Anastasia was the first to greet, her tone gentle yet direct, "Do you like the lodge house? Is it to your liking?"


    Sophie''s eyes lit up, and without hesitation, she nodded enthusiastically.


    "Yes, Lord Anastasia! It''s quite wonderful! Much more than I expected." She seemed to breathe in the cozy atmosphere, the sturdiness of the new structure evident in her admiring gaze. "This will be a wonderful place to stay."


    Anastasia allowed herself a small, satisfied smile at Sophie''s approval.


    "I''m glad to hear that. Now¡­ about the guild branch you mentioned before."


    Sophie turned slightly more serious, clearly understanding the gravity of the conversation.


    "Yes, my lord," she replied respectfully, bowing her head slightly. "To officially bring the guild branch here, we''ll need to prepare the necessary documentation, but beyond that, what we need most is land. A suitable plot to build the branch on."


    Anastasia''s expression shifted to one of consideration. She paused for a moment, her mind working. After a beat, she turned toward the door.


    "I think I know just the place."


    "Hmm?"


    They all exchanged glances before following Anastasia as she led them outside.


    They walked in silence for a few moments until Anastasia stopped at the top left corner of her domain, where the land stretched out flat before them.


    It was empty¡­ save for the faint remnants of a scar left from two duels not long ago. The earth there had at least healed, and the ground remained level¡­ perfect for a new facility.


    "This is the spot," Anastasia declared, her voice calm but resolute. "The land here is ideal for a guild branch!"